∴ Frequently Asked Questions ∴
Please see our terms and conditions for full information about our conditions of sale.
How do I place an order?
When you contact us with your enquiry we’ll get back to you to discuss your vision, and let you know how long our current waiting list is. We will work with you to finalise your ideas, which will inform the final quote and timescale.
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Once we’re on the same page, we will send a deposit invoice to confirm your place on the list.
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You can find out more about ordering your sword here or a replacement blade here.
When do I pay for my order?
Once you’ve confirmed your intention to order, we’ll ask for a 50% deposit to secure your place on the waiting list. This deposit will be non-refundable unless we are unable to make your sword or blade.
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We’ll contact you again a month before work begins with the secondary invoice. We won’t start work on your order until both payments have cleared. At this point, we will send a document outlining the specs and design concept, and ask you for a final sign-off.
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The final invoice, covering just shipping costs, will be sent once the sword is complete. This is to ensure that the parcel’s true dimensions are covered by the payment.
How do I pay for my order?
We accept BAC bank transfers or card payments online via Stripe. Details for BAC will be on your invoice, and your unique Stripe link will be in the invoice email.
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Due to their prohibitive policy on blades, we cannot use PayPal to process payments.
What are your shipping costs?
We send our swords and blades via Parcelforce Worldwide, and costs vary depending on the weight and length of the package. You can learn more about average costs on our shipping page.
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We exclusively use a tracked shipping service, and will send you your tracking number as soon as postage is booked.
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We will charge for shipping only when the sword is finished and the final dimensions are known, to avoid charging too much or too little.
Can I cancel my order?
If you wish to cancel or amend your order before we’ve started work on it, contact us as soon as possible.
Your 50% down payment will not be returned aside from in exceptional circumstances.
Please note that once the second payment has cleared and work has begun, cancellations or amendments are no longer possible.
Do you make sharp swords?
As specialists in historical fencing swords, we have chosen not to make sharp blades for cutting practice.
This decision is due in part to wanting to focus on Chris’s expertise in fencing-safe analogues, and in part to complications with shipping. It is becoming increasingly difficult to ship sharp blades abroad from the UK, as most couriers consider them prohibited items.
Can I visit the forge?
Due to health and safety regulations, the Balefire forge does not operate as a public-facing workshop.
Chris’s particular brand of magic involves a lot of noise, dust and almost-certain danger, and as such we can’t accept visitors to the forge.
Inspired to start your Balefire journey? Contact us to discuss your vision.