I started Swords.com because I wanted to create a place where we could break the rules and be who we want to be. Isn't life all but a reenactment anyway? I’ve always had a passion for the different and obscure ever since I was a kid. I realized that there are so many of us out there, but we all seem to live “superhero” lives – we’re in disguise during the day, keeping a low profile and not drawing too much attention to ourselves…Well, no more! Time to show off our super powers! I am who I am, and proud of it. What’s wrong with “escaping”?

I am married and have a 4yr old daughter. I’ve never been one to feel all “grown up”, so having a kid is my perfect excuse for indulging in all the things that I love: collecting random things, reading comics/manga, watching anime, and playing games! With Swords.com, I can now spend a few hours watching “300” or “Seven Samurai” for the millionth time and call it “research”. My interests are very broad – and I’m really looking forward to learning from people in our Swords Network. I can’t wait to get some advice from you and finally start a serious sword collection!

The essence of Swords.com is about “connecting”, while allowing our differences and quirks to shine. It’s about being who we are – the real us. It’s about networking with others who share our passions and interests. Be sure to read my blog (Slasher’s Blog) when you get a chance. I’ll be writing as often as I am able to, so you can get the inside scoop at Swords.com – who we are, what we’re up to, what makes us tick, what’s next and much more.

Exciting times ahead! I hope to meet you all!

I LOVE fantasy/sci-fi movies. I spent my entire childhood around comic books. I am mystified by Japanese culture. I'm not a big fan of "shoot 'em up" games, but I am a nut about strategy and role playing games (AD&D, Axis and Allies, Civilization). I am into being healthy - mind and body. Soccer is in my blood. I love traveling and meeting new people - different cultures fascinate me.

Nothing to write home about. I own a 44" Musketeer Rapier display sword, and a thrusting sword. What's significant about my rapier is that I got married in a castle (Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA) and had a full-on musketeer costume. All of our guests were dressed up in renaissance garb. It was an awesome party. I am hoping to start a serious sword collection in 2009 - it's never too late!

There's no hesitation here: I'd be Cobra, the Space Pirate! Never heard of it? This was my favorite Japanese anime growing up. Cobra's signature weapon is a cybernetic arm-laser which is connected to his brain and capable of targeting enemies without needing a line-of-sight.

People who aren't afraid to be themselves, and who are comfortable sharing their passion. I am drawn to people who are different. Life is about sharing - there's so much I want to learn.

I love Faires. I am a regular at King Richard's Faire, in Carver MA. I've never seen someone practicing tameshigiri in person - so I'm looking forward to attending my first one.

Everything ever made by Akira Kurosawa. Peter Jackson is a genius. I want to spend a day inside Frank Miller's mind. Highlander had a profound influence on me - maybe it's my fascination with being immortal. Kill Bill rocks my world. I love B-movies: Japanese, horror...anything on a very small budget with silly props.

I'm a board game person. I spent my entire Sundays playing AD&D during my college years. I own Axis and Allies, but have no one to play with anymore - seems like no one has 6 hours anymore! ;-) I used to play this obscure game called Archon - it's a video game that's similar to chess, but has elements of AD&D in it, where the pieces actually face off in a live action fight.

Cobra, the Space Pirate! I also read Rahan a lot - it was a comic set in the prehistoric days. At the end of every adventure, Rahan would spin his ivory knife on a rock and walk in the direction where it pointed - there's something about that kind of spontaneity that I love. I am also a big fan of Marvel and DC comics - I own over 700 books in my collection (Spiderman, Iron Man, Daredevil).

Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, Bauhaus, Siouxie and the Banshees, Joy Division, Pixies

Swords.com baby!