Flashback Review: How WeaponMasters.com Screwed Over a Weapons Master



Before I became a professional artist, before COVID sucker-punched my therapy practice and pushed me toward creative rebirth, I was already wrestling with the challenges of being a blind shopper in a very sighted world. This story—dug out of the vault from 2011—is more than just a bad review. It’s a real, sad, and frustrating reminder of how difficult online shopping can be for people with disabilities.

So here it is, exactly as it happened. One Valentine’s season. One hopeful order. One absolute trainwreck.

Like many modern folks, I’ve long done most of my shopping online. Over the years, I’ve found great sites, terrible ones—and then… there was WeaponMasters.com. The site sold everything from swords and knives to fantasy jewelry and clothing. Their prices were low, their inventory flashy, and they even offered engraving (at a ridiculous price: $20+ for a few letters). Shipping, though? Nearly $35 USD—more than the cost of the items combined.

Still, I bit the bullet. I ordered:

  • A “Wooden Broadsword”

  • A “Cat-o’-nine-tails” whip (don’t judge me 😏)

  • An Mtech Red folding knife

  • A “Roman Slave Bracelet” for my then-girlfriend, Liz

After a painful customs fee of $45 CAD and a snowstorm of packing peanuts, I finally got into the box… and everything went downhill from there.

The whip looked like something from a Spirit Halloween discount bin.
The “broadsword” wasn’t a broadsword at all—it was a cheap wooden Chinese oxtail sabre, scratched and chipped right out of the box.
The bracelet? Missing entirely.

Frustrated, I called customer service. After a long hold, they told me the bracelet was out of stock and would ship “within a week.” I pointed out the sword wasn’t what I ordered, and the sales rep literally said:
"Yeah, I didn’t think that looked like a broadsword either."

Did they offer to replace it? Refund it? Apologize? Nope. Just a promise to “update the listing”—which basically meant they benefited from my experience, gave me nothing in return, and called it a day.

Still trying to salvage the situation, I told Liz the truth and promised her the gift would arrive soon. She was sweet about it (thankfully). Meanwhile, I figured I’d learn Tai Chi sabre forms so the wooden weapon wouldn’t go to waste.

But then... within two practices—just two—the sabre’s point chipped off. And I hadn’t even hit anything with it. I was just swinging through air, practicing slow, flowing motions. Nothing but grace and gravity—and it still broke.

Weeks passed. No bracelet. I called again.

Another hold. Another delay.

Called again. They offered to replace the Roman bracelet with a Celtic wolf bracelet.

I agreed. Waited.

Then got another email: “The Celtic Wolf Bracelet is not available. Would you like the Triple Wolf Celtic Bracelet instead?”
At this point, I was just waiting to be offered a Werewolf’s toenail chain necklace next.

Meanwhile, the sabre kept falling apart. A crack spread from the guard to the hilt. Then the top section split open completely, leaving an ugly five-inch gash where the tip used to be. So much for the “hardwood construction.”

Final Scores:

  • Product Quality: 0/5

  • Customer Service: -1/5

  • Blind Accessibility: Frustrating as hell

  • Would I recommend? Not even to my worst enemy

I spent over $100 USD for a $5 knife, a $3 whip, a disappearing bracelet, and a splintered wooden sabre that couldn’t survive a breeze. This wasn’t just a bad shopping experience—it was a reminder of how easy it is for blind folks to be taken advantage of in an online space that barely acknowledges our needs.

We’re not helpless. But we are too often overlooked.

So if you're running a shop and want disabled customers to feel welcome?
Start with honesty. Add accessibility. And treat us like you’d want to be treated—especially when things go wrong.

🖼️ Want to support art, accessibility, and a touch of sass?
👉 www.TigerTactile.com – my art, exhibitions, and inclusive creations
👉 www.JohnnyTiger.com – my story, my documentary, and everything in between

#BlindShopping #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityAwareness #WeaponMastersReview #ValentineFail #TactileTruths #ConsumerRights #JohnnyTigerRant #FlashbackFrustration 


Disclaimer: The blade used in the video is not that sabre in question :)

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