I’m giving this 4 stars because I’ve come here for years and they stay true to what they’re doing. You can find a ton of geeky goodness in this place. Card games, unique board games, action figures, models, pewter figures, and items I’m sure I’ve overlooked through the years. There’s also a spot in here where you can do some in-store gaming and I think they host tournaments. Going back in time, I used to buy my Magic the Gathering cards here and different dice and counters, etc. Once I got out of that phase and didn’t have anyone to play MTG with anymore, I moved on to pewter figures. I’d buy them, paint them(which was a relaxing hobby), and then use them in my Dungeons & Dragons tabletop game. I’d even buy the D&D books. Yep, those were the days. I still visit on occasion to check out what new pewter(and plastic now) figures they have that I could paint, and also to look at the board games they have. I seem to be on the hunt for a new and fun group board game, so I always have my eyes open. The action figures — or collectibles, as some will call them — are pretty cool to look at but since I’m not really a collector of those myself, I can’t see dropping big money on them. Regardless, this place has been around for years and that means they’re doing something right. Check them out, as I’m sure you’ll find something that you could turn into your next hobby or game night. You’ll be glad you did.
Chad C.
Place rating: 4 Lexington, KY
I guess I will spill my tea here. I am a nerd. Not just a nerd, but a Dungeon & Dragons geek. D&D nerd army trooper, if you will. This is the place where I go to get my Dungeons & Dragons books, expansions, dice, reference books, miniatures, and other nerd items. They have a lot of board games, card games, and other collectibles that I don’t deal with. It has been quite a while since I have bought any of my D&D goodies, but I do have a book shelf or 2 full of them. When I do feel the urge to drag out my Dungeon Master adventures and board, this is the first place I come to for a great premade adventure guide to use as a starting point. Stop in here and look around. I am sure you will find something to make a kid or a kid at hearts imagination run free.
Randol H.
Place rating: 4 New Orleans, LA
I’ve been going to the Scabbard for a while now. For a long time it was kind of a love hate relationship. The store is very much one of those gamer cave types. Dark, not particularly inviting, kind of dirty looking. Not the kind of place you’d be willing to take your girlfriend or anyone who isn’t deep into the hobby. There have been many times when I have walked in and the staff were too busy being buried in World of Warcraft or whatever game it is they’re running to even say hello. The store is still kind of dark and frankly their carpet looks like it could be a science experiment. However — the store is better lit and looks much more inviting now. Their service has improved greatly. They even have a library of board games for store play which is a totally new development to me. Their selection can’t be beat. They don’t seem to get rid of anything so if you are looking for an out of print book or mini, there is a decent chance they have it. They do a big trade in secondhand and used games in the back and carry all the miniature and modeling supplies you could ever want. This is the store in town for Warhammer. What could they do better? They need to remodel, desperately. Strip the vile looking carpet, put out some air fresheners and maybe some better lighting and they’ll get that fifth star from me.
Shane B.
Place rating: 2 Lexington, KY
I wouldn’t give this place 1 star, but it’s sure as hell not 5 stars. I went here to play a casual D&D game w/some friends of friends who had never played before, mind you, I know what I’m doing. We arrived and were told that there was a game to be played at 6:00(it was 3:45) I acknowledged that was OK, and assured her I would have all the kids out the door by a quarter till 6, with a rude scowl, the elderly shop keep(woman) lead me to a table. My gang arrived and we started to play(in peace) and then the older woman came and sat down next to us, painting some War Hammer pieces(which, if you play, should be the only reason you go to this shop, as they have more War Hammer pieces than anything else in the store) We start to play, and i’m watering down the action of the game, when she starts to pipe up. I simply ignore it at first, until she starts verbally berating our style of play with comments like«Stick around after your game, if you want to see a real D&D game» and, «Thats not how you do that, it’s really done(X). way» Ignoring her for the most part, we continued on until I couldn’t take the stares and glossy glances, and we decided at 30 minutes until 6 to leave, allowing ample time for the REAL D&D players to arrive, set up, and adventure into the elite. Moral of the story: If you want anything Dungeons and Dragons related, go to D20 Hobbies on Southland, they have a vastly superior selection, and are MUCH friendlier.
Jeffrey G.
Place rating: 4 Lexington, KY
This is a great old-school gamer store lots of stuff for the popular games and a good selection of stuff for lesser known titles.
Lee P.
Place rating: 4 Winchester, KY
I’ve shopped at the Scabbard for a few years whenever I needed some role playing products. Whether it be a Dungeons and Dragons book, tiles or miniatures they’re always friendly and knowledgeable about the products they sell. The few times they were out of something they got it for me ASAP. Even were willing to look for out of print Items.
Joseph O.
Place rating: 5 Lexington, KY
The best little hobby store in Lexington. In this area, there is a fairly competitive market for specialty boardgames, roleplaying games, collectable card games and other game supplies. This is the top of the heap. If you’re into roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons, collectable card games like Magic: The Gathering, wargames, or boardgames this is the place to be. It has a wide selection of roleplaying games, probably the widest I’ve seen in a physical store. They also have an ever-rotating and decent selection of used roleplaying game books(they buy old books). They have a wide selection of collectible card games, collectible miniatures games, dice, and general gaming paraphernalia. They also stock a fairly wide selection boardgames, especially foreign and specialty boardgames like Settlers of Catan or Twilight Imperium. They support the Games Workshop wargames as well as a wall of more conventional metal gaming miniatures, and have a good supply of paints and scenery crafting products. The staff is friendly, helpful, professional, and quite knowledgeable about their products. They are quite happy to special order whatever you are looking for if they don’t have it in. Simply put, if you are into wargaming, roleplaying games, collectable card games, or boardgames this is the best shop in the Central Kentucky area for you without question.