Review: 2nd Generation VA Signature Castile
Feb 14, 2010 3:18:42 GMT
Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2010 3:18:42 GMT
Valiant Armory Signature Castile (2nd Generation)
Introduction
Valiant Armory recently introduced the second-generation of their Castile Signature Series Sword. Avery and myself were chosen from the pool of SBG reviewers to give a review of the 2nd Generation Signature Castile. I was selected due to my original review of the Signature Castile in once it debuted in 2008.
I had mixed feelings about the original Castile. Sonny Suttles of Valiant Armory felt that it would be a good idea to have me re-review the second generation Castile and offer my opinions here. So, this is what I have done.
Let’s get started…
Historical Overview
The first-generation Castile was based on an Oakeshott Type X, whereas the newer version is based on an Oakeshott Type XII with flared shoulders. Both have curved Style 4 crosses and Type I pommels.
The second-generation Castile would have found its place on the battlefields of the late 1100s though the later 1300s. This type of sword could have been wielded with or without a shield, from horseback, or on foot. The Castile represents a typical knightly sword, popular with most European cultures during it’s tenure.
A knightly effigy bearing the popular Oakeshott Type XII.
Initial Impressions
The new Castile came well-packaged in the signature Valiant white box remailer. Inside the box, the Castile was safely tucked away in another box – complete with adequate Styrofoam padding. The box was marked with standard Valiant warning and information labels.
Opening the Castile, I seen that it appeared very similar to it’s original design, as the belt and scabbard are pretty much the same. The difference came when I was able to unsheathe and handle the blade itself.
And this begins our discussion about the changes, because I can tell you - there are more than a few…
Statistics
Blade Length: 32.35”
Grip Length: 4.75”
Overall Length: 39.50”
Guard Width: 2.00”
PoB (Point of Balance): 4.50”
CoP (Center of Percussion): 22.00”
Weight: 2lbs 12oz
The Blade
The Oakeshott Type XII blade has gently-flared shoulders, which improves it aesthetics and cutting ability south of the center of percussion. The cross-section appears to be a flatted lenticular. The blade has a fair amount of distal taper, and though I do not have calipers for an exact measurement, I would visually estimate it at about 50%. It ends in a flattened point, which does not appear to sacrifice it’s thrusting ability as much as a Type X would. The three-quarter length fuller is standard fare for Type XIIs, and is of proper proportions in it’s design.
The edge of the new Castile is quite pleasing. It is not only razor-sharp, but it has been finished to a proper appleseed geometry with no bevel present. This was very surprising to see execute properly, as it was a big change from the beveled, lacking edge of the original Castile.
The finish of the blade is a satin one, bearing a lot of grain in the metal – which appears to be somewhere in the area of 240 grit. The finish is even, running the length of the blade, with the fuller having the same finish.
This blade has a significant amount of blade presence, as typical with early cutting swords.
The Grip
The grip is a wood core bearing a cord wrap. The grip is the finished off in thin , oxblood-dyed leather that has been embossed with a cord wrap. The grip is terminate with risers on either end, just below the pommel and the guard. The mot noticeable thing was that the grip appears to be slightly longer and have a greater diameter than on the original Castile. The seam of the grip is well-blended, with the seam not being too noticeable at all.
The grip is quite comfortable and secure in my large hands.
The Guard
The curved Style 4 guard is pretty much identical to the original Castile. I did notice some tooling marks on the underside of the guard. These do not affect functionality, but they do add a tad of ‘machine-made’ evidence which a buyer might want to erase with some 400g sandpaper and elbow grease.
The blade seems to fit well into the guard. The guard is solid with no rattle or twisting.
The Pommel
The Type I pommel is an effectively large counterweight for the blade. It appears to be identical to the original Castile’s pommel. It is secured to the tang with the typical ATrim recessed hex nut assembly. While some customers may not like this type of assembly method, it is very secure and works as it is supposed to.
The Scabbard and Belt
The scabbard is feast for the eyes, as with all of the Valiant Signature models. It’s a wood core, with latigo-embossed risers and a leather wrap. The color is an antique oxblood with the leather grain visible. All of the seams and details of the scabbard are well-done without defect. The scabbard terminates in a simple steel ‘U’ chape. The scabbard bears a period-accurate triangular rainguard to protect the elements from getting into the throat. The scabbard is an excellent fit for the blade, holding it tightly, but not so much as to inhibit a quick draw.
The belt is dyed antique brown and is a good match overall. It is riveted and has a rather modern-looking buckle. The suspension is identical to the original Castile.
This historically-accurate suspension works by holding the sword around the mid-waist, secured at an angle on the left hip. As a matter of personal preference, I don’t care for suspensions that hold the sword directly to the hip. I like baldrics or suspensions that allow the sword to swing/pivot at the hip. The suspension of the Castile works very well, if you like this type of suspension. It fits very large to very small people – but may have to be adjusted depending on your personal preference.
Handling Characteristics
Going from a Type X to a Type XII is not merely an asthetic jump. It was a paradigm shift in medieval thinking and combat-technology. Taking the new Castile in hand, I can tell that there is a considerable difference between it and its original incarnation that mirrors the design change. The new Castile still maintains a lot of blade presence, but it seems to gain a little more agility and quickness due to a lightening of the overall sword and a shortening of the PoB.
The sword is fairly swift, with recovery being somewhat easier than with the original Castile. However, I will point out that when compared with my other Type XIIs (VA Practical Arming Sword and Albion Squire Knightly), the new Castile is the slower of the three. Consideration was given to the Type XII form, but it’s a heavier Type XII – almost as if it is showing a connection to it’s Type X forefather.
Test Cutting
I did a limited amount of test cutting with the new Castile because I’ll be returning it to Sonny at the end of the review:
Cutting with the new Castile is a pleasure. It’s powerful blade presence makes large sweeping cuts nearly effortless, breezing though anything I put in front of it. Cuts from the wrist in the form of snap cuts using the extreme tip of the blade work well also. Thrusting is a little more difficult, with the tip not always hitting the mark – but this could improve with practice.
With the little amount of cutting I did, I can tell you that this sword performs far better than the original Castile. Not once did I bat anything across the yard – even thicker Gatorade bottles cut well.
I am pleased with the performance of this sword as a heavy Type XII.
Conclusions
I touched up the blade of the new Castile, placed it in it’s scabbard, and boxed it up – my review of it being complete.
I am pleased at the improvements made to the Castile overall. Valiant Armory has yet again shown that they both listen and respond to customer feedback on their products. The new Castile is better than the old Castile – which was the whole point of this redux to begin with.
Pros
- Nice complete Type XII package for the money.
- Beautifully executed blade form and geometry.
- Powerful and practical cutting sword.
- Substantial improvements over the original Castile.
Cons
- Still a tad heavier than other Type XIIs on the market.
- Suspension system may not suit all customers.
The Bottom Line
I would not have a problem recommending the new Castile to someone wanting a complete knightly sword package with a powerful blade form. The transition of Type X to Type XII was a good one in the case of this sword. The new Castile is a tremendous cutting blade that does not skimp on power, performance, or looks.
For the money, the Signature Series swords set the bar high, and the new Castile is no exception. It’s a solid sword for the money.
Thanks for viewing!