Review: Valiant Armory Signature Malatesta
Mar 27, 2010 12:49:49 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2010 12:49:49 GMT
Valiant Armory Signature Series Malatesta
Reviewed by Jonathan ‘Odingaard’ Sarge
Reviewed by Jonathan ‘Odingaard’ Sarge
Introduction
Everyone in the sword community has been amazed by the new product lines that Valiant Armory has been premiering over the last couple of years. When I first saw the prototype photographs of the Angus Trim / Christian Fletcher collaboration on the Malatesta, I was impressed by the overall aesthetics of the sword. To say the least, the Malatesta is easy on the eyes; an attractive sword appearing to offer the best of both worlds – beauty and function.
As such, when the Malatesta became available, I ordered one with all black leather directly though the Valiant Armory Custom Sword Shoppe.
Historical Overview
The Malatesta is an interesting combination of two different historical time periods. It is fitted with an Oakeshott Type XII blade, which was prevalent in the 1200 -1300s. However, the trefoil-perforated Style 6 guard and the faceted Type T pommel are represented historically on Oakeshott Type XVII and XVIII swords from the 1400s. Despite this combination, the Malatesta is far from being a fantasy-inspired sword. It was typical for the blades from earlier swords to be refitted later with different furniture.
What does Malatesta mean?
Malatesta is the proper name of a royal family that ruled over northeastern Italy in the 13th to 15th centuries. Several of the Malatesta were notable condottieri or mercenaries that were contracted to other Italian city-states and the Papacy itself. The most famous was Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, who was engaged in armed conflict with the Vatican over territorial claims. This conflict eventually led to the downfall of the Malatesta family in the late 1400s.
It’s not hard to imagine a sword like the Malatesta being a rehilted family heirloom passed down to a young man at arms leaving home on his first, and possibly last, campaign in the service of his lord.
Initial Impressions
The Malatesta arrived safely and quickly in the standard non-descript white Valiant Armory box. It was tucked away in a plain brown remailer box on the inside, with light Styrofoam bracing. There was a little damage to the box itself, but the sword was completely intact and undamaged.
My initial impression of the Malatesta after I got over how great the package looked as a whole was of how light and well-balanced it was. I could tell that Valiant Armory hit the mark with this new addition to the Signature Series.
Statistics
Blade Length: 33.0”
Blade Width: 1.75” at the fortenza (base)
Handle Length: 9.0” (including pommel)
Overall Length: 42.0”
Guard Width: 8.25”
POB (Point of Balance): 3.0”
COP (Center of Percussion): Between 23.0” and 24.0”
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz
The Blade
First of all, I refer to this blade as a Type XII. The reason I do so is that it is a little too short to properly refer to it as a Type XIIa. This fact essentially makes the Malatesta a bastard sword – a single-handed blade on a hilt made long enough to accommodate two-hands.
Now, the blade is finished to about a satin 240g finish with a three-quarters length fuller. The form is consistant through out, without apparent hammer or machine marks. The temper of the blade is excellent, being limber enough to flex readily; however being stiff enough to maintain its form though cutting without undue twisting of the edge alignment.
Testing the blade, I found it to be honed to a paper-cutting sharp edge; with proper appleseed geometry with no secondary bevel visible. I don't have a set of calipers, but judging by my eye, the distal taper appears to be about 50% from the fortenza (base) to a point 1" from the tip.
Check this edge out :
The Grip
The grip is wood, cord-wrapped, then bound with thin black leather with no seam visible. The waisted grip has a central swell and riser to aid in securing the sword in the hand during use. I’ll add that the grip feels quite comfortable in my large hands, it does not seem to be too small nor too large.
Aesthetically, the waisted grip on the Malatesta looks superb, giving added character the sword as a whole. I’ve grown tired over the years of seeing plain grips on swords; so to pleases me to see some grips coming out with more shape to them. ;D
The Guard
The Style 6 cross is simply stunning, and one of the most attractive features of this sword. The guard is polished to a satin finish; curving at an angle to the blade and is terminated with trefoil perforations – commonly used signify the Holy Trinity in the Medieval period. The trefoils are executed perfectly symmetrical; a level of finish which I have not seen on swords that cost twice as much as the Malatesta.
The blade sat slightly canted in the guard, as shown below, but this was not a defect, it was just mounted a little off center. I loosend the guard slightly , straightened the blade up, and tightened it all back up. Very simple fix.
The Pommel
The satin-finished Type T pommel of the Malatesta is gracefully faceted equally on all sides, tapering toward the grip. Its finished to the same standard of the guard, which is quite pleasing to the hand as well as the eye. I find that my hand slides easily onto the pommel during dry-handling; a requirement for my personal studies in Italian Longsword.
As with all the Valiant AT/CF offerings, the pommel is held in place by a 5mm hex nut. This makes it easy to disassemble the sword and to tighten it up during use.
The Scabbard
The scabbard of the Malatesta is simply amazing. It’s a perfectly fitted wood core, covered in thin black leather. The scabbard is decorated with multiple risers for a three-dimensional effect; all of which are properly formed to the basic geometry of the overall design. The chape of the scabbard is steel and perforated with a single trefoil, which is the exact same dimensions as the trefoils on the guard.
The scabbard is securely fitted with a three-point suspension system and comes with the matching belt. All of the buckles are matching antiqued period ones – much nicer than the modern looking saddle buckles on the earlier Valiant offerings.
I’ll add that the belt has plenty of breathing room; it’s pretty large. Smaller buyers may have to punch additional holes in the belt to get a proper fit (so it can be tightened further), but for my big ass – the Malatesta’s included belt works great without modification.
Handling Characteristics
Picking up the Malatesta, it feels like a dream come true. It’s an exceptionally light, graceful, and fast. Very seldom am I surprised with the feel of a sword, but the Malatesta does surprise. For a Type XII, I might go so far as to say that the sword is a little too light. It has good blade presence, but it could bear a little more weight to give more authority in the cut. However, if the Malatesta were a Type XV or XVII – the balance, authority, and feel would be spot on dead accurate.
As it stands, it’s difficult to take your hands of the Malatesta once you pick it up. It is a sheer joy to handle. I’d go so far as to call the balance near-perfect; as I have not held many other swords that feel as well as this one does in the hand.
I'll also point out that the Malatesta wields very easy in one hand, as a bastard sword should. In fact, it wields easier in one hand that alot of dedicated one-handers; which is a pleasant suprise. Two hands on it is even better; it's weight and PoB make it as nimble as a yardstick. This sword is very, very, very easy to use and would be a great alternative for someone with a heavier two-hander that wanted something a bit lighter. Or, it works great as a single-hander for someone with large hands needing the extra gripping room. What's not to love?
Holy cow; This sword is made overseas, right? It sure does not feel like it…
Test Cutting
I was able to do a little cutting after work to give the Malatesta a general feel. I will be adding a cutting video soon, as soon as I am off work to do so.
For now, I can tell you that cutting with the Malatesta is very similar to cutting with a Practical Longsword. It excels in findante (downward) and sotani (upward) cuts, slicing easily though water bottles and milk jugs. Edge alignment is nearly effortless, the cuts are made easily and with little effort. I intend on testing it further on heavier targets and perhaps tatami when I do the accompanying video later in the week. I’d like to see how its blade presence functions against something more difficult.
Thrusting is a little more difficult with the Malatesta, as the point seems to drift a little more than it should with a thrusting sword. Of course, on the other hand, this is not a thrusting sword – but I tried anyway. This can be alleviated with technique, but just know going in that you cannot handle this sword like you would a dedicated thruster such as a Type XVa.
Conclusions
As a whole, Valiant offers a near perfect package with the Malatesta. Many sword collectors have desired this sword since the prototype debuted, and for good reason. The Malatesta is of surprisingly good fit and finish, while performing very well in both form and function.
Pros
- Overall beautiful aesthetic.
- Near-perfect balance and handling.
- Perfectly executed appleseed edge.
- Exceptionally well done furniture.
- Superior fit and finish.
Cons
- The blade could have a slightly more-aggressive presence.
- Some customers may prefer a more thrust oriented blade in the design.
The Bottom Line
The Malatesta is one hell of a sword for the money. The bottom line is that it is my new favorite among all of the new Valiant products I have owned. Collectors were right to desire this sword, not only for its sexy looks; but for the overall great performance and feel that the sword gives in the hand.
Valiant Armory has again set the bar very high with the Malatesta. Though it’s imported, it handles every bit like a higher-dollar offering from a US manufacturer. The other sword importers need to step up their game, or Valiant will have them looking for work.
Odingaard out…