Review: BKS Fantasy Scimitar
May 6, 2010 1:41:08 GMT
Post by Deleted on May 6, 2010 1:41:08 GMT
Baltimore Knife and Sword Fantasy Scimitar
"Dalagezbha"
Introduction
I am not a huge fan of fantasy swords, as by far and wide, they are non-functional SLOs that are not based on actual functioning weapons. Most fantasy designers out there have no idea of how a sword should be designed in order to be an effective, yet vistually attractive weapon. Some designers, such as Fable Blades, Odin Blades, and Jody Samson have gotten the fantasy sword right over the years, but the price point is a little more than I would be willing to spend on what will equate to a ‘faire wear’ sword.
I only have room in my collection for one functional fantasy sword. Originally, I had intended for this to be the BKS SBG Fantasy Bastard Sword, but after ordering and receiving mine – there were several things that I did not like about the design and finishing. The sword was solid as a rock, it was just a little outside what I wanted in a fantasy piece.
After seeing BKS offer their Fantasy Scimitar on KoA; I pondered about it. I had seen the sword posted when it was first designed and liked the overall look of the piece. As I had committed myself to owning one fantasy piece, I decided that I had rather have the more radical scimitar design than the BKS SBG sword. I ordered it shortly after coming to this decision.
Historical Overview
There is not really a historical precedent for the BKS Fantasy Scimitar. It has several components of historical swords, but it would not typify into any one culture. The tsuba is Asian-inspired, the blade is inspired by a scimitar blade with fantasy sculpting in the fortenza, the grip is like that of an elongated saber/cutlass, the pommel is an anthropomorphic bronze fist which is found on some medieval European weapons, mainly maces and war hammers.
Initial Impressions
I ordered the BKS Fantasy Scimitar on Wednesday from KoA and it arrived on Friday. I am always amazed at how fast KoA gets stuff delivered – they are in Chicago and I am in metro Atlanta. The sword was well-packed in a non-descript KoA brown box. Opening the box, I soon had my hands upon my new fantasy sword.
My initial impression was how much more I liked the feel of this blade over my BKS SBG sword.
Statistics
Blade Length: 32.0”
Handle: 8.75”
Overall Length: 42.0”
Tsuba Width: 4.25”
POB (Point of Balance): 3.25”
COP (Center of Percussion): 21”
Weight: 2lbs, 15oz
The Blade
The full-tang, satin-finished blade is one of the most-attractive features of the BKS Fantasy Scimitar. It’s a radically shaped scimitar blade bearing a Middle/Near Eastern influence. It has a complex geometry, with a highly-decorative ricasso, moving into a single-edged cutting blade toward the point. The overall blade geometry is hexagonal, though it’s non-linear in form. The edge is approximately 3mm wide, designed by BKS for stage combat.
I find this a little funny however, as the tip on this sword would have no problem skewering someone quite easily. This type of tip would also afford a tip cut that would be quite damaging as well – as the KoA box in my garage fell victim to this type of damage as shortly after arriving at my house.
The blade is very stiff offering only a slight bit of flex. It is a very solid blade, and even with thinner ricasso sections, I’d not fear breaking or bending it readily.
The Handle
The two-handed handle is pretty much just the bare tang wrapped in supple black leather. This form is grip is found on all BKS swords, and feels very comfortable in the hand. It’s also easily replaced if needed with having to replace wood scales or a more-complex cord / leather wrap.
The Guard
The steel guard is in the form of an elaborate tsuba with two protruding horns. It is sculped in a theme to match the detail work in the blade. The guard appears tight without play or wiggle. The tsuba is paired to the blade via welding; another trademark of BKS swords.
The only downside of the guard is the finishing. The CNC cutter marks are clearly visible on the inside cuts of the tsuba, which distracts a little from the overall design. Additionally, there is a little bit of weld-splatter visible underneath the guard. Once again, not a big issue, it can be cleaned up with a file and a little elbow grease.
In the photos, you will notice that I have slightly antiqued the tsuba and base of the blade to give it a weathered look. This is done using Birchwood Casey cold blue solution and a Scotchbrite pad. It gives it a grey appearance, whereas originally, it was satin finished to match the blade.
The Pommel
The bronze pommel is cast in the form of an anthropomorphic fist, and is paired to the tang via welding. The pommel is very detailed in its design, and adds a pleasing aesthetic to the sword. The pommel is comfortable to hold in a two-handed grip.
The Scabbard
BKS swords do not come with scabbard. My solution to this was to make one.
In designing the scabbard, I wanted to be comfortable to wear, compliment the swords overall design, and show off the complex ricasso of the blade. I made the core from 1/4” poplar. I left whole ricasson of the weapon visible, resulting in what appears to be a half-scabbard. I then gave the scabbard a spiral wrap to compliment the grip of the sword and tipped it with a large bronze finial that I had laying around from a previous project. I tied the suspension in the traditional medieval European scabbard knot, adding two pivot points and a buckle for adjustment.
Because the scabbard fits the sword below the PoB, the scabbard is apt to tip forward in the baldric. This was an effect of showing off the ricasso of the blade. To compensate for this, I have attached a steel D ring in the baldric strap that holds on one of the horns on the tsuba. The resulting effect is a sword that is very secure in the scabbard, held at a perfect 45 degree angle very close to the body. To release the sword from the scabbard, I only have to twist the guard toward my body, pick up on the rear of the scabbard with my off-hand, and remove the sword. This method of peace-tying acts as a single-retention for the sword, making it to where I can easily draw it if I want, but for someone else to draw it would be very difficult unless they knew how the system worked.
Handling Characteristics
The BKS Fantasy Scimitar is a powerful sword, with a tremendous authorative presence in the hand. The PoB gives the blade a huge amount of shearing power, and it’s very easy to feel this while gripping the blade. The blade tracks surprisingly well, much better than my BKS SBG sword; even though it has more weight at the tip of the weapon. The Fantasy Scimitar is a pleasure to wield, and I find great pleasure in dry handling and working though Fiore’s two-handed sword poste.
I have no doubt that this fantasy-inspired piece would function well as a weapon of war; if it were only sharpened properly.
Test Cutting
No test cutting was performed with the BKS Fantasy Scimitar, as it is unsharpened. If I sharpen it in the near-future, I will amend this review with details on the test cutting.
Conclusions
The BKS Fantasy Scimitar is definitely an interesting sword that is a pleasure to weild. The balance and authority of this sword convery power in the hand, and the sword moves gwith a grace that I have felt with no other such fantasy-inspired pieces. With a decent edge and a little finishing work, the sword will be a favorite in my collection, as well as being an eye-catcher at the faire.
Pros
- Solid and reliable BKS design with welded construction.
- Blade is very graceful and powerful with near-perfect balance.
- Sword possesses a unique fantasy-themed aesthetic with functionality.
Cons
- Finishing work on tsuba/guard should be improved.
- Price tag of around $500 may be too steep for some buyers to invest in a fantasy-themed sword.
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this particular BKS product to someone searching for a well-built fantasy inspired piece to complete a realistic ensemble designed around a fantasy persona/character. The BKS Fantasy Scimitar has the look of an MMO epic weapon or an AD&D vorpal sword – and to be honest, it handles like I'd imagine one to handle. This weapon would look right at home in any fantay context. Production swords do not offer such radical looks with combat-ready blades, and a custom blade of this caliber would run a minimum of $1000-$1500 from other manufacturers in the industry.
For my one fantasy-inspired sword in my collection, I am quite pleased with this purchase. I have christened this sword “Dalagezbha” which means “Thorn-fist” in ancient Sumerian. I think she lives up to her name quite nicely. Now, I'm off to slay a dragon or something...
Odingaard out...