Valiant Armoury Signature Bristol Sword
May 12, 2009 16:37:25 GMT
Post by shadowhowler on May 12, 2009 16:37:25 GMT
[glow=purple,2,300]Review of the Valiant Armoury Signature Bristol sword, by Sean O. Stevens, Grovetown GA. USA[/glow]
Introduction
I have been drooling over this sword since I first saw the picture of it, some time ago. I've been very impressed with the direction that Valiant Armoury has been taking with their products since Sonny Suttles took the helm of the company. I owned a Castile sword, and while I found it a bit heavy for me, (others I know found it perfect, different strokes) I was very impressed by the construction of it, the look and feel of it.
So when I saw the Bristol... a lighter, shorter, single handed arming style sword, I was in love. I KNEW that one would be more my speed. I pre-ordered it and now she's mine.
Historical Overview Sorry, but I'm not much of a history buff. I know a lot of sword collectors are also historians, and can tell you when and where a certain style of sword was most likely used... thats not me. I collect swords that are both attractive to me, and that function well for me, that feel right. The Bristol is based off a Gus Trim blade and Cristian Fletcher scabbard and grip. It looks to be a single handed arming sword, a very capable thruster and cutter, but as for it's true historical inspirations, someone more inclined then I will have to chime in.
I dunno much about art, but I know what I like.
Initial Impressions
The Bristol arrived well packaged, safe and sound.
My first impression of the Bristol were that this was MY kind of sword. It's light, short, easy to control. The grip is interesting, it tapers toward the bottom where it meets the pommel. At first I found it a bit strange, but in dry handling the sword a bit I came to like it. The grip is slim, and somewhat rectangular in shape, which helps with edge alignment. I might prefer the grip to be a BIT thicker... but I have very, VERY beefy hands... so I think as it is now is best for most people who will get this sword.
Statistics
Blade Length - 26 inches
Grip Length - 4 & 1/4 inches
Overall Length - 33 & 3/4 inches
Weight - 2lbs 6oz
Guard Width - 8 & 1/4 inches from right to left, 3/4 inches thick.
Point of Balance - 3 inches from top of grip.
Components
The Blade
I LOVE the overall shape of the blade. I'm not sure what typology it would fall under... but it's got a great point for thrusting, it tapers quite a bit so the balance is back close to your hand, making it very lively, it's got a decent amount of 'meat' to the blade, more then a normal XIV for example, to aid in the cut. It just seems to be a really good balance for a single handed weapon.
Being hand forged it has some quirks here and there... everything is not geometrically PERFECT, as it were... but it's shaped VERY well and is a very attractive blade.
The Tang
Threaded tang for use with a hex-nut, as all Atrim blades are done these days. Tang seems sturdy enough.
The Handle/Grip
The grip is oddly shaped, and tapers at the bottom as I mentioned. It's strange at first, but for me it quickly becomes very comfortable. It's well sized for single handed sword work, and its shape helps with edge alignment. For those with really big hands, it might feel a bit small... but those with normal sized hands will find it just right I suspect.
The Guard
I find the guard on the Bristol very elegant... it's 'swept up' appearance if very smooth and attractive. This was one of the aspects of this sword that caught my attention and made me want to buy it. The Blade fits in it very well... when the hex-nut is tightened there is no rattle whatsoever.
The Pommel
This is another of the features that really drew me to this sword... a sort of fish-tail pommel... very nice lines, very elegant.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is, in my opinion, very attractive... and is a huge part of why these signature swords are so interesting. It's very nicely done, it holds the sword perfectly... the sword does not fall out when held upside down, even when lightly shaken, but it draws quickly and easily from the scabbard.
I'm a little disappointed that the metal locket was replaced by a leather one. The leather locket is very nice, don't get me wrong. If I had first seen the Bristol with the leather locket rather then the metal one, I would likely have bought it anyway and have been very happy. However, since the prototype had the metal locket, and I LOVED the look it gave the package as a whole, I was a bit bummed when the switch was made. A very small gripe, however... as the whole package as it is is VERY nice indeed.
Handling Characteristics
Oh yeah. The sword handles exactly as I hoped it would... light, fast, sturdy... it's exactly the style of sword I was looking for. The grip takes a bit of getting used to if you have not used a sword with one like it, as I had not. Also, you need to be mindful of your grip control. On a powerful swing, since the grip tapers down and the pommel does not rest near your hand... your grip could slip. So you need to be mindful of how you hold the sword when swinging hard.
Before you ask, no, the sword did NOT fly out of my hand at any point. ;D I just noticed a tendency for my grip to slide back a bit on strong swings.
Test Cutting
I did very little test cutting this time... as my camera/computer set up is not working right now, so I could not take video. As soon as I fix that, I'll do some more cutting and add the video to this review.
The victims.
As you cans see, the cuts on the 20oz bottles are fairly clean. The cut on the 2 liter, however, not so much.
The 20oz cuts were fairly effortless... the sword tracks well and cut easily. On the 2 liter, I think the weight and mass was a bit much for this smaller sword. I think as I get more comfortable with it, that will improve, we shall see.
The sword feels good in the hand cutting... the edge is sharp enough. I cut paper with it (on video) which I will add when the video problem is fixed.
I'd like to try some other targets... and I will in the future. Then I'll update.
Conclusions
I have bought 6 swords now from the new Valiant Armoury... and have been impressed with each one. The Bristol is the most attractive one so far... I LOVE the looks of this sword. The signature line offers a great balance between quality sword and scabbard... something that is all but imposable to find in this price range in the sword collecting market.
You can get a better sword... or a better scabbard... but there is no way I know of to get BOTH at anywhere near the price of the swords in the Valiant Armoury Signature line.
With the Bristol... the only thing I would have done differently is I would have preferred the metal locket from the prototype be used. Aside from that, it is every inch the sword I was hoping it would be, and I look forward to more cutting with it.
Pros
Great value in sword and scabbard quality.
Good entry level step between regular production swords and true custom swords.
Light, quick single handed blade with great handling.
Unique and attractive looking sword, not a cookie cutter blade.
UNMATCHED customer service from Sonny Suttles at Valiant Armoury.
Cons
Hex-Nut assembly not historical.
Leather locket instead of metal. (My personal con. Some have said they prefer the leather.)
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a good balance of scabbard and blade without going over $400 or so, and you want a good single handed sword thats fast and great looking, then the Bristol is for you. I buy and sell a lot of swords, this one I am keeping for sure. It's found a new home in my collection...
Keep an eye on Valiant Armoury... in addition to their Gus Trim/Christian Fletcher signature line they have also started working with John Lundemo of Odinblades... and who knows what collaborations may lay ahead in the future? These maker-inspired swords help fill a void that, before VA's signature line swords had nothing, and act as a great 'bridge' from production swords to custom swords.
I'm very interested... and excited... to see what they do next.
Thanks for reading!
Introduction
I have been drooling over this sword since I first saw the picture of it, some time ago. I've been very impressed with the direction that Valiant Armoury has been taking with their products since Sonny Suttles took the helm of the company. I owned a Castile sword, and while I found it a bit heavy for me, (others I know found it perfect, different strokes) I was very impressed by the construction of it, the look and feel of it.
So when I saw the Bristol... a lighter, shorter, single handed arming style sword, I was in love. I KNEW that one would be more my speed. I pre-ordered it and now she's mine.
Historical Overview Sorry, but I'm not much of a history buff. I know a lot of sword collectors are also historians, and can tell you when and where a certain style of sword was most likely used... thats not me. I collect swords that are both attractive to me, and that function well for me, that feel right. The Bristol is based off a Gus Trim blade and Cristian Fletcher scabbard and grip. It looks to be a single handed arming sword, a very capable thruster and cutter, but as for it's true historical inspirations, someone more inclined then I will have to chime in.
I dunno much about art, but I know what I like.
Initial Impressions
The Bristol arrived well packaged, safe and sound.
My first impression of the Bristol were that this was MY kind of sword. It's light, short, easy to control. The grip is interesting, it tapers toward the bottom where it meets the pommel. At first I found it a bit strange, but in dry handling the sword a bit I came to like it. The grip is slim, and somewhat rectangular in shape, which helps with edge alignment. I might prefer the grip to be a BIT thicker... but I have very, VERY beefy hands... so I think as it is now is best for most people who will get this sword.
Statistics
Blade Length - 26 inches
Grip Length - 4 & 1/4 inches
Overall Length - 33 & 3/4 inches
Weight - 2lbs 6oz
Guard Width - 8 & 1/4 inches from right to left, 3/4 inches thick.
Point of Balance - 3 inches from top of grip.
Components
The Blade
I LOVE the overall shape of the blade. I'm not sure what typology it would fall under... but it's got a great point for thrusting, it tapers quite a bit so the balance is back close to your hand, making it very lively, it's got a decent amount of 'meat' to the blade, more then a normal XIV for example, to aid in the cut. It just seems to be a really good balance for a single handed weapon.
Being hand forged it has some quirks here and there... everything is not geometrically PERFECT, as it were... but it's shaped VERY well and is a very attractive blade.
The Tang
Threaded tang for use with a hex-nut, as all Atrim blades are done these days. Tang seems sturdy enough.
The Handle/Grip
The grip is oddly shaped, and tapers at the bottom as I mentioned. It's strange at first, but for me it quickly becomes very comfortable. It's well sized for single handed sword work, and its shape helps with edge alignment. For those with really big hands, it might feel a bit small... but those with normal sized hands will find it just right I suspect.
The Guard
I find the guard on the Bristol very elegant... it's 'swept up' appearance if very smooth and attractive. This was one of the aspects of this sword that caught my attention and made me want to buy it. The Blade fits in it very well... when the hex-nut is tightened there is no rattle whatsoever.
The Pommel
This is another of the features that really drew me to this sword... a sort of fish-tail pommel... very nice lines, very elegant.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is, in my opinion, very attractive... and is a huge part of why these signature swords are so interesting. It's very nicely done, it holds the sword perfectly... the sword does not fall out when held upside down, even when lightly shaken, but it draws quickly and easily from the scabbard.
I'm a little disappointed that the metal locket was replaced by a leather one. The leather locket is very nice, don't get me wrong. If I had first seen the Bristol with the leather locket rather then the metal one, I would likely have bought it anyway and have been very happy. However, since the prototype had the metal locket, and I LOVED the look it gave the package as a whole, I was a bit bummed when the switch was made. A very small gripe, however... as the whole package as it is is VERY nice indeed.
Handling Characteristics
Oh yeah. The sword handles exactly as I hoped it would... light, fast, sturdy... it's exactly the style of sword I was looking for. The grip takes a bit of getting used to if you have not used a sword with one like it, as I had not. Also, you need to be mindful of your grip control. On a powerful swing, since the grip tapers down and the pommel does not rest near your hand... your grip could slip. So you need to be mindful of how you hold the sword when swinging hard.
Before you ask, no, the sword did NOT fly out of my hand at any point. ;D I just noticed a tendency for my grip to slide back a bit on strong swings.
Test Cutting
I did very little test cutting this time... as my camera/computer set up is not working right now, so I could not take video. As soon as I fix that, I'll do some more cutting and add the video to this review.
The victims.
As you cans see, the cuts on the 20oz bottles are fairly clean. The cut on the 2 liter, however, not so much.
The 20oz cuts were fairly effortless... the sword tracks well and cut easily. On the 2 liter, I think the weight and mass was a bit much for this smaller sword. I think as I get more comfortable with it, that will improve, we shall see.
The sword feels good in the hand cutting... the edge is sharp enough. I cut paper with it (on video) which I will add when the video problem is fixed.
I'd like to try some other targets... and I will in the future. Then I'll update.
Conclusions
I have bought 6 swords now from the new Valiant Armoury... and have been impressed with each one. The Bristol is the most attractive one so far... I LOVE the looks of this sword. The signature line offers a great balance between quality sword and scabbard... something that is all but imposable to find in this price range in the sword collecting market.
You can get a better sword... or a better scabbard... but there is no way I know of to get BOTH at anywhere near the price of the swords in the Valiant Armoury Signature line.
With the Bristol... the only thing I would have done differently is I would have preferred the metal locket from the prototype be used. Aside from that, it is every inch the sword I was hoping it would be, and I look forward to more cutting with it.
Pros
Great value in sword and scabbard quality.
Good entry level step between regular production swords and true custom swords.
Light, quick single handed blade with great handling.
Unique and attractive looking sword, not a cookie cutter blade.
UNMATCHED customer service from Sonny Suttles at Valiant Armoury.
Cons
Hex-Nut assembly not historical.
Leather locket instead of metal. (My personal con. Some have said they prefer the leather.)
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a good balance of scabbard and blade without going over $400 or so, and you want a good single handed sword thats fast and great looking, then the Bristol is for you. I buy and sell a lot of swords, this one I am keeping for sure. It's found a new home in my collection...
Keep an eye on Valiant Armoury... in addition to their Gus Trim/Christian Fletcher signature line they have also started working with John Lundemo of Odinblades... and who knows what collaborations may lay ahead in the future? These maker-inspired swords help fill a void that, before VA's signature line swords had nothing, and act as a great 'bridge' from production swords to custom swords.
I'm very interested... and excited... to see what they do next.
Thanks for reading!