Fable Blades Braveheart Sword
Aug 3, 2009 17:05:48 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2009 17:05:48 GMT
When I watched Mel Gibson's movie, Braveheart, I was immediately captivated by the simple, yet practical, style of his Scottish claymore. I have been collecting blades for about six years now, and this is the first hand-crafted sword that I have purchased. I must say, it is quite impressive.
1) Let's start with the specs:
Weight : 2350g (5lb 3oz)
Point of Balance: 125mm (5") from base of cross.
Centre of Percussion : around 650mm from base of cross. 65% length of blade.
Overall Length : 1300mm (51.2")
Blade Length : 990mm (39.5")
Hilt Length: 310mm (12.2")
Grip Length : 238mm (9.4")
Ricasso length 220mm (8.7")
Distal Taper : 32%.
Cross Width : 288mm (11.33") x 12mm (0.47") thick.
Grip : 40.5mm x 23mm at guard. Tapers to 26mm round.
2) Customer Service:
I was having some difficulty finding a solid, quality blade that also replicated the claymore from the movie. So, I asked a good friend of mine to also do a little digging. My friend, George, came across Brendan's post and e-mailed the link to me. As I'm sure you all know, it can be hard to judge the quality of a product found on the internet, since you cannot exactly hold it in your hands. Fortunately, I felt reassured after receiving my first e-mail from Brendan. He's a friendly, honest craftsman who was just as excited about my interest in the blade as I was! He honored the quoted price from the SBG post.
3) A closer look at the sword:
The cross-guard is solid, having no rattle or looseness. I have a few, more decorative-type, swords that feel like they'll fly apart if you swing them. Fortunately, this is not the case.
As you can see, the leather covering the ricasso/grip is durable and rustic. This not only makes the sword look more authentic, but it also greatly aids in safely wielding the claymore.
Brendan also stayed true to the design of the cross-guard and pommel from the movie!
This sword is full-tang and the pommel is peened, a huge plus! The weight of the pommel effectively balances the rest of the blade. I felt a huge difference in wielding this sword versus a half-tang or even rat-tail (I very carefully tested the latter two ). It is a very fun sword to swing or practice with .
4) Shipping:
Since Brendan lives in the Land Down Under, he quoted a shipping time of about three weeks. So, I prepared myself for the arduous wait . Three days later, I held this sword in my hand. Three days! Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise ;D. I had expected it to be mailed in a box, but this was not the case. Brendan skillfully, and creatively, wrapped each part of the sword in newspaper, and then covered it in a type of brown mailing wrap. What impressed me the most was that he had cut a thick piece of PVC pipe for the blade to safely rest inside. It had crossed the Pacific unscathed.
5) Closing:
I am very satisfied with not only this quality product, but also with the business aspect of this purchase. From this sole experience, I would recommend Brendan and Fable Blades to any sword enthusiast who desires a solid piece at an affordable price, friendly service, and honest answers to questions.
My favorite fact that I enjoy telling people about this claymore is, "It's a unique, hand-made sword that was created by a craftsman in Australia!" How cool is that?
Out of my entire collection, I would have to choose this sword as my absolute favorite. In fact, I am actually working on a nice wall mount to display this awesome claymore. I'll post a picture of it when I'm finished! Thank you to those who took the time to read my review!
Respectfully,
Joshua Welton, Colorado
1) Let's start with the specs:
Weight : 2350g (5lb 3oz)
Point of Balance: 125mm (5") from base of cross.
Centre of Percussion : around 650mm from base of cross. 65% length of blade.
Overall Length : 1300mm (51.2")
Blade Length : 990mm (39.5")
Hilt Length: 310mm (12.2")
Grip Length : 238mm (9.4")
Ricasso length 220mm (8.7")
Distal Taper : 32%.
Cross Width : 288mm (11.33") x 12mm (0.47") thick.
Grip : 40.5mm x 23mm at guard. Tapers to 26mm round.
2) Customer Service:
I was having some difficulty finding a solid, quality blade that also replicated the claymore from the movie. So, I asked a good friend of mine to also do a little digging. My friend, George, came across Brendan's post and e-mailed the link to me. As I'm sure you all know, it can be hard to judge the quality of a product found on the internet, since you cannot exactly hold it in your hands. Fortunately, I felt reassured after receiving my first e-mail from Brendan. He's a friendly, honest craftsman who was just as excited about my interest in the blade as I was! He honored the quoted price from the SBG post.
3) A closer look at the sword:
The cross-guard is solid, having no rattle or looseness. I have a few, more decorative-type, swords that feel like they'll fly apart if you swing them. Fortunately, this is not the case.
As you can see, the leather covering the ricasso/grip is durable and rustic. This not only makes the sword look more authentic, but it also greatly aids in safely wielding the claymore.
Brendan also stayed true to the design of the cross-guard and pommel from the movie!
This sword is full-tang and the pommel is peened, a huge plus! The weight of the pommel effectively balances the rest of the blade. I felt a huge difference in wielding this sword versus a half-tang or even rat-tail (I very carefully tested the latter two ). It is a very fun sword to swing or practice with .
4) Shipping:
Since Brendan lives in the Land Down Under, he quoted a shipping time of about three weeks. So, I prepared myself for the arduous wait . Three days later, I held this sword in my hand. Three days! Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise ;D. I had expected it to be mailed in a box, but this was not the case. Brendan skillfully, and creatively, wrapped each part of the sword in newspaper, and then covered it in a type of brown mailing wrap. What impressed me the most was that he had cut a thick piece of PVC pipe for the blade to safely rest inside. It had crossed the Pacific unscathed.
5) Closing:
I am very satisfied with not only this quality product, but also with the business aspect of this purchase. From this sole experience, I would recommend Brendan and Fable Blades to any sword enthusiast who desires a solid piece at an affordable price, friendly service, and honest answers to questions.
My favorite fact that I enjoy telling people about this claymore is, "It's a unique, hand-made sword that was created by a craftsman in Australia!" How cool is that?
Out of my entire collection, I would have to choose this sword as my absolute favorite. In fact, I am actually working on a nice wall mount to display this awesome claymore. I'll post a picture of it when I'm finished! Thank you to those who took the time to read my review!
Respectfully,
Joshua Welton, Colorado