High Elven King Sword, Gen2, Part Two
Aug 5, 2007 20:18:10 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2007 20:18:10 GMT
The High Elven King Sword by Generation 2 (purchased from AoV)
Reviewed by Richard L. Hardesty, Hungry Horse, Montana.
I first came across this sword over a year ago quite by accident. I was actually looking for interesting bows which led me to the Arms of Valour site and in browsing around there, I found this pointy sharp thing. I was immediately taken by its simplicity of line and design. It looked like a sword a High Elven King would actually have and use and not some weird, bizarre, spiky thing that “looked cool” but left you wondering just why anyone would actually use such a thing. The pommel is just plain gorgeous and goes well with the rest of the design. It was love at first sight, but I delayed getting it because I was also drooling over several other things. What moved me to get it was the fact that it was scheduled to be retired soon. Each blade is numbered on the guard on the side opposite the forge mark. This one is #50.
Working with AoV was a pleasure. I placed the order on-line just before I found SBG, yet my wife (I used her CC) was able to contact AoV right away and they were happy to apply the SBG discount. It was shipped when scheduled and arrived w/in the time-window provided by UPS (kudos to them!).
I have already given my initial impressions in the first part of this review, so I won’t repeat that here save to say that it was very well packed and arrived undamaged. The only “flaw” I noticed upon examination were a few small pits along the fuller. Clyde from Gen2 has explained why these things are there, and little WD40 and fine steel wool should do the trick.
As this is my first non-wall-hanger, I am an utter tyro and know nothing, so the following should be seen in that light.
Basic stats:
Overall length: 48 inches
Blade length: 38 inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Balance Point: 6 inches from crossguard
DESIGN, FIT & FINISH
The Blade
The blade, according to AoV, is made from 3/16" high carbon spring steel with a full tang. A straight blade, it has a single fuller that runs most of the length of the blade. Nicely polished, but not to a mirror-like finish, which is, to my mind, as it should be. The sword came pre-sharpened and the edge seemed to be sharp enough....
The Grip
The grip has, as I believe, a wood core, with a wire wrap, the whole covered in black leather. It feels quite comfortable in my hand and my hand does not slip around, making it easy to keep control of the blade.
The Pommel
The brass pommel is, as far as I can tell, what is termed a ‘modified scent-stopper’ and is a great design. The full tang is peened over the pommel, and the peening is smooth and even.
The Guard
The guard, also of brass, is well-polished. As for the design, well, a photo is worth a thousand words. See above.
The Scabbard
Made of wood, the scabbard is covered in some sort of leather and has been stained black with a non-water fast dye/stain of some kind. It has brass fittings at top and tip. The fit between the guards and the scabbard is very good, but being a hand-made object, it has only one way that it will fit tight. So, if there is a gap, turn it around!
Don’t get this thing wet, or you will end of with black hands! I found this out when doing the test cutting and the water splattered a lot farther than I expected. This, to me, is a problem, and a water-proof leather dye should be used, something the equivalent of Fiebing’s.
TESTING
Cutting
Being a total tyro, my cutting technique may not be exactly kosher, but I seem to have managed the job, although I was limited to 1 gallon milk jugs. Other standard targets (mats, etc) will be acquired over time. The set-up was not ideal, being forced to use the corner of a picnic table in the yard, and so my cut would not be horizontal, but rather in a slight downward arc.
The first cut was with a single jug, and it was with some trepidation that I assayed the cut. I assumed a stance that seemed comfortable, and my grip was one that seemed to allow the wrists to function with little stress (no baseball bat grip!). I made a few test swings over the area the jug would sit, getting the feel of the sword and the cut. Satisfied, we put the jug on the hot spot, and I prepared to take the cut. To my utter surprise, the cut was clean and effortless! The blade sliced through the jug as if it wasn’t there, and I felt absolutely no resistance. Had I not had the evidence of splashing water and a topless jug, I would have thought I had missed the target.
This encouraged me to get crazy, and so I put up two jugs side by side. Again, I assumed a comfortable stance, checked my grip, then checked my blade position at the jugs to make sure that I would not undercut or overcut. Position was just right, so I let fly, giving it a little more force to allow for the extra target. Again, the blade sliced through the jugs easily, although I could have used a little extra energy in the stroke, as I did feel slight resistance on the second jug. But, considering that I had no idea just what to expect, I think I requited myself well. The foe was vanquished!
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
From the viewpoint of a rank beginner, this is a great sword to own and to cut with. It handles well, the balance is just right (for me, at least), and even though I really am clueless at this point, it swings easily with two hands. If I had stronger wrists, arms and upper body (need to work on that), I do believe I could use it one-handed. That, however, remains to be seen.
If you like fantasy blades, or blades with plain, simple lines, you truly ought to consider this one, but hurry, for it will be retired soon.
Historical Accuracy: N/A (fantasy blade)
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.75/5
Reviewed by Richard L. Hardesty, Hungry Horse, Montana.
I first came across this sword over a year ago quite by accident. I was actually looking for interesting bows which led me to the Arms of Valour site and in browsing around there, I found this pointy sharp thing. I was immediately taken by its simplicity of line and design. It looked like a sword a High Elven King would actually have and use and not some weird, bizarre, spiky thing that “looked cool” but left you wondering just why anyone would actually use such a thing. The pommel is just plain gorgeous and goes well with the rest of the design. It was love at first sight, but I delayed getting it because I was also drooling over several other things. What moved me to get it was the fact that it was scheduled to be retired soon. Each blade is numbered on the guard on the side opposite the forge mark. This one is #50.
Working with AoV was a pleasure. I placed the order on-line just before I found SBG, yet my wife (I used her CC) was able to contact AoV right away and they were happy to apply the SBG discount. It was shipped when scheduled and arrived w/in the time-window provided by UPS (kudos to them!).
I have already given my initial impressions in the first part of this review, so I won’t repeat that here save to say that it was very well packed and arrived undamaged. The only “flaw” I noticed upon examination were a few small pits along the fuller. Clyde from Gen2 has explained why these things are there, and little WD40 and fine steel wool should do the trick.
As this is my first non-wall-hanger, I am an utter tyro and know nothing, so the following should be seen in that light.
Basic stats:
Overall length: 48 inches
Blade length: 38 inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Balance Point: 6 inches from crossguard
DESIGN, FIT & FINISH
The Blade
The blade, according to AoV, is made from 3/16" high carbon spring steel with a full tang. A straight blade, it has a single fuller that runs most of the length of the blade. Nicely polished, but not to a mirror-like finish, which is, to my mind, as it should be. The sword came pre-sharpened and the edge seemed to be sharp enough....
The Grip
The grip has, as I believe, a wood core, with a wire wrap, the whole covered in black leather. It feels quite comfortable in my hand and my hand does not slip around, making it easy to keep control of the blade.
The Pommel
The brass pommel is, as far as I can tell, what is termed a ‘modified scent-stopper’ and is a great design. The full tang is peened over the pommel, and the peening is smooth and even.
The Guard
The guard, also of brass, is well-polished. As for the design, well, a photo is worth a thousand words. See above.
The Scabbard
Made of wood, the scabbard is covered in some sort of leather and has been stained black with a non-water fast dye/stain of some kind. It has brass fittings at top and tip. The fit between the guards and the scabbard is very good, but being a hand-made object, it has only one way that it will fit tight. So, if there is a gap, turn it around!
Don’t get this thing wet, or you will end of with black hands! I found this out when doing the test cutting and the water splattered a lot farther than I expected. This, to me, is a problem, and a water-proof leather dye should be used, something the equivalent of Fiebing’s.
TESTING
Cutting
Being a total tyro, my cutting technique may not be exactly kosher, but I seem to have managed the job, although I was limited to 1 gallon milk jugs. Other standard targets (mats, etc) will be acquired over time. The set-up was not ideal, being forced to use the corner of a picnic table in the yard, and so my cut would not be horizontal, but rather in a slight downward arc.
The first cut was with a single jug, and it was with some trepidation that I assayed the cut. I assumed a stance that seemed comfortable, and my grip was one that seemed to allow the wrists to function with little stress (no baseball bat grip!). I made a few test swings over the area the jug would sit, getting the feel of the sword and the cut. Satisfied, we put the jug on the hot spot, and I prepared to take the cut. To my utter surprise, the cut was clean and effortless! The blade sliced through the jug as if it wasn’t there, and I felt absolutely no resistance. Had I not had the evidence of splashing water and a topless jug, I would have thought I had missed the target.
This encouraged me to get crazy, and so I put up two jugs side by side. Again, I assumed a comfortable stance, checked my grip, then checked my blade position at the jugs to make sure that I would not undercut or overcut. Position was just right, so I let fly, giving it a little more force to allow for the extra target. Again, the blade sliced through the jugs easily, although I could have used a little extra energy in the stroke, as I did feel slight resistance on the second jug. But, considering that I had no idea just what to expect, I think I requited myself well. The foe was vanquished!
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
From the viewpoint of a rank beginner, this is a great sword to own and to cut with. It handles well, the balance is just right (for me, at least), and even though I really am clueless at this point, it swings easily with two hands. If I had stronger wrists, arms and upper body (need to work on that), I do believe I could use it one-handed. That, however, remains to be seen.
If you like fantasy blades, or blades with plain, simple lines, you truly ought to consider this one, but hurry, for it will be retired soon.
Historical Accuracy: N/A (fantasy blade)
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.75/5