Gen 2 Celtic Anthropomorphic Leaf Blade
Nov 24, 2007 17:10:37 GMT
Post by Brendan Olszowy on Nov 24, 2007 17:10:37 GMT
Generation 2 Celtic Anthropomorphic Sword Review, by Brendan O., Western Australia.
This is the sword that I chose to replace my defective 15th C Scottish Single Handed sword. My faith in G2 long blades was wavering, so I decided to choose a more stout, axe like blade, hoping for the utmost durability. It came down to a painstaking decision between this and G2s Falcatta, which I love. I ended up choosing this one as I like Celtic culture, and love the simple elegance of it’s design.
What the hey is an Anthropomorphic? Wikipedia defines Anthropomorphism as: the attribution of uniquely human characteristics and qualities to nonhuman beings, or inanimate objects. In other words it looks like a little man. Dang I wish I had a *ahem* ‘blade’ like that between my legs.
Initial Experience
I was stoked to find this package waiting for me at the Post Office (no surprise their), It had been sent direct by Clyde 8 days earlier. I was so eager I tried to unpack it with one hand while driving home. It was made difficult by multiple layers of newspaper taped about her. Clyde puts some serious care into packaging his swords. Inch by Inch it was revealed. First came feeling the pommel area, a mile later I was able to grip the handle, noting its girth, however it was not as long as I had half expected, knowing Gen 2 grips are larger than historical swords.
By the time my 7km journey was over I had barely uncovered the hilt, so I stopped in the driveway and ravaged my prize free. YES! The craftsmanship is excellent. The hilt parts nicely polished and symmetrical. The blade straight, smooth and even, not wavy. The fuller was as close to perfect as I could hope for. The grip accurately turned. I was, and am increasingly moreso, IMPRESSED! Jumping out of the car to open the gate I had to seize a moment to hold her aloft; hmmm, solid and heavy enough so you know its there, but due to the compact dimensions, it doesn’t feel cumbersome. Better go home before someone sees me admiring my prize.
Statistics (measured)
Blade length: 595mm. (23.75”)
Blade Width: At cross: 41mm (1.61”); 5” from tip: 55mm (2.2”)
Blade thickness: 4.8mm (0.188”)
Hilt length: 185mm (7.4”) + 25mm (1”) cross legs.
Grip Length: 125mm (5”)
Overall: 780mm (30.7”)
Guard Width: 90mm (3.6”)
POB (point of balance): 115mm (4.6") from base of guard
COP (center of percussion - 'the sweet spot'): 380mm (15.2”)" from the guard
Weight: 1300g (2lbs 14oz)
Fit and Finish
The Blade
I’m really impressed by this. Its nothing like the finish of the first sword I got. It’s really accurately crafted. The fullers are dead straight and symmetrical, and start and stop at exactly the same spot on both sides. On my old sword they end about 1cm away from each other. The blade has no fluctuations in thickness. I love how it starts with a hexagonal section, and turns into a diamond section where the fuller starts. Its quite artistic.
The Grip
The overall width of the grip is 37mm (1.44”) at the points. The problem with the grip is that it is round. Its ok to wield with my average sized hands, but bordering on too thick. I’m not perfect cutting single handed with the best of grips, but with a round grip it is a bit of a hit and miss affair. Luckily the grip is a fine size to handle with two hands comfortably. I did a heap of cutting with it last night. Then tonight I did the same modification that Dan (Sept) did with his /index.cgi?board=swordcustom&action=display&thread=1195748746&page=1 . I ground down the knobs to give the grip a more oval section. It is now 28mm (1.1”) wide, giving a much more sword like grip. In fact as soon as I picked it up to feel the new grip it felt like it had dropped 200g (6 oz) or so! It’s just more controllable. The dips are too spaced to pop a finger into each, by far, but it isn’t uncomfortable. It’s interesting, but works, you’re fingers just find their own places to reside.
The Pommel
Cute. Interesting that it is a combination of the second cross, and the ball. Very arty to me. Excelently crafted and assembled.
The Guard
Excellently crafted and assembled again. There is a slight discolouration in one spot, which I’m sure will polish out.
The Scabbard
Whoa! Seriously thick leather. Very chunky little number. I like the little tongue that comes down the side near the throat. It’s a nice touch. Also of note is that when wiped with a wet rag NO INK CAME OFF IT. Clyde, have you changed the dyes that you are using? Previously the scabbard leather would lose a lot of ink if moistened. That was a test I did of course. I’m not in the habit of dousing leather. I oiled it up.
Testing
No cool pics or Vids sorry. The edge was not scary sharp, so I got my new Accusharp (as endorsed by SBG) on to it. 4 or 5 strokes with the Accusharp and she was scary sharp. I like the Accusharp. Get one.
Last night I had a great session on 40 cardboard boxes of a few different sizes. Some narrow thick ones that weren’t easy to cut. But she did multiple box cuts admirably. Some were thin larger ones that were just gratuitous fun. I did some multiple target attacks and was really impressed how fast I could snap the blade from a short swing, and back again. I got the impression from Pauls first review that this would be like an axe, but I found it changed direction fine. Its no Rapier, but if you commit the muscle, it will respond.
Basically if you do a full powered single handed swing you do have to follow it right through. It pulls pretty hard. But with two hands it is more controlable than your usual bastard sword.
It’s noteworthy that at the end of an hour cutting cardboard the edge had not dulled at all, and she was cutting just as well as the start, better actually due to me getting used to the sword.
There were very fine surface scratches across the blade.
I followed that up with a pool noodle. These things are hard. It cuts upward every time, but rarely downward. I have no scientific findings to offer from that, but I had fun.
Plastic Bottles.
I knocked off a stack of them too. The big ones were magic. But those little 200ml suckes are tough. Made harder by the fact that they sit closer to the stand, making one hesitate about applying max power in fear of losing control and swipng the stand. Again no findings to repot, but I had fun, thanks.
Thrusting.
Though not a thrusting blade, worth noting is that I found point control outstanding with this sword. I’m gumby at thrusting usually, probably due to lack of practice. But the tip of this sword just goes where I want it to. Weird.
I think it would look nice with a more acute point on her, maybe the last 5” of the blade could be brought in. Its butchery but I think I may be onto something. I’ll do it when I get round to it.
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
Historical Accuracy: ?/5 I’m not getting into that debate. But it is beautiful!
Fit and Finish: 5/5 Very well crafted.
Handling: 4/5 Lose half a point for the grip, and half for the weight.
Structural Integrity: 5/5 No faults to report.
Value for Money: 5/5 $170 from Imperial Weapons. If they are all made with this level of attention to detail. Keep it going Clyde.
X Factor: 5/5 Theres just something about this sword which has got me quite emotional. Its just fun to use.
Overall: 4.8/5
To Quote Dan (Sept): “I loved the blade, I loved the fittings, I even loved the weird scabbard ….this sword is now one that I would consider my favourite”
It’s a sweet piece, that more people should get.
This is the sword that I chose to replace my defective 15th C Scottish Single Handed sword. My faith in G2 long blades was wavering, so I decided to choose a more stout, axe like blade, hoping for the utmost durability. It came down to a painstaking decision between this and G2s Falcatta, which I love. I ended up choosing this one as I like Celtic culture, and love the simple elegance of it’s design.
What the hey is an Anthropomorphic? Wikipedia defines Anthropomorphism as: the attribution of uniquely human characteristics and qualities to nonhuman beings, or inanimate objects. In other words it looks like a little man. Dang I wish I had a *ahem* ‘blade’ like that between my legs.
Initial Experience
I was stoked to find this package waiting for me at the Post Office (no surprise their), It had been sent direct by Clyde 8 days earlier. I was so eager I tried to unpack it with one hand while driving home. It was made difficult by multiple layers of newspaper taped about her. Clyde puts some serious care into packaging his swords. Inch by Inch it was revealed. First came feeling the pommel area, a mile later I was able to grip the handle, noting its girth, however it was not as long as I had half expected, knowing Gen 2 grips are larger than historical swords.
By the time my 7km journey was over I had barely uncovered the hilt, so I stopped in the driveway and ravaged my prize free. YES! The craftsmanship is excellent. The hilt parts nicely polished and symmetrical. The blade straight, smooth and even, not wavy. The fuller was as close to perfect as I could hope for. The grip accurately turned. I was, and am increasingly moreso, IMPRESSED! Jumping out of the car to open the gate I had to seize a moment to hold her aloft; hmmm, solid and heavy enough so you know its there, but due to the compact dimensions, it doesn’t feel cumbersome. Better go home before someone sees me admiring my prize.
Statistics (measured)
Blade length: 595mm. (23.75”)
Blade Width: At cross: 41mm (1.61”); 5” from tip: 55mm (2.2”)
Blade thickness: 4.8mm (0.188”)
Hilt length: 185mm (7.4”) + 25mm (1”) cross legs.
Grip Length: 125mm (5”)
Overall: 780mm (30.7”)
Guard Width: 90mm (3.6”)
POB (point of balance): 115mm (4.6") from base of guard
COP (center of percussion - 'the sweet spot'): 380mm (15.2”)" from the guard
Weight: 1300g (2lbs 14oz)
Fit and Finish
The Blade
I’m really impressed by this. Its nothing like the finish of the first sword I got. It’s really accurately crafted. The fullers are dead straight and symmetrical, and start and stop at exactly the same spot on both sides. On my old sword they end about 1cm away from each other. The blade has no fluctuations in thickness. I love how it starts with a hexagonal section, and turns into a diamond section where the fuller starts. Its quite artistic.
The Grip
The overall width of the grip is 37mm (1.44”) at the points. The problem with the grip is that it is round. Its ok to wield with my average sized hands, but bordering on too thick. I’m not perfect cutting single handed with the best of grips, but with a round grip it is a bit of a hit and miss affair. Luckily the grip is a fine size to handle with two hands comfortably. I did a heap of cutting with it last night. Then tonight I did the same modification that Dan (Sept) did with his /index.cgi?board=swordcustom&action=display&thread=1195748746&page=1 . I ground down the knobs to give the grip a more oval section. It is now 28mm (1.1”) wide, giving a much more sword like grip. In fact as soon as I picked it up to feel the new grip it felt like it had dropped 200g (6 oz) or so! It’s just more controllable. The dips are too spaced to pop a finger into each, by far, but it isn’t uncomfortable. It’s interesting, but works, you’re fingers just find their own places to reside.
The Pommel
Cute. Interesting that it is a combination of the second cross, and the ball. Very arty to me. Excelently crafted and assembled.
The Guard
Excellently crafted and assembled again. There is a slight discolouration in one spot, which I’m sure will polish out.
The Scabbard
Whoa! Seriously thick leather. Very chunky little number. I like the little tongue that comes down the side near the throat. It’s a nice touch. Also of note is that when wiped with a wet rag NO INK CAME OFF IT. Clyde, have you changed the dyes that you are using? Previously the scabbard leather would lose a lot of ink if moistened. That was a test I did of course. I’m not in the habit of dousing leather. I oiled it up.
Testing
No cool pics or Vids sorry. The edge was not scary sharp, so I got my new Accusharp (as endorsed by SBG) on to it. 4 or 5 strokes with the Accusharp and she was scary sharp. I like the Accusharp. Get one.
Last night I had a great session on 40 cardboard boxes of a few different sizes. Some narrow thick ones that weren’t easy to cut. But she did multiple box cuts admirably. Some were thin larger ones that were just gratuitous fun. I did some multiple target attacks and was really impressed how fast I could snap the blade from a short swing, and back again. I got the impression from Pauls first review that this would be like an axe, but I found it changed direction fine. Its no Rapier, but if you commit the muscle, it will respond.
Basically if you do a full powered single handed swing you do have to follow it right through. It pulls pretty hard. But with two hands it is more controlable than your usual bastard sword.
It’s noteworthy that at the end of an hour cutting cardboard the edge had not dulled at all, and she was cutting just as well as the start, better actually due to me getting used to the sword.
There were very fine surface scratches across the blade.
I followed that up with a pool noodle. These things are hard. It cuts upward every time, but rarely downward. I have no scientific findings to offer from that, but I had fun.
Plastic Bottles.
I knocked off a stack of them too. The big ones were magic. But those little 200ml suckes are tough. Made harder by the fact that they sit closer to the stand, making one hesitate about applying max power in fear of losing control and swipng the stand. Again no findings to repot, but I had fun, thanks.
Thrusting.
Though not a thrusting blade, worth noting is that I found point control outstanding with this sword. I’m gumby at thrusting usually, probably due to lack of practice. But the tip of this sword just goes where I want it to. Weird.
I think it would look nice with a more acute point on her, maybe the last 5” of the blade could be brought in. Its butchery but I think I may be onto something. I’ll do it when I get round to it.
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
Historical Accuracy: ?/5 I’m not getting into that debate. But it is beautiful!
Fit and Finish: 5/5 Very well crafted.
Handling: 4/5 Lose half a point for the grip, and half for the weight.
Structural Integrity: 5/5 No faults to report.
Value for Money: 5/5 $170 from Imperial Weapons. If they are all made with this level of attention to detail. Keep it going Clyde.
X Factor: 5/5 Theres just something about this sword which has got me quite emotional. Its just fun to use.
Overall: 4.8/5
To Quote Dan (Sept): “I loved the blade, I loved the fittings, I even loved the weird scabbard ….this sword is now one that I would consider my favourite”
It’s a sweet piece, that more people should get.