Review: Valiant Armory Black Prince
Dec 8, 2008 9:18:14 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2008 9:18:14 GMT
Valiant Armory Black Prince Review
Reviewed by: Brandon Seder
Location: Saginaw, Michigan
INTRODUCTION:
The Valiant Armory Black Prince is one of those swords that just looks like it demands your attention. From what I have read about swords this would be condsidered a Oakeshott Type XVa with a Type H pommel and a Style 8 guard.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
When the package arrived I was excited to have recieved my first real sword. Packaging was done well, large box with plenty of brown packing paper. The sword was wrapped in plastic with plenty of grease to keep it from rusting. Sword felt heavy at first but I figured it was because of the scabbard attached. The weight wasnt much of an issue at first due to the excitement. Took my time cleaning the sword and getting a feel for it. Everything felt solid, nothing was loose.
SWORD STATS
Total Length - 43 Inches
Blade Length - 34 Inches
Handle Length - 8.5 Inches
Guard Length - 10 Inches
POB - 3.5 Inches
Weight - 4 pounds 8 ounces
POMMEL
The pommel was a standard Type H. Well rounded and comfortable to the touch. While holding the sword it never got in the way.
GRIP
The grip was made from Macassar Ebony. Liked to slip in my grip when swinging it, can only imagine how bad it will be when its wet.
GUARD
Felt Solid and didnt shake or rattle. Almost no gap between the blade and guard.
BLADE
Solid blade with the right amount of flexibility while holding true to its form. I recieved mine non sharpened but that wasnt an issue with me, I would be able to sharpen it later. Blade was straight with no abnormal waves where they shouldnt be. Evident hammer marks and some grinding blemishes but nothing a good sanding and polishing couldnt fix.
SCABBARD
Very poor quality, sword didnt fit in very well at first. Took both me and my wife to get the sword in the first time. A few bend marks in the leather and some of the stitching was cut along the sides.
HANDLING
Wasnt able to actually get any use out of the sword, due to all the snow outside. Swinging it around in the basement was fun but the grip becomes very slippery when its wet. The weight makes it hard to swing properly and can be very hard to swing with enough speed to cut anything. Not really a sword you can swing around for too long.
HISTORICAL ACCURACY
After seeing a picture of the original sword I feel it is a loose representation of it. I believe it does however resemble the basic Type XVa.
CONCLUSION
While the Black Prince sword may be heavy it is indeed a nice looking blade. Great for any collection but not really the best if you want to do some cutting with it. For the price its definitely worth having in your collection.
Historical Accuracy: 3/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Handling: 2/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
OVERALL: 3/5
The Valiant Armory Black Prince can be found at Kult of Athena for only $149.95 before shipping.
Reviewed by: Brandon Seder
Location: Saginaw, Michigan
INTRODUCTION:
The Valiant Armory Black Prince is one of those swords that just looks like it demands your attention. From what I have read about swords this would be condsidered a Oakeshott Type XVa with a Type H pommel and a Style 8 guard.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
When the package arrived I was excited to have recieved my first real sword. Packaging was done well, large box with plenty of brown packing paper. The sword was wrapped in plastic with plenty of grease to keep it from rusting. Sword felt heavy at first but I figured it was because of the scabbard attached. The weight wasnt much of an issue at first due to the excitement. Took my time cleaning the sword and getting a feel for it. Everything felt solid, nothing was loose.
SWORD STATS
Total Length - 43 Inches
Blade Length - 34 Inches
Handle Length - 8.5 Inches
Guard Length - 10 Inches
POB - 3.5 Inches
Weight - 4 pounds 8 ounces
POMMEL
The pommel was a standard Type H. Well rounded and comfortable to the touch. While holding the sword it never got in the way.
GRIP
The grip was made from Macassar Ebony. Liked to slip in my grip when swinging it, can only imagine how bad it will be when its wet.
GUARD
Felt Solid and didnt shake or rattle. Almost no gap between the blade and guard.
BLADE
Solid blade with the right amount of flexibility while holding true to its form. I recieved mine non sharpened but that wasnt an issue with me, I would be able to sharpen it later. Blade was straight with no abnormal waves where they shouldnt be. Evident hammer marks and some grinding blemishes but nothing a good sanding and polishing couldnt fix.
SCABBARD
Very poor quality, sword didnt fit in very well at first. Took both me and my wife to get the sword in the first time. A few bend marks in the leather and some of the stitching was cut along the sides.
HANDLING
Wasnt able to actually get any use out of the sword, due to all the snow outside. Swinging it around in the basement was fun but the grip becomes very slippery when its wet. The weight makes it hard to swing properly and can be very hard to swing with enough speed to cut anything. Not really a sword you can swing around for too long.
HISTORICAL ACCURACY
After seeing a picture of the original sword I feel it is a loose representation of it. I believe it does however resemble the basic Type XVa.
CONCLUSION
While the Black Prince sword may be heavy it is indeed a nice looking blade. Great for any collection but not really the best if you want to do some cutting with it. For the price its definitely worth having in your collection.
Historical Accuracy: 3/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Handling: 2/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
OVERALL: 3/5
The Valiant Armory Black Prince can be found at Kult of Athena for only $149.95 before shipping.