Review of a Albion Next Gen Squire
Dec 8, 2008 16:31:38 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2008 16:31:38 GMT
The Albion Squire
Specifications
Total length: 99 cm (39")
Blade length: 82 cm (32.28")
Blade width: 5.6 cm (2.2")
CoB: 12.38 cm (4.875")
CoP: 51 cm (20.125")
Weight: 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs)
The sword is an Oakeshott type XVI popular during the first half of the 14th century. The blade has a wide base with a deep well defined fuller running two thirds of blades length , the blade gradually tapers to a needle sharp point diamond shaped in section. The Guard is a Style 2, which swells slightly around the blade and then narrowing and finally flaring slightly on either end. The pommel is a Type J (or K), it is round or slightly oval in shape with a raised central disk
Ordering and delivery
When I ordered the sword, the website indicated that it was out of stock, though still in production and I may have to wait up to four months for delivery. In the end it took just over 2 months to arrive.
The sword arrived in a large four foot long white cardboard box, and was suspended between two blocks of foam with another piece of foam next to the tip. Initially I was concerned that the packing may not have been adequate to protect the sword should it have received a heavy blow during transit. However on inspection the cardboard used is quite strong and it would be difficult to deform the box.
Fit and Finish
Albion’s reputation for well finished swords is certainly warranted. The finish is immaculate.
The Blade has a satin finish with no detectable flaws. The fuller is crisp, and well defined , ending in a beautifully smooth fashion. The tip is well defined and is needle sharp. At first glace the tip appears warningly delicate. However the blade thickens very slightly towards the tip presumably giving it extra strength and rigidity. The edge is sharp though not the razor sharpness I would have liked, but sharp enough. The blade is vary rigged with minimal flexing.
The Guard is finished to the same standard as the blade. There are no gapes, and is well seated, and feel solid.
URL=http://img110.imageshack.us/my.php?image=guard1ia5.jpg][/URL]
The pommel, there is some small markings on the pommel which I did not notice at first and I’m not sure whether these have appeared after I received it or if it came like this. However it is a minor defect and looks like it could be easily polished out. Otherwise the pommel feels solid and there are no gaps. The peening has been neatly done and is virtually undetectable.
The grip is oval in section, leather wrap with five cord risers which give it a very secure feel, and a solid grip even in wet conditions.
The Scabbard, unfortunately Albion swords do not come with a scabbard, which have to be bought separately. However like all Albion products they are expensive with even their basic range of scabbards costing about $300.
Handling
The sword feels light and well balanced it is quite lively but with a defiant blade presence. Tip accuracy is excellent. Overall it is a pleasure handling the blade and feels really positive in hand
Cutting & thrusting
Plastic 2 litre milk jugs.
I decided I would start with a fairly soft target a milk jug, as I had collected 5 in anticipation of the sword arriving . I sliced through the first with surprisingly little resistance. in the second one I tested the swords trusting ability, the narrow tip passed through the jug with little resistance
Water melon
I had a water melon in the fridge which made a tempting target. Not wanting to waste food I put some plastic seating on the ground and then got to work. The first thrust went straight through the melon, I then diced it with no problems or difficulties and very little resistance.
Orange
Still with plastic sheeting on the ground, I thought I would try cutting some smaller fruit, I have some oranges in the kitchen which I put to some good use.
thrusting was easy the good tip control and accuracy meant that I could impale the orange with little difficulty. My first attempt at slicing went horribly wrong and I just managed to bat the orange across the garden. The second attempt was far more successful, I impaled the orange on a peace of doweling and then succeeded in cutting the orange neatly in half.
(both orange and water melon when eaten afterwards)
Foam pipe cladding (See picture below),
Once I got the hang of it slicing rather then hacking, these targets proved very satisfactory slicing through them with ease.
Plastic drinks bottles at first proved problematic, but this is probably more down to my poor cutting technique rather then the sword itself. Once I got more in to the swing of it I managed to cut through a few bottles. But I think I still need a lot of practice.
CONCLUSION and Ratings
Historical Accuracy: 5/5
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money:?/5 this is a difficult one and depends on why you are buying a sword. If you want a sword just for cutting purposes and no other reason then the Albion is poor value for money perhaps 3/5 it is expensive and there are lots of cheaper swords that will cut just as well. If you want a sword that is beautifully finished and historically accurate then I would give it a 5/5
Overall = 4.8 or 4.4
Specifications
Total length: 99 cm (39")
Blade length: 82 cm (32.28")
Blade width: 5.6 cm (2.2")
CoB: 12.38 cm (4.875")
CoP: 51 cm (20.125")
Weight: 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs)
The sword is an Oakeshott type XVI popular during the first half of the 14th century. The blade has a wide base with a deep well defined fuller running two thirds of blades length , the blade gradually tapers to a needle sharp point diamond shaped in section. The Guard is a Style 2, which swells slightly around the blade and then narrowing and finally flaring slightly on either end. The pommel is a Type J (or K), it is round or slightly oval in shape with a raised central disk
Ordering and delivery
When I ordered the sword, the website indicated that it was out of stock, though still in production and I may have to wait up to four months for delivery. In the end it took just over 2 months to arrive.
The sword arrived in a large four foot long white cardboard box, and was suspended between two blocks of foam with another piece of foam next to the tip. Initially I was concerned that the packing may not have been adequate to protect the sword should it have received a heavy blow during transit. However on inspection the cardboard used is quite strong and it would be difficult to deform the box.
Fit and Finish
Albion’s reputation for well finished swords is certainly warranted. The finish is immaculate.
The Blade has a satin finish with no detectable flaws. The fuller is crisp, and well defined , ending in a beautifully smooth fashion. The tip is well defined and is needle sharp. At first glace the tip appears warningly delicate. However the blade thickens very slightly towards the tip presumably giving it extra strength and rigidity. The edge is sharp though not the razor sharpness I would have liked, but sharp enough. The blade is vary rigged with minimal flexing.
The Guard is finished to the same standard as the blade. There are no gapes, and is well seated, and feel solid.
URL=http://img110.imageshack.us/my.php?image=guard1ia5.jpg][/URL]
The pommel, there is some small markings on the pommel which I did not notice at first and I’m not sure whether these have appeared after I received it or if it came like this. However it is a minor defect and looks like it could be easily polished out. Otherwise the pommel feels solid and there are no gaps. The peening has been neatly done and is virtually undetectable.
The grip is oval in section, leather wrap with five cord risers which give it a very secure feel, and a solid grip even in wet conditions.
The Scabbard, unfortunately Albion swords do not come with a scabbard, which have to be bought separately. However like all Albion products they are expensive with even their basic range of scabbards costing about $300.
Handling
The sword feels light and well balanced it is quite lively but with a defiant blade presence. Tip accuracy is excellent. Overall it is a pleasure handling the blade and feels really positive in hand
Cutting & thrusting
Plastic 2 litre milk jugs.
I decided I would start with a fairly soft target a milk jug, as I had collected 5 in anticipation of the sword arriving . I sliced through the first with surprisingly little resistance. in the second one I tested the swords trusting ability, the narrow tip passed through the jug with little resistance
Water melon
I had a water melon in the fridge which made a tempting target. Not wanting to waste food I put some plastic seating on the ground and then got to work. The first thrust went straight through the melon, I then diced it with no problems or difficulties and very little resistance.
Orange
Still with plastic sheeting on the ground, I thought I would try cutting some smaller fruit, I have some oranges in the kitchen which I put to some good use.
thrusting was easy the good tip control and accuracy meant that I could impale the orange with little difficulty. My first attempt at slicing went horribly wrong and I just managed to bat the orange across the garden. The second attempt was far more successful, I impaled the orange on a peace of doweling and then succeeded in cutting the orange neatly in half.
(both orange and water melon when eaten afterwards)
Foam pipe cladding (See picture below),
Once I got the hang of it slicing rather then hacking, these targets proved very satisfactory slicing through them with ease.
Plastic drinks bottles at first proved problematic, but this is probably more down to my poor cutting technique rather then the sword itself. Once I got more in to the swing of it I managed to cut through a few bottles. But I think I still need a lot of practice.
CONCLUSION and Ratings
Historical Accuracy: 5/5
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money:?/5 this is a difficult one and depends on why you are buying a sword. If you want a sword just for cutting purposes and no other reason then the Albion is poor value for money perhaps 3/5 it is expensive and there are lots of cheaper swords that will cut just as well. If you want a sword that is beautifully finished and historically accurate then I would give it a 5/5
Overall = 4.8 or 4.4