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Post by shadowhowler on Jul 7, 2009 15:28:36 GMT
If your getting some shinai for WMA, then these might be a good idea as well. They balance a shinai closer to western swords...although I am unsure of how the sword nation´s shinai will fit these. I use the cheap budk shinai and they work...but required some modification on my end. Quite useful for training...although the weight is lower then it should be and it doesn´t bind right. And for sparring, these are great because of the safety factor of these over wood or steel blunts...especially if you don´t have a teacher and your starting out. You should still use masks, gloves, cup and what not. www.ardenwoodforge.com/html/hilts.html Those are very interesting Cold... I've never seen anything quite like that. Thank you for that. +1
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2009 14:05:45 GMT
I might just have to settle for a broom stick. It would probably work good enough.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2009 19:52:31 GMT
Yea, good lookin out CN...I like the idea of using real hilts on a wooden blade.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2009 16:51:15 GMT
I know that all of you guys think that I should start off with a lower end sword, and that is a perfectly logical idea. However, I would rather be stuck with one good sword than two average swords. I also do not want to work next summer, because I practically wasted this one working. So I am thinking about just getting one good sword again. I have been liking the looks of the Crecy, and Albions are 15% off. This means that I can get the Crecy for $680. I might just go ahead and get it, and whatever I have left over will go towards the VA practical arming sword. I still hate the fact that I don't get the scabbard and belt, so I'm only considering it right now, but it is a very tempting offer.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2009 17:22:15 GMT
I really wouldn't worry about scabbard and belt. These are easy to make yourself, like some guys here already said. If you don't have the tools to make a wooden scabbard you could talk to a wood worker to make you a basic core. I don't think a wooden core like the one in Odingards tutorial would cost that much. Making a leather cover is very easy, you can pick up the leather on ebay or somewhere else. Is there a shoemaker around your town? He might have some useful leather. I get mine from a friend whose father is a shoemaker, too.
So what I wanted to say, just go ahead and buy the sword, scabbard and belt can be bought/made later. If you keep the sword in your house and oil it regularly there won't be any problem with rost and stuff.
I like the Crecy, too. Very nice choice, if you get it!
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Post by hotspur on Jul 10, 2009 17:30:44 GMT
FWIW, I have always encouraged initial hobby/work or professional learning/using tools/ instruments to spend the most you are able to and that most appeals to you. I made a compromise on that first purchase and its parallel from another but the other source would have been a better buy in the end. I suffered with the same excuse that one came with a scabbard, the other not.
The flip side of suggestions is to simply buy one to get the first one out of your system. In any case, I really feel as though I had gotten pretty diverse in collecting while missing learning one sword well before moving to another. Quite often, I realize I simply haven't put enough time in with a particular piece to appreciate both the sword and my performance with it.
Another hurdle for you but I assume you have taken into the considerations regarding age. I imagine many of the vendors will work that out with you but I have to hope you have a sponsor/parent to make a buy possible. Believe me, I know a good many adolescents are more responsible than even kids like myself at times but there is that one issue that will need attaention.
As to scabbard or no, go with the better buy for a sword without a scabbard unless wearing a sword is a priority. I use cardboard and duct tape for travel and safety when I don't have one supplied (the Conyers falchion is tricky). Some simple stout leather examples are available after sale and without sending a sword in. These can be sold through A&A and others, as long as you can offer a tracing or good measuring, they are not hard to fit as there is a little leeway. Complete packages with suspension and nice fit and finish are important to some for the wear or display but they are just a simple accessory to me.
Russ Ellis (Triton Works) chides me about my cardboard and duct tape scabbards but I have a good pattern methodology down and some day I many do some leather ones to upgrade. That reminds me that I need more military grade tape. Those are actually just two regular swords and the falchion to take care of. The old bare swords get swaddled in cloth and boxed while traveling.
Good luck with that first one, I know I put a lot of time in just making a list, then down to two of the same type from two makers. I went for the one with a scabbard and regret that while still liking my first.
Cheers
Hotspur; I make similar lists and add/revise them every day
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jul 11, 2009 2:13:40 GMT
you know Jonathan, you've been drooling over that Crecy this whole time, maybe you should just go for it. otherwise you might be overly critical of anything else, saying things like: "I bet the Crecy wouldn't have this slight flaw." or "I bet I could have made that cut with the Crecy." even if it isn't true. if you have enough left over for a practical arming all the better. Hotspur makes some good points. really at this point you just have to decide.
I'm sure you'd be very happy with the V.A. swords but I don't want to push you to get them then have you moping about being sad you didn't get the Albion.
lol you're a funny guy, I like you, but just get something already. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 2:26:33 GMT
you know Jonathan, you've been drooling over that Crecy this whole time, maybe you should just go for it. otherwise you might be overly critical of anything else, saying things like: "I bet the Crecy wouldn't have this slight flaw." or "I bet I could have made that cut with the Crecy." even if it isn't true. if you have enough left over for a practical arming all the better. Hotspur makes some good points. really at this point you just have to decide. I'm sure you'd be very happy with the V.A. swords but I don't want to push you to get them then have you moping about being sad you didn't get the Albion. lol you're a funny guy, I like you, but just get something already. ;D I think you have all the info you need Jonathan mate. You've looked before you leaped. Now all you need is the courage to jump
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 7:49:26 GMT
Just get the one you want most, and if you decide you want more than one sword, use the one you already have to rob a bank and then buy those too.
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Post by shadowhowler on Jul 11, 2009 8:07:34 GMT
Just get the one you want most, and if you decide you want more than one sword, use the one you already have to rob a bank and then buy those too. Nah... he's not in the UK.... they really love that 'Sword Crime' out there. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 16:41:34 GMT
My parents are aware of my plans and have no problem with me getting a sword, as long as I pay for it. I would really like a high quality sword like the Crecy, but I just don't know if I would be happier with it or with two or three other swords. I almost feel guilty spending all of my money on one sword, when I could be getting two or three with scabbards. I just really do not know what I should do. I guess I'm worried that I might be too afraid of damaging the Crecy to really enjoy it. My other worry is that I will get two basic swords and I will be stuck with them, wishing that I had have chosen one great sword instead. I don't know what to do, to be honest.
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Post by YlliwCir on Jul 11, 2009 16:50:49 GMT
Jonathan, I'd keep an eye on the second hand market for the Crecy. Might be able to find a good deal there. Of course I realize you don't have cash on hand so timing is an issue. Still if you could get the Albion a bit cheaper, you might be more comfortable using it. I know what you mean tho, my wife ordered me an expensive sword a few Christmases ago. It was really nice and I'd like to have one, but I'd never be able to use it in good conscience so I canceled it and got one I felt comfortably using. It is my opinion swords are to be used, if one wants something to hang on the wall and admire, get a nice painting.
Another option would be to just get one cheaper sword, say a VA practical LS, to play with and keep some money back to add to when you can. Then you could take you time deciding on a higher end blade.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 19:25:02 GMT
I am have made a few choices, and they are: A) VA arming sword, Hanwei Albrecht II, and VA Kriegschwert. B) VA Kriegschwert and Crusader. C) Albion Crecy. D) Anything else.
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Post by YlliwCir on Jul 11, 2009 19:50:14 GMT
Good choices all around looks like to me. Be aware you'll have to sharpen the Al II if you want it to cut well.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 20:03:42 GMT
I considered buying the Al II once but decided not to after handling one in a shop. The pommel is freakin huge!! The sword still handled nicely but that pommel was quite a left down.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 20:10:34 GMT
Yes, I think that I will not get the Albrecht II. I examined it a bit more, and read some more reviews, and I think that although it is good for the price, it is not for me. The pommel looks too big and the gaurd too small, and then there is the sharpening issue. So that means that plan A is no good.
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Post by YlliwCir on Jul 11, 2009 20:13:22 GMT
The pommel put me off at first also. It is supposed to be consistant with the original. At any rate it has grown on me, one of my favorites now. Love the blade.
I think your right to pass on it tho, Jonathan, it does take some work to get it cutting sharp. You could replace it with a VA practical LS, then you'd have a matched set. Then again that'd be kind of reduntant with the Krieg.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 20:33:21 GMT
Yes, getting the practical longsword will be pointless if I have the Kriegschwert. I really want the Kriegschwert, but I'm not sure if I want to opt for the arming sword or the Crusader. And then again, I could always go with the old plan and get the 1313 but get the arming sword too. I really have too many possible choices.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 21:10:10 GMT
May I suggest waiting for the VA Malatesta or Passau to come out, as far as a longsword goes? Based on your earlier statements I think you would like either of them more than the Kriegschwert, as neither of them has a wheel pommel. You could get either the Crusader or the Practical Arming Sword along with your choice of longsword. If you are unsure about whether to get one high-end sword like an Albion or a few slightly lower-end ones for your first sword/swords, I would suggest getting few slightly lower-end ones. If, however, you're really dead-set on getting one particular higher-end sword, such as the Albion Crecy, by all means, go for it. As soon as I saw the "Knecht" sword on Albion's website I immediately thought "I must have this blade!" and have been planning to buy it as my first sword ever since. But since you seem unsure, I'd personally recommend going with the two slightly lower-end swords, since that way you'll probably have less chance of being disappointed. The choice is ultimately yours to make, and believe me, I know how you're feeling right now. I think we've all been in situations where we just couldn't decide what option to choose.
I know this is kind of strange for my first post, but I've been following this thread since before I registered.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 22:07:47 GMT
Welcom to the forums then, mattofthemidlands. I gave you karma for giving me advice. Yes, I have been planning on waiting for the new VA swords to come out before making a final decision, but I am trying to gain some more information before that time arrives. I really like the looks of the Malatesta too, but I have compared its stats to the Kriegschwert and basically, the Malatesta is at least one inch longer yet slightly less wide. I am also concerned about the hilt of the Malatesta, as it is somewhat short for a longsword. The scent stopper pommel makes up for the short length of the grip, but I am not sure if it will put strain on the threaded part of the tang if I use the pommel for a grip. In addition to that, the geometry of the entire hilt looks somewhat awkward. The grip looks very thin near the ends, but thick and circular in the center. The part of the pommel that meets the grip also looks somewhat thin in diameter. From the pictures on the Sword Nation, Christian Fletcher and VA, the tip of the blade almost looks diamond in cross sections, although this is not a bad thing, but rather an interesting fact. Right now I am comfortable with getting the VA arming sword in place of the Crusader, if finances become a problem for me. I am not nearly as picky when it comes to one handed swords as I am about two handed swords. It might not be as pretty as the Crusader and it may lack a belt, but it costs almost half of the price, and I assume that it performs just as good. I will probably be able to use the belt for my longsword with the arming sword too, but this doesn't mean that I won't get the Crusader, rather that it is my backup plan. I don't think that I will be getting one higher end sword this time. To tell you the truth, I have not really found a higher end sword that I am as visually pleased with as the VA swords, except for the CF/AT Seneschal and the Albion Steward and Count. I like the Crecy a lot, but I like type XIIAs more than XVIAs.
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