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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2009 5:30:23 GMT
I actually kind of like the basic CF leather scabbard. The inner leather is treated to be non-corrosive, so that's not a huge issue.
The VA Signature line is really nice if you like the looks of it. It doesn't appeal to me for whatever reason. I wouldn't worry about quality in the least, though. You might even be able to have someone (AKA Gus Trim) custom tune it.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 27, 2009 6:29:25 GMT
I don't think there'd be any point in "tuning" the new batch of V.A. swords. they seem to have gotten them right this time. the only reason the "custom tuned" versions exist is because the first batch of swords came back too heavy and instead of scrapping the whole batch they decided to fix them. with the new batch, as I understand it, there's nothing to fix.
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Post by shadowhowler on Jun 27, 2009 8:06:58 GMT
I still don't trust the swords made in China. The scabbards and furniture on the signature line more than meet my needs, but the sword itself is what I am more concerned about. This statement, as a whole, is part of your problem. The VA swords are very good weapons... better then many weapons NOT made in china. Also, there are some amazing high end swords made in China... there are production swords at the upper ends that sell for 2k and over that are made in China and are amazing weapons. Fearing that a sword is made in china is irrational... it's like some of the people I know here in the south that still think if a car is made in japan and not in america it must be junk. Very, Very wrong.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2009 9:10:37 GMT
"I still don't trust the swords made in China." - Jonathan Kenyon I'm actually happy I stumbled in here on a bad click. Not everything made in China falls into the "CCC" (Cruddy Chinese Cheapo) category. Here are some examples of good manufacturers who have production based out of China: www.jin-shi.com/index.htm (Not the best looking website but Garrett makes a solid piece) www.zheng-wu.com/ (This company is something of a legend in the high end market) www.casiberia.com/ (Whatever your opinion of Hanwei they do make cutting quality pieces) Don't generalize based on a pre-conceived notion. (*now, to head back to my Chinese sword forum*)
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2009 13:52:19 GMT
I had a feeling that my statedment would raise some concern. I am not cautious of buying the swords ONLY because they are made in China. The main reason is that A) $400 for a sword, scabbard and belt seems like too good of a deal. B) The sword itself would probably cost somewhere around $250, with the fancy hilt furniture, the scabbard, and the belt bringing the price up to $400. For the price, I have no doubt that it performs well, but as some of you on here have already told me, I get what I pay for. So which sword is better: a $250 sword, or a $450 sword?
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 27, 2009 14:36:51 GMT
well that depends on hich $250 sword you compare to which $450 sword.
if you go to the Cold Steel website and buy one of their swords you will pay $400 pretty easily. if you compare that sword to a similar Practical sword fro Valiant Armory which costs $250-ish I promise you the $250-ish VA practical will be the better sword.
but yeah, if you get an Atrim you can compare that sword favorably to just about any production sword out there. and a lot of customs too.
go through my videos (user name: Ianflaer on youtube) the only sword I have that isn't made in China is my MHAT (Mike Harris modified ATrim) type XII. I have both a VA practical long and practical arming sword. the practical longsword I have cuts better than just about any production sword out there. my swords do some heay cutting: triple mats, double mats on bamboo, bamboo and they have all held up fine.
I understand your concern but consider this: 1. Valiant Armory swords (practical and signature lines only) have a proven track record. 2. if there is anything wrong with a VA sword Sonny Suttles jumps on fixing it so fast it's almost like there never was a problem. I have seen threads here were people were asking questions like "hey is this normal? what should I do about this?" and Sonny pops in and says "I'm replacing that for you give me your address please." I've seen him do it with V.A. swords that were not bought from him directly too, it doesn't matter to Sonny, if it's his product he supports it.
I bet you would be surprised at just how good a VA Kreigswert or Practical Long would be.
yes, an ATrim would be better. not because the VA swords aren't good, but because Atrims are bloody amazing.
we are comparing really good to outright awesome here, it's a no-lose choice.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2009 20:43:46 GMT
I was comparing the VA to the AT. I know that I will be happy with either choice, but as of now, I am probably getting the 1313. Maybe I can get a scabbard for it now, and if not now I will in the future. I have already decided on my second sword that I will get though, (I have no idea when I will be able to get it, be it one year or six) and it is the VA crusader. I have not made a final decision yet, but I am nearing the end of my job.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 27, 2009 21:09:56 GMT
I know you were but I wanted to reassure you that if you chose a V.A. sword that you would be getting a good one. you know there's a thread on making your own scabbard in the general discussions board right now and it looks pretty easy. I think I'm going to have to give it a try.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 0:37:40 GMT
I lack the necessary tools to make a scabbard. I believe that tonight I will be sending Christian Fletcher an email with questions pertaining to scabbards.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 0:45:55 GMT
I went to Christian Fletcher's website, and I realized that his email address is not on there. Does anybody know it?
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Post by alvin on Jun 28, 2009 0:55:32 GMT
I went to Christian Fletcher's website, and I realized that his email address is not on there. Does anybody know it? The one given in his Profile may be it. /index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=christianfletcher
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 1:08:27 GMT
Yes, thank you very much, Alvin. I just sent Mr. Fletcher an email. I am going to be very dissapointed if a simple wood scabbard with cheap leather is going to cost a lot, but I have a bad feeling that it is. P.S. Alvin, I read your review on the ArmArt viking sword, and I found it interesting that you have Anglo-Saxon ancestry. I also have Anglo-Saxon predecessors, but that is off-topic.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 1:21:06 GMT
Try this one
cf@christianfletcher.com
Richard
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 1:40:21 GMT
Thank you Sword Nation. I have sent Mr. Fletcher an email, and I am awaiting his response. As I understand, you are one of the primary sellers of Valiant Armory swords. Is there anything that you would care to tell me about VA's swords, other than that they are a GREAT deal for the price? Also, if there is any way that you could help me with my scabbard predicament, I would be extremely thankful.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 2:00:38 GMT
I pretty much agree with the previous posts on your first purchase. I would recommend one of the VA ATrim Arming or Long Swords. The second series of these swords are excellent. They have a great weight and balance. Plus they are very sharp which is perfect for practice cutting.
As for the scabbard situation, later this summer as you may know Valiant is offering the custom sword shop. There is where you might be able to piece together a practical line sword & scabbard with a suspension belt with your choice of colors. You would also be able to choose your pommel and guard for the sword.
Richard
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 2:07:41 GMT
Thank you so much, Richard! You have no idea how much this new information helps me! I am somewhat confused, however. About the custom sword shop - is it a combination where you get to customize your own sword, belt, and scabbard as one purchase? Will you be able to purchase them seperately, or do you have to purchase them together? Do you have any idea on what the Regal Collection price range will be?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 2:24:25 GMT
On the custom sword shop you do not have to buy the whole package, you may pick and choose which items you would like.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 28, 2009 2:24:35 GMT
Mr. Fletcher seems to always respond to emails around 8am west coast time. I've had a handfull of email back and forth with him and that is always about the time I got responses from him. I'm guessing he starts his workday answering emails before he gets on with the rest of his work. I'm not sure if he answers on weekends though. we'll see. I contacted him using this email: cf@christianfletcher.com.
He quoted me $95 for a leather storage and transport sheath and simple wood core scabbard with steel chape starts at $400.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 3:00:08 GMT
So that means that I could just get a customized scabbard, even if my sword wasn't made by VA? This sounds better and better.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2009 3:12:46 GMT
I am not sure about the sword not being made by VA, you may have to talk to Sonny about that one.
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