Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 0:14:42 GMT
Hey, i'm choosing between DSA's medieval knight, DSA's medieval squire, and the Generation 2 maximilian. As you may be able to guess, i'm going for durability here I have heard from others that: - DSA swords do not come sharpened. i looked on their site and found that sharpening IS an option. what is the quality of this sharpening service? - the knight has a thin tang. at what point of abuse would this be a problem? - the squire is blade-heavy. have users found this to be a significant problem? One more question: does the maximiliam come sharpened out of the box? if so, to what degree?
|
|
|
Post by kidcasanova on Aug 29, 2009 3:53:37 GMT
The Maximilian does come sharpened. I haven't heard any complaints about it's edge.
Out of the choices, I'd go with the Maximilian. However it's worth noting that the Valiant Armoury practical arming sword and the Hanwei/Tinker arming swords are very durable.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 16:11:03 GMT
I know that the knight is definately the most durable out of the three listed. Paul tested the knight and proved this. The sharpening service for the DSA swords (from what I know) isn't that good, but it does the job. I don't know much about the Maximilian, but if it's from Generation 2 it will be very durable. I think that the Hanwei/Tinker arming swords are very durable, although they probably aren't quite as durable as the DSA or Gen2 swords. However, if you get the H/T EMSHS, you can purchase a replacement blade for around $150. It also handles a lot better.
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Aug 29, 2009 18:21:46 GMT
I know that the knight is definately the most durable out of the three listed. Paul tested the knight and proved this. The sharpening service for the DSA swords (from what I know) isn't that good, but it does the job. I don't know much about the Maximilian, but if it's from Generation 2 it will be very durable. I think that the Hanwei/Tinker arming swords are very durable, although they probably aren't quite as durable as the DSA or Gen2 swords. However, if you get the H/T EMSHS, you can purchase a replacement blade for around $150. It also handles a lot better. A word of caution, Joanathan... I know you mean well... but you are making a lot of claims about a lot of different swords... about their handling... about their durability... ...and yet, as far as I know, you have not much as laid your hands on ANY of the above mentioned weapons, or weapons from the same makers that might be similar. I know you think your being helpful... but I find when people just regurgitate what they may have read from others... you get second, third, forth hand information... and at that point it just becomes gossip or hearsay. A good rule of thumb is... if someone is asking for advice about something... if you have no personal experience which to help them... don't say anything. When you first came here... you asked a lot of questions... which is good. so did I. You got a lot of advice and answers from people who had experience in the questions you were asking, and experience with the swords you were asking about. You have yet to follow up on any of that advice... you still do not have any experience with any of the swords people have talked to you about. There is no need to pop in an answer every question you see... only the ones you think you might have some actual, first hand knowledge about that could be helpful. If for some reason you feel you MUST answer question to which you, personally, do NOT have the experience to answer... then maybe provide links to threads where someone WITH real experience addresses the issue at hand. I've noticed a trend of late for people to feel the need to post answer to everything... even when THEY themselves do NOT have answers to those questions. Thats not really helpful, IMO. Then the person asking the question gets bogged down with info... some of which may or may not be true. For example... you post gives the impression that you are very experienced and informed about the weapons you are talking about... but you have not so much as touched one of them, have you? Thats misleading. I think tis best if people not try to appear more knowledgeable then they truly are... and only answer questions to which they actually have some real input and experience with. Repeating things you have read from others and speaking as if that is your knowledge, that just becomes confusing, missleading... and I think it does more harm then good. Sorry if this comes across as harsh... I'm trying to be blunt, but I'm not trying to be mean. I think right now you are still in the ask questions and gain experience mode... I think it is inappropriate for you to assume you have advice to offer others when you yourself can not even make a choice and have yet to actually have any experience with the things you are trying to advise others about. Anyway... I'll step off the soapbox for now, but think about it neh?
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Aug 29, 2009 18:40:22 GMT
While I have handled only the DSA Knight and the VA Arming sword of the above, and those for only a minute or so each, I can at least tell you my experiences with them.
Firstly, I trust a DSA. Even if the tang 'looks' thin, it will be strong. I believe that DSA knows what they are doing when it comes to designing tough as nails swords, and they do that well.
The knight handled okay. It wasn't my favorite sword i've ever swung, but single handers aren't my thing generally so I can't say much on that. However, it was WAY more forward balanced than the VA Arming Sword, which in turn was a bit harder to control than the Windlass Arming Sword.
In summery, the knight is a good sword, but don't get it if you aren't strong enough to feel comfortable with a 3lb one-hand sword.
I'm sure the squire is a decent option as well, but it does appear to be quite forward-weighted from the stats.
I don't know much about the maximillian as a sword, but I DO know that Gen2's are very durable, and come with one of the sharpest edges on medieval swords under $300. In fact, until VA got in the game, they were reputed to be THE sharpest edge on medieval swords under $300.
The Tinker is one that I have no experience with, but I have heard nothing but good things about it.
Of these, I would choose the VA, followed by the tinker/hanwei, and then the DSA knight and Maximillian are tied for 3rd. Just my personel opinion, though.
Regardless of what you choose, all of those are good swords that will not fail you. I hope you enjoy it! ;D
-Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 19:11:02 GMT
I don't think that what you said was harsh at all, Sean. You are right for the most part. I enjoy helping people and I suppose that I am a little bit too zealous at times. I try to base my information on what others have told me, but that can just be gossip, like you said. I don't mean to mislead anyone, and in the future I will attempt to use more caution when answering questions.
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Aug 29, 2009 19:18:03 GMT
I don't think that what you said was harsh at all, Sean. You are right for the most part. I enjoy helping people and I suppose that I am a little bit too zealous at times. I try to base my information on what others have told me, but that can just be gossip, like you said. I don't mean to mislead anyone, and in the future I will attempt to use more caution when answering questions. I'm glad you don't take it as me being a jerk... I can see it coming across that way. I justt think that sometimes people get to excited (Ask Slayer, he went nuts when he first showed up... ) and start posting stuff about which they have no real, direct experince... and I think it clouds things up. There is no need to try and answer every question you see... someone with some understanding of the question with first hand experince WILL come along and answer... and someday down the road, that might be you, but right now, be what you are... and focus on getting started in your collecting and learning.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 19:22:08 GMT
Hopefully in the future I will own a nice collection of taditional weapons. For the present though, I just don't know where to start.
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Aug 29, 2009 19:28:19 GMT
Hopefully in the future I will own a nice collection of taditional weapons. For the present though, I just don't know where to start. Too bad your not a little closer... I might not let ya CUT with my swords... but I'd certainly let you handle em, get a sense of what sort of weight, balance, length, style you like... might go a long way to helping you decide. Thats the big problem with buying swords over the net... and why I envy people who live next to places like Kult of Athena, where you can walk in and handle the weapons before buying. Its HARD to know what you are going to like until you have it in hand... thats why I have bought/sold/traded SO many swords over the past year. I have around 25 swords in my collection right now... but more then 3 times that have passed threw my hands and gone on to other people in the past year... as part of my learning prosess about what I like, what works for me. You'll just have to make your best guess... take the plunge... and if you find they don't work for you, sell/trade em to someone for something eles... till you find what DOES work for you.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 19:54:15 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 20:08:33 GMT
If I could sell whatever I buy easily, my problem would be easily solved. For someone my age though, with a very low budget, that is a problem.
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Aug 29, 2009 22:11:43 GMT
If I could sell whatever I buy easily, my problem would be easily solved. For someone my age though, with a very low budget, that is a problem. You should have no more trouble selling swords you decide not to keep then I did... most of what I sold/traded I did so right here, on SBG. You lose a little more often then not when you do so... but you GAIN experince in handling different weapons. Think of it like renting swords to learn what you like. Your NOT going to learn what you like by talking about it... you HAVE to get your hands on, at some point.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 22:27:53 GMT
The money that I will lose by selling them could prevent me from having enough to buy another sword. Do you understand what I mean? If I had a little more money to spend I could do what you did.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2009 22:29:09 GMT
I have a DSA Medieval Knight. I ordered it factory sharpened. The edge as delivered was fair, just took a little time and effort to finish it up with a file. The point of balance (on mine) is 4 1/4 inches from the forward point on the hilt, or about 5 1/4 from where the grip and cross meet. The sword feels heavy, especially compared to a Musashi ss806.Handles well for me, hits like a ton of bricks. The scabbard is a one size fits all, generic scabbard. I needed to put a bit of foam in the tip to keep the swordpoint from rattling.
I bought it specifically after reading the SBG review and destruction testing. I wanted a beater for SCA use and that's exactly what I got. If DSA made a falchion, I'd buy it.
I have no direct experience with any of the other blades you've mentioned so I'll leave them to those who do.
HTH, K
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Aug 29, 2009 23:03:02 GMT
KnightBen, I don't have any experience with these swords you ask about but I think we should ask you a question: what do you intend to do with the sword you get? pell work, sparring, cutting light targets (bottles, pool noodles, paper etc.), cutting medium to heavy targets (tatami mats, bamboo, tatami on bamboo, etc.), hacking abusive targets (tree limbs, 4x4's, bricks, steel poles, etc) something else? your intended use will help us advise you as to what the best fit may be. the guy who wants to do steel on steel stage combat does NOT want the same sword as the guy who wants to cut light targets. so help us help you
I might not like one of the swords you mention and might try to steer you away from it, but it might be perfect for your intended use. we don't want to steer you wrong.
|
|
|
Post by YlliwCir on Aug 30, 2009 0:23:32 GMT
Thats the big problem with buying swords over the net... and why I envy people who live next to places like Kult of Athena, where you can walk in and handle the weapons before buying. Its HARD to know what you are going to like until you have it in hand... It's worth mentioning that KOA has a 45 day return policy, If you are unhappy with an item for any reason, you may return it to us within 45 days from when you received it for a full refund or credit, minus shipping costs. Simply email or call us to get a return authorization. Note: Returns must arrive in the same condition they were received, with all original accessories and boxes. We can not accept items that have been "used" or otherwise damaged.
I have returned more than one sword because it wasn't what I wanted once I had it in hand. Of course one doesn't want to abuse such a liberal policy. It should also be noted that they usually suspend or I should say amend that policy around Halloween, to avoid people using them as a costume rental.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2009 0:40:43 GMT
Hmm...
|
|
|
Post by sicheah on Aug 30, 2009 0:41:36 GMT
Yeah you can't beat such a customer service like KoA. I bought a sword once from them (Adam Hsu jian), didn't like the handling at all, and I proceed to return it the very next day. The only thing I lose is the shipping cost. In addition if you are interested in a few swords at KoA but don't know which to choose, you can ask them (via email) about the sword's handling in general and their personal opinion on the sword. In my experience I've ask them to compare between a Windlass scimitar and Cold Steel Shamshir and from their feedback on the sword handling, it turns out that I am not very interested in both swords...lol. KoA policy is so consumer friendly that at time I felt that am abusing the system sometimes (maybe I am) . Edit: If I am not mistaken, I've read from SFI that one guy strikes a deal with KoA which allows him to purchase a sword (from KoA), makes a review base on handling the sword, return it without cutting it and gets a refund (if I am not mistaken) and proceed to review a different sword from KoA. The only cost he incurrs is the shipping cost. Edit again: Found it. The guy I am referring to is Mike at SFI forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=81348&highlight=shamshirHe purchase the CS Shamshir and reviews it without cutting it. Further down the thread, he explains about his agreement between him and KoA. Sorry about derailing this thread
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2009 0:48:38 GMT
This gives me several ideas.
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Aug 30, 2009 1:18:25 GMT
The problem with this, as I see it, is you are paying shipping both ways... so somewhere around $30... just to hold and look at the sword. When I buy a sword... handle it... cut with it some... get to know it... decide I don't like it and sell it later... I lose about that same amount. Difference being, I have learned a LOT more about the sword then I would have if I could not use it before returning it. Also, like Ric said, you don't want to fall in the habit of abusing a policy like that too much. When I buy something, feel it out, then sell/trade it later... I can do this as often as I want without abusing anyone.
|
|