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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 7, 2009 17:23:58 GMT
So I just got it, and first off: I can see why these things cost what they do. After some eyeballing, it's just self-evident the research that goes into this thing. Doing some light drills, it handles like a dream. Haven't gotten to cut with it yet, so it's yet to be seen if I think the POB will take away from it's cutting ability... But fit/finish wise...man this thing is righteous. It took me a good while to find the leather seam on the grip. My brother didn't see it at all until I pointed it out. Profile taper is even and crisp. And the fuller! Well it's very sexy (I'll throw out a "hot" for Uriah ). I don't have any calipers to find the distal tapering, but since it's machine cut I'm sure it's just the same as any other Knight. Also it seems much more user-friendly when transitioning from a hammer grip to a handshake grip. Though this could be from me just paying more attention to Mike's explanations. Still, it something I haven't felt comfortable doing with any other sword. I'll end up doing a review when I get the chance (should be soon, though. I just need to build a new cutting stand) so low/mid-end buyers will know about what to expect when they get their first high-end sword. I feel the "first time high-end buyer" viewpoint is lacking a bit here, though I value very highly the opinions of those "repeat buyers." ;D Anyhow, I'm done raving (until the review). No pics yet, since I've got to eat and get ready for work. But I might get a couple in here before then.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 17:45:47 GMT
Thanks Kid! That perspective will be most welcome.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 17:47:02 GMT
The jealousy overflowith
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 17:53:19 GMT
Seconded. Look forward to your perspective, Kid.
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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 7, 2009 17:59:16 GMT
Thanks guys. Just waiting for a heads-up from Paul before I jump in on it. Anyhow, here's a couple pics of the sword. I've been really congested over the past week so ignore my mouth-breathing. ;D Picture of the hilt with flash to get all the little details. The crap on the blade is just oil. Picture of the whole thing that really shows how dramatic the profile taper is. At this angle, it makes the blade look wide and short, but it's actually the same length or a bit longer than my 303S was. Picture of the hilt in natural light which really shows how sublime the finish is. Sword in comparison to me (I'm 6'4" for reference) And a close up of the tip so you can see how dramatically it tapers after the fuller ends. I really like the short guard (6.5"). The longer guards have always sort of bothered me aesthetically. COP on this is an inch or two before the fuller ends. It's been fun dry handling it so far.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 18:12:50 GMT
You have me wishing that I bought Dan's Knight. Where is the point of balance at?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 18:15:06 GMT
No doubt about it, Albion makes some of the best.
More money, but you sure get what you pay for.
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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 7, 2009 18:16:10 GMT
Mike says stock it's 3.5", I haven't measured myself but it's got to be very very close to that. The sword moves effortlessly but doesnt seem to lack blade presence.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 18:19:17 GMT
It looks very nice. I'm sure that it is worth the price.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 19:24:22 GMT
Believe it, Jonathan.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 7, 2009 19:48:08 GMT
Sure looks good Kid. it's also nice to have some reference to what you look like other than that horrifying avatar picture.
I can't wait to see a full review. I'm sure Paul will give you the go-ahead. especially if you do it from a first-timer's point of view. I would have done it with my Albion Norman but I didn't like it and traded it away so it isn't mine anymore. I still might do a thread on it here or something. there were a lot of things I really liked about the sword but the things I didn't like were deal-breakers.
I think if I had bought a Knight I might still have it though. My Norman had a happy ending with Shooter - the swordwhisperer - Mike Harris so all that ends well. . .
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Post by YlliwCir on Oct 7, 2009 20:29:25 GMT
Congratulations, Kid. It's a beauty. Albion do rock indeedy!
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Post by ShooterMike on Oct 7, 2009 21:00:45 GMT
Congratz Kid. I hope it's everything you were hoping for. Can't wait to see the review.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2009 21:30:18 GMT
Very very fine looking blade yeah an Albion is worth every penny by the looks of it ........ cant wait for my day
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Post by Brian of DBK on Oct 7, 2009 22:13:37 GMT
Nice sword. It's my favorite Albion for over all value.
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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 8, 2009 2:59:40 GMT
It's not my favorite blade type, I prefer Xa and XI blades (Albion's sale on the Hospitaller and Templar is pretty tempting lol), but I can definitely see why this is the archetypal "knightly sword." It just sings happily through the air. And from what I've seen, though targets as well. Mike, there are a couple of things I'm not sure about, but nothing that really jumps out as a dislike. It's going to take a lot more use to figure that out. ;D Tom, what didn't you like about your Norman? Being an Xa fan, I'd love to hear your thoughts (you can PM me if you'd prefer). And I'm much prettier when I'm not sick. But I guess that picture will suffice.
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Post by shadowhowler on Oct 8, 2009 18:28:05 GMT
Just thought I'd throw this out there... You don't need Paul's permission to do a review of the Albion Knight. True... its well beyond our normal 300 pricepoint... but many of our members have done reviews above that price. Many of Mikes reviews have been of Atrims that cost 550... Marc Ridgeways reviews have almost all been above the 300 price point... there is an albion review on the main site. If you want to review it, go right ahead. Reviews on more expensve swords help create a perspective for the less expensive ones... and your viewpoint as a collector of sub 300 swords with his first high end sword is very on target.
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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 9, 2009 4:59:36 GMT
Paul gave the thumbs up anyhow, but I wanted to run it by him first. Courtesy, so to speak. He's typically (in the past) made mention of PMing him first about reviewing more expensive swords. He doesn't have a problem with it, he just wants a heads up. I should be able to build the stand on Sunday, and write the review in the days after that. It wont be very long.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 9, 2009 6:55:54 GMT
heh, you're right, I remember when he said that pretty commonly but it seems that lately, it has been pretty free-for-all. anyway, you did a solid courtesy thing and that is just never the wrong move. I think a +1 for honor and respect is in order. way to be the example.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2009 16:57:36 GMT
Great looking sword. After the Knecht, this is my second most-desired Albion. I should say, however, that I've always wondered what the purpose of that metal cap covering the peening on the pommel is.
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