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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 8:46:34 GMT
This year has been pretty active for me with my collecting behavior. I have purchased, sold, traded, given away, and got given numerous pieces - from Albions to Deepeekas. Out of everything I have laid my hands on, one sword stands out above the others: The simplistic, yet elegant VA Practical Longsword (2.0 version) has ended up being my favorite sword this year. I picked up one of these from my distributor awhile back to use for a backyard cutter and just fell in love with the damn thing. I did not think I would overly impress me, but it was kind of like taking plain Jane out on a cheap date then finding out that she gives a really great...well....you get my drift. This is nothing new to alot of people. The VA Practical Longsword has already gotten a well-founded reputation as being one of the best deals on the market. However, when I hold an Albion Landgraf or an Arms and Armor Erbach, the VA Practical Longsword actually feels more alive and ready to perform in my hands. It's nimble yet powerful, apt to cut, able to issue good thrusts, and give very exceptional performance, staying on par with swords that run you 5x as much. This not-so-hidden little diamond in the rough has pleased me at every turn. I've not overly customized my 304S: I've only heat-blued the fittings to a deep bluish-bronze, refined the edge a little, and mounted it in my favorite baldric. This sword does not need alot of customization. It's beautiful in a lethal sense - kind of like the Glock I carry daily. It's simple, but it will get the job done well everytime without a hitch. My only grip: It needs a simple chape on the scabbard to protect the end. This is, of course, is my opinion. But, for those considering a longsword this year, definately consider the 304S for your collection. It's made me exceptionally happy and is my favorite sword of 2009! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 9:03:00 GMT
i will surely consider it. I have wanted a longsword/bastard sword/claymore as my second sword. Something with a 2-hand grip.
Unfortunately, it still has to wait
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 10:00:04 GMT
I was thinking to myself the other day about my first and only sword, the VA Practical Long.
You see, I was thinking to myself how very much I enjoy this sword and it might just make me NOT want to buy another sword. I know, I know, it sounds crazy right. But you paralleled your swords with dating, but I think I found my sword wife... if that makes sense.
I'll end up buying other swords, this I know. But I can't get over how incredibly happy I am with the 304s.
A funny a quick story behind it tho... When I was shopping for my first sword I would read review after review and I had decided on the Gen2 Black Prince. I found one that wasn't sold out on Arms of Valor's site and placed the order.
Jason gets back to me the next day and informs me that they are in fact, sold out. So I corresponded with him back and forth for a bit and after asking me what I was looking for in a sword, he had suggested the 304s, I still can't thank him enough =D
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Post by YlliwCir on Nov 3, 2009 10:02:36 GMT
I second that opinion, Odin. I got one of the first run and I have found it to be an excellent sword for the money period. I use it regular, even got the little woman to cut a few with it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 17:35:24 GMT
Hmm...304S is on my list of swords to acquire.
My favorite, and has been since I bought it near 8 years ago is a Windlass and it has been through alot hanging at my side like it does. I can't really extol its virtues as most of what I love about this sword is personal. And it was my first so you could say this one took my cherry.
Odin...the plain Janes...ahhhh the memories. lol
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Nov 3, 2009 19:06:13 GMT
my favorite sword for 2009 has to be my MHAT type XII. based on an Atrim 1429 fixed up into a beefy yet agile single hander with a rugged "sword of the old vetran" look.
the AT304 is certainly one sweet piece of steel. I've always liked plain-janes myself, in fact I pretty much prefer them to the fancier dressed alternatives (and this applies to women too) so the AT304 is very attractive to me. my AT304 is a bit special and not only to me. I have handled no better two handed sword
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 19:47:03 GMT
Once the hospital bills let up some, I'd like to get a hold of a AT304s........
My favorite for the year is hands down is the 2nd favorite of my entire collection......my Del-Tin 5155 Gothic.....beauty and the beast.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 21:47:48 GMT
I can vouch for the quality of the 304S. I love mine, even though it does have its minor flaws. The pommel is not perfectly parallel with the cross guard, and it has petty imperfections throughout. I am willing to overlook these, however, since it is an attractive, well handling sword. Besides that, it is my first sword.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 22:37:32 GMT
It seems like I'll have to buy that freakin sword sooner or later.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2009 22:40:18 GMT
My 304S is my favorite sword I own. More than most other pieces I have come into contact with, it FEELS like a sword from the moment you pick it up, even though it may not look very exceptional from a distance. (Though I got mine in antiqued brown, so I think it looks a tad exceptional among all the black and silver in the collection ) It really is a great piece, and, straight out of the box, I don't think it can be beat at this pricepoint.
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Post by enkidu on Nov 3, 2009 23:47:40 GMT
I agree with everything you said guys concerning the 304, except the fact that i bought it last year This year i bought two swords, an Hanwei PPE ( James review combined with a wiwingty special convinced me ) which was my first eastern blade and Tinker's Grand Espee de Guerre. I've been very pleased from both of my purchases, but Tinker's sword is hard to beat. About the production models that have came out this year i've sure been impressed like everybody else by the looks of the new VA's offerings and the handling of the Hanwei/Tinker's models which i had the opportunity to play with a bit this summer. Coming up next is the new DSA models and the BKS/SBG fantasy sword, both likely to show up before the end of the year
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2009 7:58:56 GMT
In fact, I might just buy another 304s as my next sword. It would be a battle ready decoration, but it would look at my other sword with envy as her sister will get to have all the fun.
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Post by kidcasanova on Nov 4, 2009 9:40:26 GMT
I would have to say my favorite sword purchase this year is my Albion Knight. I'm way behind on that review, though. Finances suck and I ended up not being able to build the new stand yet. But I'll get it done as soon as I can get some cutting in with it.
My custom 304S should get here around the end of the year/beginning of next year. Looking forward to that.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2009 12:24:15 GMT
My favourite sword purchase this year is my fable blade nyere which is all kinds of sexy.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2009 17:03:52 GMT
I would have to say my favorite sword purchase this year is my Albion Knight. I'm way behind on that review, though. Finances suck and I ended up not being able to build the new stand yet. But I'll get it done as soon as I can get some cutting in with it. My custom 304S should get here around the end of the year/beginning of next year. Looking forward to that. That's the first sword I ever actually drooled about when I first saw it. Your impressions mirror what I thought of it when I first laid eyes on it...I still plan on getting one eventually. Kudos to you on your first one. I say first because I notice that people who own this sword tend to want more than one. Or maybe that's just Shootermike that's got two. I'm envious. And I also digress, so let me just sign off now. lol
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