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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 21:01:53 GMT
My first sword is Darkswords "Oslo" Viking sword. I found it's almost unknown in Finland where I live. I haven't yet met anyone else who has it or has even heard of it, not even on the internet forums I visited. Also, no Finnish company I know of sells this sword and so it doesn't appear on their internet pages or catalogues. I think it's a pity because this is a very beautiful and durable sword.
For these reasons my friend said I should make a review of it on some Finnish forum. I think it's a good idea but I just haven't been able to do that. I think I might be too unexperienced with swords to compare this to other replica swords and historic swords and to give a good explanation of what I feel and think while handling it.
For example the width of its fuller has met some criticism on this forum, but its a thing I would haven't even noticed without someone criticising it here. Before buying the sword I just checked that the overall shape of the blade with quite a sharp tip is really historic. Of course I also knew that such swords needs to have a fuller as this one had, but I didt even think its width could be a problem to someone. And I still dont see anything wrong with it and haven't had time to check this feature of historic swords.
In any sword there might be many features that people could be interested in that I just might not realise to check and tell about.
What do you think? Does sword reviewer need a lots of information and experience outside the reviewed sword? How much he needs to know other sword replicas and history of swords, maybe history of certain cultures and their warfare? Is it a process that takes years to became ready to review?
I have handled some types of swords that other people have and also some on smiths shops but not that many.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 21:12:34 GMT
That depends on what kind of a review you are writing...if your gonna try and make a case for the DSA sword being historical...you´d better have some damn good evidence to back that up or your gonna get ripped a new one. If you wanna compare it to historical swords, you need experience with historical swords...or at the least good replicas of before you can write a review about that. One of the main criticism that this forum had was that a lot of the reviews had reviewers who had no idea what historic swords looked or acted like give 4/5 5/5 or even 6/5 on swords that didn´t look or handle very historically at all. A review of the sword as a generic sword...go ahead.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 21:41:41 GMT
That depends on what kind of a review you are writing...if your gonna try and make a case for the DSA sword being historical...you´d better have some damn good evidence to back that up or your gonna get ripped a new one. I know there is a risk of embarassing myself and this might be the biggest problem. There are many sword masters, historians and smiths who will surely notice if my review is bullsemprini. Especially these "Viking" type of swords are well known in Finland because they are part of Finnish history. Thanks of warning me! If I do the review my point should not be to prove my opinion of its historicity as that is plain impossible because there are so many who know these things better than me. Better point could be to tell Finnish sword enthusiasts, live role players, fencers and such that there is this sword and to tell something useful it, in their own language. I think this "telling something about it" is the review, rather than "proving something about it". Still I might be not sure what to tell and that what I tell is accepted.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:05:34 GMT
One of the main criticism that this forum had was that a lot of the reviews had reviewers who had no idea what historic swords looked or acted like give 4/5 5/5 or even 6/5 on swords that didn´t look or handle very historically at all. A review of the sword as a generic sword...go ahead. Can you give me an example of a review on internet that you think is goog, informative and useful, of a sword of sub $300 price?
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Post by sparky on Nov 28, 2009 22:07:30 GMT
I'd say go ahead and review it! Here is a link that you may find useful, it is a review template. /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=9406
Read some of the reviews posted in - /index.cgi?board=swordreviews - to get a feel for them and then do your best! If you don't know something just state it as your opinion, not fact. And don't be afraid to be corrected, it's how we learn! Everybody started somewhere so let this be your start and have fun ! ;D
Here's a link to my first ever review if your interested. /index.cgi?board=otherweaponreviews&action=display&thread=13051
Good luck my friend, Rob
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:07:45 GMT
from what I can see, you are trying to only show this is a sword worth looking into. Being a new reviewer myself, the best advice I can give you is look at reviews from other people who are more experienced. Also, research for the original sword, and you can always ask Eyal for this one to send you maybe a pic of what inspired him, I am sure he won't be bothered by this request given that it would help him with sales.
On my first review I wasn't too good, but I did my best. My Strider knife review came out much better, my next review (probs on the Grosse Messer) will probably be even better.
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Post by sicheah on Nov 28, 2009 22:19:25 GMT
Personally, when a consumer decides to buy a sword, some of their main concerns are: 1) Fit and finish: Is there any looseness on the fittings? Would any defects causes the sword to be unsafe for use (structural defects), or perhaps only an eyesore (cosmetic defects) 2) Blade: Is the polish of the blade as described by seller or it is worse than shown on pictures? Are there any dings, chips, scratches on the blade? 3) Handling: How does the sword handle? Is it heavier or lighter than similar sword in the market? What about the point of balance (PoB)? It is tip heavy or does it have too low a PoB? 4) Historical accuracy: How does the sword compare to swords made and used in a particular period in terms of weight, fittings, blade shape etc? What modern fitting/steel composition that is present in the sword that are typically not on historical swords? The first 1) and 2) are easy to spot even for beginner sword collectors (one needs some common sense here ) When it comes to 3) and 4) (especially 4)) one need to know a thing or two about swords and have good experience in handling them (with exception to PoB and centre of percussion which could be measured). Beginners reviewers are forgiven if they omit some or most of these criteria. For a $300 mass produced sword, most consumers are quite concerned on criteria 1) and 2) (fit and finish and blade). Some might find criteria 3) important. IMO 4) is the least of their concern when it comes to sub $300 blade (I could be wrong on this). Hope that helps.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:21:17 GMT
Really, it's always seemed to me like pretty much anyone can post a review here. It's not like it takes much space on the forums. Even if you don't have much experience or knowledge, people will still appreciate the pictures and your impressions on the sword.. (BTW... Finnish sword forums? indulge me, please )
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:26:10 GMT
IMO you have to be fairly sword savvy. If you don't know what a good sword feels like, how will you know if your sword is clunky and tip heavy if you have never felt a sword that is light and well balanced? How will you know if it cuts good if you have never cut with something that cuts good?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:40:39 GMT
You can always express an opinion. As long as it is based on some rationale and you are literate enough to make your case, and honest enough to ask for a dialog because you are inexperienced. Fellow enthusiasts should be willing to use your offering as a point of departure for dialog and refinement.
In that spirit i'd share your research and concerns about the piece.
If it happens to be a good sword, if ahistorical, be nice enough to mention it has some redeeming qualities. (Even junk yard dogs can be good pets... ;D)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:49:28 GMT
from what I can see, you are trying to only show this is a sword worth looking into. Its not that simple. I love the sword, but there is also some visual features that irritates me on this sword, even though I heard some historic swords had similar features. It might also be too blade heavy. (I actually wanted quite a heavy sword to develop my muscles but its just what I need, while general viewpoint would propable not value this feature). That might be a good idea that I consider if do the review. I have actually seen photos of historic swords that looks like this on internet site of some museum, but I don't know how heavy they are, what kind of balance they have and how thick is their blade. Also fullers are hard to see as many swords are badly rusted or even missing parts of the blade. Also many have no grip as its rotten away. However this way might lead the review to be too centered on historic accuracy, that is the area my review would be the most vulnerable to harsh criticism (and I surely deserve it if I do a bad mistake). To cepheon: At Puukkosivut there is an area for bladed weapons (other than knifes). That is quite an elite page however with professional smiths too, and I dont think there is so much interest on cheaper blades on there. But there are pages of associations of role players and fencers of almost every bigger town, with forums on them. Most of those people might be interested on cheaper swords. I dont know which forum is the most active.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:52:18 GMT
OK, thanks. I thought I might be one of the maybe three people in the country who collects swords, cheaper ones at least. :F
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Post by shadowhowler on Nov 28, 2009 22:57:31 GMT
IMO you can review a sword no matter what your level of experince... as long as you keep it in perspective. Don't try to sound like you know more then you do... and don't try to make claims your don't feel comfortable making. Stay within your comfort zone when explaining what you think of the sword, and make it clear what your experince/knowledge is in context to the review. I think its good to get reviews from many different perspectives... after all, someone reading the review might be closer to your level of experince and thinking then say someone like ShooterMike... and thus your impressions might be of more use to them, even tho you are not as experinced as he is. Food for thought.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 22:59:25 GMT
(BTW... Finnish sword forums? indulge me, please ) I forgot to mention the School of European Swordmanship and its forum, that is based on Finland. That is in English, however, because that is quite international activity. By the way which forums you Finnish fans of Japanese swords use?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 23:00:06 GMT
IMO you have to be fairly sword savvy. If you don't know what a good sword feels like, how will you know if your sword is clunky and tip heavy if you have never felt a sword that is light and well balanced? How will you know if it cuts good if you have never cut with something that cuts good? from what I have observed, a good sword is entirely relative. To me, the most balanced and well made rapier would feel wrong, because to me a good sword is a heavy one hander/bastard. To a person that usually deals with gladii, the best claymore would handle awkwardly, and so on and so forth. One can only express their opinion on what condition THEY believe the sword is and let the others who have the same interests as him consider it valid or not. I'll give you a concrete example. I was thinking about buying the VA Actium. I liked what I saw from the review that shadow made, but I wanted to ask RicWillie nonetheless, because you can't just pull out a gladius and handle it like a one hander (not that I am saying shadow did that), but because I think RicWillie has much more experience in the matter and is probs more skilled in handling gladii and other ancient weapons. Bottom line, he felt that the pommel was too big and came in the way when cutting. Does that mean I am not going to buy the blade, no. For shadow it handles well, for Ric it doesn't, I will probably be somewhere in the middle. A good review gives you the facts and the opinion of the author, then you have to make your own out of that. Well folks, this is my take on this issue.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 23:11:46 GMT
OK, thanks. I thought I might be one of the maybe three people in the country who collects swords, cheaper ones at least. :F I think most collectors in Finland buy more expensive swords and they don't really have a community. They just collect by themselves. Those who do LARP, stage historic battles or practice (European) fight with swords don't really collect. They just have the sword or some swords they need. I have been on LARP happenings where there was quite a many people, most with some kind of a sword, some with really good sword. edit: typos
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2009 23:23:41 GMT
I agree with you that the concept of a "good" sword is entirely relative. There may be people who prefer the handling of a DSA 3 and a half pound single hander to an Atrim. However, what i think Sam was saying was that, if the former was the only sword you ever handled, you cannot compare the handling to anything else, and may think that it handles extremely well. If that gets carried into the review and you say the sword handles well, people may make the assumption that you have handled a wide array of swords with which to make that statement. I think this is why it is important to let readers of the review know your experience with swords. I think there are many instances where someone gets their first sword, and is enthralled with every aspect of it... only to look at it in discust later on, after they have something to compare it to.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2009 0:44:10 GMT
IMO you have to be fairly sword savvy. If you don't know what a good sword feels like, how will you know if your sword is clunky and tip heavy if you have never felt a sword that is light and well balanced? How will you know if it cuts good if you have never cut with something that cuts good? I dont have a complete experience what "elite" sword of Viking type feels, but I have a clue. I have handled JT Pälikkös sword and it was so natural, elegant and easy to handle as if I was a bird and it was my feather. Of course my Oslo feels like a crowbar compared to that. But then again, my Oslo didn't cost 3000€. And also my Oslo feels like a feather compared to a real crowbar or iron pole. I didn't cut with JT Pälikkös sword, though. I think its owner hasn't cut with it it either. Quite a useless sword actually, if it's so expensive he can't afford to cut with it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2009 10:14:49 GMT
IMO you have to be fairly sword savvy. If you don't know what a good sword feels like, how will you know if your sword is clunky and tip heavy if you have never felt a sword that is light and well balanced? How will you know if it cuts good if you have never cut with something that cuts good? from what I have observed, a good sword is entirely relative. To me, the most balanced and well made rapier would feel wrong, because to me a good sword is a heavy one hander/bastard. To a person that usually deals with gladii, the best claymore would handle awkwardly, and so on and so forth. One can only express their opinion on what condition THEY believe the sword is and let the others who have the same interests as him consider it valid or not. I'll give you a concrete example. I was thinking about buying the VA Actium. I liked what I saw from the review that shadow made, but I wanted to ask RicWillie nonetheless, because you can't just pull out a gladius and handle it like a one hander (not that I am saying shadow did that), but because I think RicWillie has much more experience in the matter and is probs more skilled in handling gladii and other ancient weapons. Bottom line, he felt that the pommel was too big and came in the way when cutting. Does that mean I am not going to buy the blade, no. For shadow it handles well, for Ric it doesn't, I will probably be somewhere in the middle. A good review gives you the facts and the opinion of the author, then you have to make your own out of that. Well folks, this is my take on this issue. Actually I disagree with this...if a reviewer can´t tell the difference between his own personal taste and what is or isn´t a good sword of the type, then he shouldn´t be doing a review of that nature. There are plenty of sword types I don´t like...for instance I really don´t like the type X or XI very much...but I know what good X and XI are suppose to be like and if I review a well made type X, my personal preference would be to hate it...but I would know it is a good sword of it´s type. You can say you like a sword...but if a sword isn´t behaving properly for it´s type, it´s not a good review to claim that it is because you like it. Okay so example... Good: I like this rapier because it has a heavy blade and it hits with authority. Bad: This is a great rapier because it has a heavy blade and hits with authority.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2009 13:00:30 GMT
I'd say go ahead and review it! Here is a link that you may find useful, it is a review template. /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=9406 Read some of the reviews posted in - /index.cgi?board=swordreviews - to get a feel for them and then do your best! If you don't know something just state it as your opinion, not fact. And don't be afraid to be corrected, it's how we learn! Everybody started somewhere so let this be your start and have fun ! ;D Thanks! I will start a practice review of this sword to this forums review area. That way I can see what kind of response the review and the sword will receive. Then comments on my review might help me to modify the review better. I know this sword has already a review by Southren on SBG main page, but at least I havent found a thread of conversation on this sword on this forum. Such a thread could be important collection of more opinions and information. It might even help me to realise what sort sword I have.
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