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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 13:48:02 GMT
Some sword fans (at least me) looks often closely the new swords that their makers tell about in this forum. Am I looking in a limited set? Are there many sword makers out there in our price class who doesnt come here to tell of their new swords, or are not properly noticed by the others?
Do you know some great new swords lately being not noticed on this forum by its maker or by the sword fans? Are we noticed of only a small portion of new swords (more precisely functional swords in this price class)?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 13:52:02 GMT
Many high end sword makers are not in this forum. Most of them have only a small production and make only customs. They're WAY over the budget of this forum. There are however guys like Tinker and Lundemo at SBG.
However, I think most production sword makers are in here. VA, Hanwei,...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 14:16:47 GMT
Many high end sword makers are not in this forum. IMO sword makers should tell here about their swords even if they cost a bit more than this magic level of $300. Hedemark is a good expample, it costs more but still some forumites are considering seriously to buy it or have bought it already. Still its important that some are concentrated to make sub $300 swords because many wont pay more than that.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 19:12:12 GMT
It has been discussed fairly recently if SBG should increase it's $300 "limit" as a target for low end functional swords. Some see it as necessary to accommodate for inflation if nothing else. Actually the $300 is not a stone-hard cap anyway, but just a guidline for our members to start with. There's plenty of interest here for swords above that price point and no one would be ostracized for reviewing one. Even the SBG custom katana is above that now, and the two bastard customs are well above that. What we're more concerned about is becoming too focused on higher end swords that are out of reach for most casual interest collectors or beginner cutters. No need to nail a precise $ amount that we can't go above. We all know in our hearts what our subset is in the world of swords! Most manufacturers who exist there are represented here, or at least visit here on occasion I'll bet.
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Post by shadowhowler on Dec 13, 2009 19:20:28 GMT
Hmm... well, as far as I know, there are no reps from Windlass, Hanwei, Cold Steel, Kriss Cutlery, Dynasty Forge, or many, MANY other sword makers/companies in our price range.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 19:39:53 GMT
True, but they are represented by the many vendors here who sell their wares.
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Post by YlliwCir on Dec 13, 2009 20:22:54 GMT
Blake (bpogue) from Hanwei is a member, tho I haven't seen him post for a few months.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 21:11:15 GMT
There was a lady from Windlass who posted 2 or 3 times in one of the threads, I think it was the one for the Windlass blacksword.
I agree that I would be more inclined to buy stuff from a company or person that interacted with thier potential customers more. It's also nice to know a bit about the people your hard-earned money is going to.
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Post by johnlundemo1 on Dec 13, 2009 23:12:07 GMT
Many reproduction sword makers have a price range of $300 and many custom makers do as well. It is up to the consumer to determine whether custom or production is what they are seeking. I myself have range of $300 and over and are willing to work in this sector, but few people are willing to do the groundwork and personally ask makers if certain things are possible, because it so easy to get swept away by prices that sound too hard to believe. Many custom makers are willing to try and beat production costs as is my case, with specials and catering to those who have a certain budget. Why do folks stop at obvious bullsemprini promotions, without contacting custom smiths because they are affraid that custom makers are unapproachable? Many folks just don't try to go the distance and try to contact custom makers, feeling that they are beyond communication. This is wrong, we are all open to communication and true will try to talk you up but will most times work with the consumer budget wise.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 0:41:57 GMT
Many reproduction sword makers have a price range of $300 and many custom makers do as well. It is up to the consumer to determine whether custom or production is what they are seeking. I myself have range of $300 and over and are willing to work in this sector, but few people are willing to do the groundwork and personally ask makers if certain things are possible, because it so easy to get swept away by prices that sound too hard to believe. Many custom makers are willing to try and beat production costs as is my case, with specials and catering to those who have a certain budget. Why do folks stop at obvious bullsemprini promotions, without contacting custom smiths because they are affraid that custom makers are unapproachable? Many folks just don't try to go the distance and try to contact custom makers, feeling that they are beyond communication. This is wrong, we are all open to communication and true will try to talk you up but will most times work with the consumer budget wise. lundemo for the win!!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 3:44:01 GMT
helps if you spell his name right
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 3:45:20 GMT
Many reproduction sword makers have a price range of $300 and many custom makers do as well. It is up to the consumer to determine whether custom or production is what they are seeking. I myself have range of $300 and over and are willing to work in this sector, but few people are willing to do the groundwork and personally ask makers if certain things are possible, because it so easy to get swept away by prices that sound too hard to believe. Many custom makers are willing to try and beat production costs as is my case, with specials and catering to those who have a certain budget. Why do folks stop at obvious bullsemprini promotions, without contacting custom smiths because they are affraid that custom makers are unapproachable? Many folks just don't try to go the distance and try to contact custom makers, feeling that they are beyond communication. This is wrong, we are all open to communication and true will try to talk you up but will most times work with the consumer budget wise. I think it's easy for people to lose track of the "range" of custom makers. Some seem to make only high end swords - and then we assume that *all* custom makers are the same. Mr Lundemo (not sure if I should call you John), if I go to your website and browse around just a bit, I see a lot of really impressive swords. It would be easy to me to assume that they are all like this - it's only after digging a bit that I can see that no, you have a 300$ sword too. (go look everyone, 300$ Odinblade could be yours! www.odinblades.com/Pages/Slice.html ) I think perhaps a lot of people aren't doing those first steps because they feel like they would just be wasting the maker's valuable time.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Dec 14, 2009 3:46:30 GMT
From what I hear Mr. Lundemo is one of the more reasonable custom sword makers from a price perspective. as for me, I have to admit that for a long time I was intimidated by the possible price tag a custom COULD run. we hear a lot of how expensive customs CAN be and at the same we hear a lot of "it is uncouthe to talk about how much was paid for custom sword work" and so at this point I don't feel like I have a real good idea of how much I should expect a custom sword to cost. I have in the past fallen back on the old addage of "if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it". I have probably failed myself with that attitude but I bet it is a common one.
as for production sword makers that aren't hear, ther are lots of them but I can tell you almost all of them that make swords anywere near our price range know about us and read our forum or at least search it from time to time for stuff about them. Christian Flatcher has posted here a few times and I got an email him thanking me for my recent reviews of the two swords I got from him. and I have even heard through the grape vine that Gus Trim has noticed a few of my posts about his swords. so just because they aren't here and posting doesn't mean they don't pay attention. we are a strong pool of potential buyers and we have attracted a lot of attention.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 3:57:43 GMT
I'm here! Representing the products sold at Arms of Valor and Imperial weapons -
Generation 2 Windlass CAS Dark Sword Armory Valiant
I may not be the manufacturer, but can act as a conduit between the potential buyer and the manufacturer answering questions or passing on likes/dislikes.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 5:22:42 GMT
helps if you spell his name right thanks for catching that *mental note to not write while falling asleep*
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Dec 14, 2009 5:40:04 GMT
I have to say that Odinblade pricing is VERY reasonable. I've talked to John extensively about multiple projects I have in mind for the future, and it's really quite amazing how much sword you can get for the money. ;D John can do a fantastic single-hander for not much above our $300 price point (like the Slice mentioned above, but with nicer guard/pommel, as that was one of his eariler works). In fact, I'm planning on getting a modified 'Slice' myself as one of my next few purchases. Anyway, just wanted to second the thought that budget-minded Odinblades are very possible, as long as you don't go into it expecting 'damascus' steel, 5 fullers, etchings, etc all for $19.99. ;D lol. Tom- That's a very good point. In fact, I've noticed recently where Christian, Gus, and others have been in the 'who's online' box, so they're definitely active. Jason- Good ol' AoV! ;D Seriously, guys; with customer service as good as his, and the amount of knowledge Jason has about his wares, AoV and IW are great places to go to ask questions. Thanks to you for helping us out, man. -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 18:35:49 GMT
For my part, I've no interest in low-end production swords (read that as: I'm not looking, but will pick up the odd gem if I come across it); maybe I'm gettin too big in the britches or what have you, but the barebones simplicity that was Windlass (which has some really fancied up pieces, but they're no better than the usual wares they put out) no longer does it for me.
Now, I've moved onto the semi-custom, mid-to-upper level production sword market; it is a bit more costly but you get more sword for your buck. I like that. I'm not against the $300 pricepoint of this forum either...its a good starting benchmark for the budding sword collector.
Since it is not a hard and fast rule, it works for us...because I've seen reviews on Albions, custom Atrim/CFs as well as all the rest.
I did know that about John Lundemo, but when you see all that he has to offer, at least for me, getting one of his entry level swords almost seemed like it was...disrespectful. That's not what I really mean, but sorta...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 19:46:40 GMT
We certainly have some heavy weights here. Lundemo, Stagmers, Brendan, Smith, Davis, Salvati, Matt. If you want to see some other heavy weights, you can check out bladesmith forum. There you will find Powning, Johnsson, Fogg and others. I wish that they would come over here. This is the ultimate in informality. Do you think that I can talk Jake into a $300 sword? I grew up an hour and half away from him. I honestly cannot see how any North American producers can comply with $300. I mean it is an individual sword. Hand made. I consider Lundemo to be the best of the best. We are pretty lucky that we can speak with him here. Take a look. To think that you could get a blade from him for $300....buy now. I believe that the Stagmers have basically offered free labour to the community as well. A lot of hours are put into a sword. I must add that they are the kings of metal folding. Why'd you send me to google for that forum? (and why'd they take away the smite button? That's deserving of 2 exalts and a smite!)Now i'm looking at powning's site and the saxes he makes. An 11" blade from him costs more than the full sword I just bought (for what I felt was a dear price!)Then again, just look at this stuff! I did know that about John Lundemo, but when you see all that he has to offer, at least for me, getting one of his entry level swords almost seemed like it was...disrespectful. That's not what I really mean, but sorta... I know what you mean. It's like emailing Michaelangelo, telling him that you loved his statuary, and then asking him to carve you a column, because you only have the budget for something basic.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 20:07:18 GMT
EXACTLY; you get me. No matter what he made, I know it'd be awesome- but it is exactly as you said.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2009 21:00:06 GMT
Oh and I should add Mad Dwarf Workshop to that list of quality custom makers that isn't really repped here on the boards.
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