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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2009 22:26:15 GMT
I've been checking out swords for along time and I've heard differant things about differant companies and was woundering which ones to avoid, and on the flip side which ones I should go for?
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Dec 28, 2009 1:14:44 GMT
that depends a lot on the price range you are looking in. if you have $300 to spend on a sword I would steer you towards Valiant Armory's practical cutting series and Hanwei's Tinker line but away from Windlass but if you have 200 or less to spend then I'm going to tell you to look to Windlass. nomatter what avoid Deepeeka and anything that is not hardened/tempered/heat treated (you will want to see those words somewhere) if you want to spend 800+ then I'll show you Albion and Christian Fletcher / Atrims and Arms and Armor and some custom smiths like Lundemo and some others
all depends on your price range and what sort of sword you want
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Dec 28, 2009 3:45:04 GMT
Tom pretty well covered it, but I'll add this. Best thing to do, IMO, is just ask about a vendor when you find one. Post a thread wih a link to whatever sword you're interested in and get some feedback. Honestly man, most of us try not to badmouth cheap companies too much around here, but by the same token we won't let folks buy cheap crap either. Unless they're dead set on it anyway. I could name a few crappy places, so could Tom and alot of the other guys and gals here, but man if you want that, lets do it by PM. Like I said, we try not to badmouth openly, but one on one.....boy the stuff you'll learn. Ask Wiwingti about Ryanswords sometime, via PM. You'll get an earful. Ask Tom or Marc Ridgeway about Handmadeswords, there's alot there. Ask me about about all the handforged axes on Ebay, I'll overload ya. Ask Odingaard about the scabbards these place offer. Hell, I learned alot from him and yeoldgaffer. The list goes on and on. My point is this. Most of the folks here won't talk too much sempr!ni openly, it's hard to discuss facts with every yahoo coming in and giving their misguided 2 cents. Whereas through PM, its one on one with respected members.
Oh, and Ryanswords.......... they suck!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 4:50:38 GMT
Also, you should go though our reviews section and read a couple for each manufacturer. Then, when you find something more specific you are interested in, ask about the particular model. As Avery said, just about every Tom, semprini, and Harry will offer you an opinion; even on swords/manufacturer's they don't own or have never handled. Stick with the opinion of people who have actually OWNED or HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED the product; and you will get a solid, honest opinion every time. ;D As for myself offering you an opinion, I will be more than happy to answer any question you PM me with. If I don't know the answer, I will try to make one up that sound goods at least.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 15:20:45 GMT
...it's hard to discuss facts with every yahoo coming in and giving their misguided 2 cents. Whereas through PM, its one on one with respected members.Aaaaauuch !!! I've been brought up with the idea that between "black" and "white" there are many shades of grey ! I think that everybody (most of us !) who take the effort to post in a reply, do this with the best intention and OK ... let's presume that these "two cents" are perhaps inappropriate or ... wrong , I'm convinced that it's done undeliberate and ... with the best intentions ... Giving wrong advice and being put straight by other "co-forumites" can be very learnful as well ... I understand what you mean though ... but still ... such statements might "block" people to "interact" and this can never be the idea ...I think ...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 16:31:49 GMT
The other thing to take in to consideration is that, sometimes bad manufactures, (by accident more then design), produce good swords, and good companies occasionally produce lemons.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 17:51:21 GMT
The other thing to take in to consideration is that, sometimes bad manufactures, (by accident more then design), produce good swords *cough* windlass XIV *cough*
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 17:54:17 GMT
The other thing to take in to consideration is that, sometimes bad manufactures, (by accident more then design), produce good swords *cough* windlass XVI *cough* I think you mean XIV? Anyway, I wouldn't call Windlass a bad manufacturer, I'm pretty happy with the swords I have from them for the price I paid, it seems to me like they're pretty decent but with many swords that range above and below what we would want or expect.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 17:56:14 GMT
VA/AT Practicals or the VA signature line are all high quality, and high value. Beyond that, there's Angus Trim's stuff at christianfletcher.com Though I am a huge Angus Trim fanboy, whether it be swords he himself made, or has designed
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Dec 28, 2009 21:43:26 GMT
...it's hard to discuss facts with every yahoo coming in and giving their misguided 2 cents. Whereas through PM, its one on one with respected members.Aaaaauuch !!! I've been brought up with the idea that between "black" and "white" there are many shades of grey ! I think that everybody (most of us !) who take the effort to post in a reply, do this with the best intention and OK ... let's presume that these "two cents" are perhaps inappropriate or ... wrong , I'm convinced that it's done undeliberate and ... with the best intentions ... Giving wrong advice and being put straight by other "co-forumites" can be very learnful as well ... I understand what you mean though ... but still ... such statements might "block" people to "interact" and this can never be the idea ...I think ... You're right. I worded that poorly. What I meant was sometimes folks get advice from others who haven't even handled any swords before. They just say "I heard from", or "so and so said". Stuff like that. I wasn't trying to sound elitist or condescending, but I did kinda come off that way. I apologize.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 23:17:51 GMT
...it's hard to discuss facts with every yahoo coming in and giving their misguided 2 cents. Whereas through PM, its one on one with respected members.Aaaaauuch !!! I've been brought up with the idea that between "black" and "white" there are many shades of grey ! I think that everybody (most of us !) who take the effort to post in a reply, do this with the best intention and OK ... let's presume that these "two cents" are perhaps inappropriate or ... wrong , I'm convinced that it's done undeliberate and ... with the best intentions ... Giving wrong advice and being put straight by other "co-forumites" can be very learnful as well ... I understand what you mean though ... but still ... such statements might "block" people to "interact" and this can never be the idea ...I think ... You're right. I worded that poorly. What I meant was sometimes folks get advice from others who haven't even handled any swords before. They just say "I heard from", or "so and so said". Stuff like that. I wasn't trying to sound elitist or condescending, but I did kinda come off that way. I apologize. I don't think you worded that poorly, Avery. You just said it the way it is. I don't think an apology was needed at all: I won't sugar-coat my post at all here: I have noticed a dramatic increase in posts giving really bad, misinformed, or inaccurate information myself. There is no telling how many times I have read post after post clogging a thread about how awesome, functional, authentic, or nice a sword is given from someone that does not nor has not ever owned the product of which they speak. Then, in another thread two weeks later, they will slam on the same product they had just recommended to someone. It ends up being confusing and misleading to new forum members. That is why I said unless someone actually owns a sword or has owned a sword in the past; their opinion should be taken with a caveat. Rely on the opinions of those who have actually spent their hard-earned money on a product; they will give an honest opinion - whereas someone that just wants to brown nose with [ Insert Smith's Name Here] by recommending their product in 9,576 different posts will give a biased, uninformed, and unexperienced opinions and information. I definately not have problem if mods began stepping up in these situations; because it would clean the board of just general bad info and perhaps give some of these misinforming members a reality check. Saying something like, "Hey, buy [Insert Smith's Name Here] swords, they rock!" on other forums I am a member and/or staff member of will get a response from a mod such as, "Would you care to elaborate on your personal experience with [Insert Smith's Name Here] to add to the knowledge of the board?". In some cases, where a poster shows a pattern of purposeful misdirection/dishonesty in such topics - I have seen members banned; because they are intentionally decreasing the quality of the knowledgebase. Now, if someone actually has or has perviously owned a sword and argues the point that they are a good/bad manufacturer, this is a different tale. It is their honest, informed, and experienced opinion that the sword is a good/bad value for the money. This is an honest argument that expands knowledge and viewpoints; as long as all who engage in such arguments own/or have owned the product in question. Be honest about swords you know and seek knowledge about swords you do not know about: It just seems like a civilized thing to do in order to help the SBG attain it's mission of being the best resource available in shopping for sub-$300 swords.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2009 23:40:57 GMT
Well said....this is one of the reasons I've distanced myself from posting here and other sites as of late.
Be honest for sure......I never gloss over the fact that I've had great luck with all the Windlass piece's I currently own and will stand by those opinions. Like others who've "been around the block" so to speak......preference plays a big part too. I for one would rather have a Del-Tin or Armour Class over a Albion (let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin), but that's my preference/ choice. I have handled quite a few Albion's over the years, but not my cup of tea.
Do the research too..there is a mountain of good info. available and as stated along with the mountain of crap......just takes time and it's part of the learning.
back to my cave now.............
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Dom T.
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Post by Dom T. on Dec 29, 2009 0:20:48 GMT
Alright! Here comes the random newbie!
I probably shouldn't be commenting on this as most of (what little) experience I have is in the Japanese sword spectrum of sword collecting and whatnot so sorry if my little spiel isn't helpful in any way at all.
I noticed that nobody mentioned Darksword Armory or Generation 2. Er, beaters, ya'll know. I only own one DSA sword, and none of Gen 2's swords. I did have one Gen 2 Celtic sword for a brief moment. Both of those companies make they swords quite heavy. I'm quite sure most katana are much lighter than a DSA or Gen2 sword. Oh, sorry off-topic. Anyways, I don't know much about the handling of Euro's, but from what I've seen from my little handling of those beaters is that they are heavy as hell. On the other side, they are pretty durable. I've inadvertently bumped (I don't want to say smacked or hit as those convey a... stronger action) something with my DSA more than once, and (while not really abusing it like smacking it all over the place) it's still fine. Just a few minor cosmetic scrapes (which I'll polish off as soon as I'm done using my crappy knives as guinea pigs). I've also got a tiny little dent on the edge (oh yeah, I had it sharpened) that... somehow doesn't, er, mess up the edge. As in you could almost call it a cosmetic dent. Got it from bumping the sword into a sorta wrought iron chair. Wasn't used to the heft at the time. But the point of balance is fine. It's just completely the weight. So yeah I guess what I was trying to say is that if you want something that's on the more durable spectrum, DSA and Gen2 may be where you want to look. They really are a niche though. You gotta want a beater to like a beater, methinks.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Dec 29, 2009 1:17:03 GMT
I would add to the previous post that both DSA and GEN2 (now Legacy Arms) swords have been evolving into lighter blades than their earlier representatives and now offer even more for your money.
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Dom T.
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Post by Dom T. on Dec 29, 2009 2:05:00 GMT
Ah. True. Especially with DSA now improving their handle grips and sheaths. Absolutely great. They still are a bit heavy to me though. Then again, my lack of forearm muscle and lack of European swords (or single handed swords in general) may have something to do with that. And Eyal Azerad is one cool guy. Really helpful when I ordered. Plus he's on these forums often enough, and even gave us that awesome SBG exclusive sale. I would have bought more from that sale if I had more money at the time. Hm... I wonder... could it still be on even after a few months?
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Dec 29, 2009 2:24:15 GMT
All good points. Plus with DSA, well I respect Eyal very much, and the guys at Legacy are stand up folk too. I'm with Bill on Windlass, they've been a supplier to me for swords since I was a teen. I look back on how I fondled the MRL catalouge like it was penthouse. Even though I'm older now and know a bit more, I still have a few of those catalouges I look through. The biggest issue I have with Windlass is that they discontinue some of their best blades and that some of the swords are "whippy". Valient Armory is another favorite of mine, though I've handled many I only own 1 at the moment. @odin - Though I agree, I was apologizing for sounding arrogant. Post counts and karmas shouldn't matter, its what a person knows that does. After rereading what I said It sounded a bit condescending. And thats something I hate to be and try not to. dom T - Point in case. You posted an honest response about your knowledge and handling experience. Thats exactly whats needed. When I said "yahoos" I meant the guys who post with no knowledge at all, or trolls who just like to stir the pot, as it were. Or the guys who try to sound more educated than what they are. Whatever the case, another thing I'd like to say toward the OP. These's shady makers and vendors out there all the time. Many I don't even know about. Hell, alot actually. They change names so often it's hard to keep up. But the good guys, the stand-up guys, they're always around. I'm all for finding the "new deals" and the "value for dollar", but at the same time I stick with ones I trust on big purchases. When it comes to Vendors I think you can trust, The list is pretty big. Paul for one, he stands by everything he sells. So does Richard Tabor and Wiwingti(Marc). Marc Ridgeway does the same. BKS, I haven't dealt with the Stagmars yet, but won't hesitate to in the future, they're as stand-up as you can get. Some of the other guys can chime in on this, but we've got some of the BEST manufacturers/vendors right here on this board, and I'm tired of typing.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2009 3:21:06 GMT
And my two cents, on good sword makers, keep you eye on Sam S, And of course Brendon of fable Blades, some of the best custom work for good pricesess, of course thats my opinion, good points have been made by others, and waiting to see what a sword is like after some one else has gotten it and revues it for you, I have jumped on a new sword and had to be the one to tell every one about it, should have waited for some one Else to get it so I could get some thing that would have been more of what I was looking for, but, thats what we are here for at SBG Huh?!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2009 5:40:51 GMT
... I apologizeIndeed ... I DON'T SEE ANY REASON TO APOLOGIZE EITHER !! You did something far greater ... you ventilated your "honest opinion" about a matter just like I did, and even more ...you reacted on a reply in a mature, descent way ! ... My respect Avery ! Have a Karma on me my friend Hugh
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2009 6:42:59 GMT
I much prefer brutal honesty as opposed to sugar coated concepts and impressions. and to be a little more specific, I've been in the market (when money allows of course) for a viking style sword for a long time. around the $200 range... I've been looking pretty hard at windlass... alot of the other ones seem to far from my price range... I wouldn't mind if one of these companies would sell me just a blade and some lose fitting so I could assemble the sword myself... I can make handles and scabbards and I do leather work so scratch and den't been would be good to... I haven't contacted any manufacturer yet about just buying a blade yet though...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2009 7:33:07 GMT
Here is the best deal going for a viking blade currently:
/index.cgi?board=europeansword&action=display&thread=13931
Hanwei-Tinker 9th C Viking Sword for $175.00 Shipped
He has them marked down for a holiday sale. They won't last long. At this price, I am thinking of buying a couple to give as gifts. Marc is also a recommend vendor here on the forums that will give good customer service.
This is a solid viking blade with a good scabbard. I had a chance to handle the prototype at the Atlanta Blade show and it sold itself. You might have to refine the edge a little bit, but the bang for the buck is phenominal at $175.00 shipped. You would not be disappointed; as this blade will beat the brakes off anything DSA or Windlass offers at a similar price point.
Also, Kult of Athena sells bare Tinker blades for customization; but to be honest, you can get the whole sword for about the same price. ;D
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