SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 22, 2010 15:37:24 GMT
Thanks for the feedback, guys! ;D Sebastian- Thanks, man. I know, I have a beautiful face! ...What? That's not what you meant? DRAT! Tom- Thanks, man! Yeah, I was a bit surprised at that cut... it was my first indication of how well the Torino cuts if edge alignment is good. And no worries; the FoA is comin' soon. Sanmarc- Thanks! I don't know... the Torino's in pretty good shape now, so unless something goes catastrphically wrong, I think it'll just end up looking like a well-used sword. Sean- Thanks! ;D Yep, lotsa pics. This is definitely a 2-hander, no doubt about it. As for the flame of angels... see above.^ ;D Random- Indeed, it's time. I'm not so tiny, though, the sword's just BIG. I'm 5' 8.5", even if I am thin to the point of non-existance. ;D As for the rest of your comments... pretty much exactly what I was thinking. US- Thanks! Claymore- ;D Odingaard- Thanks for the info! I knew someone would be able to help me out on that. I agree that the sword is a tiny bit short for true two handed use, but not by much- I found it just about right, which means someone 3-4" taller (standard, 6' adult man) would likely find it a slight bit too short. It's all reletive, though, so that would definitely differ... but you know that. Thanks for your input! ;D Sanchezero- Thanks, man! Nice line, btw. Hank- Thanks. Yeah, the wire wrap is a hit-or-miss affair, methinks... but if it were just a tiny bit tighter, I would really like it. Ric- Thanks, my bottle-battlin' friend. I was tempted to drink from my enemies' blood in those videos, I must admit... but I didn't, becuase most of those bottles were other peoples' and were never really 'cleaned', just filled with water. As for the shoes, I KNEW someone would mention that. I agree that closed-toe shoes are important for such activities, but, quite frankly, I hate them. I wear sandles exclusively... so, while it would certainly be better to have foot protection, I opt instead to just be extra careful with my toes. Thanks for pointing that out, though; just shows that you care if I chop myself up or not, lol. ;D Oh, and yes, the tree is gorgeous. I thought it would make a nice backdrop for photo-ops, as well as the quintessential cutting vids. 'Wraith- I guess it depends on what you like; Gen2 (LA, whatever. ) seems to be sticking to their 'beater' rep, but that's not really a bad thing... unless you don't like beaters, which I'm pretty sure you don't. Who knows, though? After the modifications, this may end up handling much better... which would make it quite a fine sword. Oh, and don't thank me; thank Jason. He's the one who made all these upcoming reviews possible. If you DO get one of these custom made, it might still be worth it to use the Gen2 fittings to save some $. They're quite nice. Jason- Thanks, man! I'm glad I lived up to your expectations. ;D I'm confident that you'll turn this good sword into a great sword, so consider me interested in whatever changes you make. Later, Slayer NOW! Off to write the FoA review...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2010 16:25:56 GMT
BTW On the SBG site Paul states clearly that Gen2's are made in the Philippines. Clyde's old site said so too if I recall correctly. Clyde himself had mentioned it in discussions here and elsewhere. Since some of the older swords mimicked Valiant and CAS models, all were known to be Filipino. Check the discussions here in the manufacturer section when the tempering issues came up (mid-late 2007 iirc). It is also great to see prototypes evaluated but where to start on suggestion with this one. The grip has an awkward look from the get go, let alone feel but the glaring thing that bugs me is a pretty pitiful looking wire wrap effort. Feel and tightness of that could be improved greatly if done with flat wound, such as some of the Del Tins. The G2 trend of large round in that section seems to fall prey to fault there as well. Granted, it is meant to follow a sketch or real drawing but wrong is wrong once in hand.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2010 17:01:04 GMT
Great review Slayer... and I thought I put a lot of pictures in my reviews! +1! I agree with Tom, that one cut in vid one was sweet... I love when you get a perfect clean cut and the sword makes that beautiful ring! ;D I'm surprised at the size and weight of the sword... I don't know why, but I really got the impression it was a single handed sword with a big grip... but it looks like single handed use with this beast would be really tough, its much more of a two handed sword... a small, heavy one at that. I'm one who dosn't dig the look of the wire wrap, but I love the spacer... the grip begs for custimzation, but I've found that true of all my Gen two swords... GREAT blades, poor grips. I agree with you about the guard, very elegant and striking. Now I'm looking forward to the Flame of Angels as well... Great review Slayer... karma from me I will go as far as to say that I HATE wire wrap, not comfortable (even though I always wear gloves with... Also, I hope in the near future Legacy Arms will have an option to buy their swords without the leather, will probably make them more affordable and save the time of people like slayer here, who will not have to strip it off...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2010 17:24:43 GMT
Oo... I like that blade shape. Looks like that could just about destroy anything, especially watching a couple of those cuts.
|
|
Avery
Member
Manufacturer/Vendor
"It's alright little brother... There are more!!!
Posts: 1,826
|
Post by Avery on Jan 22, 2010 17:47:30 GMT
Finally, Jeeez!
A very good review Slayer. Lots of info and an objective point of view. I'm on the wagon with the whole wire wrapping, I've never been too keen with grips like that. I'm really looking forward to the other reviews and seeing what Jason does to the final product.
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jan 22, 2010 19:50:05 GMT
I'm looking forward to the later reviews most.
"Well, what's left of the swords arrived today...toyed with the idea of polishing the scratches out of the blade or re-wrapping the hilt/scabbard but can't find leather big enough...the wire is all but gone and there are huge notches and dents all over the blade but let's see what it does..."
|
|
|
Post by YlliwCir on Jan 22, 2010 21:32:01 GMT
I wonder, Slayer, are you going to pack it as well as Jason did?
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 22, 2010 21:47:26 GMT
I'll do my best! ;D I'm not going to pack it in exactly the same way, granted, but the package will be all but bulletproof when it leaves me. -Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2010 23:36:50 GMT
I know I've been MIA for over a year now, but here goes...
I am impressed with how thorough your review is, but really, I can't say anything about *that* that hasn't been said.
However, what I do feel inclined to say is in regards to your sword use. I'm not trying to rag on you, but here are just a couple things I noticed that you could probably work on:
1: Wear shoes. Trust me. a 1% of 1% chance of the sword slipping or you slipping and your foot is in need of surgery. I'd rather have maybe a broken toe or bruised arch than serious lacerations.
2: Your shoulders are torquing independently of your hips. This is because on your diagonal cuts you're moving the sword in two axis - vertical and horizontal. By pulling the sword through the horizontal axis(while it moves in the vertical one) with your arms and shoulders, the weight of the sword is pulling your body alignment way out of wack. Remember, the horizontal movement of a sword during a diagonal cut comes from hip rotation, not shoulder/arm movement. As far as your shoulders and arms are concerned, a diagonal cut is identical to a vertical downward one - it's just your hips (and slight re-alignment of the edge) that make it diagonal.
3: A sword is a lever. Not a stick. Your top-hand(main-hand, whatever you want to call it) that is nearest the guard(for most people, the right hand), is the fulcrum. Your bottom hand(usually the left) is your effort. The blade is your 'load', as it were(this is physics lingo for levers). What it means is your right hand moves in an arc forward at maximum extension, and 'aims' the cut'. The blade moves in an arc that itself rotates around that right hand, through the use of the bottom hand which rotates inward around the top hand *as the top hand arcs in front of your centerline*. So there are actually 2 arcs going on here. The arc of the main hand around your center, and the arc of your bottom hand inwards around the main hand which rotates the blade around the already arcing fulcrum.
I bring this up because you're basically hitting the target right on with the edge and just trying to push the edge through the target in a straight line. Remember, the sword is a lever, and it rotates about it's fulcrum(your main hand) to add a 'slicing' motion, as well as increased velocity to the edge.
You're footwork isn't atrocious, but it could use some work to.
Again - not trying to just say you're doing badly - but you have a passion for this sort of thing, as anyone here can tell. I just want your form to mirror your passion.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:47:49 GMT
Excellent review, Brogdon. Thank you for the videos, especially since you left nothing out. Edited videos can be very deceptive. Regarding the sword and how to improve it - Why not add a fuller? The diamond cross section on a blade this wide is going to make it weigh a lot. Even if you make the pommel larger in order to bring the point of balance back, it will only increase the overall weight. A fuller would likely do that without a larger pommel being needed. It is just a suggestion, because I really like the fittings and blade. The diamond cross section just doesn't make sense to me on a sword with this little profile taper.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:50:54 GMT
I realize that my previous post may not have had the same clarity I originally intended it to have...so I took some screencaps of your vids and put some notes on 'em. Again, I'd like to reiterate that I'm not trying to beat you down, only build you up. You have to be aware of your failings in order to improve. You're doing great so far... Just breath...and Relax. Breath and Relax. WAY harder than one would think. But they're of utmost importance. Don't be afraid of cutting. A lot of the things I saw in your videos come from almost 'flinching' away when you cut. It's just water - even if it a'splodes on you face. Keep yourself functional. This is what it means "those who are easily frightened should not study swordsmanship". Stay focused.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:52:57 GMT
Excellent review, Brogdon. Thank you for the videos, especially since you left nothing out. Edited videos can be very deceptive. Regarding the sword and how to improve it - Why not add a fuller? The diamond cross section on a blade this wide is going to make it weigh a lot. Even if you make the pommel larger in order to bring the point of balance back, it will only increase the overall weight. A fuller would likely do that without a larger pommel being needed. It is just a suggestion, because I really like the fittings and blade. The diamond cross section just doesn't make sense to me on a sword with this little profile taper. Because it's intended to be a Type XVIII, if i recall correctly, and they don't have fullers. It's the way old rammers drew it, anyhow. I think a more sophisticated distal taper would take care of a lot of it, personally, as would adding the hollow grind(again, if i'm remembering things incorrectly as to the intended type of this sword, i'm mistaken), but those things would add vastly to the cost of the sword.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:53:01 GMT
Dam Slayer... first off, you can't draw a sword from the back, second, that camera is lucky to be alive
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:55:59 GMT
Hey Bloodwraith, I sugjest you order this sword with a wide central fuller, that will take some of the # out and move the POB, just my opinion...SanMarc.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 0:59:38 GMT
And as said above, hollow grind on the sides will do the same, Rammstine drew it that way, and as Jason said, they made it off the drawings, so improvments will be made......SanMarc.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 1:20:51 GMT
This is a review of the sword, not of Brogdon's cutting. He didn't ask for advice, even if it is well-meant (I know that it is, but this isn't exactly the time or place). Hollow ground edges are a good idea, sanmarc, but wouldn't that cost more to do? Distal taper would also help, but that might also effect the cost. In addition to cost, gen2 is known for their tough, (if semi-heavy) swords. They achieve this strength by the extra metal in the right place. If this is meant to be an XVIII, why not add some more profile taper? It would help the sword penetrate better (no jokes, please).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 1:39:39 GMT
XVIIIs can have fullers...unless hallow ground of course. So if rammy was doing an XVIII hollow ground blade, then no fuller. Can anyone confirm that is what he wanted though?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 1:39:59 GMT
San: No fullers, I hate fullers with a passion I can't quite put my finger on, they are bloody hideous. Honestly I don't see why they can't make the sword lighter than this. I have seen plenty of light diamond section blades without fullers or hollow grinds. Also that sword is way to heavy for slayer and that is really the crux of his difficulty. Because there isn't much of him (believe me, speaking from experience) it is harder to control a sword like that, especially with the weight and PoB. Stats as of the original drawing;
Weight: 2.5 lbs length: 38 inches blade length: 30 inches PoB: 2.5 inches PoP: 27.5 inches Blade type: XVa guard type: 6 Pommel type: T
I don't see how it is so hard to take it from paper when what is drawn it is so damn detailed both in terms of specs and in terms the drawing itself?
As to the way brogdon drew the dark sentinel, that was all kinds of unsafe that gives me pause for thought. I wonder how someone can show themselves to be so mature on the forum and then does that with a real sword. I mean I would think the first and most obvious rule is don't grab the blade with your hands and number two would be never act unsafely with a sword. Also the cuts he then makes are so uncontrolled I feared for his safety. You either need to use a lighter sword or learn how to control it.
As to the whole "critiquing of technique" in a review, I myself am guilty of it and when people have no idea how to make cuts safely, both in terms of physical safety and safety to their body, I believe it is the place of members who know what they are talking about to point things out. If slayer keeps cutting like that and with his lack of control he is going to do interesting and agonising things to his body. What kind of people would we be if we didn't point it out?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 1:39:55 GMT
Odin, that was unnecessary. I deleted my post, because yourself and Jonathan are right. This is a review, and not a cutting critique. That should have been reserved for the sword safety forums. It won't happen again...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2010 1:57:05 GMT
Pointing out safety hazards is a good thing. Making it a point to explain every flaw in his technique is another.
|
|