Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 1:46:05 GMT
Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a sword to do some "practice" with and mainly get some exercise. The one I really had my heart set on was a Windlass Steelcrafts German Bastard Sword. Well, since that's not gonna happen, does anyone have some advice as to a similar sword?
This will be my first functional sword.
looking at sub $300 or there abouts. Medieval. Bastard. Doesn't have to be a perfect oakshott class, but something somewhat plausible (not a fantasy sword in the shape of a giant flame IOW).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 2:23:17 GMT
Wiwingti has a Dynasty Forge Oakshott XVI sword that is simply gorgeous for under $300 (Maybe a little over including shipping) The dimensions are very similar to the Windlass, and it's a little lighter. Personally I think the fittings are much more beautiful. wiwingtiswordsupply.com/OakeshottXVI.htmlI would get it, save up a little more and later ship it off to Sonny for a grip rewrap.
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jun 2, 2010 2:30:09 GMT
Valiant Armoury's 304S Longsword, all the way. Seriously, you CANNOT do better than that for less than $300, for a good handling, durable, cutting sword. Of course, if you don't plan to cut much/at all, you might want to look at the hanwei'tinker bastard/longswords.. They come a little bit dull, even when ordered sharp, and look WAY 'not as good' as the VA, but handle just as well. Also, VA should be coming out with many more models soon, so keep an eye out.... Oh, btw, I have two VA's, including the 304S, and they are my favorite swords. The 304S is my fav of them both though... Just thought that that was worth mentioning. Hope this helps! ;D EDIT: Just realized you were new! Welcome,. my new friend! ;D Hope you like it here; lotsa good guys. Feel free to ask any more questions you wish, no matter how 'dumb' they might seem. We were all new once... You should have seen me, lol! Anyway, welcome again! Consider yourself among friends.... -Slayer
|
|
Dom T.
Member
Success, depress, ambition. Progress, regress, recognition.
Posts: 766
|
Post by Dom T. on Jun 2, 2010 2:36:36 GMT
Yeaaap, the handle wraps seem to be the weakest point for the DF Euros. You could also go for one of the Hanwei/Tinker Bastards at around $170: www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/SH2411.htmlOr one of the VA Practical Long Swords, at around $240 (if you can track one down. they're usually outta stock, lol): www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/at304s.htmlThose two are sorta plain, mostly for performance, I guess. Personally, I can't help very well. Don't have so many Euros. I don't own any of the swords I just suggested, either. *Edit* Oh, are you lookin' for some blunts? Both the VA and the Hanwei have blunt versions.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 2:41:08 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 2:59:59 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 3:02:45 GMT
Additionally, the H/T is in stock right now, the 304S is not. THAT is a fantastic point. Well said, Odingaard. I like the blade shape on the H/T better, but the cheapo grip covering and fittings always put me off. The edges on the VA's have always been consistently good but it's more hit or miss with the H/T's. Now that the H/T has had a price reduction and is actually in-stock, yea, I'd put them around the same level.
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jun 2, 2010 3:43:11 GMT
if you are serious about German or Italian traditional longsword training then you want the Hanwei Tinker Longsword even though its edge is hit or miss and its furniture is plain to ugly it will move better and feel better than the 304S.
if you want to cut stuff in your back yard get the 304s it just doesn't get better for an all-around good longsword for that price range. out of stock? so what, they'll be back before long. the fact that they are constantly out of stock everywhere should tell you something about how good they are.
so for pure handling: H/T
for all-around performance and cool looks: VA 304s
I own a 304S and I LOVE it. even when I'm using ATrim longswords it still manages to be worth swinging. it's a pretty special production sword that can stand in the same cutting party as ATrims. of course ATrims ARE better but the 304s is still amazingly good, especially when you consider what it costs. bang for buck: 304 hands down.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 4:09:18 GMT
wow, a lot of suggestions!
Thanks guys. Let me work through these and get back to ya!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2010 4:56:11 GMT
Hanwei/Tinker longsword in the classifieds right now: /index.cgi?board=selling&action=display&thread=16621
|
|
Dom T.
Member
Success, depress, ambition. Progress, regress, recognition.
Posts: 766
|
Post by Dom T. on Jun 3, 2010 0:46:44 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 4:59:33 GMT
Hi Guys, I'm looking for a sword to do some "practice" with and mainly get some exercise. The one I really had my heart set on was a Windlass Steelcrafts German Bastard Sword. Well, since that's not gonna happen, does anyone have some advice as to a similar sword? This will be my first functional sword. looking at sub $300 or there abouts. Medieval. Bastard. Doesn't have to be a perfect oakshott class, but something somewhat plausible (not a fantasy sword in the shape of a giant flame IOW). swords.com/buy/tinker-pearce-bastard-sword.htmlreviews.swords.com/tinker-pearce-bastard-sword/
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2010 5:23:29 GMT
I'll go ahead and jump on the Valiant Armory 304s band wagon. I own one and have loved it since I first got it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2010 5:39:05 GMT
Thanks guys (and gals as it may be)
RL just hit me hard.
I will be back and thank you for your input. See you soon
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2010 6:27:10 GMT
I think I speak for the majority of the SBG community when I say,
We hope to see you back soon and that everything turned out well.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2010 3:18:09 GMT
Hi guys, I'm back! Hopefully for a bit. however, I'll have to wait to buy until later this month (well, at least a few days) WARNING - my night off - second beer down but, this is my only free time at the moment. I hope I'm not too nitpicky in this thread. I looked at the Tinker and the morphology isn't right for me. Just a bit too much taper. I'm looking more type XIII on the blade. Then I looked at the dynasty forge one - is there a review anyplace? I like it - but I don't know much about it. Then I looked at the 304S and almost hit "buy". It's about all I am looking for, but it's long! Anyone have a review? Where is the balance? Is that going to be a problem (long). I'm only 5'9", and when I hold a scale stick at 36" - wow,,it's long. Thoughts? I'm actual holding myself back from hitting the buy button. Thoughts? You guys are great obviously. That said, I want this particular purchase to be near perfect, because it will color my future in a sense. So forgive my indecision. Have fun all. Edit: Sorry guys, I normally don't sound so whiney.
|
|
|
Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jun 14, 2010 4:37:42 GMT
I am 5'7" and love all of my 304S's. There are reviews in the review section under VA. (AT304S)
/index.cgi?board=reviews&action=display&thread=10166
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2010 20:03:41 GMT
wow. Nice thread of reviews. I missed that - thanks.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2010 0:55:23 GMT
OK,
So, after looking around, and convincing myself that the German Bastard is not in my immediate future - nor malatesta or templar. And, reading a ton (OK 10) reviews.
I think I am sold on the AT304.
Only one final hitch - I'm emailing the SBG store about. Thanks guys.
|
|
|
Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jun 15, 2010 4:43:03 GMT
Your welcome.
|
|