Valiant Armoury Signature Crusader and AT 303S
Aug 5, 2010 21:01:29 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2010 21:01:29 GMT
Valiant Armoury Signature Crusader and AT 303S Comparative review.
Reviewed by Bradley Camp
Ptbo On. Can
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-05
Hi all. Since I own both of these nice little beauties I thought it was a good idea to do a comparative review on the pair. What actually made me do the review was the large amount of simularities between the two, especially the blade. They are quite identical. I had to get out a measuring tape before I was able to notice any difference at all.
I went for both of these swords because I thought they would make two very good pieces to continue my foray into the one handed sword market. My Tinker Norman gave me a little bug and these two are the result.
STATISTICS
Crusader
Overall: 37 5/8
Blade Length: 30 8/9
Grip Length 4 3/4
Guard Length: 7 1/2
Weight: 2 lb 1 once
P.O.B.: 4 2/7
Width at base: 1 3/4
Pommel weight: 8 onces
Guard weight: 4.5 onces
Blade weight: 1 lb 3 onces
AT 303S
Overall: 37 5/8
Blade Length: 30 8/9
Grip Length 4 5/8
Guard Length: 8 1/2
Weight: 1 lb 16 onces
P.O.B.: 4 3/4
Width at base: 1 5/8
Pommel weight: 7 onces
Guard weight: 4.6 onces
Blade weight: 1 lb 2.8 onces
THE BLADE
Both blades are very similar in weight and size and shape. Without a measuring tape I was unable to discern any real difference between the two. Both have very minute secondary bevels and look quite nice in that regard. The grain on both swords is well executed as with both fullers. The only real complaint I have about the 303 is that the fuller on one side is ever so slightly over to one side, but both remain excellent examples of a type XII.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
THE GRIP
The handles on both are good quality leather over a well executed snuggly fitting wood core. The Arming sword grip is vastly different that the ones from the first run. The shape is exactly like the Crusader and the risers are rounded as oppose to the older squared off ones from the first run. RicWilly has done a review of one of the original ones so you can check out his review for a comparison.
I have dry handled both the Arming sword and the Crusader, and they have stood up very well to my moist summer hands, retaining color and lines without any change whatsoever. They both fit very nicely into my hand with just enough room left over to grip an inch of the blade and the pommel for a powerful two handed strike if necessary. But these being well made single hand sword, they are a marvel to handle with only the one hand, as they should and were intended to be.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
THE GUARD
I'm not sure, but I believe both guards may be made of stainless steel because there is absolutely no rusting at all on these pieces. I have been purposely leaving finger prints on them just to see what happens. It was the same with the Krieg before I sold it. Absolutely no signs of rust at all. Both guards are not without their pits or scratches but thats fine with me. The pits add character I think. The weights of both are similar and both look nice, although I prefer the eight sided look on the Crusader much more. Both fit their respective blades nicely.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
THE POMMEL
It seems that the machined look on the 303S has been completely done away with. I remember handling one of the old 303S Arming swords in Reliks and that was a bit of an aesthetics turn off for me.
This one looks more like it was made by hand because it's edges are not perfect. They're actually a little bit sloppy but I rather kind of like the handmade look here. The slight imperfections and softer edges make this look more authentic, I think.
The pommel on the Crusader is 1 ounce heavier coming in at 8 ounces. It's a nice small type J pommel while the 303S is a type H coming in at 7 ounces. Both fit nicely in hand.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-05
SCABBARD
Both scabbards are wood core covered in leather. The Arming one, though very simple, is well executed and the Crusader scabbard is a work of art in itself. When I compare the quality of my Kriegschwert scabbard, which was really really good, this one actually surpasses it in the finite details. Lines are cleaner and seems are straiter. The Crusader is a tad snugger fit, but both scabbards fit both sword perfectly and are fully interchangable at will. They both also have the same chape at the end. I think that they are the same scabbard wood core, only covered differently.
The suspension system looks as if it has been made of a bonded leather substance, and has been artfully done. Again. The quality is actually better that that of my Kriegschwert.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-05
HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS
The handling of the pair of them is immaculate, both displaying a quick guard to guard, and a quick return. These swords were meant to be swung and it shows. Just lightning fast response. The next time I go cutting I just may try using one in each hand. Never tried that before, but this pair has inspired me.
MY CONCLUSION
As the owner of both of these fine pieces I can say that there is no reason why I would steer anyone away from either of these swords. If you are looking for lightning fast handling, but you're on a budget and you don't mind a more basic look, you could do no better that the Valiant Armoury 303S Arming Sword. If you are looking for the same lightning fast handling, but with all the aesthetic bells and whistles with a classic medieval sword look, then the Crusader might be for you instead.
I bought the Signature Crusader from Reliks in London Ontario Canada. The 303S Arming Sword was from our very own Stromloswordsusa. Both had lightning fast shipping. Thanks Rob and thanks Reliks.
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-08-03
By margshus at 2010-07-19
By margshus at 2010-07-17
By margshus at 2010-07-19
For me, the Crusader will get used, but remain a show piece primarily so as not to marr the perfection of it. The Arming sword will be the first one handed cutter for me. One primarily as historical art and the other as a work horse.