Review: Del Tin 5161 Swedish Two Handed Sword
Sept 20, 2010 23:29:27 GMT
Post by Odingaard on Sept 20, 2010 23:29:27 GMT
Del Tin 5161 Swedish Two Handed Sword Review
By Jonathan "Odingaard" Sarge
Overview
The Del Tin 5161 is based loosely on the historical sword of Svante Nilsson Sture, the Regent of Sweden. It dates from during the late 15 centuries. Though I am uncertian of the specific typology, I'd believe that it's an Oakeshott Type XVIIIb, with a flattened diamond-cross section blade, a large Type T pommel, a Style 12 crossguard.
This sword was not based on the Albion version of the Svante sword; as the Del Tin design predates the Albion design by quite a few years. I know in the past that other manufacturer's have been guilty of apparently rippng off Albion designs, but this is not the case here. The Albion and Del Tin versions of this sword are different as night and day and they were developed independantly of each other.
I am personally not a big Albion fan; so the fact that the Svante and the 5161 have a resembalance was not important to me. I was merely looking for a sword indicative of the late Medieval period that a lesser knight or mercenary would have carried to battle. I was drawn to the 5161 after using my instructor's during Schola training.
Purchasing / Shipping
I purchased this sword for $359.95 from KoA and $14.95 shipping and handling for a total of $374.90. I ordered it on Friday morning at 1am and it showed up the following Tuesday at 1pm.
I know that this sword is over the SBG $300USD price point, but then again, so are ALL of the new Valiant and Hanwei/Tinker offerings that members are raving about. Now that KoA is offering Del Tins at about half what it would cost to have one sent direct - I feel that these should be SBG featured weapons. Keep in mind, my instructor paid nearly $700 for this sword shipped direct, and I have paid $500 for Del Tins in the past before KoA carried them. Enough said...
It arrived well-packaged in a thick cardboard box, secured with craft paper, and wrapped tightly in bubble wrap. There was no damage to the sword after it was unpacked and inspected.
Specifications
Overall Length: 46.5"
Blade Length: 33.5"
Blade Width (Widest Point): 2.125"
Blade Width @ Guard: 1.90"
Blade Material: Heat Tempered Chromium-Vandium Steel (50 RC Hardness)
Overall Grip Length: 13.0"
Crossguard Length: 9"
Pommel Length: 2.5"
Pommel Width: 2.5"
Weight: 3lbs, 15oz
PoB: 2.0"
CoP: 22.0"
Blade
The blade of the 5161 has a beautifully complex; yet graceful geometry. It's a flattened diamond cross section which begins at the guard being 1.90" wide, then at 2.0" from the guard, it dramatically flares to 2.125" in width. The blade then tapers toward the end, ending in a rounded thrusting point.
The sword comes unsharpened, but when sharpened, it is easy to see that this blade has both attributes - the ability to cut and thrust efficiently. It comes with a 1.5mm rounded edge suitable for re-enactment/WMA en arma combat.
In the last picture, you can see that the central ridge appears slightly off-center at the end. This is an effect of the camera, the ridge is centered on both sides of the blade. The lighting caused this effect.
The Grip
The grip on this is one of this sword's highest selling points. It is a full two-handed grip, being 13" in length. It is composed of thin leather over a spiral corded wrapped wooden core. The spiral riser is slightly uneven in places, but it's not too noticable.
The nature of this grip assures a nice firm grip for one or both hands, yet shifting position of the hands is not hindered. I can easily fit both hands on the grip of this sword while wearing plate gauntlets and have a few inches remaining between my hands.
The Pommel
The pommel is a monster on the 5161. It's a massive fluted Type T, about the size of a small pear. It off sets the blade weight, giving a extremely low center of balance for this large sword. The pommel is an excellent weapon in its own right, acting essentially as a mace in a close-quarters fight.
The tang is solidly peened through the pommel. The sword is absolutely solid, with no rattle and it rings deep like a church bell when struck.
The Guard
The guard is a thick Style 12 guard that widens as it turns in an S-curve, flaring as it ends in rounded finials.
Performance
This is the Del Tin 5161's strongest selling point by far. It's a capable two-handed, but because the PoB is so far back and the weight is not too great, it actually wields well as a one-handed weapon. The point tracks exactly where you want it to track smoothly and easily with little one-handed effort.
The 5161 work effortlessly though the poste of Fiore, offering smooth transitions, working from cover to cover. Blows are fast and powerful, from high, middle, and low positions. The pommel works amazingly well for it's intended purpose, able to smash the helmet of a would-be opponent; changing the course of a fight if you put enough power behind it.
Overall
This sword is my favorite sword of all time from Del Tin, yet it is amazing that KoA had it priced much lower than some of the less Del Tin desirable models. It is a bargain hand over fist at the price I got it at. It still weighs in less than some of the new sword hitting the market, and it is of tremendous value in my eyes. Hold it once and you will be addicted. I would have easily paid the price my instructor paid (more than $600) for this sword and not lost any sleep and still been just has happy.
Now; some might consider the Del Tin 5161 to be a Poor Man's Svante, but I consider it a lethally functional soldier's sword, indicative of what a lesser knight or mercenary would have carried proudly in late Medieval Europe if given the chance. It's not quite as nice or refined as the more expensive Albion offering, but it is an excellent alternative for those either unble to afford the Svante or those that own a Svante that need a capable trainer/cutter in order to preserve their investment.
The Verdict / Rating Info
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4.5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for the Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
By Jonathan "Odingaard" Sarge
Overview
The Del Tin 5161 is based loosely on the historical sword of Svante Nilsson Sture, the Regent of Sweden. It dates from during the late 15 centuries. Though I am uncertian of the specific typology, I'd believe that it's an Oakeshott Type XVIIIb, with a flattened diamond-cross section blade, a large Type T pommel, a Style 12 crossguard.
This sword was not based on the Albion version of the Svante sword; as the Del Tin design predates the Albion design by quite a few years. I know in the past that other manufacturer's have been guilty of apparently rippng off Albion designs, but this is not the case here. The Albion and Del Tin versions of this sword are different as night and day and they were developed independantly of each other.
I am personally not a big Albion fan; so the fact that the Svante and the 5161 have a resembalance was not important to me. I was merely looking for a sword indicative of the late Medieval period that a lesser knight or mercenary would have carried to battle. I was drawn to the 5161 after using my instructor's during Schola training.
Purchasing / Shipping
I purchased this sword for $359.95 from KoA and $14.95 shipping and handling for a total of $374.90. I ordered it on Friday morning at 1am and it showed up the following Tuesday at 1pm.
I know that this sword is over the SBG $300USD price point, but then again, so are ALL of the new Valiant and Hanwei/Tinker offerings that members are raving about. Now that KoA is offering Del Tins at about half what it would cost to have one sent direct - I feel that these should be SBG featured weapons. Keep in mind, my instructor paid nearly $700 for this sword shipped direct, and I have paid $500 for Del Tins in the past before KoA carried them. Enough said...
It arrived well-packaged in a thick cardboard box, secured with craft paper, and wrapped tightly in bubble wrap. There was no damage to the sword after it was unpacked and inspected.
Specifications
Overall Length: 46.5"
Blade Length: 33.5"
Blade Width (Widest Point): 2.125"
Blade Width @ Guard: 1.90"
Blade Material: Heat Tempered Chromium-Vandium Steel (50 RC Hardness)
Overall Grip Length: 13.0"
Crossguard Length: 9"
Pommel Length: 2.5"
Pommel Width: 2.5"
Weight: 3lbs, 15oz
PoB: 2.0"
CoP: 22.0"
Blade
The blade of the 5161 has a beautifully complex; yet graceful geometry. It's a flattened diamond cross section which begins at the guard being 1.90" wide, then at 2.0" from the guard, it dramatically flares to 2.125" in width. The blade then tapers toward the end, ending in a rounded thrusting point.
The sword comes unsharpened, but when sharpened, it is easy to see that this blade has both attributes - the ability to cut and thrust efficiently. It comes with a 1.5mm rounded edge suitable for re-enactment/WMA en arma combat.
In the last picture, you can see that the central ridge appears slightly off-center at the end. This is an effect of the camera, the ridge is centered on both sides of the blade. The lighting caused this effect.
The Grip
The grip on this is one of this sword's highest selling points. It is a full two-handed grip, being 13" in length. It is composed of thin leather over a spiral corded wrapped wooden core. The spiral riser is slightly uneven in places, but it's not too noticable.
The nature of this grip assures a nice firm grip for one or both hands, yet shifting position of the hands is not hindered. I can easily fit both hands on the grip of this sword while wearing plate gauntlets and have a few inches remaining between my hands.
The Pommel
The pommel is a monster on the 5161. It's a massive fluted Type T, about the size of a small pear. It off sets the blade weight, giving a extremely low center of balance for this large sword. The pommel is an excellent weapon in its own right, acting essentially as a mace in a close-quarters fight.
The tang is solidly peened through the pommel. The sword is absolutely solid, with no rattle and it rings deep like a church bell when struck.
The Guard
The guard is a thick Style 12 guard that widens as it turns in an S-curve, flaring as it ends in rounded finials.
Performance
This is the Del Tin 5161's strongest selling point by far. It's a capable two-handed, but because the PoB is so far back and the weight is not too great, it actually wields well as a one-handed weapon. The point tracks exactly where you want it to track smoothly and easily with little one-handed effort.
The 5161 work effortlessly though the poste of Fiore, offering smooth transitions, working from cover to cover. Blows are fast and powerful, from high, middle, and low positions. The pommel works amazingly well for it's intended purpose, able to smash the helmet of a would-be opponent; changing the course of a fight if you put enough power behind it.
Overall
This sword is my favorite sword of all time from Del Tin, yet it is amazing that KoA had it priced much lower than some of the less Del Tin desirable models. It is a bargain hand over fist at the price I got it at. It still weighs in less than some of the new sword hitting the market, and it is of tremendous value in my eyes. Hold it once and you will be addicted. I would have easily paid the price my instructor paid (more than $600) for this sword and not lost any sleep and still been just has happy.
Now; some might consider the Del Tin 5161 to be a Poor Man's Svante, but I consider it a lethally functional soldier's sword, indicative of what a lesser knight or mercenary would have carried proudly in late Medieval Europe if given the chance. It's not quite as nice or refined as the more expensive Albion offering, but it is an excellent alternative for those either unble to afford the Svante or those that own a Svante that need a capable trainer/cutter in order to preserve their investment.
The Verdict / Rating Info
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4.5/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for the Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)