Yet another Valiant Armoury Signature Crusader
Oct 1, 2010 7:34:45 GMT
Post by Brett Whinnen on Oct 1, 2010 7:34:45 GMT
Introduction
This is my second sword (real that is). When I first saw this sword I loved it, the look of the overall package just appealed to me so much. I've always liked the arming style sword and here in one package was a sword of the style I wanted, with lovely scabbard and belt!
I also asked the question here on the forum for a good sword that would be under the $500 AUD mark, look good, and be suitable for a crusader to have used as their primary weapon. This sword along with the CAS/Hanwei Norman were recommended, after finding that a fellow Aussie Rob from Stromloswords had one this was the obvious choice!
Historical Overview
The blade style is an Oakeshott XII, which apparently was used from roughly 1120 - 1320. The guard is a type 2 with octagonal ends. The pommel is a type J, with a cross cut into the central disc. While the sword type was used in the wide period of the middle ages, the pommel was said by Oakeshott's research to be more widely used between 1250 - 1400, the guard of Type 2 with octagonal ends / profile is said to be more akin to after 1350. It is not unknown that these may have been used for earlier times but not enough documented evidence has been found.
So in reality the sword blade and the pommel fit with Oakeshott's own findings but the guard should have been simple circular to really fit with this swords indication that it was in fact from the crusades.
But to most people this won't be that much of a cause, in fact the hex nut on the end will be more of a historical misnomer than the out of place guard!
Initial Impressions
I've heard about VA's packaging before but you don't appreciate it until you see it. The sword is scabbarded, then suspended in foam blocks in a box. This box is then in another box with more packing. Very safe, and it made the trip from VA to Rob and then to me (through our lovely customs and being security checked) here in Australia safe and sound.
When I signed for it the first thought was the lightness of the package, I thought that perhaps Rob had forgotten to put the actual sword in there! But no it was there.
First impressions when unsheathing it for the first time was the lightness, the delicateness of the blade (well compared to my katana that is). You need to remember this is my first Euro blade too. Checking for the COP using the striking the pommel method always confused me a little, but after doing it myself and seeing the flexibility of this blade now makes it all so clear.
I have to say I think I like these Euro swords! Having being a katana person for so long I never understood the massive appeal of these swords.
Statistics
Overall Length: 37 3/4"
Blade Length: 31"
Grip Length: 4 3/4"
POB: 4 1/2" forward of guard
COP: ~21 1/2" forward of guard
Width at guard: 1 3/4"
Fuller length: 22" from guard
Weight: 2lb 1oz
Blade Material: 1060
Blade
The blade is 1060 steel (according to the VA website). It is of Oakeshott Type XII. The length is well within specs for this typology and with a fuller of 2/3 of its length it works well.
The blade has a nice taper down to a semi spatulative tip, it is not really what I'd call acute, but a nice shape none the less. There is distal taper over the entirety of the blade, and this coupled with the fuller make for a very light and lively balde.
The polish is not a high mirror, it is more a satin finish, with an ever slight secondary bevel. I haven't actually checked the sharpness of this sword on paper, but even with my crappy edge alignment of a one-hander it cuts bottles cleanly.
One thing that is really noticeable on the blade are some dents which I can only assume are from the forging of this blade, they vary in position on both sides, they are only visible when you hold the blade up to light and look down its length. I actually quite like them, it gives the blade an imperfect quality which makes it more of a hand made piece, something that perhaps a lower class of knight would have used and cherished.
The fuller starts about 1" behind the guard and is straight and even on both sides of the blade down to the clean termination. Once again there are some tooling marks noticeable but not detracting. The execution of the fuller is very well done.
From the fuller forward the blade profile is that of an appleseed style, no defined ridge line. It leads to a well executed tip which is symmetrical and even.
Tang
The tang is full, the shoulders are curved and not square cut as they should be (curved that is), it tapers down to a point where it was then cut down again to allow for the treaded section for the hex nut to connect to.
Grip
The grip is just beautiful. The shape really fits well into my hand with an initial swell around my first finger than then tapers down for the rest of my hand. It is wood cored, wrapped in cord and then covered in a thin layer of leather. The seam is easily visible to the eye, but you cannot really feel it at all when you are wielding the sword. If this is the level of the work done by Sonny and team it is amazing for this price point!
Guard
As mentioned the Guard is of type 2, it has an octagonal cross section at the end. It is made from stainless steel and has a nice satin finish to it. There are marks and scuffs on it from the manufacturing process, but all cut outs for the blade are clean and super-neat.
Pommel
The pommel is a type J, but with a cross cut into the centre on both sides. It is stainless steel again and keyed for the tang of the sword. The same tool marks are present here. It and the entire guard - pommel section is held on by a hex nut, it is recessed and will readily allow a 'fake' peened section to be put on.
Scabbard
Wow! This is a work of art! Being leather covered wood core this thing is so light! The colour is even over the entirety of its length. The top includes a rain cover (if my terminology is right) and the integrated suspension setup into the belt, all clean and neat. The opening is just big enough for the blade, and I know the first time I drew it I thought something was wrong until I realised it was where the fuller transitioned into the full blade was giving more friction.
The integrated belt and suspension setup is of a contrasting colour and really is well done, when worn on the hip the whole sword is light and easily adjustable to an easy angle and height. I'm 6' and have about a 35-36" waist and using the inner most hole on the belt means this hangs slightly on me.
The chape on this is the same as I've seen on many VA swords, and by that I mean that it and the decorative lines on the scabbard do not line up perfectly. But the chape itself is machined well and again of stainless steel.
The decorative lines go up the entire length of the scabbard they are of an even depth and darkness.
The seam is on the back of the scabbard and is straight and even the whole way.
Handling Characteristics
Being my first single hander, as well as my first Euro I wasn't sure what to expect. This sword is livelly in hand. Changes in direction are very simple to make and it really does feel to be an extension to the arm. I do need more practice with a one hander though, but this feels to be nice and natural to handle, it does not feel too tip heavy or too hilt heavy for me at all.
Test Cutting
I have a video to come, just needs to be edited.
First cut was as expected a complete flub On a 600ml water bottle, perhaps I should have started with the 2L milk jugs I usually use.
The sword really does cut well when you learn how to align the edge, it effortlessly cuts through the hapless milk jugs and it is very easy to pickle with it. I think with practice I should become quit proficient with this sword and thoroughly enjoy cutting with it. I do have a lot to learn though and I'm sure a few more knowledgable people will post some hints on the video.
Swords of this length, weight and balance really do move easily and I can see how multiple cuts are so easy with them.
Conclusions
Valiant Armoury and Sonny do a fantastic job with these swords, I think you would be hard pressed to find something comparable in this price range to be honest, without customisation. I really didn't think I'd be able to own one of these due to them selling out so fast, so I must also thank Rob from Stromloswords who is an absolute pleasure to deal with!
I won't do a pro's and con's on this sword as I think the review really speaks for itself, I will re-iterate that while this is marketed as a crusades era sword the fittings do push it to a later time frame for the purist. For the rest of us it is simple a beautifully executed sword!
Brett
One more pic to close off, this one just happened, and I liked how it turned out.
This is my second sword (real that is). When I first saw this sword I loved it, the look of the overall package just appealed to me so much. I've always liked the arming style sword and here in one package was a sword of the style I wanted, with lovely scabbard and belt!
I also asked the question here on the forum for a good sword that would be under the $500 AUD mark, look good, and be suitable for a crusader to have used as their primary weapon. This sword along with the CAS/Hanwei Norman were recommended, after finding that a fellow Aussie Rob from Stromloswords had one this was the obvious choice!
Historical Overview
The blade style is an Oakeshott XII, which apparently was used from roughly 1120 - 1320. The guard is a type 2 with octagonal ends. The pommel is a type J, with a cross cut into the central disc. While the sword type was used in the wide period of the middle ages, the pommel was said by Oakeshott's research to be more widely used between 1250 - 1400, the guard of Type 2 with octagonal ends / profile is said to be more akin to after 1350. It is not unknown that these may have been used for earlier times but not enough documented evidence has been found.
So in reality the sword blade and the pommel fit with Oakeshott's own findings but the guard should have been simple circular to really fit with this swords indication that it was in fact from the crusades.
But to most people this won't be that much of a cause, in fact the hex nut on the end will be more of a historical misnomer than the out of place guard!
Initial Impressions
I've heard about VA's packaging before but you don't appreciate it until you see it. The sword is scabbarded, then suspended in foam blocks in a box. This box is then in another box with more packing. Very safe, and it made the trip from VA to Rob and then to me (through our lovely customs and being security checked) here in Australia safe and sound.
When I signed for it the first thought was the lightness of the package, I thought that perhaps Rob had forgotten to put the actual sword in there! But no it was there.
First impressions when unsheathing it for the first time was the lightness, the delicateness of the blade (well compared to my katana that is). You need to remember this is my first Euro blade too. Checking for the COP using the striking the pommel method always confused me a little, but after doing it myself and seeing the flexibility of this blade now makes it all so clear.
I have to say I think I like these Euro swords! Having being a katana person for so long I never understood the massive appeal of these swords.
Statistics
Overall Length: 37 3/4"
Blade Length: 31"
Grip Length: 4 3/4"
POB: 4 1/2" forward of guard
COP: ~21 1/2" forward of guard
Width at guard: 1 3/4"
Fuller length: 22" from guard
Weight: 2lb 1oz
Blade Material: 1060
Blade
The blade is 1060 steel (according to the VA website). It is of Oakeshott Type XII. The length is well within specs for this typology and with a fuller of 2/3 of its length it works well.
The blade has a nice taper down to a semi spatulative tip, it is not really what I'd call acute, but a nice shape none the less. There is distal taper over the entirety of the blade, and this coupled with the fuller make for a very light and lively balde.
The polish is not a high mirror, it is more a satin finish, with an ever slight secondary bevel. I haven't actually checked the sharpness of this sword on paper, but even with my crappy edge alignment of a one-hander it cuts bottles cleanly.
One thing that is really noticeable on the blade are some dents which I can only assume are from the forging of this blade, they vary in position on both sides, they are only visible when you hold the blade up to light and look down its length. I actually quite like them, it gives the blade an imperfect quality which makes it more of a hand made piece, something that perhaps a lower class of knight would have used and cherished.
The fuller starts about 1" behind the guard and is straight and even on both sides of the blade down to the clean termination. Once again there are some tooling marks noticeable but not detracting. The execution of the fuller is very well done.
From the fuller forward the blade profile is that of an appleseed style, no defined ridge line. It leads to a well executed tip which is symmetrical and even.
Tang
The tang is full, the shoulders are curved and not square cut as they should be (curved that is), it tapers down to a point where it was then cut down again to allow for the treaded section for the hex nut to connect to.
Grip
The grip is just beautiful. The shape really fits well into my hand with an initial swell around my first finger than then tapers down for the rest of my hand. It is wood cored, wrapped in cord and then covered in a thin layer of leather. The seam is easily visible to the eye, but you cannot really feel it at all when you are wielding the sword. If this is the level of the work done by Sonny and team it is amazing for this price point!
Guard
As mentioned the Guard is of type 2, it has an octagonal cross section at the end. It is made from stainless steel and has a nice satin finish to it. There are marks and scuffs on it from the manufacturing process, but all cut outs for the blade are clean and super-neat.
Pommel
The pommel is a type J, but with a cross cut into the centre on both sides. It is stainless steel again and keyed for the tang of the sword. The same tool marks are present here. It and the entire guard - pommel section is held on by a hex nut, it is recessed and will readily allow a 'fake' peened section to be put on.
Scabbard
Wow! This is a work of art! Being leather covered wood core this thing is so light! The colour is even over the entirety of its length. The top includes a rain cover (if my terminology is right) and the integrated suspension setup into the belt, all clean and neat. The opening is just big enough for the blade, and I know the first time I drew it I thought something was wrong until I realised it was where the fuller transitioned into the full blade was giving more friction.
The integrated belt and suspension setup is of a contrasting colour and really is well done, when worn on the hip the whole sword is light and easily adjustable to an easy angle and height. I'm 6' and have about a 35-36" waist and using the inner most hole on the belt means this hangs slightly on me.
The chape on this is the same as I've seen on many VA swords, and by that I mean that it and the decorative lines on the scabbard do not line up perfectly. But the chape itself is machined well and again of stainless steel.
The decorative lines go up the entire length of the scabbard they are of an even depth and darkness.
The seam is on the back of the scabbard and is straight and even the whole way.
Handling Characteristics
Being my first single hander, as well as my first Euro I wasn't sure what to expect. This sword is livelly in hand. Changes in direction are very simple to make and it really does feel to be an extension to the arm. I do need more practice with a one hander though, but this feels to be nice and natural to handle, it does not feel too tip heavy or too hilt heavy for me at all.
Test Cutting
I have a video to come, just needs to be edited.
First cut was as expected a complete flub On a 600ml water bottle, perhaps I should have started with the 2L milk jugs I usually use.
The sword really does cut well when you learn how to align the edge, it effortlessly cuts through the hapless milk jugs and it is very easy to pickle with it. I think with practice I should become quit proficient with this sword and thoroughly enjoy cutting with it. I do have a lot to learn though and I'm sure a few more knowledgable people will post some hints on the video.
Swords of this length, weight and balance really do move easily and I can see how multiple cuts are so easy with them.
Conclusions
Valiant Armoury and Sonny do a fantastic job with these swords, I think you would be hard pressed to find something comparable in this price range to be honest, without customisation. I really didn't think I'd be able to own one of these due to them selling out so fast, so I must also thank Rob from Stromloswords who is an absolute pleasure to deal with!
I won't do a pro's and con's on this sword as I think the review really speaks for itself, I will re-iterate that while this is marketed as a crusades era sword the fittings do push it to a later time frame for the purist. For the rest of us it is simple a beautifully executed sword!
Brett
One more pic to close off, this one just happened, and I liked how it turned out.