Custom Valiant Armoury Warder Review
Oct 5, 2010 4:13:45 GMT
Post by Daniel Dacombe on Oct 5, 2010 4:13:45 GMT
Custom Valiant Armoury Warder Review
Daniel Sinclair of Manitoba, Canada
Introduction
Welcome to my first review in probably about 6 months. I don’t get a lot of time to do this sort of thing anymore, so I hope you will bear with me as I drag my word processor out and scrape the barnacles off long enough to make a semi-coherent review.
I have long admired the designs coming out of Valiant Armoury/VA’s workshop since Sonny Suttles took over. The signature series caused me to experience sword envy like I’d never experienced before; the Bristol was the first I had a hunger for, then the Malatesta. But somehow it never seemed to materialize; money always had to go elsewhere and life kept getting in the way. When the Valhalla series – and the Warder – were announced, I barely gave it a glance; I was saving up for a VA sword but was considering the Malatesta as a first choice. Then I got a call from my good buddy “Fatecaller” (as he is known on the SBG forum), which went to the tune of “Guess what buddy, my Warder just got here and MAN is it sweet!”
Fatecaller and I managed to get together and I saw the Warder for the first time. I was amazed at this incredibly well balanced sword, the beautiful scabbard, and how it seemed to bring together the best of what I liked about the different swords I had handled up until then. I weighed my options and then went to the SBG website. Sure enough, Paul had some left. I gave him a call and then called up Fatecaller.
“I just ordered my Warder, and I need a favour.” I said.
“What’s the favour?”
“I need to borrow all of the Wheel of Time books because I have no idea what a Warder is.”
There was a pause. “You serious? There’s like 13 books.”
“Oh wow. Well, I guess I need to read them.”
“And 2 more on the way.”
“…Oh.”
Then I settled in to wait the 3 weeks that it took for our postal systems to connect our two great nations… it went easier as I read the first 2 books of the Wheel of Time while I waited (I was on vacation).
Historical overview
While not based on any sword from history, the Warder Sword is designed by Odinblades’ John D. Lundemo, and resembles a European bastard saber more than any other type of historical blade. The Warder design is inspired by the popular and iconic Wheel of Time series by the late Robert Jordan. Jordan wrote a timeless fantasy classic that continues to attract readers of all ages even as the series is being finished by fellow author Brandon Sanderson. In this series, the Warders are a group of warriors dedicated to the protection of the female mages known as the Aes Sedai. Magically bonded to their Aes Sedai by the One Power, Warders are granted increased strength, speed and endurance, the ability to sense evil, and a psychic bond to their Aes Sedai companion. They are widely acknowledged as the fiercest and deadliest warriors in the world, and only fighters who have attained the rank of Blademaster can equal them. The VA Warder is loosely based on the sword carried by Al’Lan Mandragoran, last member of the dead royal line of Malkier and Warder to the powerful Moiraine.
Initial Impressions
My Warder arrived in good time but had an ominous wrapping of yellow “Customs Tape” around one end of the box. As I opened it I discovered the sword had been removed and poorly repacked, sliding around inside the box with some of the Styrofoam bits removed. I worriedly examined the sword and found to my dismay a nick in the blade edge. It had the look of what would happen with blade-on-steel contact… something I know wouldn’t have happened at the VA shop but now had suspicions about our customs officers… the nick combined with some other minor QC issues just left me with an unhappy feeling, so I called up Sonny to see what we could do. Sure enough he jumped on the case immediately, and within not too long a time I had a fresh Warder on my doorstep, this one issue free and thankfully unmolested by the border guards.
I chose a non-standard colour for my scabbard, having the oxblood areas dyed black to give it a personal touch. I also gave this sword a name – only the third sword in my collection to have a name – but don’t intend to share it with you lot.
Statistics
Blade Length: 34”
Handle Length: 7”
Overall Length: 44”
POB: 5”
COP: 24”
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is the longest in my collection at 34”, and is slender with a graceful curve. The cross-section is rather katana-like until the last 8 inches which is a leaf like double-edged tip, with a flattened diamond cross section. The back edge is sharp enough to cut with for those 8 inches (I tried and succeeded to do so). There appears to be noticeable distal taper but having no calipers I was unable to measure it.
It has a lot of meat along the back, so I figured at first glace that this would be a serviceable cutter. The polish is utilitarian, which is how I like it, and the fuller has an attractive beginning and termination. The tip is very sharp as well.
All in all the blade was a real highlight for this sword; very nicely designed and executed.
The Handle
The handle is very tightly wrapped brown leather, so tight that the seam isn’t very visible unless you really look for it. I’ve seen some earlier attempts at this sort of handle and I think that VA did a great job here. There are some rough spots on the leather which I will have to fix up, making it a bit uncomfortable on the hand without gloves but not too bad. Still, I have to note it here.
The Guard
The upturned guard is a unique design and not loose at all – a plus for a hex-nut sword. The guard have a utilitarian finish like the blade, and fits in well with the overall look. I would prefer a straight guard myself but I have no complaints here.
The Pommel
The distinctive looking pommel – almost like a ring hilted sword – was another attraction for me, and I quite like the way it looks. The hex nut protrudes quite a bit but doesn’t interfere with function at all.
The Scabbard/Saya
Possibly the big attraction for the new VA swords, the scabbards are all wood core with leather wrapping and suspension system. Like the handle the seam is very well executed and smooth, the leather is well sealed (no black coming off on my hands) and good quality. This is the finest scabbard I own and definitely a step above everything else in the comparable price range.
When empty, the scabbard does sit slightly awkwardly straight down. If I were any shorter it would scrape the ground, this is despite numerous adjustment to the suspension system. While certainly not a defect it can be a bit irritating if you are in the habit of cutting with the scabbard on (as I am) as it tangles in the legs somewhat. However this is also a longer sword than I am used to, and it may have more to do with my footwork than anything else. Still, new purchasers of this sword should take note that a lack of weight in the scabbard does affect how it hangs; not enough to be a deterrent to the overall package but it’s nice to be aware of what one is getting.
The mouth of the scabbard is smooth and fits the sword perfectly, it won’t fall out even if turned upside down. There is some slight rattling while the sword is inside but nothing excessive.
The belt is quite long, as it should be, and I nearly had to punch another hole for myself since I am apparently at the lower range of waist size for sword collectors. I never knew I was so svelt. It sits VERY comfortably and I felt like I could walk around like this all day.
Overall the scabbard is top notch and setting the bar extremely high for other manufacturers to catch up to.
Handling Characteristics
This is where the sword really shines. The low weight and middle POB make it flow in the hands almost effortlessly. It comes alive in the hands like few other swords I have handled; I want to go on but it feels like I’m gushing so I’ll stop. I’ll just say that if you are looking for a sword with very smooth handling and a good balance of weight in the hands, this might be up your alley. The single edge is preferable for my style as well.
Another unexpected plus, the blade has a short “ricasso” (not sure what else to call it) for an inch or so on the curved edge above the guard. This allows one to wrap a finger without cutting it off, always preferable in my book.
Test Cutting
Without further ado, here is the first cutting video I have posted in a VERY long time. Camerawork done by our friend Fatecaller, who is kind of a jerk sometimes.
Some slight issues arose with our cutting stand giving up the ghost shortly after starting. To be fair, we threw it together in a few minutes when our lighting started to go outside. It is autumn, after all.
While I was only able to capture one set of cuts on tape, I did several more sessions on my own. I haven’t cut in a while so there were a few times that the bottles weren’t so much cut as they were spanked across the yard. After each flubbed cut I frantically inspected the blade – surely such awful form would bend a slender blade like this? However the blde remained true. I will say that it could be sharper; both Fatecaller’s and my Warder came sharp but not as sharp as some other swords I have received. I think that the factory edge is more than serviceable but depending on your intentions you may want to run a ceramic rod a few times down each side to really hone it. As this is not a detraction I won’t mention it as such, just an observation. It certainly made short work of the jugs I put in front of it.
Conclusions
The VA Warder is without a doubt the finest European – or whatever it is – sword that I have had a privilege to own. In fact I have to say that of the 20(ish) swords in my collection it is my favourite, and will probably stay that way. The quality for the money is startling and the attractiveness and functionality of the whole package is way above par. I paid good money for this (unlike many swords I have reviewed which were free review swords) and I can honestly say I would purchase it all over again. The sword is a perfect fit for me; the only thing I would suggest for change in the future is to offer a slightly shorter version of the sword – 34 inches is a bit long for me, 30 would be nice for us shorties.
Since VA switched ownership they have completely changed the landscape of the sword market. I was intrigued before but now I am very impressed – they have set themselves up as the “manufacturer to beat” for the rest of the market. If this is any indication of the quality of VA’s new swords then my wish list has to be radically changed.
Pros
- good, well tempered blade
- fancy scabbard and belt (customizable through the Custom Sword Shoppe)
- hex nut assembly
- good customer service from SBG and VA alike
- overall excellent quality for money
Cons
- first Warder came with nick in blade (rectified by VA’s return policy)
- rough spots on leather handle
- scabbard sits slightly awkwardly when empty
The Bottom Line
I highly recommend this sword to any fan of the Wheel of Time, anyone who loves John Lundemo’s work but can’t afford a custom Odinblade, and anyone who takes a fancy to it. Some of the best bang for your buck that you are likely to get your hands on.
Daniel Sinclair of Manitoba, Canada
Introduction
Welcome to my first review in probably about 6 months. I don’t get a lot of time to do this sort of thing anymore, so I hope you will bear with me as I drag my word processor out and scrape the barnacles off long enough to make a semi-coherent review.
I have long admired the designs coming out of Valiant Armoury/VA’s workshop since Sonny Suttles took over. The signature series caused me to experience sword envy like I’d never experienced before; the Bristol was the first I had a hunger for, then the Malatesta. But somehow it never seemed to materialize; money always had to go elsewhere and life kept getting in the way. When the Valhalla series – and the Warder – were announced, I barely gave it a glance; I was saving up for a VA sword but was considering the Malatesta as a first choice. Then I got a call from my good buddy “Fatecaller” (as he is known on the SBG forum), which went to the tune of “Guess what buddy, my Warder just got here and MAN is it sweet!”
Fatecaller and I managed to get together and I saw the Warder for the first time. I was amazed at this incredibly well balanced sword, the beautiful scabbard, and how it seemed to bring together the best of what I liked about the different swords I had handled up until then. I weighed my options and then went to the SBG website. Sure enough, Paul had some left. I gave him a call and then called up Fatecaller.
“I just ordered my Warder, and I need a favour.” I said.
“What’s the favour?”
“I need to borrow all of the Wheel of Time books because I have no idea what a Warder is.”
There was a pause. “You serious? There’s like 13 books.”
“Oh wow. Well, I guess I need to read them.”
“And 2 more on the way.”
“…Oh.”
Then I settled in to wait the 3 weeks that it took for our postal systems to connect our two great nations… it went easier as I read the first 2 books of the Wheel of Time while I waited (I was on vacation).
Historical overview
While not based on any sword from history, the Warder Sword is designed by Odinblades’ John D. Lundemo, and resembles a European bastard saber more than any other type of historical blade. The Warder design is inspired by the popular and iconic Wheel of Time series by the late Robert Jordan. Jordan wrote a timeless fantasy classic that continues to attract readers of all ages even as the series is being finished by fellow author Brandon Sanderson. In this series, the Warders are a group of warriors dedicated to the protection of the female mages known as the Aes Sedai. Magically bonded to their Aes Sedai by the One Power, Warders are granted increased strength, speed and endurance, the ability to sense evil, and a psychic bond to their Aes Sedai companion. They are widely acknowledged as the fiercest and deadliest warriors in the world, and only fighters who have attained the rank of Blademaster can equal them. The VA Warder is loosely based on the sword carried by Al’Lan Mandragoran, last member of the dead royal line of Malkier and Warder to the powerful Moiraine.
Initial Impressions
My Warder arrived in good time but had an ominous wrapping of yellow “Customs Tape” around one end of the box. As I opened it I discovered the sword had been removed and poorly repacked, sliding around inside the box with some of the Styrofoam bits removed. I worriedly examined the sword and found to my dismay a nick in the blade edge. It had the look of what would happen with blade-on-steel contact… something I know wouldn’t have happened at the VA shop but now had suspicions about our customs officers… the nick combined with some other minor QC issues just left me with an unhappy feeling, so I called up Sonny to see what we could do. Sure enough he jumped on the case immediately, and within not too long a time I had a fresh Warder on my doorstep, this one issue free and thankfully unmolested by the border guards.
I chose a non-standard colour for my scabbard, having the oxblood areas dyed black to give it a personal touch. I also gave this sword a name – only the third sword in my collection to have a name – but don’t intend to share it with you lot.
Statistics
Blade Length: 34”
Handle Length: 7”
Overall Length: 44”
POB: 5”
COP: 24”
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is the longest in my collection at 34”, and is slender with a graceful curve. The cross-section is rather katana-like until the last 8 inches which is a leaf like double-edged tip, with a flattened diamond cross section. The back edge is sharp enough to cut with for those 8 inches (I tried and succeeded to do so). There appears to be noticeable distal taper but having no calipers I was unable to measure it.
It has a lot of meat along the back, so I figured at first glace that this would be a serviceable cutter. The polish is utilitarian, which is how I like it, and the fuller has an attractive beginning and termination. The tip is very sharp as well.
All in all the blade was a real highlight for this sword; very nicely designed and executed.
The Handle
The handle is very tightly wrapped brown leather, so tight that the seam isn’t very visible unless you really look for it. I’ve seen some earlier attempts at this sort of handle and I think that VA did a great job here. There are some rough spots on the leather which I will have to fix up, making it a bit uncomfortable on the hand without gloves but not too bad. Still, I have to note it here.
The Guard
The upturned guard is a unique design and not loose at all – a plus for a hex-nut sword. The guard have a utilitarian finish like the blade, and fits in well with the overall look. I would prefer a straight guard myself but I have no complaints here.
The Pommel
The distinctive looking pommel – almost like a ring hilted sword – was another attraction for me, and I quite like the way it looks. The hex nut protrudes quite a bit but doesn’t interfere with function at all.
The Scabbard/Saya
Possibly the big attraction for the new VA swords, the scabbards are all wood core with leather wrapping and suspension system. Like the handle the seam is very well executed and smooth, the leather is well sealed (no black coming off on my hands) and good quality. This is the finest scabbard I own and definitely a step above everything else in the comparable price range.
When empty, the scabbard does sit slightly awkwardly straight down. If I were any shorter it would scrape the ground, this is despite numerous adjustment to the suspension system. While certainly not a defect it can be a bit irritating if you are in the habit of cutting with the scabbard on (as I am) as it tangles in the legs somewhat. However this is also a longer sword than I am used to, and it may have more to do with my footwork than anything else. Still, new purchasers of this sword should take note that a lack of weight in the scabbard does affect how it hangs; not enough to be a deterrent to the overall package but it’s nice to be aware of what one is getting.
The mouth of the scabbard is smooth and fits the sword perfectly, it won’t fall out even if turned upside down. There is some slight rattling while the sword is inside but nothing excessive.
The belt is quite long, as it should be, and I nearly had to punch another hole for myself since I am apparently at the lower range of waist size for sword collectors. I never knew I was so svelt. It sits VERY comfortably and I felt like I could walk around like this all day.
Overall the scabbard is top notch and setting the bar extremely high for other manufacturers to catch up to.
Handling Characteristics
This is where the sword really shines. The low weight and middle POB make it flow in the hands almost effortlessly. It comes alive in the hands like few other swords I have handled; I want to go on but it feels like I’m gushing so I’ll stop. I’ll just say that if you are looking for a sword with very smooth handling and a good balance of weight in the hands, this might be up your alley. The single edge is preferable for my style as well.
Another unexpected plus, the blade has a short “ricasso” (not sure what else to call it) for an inch or so on the curved edge above the guard. This allows one to wrap a finger without cutting it off, always preferable in my book.
Test Cutting
Without further ado, here is the first cutting video I have posted in a VERY long time. Camerawork done by our friend Fatecaller, who is kind of a jerk sometimes.
Some slight issues arose with our cutting stand giving up the ghost shortly after starting. To be fair, we threw it together in a few minutes when our lighting started to go outside. It is autumn, after all.
While I was only able to capture one set of cuts on tape, I did several more sessions on my own. I haven’t cut in a while so there were a few times that the bottles weren’t so much cut as they were spanked across the yard. After each flubbed cut I frantically inspected the blade – surely such awful form would bend a slender blade like this? However the blde remained true. I will say that it could be sharper; both Fatecaller’s and my Warder came sharp but not as sharp as some other swords I have received. I think that the factory edge is more than serviceable but depending on your intentions you may want to run a ceramic rod a few times down each side to really hone it. As this is not a detraction I won’t mention it as such, just an observation. It certainly made short work of the jugs I put in front of it.
Conclusions
The VA Warder is without a doubt the finest European – or whatever it is – sword that I have had a privilege to own. In fact I have to say that of the 20(ish) swords in my collection it is my favourite, and will probably stay that way. The quality for the money is startling and the attractiveness and functionality of the whole package is way above par. I paid good money for this (unlike many swords I have reviewed which were free review swords) and I can honestly say I would purchase it all over again. The sword is a perfect fit for me; the only thing I would suggest for change in the future is to offer a slightly shorter version of the sword – 34 inches is a bit long for me, 30 would be nice for us shorties.
Since VA switched ownership they have completely changed the landscape of the sword market. I was intrigued before but now I am very impressed – they have set themselves up as the “manufacturer to beat” for the rest of the market. If this is any indication of the quality of VA’s new swords then my wish list has to be radically changed.
Pros
- good, well tempered blade
- fancy scabbard and belt (customizable through the Custom Sword Shoppe)
- hex nut assembly
- good customer service from SBG and VA alike
- overall excellent quality for money
Cons
- first Warder came with nick in blade (rectified by VA’s return policy)
- rough spots on leather handle
- scabbard sits slightly awkwardly when empty
The Bottom Line
I highly recommend this sword to any fan of the Wheel of Time, anyone who loves John Lundemo’s work but can’t afford a custom Odinblade, and anyone who takes a fancy to it. Some of the best bang for your buck that you are likely to get your hands on.