Hugely impressive entry level Viking sword
May 10, 2007 16:12:21 GMT
Post by Matt993f.o.d on May 10, 2007 16:12:21 GMT
This is a bit of a hasty review, since I bought this sword for my brother's birthday, and have to wrap it up before he sees it!
I bought this Entry level Viking sword from www.medievalarmour.co.uk which, as I posted not long ago, is having a relocation sale. Although it was meant to cost £80, I managed to get this sword, plus postage, for £41. I figured I would get a good deal whether it was crappy or great, at this low a price.
My brother is one for functionality, and is a bit of a viking, so I chose the Viking sword for him. I was suprised with how promptly it arrived, taking only two days from date of order.
When I unwrapped it, I noticed immediately that it was quite plain. The finish isn't hugely shiny, and the design is quite plain. However, it the simple aesthetics make it quite pleasant in a way, and it very much feels the part of the useable tool. Its handle is trimmed in excellent feeling smooth leather, and the assembly is extremely tight feeling. I am pretty sure the tang is epoxied to the handle.
It is quite heavy for it's size. The blade is very thick and the pommel is one solid piece of metal. Nevertheless it isnt uncomfortable to swing around, and feels fairly well balanced, even if it is a little nose heavy. The blade is unsharpened, unfortunately, so I was unable to do any cutting tests before my brother sees it. I am quite sure it would decimate small targets when sharp, and chop larger one's quite well too, if only because it's weight would ensure a heavy hit.
The tang is very tightly peened to the pommel, but I am unsure as to its width. It appears very wide where it joins to the handle, but quite thin where it is peened to the pommel. A durability test a la Tsafa would be needed to determine its REAL strength, methinks.
The blade is quite rigid, owing to its thickness, and I think it's tempering is moderate at best, but it does still flex quite nicely without taking a set. The blades surface is obviously machined, as if you look VERY closely you can still see slight machining marks. This may explain the slightly less shiny finish.
My only SERIOUS moan is that it doesnt come with a sheath or scabbard. This isnt too bad at the price bracket, nevertheless, and I'm sure I'll enjoy making one.
Overall, then, I am very impressed with this blade, particularly for the money I spent on it. I think I would still be impressed if it were full price. Although it is a little too heavy to be ideal as a single hander, and although I think the tempering is a bit light, the quality and tightness of its construction, and its simple, functional aesthetics win it over for me.
Therefore:
Historical accuracy=3 This may seem high, but it is very basic in appearence, and so can't really be too inaccurate, can it?
Handling=3 Not a good swinger but a sturdy thruster.
Structural integrity=4 An unknown quantity, but very tightly assembled and sturdy feeling.
Value for money=6!
Fit and finish=4 Nicely assembled, but not gorgeous.
Overall= 4/5 EXCELLENT
I bought this Entry level Viking sword from www.medievalarmour.co.uk which, as I posted not long ago, is having a relocation sale. Although it was meant to cost £80, I managed to get this sword, plus postage, for £41. I figured I would get a good deal whether it was crappy or great, at this low a price.
My brother is one for functionality, and is a bit of a viking, so I chose the Viking sword for him. I was suprised with how promptly it arrived, taking only two days from date of order.
When I unwrapped it, I noticed immediately that it was quite plain. The finish isn't hugely shiny, and the design is quite plain. However, it the simple aesthetics make it quite pleasant in a way, and it very much feels the part of the useable tool. Its handle is trimmed in excellent feeling smooth leather, and the assembly is extremely tight feeling. I am pretty sure the tang is epoxied to the handle.
It is quite heavy for it's size. The blade is very thick and the pommel is one solid piece of metal. Nevertheless it isnt uncomfortable to swing around, and feels fairly well balanced, even if it is a little nose heavy. The blade is unsharpened, unfortunately, so I was unable to do any cutting tests before my brother sees it. I am quite sure it would decimate small targets when sharp, and chop larger one's quite well too, if only because it's weight would ensure a heavy hit.
The tang is very tightly peened to the pommel, but I am unsure as to its width. It appears very wide where it joins to the handle, but quite thin where it is peened to the pommel. A durability test a la Tsafa would be needed to determine its REAL strength, methinks.
The blade is quite rigid, owing to its thickness, and I think it's tempering is moderate at best, but it does still flex quite nicely without taking a set. The blades surface is obviously machined, as if you look VERY closely you can still see slight machining marks. This may explain the slightly less shiny finish.
My only SERIOUS moan is that it doesnt come with a sheath or scabbard. This isnt too bad at the price bracket, nevertheless, and I'm sure I'll enjoy making one.
Overall, then, I am very impressed with this blade, particularly for the money I spent on it. I think I would still be impressed if it were full price. Although it is a little too heavy to be ideal as a single hander, and although I think the tempering is a bit light, the quality and tightness of its construction, and its simple, functional aesthetics win it over for me.
Therefore:
Historical accuracy=3 This may seem high, but it is very basic in appearence, and so can't really be too inaccurate, can it?
Handling=3 Not a good swinger but a sturdy thruster.
Structural integrity=4 An unknown quantity, but very tightly assembled and sturdy feeling.
Value for money=6!
Fit and finish=4 Nicely assembled, but not gorgeous.
Overall= 4/5 EXCELLENT