Serenity Movie Swords Reviewed
Sept 4, 2007 23:17:34 GMT
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 23:17:34 GMT
Reviewed by Jeff I. - Virginia, USA
As a fan of the show, Firefly, and the movie, Serenity, these seemed like a natural purchase to display with a few other movie collectibles. After checking several sites, and some different versions, I purchased these from Museum Replicas. The search also led me to discover Paul's site, and to eventually purchase a Cheness Cutleries Tenchi (I'll review that one one of these days).
So here goes. My review deviates from the template somewhat - I didn't really look it over until I had written this.
Reaver sword and axe set:
Vendor's description:
The sword is amazingly well balanced and can be held and used much like a Japanese katana, while the small axe makes a perfect side arm. This set of high carbon tempered steel weapons comes complete with a full color Serenity wall plaque, which will allow you to display both of these pieces together. Sword - Overall 40 1/2" Blade 28" long, 2" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-1 lbs. 12 oz. Axe - Overall 14 1/2" Wt.-1 lb. 2 oz.
The Operative’s sword:
This one piece, high carbon, tempered steel sword is every bit as sleek and balanced as the movie version. The wooden grip is finished with a wrapped cord for extra secure maneuvering. The sword comes complete with an adjustable leather back scabbard, with nylon straps, making it a comfortable addition for any secret operation. Overall 32" Blade 24" long, 1 1/8" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-1 lbs. 8 oz.
These are the “official” descriptions of the Serenity movie swords. There are some cheaper versions around, but these are the Windlass Steelcrafts licensed versions. As stated, they are made from high carbon tempered steel. The Reaver sword and axe have leather wrapped, wood handles.
The Operative sword handle is described above and is a single piece of metal all the way from tip to handle end.
I ordered these from Museum Replicas. I have also seen them on the Reliks.com site and a couple of others. Most sites seem to now be sold out and Windlass no longer has the license. All arrived carefully wrapped and unsharpened and all have the Serenity/Universal logo on them. A minor nit with the Reaver set – the logo is on the wrong side of the sword based on the picture of how it should be displayed.
The axe does have the Serenity log on the correct side, however the pre-drilled holes for the display hooks are not in the correct place so the axe is hung in reverse (as shown in the picture at the top of this post). The Operative sword does not come with any sort of display plaque, which would have been nice to have. All had some minor scratches.
As seen from the specifications above, both swords are nearly identical in weight, however they are over 8 inches difference in overall length. The Reaver sword is light enough to be held in one hand but the long handle easily accommodates a two-hand grip. The Operative sword has a much shorter grip and looks very similar to some of the tactical swords advertised by various vendors. The Reaver sword is "whippy”, while the Operative sword is very solid and stiff. The two shots below show the long leather wrapped handle on the Reaver and the wood/cord-wrapped handle of the Operative sword. All fittings and wraps are tight.
As far as testing any for cutting, etc., I haven’t done so. They are not sharpened, and I doubt that I would get them sharpened. I purchased them mainly for display.
If you are a fan of the movie and are looking for good quality replica swords, these do quite nicely. I will probably make some sort of plaque for the Operative sword to be displayed on.
Historical Accuracy: 0/5
Movie Accuracy 5/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 3/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.75/5
As a fan of the show, Firefly, and the movie, Serenity, these seemed like a natural purchase to display with a few other movie collectibles. After checking several sites, and some different versions, I purchased these from Museum Replicas. The search also led me to discover Paul's site, and to eventually purchase a Cheness Cutleries Tenchi (I'll review that one one of these days).
So here goes. My review deviates from the template somewhat - I didn't really look it over until I had written this.
Reaver sword and axe set:
Vendor's description:
The sword is amazingly well balanced and can be held and used much like a Japanese katana, while the small axe makes a perfect side arm. This set of high carbon tempered steel weapons comes complete with a full color Serenity wall plaque, which will allow you to display both of these pieces together. Sword - Overall 40 1/2" Blade 28" long, 2" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-1 lbs. 12 oz. Axe - Overall 14 1/2" Wt.-1 lb. 2 oz.
The Operative’s sword:
This one piece, high carbon, tempered steel sword is every bit as sleek and balanced as the movie version. The wooden grip is finished with a wrapped cord for extra secure maneuvering. The sword comes complete with an adjustable leather back scabbard, with nylon straps, making it a comfortable addition for any secret operation. Overall 32" Blade 24" long, 1 1/8" wide, 3/16" thick Wt.-1 lbs. 8 oz.
These are the “official” descriptions of the Serenity movie swords. There are some cheaper versions around, but these are the Windlass Steelcrafts licensed versions. As stated, they are made from high carbon tempered steel. The Reaver sword and axe have leather wrapped, wood handles.
The Operative sword handle is described above and is a single piece of metal all the way from tip to handle end.
I ordered these from Museum Replicas. I have also seen them on the Reliks.com site and a couple of others. Most sites seem to now be sold out and Windlass no longer has the license. All arrived carefully wrapped and unsharpened and all have the Serenity/Universal logo on them. A minor nit with the Reaver set – the logo is on the wrong side of the sword based on the picture of how it should be displayed.
The axe does have the Serenity log on the correct side, however the pre-drilled holes for the display hooks are not in the correct place so the axe is hung in reverse (as shown in the picture at the top of this post). The Operative sword does not come with any sort of display plaque, which would have been nice to have. All had some minor scratches.
As seen from the specifications above, both swords are nearly identical in weight, however they are over 8 inches difference in overall length. The Reaver sword is light enough to be held in one hand but the long handle easily accommodates a two-hand grip. The Operative sword has a much shorter grip and looks very similar to some of the tactical swords advertised by various vendors. The Reaver sword is "whippy”, while the Operative sword is very solid and stiff. The two shots below show the long leather wrapped handle on the Reaver and the wood/cord-wrapped handle of the Operative sword. All fittings and wraps are tight.
As far as testing any for cutting, etc., I haven’t done so. They are not sharpened, and I doubt that I would get them sharpened. I purchased them mainly for display.
If you are a fan of the movie and are looking for good quality replica swords, these do quite nicely. I will probably make some sort of plaque for the Operative sword to be displayed on.
Historical Accuracy: 0/5
Movie Accuracy 5/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 3/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
OVERALL: 3.75/5