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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2010 15:32:39 GMT
Hello, the Forum. Well, I guess it's time for introductions. My name is Shaun, I'm 23, from south Wales in the UK. Been a long time fan of Swords, but have never owned one. Looking to purchase my first very soon. Nothing spectacular at the moment, I'm just looking for a display sword. Something I can admire. In the future, I would like to get involved in learning the art of the sword. But for now, as I said, I'd be content with a display sword. I have my eye on two swords, the first, which i particularly like is the Guingate Sword from theknightshop.co.uk. The second, is an Irish Ring Hilt, also from theknightshop.co.uk. The Guingate. RRP of £85, selling at £65  Image above is from a different site, but it is the same sword. Unfortunately, I can't provide a photo of the Irish Ring hilt, they dont allow you to 'steal' images from their website. So, how do you rate the Guingate sword? Specs are as follows: Blade length: 33 1/4" Overall length: 40" Blade: Hand forged, high-carbon steel. Pommel and guard is polished brass. Has a Bone grip (which i think is camel bone). |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2010 15:53:48 GMT
I'm afraid I don't know anything about those swords, but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to welcome you to the forum. Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge will be along shortly.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2010 15:56:02 GMT
Thanks for the warm welcome. Just done some scouting around on the net, and I believe the Guingate is made by Deepeeka Armoury.
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Post by Pete S on Dec 12, 2010 18:22:06 GMT
Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately the Guingate sword's description says it all: "Designed as a display sword - Not recommended for use". Deepeeka swords typically fall on the border between swords and sword-like objects (SLOs). You can take a chance and you might get an OK sword, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you can differentiate between a good sword and a sword that is a danger to yourself and others. If you are looking for a sword that is in the same style as the Guingate, Windlass offers the King Henry VIII Ceremonial Sword ( www.theknightshop.co.uk/catalog/king-henry-viii-ceremonial-sword-p-1788.html?osCsid=f274fc1de1286d606859acd167de808b) which should be functional, but it is, in my opinion, overweight and I have yet to see a review of it, positive or otherwise. If you just want a good one handed sword and don't care so much about looks, then the Tinker Pearce Early Medieval Sword ( www.theknightshop.co.uk/catalog/tinker-pearce-early-medieval-sword-sharp-p-2320.html?osCsid=f274fc1de1286d606859acd167de808b)is a pretty safe bet. As is Windlass' Oakeshott Type XIV ( www.theknightshop.co.uk/catalog/oakeshotttype-xiv-p-1315.html?osCsid=f274fc1de1286d606859acd167de808b) which is discontinued and out of stock everywhere except, it would seem, at the Knight Shop. Unfortunately most of the good options are significantly more expensive than the sword you asked about. You might pay less importing a sword through Kult of Athena ( www.kultofathena.com/) but I understand importing a sword can be a hassle. Take some time, do some research, and ask some questions and you will end up getting a sword that will serve you well. (And then you will get another...and another...and another  ) |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2010 18:47:33 GMT
Thank you for your information.
Unfortunately, I dont have that kind of budget. And like I said, I only want a display sword at the moment.
Later in life I would like getting a real sword and join a training acadamy. But that is going to be way down the line.
I'm still undecided on what to get, but will let you all know when I do get one.
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Dec 12, 2010 21:19:21 GMT
Hello Shaun, welcome to SBG ! I hope you will like beeign here.
About those swords, I don't know much... Deepeka is rumored to make decent display replicas. They are, relatively speaking, sturdy enough to not come apart if you hold one in your hand and they look good for the price. However, they aren't functionnal backyard cutters (the steel is rumored to be too soft and the fittings might not be strong enough), so don't use one of these to cut stuff.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 0:07:52 GMT
Welcome to the Forum. If all you're looking for is a display sword, that Guingate is a nice looking piece. I did a few price comparisons on theknightshop and I think they're in the ballpark for a European dealer. I can't say what they're like to do business with, but if you take away the VAT, they're about dead-on with what we pay our Canadian dealers pre-taxes. I happen to know it costs about 28 pounds to ship a sword across the pond, so unless you're looking at something that's only available in the US, you'll want to stick to UK suppliers. Let us know what they're like to buy from.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 9:05:09 GMT
Thank you all so much for your input.
The Knight Shop is a genuine place. They are based in Conwy, in north Wales. Opposite Conwy Castle. I even looked them up on google street view, and low and behold, yep! They was where they said they would be. :mrgreen:
I'm going for the Guingate and will be phoning them within the next 10 minutes to check stock quantity before placing my order.
Will let you know how it goes.
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Post by Wes on Dec 13, 2010 9:11:18 GMT
Hello there, Wickie! Welcome to the forum!  Since you stated your intent for your first sword as something to admire and not necessarily be something functional I suggest you simply buy something that looks pretty to you that is within your budget Personally I don't recommend buying a wall-hanger at any time for the simple fact that once you hold a real sword that you've murdered a case of helpless water bottles with, all of your SLO's appear to lose their golden lustre and just seem to be taking up space that could be holding a real sword.  |
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TomK
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Post by TomK on Dec 13, 2010 9:30:43 GMT
well I for one am pretty interested in hearing a new opinion on a Deepeeka sword. as you may have picked up we have some differing opinions on them around here. generally speaking I have always shied away from them but just enough people say they are pretty good to make me wonder.
welcome to the forum. I agree that the sword you are looking at is indeed a beauty at least as she is pictured and if all you want it for is a display piece then you have nothing to worry about.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 9:49:07 GMT
After a short, but effective phone call to the kind staff at their warehouse, the sword I wanted is in stock. Made my payment via Paypal. Even though I know they are a genuine company, I still wanted that extra layer of security.
The guy I spoke to was very helpful, especially in making sure he told me about the matching dagger. :lol:
Expected to arrive before the end of the week.
Again, thanks to all for your input. I've been nosing around this forum for a day or two now, and it seems a very nice place to be. Hence the decision to sign up and ask for your knowledge. :mrgreen:
Just a quick edit,
Personally, I decided to go for a high-carbon blade versus stainless steel due to the fact stainless is boring, and what i've read about stainless swords is that they aren't constructed very well. I know its only going to be hanged on the wall, but the question here is What If? What if one day the sword slips and falls off the wall? Highly unlikely as that may be, I wouldn't want the sword shattering on impact. Maybe I'm talking through my backside on this one. :oops:
Well its time for me to head to work for now. Catch you all later. :arrow:
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 17:28:16 GMT
An update.
Just recieved this email regarding the Knight Shop order.
Sender: Parcelforce Worldwide.
You have a shipment being sent from THE KNIGHT SHOP INTL LTD that is due to be despatched on 13/12/2010 using our Express 24 service. The tracking reference number is ######### and the consignment comprises of 1 item.
Quicker turn around than I expected. Was told on the phone this morning, that due to the christmas rush, orders were taking 2-3 days to be dispatched. Guess they must like me.
Should be in my hands by tomorrow morning. Will take better photos than the stock ones provided.
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TomK
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Post by TomK on Dec 13, 2010 18:21:22 GMT
cool, thanks for the update. looking forward to seeing your pictures
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Post by chrisperoni on Dec 13, 2010 18:43:02 GMT
me too- I've always wondered about all the offerings from depeeka, being that they have sooo many swords to choose from. Expect us to expect you to give us all the good and bad details on this one |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 19:08:48 GMT
Well, i'm not really sure on what to look for in regards to what the good or bad details are. Complete newbie in regards to sword ownership. But, I will try my best. Hopefully the photos will do some talking.
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TomK
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Post by TomK on Dec 13, 2010 20:07:38 GMT
just take lots of good pictures of every individual part as clearly as you can and we will be quite happy to ask questions and look.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2010 9:52:59 GMT
I'm glad you're getting the sword you wanted, I hope it's as cool in real life as it is in the pictures. Congratulations on joining the world of sword owners, beware, though, it's an addiction.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2010 15:21:53 GMT
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TomK
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Post by TomK on Dec 14, 2010 16:31:18 GMT
good pictures wickie, that is an attractive sword. I wonder where they are hiding all the weight, it doesn't look like it should be that heavy. for a single handed sword 3 pounds 9 ounces is very heavy. I think for what you want it will serve well. though, honestly I'd display it without the scabbard. that thing is pretty blah.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2010 16:42:28 GMT
Yeah, I'm not too fussed on the scabbard myself. Just a photo to show what it was like. Will not be keeping it in the scabbard when it's hung. Gonna have to weigh the sword myself, to find out its true weight. |
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Since you stated your intent for your first sword as something to admire and not necessarily be something functional I suggest you simply buy something that looks pretty to you that is within your budget 
