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Post by Ninjadave89 on Dec 19, 2010 0:03:37 GMT
Hi all, i'm looking at getting either a VA Praetorian or a Gen2 Mainz. Question is, which one handles better? I know the Gen2 has a great reputation as a cutting sword, but it seems to be a bit on the heavy side for a short sword, and people seem to dislike the round handle, does it effect handling? The Praetorian simply looks great and seems to be a more than adequate cutter, but I can only get the older model in Europe, so I don't know if they have upgraded the steel or design. Was there something that needed improving on the older model (besides the basic scabbard) I'm going to be doing light cutting with whichever one I decide to get, mainly milk bottles and cardboard cartons etc. What are your opinions on these swords, focusing on handling more than cutting ability.
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 19, 2010 7:15:08 GMT
Dave, I haven't handled the VA but, according to the stats at KOA, the VA is actually a little heavier than the Gen2. Wider and thicker of blade also tho the Gen2 is a bit longer.
The round grip on the Gen2 makes edge alignment harder and it wants to turn in the hand on impact if it isn't lined up just right. The VA's grip is round too but those brass rings might make a difference. At any rate it's not a deal breaker with me.
I been eyeing the VA so if you end up going with that one I would be interested in a review. Really, I don't think you can go wrong with either sword as they both generally get good buzz.
It appears Mr. Dave Kelly has both. If he doesn't pop in here you might shoot him a pm asking his opinion.
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Post by Ninjadave89 on Dec 20, 2010 18:26:13 GMT
Thanks for the info Ric, I think i'm gonna go for the VA, though i'll probably end up getting the Gen2 eventually anyway :lol: . I will put up a cutting vid when it arrives.
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Post by johnapsega on Dec 27, 2010 23:54:26 GMT
you should write a detailed review with your opinions I think there is only one and i cant speak for others but I always love more than one opinion.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Dec 28, 2010 0:11:20 GMT
I'd go with the Gen 2... the older VA Praetorian is one of those Pre-Sonny Suttles VA swords which, in my opinion, were pretty much all rubbish.
The Gen 2's grip can, if you wish, be filled down a bit to be more oval then round... and that would help with cutting/edge alignment a LOT. I believe ShooterMike did that with one of his Gen 2 Mainz.
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 2:31:46 GMT
Not to be argumentative, Sean, but according to this review on SBG's main site, the Praetorian was developed after Sonny took over VA. I don't think Valiant Armoury had a gladius prior to that tho I could be wrong. I kinda like it except for the guard looks a bit bulky. Several people have adapted the grip of the Gen2 as you say. I haven't felt the need as I like it well enough like it is. |
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Dec 28, 2010 3:10:16 GMT
Yea, and look at the new scabbard--definitely looks like Sonny-era work.  Nice catch on that review, Ric--I spend so much time on the forums that I haven't looked for updates on the main site in ages, :lol: . Just now noticed this impressive review of the DSA Black Prince, for example. www.sword-buyers-guide.com/black ... sword.html |
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 3:47:08 GMT
Yeah, Luna, that scabbard is a definate improvement, the old one did look like a holdover from the pre Sonny VA.
I never cared much for DSA products but that Black Prince did get my attention, tho I really don't think I could be statisfied with any Black Prince except A&A's version. I am digging DSA's rapier.
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Dec 28, 2010 4:52:25 GMT
Yea me neither, though I think by that pricepoint I'd just hold out a bit more and snag an Albion Agincourt, because I prefer the aesthetics and taper of the Albion XVa's. That or a Talhoffer... But the DSA Black Prince seemed quite impressive for the price--definitely a step-up. Haven't heard much about their rapier, but I think that's another situation where I'd hold out for an A&A.  |
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 4:57:10 GMT
Ya know, A&A just doesn't have a rapier that grabs me.
Ha! We've went from gladii to rapiers in this thread. My apologies to the op.
Oh yeah, love that Albion Agincourt.
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Dec 28, 2010 5:22:00 GMT
Haha, apologies to the OP for the derail, indeed! If you'll permit me to follow the veered direction for one more stop, I can share some pretty pictures, though. I feel the same way about most of their production rapiers myself, but it's their custom work that has me drooling:   ................................................................................................................................... EHERRM. EHEM. Right, back to gladii. I've long lamented the fact that the Kris Cutlery Gladius doesn't seem to be available anymore. THAT's a gladius I'd love to put through its paces.  |
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 5:55:57 GMT
I like that first one, Luna.
Yeah, I don't see the gladius or the celtic sword on KC's site. Damn, those were two of their best swords in my opinion. Ah well, I got mine.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Dec 28, 2010 7:03:35 GMT
Ric... that review of Paul's is of the re-designed gladius... Sonny revamped it after taking over. However, the op mentioned that the only one he can get is the old one... and that one, to me, sucks. As to A&A rapiers... I just got the German Rapier: www.armor.com/rapier163.html although the true object of my lust is the Writhen Rapier: www.armor.com/rapier151.html So hot... want to touch the complex hilt.  Kris Cutlery Gladius is, to me, the best sub 300 gladius there is. I've not got my hands on an Albion... I'm sure they might prove better... but the KC one is awesome and affordable. |
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Dec 28, 2010 7:55:07 GMT
You're right--I skipped right over that part without noticing. Gen2 all the way in that case, though I don't understand why he can't get a new model Praetorian in Europe. Don't most sources like KOA ship internationally? ***Agh, just noticed the new Praet is backordered most places. Makes sense. Don't you feel like sharing your impressions with us? Looking it over again and writing down what you think, with accompanying pictures? A 're-viewing' as it were? Care to 'review' it? Yea, it seems all kinds of badass. But I would love to play with one of these in an ideal world, certainly:  |
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 8:02:09 GMT
Oh yeah, the Tiberius. I want.
I still think the Praetorian in Paul's review is the first one, it's got the old style leather sheath.
I don't recall their being any gladius in the VA line up until Sonny took over. I believe the only thing that changed was it got a decent scabbard later. If they changed the blade I can't see it.
In any case, I'd wait till I could get one with the new scabbard.
KC made a different gladius years ago, I've not seen one in a long time but it looked pretty good too but the scabbard was a bit plain.
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Post by Ninjadave89 on Dec 28, 2010 15:15:32 GMT
I wish I could buy swords from KOA or anywhere in the US, but the last time I tried the shipping was about $150 (from arms of valor). Add to that the customs charges here which would be around £50 - £100 (approx $150ish) and your looking at paying over $500. So its easier to buy from Europe but the only place that sells all the good swords is Swords and More in Germany, and they only have the older Praetorian.
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Post by Ninjadave89 on Dec 28, 2010 15:26:18 GMT
WOW, just checked KOA and shipping is only $35, wish I knew that a long time ago. So I am probably going to buy from them. The Praetorian is back ordered but the Gen2 Mainz is in stock so I will go for that one.
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Post by RicWilly on Dec 28, 2010 15:45:27 GMT
Cool, Dave. Be sure and let us know your impressions when you get it. KOA is closed until Jan. 3 for holidays and inventory.
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