ATrim XII.2 munition Grade
Dec 24, 2010 10:04:05 GMT
Post by TomK on Dec 24, 2010 10:04:05 GMT
Angus Trim type XII.2 Munition Grade Arming sword
A review by Tom Kinder
Full Disclosure:
UPDATE: Since Hiroshi and I have opened Tried and True Armory and become the primary dealer of ATrim swords this section's information is no longer strictly accurate. Yes I sell these swords (this model in fact, would you like one?), and yes I make money when I do sell them. Yes I have a vested interest in seeing these sell. I would like to take this opportunity to state that I sell ATrim swords because I love them, I would never have started a business venture that needs me to work as hard as I do for it in order to sell something I don't love. I am going to do my very best to keep every review I do of any sword ATrim or not, neutral and unbiased. if I'm honest I can help people find the sword that is right for them. If I sell them a sword that isn't right for them through subterfuge they will be displeased and not return as my customer. there aren't enough of you lovely sword-buying people out there for me to succeed if I can only get a single transaction from each of you. so I will try to help you find the sword that is right for you in hopes that you will return to me the next time you need a fix.
A little while ago I was contacted by Gus who wanted to know if I’d be interested in reviewing a new sword line for him. Ummm heck, yes! The plan got slowed down by the fact I had to move to a new home and getting settled but before long things were rolling and Gus started telling me about the swords he wanted to send me. So it is my pleasure and privilege to introduce a not-so-new, new line of ATrim swords.
As most European sword fans know, Gus and Christian Fletcher have stepped up the quality on the Maker’s Mark line with better finish, better fittings and design improvements that yield better performance. With the new Chimera line hitting the streets, and Christian’s Prestige line still fairly new, Gus has been making more swords faster than in a long time. With this increased output and increased quality standard there are, inevitably, some swords that come out just fine but for one reason or another cannot be sold as Maker’s Mark, Prestige, or Chimera line swords. Thus the birth of the Munition Grade line. While Gus has not yet made a sword specifically to be a munition grade sword, he does have plans to do so if the early offerings are well received.
I was shipped three swords that represent various possibilities for Munition line swords. The first one started out intended as a Maker’s Mark XII.2 (see Shooter Mike’s review) sword and it was just about finished when Gus noticed some scratches in the finish. unable to get them out by hand, Gus put the sword back in the machine to take them out but something wasnt set up quite right and the machine bounced a little imparting a slight wave to the finish of the blade that was deep enough fixing it would require the removal of enough steel it would change the way the sword handled. So instead of doing all that work and having a word that was out of spec, Gus ran the sword back through a lower grit finish (80-100 grit) to reduce the visibility of the flaw and those few scratches and placed it in the Munition line. All the specs and handling are as expected from a Maker’s Mark line XII.2 but the finish is not as good and if you look really close you can see a little wave to the surface of the blade. Does this scare you off? Coming from most sword makers it would and should but I think this will be a different experience. Here is the flaw mentioned:
Can you even see it? The slight wave in the finish near the cross guard is what we are talking about. I might never have noticed it if Gus hadn’t told me how to find it. I have seen worse waves on what we consider the best swords in the SBG budget range. I’m talking about Hanwei-Tinker’s, VA signature and performance series, and I have seen way worse on good Windlass swords. In other words this doesn’t bother me at all and it certainly doesn’t impact the function of the sword. The good thing is this little oopsie gives us access to a true ATrim for about $350. Sounds good to me, good enough I bought this sword.
First Impressions:
I immediately noticed the finish on this sword was much more coarse than is usual for Gus and Christian's work. Over all, this low polish (which is similar to what you see in the Hanwei-Tinker line) gives the sword a little bit of a softer, or less “crisp” look which might be a good thing from some points of view as it also looks less machined and more hand-made.
I also immediately fell in love with the way this sword moves. It is faster than my Antioch but still retains a good amount of authority and at the slightest touch it rings like a church bell on a Sunday morning wedding. This sword is difficult to put down.
Historical Overview:
This sword fits nicely into an Oakeshott type XII which is perhaps the single most recognizable sword type. It is a strong cutting design with improved thrusting ability when compared to its predecessors. This particular sword is unusual for a type XII in that it has a strongly flared section near the guard. Some historical type XII’s certainly had flared shoulders but they are fairly uncommon in surviving examples. Everything else about this sword’s blade shape is right in line with the best type XII’s known. The hilt assembly is done with the familiar Gus Trim hex nut and is obviously ahistorical. The pommel and cross guard are decently shaped examples of their type but are very crisp and clean in lines and shape and the pommel has circular marks from the machine that made it which give the sword a look of modern crispness not found on surviving relics. Still, other than the hilt assembly, I think this sword would turn few heads in the historical period in which type XII’s were popular.
Vital stats:
Weight: 2 pounds 4 ounces.
Over-all length: 39 inches
Blade Length: 32.25 inches
Blade Width @ Cross: 2 1/8 inches
Fuller length: 22.25 inches
Grip length: 4.25 inches
Cross Guard length: 8 inches
COP ~20.5 inches (it's several inches long and will be discussed in the cutting video)
Point of Balance: 5"
The Blade:
This sword came a bit uneven in sharpness but mostly dull. There was a decently sharp area (not able to cut paper yet) right around the COP and the forward section of blade near the tip was rather dull at first. but still, looking down this blade I just love the shape. The flared shoulders, the slight belly through the middle and the noticeable slendering just forward of the fuller give this sword an appearance that speaks of both power and grace. No plain straight line wedge-shaped blade here, I find this sword profile to be subtle and beautiful to the extreme.
The fuller termination is very well done and shows much improvement over some of the older Atrim designs that have a visible corner in the floor of the fuller right where it starts to narrow to the terminal point. The point itself is also much longer and not as short and stubby as some of the older model Atrims. I like this style much better.
As an added bonus, the flared shoulders on this sword are not sharp but rather they are actually rounded and smooth making for a very comfortable spot if you like to hook your finger over the guard.
Hilt/Parts and pieces
A simple type J1 pommel and style 2 cross guard along with the plain black leather and cord wrapped grip give this sword an elegant no-nonsense appearance one might expect to find on the sword of a professional soldier or a humble knight. I find the combination pleasing and attractive.
The hilt assembly is held together by the familiar and trusted ATrim hex-nut system and is easy to disassemble for maintenance or customization.
The grip is nicely done in black cord wrapped leather with risers on each end and a nicely concealed seam (though it does split a bit over the risers).
Removing the hilt reveals a nicely healthy tang, no issues here.
Unlike the old ATrims swords this one’s blade sits in a recess in the guard. unlike a Maker’s Mark, Prestige, or Chimera sword the recess is a bit wide for this blade. The reason for this is not sloppiness or laziness but rather because this was a prototype guard. guards of this type in the future will be better fit to the blades both in the Munition and higher grades of ATrim sword.
Handling and Cutting:
Now the Real fun!
As I mentioned in my first impressions this sword simply becomes part of your body the moment you pick it up. It handles in the same league as the Antioch but where the Antioch has a slight bias for power this sword has a slight bias for speed. It accelerates instantly, stops and turns with the barest of thought and maintains it’s edge alignment so easily no thought is required to keep it flying true. While it swings with authority and power the point tracks much better than is typical for type XII’s that I have had experience with this sword is an all-around excellent handler that is just a pleasure to have in hand. In the cutting video I start out cutting with it in a pretty dull state then do another set of tatami after sharpening. While there is a difference in the before and after sharpening, this sword cut VERY well even when it was dull. I wanted it sharper, it didn’t need to be
IN CONCLUSION:
Pro's: Superb handling, easy maintenance and customizing thanks to the take-down hilt, it's nice to look at, a historically accurate but unusual example of a classic design, even when dull it cuts well, once sharpened it cuts superbly, Harmonic balance is awesome, this sword rings like a bell, and most importantly PRICE! Atrims can be affordable again.
Cons: as of right now Munition grade swords are not being made on purpose so availability is limited and catch-as-catch-can, some people still hate the hex nut, they aren’t perfect and will have known flaws, they come with no scabbard and no options: take it “as is” or leave it.
The Bottom line:
Are you kidding me? I think anyone who likes good swords should snap any and all of these up as they become available, if it is a style you like grab it before it is gone. For a mid $350 range sword these just will not be beaten in handling, cutting and overall quality even considering the minor imperfections they are going to have. For a good sword that won’t break the bank this line of ATrims carries my highest recommendation. I have bought two already and will likely have more soon.
A review by Tom Kinder
Full Disclosure:
UPDATE: Since Hiroshi and I have opened Tried and True Armory and become the primary dealer of ATrim swords this section's information is no longer strictly accurate. Yes I sell these swords (this model in fact, would you like one?), and yes I make money when I do sell them. Yes I have a vested interest in seeing these sell. I would like to take this opportunity to state that I sell ATrim swords because I love them, I would never have started a business venture that needs me to work as hard as I do for it in order to sell something I don't love. I am going to do my very best to keep every review I do of any sword ATrim or not, neutral and unbiased. if I'm honest I can help people find the sword that is right for them. If I sell them a sword that isn't right for them through subterfuge they will be displeased and not return as my customer. there aren't enough of you lovely sword-buying people out there for me to succeed if I can only get a single transaction from each of you. so I will try to help you find the sword that is right for you in hopes that you will return to me the next time you need a fix.
A little while ago I was contacted by Gus who wanted to know if I’d be interested in reviewing a new sword line for him. Ummm heck, yes! The plan got slowed down by the fact I had to move to a new home and getting settled but before long things were rolling and Gus started telling me about the swords he wanted to send me. So it is my pleasure and privilege to introduce a not-so-new, new line of ATrim swords.
As most European sword fans know, Gus and Christian Fletcher have stepped up the quality on the Maker’s Mark line with better finish, better fittings and design improvements that yield better performance. With the new Chimera line hitting the streets, and Christian’s Prestige line still fairly new, Gus has been making more swords faster than in a long time. With this increased output and increased quality standard there are, inevitably, some swords that come out just fine but for one reason or another cannot be sold as Maker’s Mark, Prestige, or Chimera line swords. Thus the birth of the Munition Grade line. While Gus has not yet made a sword specifically to be a munition grade sword, he does have plans to do so if the early offerings are well received.
I was shipped three swords that represent various possibilities for Munition line swords. The first one started out intended as a Maker’s Mark XII.2 (see Shooter Mike’s review) sword and it was just about finished when Gus noticed some scratches in the finish. unable to get them out by hand, Gus put the sword back in the machine to take them out but something wasnt set up quite right and the machine bounced a little imparting a slight wave to the finish of the blade that was deep enough fixing it would require the removal of enough steel it would change the way the sword handled. So instead of doing all that work and having a word that was out of spec, Gus ran the sword back through a lower grit finish (80-100 grit) to reduce the visibility of the flaw and those few scratches and placed it in the Munition line. All the specs and handling are as expected from a Maker’s Mark line XII.2 but the finish is not as good and if you look really close you can see a little wave to the surface of the blade. Does this scare you off? Coming from most sword makers it would and should but I think this will be a different experience. Here is the flaw mentioned:
Can you even see it? The slight wave in the finish near the cross guard is what we are talking about. I might never have noticed it if Gus hadn’t told me how to find it. I have seen worse waves on what we consider the best swords in the SBG budget range. I’m talking about Hanwei-Tinker’s, VA signature and performance series, and I have seen way worse on good Windlass swords. In other words this doesn’t bother me at all and it certainly doesn’t impact the function of the sword. The good thing is this little oopsie gives us access to a true ATrim for about $350. Sounds good to me, good enough I bought this sword.
First Impressions:
I immediately noticed the finish on this sword was much more coarse than is usual for Gus and Christian's work. Over all, this low polish (which is similar to what you see in the Hanwei-Tinker line) gives the sword a little bit of a softer, or less “crisp” look which might be a good thing from some points of view as it also looks less machined and more hand-made.
I also immediately fell in love with the way this sword moves. It is faster than my Antioch but still retains a good amount of authority and at the slightest touch it rings like a church bell on a Sunday morning wedding. This sword is difficult to put down.
Historical Overview:
This sword fits nicely into an Oakeshott type XII which is perhaps the single most recognizable sword type. It is a strong cutting design with improved thrusting ability when compared to its predecessors. This particular sword is unusual for a type XII in that it has a strongly flared section near the guard. Some historical type XII’s certainly had flared shoulders but they are fairly uncommon in surviving examples. Everything else about this sword’s blade shape is right in line with the best type XII’s known. The hilt assembly is done with the familiar Gus Trim hex nut and is obviously ahistorical. The pommel and cross guard are decently shaped examples of their type but are very crisp and clean in lines and shape and the pommel has circular marks from the machine that made it which give the sword a look of modern crispness not found on surviving relics. Still, other than the hilt assembly, I think this sword would turn few heads in the historical period in which type XII’s were popular.
Vital stats:
Weight: 2 pounds 4 ounces.
Over-all length: 39 inches
Blade Length: 32.25 inches
Blade Width @ Cross: 2 1/8 inches
Fuller length: 22.25 inches
Grip length: 4.25 inches
Cross Guard length: 8 inches
COP ~20.5 inches (it's several inches long and will be discussed in the cutting video)
Point of Balance: 5"
The Blade:
This sword came a bit uneven in sharpness but mostly dull. There was a decently sharp area (not able to cut paper yet) right around the COP and the forward section of blade near the tip was rather dull at first. but still, looking down this blade I just love the shape. The flared shoulders, the slight belly through the middle and the noticeable slendering just forward of the fuller give this sword an appearance that speaks of both power and grace. No plain straight line wedge-shaped blade here, I find this sword profile to be subtle and beautiful to the extreme.
The fuller termination is very well done and shows much improvement over some of the older Atrim designs that have a visible corner in the floor of the fuller right where it starts to narrow to the terminal point. The point itself is also much longer and not as short and stubby as some of the older model Atrims. I like this style much better.
As an added bonus, the flared shoulders on this sword are not sharp but rather they are actually rounded and smooth making for a very comfortable spot if you like to hook your finger over the guard.
Hilt/Parts and pieces
A simple type J1 pommel and style 2 cross guard along with the plain black leather and cord wrapped grip give this sword an elegant no-nonsense appearance one might expect to find on the sword of a professional soldier or a humble knight. I find the combination pleasing and attractive.
The hilt assembly is held together by the familiar and trusted ATrim hex-nut system and is easy to disassemble for maintenance or customization.
The grip is nicely done in black cord wrapped leather with risers on each end and a nicely concealed seam (though it does split a bit over the risers).
Removing the hilt reveals a nicely healthy tang, no issues here.
Unlike the old ATrims swords this one’s blade sits in a recess in the guard. unlike a Maker’s Mark, Prestige, or Chimera sword the recess is a bit wide for this blade. The reason for this is not sloppiness or laziness but rather because this was a prototype guard. guards of this type in the future will be better fit to the blades both in the Munition and higher grades of ATrim sword.
Handling and Cutting:
Now the Real fun!
As I mentioned in my first impressions this sword simply becomes part of your body the moment you pick it up. It handles in the same league as the Antioch but where the Antioch has a slight bias for power this sword has a slight bias for speed. It accelerates instantly, stops and turns with the barest of thought and maintains it’s edge alignment so easily no thought is required to keep it flying true. While it swings with authority and power the point tracks much better than is typical for type XII’s that I have had experience with this sword is an all-around excellent handler that is just a pleasure to have in hand. In the cutting video I start out cutting with it in a pretty dull state then do another set of tatami after sharpening. While there is a difference in the before and after sharpening, this sword cut VERY well even when it was dull. I wanted it sharper, it didn’t need to be
IN CONCLUSION:
Pro's: Superb handling, easy maintenance and customizing thanks to the take-down hilt, it's nice to look at, a historically accurate but unusual example of a classic design, even when dull it cuts well, once sharpened it cuts superbly, Harmonic balance is awesome, this sword rings like a bell, and most importantly PRICE! Atrims can be affordable again.
Cons: as of right now Munition grade swords are not being made on purpose so availability is limited and catch-as-catch-can, some people still hate the hex nut, they aren’t perfect and will have known flaws, they come with no scabbard and no options: take it “as is” or leave it.
The Bottom line:
Are you kidding me? I think anyone who likes good swords should snap any and all of these up as they become available, if it is a style you like grab it before it is gone. For a mid $350 range sword these just will not be beaten in handling, cutting and overall quality even considering the minor imperfections they are going to have. For a good sword that won’t break the bank this line of ATrims carries my highest recommendation. I have bought two already and will likely have more soon.
