H/T GSOW?

Well, the H/T GSOW is in a different class then the Valiant Armory Practical Longsword (AT 304S)

I forget the exact typology classifications of each, but the GSOW is a two handed sword. It has a longer handle, slightly longer blade and more weight. If you are looking for something closer to the 304s in the H/T line, then you'd want to look at either the H/T Longsword or the H/T Bastard. Out of tho's two, the longsword has gotten more praise, but I think the Bastard sword is closer in typology to the 304s.

As far as how the GSOW handles, I ordered two of them at the same time last fall. One for me and one for a friend. I decided to give my friend the better of the two. Both were quite wobbly in the blade and did not forgive poor edge alignment. If you swung with bad alignment, the GSOW wanted to twist in your hand. Granted this was 6 months ago, and I'm sure that some improvements have been made. But now, when I go out to cut, it's incredibly fun. There is a lot of power in the swing and I enjoy the longer handle of the GSOW.

The 304s is slightly wobbly, but not as much as the GSOW. It has a shorter handle but stiffer blade. The edge on the 304s is MUCH better then the GSOW was. I had to work a good 6 hours to get the edge on the GSOW right. The 304 came paper cutting sharp out of the box.

Scabbards are another story. If I remember, the GSOW has a fiberglass scabbard. No big deal to me, but it might be to some. It is much neater then the 304s because it has the metal chapes at both ends.

But all in all, if you are looking for something close to the 304s, go for the H/T Longsword or Bastard, whichever you like the look of better.

Well, what kinda price range do you want to work in?

If you wanna get the "real" AT 304s straight from Angus Trim's shop, then you could pick one up for about 400 bucks. Granted that is almost twice the amount of the 304s.

And are you looking for a general use hand-and-a-half sword, or were you wanting to stick pretty close to the same typology as the 304?

As far as another sword that is very similar to the 304, the only one I can think of is the H/T Bastard.

Darksword Armory has a couple options:

kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=DSA1336

kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=DSA1334

And I know that Ric Willy has at least one of tho's, which he's happy with. DSA also has another Bastard sword with a similar typology, but I didn't include it because the pommel is threaded instead of nut or peen assembled.

Your best bet is to keep your eyes out for the 304. I had waited 4 weeks till I found a place that had it in stock, and I'm glad I did.

I'll keep an eye out for one, and if I find a place that has em, I'll let ya know.

H/T Longsword and Bastard are both XVIIIa's, 304S is a XIIa. The H/T's will be better in the thrust while capable of some powerful cuts, while the 304 will be better in the cut while capable of some good thrusts. In general profile, the Bastard is closer to (though smaller than) the 304. I've got a Fullered Bastard and it is currently my favorite sword. Given that it can be bought from KoA for under $115 right now.....there's no real reason NOT to buy it.

From my limited experience with it (I got to dry handle it a couple of times and cut pumpkins once), I found it to have a LOT of authority in the cut. The stats on it are kind of misleading, as they would seem to describe a less brutal weapon. I agree with Greg about the woobleness, but if you hit your target properly, it causes no problem. However, you have to forget thrusts with it.

Compared to the HT longsword, it felt much sturdier, both fittings and blade. I liked it, except for the really bad edges.

No real comparaison between the 304 and the GSOW... exept the fact that even if i own costlier swords they are part of my favorites in my collection... because they have both an incredible fun factor related to them. Its fun to cut with them. I dont know how else to describe it
As for the GSOW like Bradlee and Frederico said... you REALLY feel brutal with this thing in hand. I dont know if its related to the balance, the blade or whatever but this thing screams '' I WANNA CUT '' (following the beat of I wanna rock from Twisted Sisters ). Personnaly i got lucky the edeges were fine with a very slight bevel. It could have more more rigid, but the woobliness isnt really an issue.
The only problem with is... the leather color... awful. I think it decrase the credibility of this sword. Thats why i customized mine with fur and studs