H/T 9th Century Viking
Feb 13, 2011 22:31:50 GMT
Post by Tendrax on Feb 13, 2011 22:31:50 GMT
Let me start with a disclaimer: I am a noob. This was my first "full size" real sword. Prior to this sword my only experience were crappy stage combat blunts and short swords. So take my opinions with a grain of salt.
Measurements:
Overall Length: 37 1/4''
Blade: 30 3/4''
Blade Thickness: 4.8 mm - 2 mm
P.O.B: 5 1/4"
Blade Width: 2" at the guard 1 1/4" at the termination of the fuller
Guard Width: 3 3/8"
Guard Thickness: 5/8"
Pommel Width: 2 14/16"
Pommel Thickness: 5/8"
Grip Length: 4 1/16"
Grip Width: 1 3/8" near guard and pommel 1 1/4" in the middle
Grip Thickness: 11/16"
Weight: 2 lb 8.5 oz
Measured what I could, ripped off KOA for the rest.
Blade:
I find the blade on this sword to be a Geibig Type 2 Viking blade, or Type X Under Oakeshott's Typologys.
It has a very pronounced distal taper, very little profile taper, and a wide shallow fuller running almost the whole length of the blade. The finish is very utilitarian. It's an even, sort of brushed steel look. The inside of the fuller is polished a bit smother and shinier.
I find the termination of the fuller to be just fine, but I hardly know what makes it good or bad, so have a picture:
It came with the typical H/T secondary bevel edge. Sharp enough if I was actually going to take it to battle, but for backyard cutting not enough. I took literally 1 minute, and ran a diamond file over it, and got it paper cutting sharp. The secondary bevel, though there, is almost not and I imagine with a small amount of time and the right equipment you could get rid of it fairly easily.
Hilt:
Aesthetically I really like the hilt on this sword.
The Pommel looks like a Geibig Type 4 Pommel to me. This is only visually. The Pommel is a single piece, historically viking pommels were two pieces. You'll notice it looks a little banged up near the top. That's from the peening of the tang and is hardly noticeable in person. In fact I didn't even see it till I looked at that picture.
It has a nice wire that runs around it, and is anchored into the one side.
The Guard is strait, and continues the dimpled texture on the pommel. It fits over the shoulder's of the blade very well, with a small gap that is even all the way around.
The grip is Leather over wood, and is done fairly well. The seam isn't obnoxious, and appears to be just butted leather.
While the grip is done fairly well, it was far too thin for my large scots/irish hands. I have since given is an ito like hollowed out paracord wrap, and it's much more comfortable.
Scabbard:
The scabbard is leather over a fiberglass core. It fits the blade a bit loosely with a bit of rattle near the tip, but retains it very well, even when held upside down. It has several attachment points for a baldric or sword belt for carry, and a rather simple chape.
Personally I like this style of chape. I think it looks rather nice.
The throat of the scabbard is lined with what appears to be leather, which prevents the metal from contacting the blade. It also mates very well with the guard.
Handling:
This blade handles like a viking blade should. Still fairly light, and maneuverable, but with some blade presence that just begs you to cut something. However, before I wrapped the grip it was giving me a couple of hot spots. the edges of the Guard and pommel are also a bit sharp, and were rubbing rather un-pleasantly on my hand. However, both of those issues disappeared as soon as I made the grip a bit thicker. If you have smaller hands, they might not be issues to begin with.
Test Cutting:
Unfortunately I have no decent video to post here, since ATM my skills are at the level where video is better for me to get tips then to showcase a blade. I will say however, that after my quick and dirty sharpening job, when I do my part, this blade cuts wonderfully. Very clean effortless cuts, and this thing rings like a tuning fork. It's just awesome.
[Update: Got some decent video. Here you go.]
Conclusion:
I'm gonna skip the list of pros and cons here, and instead say that this sword has it's issues. However if you're willing to put in a small amount of work, I think you'll be very happy with it. Especially for the ~$150 you'll pay for this sword. This sword strikes me as the sort of sword a king would have mas produced for his troops. Still handles wonderfully, and performs great, but the fit and finish is a bit quick and dirty feeling. This may have been my first sword, but I have a feeling it's going to continue to be one of my favorites.