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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 17:49:10 GMT
Hello forum! I have recently purchased my first Roman gladius by KC with all the confidence in both information and reviews that SBG has provided. Anxiously I waited for my new sword to come to the door like a dog to his/her master. When I finally received my new gladius I immediately felt the sturdy and balanced piece that I have read so much about. The next day while sitting near a window I noticed several fine cracks in the pommel. Immediately I called Cecil of KC and left a message aswell as an E-mail,he responded promptly informing me that the this type of ebony hardwood will tend to crack because of enviomental changes between the Phillpino temperatures and humidity and those of my native Ohio,in the dead of winter,so to resolve the situation he would send me a new gladius and refund the cost(s) of shipping. Well I received the replacement which I inspected thoroughly,the next day there were cracks once again. I have to say that the construction and overall quality is esthetically respectable,but I would NOT take this sword into combat or use in any stage or rollplay of any kind. This ebony hardwood makes for a beautiful looking sword,but if it is this prone to cracking because of mere environmental changes then I'd rather have a walnut or ash wood equipped piece.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 1, 2011 18:16:14 GMT
Huh..
I had a KC Gladus and it was the best sword of its type I ever had. No cracks... just awesome. I thought they stopped production of it tho.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 1, 2011 18:18:43 GMT
This is kind of unavoidable given the climate difference-- it's undoubtedly much colder in Ohio right now than it is in the Philippines or wherever KC is making their blades (someplace around there, I know that). Now if you'd gotten the blade in summer or late spring, then the climate wouldn't be so different and the wood parts would have time to adjust to the local climate. Not your fault, this is something a lot of people aren't really aware of. It's surprising how much regional variations can affect wood...
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Post by RicWilly on Mar 1, 2011 18:31:50 GMT
I thought so too, Sean, but then it reappeared and the Celtic as well.
There was a hairline crack in the guard of my gladius, I almost posted I had no cracks as I'd forgotten about it until just now. I used woodfiller on it and have had no issues after fairly hard use.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 1, 2011 18:51:16 GMT
Ric's post reminds me of something from my cabinet-making days that I was going to add to my post but then forgot while I was writing it, go figure.
Wood filler is indeed an option, what I used in the cabinet shop to fill cracks though were coloured wax sticks. They aren't crayons, though you could certainly use a dark-coloured crayon, but you can look into them at furniture shops and what not. Generally you soften them up and then drag them perpendicularly across the crack, use a rag to rub off the excess; if you do it right you can't see but the barest hint of a crack.
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 1, 2011 20:10:23 GMT
I've experienced this as well. this is no cause for alarm however as macassar ebony is a very strong wood. unless the cracks/splits go through to the tang or allow the handle to come off completely, there should be no reason not to use the sword. most of the time they are just surface splits and will not affect the overall strength or integrity of the weapon. wood filler or wood glue could be used to finish it off aesthetically but avoid using any glue that would expand and possibly make the crack worse. wax filler is a cheap and easy way to make it look better so you can give this a try as well.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 21:00:12 GMT
Well I'm surprised that there was such a quick response to my post. Ric,I believe that you are the gentleman that tested this gladius and damn near split a bar stool..impressive. So tell me guys,from your experience(s) what would you suggest for my next buy? I was thinking about maybe something from Windlass. I want a piece that's strong and sharp..and besides my 35th B-day is coming so "momma" will get the next one..lol
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Post by RicWilly on Mar 1, 2011 21:16:11 GMT
Fabricius, if you're looking for a gladius from Windlass I have their Mainz and it's okay I guess tho I am put off by the plastic grip and the guard plate on mine has become loose.
I do like their Gladiator sword but it is pretty basic in looks and has a leather scabbard. Also the grip on mine became loose and had to be fixed, a tricky proposition with an asymmetrical scew on pommel. Still all in all I'm really pleased with mine for the price.
Paul's newsletter mentioned some new gladii from Windlass based on the ones in the movie "The Eagle". These have caught my interest but are of unknown value.
As with all Windlass pieces you have to have them sharpened if you want them sharp.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2011 1:26:01 GMT
So I'm guessing that you guys are all "die hard" SBG fellows that only purchase from the for-mentioned's recommended vendors. I've seen some outrageously priced swords from Albion and I'm surprised that there's no review of their wares. Any one of you gents have an opinion? What's all the hype,bells and whistles with their version(s) of the gladius?
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 2, 2011 1:56:50 GMT
I don't have any Albion Gladii but I do have other Albion swords... they are expensive... but if you can afford it, they are worth it. Quality is top-notch.
Past a certain point tho... you start paying more for less... what I mean is... an Albion might be double the cost of an Atrim. Is it twice the sword? Hell no... so at a certain point you have to pay a lot more for every little inch of improvement.
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Post by Bradleee42 on Mar 2, 2011 3:33:10 GMT
Gladii ? As in more than one Gladius?
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 2, 2011 4:48:24 GMT
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Post by Bradleee42 on Mar 2, 2011 6:23:46 GMT
Nice. Yeah, I believe Kris Cutlery and Cecil are going to be great friends. I really want the Celtic blade.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2011 3:01:18 GMT
Now don't get me wrong friends,I think that Cecil/Kris cutlery's gladius is a nice blade forthe money. I just wish that there was maybe more of a selection or some option with different wood other than the ebony hardwood species. Yeah that review that Ric did with chopping that hard hat and even the barstool sold me on KC's (only) gladius. I'm just concerned about paying 275.00 for wood that cracks just because of a change in the weather. Otherwise..yeah it's an impressive home decor/defense piece...just keep the thermostat at 70-74..lol
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2011 3:14:30 GMT
Hey Ric..let's see another review/comparison using the Albion wares!..amuse us good sir  |
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