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Post by Vincent Dolan on Mar 2, 2011 2:11:29 GMT
Just out of curiosity, I wanted to find out what everyone's favorite VA Signature Edition sword was and why. And yes, I know the Warder is technically Valhalla Edition, but I happen to love the looks of it, so I couldn't leave it all by its lonesome, now could I?
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Post by 14thforsaken on Mar 2, 2011 3:30:26 GMT
My personal favorite is the Kreigschwert but then I love type XIIa blades. After that one, I like the looks of the Templar best.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Mar 2, 2011 3:31:35 GMT
The Kriegschwert. As it happens, it's the only Euro sword I own, aside from my recent purchase of the Hanwei Bone Handled Swept Hilt Rapier. It has just enough historically viable and well executed details to set it apart from alot of stuff out there. All of the Signature line swords are great but this one is my favorite. The Crusader would be my 2nd choice. Last year, I bought a Hedemark for my friend because he was interested in Viking swords. The Hedemark is my favorite Viking sword.
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 2, 2011 3:48:53 GMT
Bristol and the Krieg for me.
Since I've never owned any of the Sigs (kinda jumped from the practical line right up to full-blown Atrims in my collecting) my votes are based on aesthetics and the sword types I'm fond of. The Bristol and Krieg have the most cohesive, striking, and pleasing designs to my eyes, and I love me some short swords and foe-cleaving warswords.
My runner up is the new version of the Castile, since I love the power it evokes and I'm enamored with the historical sword it's based on. I have to honorably mention that I think the Malatesta has the most beautiful hilt and scabbard combo of all, but the blade type is so incongruous with the rest of the piece that it falls out of my highest favors.
*SIDE NOTE* feel free to ignore--
Huh. I can't believe I don't have a Valiant Sig. I've had stuff from Windlass, Hanwei, Hanwei Euro, Cold Steel, Valiant Armoury Practical Line, Angus Trim, Christian Fletcher/Angus Trim, and Albion, but I never grabbed one of these sweet-spot-bang-for-buck-package deals? Heavens.
It's tough to backpedal once you've played with the high-end toys, but I could justify snagging one of these suckers to round out the collection. Hmmm. My top choices would be redundant when placed with my other swords, but maybe the Castile or Crusader would fill a vacant niche. Actually, you know what? I'll just snatch up a falchion--forgot those were on their way. :mrgreen:
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Mar 2, 2011 4:53:24 GMT
Bristol, Krieg, and Warder for me, really, though I'm really liking the aesthetics of the Crusader and Templar. Having handled none of them (or any real sword, sadly), I can only go on aesthetics, but the Bristol and Krieg I think offer two counterpoints to one another. On the Bristol, you have a light, swift cut and thrust sword with an elegant guard and pommel, whereas the Krieg is somewhat utilitarian and exudes power (in comparison to the Bristol, at least); appropriate for its role as a war sword.
As for my least favorite, aesthetically, I just don't like the Actium; the waisting on it looks too severe and kind of makes the blade look a little fragile (though I know, being from Sonny, it's anything but). If it weren't for that, I'd have one on my list, as I really like the red and gold of the scabbard and the stark white and dark brown of the hilt.
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Post by Major, Cory J on Mar 2, 2011 5:08:34 GMT
I have the Krieg and It is the "Crown Jewel" of my sword Empire, and I REALLY REALLY REALLY (did I mention REALLY?!) want the Crusader! After buying 4 swords here in the last month or so (with some favors called in and b-day gifts early as well in there  ) I almost sold one of my Compounds to buy one of the used ones here in the classifieds. Bud Student of Sword jumped on it before I could....  |
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Post by LittleJP on Mar 2, 2011 5:12:45 GMT
The Malesta with a VIIIe blade was just,..tempting.
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 2, 2011 5:17:31 GMT
True, but that wasn't a Valiant Armoury Signature sword (or even a Malatesta, technically). It was a VA elite model, a Gus Trim blade with a VA hilt. review |
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron on Mar 2, 2011 5:37:33 GMT
Voted the Castile and the Kriegschwert. If I ever get another arming sword from VA it will be the Castile, though I'm not thrilled about the crossguard. That blade is just awesome.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Mar 2, 2011 5:41:22 GMT
I have to agree with JP; it is quite a beautiful combination. Speaking of the Malatesta, what exact type is the blade? Odingaard's review says it's an XII, but it looks more like an XIII (and MyArmoury's Oakeshott graphs seem to back this up).
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Post by Sneakypete on Mar 2, 2011 6:05:39 GMT
Well whaddya know, I like the Krieg too! I don't actually have any VA's myself, but I'm expecting a nice fat little tax refund within the week; I think I'll be plunking down my order on KOA pretty soon.
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron on Mar 2, 2011 7:08:02 GMT
IMO it's an XIIa, but there are some examples of XIIa and XIIIa that look rather similar.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 2, 2011 14:40:56 GMT
Sneakypete,
If you order a VA sword through the SBG Sword Store, you can get free shipping. The price is only like a buck or two more than KoA, so it's worth it-- save you maybe $20 or more depending on where you are. I know, it's kinda small change, but why not throw a bone Paul's way... just remember to look up the review on SBG for the promo code, it's in each sword's review.
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Marc Kaden Ridgeway
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Awful lot of leaving and joining going on here for me .... And gosh I can't recall doing a bit of i
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Post by Marc Kaden Ridgeway on Mar 2, 2011 15:37:58 GMT
Wow... I voted Malatesta... wish I had voted Hedemark, It is one of the most gorgeous Vikings around... I just thought it was a bit too heavy ... but it was true to the type X ... The Hedemark definitely doesnt deserve a zero |
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Post by chuckinohio on Mar 2, 2011 15:42:16 GMT
I voted Malatesta and Warder.
The Malatesta is a damn glamorous package, and the Warder is quite simply THE WARDER.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Mar 2, 2011 17:38:10 GMT
And that's why I like it. Marc: That's why I made the poll so you could pick two options. Even just going on aesthetics, I had a hard time just picking the Bristol and Warder for it. :lol: |
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Post by Enkidu on Mar 2, 2011 17:46:29 GMT
I voted the warder, i didnt knew i could cast two votes, next one would have been the Krieg.
The bristol is up close next, but just a tad too short for my tastes, make me a 38-40 inches sword with the bristol fittings and.. wow !
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 2, 2011 18:04:16 GMT
I guess I didn't notice the double choice either. I voted for the Castile which I own and love but the other choice would have been the Hedemark because I think it's gorgeous and might be the closest you could get to a custom without spending a fortune.
unless I'm missing something huge, I think this signature line is the most amazing group of full package swords available for an incredible price point. I just hope they don't realize they made a pricing mistake before I can pick up the Hedemark!!
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 2, 2011 18:07:50 GMT
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Post by Enkidu on Mar 2, 2011 18:12:23 GMT
Luna, I was about to mention it in my post, but i forgot the name of this model in the chimera line ! So yeah, around something like this  This one is around 43'' right ? Is it manageable using one hand ? |
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Herron's Flight by Brendan of Fable Blades
) I almost sold one of my Compounds to buy one of the used ones here in the classifieds. Bud Student of Sword jumped on it before I could.... 
