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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 4, 2011 9:15:59 GMT
Hey, all! I'm 90% convinced that the Darksword Anduril will be an Xmas gift for my father this year (unless I'm lucky enough to find a Gen 2 Excalibur in the classifieds), but in looking more closely at the United Cutlery prop, it has some very nice rune details on the pommel and guard. I'm more interested in actual functionality than detail, but does anyone know if it would be possible to combine the detailed parts of the United Cutlery version with the Darksword version? It's not a deal-breaker for me. Like I said, I like Darkswords' version because you can actually use it! In the event of a zombiepocalypse, it just might save lives!  Also, looking at their ordering options, I'm curious as to the difference between a "scabbard" and an "interlaced sword belt?" Thanks in advance! Dave S. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2011 10:48:54 GMT
Yeah, the problem with United Cutlery is the 420 stainless steel composition. If you try to cut with it, it's going to break. Because of that, I wouldn't trust their fittings to be functional either. They're really just an ornament. Also, you need to know that DarkSword peens their pommels, so unless you're a pretty good metal smith, I wouldn't even think about taking one of their swords apart. DarkSword sells their products with a basic leather-over-wood storage scabbard. They're functional, but very simple. The upgrade to the interlaced sword belt is worth every penny. These are very well done integral belts and scabbards in a medieval design. If you go on Eyal's site www.darksword-armory.com/swords.html the picture of the 14th C. Two Handed Sword is taken with the interlaced belt. If you drop down to the Black Knight Sword (not the Black Prince), that picture is taken with the plain scabbard. |
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 4, 2011 17:56:16 GMT
Hey, Dodger!
I figured that the blade on the UC version was only wall-hanging material, and that the rest of the parts would likely not stand up to any kind of real use. I doubt that my dad would want to try and cut firewood or do some brush clearing with it, but the fact that he can if he wants to just makes the piece that much cooler! If it can't actually be swung and cut stuff without catastrophic failure, it's just as useless and a waste of money as any other mantelpiece dust collector!
That's the main reason I quickly went from official Hasbro Force FX lightsabers to custom ones. You can actually duel pretty hard with the customs, while the Force FX versions are purely for show.
However, I do like the wooden plaque of the UC as a display piece. I would like to be able to offer my father an ornamental way to hang the piece on a wall instead of having to tuck it into a closet corner next to a bunch of umbrellas! Do you know if those ever pop up in the classifieds?
Does the simple Darksword scabbard have a belt sleeve, or is it only for storage? I would definitely go with the interlaced belt if that is the only way the blade can be worn.
Thanks!
Dave S.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2011 23:01:24 GMT
Have a look here: www.kultofathena.com/display.aspAlso, the DarkSword basic scabbard does not have a belt sleeve. The other thing you need to know about DarkSword products (if you haven't already gleaned it from this forum) is that they're extremely tough. If your dad wants to kill a cave troll with this thing, he can go right ahead. |
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Post by chuckinohio on Apr 5, 2011 0:24:23 GMT
I believe that I recollect someone here saying that the United Cutlery Anduril pommel was hollow.
I would check into this carefully, or wait for more members to respond to find out for sure. You would not want a hollow cast pommel on the DSA Anduril I think, as it is quite a robust sword, and would most likely tear itself apart.
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 5, 2011 6:00:14 GMT
Thanks, Chuck!
Even before I posted my question, I was pretty sure that the answer would be a negative given the huge difference between what the UC and Darksword versions are built for. If someone were to give me a sword as a gift, I would definitely want to have a cutting test or two! I just wanted to confirm my suspicions. I don't mind that the Darksword version is a little less detailed. What matters is that it actually works!
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 5, 2011 6:08:11 GMT
Thanks for the link, Dodger! I haven't been able to peruse KoA's website much yet, but it's great to know that such accessories are available. I've read Steve's review several times while making sure to keep the drool off my keyboard! I can't decide if I want to get one for my dad and a Ranger for me, or two of the same! Decisions, decisions! Cave trolls or apocalypse zombies, I know he'll appreciate that it's the real thing! Dave S. |
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 11, 2011 23:27:57 GMT
Hey, Dodger!
Those plaques look nice, but some of them don't come with hooks. Also, I'd like to be able to have the plaque custom inscribed. Does KoA offer that service? If not, can you recommend anyone?
Dave S.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Apr 11, 2011 23:47:08 GMT
Its worth noting that while Darksword Amory does peen their swords these days... they do not peen the Anduril or the Black Knight. The nature of the design on those pommels make it a problem. I had a DSA Anduril sword and it is a huge, heavy BEAST. Just so you know.  |
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 12, 2011 7:18:53 GMT
I have heard that. Could you tell me what the basic advantages/disadvantages of a non-peened pommel? The Anduril will likely only be put through a few cutting test with plastic water bottles. My dad has never needed to chop much firewood, so Anduril will likely rest on its plaque for most of its life. I just like (and I'm sure my dad will to) knowing that it's the real thing!
Both my father and I were in different branches of the military and works with power tools a lot. We're both still in pretty good shape (plus he's over 6" tall) so we're not unaccustomed to wielding heavy weapons.
Dave S.
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Post by chuckinohio on Apr 12, 2011 12:47:27 GMT
The Anduril pommel, by virtue of it havng the hollow space through it, makes it hard to peen because you would have to work in a very limited space and would probably be hard pressed to get the assembly tight enough to not loosen up through use. It would basically be a pain in the rear to try to peen one. Advantages or disadvantages Done properly, a threaded pommel will be as strong as a peened pommel, it really comes down to historical accuracy. Historically swords were peened. Since Anduril is not a historically accurate sword, we can dismiss that argument. I own a DSA Anduril, but I have never cut anything other than light targets with it. It is, as mentioned above by my learned colleague, a robust sword to say the least. One would be advised to eat a wafer of Lembas and take a hearty swig of Miruvor before trying to work out with it. Shadowhowler is not a small lad, nor am I. Be advised that the Anduril is a handfull of steel. |
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 12, 2011 14:36:37 GMT
I believe someone posted a picture of a similar Frankensword project; I don't remember what the blade they used was, but they did use the UC fittings. It was from a thread on MyArmoury, I think. I'll see if I can find it...
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Apr 12, 2011 15:21:25 GMT
Peened construction is more traditional...
The DSA Anduril has a hot threaded screw on pommel. Advantage... if you want to take the sword apart it can be done much easier then a peened sword. Disadvantage... it could become lose over time (mine did) and then the pommel wont match up flush with the sword anymore.... looking stupid.
Your father and you are both active duty at the same time? That is quite rare... he must have been in a LONG time...
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 12, 2011 15:32:18 GMT
Bingo! www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=22191A custom project by Rick Barrett using the UC hilt and a purpose-made blade of 1075. It says it was "drilled into" to make the full tang... not sure how the heck that works, my best guess is something along the lines of the DSA Anduril's screw-on pommel. Aaron had a good idea for putting it together...  This seems functional enough to me. It might take a little money, not necessarily as much as was charged for this particular project ($1000+) but I'm certain any good smith could do it for less than it would cost to build an Anduril from scratch with the kind of detail level you want. You could perhaps go with a bare blade from Albion; they typically retail for around $300ish with heat treat, and then buy an Anduril cheap from somewhere and send them together to whoever agrees to do it for you. |
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Post by chuckinohio on Apr 12, 2011 23:47:06 GMT
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 13, 2011 5:39:17 GMT
Ah, ok. I'm not worried about the pommel becoming loose over time as he will very likely not use it for anything except for a cutting test or two (with my supervision). It'll just be a fun gift. I know that I could go with a UC wall-hanger, but it just wouldn't be as inherently cool as a functional blade. Guard and pommel rune details are nice, but IMHO a real blade is FAR cooler!
My father and I didn't serve at the same time. He was in the Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam war. I was in the Army for three years, stationed in Texas in the early 90's and then reactivated for Operation Desert Storm.
Dave S.
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Post by xenobuzz on Apr 13, 2011 5:43:08 GMT
Chuck is correct, Elheru, your Google Fu is indeed strong! This info is great, but it's far more trouble and cost than the rune detail is worth. If it was something easy and fairly inexpensive, I would consider it. For now, a stock DSA Anduril will fit my gift bill very handily.
Again, I do appreciate your time and efforts very much!
Dave S.
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Post by Lunaman on Apr 13, 2011 7:08:00 GMT
Elheru deserves his props, but it wasn't just google-fu that got him that link.  The Rick Barrett sword was discussed in another thread on this forum when I posted that link to the myarmoury sale where I had spotted it while cruising the classifieds. viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1932&start=50(Aaron's image debating a possible sound contruction method came from that thread as well. ) Now, the description does say "sold from museum replicas" (which I didn't even comprehend the first time around) but I could swear that's a UC hilt. I'm willing to bet he just meant that MRL was the trusted vendor who offered the sword, not the manufacturer of the hilt itself. I'd still be wary of any stresses on the hilt. |
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Apr 13, 2011 8:57:47 GMT
Darksword are pretty crafty folks - I would put it to them and ask if they could do a "special" set of Andurils with runes on hilt etc as an upgrade. I mean they could do a Damascus style one and etch the blades... they used to (still do?) customs swords in any case maybe it's worth a little more to get it done all at once?
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Post by chuckinohio on Apr 13, 2011 13:53:34 GMT
You are the progenitor of much goodness!  I never cosidered the fact that it may have been a UC Anduril retailed by MRL. Good call on that point. |
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The Rick Barrett sword was discussed in another thread on this forum when I posted that link to the myarmoury sale where I had spotted it while cruising the classifieds. 
