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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 1:22:00 GMT
I realize this is a terrible first post, but as it is my first time here and I am new to buying swords, it seems to fit. I'm putting together a costume, and need two swords for it. The perfectionist in me wants them to be as close to the movie props as possible, but apparently nothing like them exists for sale, and I have looked -everywhere-. The swords I'm looking for should fit the 17th-century Western European setting, though style will trump historical accuracy. The picture is the two styles I'm looking for, but lack of information on them might be holding me back.  I believe the first is a 'mortuary' hilt rapier? The blade isn't curved like a saber, but I can't find any with the simplistic, non-ornate handguard. The other seems to be a European (Italian maybe?) falchion, but again, save the Windlass manufacture that only barely resembles it, I haven't found anything remotely like it. Can you guys shed some light on these two blades? I would be more than grateful for any direction I can get. |
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Post by Vincent Dolan on May 4, 2011 1:28:35 GMT
What's the character, if I might ask? The picture you have doesn't seem to be working for me. Anyways, as to the swords, you may have seen them already, but there's the Hanwei Cromwell and the Hanwei Mortuary Hilt; they're the only ones I could think of off the top of my head that fit your description (the Cromwell is a little ornate, but more simplistic than some others). As for the falchion, the only Italian that would be remotely historically accurate would be the Del Tin, but it's rather pricey and you didn't list a budget. |
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 1:55:35 GMT
The character is Solomon Kane, which is why I want to stay as 16th/17th century as possible.
I like that Mortuary Hilt. And while I was HOPING I could skirt less than $200 per sword, it doesn't look like that'll be the case. I've seen the Del Tin, but at $400, it's not really a costume piece. If they can be found un-sharpened, that'd be even better.
If not, I'll end up using latex approximations, and that's just so much less...fun.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll mark the Mortuary on my list of possibilities.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on May 4, 2011 2:16:33 GMT
Hm. If you've got the money this second, you could quite possibly grab one of the last Windlass Italian Falchions I can find that's available; it seems to be the closest to what you're looking for and the seller's got it for under 200$, so it'd meet your budget: therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c968.html |
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 2:57:49 GMT
That one was the one I mentioned that somewhat resembled the prop, but I was hoping there was a closer piece somewhere on the internet.
I don't mind if there isn't, and after dropping $250 on a custom vest and hat, $400 for a pair of swords seems doable.
But please, if there's anywhere I haven't looked, recommend away. And again, thanks.
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Post by MOK on May 4, 2011 4:19:29 GMT
The image doesn't seem to work, but you're looking for the movie swords, right? One of them can be seen here (click on the image for a high-res view). It's a sidesword or transitional rapier; these were very common at the time. There are plenty of reproductions with this style of hilt, too. For example, the CAS Hanwei Practical Sidesword. And then there's the falchion:  I actually think I know the exact replica they used in the movie; there's even a review of it on myArmoury.com. The movie prop has been modified (most notably, they removed the sidering) but it's nothing that couldn't be done with basic metal working tools; the aging is easy to do with stuff you'll probably find in your kitchen. There are tutorials online if you're interested. |
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Post by Vincent Dolan on May 4, 2011 4:29:11 GMT
Ah, you're right, MOK. Those do look a lot more like what he's looking for.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 4:35:48 GMT
I've hit up every online retailer I could find, without luck, and someone manages to find the exact item used in the movie. You have no idea how thankful I am.
$300 for the blade itself, and another $250 for the rapier is going to seriously hurt my budget. But then again, perfectionism calls, so if I have to eat Ramen for a few weeks, so be it. At least I have until October to save up for them.
Joy, joy. Now I just have to find a pair of boots and leather pants. The custom hat and doublet already cost more than I care to admit.
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 4, 2011 4:39:24 GMT
Good call/catch on that Falchion MOK...  |
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Post by MOK on May 4, 2011 4:58:48 GMT
Yeah, I've a good eye and a mind like a steel trap sieve...  Hey, if you're looking for a mortuary hilt sword like he has on his back in the poster, rather than that sidesword, you could do worse than the Hanwei Practical. And it's cheap, too! |
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2011 5:02:35 GMT
True, I'd heavily considered that too. It looks nice, and is rather cheap.
Right now, I'm in the process of weighing authentic looks with cost-effectiveness. Luckily, the movie uses quite a few swords, so I'm not TOO limited, but everything I've picked up so far has been from that one picture with the falchion.
I emailed the guys who make the Falchion, though. Looks like they do custom-orders, and I like to haggle in mods if I can. So hopefully at their asking price they can remove the ring themselves and throw in some weathering. If not, I'll skip it for a cheaper piece.
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Post by Elheru Aran on May 5, 2011 15:11:21 GMT
If you're not aware yet you can find most Hanwei swords at Kult of Athena; there, they come in at quite a bit below the MSRP. The side sword, for example-- $130ish, or at least that's what I bought mine at, it's probably gone up a little since due to the general rise in Hanwei prices recently.
Just giving a heads-up since I noticed you quoted ~300 for the sword, and if you can get it cheaper somewhere else, why not?
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Post by MOK on May 5, 2011 16:01:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2011 20:57:08 GMT
The $300 is the list that Czech company is asking for their falchion, but I get the feeling they won't even answer my email, and that's more for one sword than I'm paying for most of the costume. I think I'll just be sidestepping the issue altogether and going with something similarly short, but not as obscure as a falchion. A small arming sword or something.
I'll probably have to buy latex versions of the same anyway, because somehow I don't see metal swords making it into a convention hall.
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