Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2011 17:16:35 GMT
Hey all,
I've been lurking on this site for quite some time now and decided to join. I've been a sword enthusiast for most of my life and have owned several "sword-like objects" but would like to purchase a proper functional sword. I've been doing a fair amount of research and decided (more or less) on what I would like. But given that I'm quite new to the fully functional sword market I was wondering if those of you who had more experience might offer a little advice.
I'm about to graduate university (last final in a few hours!) and, assuming I pass my Actuarial exam next week, I want to purchase myself a sword as a reward for my work. I'm looking in the sub $500 range but quite happy to pay $300-$500.
What do I want in a sword?
1. I would like a Bastard sword, blade somewhere between 30"-35" (which I guess is sort of traditional for a B. Sword) I'm not looking for a 36"+ two-hander just yet.
2. I like the Oakeshott Type XII and XVa blade style and Type T pommel (pretty much all of them), style 6, 7, or 11 guard (mostly just ones that curve down concave to the blade).
3. I'd rather have something under 3lbs. I would like to give cutting milk jugs etc. a go but probably only a few times as it's not my primary interest.
4. I want it to be historically realistic (well plausible at least--doesn't have to be spot on) and be "pretty" though I'm not looking for something terribly ornate. I'm thinking something that someone could have used in battle (so not ceremonial) but also is quite striking (oh I'm so punny).
So with that in mind. I really like the VA Malatesta--I read both the reviews here. The price point seems pretty good and it comes with a Scabbard which I love. The Albion Mercenary is also an incredible sword but a little on the expensive side (especially for a first foray into proper swords) and I would be twice the price for an awesome custom CF scabbard anyway--maybe in the future. But if anyone knows of a Mercenary look-alike that is still good please tell me! At the moment I'm pretty dead set on picking up a VA Malatesta sometime next week (assuming I pass my exam) but before I take the plunge: does anyone have any thoughts on other swords like it that I might not have seen? Or just general advice on owning a sword. I read the maintenance guides and downloaded that e-book as well as the pretty much all the articles on the SGB website.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Jun 8, 2011 17:40:33 GMT
If you like it, go for it. The Malatesta is a quite fine sword, wish I could buy one actually. If you want something a little more hefty, the Kriegschwert right up that alley. Really, any VA Signature is quite good. A lower cost option are the Hanwei/Tinker line of swords... the H/T Bastard is a nice one, I've got one myself. Owning a sword... hmm, if you have the PDF you really have all you need right there. Don't forget to post pictures  |
|
|
|
Post by ShooterMike on Jun 8, 2011 17:46:44 GMT
I second the "go for it" sentiment. The Malatesta is a pretty sword, is quite the functional user piece, and meets all your stated requirements. My suggesion is "go with your gut" in this case. You have chosen well.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Jun 8, 2011 18:02:40 GMT
Maltesa is great choice, no doubt. Seems it might be on back order- Where were you thinking of buying it from? However as per your questions I suggest you check out Tried And True Armory (T& TA)- owned/operated by our own forum members aTomK and Hiroshi. www.triedandtruearmory.com/econ/Their swords are all made by esteemed smith Angus Trim. Gus is the guy who designed the VA Practical line of swords the Maltesa belongs too. Tried and True sells Gus made swords (as opposed to his designs but made overseas). Gus is all about making swords that fit your requirments spot on- he's big on historical accuracy (hex nut asembly aside  ), proper balance, look, weight, taper et al. The swords T&TA sell are of different grades of finish which may suit your intrest in a more simplified finish and help save mony. No scabbard though and straight guards (but you could fairly easily curve it if you are confident enough to try). If go with VA the talk with Sonny Suttles at the Custom Sword Shoppe first- sign up for his forum for a discount too before you buy! He may have other swords available but not showing online. custom-sword-shoppe.com/shoppe/index.phpLastly I'll also put a word in for the HanweiTinker single hand and bastard- 2 great entry level swords with basic scabbards. Right not the Bastard is part of a buy one get one free deal at SwordNation: www.swordnation.com/Sword-Nation ... s-s/12.htm --oh, and don't kid yourself--- you can't just cut a few times and stop--- you will become addicted! One of us! One of us! |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jun 8, 2011 18:08:17 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2011 18:25:28 GMT
Elheru: First, nice Avatar; I've always wondered if anyone ever made Gil-galad's spear Aiglos. I was considering the Kriegschwert as an alternative but it seems a bit hefty for what I'm thinking--eventually I'd like a big ol' long sword but not at first. The H/T bastard sword looks nice. The review on the SGB website said the throat on the scabbard dulls the blade since it rings on the metal when you draw it; have you encountered this issue as well? Mike: Thanks for the encouragement; I should have known asking whether I should buy a sword at the SGB website will garner slightly biased responses  But glad to know my choice wasn't in folly. Chris: I had not checked out T&TA but I have heard of Gus Trim and his sword design and love his design intentions. Thanks for the tips I shall take a look. As for where I was going to buy it; it appears that Dave has already shown up in the thread, I was planning on asking him! |
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Jun 8, 2011 19:18:00 GMT
It's looking like the Maltesa is meant to be  |
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Jun 8, 2011 20:16:10 GMT
As regards the Hanwei/Tinker bastards, I have the unfullered version.
The scabbard throat actually does NOT scrape the blade on mine unless you're careless drawing it... that's something, at least, that Hanwei has corrected lately which was a problem with early models.
I had two... well, three really main issues with mine; had two and have one more would be a better way to put it. These aren't unique to me-- they're fairly common over the whole line of H/T swords.
First off, the blade came QUITE blunt. This, together with the sword's hardness-- they're 'marquenched', whatever that means, but I believe it makes them particularly hard compared to most Euro swords of 5160 steel. To put it in perspective-- I actually dulled TWO files in the process of sharpening it! With that in mind, though, I can be pretty certain it's going to hold the edge I've given it through hell and high water. It just took a LONG time to give it a decent edge, was the trouble... Now, mind you, some members here have gotten a decent edge out of the box, so this is one of those cases where you won't know what you're getting until you open the box.
Secondly, the grip was quite thin. Not a big deal, if you have small hands it might work for you. It was just too skinny for me, so I wrapped it with cord and an extra layer of leather; easy and actually kind of fun.
Thirdly, the continuing issue and one that many have had with theirs-- scabbard doesn't really fit the sword very tightly at all. It's a fiberglass core that's made to fit not only the sharp version of these swords but also the blunts, so it's a little loose to start with. Apparently there's a spacer inside that tends to come loose and rattle bout or just plain fall out. If I lift my sword in scabbard and let go, the scbbard just plain falls off!
For all that, the H/T line are awesome swords for the money. They're a low price, but you get a hell of a sword for that price, all things considered...
|
|
|
|
Post by Lobster Hunter on Jun 8, 2011 21:39:19 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by RobrtLand on Jun 9, 2011 20:12:58 GMT
Sorry for jumping into the topic...I'm also looking for a VA Malatesta (as some of you noticed, heh), but here in Europe has proved quite difficult to find one. Does the Kriegschwert handle that much different from the Malatesta?
I'm somewhat short of stature, and the Bristol in my pic almost touches the ground ...IIRC the Krieg is 2'' larger than the Mal, and I don't know if it will suit me.
|
|
Paul
Member
Senior Forumite
Posts: 1,771 
|
Post by Paul on Jun 13, 2011 7:34:03 GMT
Hi, just to throw another bastard in the mix, how about the Darkswords Bastard, www.darksword-armory.com/1329-Me ... Sword.html its a bit smaller than most others but there is something about it that I really like, I almost ordered it as my 1st sword but changed my thinking a bit and went a different way |
|
|
|
Post by chuckinohio on Jun 14, 2011 14:15:21 GMT
I'll take a stab at answering you Rob.
The Malatesta is a completely different sword than the Kriegschwert.
The Malatesta is lighter in hand and quicker handling, more like a dueling sword, while the Krieg has a lot more blade presence, and a more robust profile, more like a War Sword.
Judging by your pic that you posted, you are smaller in stature, and I believe that the Malatesta would make a fine blade for you. It is a slimmer, trimmer package than the Kriegschwert, and would complement your Bristol nicely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deepbluedave on Jun 15, 2011 10:19:43 GMT
Hey Rob I reckon with the bristol in hand you would'nt find many poeple willing to call you on it.
|
|
|
|
Post by RobrtLand on Jun 15, 2011 10:32:45 GMT
Unless said people were armed with longswords or spears... |
|
|
|
Post by RobrtLand on Jun 15, 2011 10:37:55 GMT
Thanks...foraging through the forums I arrived to the same conclusion. The problem is getting the Malatesta to Portugal (I believe the import of swords from outside the EU is forbidden by Customs) and I have only found the Kriegschwert in stock, which is amazing in its own right.
Maybe I'll finally buy the famous H/T Longsword. Not much my cup of tea, but at least is cheaper and in stock...
|
|
|
|
Post by Deepbluedave on Jun 15, 2011 10:46:24 GMT
Hey Rob
I own the Kreigschwert and it is a really nice sword, also got a Bristol, VA really upped the ante with these, I think they are both well worth the money and would reccomend them to anyone.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 20:55:08 GMT
Well I passed my exam this morning so I think in celebration I shall find myself a Malatesta!
|
|
|
|
Post by RobrtLand on Jun 16, 2011 15:46:16 GMT
Hey, congratulations!! I was in line for that Mal, but it would have been complicated to get it through Portugal, so I let you win |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2011 16:10:23 GMT
Haha thanks! My first proper sword (i.e. not a SLO) so I'm quite excited. Hopefully you'll be able to find a Mal somewhere easier to ship to Portugal, I'll let you know what I think of it when it gets here--I don't think I've been this excited for a package...ever.
|
|
|
|
Post by RobrtLand on Jun 16, 2011 17:20:15 GMT
I know what you mean (and I think everyone in the forum). When I discovered that my Bristol had checked at the local courier office and was on queue to delivery, I stayed almost all day in my house waiting for the package to arrive at my door...to hell with my thesis! :twisted:
And arrive it did, in that lovely cardboard box :mrgreen:
Absolutely impressed with the Signature so far
|
|
), proper balance, look, weight, taper et al. The swords T&TA sell are of different grades of finish which may suit your intrest in a more simplified finish and help save mony. No scabbard though and straight guards (but you could fairly easily curve it if you are confident enough to try).
But glad to know my choice wasn't in folly. 
