Opinions

more info needed Todash , european sword,japanese,chinese 2 hander or single hander blade length ,any nods to historical accuracy or purely functional (the list could go on) if you can narrow down the blade style answers will be faster $500 opens up a whole world of possible sword's
almost forgot,welcome to the forum

So sorry about that. Usually I give to much information.

I prefer medieval, with a fuller, hand and a half or two hand. It doesn't necessarily have to be historically accurate, but I also don't want something from a movie or video game. I would like for it to be functioning so that I will have that option if I so desire.

Get an Albion Squire Line or an Angus Trim. Like these:

triedandtruearmory.com/econ/inde ... duct_id=58
triedandtruearmory.com/econ/inde ... duct_id=94

Gus is just about to do a batch of longswords, so now is the time to order it if you go that route.

*Edit to Add*



Can't speak for Vader, but I've held several swords from Albion and from Angus Trim. The Squire line two-handers are a bit above your pricepoint, and they don't come sharpened, but they are indeed marvelous pieces. Angus Trim swords are just under your budget and come properly sharpened, but I don't find the hilts quite as attractive. NOBODY makes a better blade in terms of handling and performance than Angus Trim, though. Nobody. I have two favorite swords in my collection at the moment--one was made by Angus Trim and the other by Albion. You can't go wrong with these choices.

now you're talking my language i like you're taste in blade style,you definately need to look at the tried and true line
there;s a couple that spring to mind,the xll.4

triedandtruearmory.com/econ/inde ... duct_id=90

the xll.a,1313
triedandtruearmory.com/econ/inde ... duct_id=77

the xlla,4 (one of my favoutites)
triedandtruearmory.com/econ/inde ... duct_id=94

sword nation currently has an offer on the hanwei tinker line of swords,buy one get one free,and the bastard sword is one hell of a performer for the price

www.swordnation.com/Tinker-Basta ... sh2411.htm

or like has been posted the albion squire line fits you're budget ,well almost (hot peened though so you cant strip them for customising)

personally id go for an a trim blade (but i am biased) ,also it depends if you want the sword to come with a scabbard or not,the valiant armoury kriegschwert is a cracking sword,and gorgeous

www.valiant-armoury.com/catalog/txt_cf402.html

the tinker bastard is a great entry sword,but if you want to have the best for you're money i would say an atrim or a valiant armoury (the 2 for 1 deal at sword nation is a great deal though) you could get 2 blades and still have a big chunk of change,thats by no means a difinitive list though,as i said $500 gives you lots of options,and all of these swords have been reviewed,i would suggest reading as many reviews as possible (if you can get to handle them even better)

I like your ideas, thank you. Do you have link for Sonny?

Thank you all for the help. I want to make sure that the money I spend is worth it. I don't want to end up with a piece of garbage.

So many beautiful swords...so little money.

EDIT: Wow, looks like I screwed that up... double post anybody?

Anyway, I should add that a complete scabbard setup may set you back some good extra money, ~300-400ish depending on how 'blingy' you want it. However, considering that a Hanwei/Tinker is less than $200 right now... I think this is an amazing deal for a beautiful 'semi-custom' sword. Sonny's work should really eliminate almost all the flaws of those swords, which are largely cosmetic except for the edge, which he'll probably be happy to sharpen up for you.

Here's the thing, though. It comes down to whether you want to prioritize looks and extras, prioritize performance, or prioritize historical accuracy.

For looks and extras like belts and scabbards, a Valiant Armory Signature sword or a gussied-up Hanwei/Tinker through Sonny's shop would be the best bet. Both are 'round $400-ish. I think the Valiant Kriegschwert is the best "full-package" two-hander under 500, but good luck finding one in stock anywhere. A customized Tinker Bastard, Tinker Longsword, or Tinker Great Sword of War would also suit your criteria depending on what size and cutting power you were looking for. All of these swords have Chinese-made blades made to the specs of knowledgeable sword makers.

If you prioritize performance, an Angus Trim blade is the way to go. They aren't fancy-looking in the hilt department, but in handling and cutting they blow most other stuff out of the water. Made here in the US with computer-controlled equipment and hand-finishing by a brilliant engineer, they are just superb. Given that you've shown some preference for big warswords, the XIIa.4 would probably be the way to go (formerly known as the Austian Great Sword). It's a dominating beast that's still quick on its feet, and one of the most powerful cutters on the market. If you were looking for a faster blade that's more of a bastard, the XVIa.3 would be a good choice. Both these swords are being made in the next batch of Atrims. Here's a video of the XIIa.4 cutting:


For historical accuracy and all around good-looking, cohesive design, I'd go with an Albion Squire Line blade. You'd have to put in time and energy or money if you want them sharpened, and they already cost a bit more than your listed budget, but there isn't anything closer to an actual medieval sword than those under $600. Options are very limited though, as there are only a handful of Squire Line models, compared to the dozens of models in Albion's higher-priced Next-Generation and Museum Lines.

Hope that helps sort things a bit.

Glad you like it, friend--you're welcome. Here's a review if you're interested:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4867

I keep getting a server error when I click on their links now. I must have broke it when I put the sword on my wish list. lol. Anyone else having troubles with their site?