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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jul 24, 2011 19:00:22 GMT
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Post by Brian Kunz on Jul 24, 2011 19:12:27 GMT
A very nice start to the collection
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Nov 13, 2011 18:59:50 GMT
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Lunaman
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Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Nov 13, 2011 20:23:22 GMT
Any particular insights to share? Gorgeous photos, by the way.
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Post by William Swiger on Nov 13, 2011 21:09:17 GMT
Congratulations on 2 very nice swords.
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Nov 14, 2011 3:42:15 GMT
Thank you both. My observations between the two of them can be summarized by saying that the count is definitely a cut oriented sword, while the Crecy leans much more towards thrusting. Don't get me wrong, both can cut just fine, but I was surprised at how much better the count does on the cut after have handled my Crecy for a few months. However, if you've paid any attention to the Oakeshott says about these two different kinds of swords you will already know what i have told you. I knew it when I ordered the swords, but there is a difference in 'knowing' something from reading about it and understanding it conceptually, and really knowing something after having experienced it. I also find both of these swords very handsome pieces in different ways. The Crecy has what I consider to be one of the most perfect looking blade profiles ever. I don't know what it is, but I just love the taper on that sword, and I especially love how the cross section transitions from a hexagonal to a flattened diamond cross section. Whenever I show someone that sword for the first time I always point out that little detail to them. However, the Count (and all the type XIII's) has really grown on me. I have begun to really love seeing a sword with nearly parallel edges, regardless of it's length. I suppose that there is a different feel for a sense of the time and place these two weapons came from when I consider their different characteristics and that it what I really enjoy. I suppose that the more my collection grows the more I will learn about swords in this regard. I am excited for the learning experience.  One more thing. The handling. The Crecy is noticeably heavier than the Count. Since the Count tapers so much less I would have expected it to be the other way around, but it's not. Don't get me wrong, the Crecy is not really a blade heavy sword, Albion has done an excellent job and I would buy it again if I had the chance, but the Count really feels much swifter in the hand. Finally, the photos were taken by my very talented and lovely wife. Thank you for your kind words, I will pass them on to her. |
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Lunaman
Senior Forumite
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Post by Lunaman on Nov 14, 2011 9:24:28 GMT
I appreciate you taking the time to write such a nice reflection, Eric, thank you. ^^This I agree with wholeheartedly. The most categorically beautiful sword I own is built on a Crecy blade, and the blade shape just gives me goosebumps every time I look at it. i100.photobucket.com/albums/m7/L ... final1.jpg Very well said! One of my favorite aspects of collecting and learning about swords has been finding things to admire and respect in very different blade forms, even those that aren't my cup of tea (or at least weren't at first!). The XIII and its subtypes is one such group for me. (And by the way, the Count is a beautiful sword, especially that guard.) You know, you've touched on something here that puzzled me for a little while when I had my first Crecy (the new ranger sword is the second I've owned). I think part of the difference you're feeling is the fact that the Crecy actually is 8% heavier than the Count in sheer mass overall, but the rest is a very valid observation about the way mass is distributed in the Albion XVIa. It's not feathery-light in terms of static balance-- you really do feel the weight of the blade when you're holding it. I've held a several other swords that seem faster or more maneuverable when you first pick them up than the Crecy does. This was a bit confusing to me after hearing it described as "the most pleasant-feeling Albion longsword I had handled or owned" by people like Chad Arnow (who had handled and used far more swords than I). In truth, I didn't really fall in love with the way the Crecy handles until I finally went and cut some targets with it. Then it made sense. Because of my reverence for the blade I had always been tentative while swinging it around in dry-handling. But it doesn't really respond to being tentative. It feels almost sluggish when you're tentative. What it responds to is swinging with conviction and purpose. When I move it at speed--the speed when it loudly whistles through the air-- it floats and glides, and it behaves like a weapon to be feared. It's very easy to control, but hits powerfully. It took me a while, but now I do trust it. I became as smitten with the handling as much as I was with the looks. The blade doesn't immediately FEEL like it would be super agile when you first lift it, but somehow it is. I'm not intending to invalidate your comparison with the Count (after all, you're the one with hands on both!). I just felt like saying a bit more about the Crecy's 'heft' and my changing relationship with it. :lol: I don't doubt for a minute that the Count feels and handles lighter than the Crecy--it's got a gorgeous distal taper and less steel. But I wonder if "swiftness" actually follows suit, or just FEELS like it would. The Crecy blade has surprised me several times. Welcome, that's great to hear! |
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Mar 24, 2012 22:27:24 GMT
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Aaron
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Posts: 2,369
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Post by Aaron on Mar 28, 2012 10:56:55 GMT
Excellent photos, Eric. I think once I have the scratch for another Albion, the Crecy will be my go-to choice. I especially like how you've placed the Liechtenaeur within the rapier, it creates a very striking photograph. As for I.33, I would suggest the H/T EMSHS Blunt. Personally I would think Albion's I:33 would be better suited to your collection, but I have heard good things about the H/T blunt. kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2405A shame that Gus only makes his I-beam trainer in a long sword, I wonder if he could be persuaded to release an arming sword? |
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Mar 28, 2012 19:51:33 GMT
Aaron,
I think that a training blunt for I.33 by Gus would be great. The problem is that he's so backed up at the moment that I almost hate to wish more work on him... I am really pleased with my Italian rapier by darkwood. It's excellent. I was thinking of seeing if Scott from darkwood would be willing to add an I.33 trainer to his standard offerings. We'll see. In the meantime, thanks for reminding me of the one by hanwei. I think that will be my trainer until I decide if I can really rock that style or not.
Also, about the Crecy. I like that sword a lot, but the grip isn't spacious: my hands just fit on the grip. I would consider myself to have average sized hands. After doing some longsword training, I now have my eye on the Albion Tallhoffer or the Earl, since those are much closer to the same size.
Still, the Crecy is an excellent addition to my collection. I don't think that I'll ever trade it.
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jun 22, 2012 15:53:51 GMT
My Ritter Steel War Hammer. It's waaaaay to heavy, but I really like the look of it.   Imagine if this beauty was the last thing you ever saw ... heading right for your face! ouch!  The tip broke off when my friend and I were beating the crap out of a 50 gallon steel drum. It broke after we thrust several holes through the steel.  I am of average height and strength. For me, this war hammer is a bit too big to feel comfortable to use in combat. However, my buddy (the one who provided the 50 gallon drum) it 6'6" and pretty well built. In his hands the power he generated with this thing was awesome. |
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jun 22, 2012 16:00:50 GMT
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Post by Striderfly on Jun 22, 2012 18:00:57 GMT
"The tip broke off when my friend and I were beating the crap out of a 50 gallon steel drum. It broke after we thrust several holes through the steel. " This is just called "antiquing"! Just a way to make weapons look better.  |
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jun 22, 2012 18:56:47 GMT
Oh yeah. I love it. His wife was so upset but I just thought it was cool.
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jun 22, 2012 19:06:06 GMT
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Post by Eric Gregersen on Jun 23, 2012 0:18:03 GMT
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