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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2011 23:04:46 GMT
Hi, Ive been thinking of getting a 'proper' sword for a while now, i did a fair bit of research and decided on the VA Malatesta, not in stock  so i figured i would try the Kriegschwert but then i found out that almost the entire VA sword line is on backorder.. I chose Valiant Armory because of the excellent reviews they've been getting and the great look of their swords, so i was wondering if anyone knew of swords of equal caliber and looks, im looking at a hand and a halfer or near enough... Any suggestions?  Thanks |
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Post by demonskull on Jul 31, 2011 23:45:26 GMT
At the VA pricepoint there is no equal. That is not to say that VA are the top of the line or that you can't find a sword of equal quality for the same price. You will not find as nice a package for the same price though. Several of the VA practical line and the Tinker Hanwei line plus some of the regular Atrim line are just as good if not better swords but you will not find a sword, scabbard and rig as nice for the same price.
If all you're interested in is a sword for cutting go with a real Atrim from Tried and True (no scabbard and not historically correct for that pricepoint)
If you want to cut and possibly learn HEMA go with a Tinker/Hanwei sword (you can purchase a blunt blade separately around $100 so you can change out the blade for whatever purpose)
If you want a even less expensive cutter either a VA/Atrim line Practical of a Hanwei/Tinker Line (you may have to touch up the edge based on some reviews) will serve.
If you liked the VA Signature Line designed by Angus Trim and Christian Fletcher due to the reviews, the looks and the rig, my advice wait until they become available again or check the Classifieds here, they occasionally become available in the 2nd hand market.
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Post by chrisperoni on Aug 1, 2011 0:02:04 GMT
Here's a quote from Sonny of Valiant Armoury from earlier today:
"Sonny Suttles » Sun Jul 31, 2011 5:05 pm
Right now we are out of stock on those but the Crusader as well as every other one of our Signature and Atrim swords will be in stock this late Oct-Early November"
So the Malatesta will arrive if you can take the wait. If not, then I suggest you sign up for Sonny's Custom Shoppe Forum and also check out the Custom Sword Shoppe - that is if you haven't already. Try contacting SOnny directly to see what he has available right now. Please accept my apology if you have done these things already.
Alternatively try contacting Richard Taber at SwordNation to see if he has anything available.
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Aug 1, 2011 2:27:29 GMT
Hello Bennn, welcome to SBG ! I know little about European blades so I can't help you much, but you should find plenty of people with good knowledge and advice around here. Enjoy your time and feel free to hang out here  |
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Post by chopper on Aug 1, 2011 2:45:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2011 3:58:45 GMT
Welcome to the forum, I hope you stick around and enjoy it here. I'm in the same boat as you, and I second the idea of checking out Tried and True Armory, I've been looking awfully hard at them.
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Post by ineffableone on Aug 1, 2011 4:07:28 GMT
Don't forget to keep an eye on the classifieds here, There was just a VA Warder up for sale, and I have seen many of the other VA swords sold in the classifieds including the two you expressed interest in.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2011 13:19:16 GMT
Great beginer no frills swords are the Hanwei Tinkers.
Norman sword
Vinking sword
Great sword O War
Bastard sword
Single hand sword
Long sword
I got three, and I plan on getting them all. I like these sword and wont break the bank.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2011 23:06:26 GMT
Wow, thanks for all the help and suggestions!! I had had a look at Tried and True and managed to get a reply from Rich, out of stock I figure knowing that the VA swords will be back in late October ill probably wait.... all i have to do know is choose between the Malatesta and the Kriegschwert... Has anyone had experience with both??? Also i was wondering who buy from as there are quite a few stockists of VA swords... I'm in the UK, so who's good for international shipping? I've emailed a few sites, but I'm more interested in how they deal with international customers. These swords aint cheap, so you don't want things to go wrong and find that they don't care about you once you've paid up... I've been having a look for a HEMA school or group round where i live (Bath) but im stuck, so im reading up and youtubing what i can.. If anyone knew a good place to start for self teaching that would be great... MASSSIVE THANKS IN ADVANCE |
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Post by William Swiger on Aug 2, 2011 6:54:12 GMT
I had the Malatesta and still have a Kriegschwert. To each their own. For the price point, I would get an ATRIM. Found the Malatesa too light for my tastes. Pretty sword but not to my liking. Have a Kriegschwert that I gave to Chenessfan from the forum. He forgot to take it during his last visit. Again, not to my personal liking. The grip for me was very uncomfortable. Blade is borderline for the type. These are just my personal tastes in swords.
I actually have 2 of the VA Knights Templar long swords that I like and am keeping.
Just my personal observations of some of the VA swords I have owned and handled. Good swords, but until you handle them, you cannot be sure if they are right for you.
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so i figured i would try the Kriegschwert but then i found out that almost the entire VA sword line is on backorder..
