Valiant Armoury Malatesta XIII.a (Savoy x Malatesta))
Oct 19, 2011 22:42:04 GMT
Post by ghost on Oct 19, 2011 22:42:04 GMT
Brief Review: Valiant Amoury Malatesta XIII.a
-antique green grip and belt, black scabbard
Background
I don't know much about the Oakenshott typologies, but if I had to guess, I'd plop the blade down as a pretty close reproduction of the XIIIa.3 From the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. (Source: Chad Arnow, myarmoury, www.myarmoury.com/feature_spotxiii.html) The pommel looks a slight bit different but we can still call it oval (VA calls it a type J) See picture below:
-picture taken from Valiant Armoury's CSS shoppe site
The original Malatesta is built upon the VA 304s and resembles a XIIa. Having handled the same blade on VA Knight's Templar, I was not thrilled with the handling - the sword was a bit too light and flexible for my tastes. After seeing Sonny debut the new bastard...well you see where this is going
For reference to the Malatesta XII, see Odingaard and serge's reviews.
Odingaard: sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=15486
Serge: sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... e=1#286492
Statistics... for this particular Malatesta hybrid sword ONLY.
Blade Length: 35.5”
Blade Width: 1.8"
Fuller Length: 16.25"
Handle Length: 6.75" (leather), 9" w/ pommel
Overall Length: 44.75"
Guard Width: 8.25"
POB (Point of Balance): 6-6.25"
Weight: 2 lbs 11oz. (accurate)
Handling:
This sword feels very authoritative for its weight. In fact, it has the same weight as my old Knight's Templar, but feels like a very strong cutter with such a high point of balance. The extra blade length is something I can appreciate, and the fuller terminates nice and early - leaving behind 17.5" of stiff and pointy goodness. The blade is very much more rigid and quite resistant to a flex test.
It was quite difficult to swing around one handed, but not completely impossible. I am not really surprised (the Malatesta fittings must be quite a bit lighter than the VA120SE bastard) with such a large POB. I would say this sword fits borderline between the bastards and two-handers.
pros:
-excellent fit and finish
-fuller is straight and ends on both sides at the same distance
-leather seems a bit better; more smooth and flexible; the interiors are now sealed very well
-no rattling/ sword will hang upside down in scabbard w/o falling out
- the grip is much larger than previous VAs (bristol, templar, crusader)- fits my hands exactly
cons:
-minor leather exposure/glue residue in chape where the punch is revealed; It's not too big and can be remedied with a small dab of black shoe polish.
-the buckles are still very mediocre; rough and cheap feeling (not substantial) kinda like thick aluminum
Conclusion:
I really like this sword. Not a lightsaber like the previous VA offerings I have come into contact with, notably the VA crusader and knight's templar. The newer bastard will certainly be a good buy for those looking for a more substantial blade.
Recommendations:
VA has taken a while to get out the newer products, but it seems they have considered our feedback, and adjusted accordingly. Lately, Valiant Armoury is very open to mix and matching - we're seeing lots of hybrids go out. They are also offering upgraded packages built on swords from Atrim and Hanwei. They are the best scabbard makers at this price range and are very good with customer service. Their site(s) needs work though...For those not familiar with ordering from VA, leather color and minor customizations can either be ordered directly through the Custom Sword Shoppe or pm on the CSS forums. Expect a 4-6 week wait.
Disclaimer: I am just a paying customer of Valiant Armoury. If I don't like something, I'll speak my mind. I am not being paid, nor affiliated with Sonny or Valiant Armoury.
-antique green grip and belt, black scabbard
Background
I don't know much about the Oakenshott typologies, but if I had to guess, I'd plop the blade down as a pretty close reproduction of the XIIIa.3 From the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. (Source: Chad Arnow, myarmoury, www.myarmoury.com/feature_spotxiii.html) The pommel looks a slight bit different but we can still call it oval (VA calls it a type J) See picture below:
-picture taken from Valiant Armoury's CSS shoppe site
The original Malatesta is built upon the VA 304s and resembles a XIIa. Having handled the same blade on VA Knight's Templar, I was not thrilled with the handling - the sword was a bit too light and flexible for my tastes. After seeing Sonny debut the new bastard...well you see where this is going
For reference to the Malatesta XII, see Odingaard and serge's reviews.
Odingaard: sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=15486
Serge: sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... e=1#286492
Statistics... for this particular Malatesta hybrid sword ONLY.
Blade Length: 35.5”
Blade Width: 1.8"
Fuller Length: 16.25"
Handle Length: 6.75" (leather), 9" w/ pommel
Overall Length: 44.75"
Guard Width: 8.25"
POB (Point of Balance): 6-6.25"
Weight: 2 lbs 11oz. (accurate)
Handling:
This sword feels very authoritative for its weight. In fact, it has the same weight as my old Knight's Templar, but feels like a very strong cutter with such a high point of balance. The extra blade length is something I can appreciate, and the fuller terminates nice and early - leaving behind 17.5" of stiff and pointy goodness. The blade is very much more rigid and quite resistant to a flex test.
It was quite difficult to swing around one handed, but not completely impossible. I am not really surprised (the Malatesta fittings must be quite a bit lighter than the VA120SE bastard) with such a large POB. I would say this sword fits borderline between the bastards and two-handers.
pros:
-excellent fit and finish
-fuller is straight and ends on both sides at the same distance
-leather seems a bit better; more smooth and flexible; the interiors are now sealed very well
-no rattling/ sword will hang upside down in scabbard w/o falling out
- the grip is much larger than previous VAs (bristol, templar, crusader)- fits my hands exactly
cons:
-minor leather exposure/glue residue in chape where the punch is revealed; It's not too big and can be remedied with a small dab of black shoe polish.
-the buckles are still very mediocre; rough and cheap feeling (not substantial) kinda like thick aluminum
Conclusion:
I really like this sword. Not a lightsaber like the previous VA offerings I have come into contact with, notably the VA crusader and knight's templar. The newer bastard will certainly be a good buy for those looking for a more substantial blade.
Recommendations:
VA has taken a while to get out the newer products, but it seems they have considered our feedback, and adjusted accordingly. Lately, Valiant Armoury is very open to mix and matching - we're seeing lots of hybrids go out. They are also offering upgraded packages built on swords from Atrim and Hanwei. They are the best scabbard makers at this price range and are very good with customer service. Their site(s) needs work though...For those not familiar with ordering from VA, leather color and minor customizations can either be ordered directly through the Custom Sword Shoppe or pm on the CSS forums. Expect a 4-6 week wait.
Disclaimer: I am just a paying customer of Valiant Armoury. If I don't like something, I'll speak my mind. I am not being paid, nor affiliated with Sonny or Valiant Armoury.