ATrim XIIa.1 - Now with Vid!
Nov 3, 2011 16:31:57 GMT
Post by Greg on Nov 3, 2011 16:31:57 GMT
ATrim XIIa.1
I am starting to think that Tom is sending me swords in ascending awesomeness, because it seems like every time I get in a new sword, it's better then the last. Normally, I'd just chalk this up to "newsworditis" but this one is truly phenomenal.
Of course, I need to go ahead and say that I am not getting any compensation from Angus Trim or Tried and True Armor for reviewing these swords. All views are mine, so lets get on with it.
Stats:
Total Weight: 3lbs 6oz
Total Length: 47"
Blade Length: 36.25"
Gripping Length: 8.125"
Blade Width: Base=2.375", CoP=1.5"
Blade Thickness: *Base=0.21875", CoP=.125"
Guard Width: 8.375"
Blade Percussion Node: 24" from guard
Hilt Percussion Node: 1.5" from guard
Center of Balance: 4.5"
*It is interesting to note here that in the past, most blades that I've handled from Gus have been 3/16" where as with width of the base here is actually 7/32.
Components:
Ok, normally I have a few more pictures from different angles of everything, but this sword doesn't need all tho's formalities. Once you watch the video, you'll see why.
Blade:
The blade is unique to me in that it sports a triple fuller design. However, unlike the traditional "triple fuller" this blade has a wide central fuller, with two smaller flanking fullers. This adds a nice mix of polished and unpolished fullers along the blade and sets it apart from other XIIa's.
One question on everyone's mind is it's level of "whippiness." This is one of the least whippy longer swords that I've held. Granted, it still has play in the blade, but none of it transfers into a cut. When you watch the video, you'll see me finding the CoP, but none of the vibration can be felt while swinging the sword.
Guard:
There it is.
The fit to the shoulders is snug, so there is no rattling during a cut. Even the bad cuts produced no noise from the hilt area, which I was rather impressed with, because we've all had that happen at some point. A production line sword with an "ok" fitting guard. Flub a cut and it sounds like it's about to fall apart. Lucky for us, Gus isn't a robot. or is he?
Grip:
Again, pretty standard ATrim grip. This particular grip seemed to be less square then other swords I've held. The last I heard, Gus was trying to get less squared in the grip design but still keep construction simple to avoid having to raise prices.
The size of the grip was perfect. It felt that I could put on a pair of battle mits and wield it just as easily as I could with my bare hands.
The seam in the leather is slightly visible, but disappears in hand.
Pommel:
Curses! I forgot to measure the diameter of the pommel. Well, as you can see, it's big, but proportional to the blade.
Because I grew up on the VA Longsword, I have the bad habit of gripping the pommel for swings. Well, perhaps not a bad habit, but just a habit. Well, this was difficult to do on the XIIa.1. In fact, when I tried to do it, I failed. Luckily, this is a two handed sword, not hand and a half. There is plenty of room on the grip for both hands.
Video:
Ok, seriously. This is by far the best evidence of why this is a good sword. I want to let you know that the sword was not even paper cutting sharp. Let me say that again.
The sword was not even paper cutting sharp.
In fact, it didn't even rip the paper, it just glided along the paper like they were old buddies and were out for a walk. Finally, after holding the paper JUST right and finding an inch of the blade that was sharper then the rest, I was able to get a rip started, but then it stopped.
So, keep that in mind while watching the vid:
Yeah! Holy poo is right! Silent cuts on a dull blade! The harmonics are spot on. The UNSHARPENED geometry is perfect. If I were buying this, I'd skip sharpening it because it's perfect as is. If you did sharpen it, you'd be able to get away with less then great alignment, so your form might start getting sloppy, eh, who knows.
But I do regret that I didn't have any tatami to cut.
Final Thoughts and Whatnots:
The ONLY thing that is keeping me from buying this blade is that I am not in love with the profile. I've grown fond of more parellel edges and the XIIa.1 just tapers a bit to much for me. However, it's only been a day since I've last held it and absence does make the heart grow fonder.
If I had this blade a year ago when I had a larger sword fund, it would be mine. But now money is a bit tighter and I have to be a little more choosey about which swords I buy.
But if you enjoy the look, then this is a must own. I mean, did you see me stab that bottle, and then get a silent cut on it! WITH A DULL SWORD! Hell, the more I talk about it, the more I'm falling back in love.
So feel free to ask any questions or comment on the review. I'm sure Tom will be along at some point to clear up any confusions I may have cause.
I am starting to think that Tom is sending me swords in ascending awesomeness, because it seems like every time I get in a new sword, it's better then the last. Normally, I'd just chalk this up to "newsworditis" but this one is truly phenomenal.
Of course, I need to go ahead and say that I am not getting any compensation from Angus Trim or Tried and True Armor for reviewing these swords. All views are mine, so lets get on with it.
Stats:
Total Weight: 3lbs 6oz
Total Length: 47"
Blade Length: 36.25"
Gripping Length: 8.125"
Blade Width: Base=2.375", CoP=1.5"
Blade Thickness: *Base=0.21875", CoP=.125"
Guard Width: 8.375"
Blade Percussion Node: 24" from guard
Hilt Percussion Node: 1.5" from guard
Center of Balance: 4.5"
*It is interesting to note here that in the past, most blades that I've handled from Gus have been 3/16" where as with width of the base here is actually 7/32.
Components:
Ok, normally I have a few more pictures from different angles of everything, but this sword doesn't need all tho's formalities. Once you watch the video, you'll see why.
Blade:
The blade is unique to me in that it sports a triple fuller design. However, unlike the traditional "triple fuller" this blade has a wide central fuller, with two smaller flanking fullers. This adds a nice mix of polished and unpolished fullers along the blade and sets it apart from other XIIa's.
One question on everyone's mind is it's level of "whippiness." This is one of the least whippy longer swords that I've held. Granted, it still has play in the blade, but none of it transfers into a cut. When you watch the video, you'll see me finding the CoP, but none of the vibration can be felt while swinging the sword.
Guard:
There it is.
The fit to the shoulders is snug, so there is no rattling during a cut. Even the bad cuts produced no noise from the hilt area, which I was rather impressed with, because we've all had that happen at some point. A production line sword with an "ok" fitting guard. Flub a cut and it sounds like it's about to fall apart. Lucky for us, Gus isn't a robot. or is he?
Grip:
Again, pretty standard ATrim grip. This particular grip seemed to be less square then other swords I've held. The last I heard, Gus was trying to get less squared in the grip design but still keep construction simple to avoid having to raise prices.
The size of the grip was perfect. It felt that I could put on a pair of battle mits and wield it just as easily as I could with my bare hands.
The seam in the leather is slightly visible, but disappears in hand.
Pommel:
Curses! I forgot to measure the diameter of the pommel. Well, as you can see, it's big, but proportional to the blade.
Because I grew up on the VA Longsword, I have the bad habit of gripping the pommel for swings. Well, perhaps not a bad habit, but just a habit. Well, this was difficult to do on the XIIa.1. In fact, when I tried to do it, I failed. Luckily, this is a two handed sword, not hand and a half. There is plenty of room on the grip for both hands.
Video:
Ok, seriously. This is by far the best evidence of why this is a good sword. I want to let you know that the sword was not even paper cutting sharp. Let me say that again.
The sword was not even paper cutting sharp.
In fact, it didn't even rip the paper, it just glided along the paper like they were old buddies and were out for a walk. Finally, after holding the paper JUST right and finding an inch of the blade that was sharper then the rest, I was able to get a rip started, but then it stopped.
So, keep that in mind while watching the vid:
Yeah! Holy poo is right! Silent cuts on a dull blade! The harmonics are spot on. The UNSHARPENED geometry is perfect. If I were buying this, I'd skip sharpening it because it's perfect as is. If you did sharpen it, you'd be able to get away with less then great alignment, so your form might start getting sloppy, eh, who knows.
But I do regret that I didn't have any tatami to cut.
Final Thoughts and Whatnots:
The ONLY thing that is keeping me from buying this blade is that I am not in love with the profile. I've grown fond of more parellel edges and the XIIa.1 just tapers a bit to much for me. However, it's only been a day since I've last held it and absence does make the heart grow fonder.
If I had this blade a year ago when I had a larger sword fund, it would be mine. But now money is a bit tighter and I have to be a little more choosey about which swords I buy.
But if you enjoy the look, then this is a must own. I mean, did you see me stab that bottle, and then get a silent cut on it! WITH A DULL SWORD! Hell, the more I talk about it, the more I'm falling back in love.
So feel free to ask any questions or comment on the review. I'm sure Tom will be along at some point to clear up any confusions I may have cause.