|
|
Post by Aetius on Aug 7, 2013 1:45:45 GMT
I think you'll really like it. There's an elegant simplicity to the sword that has made it a favorite in short order over here. A little pricier than Windlass but better made IMHO. Sorry the photography is lousy, but while I like all my blades the KC Spatha is the one I like best overall. Just wish I could add some higher end blades like the Del Tin Gladius Hispaniensis I've been drooling over. Can't swing that one right now though - still making payments on a '20's commercial luger for my other collection. Just keep hoping KOA will get the KC Gladius back in stock - heck with the budget I'd order one tomorrow if I they had 'em (just don't tell my wife!). But to keep it on topic, yeah you'll like your KC Spatha. Now if they would just make a Migration Sword.... Best, Aetius Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Earncynn on Aug 7, 2013 17:00:09 GMT
Those are nice bladius Aetius. Congratulations. I too have cast covetous looks at the Del Tin Gladius Hispaniensis. But I have made a pledge to myself not to buy any more swords that do not come with a good scabbard. My KC spatha is now on an UPS truck, and due to arrive in Miami tomorrow. So, hopefully, it will be in my hands here sometime next week.  |
|
|
|
Post by Aetius on Aug 7, 2013 22:06:50 GMT
That blade you posted the pic of is pretty sweet too. At first I thought it was the Windlass "Roman Dagger" (really a dolch) but now I'm not sure after I compared the pics - looks to be about a foot of blade with a gladius style hilt and pommel assembly. Very very nice whoever made it!
Thanks much - my collection is small but I'm happy with it.
My main interest in swords and armor is the Graeco-Roman period and the immediate dark ages following the general collapse in the 5th century. The KC Spatha fits right in as a late Roman general issue sword - at one point I'd considered buying a second and converting it to a Migration pattern sword. Apparently KC blades are just plain hard to come by so if I ever do that project it will probably be with a Deepeeka due to cost and availability (also if I screw it up I won't feel so bad about messing up a Deepeeka!).
Just wish KC would broaden their repertoire - not only a Migration Sword, but also a Republican era Gladius would be most welcome! (That's a hint if anyone from Kris Cutlery is reading this - I like your products!).
Best,
Aetius
PS Have you checked any of the Roman LARP sites for info on DIY scabbards? I've been thinking about making a new one for my Falcata, since the one Windlass includes isn't my cuppa.
|
|
|
|
Post by Earncynn on Aug 7, 2013 23:28:58 GMT
Aetius You are right on the money in your comments on my sig photo. It is a Windlass "Roman dagger". I did not like the hilt as is, and I wanted a black hilt to match the scabbard. So I bought a 2 inch diameter beechwood ball on Ebay; cut the pommel off the Windlass hilt; sanded the beechwood ball and what was left of the hilt; and applied a couple coats of black leather dye and vanish to same. Tightened down the pommel nut, and all seems to be tight. Not a gladius like I'd like, and the blade remains factory dull, but I call it my mini-gladius, and is a stand-in for the real thing. 'Til the spatha arrives.   My current sword/history interest is the Roman Republic and Empire. Purchased quite a few books on Amazon lately. I am not too agile with tools now days so, if I cannot acquire the scabbard along with a sword, it appears that I am out of luck. |
|
|
|
Post by Aetius on Aug 8, 2013 0:27:47 GMT
You did some terrific work on that blade, Earncynn! The Windlass Roman Dagger has been on my list along with a Deepeeka Pugio, but while the spirit is willing the wallet has been weak. I may have to buy one though, it looks terrific! I imagine that if any self respecting Roman saw that blade he'd be pleased with it.
Now that I know your interest is primarily Roman in focus I'm more sure than ever that you'll definitely be happy with the Spatha. By Hadrianople my understanding is that the spatha had come to predominate over the gladius. For my own late Roman collection I now need a proper late model shield (clipeus rather than scutum), and helm to display with mine. Always gets to me that in movies about Rome the equipment looks like Tiberius should be emperor no matter the date. I'm no expert but I'd wager that even the spartan simplicity of the wood scabbard on the KC blade was typical of very late Roman times on the frontier. As the Empire was collapsing I doubt they had the resources to pretty up their scabbards like they did in earlier times.
BTW Have you read the Osprey "Man At Arms" books on Rome? Another oldie that you may like if you can find it would be "Warfare in the Classical World" by John Warry. Not as much detail about specific sword shapes and suchlike as the Ospreys have, but Warry's book has some great artwork and maps.
Sorry if this went OT.
Best,
Aetius
|
|
|
|
Post by Earncynn on Aug 9, 2013 16:38:08 GMT
Thank you Aetius.
I think that the first 20 minutes or so of the movie The Eagle with Channing Tatum seems to portray the Roman legionary of the early 100's A.D. pretty well as far as uniforms, equipment, tactics (not too convinced of that placing the gladius on the top of the scutum though) military facilities, etc. At least it all "feels" real to me.
On your suggestion, I just placed an order on Amazon for a couple Rome related Osprey Men at Arms books.
I can recommend these ....
Legions of Rome by Stephen Dando Collins. Lots of information on the histories of Rome's legions.
An Illustrated Encyclopedia of The Uniforms of the Roman World by Kevin F. Kiley. Some good information about early Rome, the Republic and Empire, as well as Rome's enemies and allies. Plus many fantastic, well done, illustrations.
Legionary-The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual by Philip Matyszak. A fun and interesting read, with a lot of information on the life of a legionary of 100 A.D. and beyond.
|
|
|
|
Post by RicWilly on Aug 9, 2013 20:45:08 GMT
I gotta admit I wasn't very interested in this spatha till I read this thread. The picture next to you other ancients got my attention, Aetius. I would like a more squared off grip like the KC gladius tho I have been well pleased with my KC swords.
Jim, I didn't even recognise that Windlass dagger in your sig and I have one, I sharpend it and made a vid. Nice little blade but I do like you hilt mods. Good to see you post, my friend.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aetius on Aug 10, 2013 3:19:13 GMT
Hi Ric, wanted to thank you for your review of the Spartan Sword. I probably wouldn't have bought it so soon, but you convinced me - and it's a champ! Great value for money and a fine sword in its own right. For comparison, attached is the new family photo from this afternoon. The Sticklestad isn't as lively in my hands as the Spatha for some reason, could be the weight difference, or the grip configuration. Spatha has an edge over the Sticklestad in terms of grip shape, at least for my hand. It just feels more alive, somehow. Can't quantify it, but its like that little Spartan Sword - it just feels right. Best, Aetius Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by spearman on Feb 6, 2015 23:08:19 GMT
I have one of these. The sword is rock solid, very sharp and quite well balanced for the type. It has turned into one of my favorites, its just such a handy blade. My only knock is the scabbard. It is quite well done, but I would love to see something closer to the one they did on their gladius. Arwyn, Let me know if you ever decide to sell the KC spatha. I meant to get one, but they disappeared fast. |
|
|
|
Post by sonofarwyn on Feb 9, 2015 18:18:47 GMT
Will do, but it would probably be towards the bottom of the list of stuff I would get rid of, if forced to sell blades. I very very rarely sell swords. |
|
