Atrim/Tried and True Tactical Willowleaf Saber
Jan 17, 2012 1:56:24 GMT
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 17, 2012 1:56:24 GMT
Atrim/Tried and True Tactical Willowleaf Saber
Sean O. Stevens, Grovetown GA
Introduction
This one was part impulse buy, part thought out purchase. I had fallen in love with some of Gus Trim's older Tac Sword designs... the ones with the slab grips. I decided I wanted the Tac Long Sword, Short Sword, Jian, Katana, and a Saber. I got excited when Tried and true started doing some Tac sword again... but I was not a fan of the para cord grip. I dropped Tom many hints that if Gus made some with the slabs again, I'd be interested.
Then I saw this thing... with its odd nylon and resin grip... i was intrigued. More traditional looking but possibly stronger then the standard leather. Plus... it was a Tac Saber, if a new strange looking one... so I impulse bought it.
Historical Overview
This is a Tactical interpretation of a non-specific saber. Nothing about this sword is meant to be particular to any historical piece... its a modern sword for the modern swordsman.
Full Disclosure
I paid full price for this sword, bought it with my own cash, and received no compensation for this review.
Initial Impressions
I loved the look of this sword. Its short, light, everything i like in a single handed sword. At first touch the grip felt a bit odd and uncomfortable. The surface of the grip is very hard and less friendly to the touch then a traditional leather grip. It came with a primitive wooden scabbard that is meant to just keep the blade protected during transit... but Tom says these might get better as he does more of them. As it is, it holds and protects the sword just fine.
Statistics
Weight: 1 lbs 10 oz
POB: 3.25 inches
Blade length: 25.5 inches
Over-all length: 32 inches
Grip length: 4.25 inches
Blade Width (At Base): 1 & 4/16th inches
Blade Width (1 inch from tip: 15/16th inches
Components
The Blade
LOVE the blade on this sword. It has a slight curve, tappers just a little bit in profile at its length but has a lot of distal taper. Has a sharpened false edge. The edge is slightly beveled as is standard for Atrim blades and is very functional. The finish is very workmen like, again standard for Atrims.
It has a wide, shallow fuller and plenty of machine marks are apparent.
The Grip
The grip space is perfect for me for a single handed sword... a little over 4 inches. I've had grips that were under 4 inches and my thick mits just do not fit. The appearance of the grip is very sleek, and I like the turks-head knots. The feel of the grip is a bit hard/harsh. It is a wood core, but wrapped in nylon and resin. This, I think, will make it much stronger and last longer then a standard leather grip... but it makes it a tad uncomfortable in a bare hand. I prefer to use this one with a glove.
The Guard
Likely my least favorite feature of this sword. Its short... which Is fine and even desirable to me for this sword, but its very plain, and the machine marks are present here a bit more then normal. That said... the fit of everything here is without issue and VERY solid. I'd love to see an 'S' Guard here.
The Pommel
This one is a mechanical peen and, similar to the AcrhAngel Falchion, has been shaped a bit to have a little point. This along with the blending of the mechanical peen is very attractive to me.
Handling Characteristics
Yes.
We all know that Atrim swords shine in this department... it is their true reason for existing, to be USED. This Saber not only embodies that Atrim spirit... it takes it to another level. This is one of my top 3 favorite swords to swing around now. It is SO fast, light, quick to recover... so responsive. I wish all my swords felt like this. I just need to spend some time with it to get used to its dimensions... but spending more time with this sword will be a pure joy.
Test Cutting
I left in my extremely bad thrusts... I'm very out of practice and will be working on this a lot in the coming months. That aside... this sword is a joy to cut with. It does not ring quite as sweet as the Falchion... and does not have the blade presence... but the speed and control are unmatched in any sword I've ever used. The only sword I've cut with as quick to use and recover as this one is... is my Fable Blades Fox Jian. This Saber is SO fun to cut with.
Conclusions
This sword is near perfect.
I would like to see a different guard... and one can pay a bit more for a higher level of finish if the machine marks bother you. These swords will have an abundance of options, hex not, mechanical peen, hot peen, pommel and guard options and so on. The grip might not be to every-ones liking... I like it, despite it being uncomfortable on the bare hand. I think its a good combination of traditional looks but stronger materials. The over all balance and performance of this sword tho... that is a home run and needs no improvement.
Pros
Atrim Performance is a HUGE Value per Dollar.
Different Style of 'Tactical' sword for those who don't like the standard Tactical look.
Amazing sword in a hard to fill Saber Category.
Unmatched Service from Tried and True Armory.
Cons
New 'Tactical' Style might not appeal to everyone.
Rough Finish, will have to pay more for better finish.
Atrim swords, tho a great value, are above the sub 300 range by a little bit.
The Bottom Line
This sword may not be for everyone... but its PERFECT for me. I hope to get one like this in long sword, short sword, and maybe a Jian as I long ago planed. The grip is more user-friendly for me then the slab... and bridges the gap between traditional sword and Tac sword a bit. Its light, fast, sturdy... its JUST my style.
If you like fast, nimble and durable blades... this one is for you as well.
Thanks for reading!
Sean O. Stevens, Grovetown GA
Introduction
This one was part impulse buy, part thought out purchase. I had fallen in love with some of Gus Trim's older Tac Sword designs... the ones with the slab grips. I decided I wanted the Tac Long Sword, Short Sword, Jian, Katana, and a Saber. I got excited when Tried and true started doing some Tac sword again... but I was not a fan of the para cord grip. I dropped Tom many hints that if Gus made some with the slabs again, I'd be interested.
Then I saw this thing... with its odd nylon and resin grip... i was intrigued. More traditional looking but possibly stronger then the standard leather. Plus... it was a Tac Saber, if a new strange looking one... so I impulse bought it.
Historical Overview
This is a Tactical interpretation of a non-specific saber. Nothing about this sword is meant to be particular to any historical piece... its a modern sword for the modern swordsman.
Full Disclosure
I paid full price for this sword, bought it with my own cash, and received no compensation for this review.
Initial Impressions
I loved the look of this sword. Its short, light, everything i like in a single handed sword. At first touch the grip felt a bit odd and uncomfortable. The surface of the grip is very hard and less friendly to the touch then a traditional leather grip. It came with a primitive wooden scabbard that is meant to just keep the blade protected during transit... but Tom says these might get better as he does more of them. As it is, it holds and protects the sword just fine.
Statistics
Weight: 1 lbs 10 oz
POB: 3.25 inches
Blade length: 25.5 inches
Over-all length: 32 inches
Grip length: 4.25 inches
Blade Width (At Base): 1 & 4/16th inches
Blade Width (1 inch from tip: 15/16th inches
Components
The Blade
LOVE the blade on this sword. It has a slight curve, tappers just a little bit in profile at its length but has a lot of distal taper. Has a sharpened false edge. The edge is slightly beveled as is standard for Atrim blades and is very functional. The finish is very workmen like, again standard for Atrims.
It has a wide, shallow fuller and plenty of machine marks are apparent.
The Grip
The grip space is perfect for me for a single handed sword... a little over 4 inches. I've had grips that were under 4 inches and my thick mits just do not fit. The appearance of the grip is very sleek, and I like the turks-head knots. The feel of the grip is a bit hard/harsh. It is a wood core, but wrapped in nylon and resin. This, I think, will make it much stronger and last longer then a standard leather grip... but it makes it a tad uncomfortable in a bare hand. I prefer to use this one with a glove.
The Guard
Likely my least favorite feature of this sword. Its short... which Is fine and even desirable to me for this sword, but its very plain, and the machine marks are present here a bit more then normal. That said... the fit of everything here is without issue and VERY solid. I'd love to see an 'S' Guard here.
The Pommel
This one is a mechanical peen and, similar to the AcrhAngel Falchion, has been shaped a bit to have a little point. This along with the blending of the mechanical peen is very attractive to me.
Handling Characteristics
Yes.
We all know that Atrim swords shine in this department... it is their true reason for existing, to be USED. This Saber not only embodies that Atrim spirit... it takes it to another level. This is one of my top 3 favorite swords to swing around now. It is SO fast, light, quick to recover... so responsive. I wish all my swords felt like this. I just need to spend some time with it to get used to its dimensions... but spending more time with this sword will be a pure joy.
Test Cutting
I left in my extremely bad thrusts... I'm very out of practice and will be working on this a lot in the coming months. That aside... this sword is a joy to cut with. It does not ring quite as sweet as the Falchion... and does not have the blade presence... but the speed and control are unmatched in any sword I've ever used. The only sword I've cut with as quick to use and recover as this one is... is my Fable Blades Fox Jian. This Saber is SO fun to cut with.
Conclusions
This sword is near perfect.
I would like to see a different guard... and one can pay a bit more for a higher level of finish if the machine marks bother you. These swords will have an abundance of options, hex not, mechanical peen, hot peen, pommel and guard options and so on. The grip might not be to every-ones liking... I like it, despite it being uncomfortable on the bare hand. I think its a good combination of traditional looks but stronger materials. The over all balance and performance of this sword tho... that is a home run and needs no improvement.
Pros
Atrim Performance is a HUGE Value per Dollar.
Different Style of 'Tactical' sword for those who don't like the standard Tactical look.
Amazing sword in a hard to fill Saber Category.
Unmatched Service from Tried and True Armory.
Cons
New 'Tactical' Style might not appeal to everyone.
Rough Finish, will have to pay more for better finish.
Atrim swords, tho a great value, are above the sub 300 range by a little bit.
The Bottom Line
This sword may not be for everyone... but its PERFECT for me. I hope to get one like this in long sword, short sword, and maybe a Jian as I long ago planed. The grip is more user-friendly for me then the slab... and bridges the gap between traditional sword and Tac sword a bit. Its light, fast, sturdy... its JUST my style.
If you like fast, nimble and durable blades... this one is for you as well.
Thanks for reading!