Albion Kingmaker
Apr 17, 2012 21:28:50 GMT
Post by Rifleman Lizard on Apr 17, 2012 21:28:50 GMT
The Albion Kingmaker
Specifications
Classification: Oakeshott XVIII
Overall length: 99.7 cm
Blade length: 82 cm
Blade width: 4.75 cm
Center of gravity: 10.6 cm
Center of percussion: 50.2 cm
Weight: 2 lbs 13 oz
Introduction
As far as European swords go I should start with a confession: I’m very green behind the ears. Most members I speak with here know I’m more of a daisho enthusiast but after getting my hands on the Kingmaker I feel that I’m in serious danger of expanding my borders.
It is my first western blade but I’ll do my best to give an informative and unbiased impression of the sword. Please only take it for what it is; the humble impressions of a new guy, wishing to explore further into the world of all things pointy and military. Please feel free to contribute further to this article and correct it where needed.
Pictures
Aesthetics and physical impressions
The steel is clean of any scratches and it has no (obvious to the naked eye) geometrical faults. The only mark is the Albion Armourers hallmark “a”.
The leather wrap is a dark brown (almost black) and is “closed” in a tight and tidy seam, barely noticeable unless you’re looking for it. The central riser is attractive but also makes it comfortable in the hand.
Both sides of the (type K?) circular pommel are screaming for a coin insert but it already looks great with the two naked depressions. I’ll be taking it to a jeweller this week to have the coins installed. A personal edge is always nice.
The arms of the cross guard slope towards the blade and the tapered insides end in two cylindrical knots. One of these is marked by a tiny metal bump, easily filed away once I find a fresh needle file.
The middle of the guard extends into a little triangle. I noticed the centre of the guard matches the exact centre of the blade and isn’t a single millimetre off. I found this to be excellent attention to detail. It is finished off with four small notches on both sides. I like them but I thought they could have been a little deeper and a tiny bit straighter even though they are no longer than a centimetre. Of course this is me being particularly critical and they are pleasant to look at.
In my opinion the Kingmaker is everything an English sword should be. It possesses strength of presence well beyond its calibre. Graceful lines and beautiful, simple furniture give it a knightly aura well suited to its namesake.
I’m very impressed with the doubtless beauty of this blade. My only criticisms are very small (and hard to take seriously).
First handling impressions
Everything is incredibly tight and in the right place, which is always a sure sign of quality.
There is absolutely no give in the guard, grip or pommel and it reminded me of my old one-piece steel jian, in relation to how sturdy it is. I can’t imagine it ever coming apart!
I took it outside to test drive it through some targets. Please note that I have no training with European swords, but I also did my best not to use it like a katana. I went into it with whatever felt natural at the time (only single strokes and nothing beyond the basics).
As soon as I picked up the blade I was surprised at how light it is. I expected something much heavier. At the same time, there is no shortage of steel in this sword! It flexes well but is a far cry from the whip-like longswords of my nightmares.
The whole sword is brilliantly agile, capable of accurate and powerful thrusts that require very little effort on soft targets. With such a strong tip it penetrates well but due to its lighter feel, even over an extended arm, it is very quickly able to switch targets and rebalance using only one hand.
Slashing cuts seem just as potent and it carves cleanly on both lengths of the blade. It is very sharp at roughly six inches from the guard. It isn’t a criticism of the sword but I do find the balance a little strange when I try diagonal cuts. Nothing seems fluent at first and I am new to the scene, so take that with a pinch of salt.
Conclusion
The Kingmaker is one hell of a single hand sword. I’m ecstatic I was able to grab it in new condition and at an excellent price.
The elegance of this sword is easy to appreciate but that takes no credit away from its capabilities as a weapon.
I’m very happy I took the opportunity to move into the Euro’ sword game and my thanks go to those who pointed me towards the classifieds over at MyArmoury.
I’m looking forward to adding my own mark to it with two pommel coins, as well as drawing up a historically accurate scabbard. Any tips on scabbards would be massively appreciated.
I'll post more pictures as things unfold.
All the best,
Chris
Specifications
Classification: Oakeshott XVIII
Overall length: 99.7 cm
Blade length: 82 cm
Blade width: 4.75 cm
Center of gravity: 10.6 cm
Center of percussion: 50.2 cm
Weight: 2 lbs 13 oz
Introduction
As far as European swords go I should start with a confession: I’m very green behind the ears. Most members I speak with here know I’m more of a daisho enthusiast but after getting my hands on the Kingmaker I feel that I’m in serious danger of expanding my borders.
It is my first western blade but I’ll do my best to give an informative and unbiased impression of the sword. Please only take it for what it is; the humble impressions of a new guy, wishing to explore further into the world of all things pointy and military. Please feel free to contribute further to this article and correct it where needed.
Pictures
Aesthetics and physical impressions
The steel is clean of any scratches and it has no (obvious to the naked eye) geometrical faults. The only mark is the Albion Armourers hallmark “a”.
The leather wrap is a dark brown (almost black) and is “closed” in a tight and tidy seam, barely noticeable unless you’re looking for it. The central riser is attractive but also makes it comfortable in the hand.
Both sides of the (type K?) circular pommel are screaming for a coin insert but it already looks great with the two naked depressions. I’ll be taking it to a jeweller this week to have the coins installed. A personal edge is always nice.
The arms of the cross guard slope towards the blade and the tapered insides end in two cylindrical knots. One of these is marked by a tiny metal bump, easily filed away once I find a fresh needle file.
The middle of the guard extends into a little triangle. I noticed the centre of the guard matches the exact centre of the blade and isn’t a single millimetre off. I found this to be excellent attention to detail. It is finished off with four small notches on both sides. I like them but I thought they could have been a little deeper and a tiny bit straighter even though they are no longer than a centimetre. Of course this is me being particularly critical and they are pleasant to look at.
In my opinion the Kingmaker is everything an English sword should be. It possesses strength of presence well beyond its calibre. Graceful lines and beautiful, simple furniture give it a knightly aura well suited to its namesake.
I’m very impressed with the doubtless beauty of this blade. My only criticisms are very small (and hard to take seriously).
First handling impressions
Everything is incredibly tight and in the right place, which is always a sure sign of quality.
There is absolutely no give in the guard, grip or pommel and it reminded me of my old one-piece steel jian, in relation to how sturdy it is. I can’t imagine it ever coming apart!
I took it outside to test drive it through some targets. Please note that I have no training with European swords, but I also did my best not to use it like a katana. I went into it with whatever felt natural at the time (only single strokes and nothing beyond the basics).
As soon as I picked up the blade I was surprised at how light it is. I expected something much heavier. At the same time, there is no shortage of steel in this sword! It flexes well but is a far cry from the whip-like longswords of my nightmares.
The whole sword is brilliantly agile, capable of accurate and powerful thrusts that require very little effort on soft targets. With such a strong tip it penetrates well but due to its lighter feel, even over an extended arm, it is very quickly able to switch targets and rebalance using only one hand.
Slashing cuts seem just as potent and it carves cleanly on both lengths of the blade. It is very sharp at roughly six inches from the guard. It isn’t a criticism of the sword but I do find the balance a little strange when I try diagonal cuts. Nothing seems fluent at first and I am new to the scene, so take that with a pinch of salt.
Conclusion
The Kingmaker is one hell of a single hand sword. I’m ecstatic I was able to grab it in new condition and at an excellent price.
The elegance of this sword is easy to appreciate but that takes no credit away from its capabilities as a weapon.
I’m very happy I took the opportunity to move into the Euro’ sword game and my thanks go to those who pointed me towards the classifieds over at MyArmoury.
I’m looking forward to adding my own mark to it with two pommel coins, as well as drawing up a historically accurate scabbard. Any tips on scabbards would be massively appreciated.
I'll post more pictures as things unfold.
All the best,
Chris