Valiant Armoury Signature Series - The Savoy
Apr 20, 2012 13:46:38 GMT
Post by Rifleman Lizard on Apr 20, 2012 13:46:38 GMT
Valiant Armoury Signature Series: The Savoy
Specifications
Classification: Type XIIIa
Overall length: 114cm
Blade length: 89cm
Blade width: 4.5cm at guard
Fuller length: both sides at 43cm
Centre of gravity: 13.4cm measured from guard
Centre of percussion: 51.5cm measured from guard
Weight: 3lbs 2oz
Weight in scabbard: 4lbs 2oz
Introduction
In an effort to contribute further to SBG I'm working my way through some reviews, some with new swords as well as my old favourites. I hope they prove to be useful and enjoyable.
I bought this sword from The Knight Shop International. I ordered it a while ago but they had an issue with some of their stock (incorrect pommel nuts) that has only recently been rectified.
They’re a UK based retailer, selling a plethora of swords and accessories. It cost me a total of £330 (the current equivalent of 525USD). Customer service has been excellent, with regular email updates on stock and shipping details. I also contacted them by phone and they were happy to answer all of my questions.
The shipping cost me nothing and it arrived 16 hours after dispatch. Express delivery with ParcelForce (the best UK mainland couriers in my experience) is free for all orders over £200. I took advantage of the shipping and ordered a case of mead with it too!
They do trade internationally but I’d only recommend this retailer to anyone in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The same products can be found in the US for a little less, not including the uncomfortable costs of overseas shipping from the UK.
theknightshop.co.uk
Those shopping at Kult of Athena will find this weapon (listed as the Type XIIIa bastard sword) in stock and with the significantly cheaper cost of $416.
kultofathena.com
Pictures
Before taking these pictures I took the sword apart and cleaned it of dust and oil. I also polished the steel fittings with liquid brasso and a simple cloth, before putting it back together. This was to prevent any marks made by myself from showing up on the brighter parts of the sword.
Below are two simple photographs. The first shows the sword dismantled, with the allen-key I used to unscrew the hexagonal pommell nut. The second shows the Savoy next to the Albion Kingmaker, then an 8 inch hunting knife, and finally a pair of combat boots. This is to help provide you with a measure of proportions and scale.
Aesthetics and physical impressions
Upon opening the box, the first thing to catch my eyes on this piece was the scabbard. It is well done and is complete with suspension, buckles and leather belt.
The leather is tanned light brown, with the details of the smaller details holding more of the ink, giving the whole face a pleasant shading effect. Looking closely however, it is easy to see many brush marks (in different directions) over the leather.
Details are stamped, symmetrical floral patterns with four-leaf crosses running down the facing side of the scabbard. It also has a 15cm groove on this side, starting 11cm from the mouth.
The two scabbard belts are darker brown leather, wrapped tightly and tied in attractive knots. After untying these to take a closer look I found that the starting strips for these knots are not pinned to the scabbard underneath, although they are kept in place by the knots themselves they must be kept in these knots to prevent the belts from falling off. It took me a good 30 minutes to get the original knots back in the belts. They are very pleasing to look at and I hate to leave things loose!
The buckles (the two on the wrapped belts and the large one of the waist belt) are of good, sturdy quality and none of them will bend.
It is finished with a strong but simple balled, triangular chape.
Finally, and arguably most importantly as far as scabbards are concerned, the wooden core is not weak or broken. I don’t fancy stripping away the leather to get a look at the bare wood, but after feeling around it and getting a strong grip of it everything seems fine.
The blade itself is of course carbon steel and has no functional flaws. There are two factory mark scratches roughly 2/3rds down the blade length. They aren’t a big deal and are only a few cm in length. These very minor cosmetic issues aside; the blade steel seems great. It possesses one fuller on each side, both ending just beyond the half way mark.
The cross guard is only very slightly bow shaped and extends into two flat edges, both cut with rounded crosses. It is thick and sturdy which is what I expected.
The pommel is a slightly “squashed” Type K (clarification needed?) and is tightened by a hexagonal nut. It also seems bare and I think the raised faces would benefit from some tasteful engraving, stamp impression or some other detail.
Black leather surrounds the wooden grip. It is large enough to accommodate two large hands and is divided by three central risers, as well as one on either end. The leather seal is tight but isn’t as tidy as I’d like, with raised leather folds across the risers and wavy lines where the leather was cut. I admit this may be my OCD kicking in and any normal person may not even notice it!
Conclusively, this sword looks great and has an excellent build. Nothing that shouldn’t move stays tight and is a pleasure to look at, especially in its scabbard and attached to the belts. These looks can be improved upon but it is still exceptionally attractive.
First handling impressions
I’ll point out now that I have no training in western sword arts. These opinions are gathered simply from curious experimentation on soft targets, and having a “good go at it” so to speak.
This sword not only looks the part of “big bad sword” but the last half of the blade cuts great too. Both sides are very sharp at 9cm from the guard and beyond. After testing it on a dozen water jugs I was surprised at how forgiving this sword can be. Even with some amateurish horizontal swings it is capable of multiple precision, clean cuts. The true beauty of this sword comes out when it is held in two hands. Stepping into the cut, with a wider stance (and a large open space!) it is very easy to control and doesn’t feel at all awkward as a two hander. In this respect in feels similar to a larger katana, not the same of course but I’m comfortable with a two handed grip.
Thrusting attacks aren’t as strong but I lack control at the business end. It is too long for me to pinpoint the tip when it is held out extended. I don’t think this is a thrust orientated weapon and the tip flexes when I thrust with any serious vigour.
The wielder can feel this flex in the blade as you “drag” it through multiple targets. I am unsure how normal this sensation is for bastard swords, but I still like it nonetheless.
After a thirty minute run down the fittings remained tight and the blade was not at all marked by the targets.
I wrongly assumed bastard swords were clunky, clumsy, weapons of brute force. More suitable for an angry gorilla than a skilled combatant…I now know this assumption is wrong. I’d love to see what a trained swordsman could do with this weapon. It feels fluid in the moving arms and even though it took me a few tries to become accustomed to the straight blade length it was fun to learn my way around it.
As far as functionality is concerned this sword is a big winner.
This is an intimidating sword and even just looking at it I can easily imagine men of the crusades heaving the bastard swords high above their heads, roaring like lions as they throw down the killing blow. I’m sure the large XIIIa would have been devastating on unarmoured soldiers; with wide sweeping attacks amputating limbs or leaving, deep fatal cuts in enemy combatants.
I do doubt their capabilities as thrusting weapons, especially against thick hide or plate armour. I’m not educated enough to say for sure. Perhaps our resident euro-guys can pop in and add more to this discussion.
Conclusion
Summing up all of this together I’d have to say; excellent value for money. You get a lot in the whole package: a fully functional and user friendly bastard sword, an attractive weapon complete with beautiful scabbard, suspension belts and waist belt. It isn’t perfect but the issues I raised above aren’t difficult to fix or improve upon.
I’ve already decided to change the grip to better quality leather, in light brown to match the scabbard, as well as Italian inspired engravings on the both sides of the cross guard and pommel. This project is now on a long list of “things to do” however. I’d recommend this sword to anyone looking for a great bastard sword, of good quality build, plus a few added frills.
I hope you enjoyed my look at this one. Please feel free to add more opinions and ask any questions you might have.
Thanks for reading guys,
Chris
Specifications
Classification: Type XIIIa
Overall length: 114cm
Blade length: 89cm
Blade width: 4.5cm at guard
Fuller length: both sides at 43cm
Centre of gravity: 13.4cm measured from guard
Centre of percussion: 51.5cm measured from guard
Weight: 3lbs 2oz
Weight in scabbard: 4lbs 2oz
Introduction
In an effort to contribute further to SBG I'm working my way through some reviews, some with new swords as well as my old favourites. I hope they prove to be useful and enjoyable.
I bought this sword from The Knight Shop International. I ordered it a while ago but they had an issue with some of their stock (incorrect pommel nuts) that has only recently been rectified.
They’re a UK based retailer, selling a plethora of swords and accessories. It cost me a total of £330 (the current equivalent of 525USD). Customer service has been excellent, with regular email updates on stock and shipping details. I also contacted them by phone and they were happy to answer all of my questions.
The shipping cost me nothing and it arrived 16 hours after dispatch. Express delivery with ParcelForce (the best UK mainland couriers in my experience) is free for all orders over £200. I took advantage of the shipping and ordered a case of mead with it too!
They do trade internationally but I’d only recommend this retailer to anyone in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The same products can be found in the US for a little less, not including the uncomfortable costs of overseas shipping from the UK.
theknightshop.co.uk
Those shopping at Kult of Athena will find this weapon (listed as the Type XIIIa bastard sword) in stock and with the significantly cheaper cost of $416.
kultofathena.com
Pictures
Before taking these pictures I took the sword apart and cleaned it of dust and oil. I also polished the steel fittings with liquid brasso and a simple cloth, before putting it back together. This was to prevent any marks made by myself from showing up on the brighter parts of the sword.
Below are two simple photographs. The first shows the sword dismantled, with the allen-key I used to unscrew the hexagonal pommell nut. The second shows the Savoy next to the Albion Kingmaker, then an 8 inch hunting knife, and finally a pair of combat boots. This is to help provide you with a measure of proportions and scale.
Aesthetics and physical impressions
Upon opening the box, the first thing to catch my eyes on this piece was the scabbard. It is well done and is complete with suspension, buckles and leather belt.
The leather is tanned light brown, with the details of the smaller details holding more of the ink, giving the whole face a pleasant shading effect. Looking closely however, it is easy to see many brush marks (in different directions) over the leather.
Details are stamped, symmetrical floral patterns with four-leaf crosses running down the facing side of the scabbard. It also has a 15cm groove on this side, starting 11cm from the mouth.
The two scabbard belts are darker brown leather, wrapped tightly and tied in attractive knots. After untying these to take a closer look I found that the starting strips for these knots are not pinned to the scabbard underneath, although they are kept in place by the knots themselves they must be kept in these knots to prevent the belts from falling off. It took me a good 30 minutes to get the original knots back in the belts. They are very pleasing to look at and I hate to leave things loose!
The buckles (the two on the wrapped belts and the large one of the waist belt) are of good, sturdy quality and none of them will bend.
It is finished with a strong but simple balled, triangular chape.
Finally, and arguably most importantly as far as scabbards are concerned, the wooden core is not weak or broken. I don’t fancy stripping away the leather to get a look at the bare wood, but after feeling around it and getting a strong grip of it everything seems fine.
The blade itself is of course carbon steel and has no functional flaws. There are two factory mark scratches roughly 2/3rds down the blade length. They aren’t a big deal and are only a few cm in length. These very minor cosmetic issues aside; the blade steel seems great. It possesses one fuller on each side, both ending just beyond the half way mark.
The cross guard is only very slightly bow shaped and extends into two flat edges, both cut with rounded crosses. It is thick and sturdy which is what I expected.
The pommel is a slightly “squashed” Type K (clarification needed?) and is tightened by a hexagonal nut. It also seems bare and I think the raised faces would benefit from some tasteful engraving, stamp impression or some other detail.
Black leather surrounds the wooden grip. It is large enough to accommodate two large hands and is divided by three central risers, as well as one on either end. The leather seal is tight but isn’t as tidy as I’d like, with raised leather folds across the risers and wavy lines where the leather was cut. I admit this may be my OCD kicking in and any normal person may not even notice it!
Conclusively, this sword looks great and has an excellent build. Nothing that shouldn’t move stays tight and is a pleasure to look at, especially in its scabbard and attached to the belts. These looks can be improved upon but it is still exceptionally attractive.
First handling impressions
I’ll point out now that I have no training in western sword arts. These opinions are gathered simply from curious experimentation on soft targets, and having a “good go at it” so to speak.
This sword not only looks the part of “big bad sword” but the last half of the blade cuts great too. Both sides are very sharp at 9cm from the guard and beyond. After testing it on a dozen water jugs I was surprised at how forgiving this sword can be. Even with some amateurish horizontal swings it is capable of multiple precision, clean cuts. The true beauty of this sword comes out when it is held in two hands. Stepping into the cut, with a wider stance (and a large open space!) it is very easy to control and doesn’t feel at all awkward as a two hander. In this respect in feels similar to a larger katana, not the same of course but I’m comfortable with a two handed grip.
Thrusting attacks aren’t as strong but I lack control at the business end. It is too long for me to pinpoint the tip when it is held out extended. I don’t think this is a thrust orientated weapon and the tip flexes when I thrust with any serious vigour.
The wielder can feel this flex in the blade as you “drag” it through multiple targets. I am unsure how normal this sensation is for bastard swords, but I still like it nonetheless.
After a thirty minute run down the fittings remained tight and the blade was not at all marked by the targets.
I wrongly assumed bastard swords were clunky, clumsy, weapons of brute force. More suitable for an angry gorilla than a skilled combatant…I now know this assumption is wrong. I’d love to see what a trained swordsman could do with this weapon. It feels fluid in the moving arms and even though it took me a few tries to become accustomed to the straight blade length it was fun to learn my way around it.
As far as functionality is concerned this sword is a big winner.
This is an intimidating sword and even just looking at it I can easily imagine men of the crusades heaving the bastard swords high above their heads, roaring like lions as they throw down the killing blow. I’m sure the large XIIIa would have been devastating on unarmoured soldiers; with wide sweeping attacks amputating limbs or leaving, deep fatal cuts in enemy combatants.
I do doubt their capabilities as thrusting weapons, especially against thick hide or plate armour. I’m not educated enough to say for sure. Perhaps our resident euro-guys can pop in and add more to this discussion.
Conclusion
Summing up all of this together I’d have to say; excellent value for money. You get a lot in the whole package: a fully functional and user friendly bastard sword, an attractive weapon complete with beautiful scabbard, suspension belts and waist belt. It isn’t perfect but the issues I raised above aren’t difficult to fix or improve upon.
I’ve already decided to change the grip to better quality leather, in light brown to match the scabbard, as well as Italian inspired engravings on the both sides of the cross guard and pommel. This project is now on a long list of “things to do” however. I’d recommend this sword to anyone looking for a great bastard sword, of good quality build, plus a few added frills.
I hope you enjoyed my look at this one. Please feel free to add more opinions and ask any questions you might have.
Thanks for reading guys,
Chris