Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 8, 2012 3:41:33 GMT
Hello there everyone, my name is Connor and I am new to collecting swords. I have always been interested in owning a sword since I was young but I have never really seriously considered it until now. I've done some research and scanned a few sites and forums, but I found SBG to be the most welcoming environment for someone like myself who is just getting into the hobby. Since this is my first time buying a sword, I have a few questions that I figured the SBG community could help answer. Based on what I have seen, SBG seems to focus primarily on "real/functional" swords as opposed to "wall hangers," or "sword like objects." Now, I'll be honest and say that for my first sword I'm probably gonna go for a "wall hanger," but I'm not gonna rule out a functional blade if it fits into my price point ($200 is my ceiling). I'm a big LOTR fan and I have looked at the licensed swords made by United Cutlery a little and really like those (Specifically, I'm considering Anduril or the Witchking's sword). Functionality is less of a priority as opposed to how it will look hanging on my wall and I think these licensed United Cutlery pieces look very good and match the movie swords well. I am also a huge Assassin's Creed fan and have looked at the Windless Steelcraft Assassin's Creed swords on Kult of Athena. These appear to be made of carbon steel and according to Kult of Athena, are "battle ready," which I take to mean that they can take some abuse. But, as I read in your "Do not buy swords online until you read this," article, carbon steel blades don't necessarily guarantee it is durable. I apologize for the long lead-up, but my question for you all is, what is your opinion on the United Cutlery LOTR replicas as well as the Assassin's Creed Windless Steel Craft swords? I noticed there is a review of the UC Anduril on SBG, and it sounds like it is pretty good, but that there are alternatives with more functionality (i.e. the Darksword Armory LOTR collection). Again, I'm looking for something that is more of a display piece, since I'm not really planning on cutting anything or clashing with other blades. That's not to say that I wouldn't mind being able to take it out in the yard and swing it around. But I definitely don't want the blade flying off because it can't handle being waved around. Though I have done some research, I just don't have the experience in owing a sword that you all do. So I guess a follow up question would be, would the UC LOTR Swords be durable enough to at least swing around? Same question for the AC swords? I hope I'm not asking questions that are too specific, I figured at least some people on this forum have handled or seen these swords and can offer some feedback. I also apologize for the very long winded post. I'll try to make it more concise next time. Any input you could provide is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by Enkidu on May 8, 2012 4:32:22 GMT
Hi Connor and welcome to SBG. I'll tell you something based on my own experience. First you need to know ( and i wont be the only one telling you this ) that sword collecting is highly addictive. You may not believe it at first and say to yourself that you wont become one of those sword freaks/nuts/nerds. You are wrong. Now... the first sword i bought was an LOTR replica of Anduril ( you wont see it sadly in my collection because one of the movers from the last time i moved stole it. ) I loved it so much that the first night i got it i slept with it like a 6 year old boy would have done, as weird and moronic it may seem : i did. Soon i felt the urge to take a couple of swings in the backyard, you know... just to get the feeling. Thats it... i was hooked... knowing full well that this sword wasnt really made for that kind of action i knew i had to buy another one... a ''real'' sword ! It indeed happened. So.. in conclusion Connor save yourself some time and money and jump right away to the next step and go for a ''real'' one You'll do it anyway DSA LOTR ( or their other offerings ) swords are IMO perfect swords to start a collection, you'll get the feel of a sword, they fill the gap between the fantasy and the historical sword by being ''historically plausible '', they are durable and they will help you know what you like and dont like in a sword. Valiant armory signature swords are also very interesting, looks and performance at affordable price, just check them out ! Windlass are worth the try but ask around if anyone has hands-on experience with the one you could be interested in, many of us have experience with them and their quality are not the same from a model to another. Hanwei/tinker sword are incredible performers for their price but for a beginner they might look a bit Plain Jane and lack the sexiness of DSA and VA. Something you might want to acquire later in your collection. Have fun.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2012 1:34:07 GMT
Thanks for the advice Enkidu! I'm definitely torn between a replica and the real thing. I've looked at the DSA Anduril and Witchking swords and they are incredible. I also read SBG threads on these swords in the fantasy swords section and it seems to echo what you said about them being a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. The only thing holding me back is the price. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to pay $330 for my first sword. Not to say $190 for a UC replica is cheap, but I suppose it's all relative. Like you said, there will be others who will tell me to go the DSA route, so I may decide to make the jump at some point.
|
|
|
Post by Enkidu on May 9, 2012 2:31:37 GMT
If you do consider to go for the witchking do not hesitate. I've had the pleasure to handle one of the first prototype of this sword ( a pattern folded version ) and it is one of the best sword DSA has ever produced. It will be worth the extra cash you will put on it.. believe me. I do have experience with Angus trim swords, Tinker swords and Albions and at this price point the witchking is probably one of the best available options. VA swords like the krieg are also a must buy and they are well worth that extra 150 you will put on them, remember that you will want another sword after you buy a wall hanger and that wall hanger money you spent will be lost. I really hope that someone else will add to this tread and echo my feelings about this Lets go guys !
|
|
|
Post by Voltan on May 9, 2012 17:45:25 GMT
I agree 100%. Welcome to the forum Connor.
|
|
|
Post by MOK on May 9, 2012 21:58:01 GMT
Enkidu ain't whistling dixie, here.
The UC sword might seem cheaper now because it has a smaller price tag, but in the long run, it'll end up costing you more. Once you get bit by the bug, a $190 hunk of steel you can only hang on your wall and look at is never going to be enough. Of course a $330 hunk of steel you can actually handle and, should things ever come to that, even swing in earnest combat is not going to be enough, either, but in the end it will be $190 cheaper.
(I, too, am speaking from personal experience. And I paid a couple hundred euros for it, so it better be good for something.)
|
|
ecovolo
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,074
|
Post by ecovolo on May 9, 2012 22:51:38 GMT
Good for costuming/ Cons. If you're looking for costume bits to complete your LOTR or Assassin's Creed outfit, then you'll need those pieces.
If you're looking for decent pieces to try cutting/tameshigiri practice, you'll want to go with other brands like Darksword Armory, who has made an Anduril using *much* more durable steel and materials.
If you're interested in stage combat pieces, I'd recommend a custom piece from a dealer like Baltimore Knife and Sword.
--Edward
|
|
|
Post by wnydel on May 9, 2012 22:57:05 GMT
Welcome to the addiction....I mean...hobby
Run well you still can Connor...just kidding.
Welcome and you will find a wealth of info here. Good luck on your first purchase, being here you will be able to make a very informed decision.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 18:50:49 GMT
Thank everyone, this is some really constructive feedback! I've decided to do a trade study to facilitate my decision and I'm trying to gauge several factors such as durability into my study. I've seen a video of a guy smacking the crap out of a metal shelve with a DSA sword and it looking pretty intact afterward, which tells me that DSA swords are pretty dang durable. Would the tapered blade close the the hilt of the DSA Witchking sword have any negative impacts on its strength? And what kind of tangs do they use? I'm assuming full tangs but the grip on the DSA Witchking sword is pretty thin. But again, I'm new to swords so I don't really know...
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on May 10, 2012 19:00:20 GMT
Not if it's done right, there are plenty of swords similar, the Albion dane for instance.
|
|
|
Post by Warlokk on May 10, 2012 19:39:02 GMT
Definitely save up a little longer and get a real, functional sword... it will be worth the extra investment just to know if you really want to take it out to play, it will hold up just fine. Also, as the others said, once you take the plunge you will want more... I went from none to 4 in about 2 months
|
|
|
Post by MOK on May 10, 2012 21:26:11 GMT
That blunt, sometimes narrowed bit at the base of a blade is called a "ricasso"; they're fairly common on Renaissance and later swords. If done correctly it actually strengthens the blade due to the increased thickness. They have full tangs, no worry. Here's a review of a DSA Ranger that also gives a close look at the tang (but do note the Editor's Notes: the piece reviewed is an old model and significant improvements have been made since). For that matter, many historical swords have extremely skinny grips, too - like this celebrated beauty from the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum:
|
|