Valiant Armoury/Custom Sword Shop - Malatesta review
May 13, 2012 21:25:15 GMT
Post by tom555 on May 13, 2012 21:25:15 GMT
Introduction
This is my first sword and first review.
This sword was a birthday present from my wondeful fiancee.
I ordered the sword from the Custom Sword Shoppe in Febuary and received it in May - more on this later.
The colours I chose are Oxblood for the grip and belt and Regal Blue for the scabbard.
I paid:
$417 for the sword
$52 for shipping to the UK
$110 to UK Customs for the VAT
Historical overview
I cant really say I'm much of a historical expert - but going on other peoples reviews this is a 13th (ish) century blade with later style fittings. I believe the blade is a Oakshott type XII and the pommel a T.
Full Disclosure
I have no association with Valiant Armoury - so this review is unbiased.
I am not a expert on swords, this being my first, though I used to be a chef so have a fair bit of experience with sharp objects
Initial Impressions
I contacted Sonny Suttles at Valiant Armoury in early Febuary and after confirming shipping is available to the UK I placed my order. Sonny was polite and communicative during the order process. We discussed likely shipping times and Sonny suggested the end of April and being the likely shipping date as he was awaiting delivery of his blades from China.
We exchanged emails several times prior to shipment - with updates to progress and a change to the shipping address as I moved house. Again, Sonny was polite and helpful in his communication.
I recieved shipping information on 8th April with a USPS tracking number.
After eagerly checking the tracking site every 5 minutes I received a letter from Parcelforce on 2nd May advising me my item had cleared customs and VAT was due ($110). I cadged a lift to the Parcelforce depot, paid my charges and collected my large box.
The sword arrived in a large white box which contained a slightly smaller brown cardboard one.
Opening the box revealed my sword held in place wth polystyrene blocks. The box and packaging was a bit battered by the evil post men/women/people but my sword was fine.
Onto the sword itself...
Jaw dropping, gorgeous, awesome, beautiful, erotic (maybe thats just me...)
All suitable descriptive words for this package.
Drawing the blade from the wonderful scabbard I marvelled at the reflective steel and enjoyed the heft of this authoritative weapon.
Statistics
I got out the tape measure and scales and took the following:
Blade Length: 35.5 inches
Grip length(wooden section): 6.5 inches
Pommel length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 45.5 inches
Guard Width: 8 inches
POB (Point of Balance): havent quite worked this out
COP (Center of Percussion): see above (though its fun trying)
Blade width at guard: 1.75 inches
Blade width just before tip: 1 inch
Fuller lenght: 26 inches
Scabbard length: 38.5 inches
Sword in scabbard lenght: 48 inches
Weight: 2lb 10 ounces
Anyone spotted the out of place in the above?...
If you check out the posted stats for the Malatesta, I have a 2.5 inch longer blade and the other stats match the Kriegswercht rather closely.
Components
The Blade
As just stated - the blade is slightly longer than the standard stats. A fellow forum member (Willhart - a jolly nice chap!) has been chatting to me via PM and he advised that his Malatest is the same - and he chatted to Sonny who advised there was some kind of problem with the shipment he received (Willhart - feel free to comment on what exactly Sonny said if you like)
The blade itself is polished to a lovely satin finish that is very attractive. There are a few tiny scratches and imperfections - but these are well expected on a handmade blade and are in no way a detraction.
The fuller is crisp and even, it matches on both sides.
The edge is simply gorgeous - no hint of a secondary bevel.
Sharpness wise - it seems perfect to me - I can slice paper by running it over the blade. I think it isnt quite as sharp as my kitchen knife - but being a ex chef I have honed that baby to a wicked razors edge, which would not be suitable for a sword as it would be too fragile.
The Handle
The grip on this sword is very attractive in shape and colour with a wasp waisted riser in the middle. It fits my hands very nicely - whether one or two.
There are two slight marks on the leather where the dye seems to have either not held or has scuffed off. I dont have a problem with this as it is part of the hand made charm of this weapon.
The Guard
The guard is simply gorgeous. The fittings on this sword are the newer antiqued ones that Sonny has started doing. I think the finish is very attractive and compliment the blade perfectly. I hope that the pictures help show this as we have had a bit of discussion on this forum regarding this finish (let me know what you think!)
The trefoil cutouts are crisp and clean.
The Pommel
The pommel is even in shape and very pleasing to the eye and hand. Again it is the newer antiqued finish.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is just wonderful.
The blue colouring is rich, even and extremely appealing to the eye - I am very happy with this colour and I think I will be having further swords done with the same scheme.
The risers are even and cleanly defined.
The chape features a matching trefoil to the guard and again is well executed.
The sword fits perfectly and can be held upside down safely without falling out
As with the grip there is a slight imperfection on the leather - there is a slight white spot under the trefoil - I think it might be glue. Again I am not that fussed over seeing this on a hand made item but have mentioned it for completeness
Handling Characteristics
This section might be a bit lacking I am afraid.
I live in a flat in a city centre so have no where to really swing this sword or do any test cutting with it.
I have obviously given it a careful twirl around the lounge!
It has a very pleasing feel to it in my opinion. Being my first sword I am actually amazed at how authoritative a relatively light sword can feel. I think some of this is due to the extra blade length on this particular blade.
The sword feels lively and responsive and begs to be used.
Flex wise - I know people have discussed issues of 'whippyness' with this sword - I can safely say that I have no issue with too much flex on this one, it feels suitably stiff. Though I have flexed it against the floor and can tell it flexes if you want
Test Cutting
As per the above I currently have no where to safely (and legally) cut with my sword. I am hoping to take it round my fathers house as he lives in the country with a massive garden so I can get some cutting in there
If I can do this I will add pics/videos to this review.
Though looking out my window at the park I am rather tempted to pop out there... but I value my freedom a bit much for that.
Conclusions
In conclusion this is a gorgeous package. I am absolutely thrilled with my first sword and very grateful to my fiancee (Sarah) for the best present I have ever had (except her saying yes to my recent proposal).
I dont have any real cons to talk about - but will include the minor items that other people might be interested in.
Pros
Custom leatherwork is outstanding
Blade is gorgeous and lively
Grip is very comfortable
This is a complete package of sword, scabbard and belt
Attractive price
Sharp out of the box
Excellent customer service
The blade is longer than the stats (I like this)
Cons
Slight scuff on grip leather
Slight glue mark on chape leather
The blade is longer than the stats (other people might not like this)
The Bottom Line
I would absolutely, 100% reccomend Sonny and his work to my friends, fellow forumites and anyone else who wants a sword.
As a last note I have chosen to name my blade 'Saevio' which is latin for 'to rage' as my fiancee is nicknamed 'Sezra of rage'.
I hope you enjoyed my review - let me know if you have any questions or queries.
Happy slashing
Tom
__________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Paul or Daniel. Happy reviewing!
This is my first sword and first review.
This sword was a birthday present from my wondeful fiancee.
I ordered the sword from the Custom Sword Shoppe in Febuary and received it in May - more on this later.
The colours I chose are Oxblood for the grip and belt and Regal Blue for the scabbard.
I paid:
$417 for the sword
$52 for shipping to the UK
$110 to UK Customs for the VAT
Historical overview
I cant really say I'm much of a historical expert - but going on other peoples reviews this is a 13th (ish) century blade with later style fittings. I believe the blade is a Oakshott type XII and the pommel a T.
Full Disclosure
I have no association with Valiant Armoury - so this review is unbiased.
I am not a expert on swords, this being my first, though I used to be a chef so have a fair bit of experience with sharp objects
Initial Impressions
I contacted Sonny Suttles at Valiant Armoury in early Febuary and after confirming shipping is available to the UK I placed my order. Sonny was polite and communicative during the order process. We discussed likely shipping times and Sonny suggested the end of April and being the likely shipping date as he was awaiting delivery of his blades from China.
We exchanged emails several times prior to shipment - with updates to progress and a change to the shipping address as I moved house. Again, Sonny was polite and helpful in his communication.
I recieved shipping information on 8th April with a USPS tracking number.
After eagerly checking the tracking site every 5 minutes I received a letter from Parcelforce on 2nd May advising me my item had cleared customs and VAT was due ($110). I cadged a lift to the Parcelforce depot, paid my charges and collected my large box.
The sword arrived in a large white box which contained a slightly smaller brown cardboard one.
Opening the box revealed my sword held in place wth polystyrene blocks. The box and packaging was a bit battered by the evil post men/women/people but my sword was fine.
Onto the sword itself...
Jaw dropping, gorgeous, awesome, beautiful, erotic (maybe thats just me...)
All suitable descriptive words for this package.
Drawing the blade from the wonderful scabbard I marvelled at the reflective steel and enjoyed the heft of this authoritative weapon.
Statistics
I got out the tape measure and scales and took the following:
Blade Length: 35.5 inches
Grip length(wooden section): 6.5 inches
Pommel length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 45.5 inches
Guard Width: 8 inches
POB (Point of Balance): havent quite worked this out
COP (Center of Percussion): see above (though its fun trying)
Blade width at guard: 1.75 inches
Blade width just before tip: 1 inch
Fuller lenght: 26 inches
Scabbard length: 38.5 inches
Sword in scabbard lenght: 48 inches
Weight: 2lb 10 ounces
Anyone spotted the out of place in the above?...
If you check out the posted stats for the Malatesta, I have a 2.5 inch longer blade and the other stats match the Kriegswercht rather closely.
Components
The Blade
As just stated - the blade is slightly longer than the standard stats. A fellow forum member (Willhart - a jolly nice chap!) has been chatting to me via PM and he advised that his Malatest is the same - and he chatted to Sonny who advised there was some kind of problem with the shipment he received (Willhart - feel free to comment on what exactly Sonny said if you like)
The blade itself is polished to a lovely satin finish that is very attractive. There are a few tiny scratches and imperfections - but these are well expected on a handmade blade and are in no way a detraction.
The fuller is crisp and even, it matches on both sides.
The edge is simply gorgeous - no hint of a secondary bevel.
Sharpness wise - it seems perfect to me - I can slice paper by running it over the blade. I think it isnt quite as sharp as my kitchen knife - but being a ex chef I have honed that baby to a wicked razors edge, which would not be suitable for a sword as it would be too fragile.
The Handle
The grip on this sword is very attractive in shape and colour with a wasp waisted riser in the middle. It fits my hands very nicely - whether one or two.
There are two slight marks on the leather where the dye seems to have either not held or has scuffed off. I dont have a problem with this as it is part of the hand made charm of this weapon.
The Guard
The guard is simply gorgeous. The fittings on this sword are the newer antiqued ones that Sonny has started doing. I think the finish is very attractive and compliment the blade perfectly. I hope that the pictures help show this as we have had a bit of discussion on this forum regarding this finish (let me know what you think!)
The trefoil cutouts are crisp and clean.
The Pommel
The pommel is even in shape and very pleasing to the eye and hand. Again it is the newer antiqued finish.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is just wonderful.
The blue colouring is rich, even and extremely appealing to the eye - I am very happy with this colour and I think I will be having further swords done with the same scheme.
The risers are even and cleanly defined.
The chape features a matching trefoil to the guard and again is well executed.
The sword fits perfectly and can be held upside down safely without falling out
As with the grip there is a slight imperfection on the leather - there is a slight white spot under the trefoil - I think it might be glue. Again I am not that fussed over seeing this on a hand made item but have mentioned it for completeness
Handling Characteristics
This section might be a bit lacking I am afraid.
I live in a flat in a city centre so have no where to really swing this sword or do any test cutting with it.
I have obviously given it a careful twirl around the lounge!
It has a very pleasing feel to it in my opinion. Being my first sword I am actually amazed at how authoritative a relatively light sword can feel. I think some of this is due to the extra blade length on this particular blade.
The sword feels lively and responsive and begs to be used.
Flex wise - I know people have discussed issues of 'whippyness' with this sword - I can safely say that I have no issue with too much flex on this one, it feels suitably stiff. Though I have flexed it against the floor and can tell it flexes if you want
Test Cutting
As per the above I currently have no where to safely (and legally) cut with my sword. I am hoping to take it round my fathers house as he lives in the country with a massive garden so I can get some cutting in there
If I can do this I will add pics/videos to this review.
Though looking out my window at the park I am rather tempted to pop out there... but I value my freedom a bit much for that.
Conclusions
In conclusion this is a gorgeous package. I am absolutely thrilled with my first sword and very grateful to my fiancee (Sarah) for the best present I have ever had (except her saying yes to my recent proposal).
I dont have any real cons to talk about - but will include the minor items that other people might be interested in.
Pros
Custom leatherwork is outstanding
Blade is gorgeous and lively
Grip is very comfortable
This is a complete package of sword, scabbard and belt
Attractive price
Sharp out of the box
Excellent customer service
The blade is longer than the stats (I like this)
Cons
Slight scuff on grip leather
Slight glue mark on chape leather
The blade is longer than the stats (other people might not like this)
The Bottom Line
I would absolutely, 100% reccomend Sonny and his work to my friends, fellow forumites and anyone else who wants a sword.
As a last note I have chosen to name my blade 'Saevio' which is latin for 'to rage' as my fiancee is nicknamed 'Sezra of rage'.
I hope you enjoyed my review - let me know if you have any questions or queries.
Happy slashing
Tom
__________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Paul or Daniel. Happy reviewing!