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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2012 23:09:21 GMT
Hello everyone! I recently discovered this site, and it has been extremely helpful so far. However, I am still having trouble figuring out which sword I should try to purchase. Plus this could be a significant purchase (I'm hoping around $300, I know that's not that much in the world of swords, but having never owned one, it's a big price tag), so I want to get as much advice and input as possible before making any decisions.
For a bit of background, I finally have the means and reason enough to put together an outfit for renaissance festivals and other casual reenactment events. I do not, however, have any plans to participate in any sword play or theatrical combat. I would imagine this sword would be peace tied pretty much every time I wear it. I am going for a ranger/robin hood/bandit type character. Lots of browns and dark greens, probably a bow eventually. Think Faramir from the books, not so much the movies.
First question: I am unsure how much I should aim to spend on this first sword, especially since it would spend most of it's time in the scabbard when in costume. Since I'm pretty much looking for a good looking weapon to carry in costume, should I get a very cheap sword (under $100) and save up for something pricier after I've had some experience and a better idea of what I want?
Second, assuming I do go for a battle ready sword, I am unsure if sharp or blunt is the better option, again considering it would spend it's time either displayed, stored, or in the scabbard. And again, no plans for stage combat.
Finally, in terms of authenticity and ease of use, I cannot decide on a style. I like the idea of a hand and a half/bastard sword style, allowing either one or two hand use. But I am concerned they could be too long and would become cumbersome to wear for long periods. I don't want to worry about them dragging or smacking someone when I turn. For reference, I'm 6' and plan to wear it on my hip, which is about 40" from the ground. Most of these style seem to be around 43-45" overall length. Would this be a good length?
I have so far looked into two swordsmiths I saw at a recent renfest, StarFire and Sabersmith. Both seem to be pretty good sword makers, but I wasn't super happy with the styles (Starfire's are either under 40" or over 50", Sabersmith's hand and a half is 39", but I like they allow handle customization). I also liked the Hanwei Practical and Tinker swords and a few of the Darksword Armory items.
Any advice or assistance for a first time sword buyer?
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Sam H
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Post by Sam H on May 30, 2012 0:15:10 GMT
I'm not an expert on Euro swords but I've played with and owned a few. That said I can definitely say don't waste your money on Starfire and Sabersmith. I hope that you get a chance to handle a few swords in the style you like before you start buying. You'll find out that Starfire and Sabersmith have the balance and feel of a crow bar with an edge. Starfire used to have a guarantee at one point in time that if you broke one of their swords they'd replace it for as long as you own the sword. Of course at that time they were also only making blunts for re-enactment only. Sabersmith has always made sharp swords but they look and feel like they took a bar of steel, ground an edge into it and added tape/leather cord to the dull end of the bar then also added a hand guard with a pommel (sort of) and called it a sword.
You'll be much better off with the DSA and Hanwei Tinker products. Also look into Valiant Armory products too.
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jhart06
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Post by jhart06 on May 30, 2012 0:29:36 GMT
So far as I know, and I know several of Starfires smiths, they still ONLY make blunts. People have often and likely always will sharpen them and re-sell them, but that does void the warranty, as it changes the geometry. The warranty is still in place for blunts too. Please don't call Starfires a waste, as they are not. They are a STAGE SWORD and as such should be judged and valued accordingly and by proper standards for those types of blades, not evaluated by cutting sord standards. Proper historical handling matters less than durability and ease of repair/maintenance.
Both an F-150 and a geo metro are motor vehicles... However, neither can be compared fairly as they are built completely differently than each other for different purposes. The same logic applies here. Sabersmith I can't say much on, as i've only seen their products, but I have to agree with the assessment.
If you are looking for durability -and- cutting ability, BKS are straight out and out beasts. And they cut well. DSA, as I know it take a lot of work to make into a proper cutter.
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Sam H
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Post by Sam H on May 30, 2012 0:34:38 GMT
In my mind a sword that was not designed for actual use is worthless. So in that aspect its a waste.
I'm sure that to those who use them for stage combat they'd be a good product but really that's about all they're good for aside from just hanging around on the walls for decorations. Essentially for the majority of people they'd end up being expensive wall hangers - again a waste in my mind.
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jhart06
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Post by jhart06 on May 30, 2012 0:41:22 GMT
Still no need to insult a product or company by applying a derogatory term to their entire offerings.
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron on May 30, 2012 7:11:41 GMT
When you say to think Faramir from the books, and a bastard sword appeals to you, the first sword that popped into my head was this: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... ith+Fuller I've owned one and I would not consider it cumbersome to wear at all. The sword itself is a pleasure to wield and quite easy on the eyes. As for considering a cheap sword, I personally would not. I understand that this will primarily be a costume piece for you, but a cheap sword is one of the biggest things that can ruin an otherwise wonderful kit. This sword would lend a feeling of completion and care to your costume.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 30, 2012 9:47:22 GMT
This goes for most Albion owners as well. The vast majority of collectors, even those who buy expensive, very well crafted and completely functional swords don't use them for cutting, etc but only display them. Would you call that a waste, too?
Using a sword for stage combat is in case you haven't noticed, also a use. Maybe not one you approve off and to be honest nothing I myself like either but calling it worthless is offensive and wrong. I understand where you're coming from, disrespect for show fighting is very common amongst historical fighters but that doesn't make it true and justified.
To the OP: the H/T bastard sword is the sword I would have recommended as well. One of the best sub 300$ swords and if you have someone do a new grip wrap (heck, do it yourself!!) it'll be a worthy addition to any costume.
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Post by William Swiger on May 30, 2012 10:56:06 GMT
Does cutting yourself while cleaning an Albion count as cutting? :lol:
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Sam H
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Post by Sam H on May 30, 2012 12:23:09 GMT
You just love to be contrary don't you kid? If you got your head out of your own... anyway if you really read my post I think its clear enough. I think that a sword that isn't made to withstand actual combat is a waste as a sword. I said in my post, the whole post, that as a stage implement its probably a good object but in my mind (as in my opinion) its a waste. Now you're going to tell me that I don't have the right to have my own opinion? That's offensive and wrong... be glad you're not saying these things to my face.
Hmm you like to say many things are wrong. Perhaps you're wrong? You tried to tell me the way I raise my children was wrong. Now you're telling me that my having an opinion is wrong (and offensive).
Anyway yes I think taking an Albion just hanging it up on a wall is a waste - a waste of a good sword. In the case of a Starfire you're better off spending less money on a ss wall hanger is that is all its to be anyway. Again, my opinion.
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Post by DavidW on May 30, 2012 14:09:47 GMT
Woahhhhh Sam, calm down, no need to turn this nasty.
OP, I would also recommend a Hanwei Tinker sword. They're tough and cheap, and come with a decent edge (thhough it may need a touch up to be really sharp). Personally, I'd go for a fully functional sword. It's cool to be able to tell friends that you own a sharp battle ready sword, and besides, you never know when you may need it *cough* zombies *cough*
That said, you could also pick up the Windlass Classic Medieval sword from Kultofathena, it's durable and sharp. You can choose to have it blunt or sharpened for an extra 18 bucks. Not bad at all IMO. I think there's a review of it on the main site.
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jhart06
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Post by jhart06 on May 30, 2012 14:11:16 GMT
Also, last I checked Therion Arms had some of the VA practical longswords in, and a few other 1.5 or 2 handed models in from VA. Cant go wrong there.
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Post by mcapanelli on May 30, 2012 15:07:40 GMT
Yes, yes it does.
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Post by William Swiger on May 30, 2012 16:09:37 GMT
This thread has some posts that are outside of the original poster's questions and are personal. I must remind those this is directed at to stop and keep it friendly. Would also recommed editing your posts. As a review for those who need it:
SBG Forum Member Responsibilities Rule 3 and 4.
As a Member of the SBG Forum, you have a responsibility to:
3. Share information about different swords, manufacturers, vendors and other products/services in a respectful and responsible manner, not resorting to slander, liable speech, heckling, or other immature/hostile behaviour.
4. To treat other Members, staff and moderators with respect at all times (in public and via private message) despite your personal feelings toward them. If as a Member you are treated disrespectfully or “attacked” by another Member, do not react to it in the same spirit but simply report the post to a moderator. The chivalrous thing to do in these situations is to simply ignore inflammatory comments – they will be dealt with quickly enough by the active moderator on duty.
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jhart06
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Post by jhart06 on May 30, 2012 16:12:22 GMT
Further, the windlass roven does seem to be well received. And though it's out of your price range in total, if you don't mind a wait, you can always grab an atrim with the fifty percent down option. comes out to about four hundred to five hundred total, but you get one of the better swords around.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 30, 2012 16:30:38 GMT
Sam, please stay calm, I (at least to my knowledge) didn't sound offensive in that post. If I did, I apologize, wasn't intended. Of course you're entitled to your own opinion but honestly, there's no need to talk other people down if they buy a sword and hang it on the wall, just do admire it as a piece of history, because they like the design or because it's a movie sword and they LOVED the movie. There are many reasons to buy a sword and they're all legitimate and fun. You don't need to use it for cutting or other practice, just enjoying owning it is every bit as good as cutting mats and really shouldn't be seen as a "waste". Remember, swords are fun, that's why we're all here Every collector can choose for himself where the fun with swords is, no matter if it's displaying them or using them. bill: I guess it counts, I mean it's rare for swords nowadays to cut living tissue, I'm sure somewhere in their steely hearts they rejoice every time we sloppy collectors run our fingers across :lol: I imagine when we cut mats and stuff, they think "oh no, not that boring lifeless crap again, bring on some livin' FLESH!!" :lol:
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Post by William Swiger on May 30, 2012 16:36:00 GMT
Yeah - the swords I am passing along are upset with me. The Windlass Raptor sword gave me a small cut yesterday :-)
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 30, 2012 16:39:08 GMT
Ahh, so THAT's why you're giving them away! You hope they'll be satisfied with cutting some other poor guy's fingers :lol:
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2012 16:39:23 GMT
In my humble opinion, the Hanwei-Tinker (HT) longsword is a great representation of how a medieval sword should handle (though there are complaints that the HT swords are not very sharp) at a very affordable price ($200-$250 retail). I personally think they are great starter swords.
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Post by William Swiger on May 30, 2012 16:42:16 GMT
jerrymander is dead on. I used to have all the HT swords and they are a good value.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 30, 2012 16:43:07 GMT
Absolutely agree, it's a great sword. Might be a bit long for the OP's purpose though, don't know. In any case, I think the H/T really are the best choice here, especially with some new leather they look stunning and have the handling to match.
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