John Lundemo/Longship Armoury "The Morrigan"
Jun 25, 2012 2:08:06 GMT
Post by ChrisA on Jun 25, 2012 2:08:06 GMT
John Lundemo/Longship Armoury "The Morrigan"
One man's viewpoint by ChrisA
Introduction
Well known and respected swordmaker John Lundemo teamed up with James Fang to create Longship Armoury. The concept being to make semi-customized swords that have nearly the same level of quality as an Odinblade. With castings created by the Odindude himself, John Downham (aka Graybeard here on these forums) casts the furniture in bronze. This saves time and effort on Mr. Lundemo's part, thus saving the clients money, while maintaining quality and performance.
While the fittings are currently limited to just a few sets, the blades are still custom made.
When I first heard about the Longship line I knew I was going to get one...even before I saw any of the prototypes. After seeing Sean's (Shadowhowler) swords posted I knew what I wanted. I promptly contacted James and ordered a Verrimus similar to Sean's (though with a different blade). A week later, after my tax return was filed, I added the Morrigan.
A couple of months later I picked up my swords from John.
Please note that Sean (Shadowhowler) has done an excellent review of his Morrigan here:forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9214
These are my thoughts.
Historical Overview
The Morrigan is designed by John Lundemo and is not based on a specific historical specimen.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with John Lundemo or Long ship Armoury. I paid full price for this with my own money and received no special considerations whatsoever.
Initial Impressions
I knew John was located in New York State so I asked James if it would be ok if I picked up my swords in person. This would eliminate the chance of a mishap in shipping as well as saving shipping costs. James ran it by the Odindude and he agreed. It took a little over 2 hours to get to John with traffic. It didn't really save me any money on shipping as between gas and tolls, the savings was negligible. The real benefit to picking my swords up in person was meeting the man himself!
After introductions John handed me the Morrigan as he went about putting the finishing touches on my Verrimus.
I was amazed. I was stunned.
First, by its looks. It just blew my mind how beautiful it all was, from the darkened furniture to the red/brown grip to that amazing leafblade.
Second by its feel. It just glided in my hands. I couldn't really swing it in the shop, just a few slow motions told me all I wanted to know. Whoa!
Statistics
Weight: 3lbs 4oz
Overall Length: 43.5 inches
Blade Length: 32.5 inches (a bit less)
Grip Length: 8.25 inches
Point of Balance: 4 inches from guard
The Furniture
The first thing that grabs the eye is the furniture. It is simply stunning.
The pommel resembles a wolf's paw and is very nicely done.
The peen fits well between the "toes" is barely noticeable.This picture is shot purposely to accent it.
The Guard is what really gives this sword its flavor.
The wolf's head is wonderfully detailed.
The grip is maple burl done with a red/brown satin finish. This is one of the options available. (Longship Armoury provides other grip options including more standard leather.) The color was recommended by John. And I am so glad I listened. The grip is a bit on the thin side but not uncomfortably so. The wood is nicely finished and provides a sure grip even with wet hands (as i found out when shooting the video for this).
The Blade
The real meat and potatoes. I went with a leafblade shape. To me, no one does a leaf like John. It is just so elegant and beautiful. It's lines are perfect and clean. I could find nothing sloppily done nor any imperfections in workmanship.
The blade is stiff with diamond shape at the point making it actually pretty good at the thrust. No floppy blade here!
Handling
This is where The Morrigan won my heart. John told me that he's first priority in making any of his swords is performance. The fantasy theme is great and all but he wants his swords to handle like a good sword should.
The Morrigan is proof of that. When held still in hand you can feel every bit of its 3lbs 4oz. But when you put it in motion, and I mean even the slightest motion, it floats. It flows through cuts with authority but with a feeling that makes you a part of the sword. It''s hard to explain, but it's a feeling I don't get with many other swords. Ok, 2 other swords I own give me a similar feeling. One being the Verrimus (more on that in another review) and the other being my Atrim Type XVIa.
This sword can be wielded in one hand but is not really comfortable to do so with that long 8.25 inch grip (plus the pommel). It just gets in the way. But as far as the balance, it is not bad at all.
In two hands this thing comes alive. The long grips gives good leverage and that magical balance makes it a joy.
Cutting
Mr. Lundemo puts an exceptionally sharp edge on his swords. This and the Verrimus are the sharpest blades I have ever owned. Scary sharp!
Here is a little vid I threw together. I am woefully out of practice on my form and cutting. My footwork is sloppy. I even left out one great cut because I tripped over my own feet immediately afterwards. :lol: Even considering that, The Morrigan performed wonderfully.
Conclusions
Homage to Marc Ridgeway
I could not be happier with this sword. It's looks make it a showpiece. It's performance makes it a go to piece for forms and cutting. I cannot wait to see what further offereings Longship Armoury comes up with.
Having met John Lundemo in person was truly one of the best parts of this whole thing. He is a great guy that is very passionate about his work. You can just tell how much he loves it when he offers ideas and thoughts on your sword. It's contagious. His workshop is dark and cluttered with machines and tools and things and is oh so cool!
Pros
Beautiful, eye catching furniture
Amazing blade
Super super sharp
Outstanding handling
(running out of adjectives)
Lower cost than full custom Odinblade
Cons
Much higher price than the normal price point of this site.
Limited to available bronze furniture sets...not a true custom.
Not historical (might be off putting to some).
ummmm....
Makes you want to get more Odinblades....?
Thank you for reading!
One man's viewpoint by ChrisA
Introduction
Well known and respected swordmaker John Lundemo teamed up with James Fang to create Longship Armoury. The concept being to make semi-customized swords that have nearly the same level of quality as an Odinblade. With castings created by the Odindude himself, John Downham (aka Graybeard here on these forums) casts the furniture in bronze. This saves time and effort on Mr. Lundemo's part, thus saving the clients money, while maintaining quality and performance.
While the fittings are currently limited to just a few sets, the blades are still custom made.
When I first heard about the Longship line I knew I was going to get one...even before I saw any of the prototypes. After seeing Sean's (Shadowhowler) swords posted I knew what I wanted. I promptly contacted James and ordered a Verrimus similar to Sean's (though with a different blade). A week later, after my tax return was filed, I added the Morrigan.
A couple of months later I picked up my swords from John.
Please note that Sean (Shadowhowler) has done an excellent review of his Morrigan here:forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9214
These are my thoughts.
Historical Overview
The Morrigan is designed by John Lundemo and is not based on a specific historical specimen.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with John Lundemo or Long ship Armoury. I paid full price for this with my own money and received no special considerations whatsoever.
Initial Impressions
I knew John was located in New York State so I asked James if it would be ok if I picked up my swords in person. This would eliminate the chance of a mishap in shipping as well as saving shipping costs. James ran it by the Odindude and he agreed. It took a little over 2 hours to get to John with traffic. It didn't really save me any money on shipping as between gas and tolls, the savings was negligible. The real benefit to picking my swords up in person was meeting the man himself!
After introductions John handed me the Morrigan as he went about putting the finishing touches on my Verrimus.
I was amazed. I was stunned.
First, by its looks. It just blew my mind how beautiful it all was, from the darkened furniture to the red/brown grip to that amazing leafblade.
Second by its feel. It just glided in my hands. I couldn't really swing it in the shop, just a few slow motions told me all I wanted to know. Whoa!
Statistics
Weight: 3lbs 4oz
Overall Length: 43.5 inches
Blade Length: 32.5 inches (a bit less)
Grip Length: 8.25 inches
Point of Balance: 4 inches from guard
The Furniture
The first thing that grabs the eye is the furniture. It is simply stunning.
The pommel resembles a wolf's paw and is very nicely done.
The peen fits well between the "toes" is barely noticeable.This picture is shot purposely to accent it.
The Guard is what really gives this sword its flavor.
The wolf's head is wonderfully detailed.
The grip is maple burl done with a red/brown satin finish. This is one of the options available. (Longship Armoury provides other grip options including more standard leather.) The color was recommended by John. And I am so glad I listened. The grip is a bit on the thin side but not uncomfortably so. The wood is nicely finished and provides a sure grip even with wet hands (as i found out when shooting the video for this).
The Blade
The real meat and potatoes. I went with a leafblade shape. To me, no one does a leaf like John. It is just so elegant and beautiful. It's lines are perfect and clean. I could find nothing sloppily done nor any imperfections in workmanship.
The blade is stiff with diamond shape at the point making it actually pretty good at the thrust. No floppy blade here!
Handling
This is where The Morrigan won my heart. John told me that he's first priority in making any of his swords is performance. The fantasy theme is great and all but he wants his swords to handle like a good sword should.
The Morrigan is proof of that. When held still in hand you can feel every bit of its 3lbs 4oz. But when you put it in motion, and I mean even the slightest motion, it floats. It flows through cuts with authority but with a feeling that makes you a part of the sword. It''s hard to explain, but it's a feeling I don't get with many other swords. Ok, 2 other swords I own give me a similar feeling. One being the Verrimus (more on that in another review) and the other being my Atrim Type XVIa.
This sword can be wielded in one hand but is not really comfortable to do so with that long 8.25 inch grip (plus the pommel). It just gets in the way. But as far as the balance, it is not bad at all.
In two hands this thing comes alive. The long grips gives good leverage and that magical balance makes it a joy.
Cutting
Mr. Lundemo puts an exceptionally sharp edge on his swords. This and the Verrimus are the sharpest blades I have ever owned. Scary sharp!
Here is a little vid I threw together. I am woefully out of practice on my form and cutting. My footwork is sloppy. I even left out one great cut because I tripped over my own feet immediately afterwards. :lol: Even considering that, The Morrigan performed wonderfully.
Conclusions
Homage to Marc Ridgeway
I could not be happier with this sword. It's looks make it a showpiece. It's performance makes it a go to piece for forms and cutting. I cannot wait to see what further offereings Longship Armoury comes up with.
Having met John Lundemo in person was truly one of the best parts of this whole thing. He is a great guy that is very passionate about his work. You can just tell how much he loves it when he offers ideas and thoughts on your sword. It's contagious. His workshop is dark and cluttered with machines and tools and things and is oh so cool!
Pros
Beautiful, eye catching furniture
Amazing blade
Super super sharp
Outstanding handling
(running out of adjectives)
Lower cost than full custom Odinblade
Cons
Much higher price than the normal price point of this site.
Limited to available bronze furniture sets...not a true custom.
Not historical (might be off putting to some).
ummmm....
Makes you want to get more Odinblades....?
Thank you for reading!
I wish I could set up some cutting stands in the configuration that you have. Looks fun!
I would love to come by and learn some proper HEMA. My problem is I'm not sure I can be a regular, as much as I'd like to. Send me the info!
