Longship Armory Landlord XIV 'NISI'
Jul 14, 2012 1:30:34 GMT
Post by jhart06 on Jul 14, 2012 1:30:34 GMT
Introduction
I've lusted after higher end swords for a while now, and this type is not the least. It's likely the most. John Lundemo's work always appealed to me, but the price of a full on custom from him (or any maker) was far and beyond my meager budget. Then he and James Fang and Sr. Greybeard began the Longship endeavor. I knew as soon as I heard of it i'd be getting one. It was always to be the Morrigan, in my mind. But, before I ordered a while back, I sent out a query and just for laughs asked about a landlord in XIV. I didn't expect it to be done, or not cost a lot extra. I was stunned when the reply was an affirmative, at no extra fee to myself.
From there it was a week or so of back and forth's. I wanted a rather vague yet unique color on the handle grip, and James was not sure John could do it, then replied that he(John) woild 'try his best' on it. I asked for 'something somewhere in between a navy/royal blue and midnight blue'... I can tell from leatherworking experience considerable care went into getting this color *just* right. And it paid off. I also asked the fittings be darkened, but to let the natural bronze show through. It also came out beautifully, as this picture of the guard shows. The following shows just how well.
All in all, I was stoked. I had wanted to hire john for a custom XIV since I saw his work. And I wanted bronze fittings, and pretty much everything I could have wanted in a full blown custom I got, from the Longship line, at a cool $800 or so.
Historical overview
I am no expert on historical swords like some here may be. But from my research this blade fits will into the archetypal XIV from Oakeshott's typology. The pommel is a Type 'J' wheel pommel, slightly different from the standard longship offerings, being the first of a retooled casting or new casting. The same is true of the stylized type 9 guard, I believe. My mind is fuzzy on that. The bronze fittings may not be perfectly in line with the commonality of the 1300's when the type XIV saw it's heyday, but they are far from out of line or unheard of from what my research shows for this sword. All in all, a well to do Sherrif of England in the 1300's might have carried this sword and be no more of note than having a finely made blade.
Full Disclosure
I received this sword from Longship Armory LLC after a payment arrangement and agreement was completed, and am receiving no special consideration in price or features for receipt of this sword of writing of this review.
Initial Impressions
The first thing that greeted me was this-
My reaction was 'Monkey balls, how am I going to open this, and were they expecting trolls to try and make off with it?' I gave the crate a few thumps after unpacking, and this is probably the sturdiest way to ship a sword ever, a rifle case might draw near or surpassing it, but not by much.
Next was the immeadiate packing, thick green bubble wrap and a full wrap of saran wrap that I eventually ended up slicing in pieces to remove in my impatience.
Of note on the interior packing is the thick tape used on the tip. While mine appears to have went through it, and has a few VERY minor scuffs or chips, it is very sturdy short of stiff plastic or metal sleeving.
Also, for all people wondering, it would appear either John or James one should not be angered, as they somehow made the back middle screw do this-
The crate was also wrapped in packign tape around all edges, one part of whcih I have left intact to the screwed on top in order to function as a 'hinge'. In connection, i will be buying some cabinetry hardware, and some stain(s) for wood, and making this crate into the swords permanent home. It is that nice and sturdy. And, as mentioned to Luna, the interior smells like the top and bottom panels used are cedar?!
Under the sword, packed nicely, was the certificate of authenticity-
And, though I didn't photo it, the back of this paper has either dried blood or dark chocolate drips on it. Cool either way.
When finally pulled, these were as far as I got before several minutes of test forms and guards-
Even with my paws, the grip was comfy, if hedging vaguely in the ballpark of almost too tight. The general slender grip and taper to it, along with the risers, helped to keep it well on the side of comfy and roomy feeling though.
Statistics
OAL: 35"
Blade: 27.35"
Grip: 4.5"
Blade width @ guard: 2.455"
Weight: 2.6 lbs
These are from James @ Longship, I'll have to dig up more on my own when I have the time, work and a birthday bonfire call!
Components
Not much I can describe here, it's an OdinBlade, and it's pretty much flawless
Seam
Distal taper attempted shot
Fuller- A slight wave (may be the light) to the termination, and some minor machine marks it appears, but nothing at all noticable, i'm straining to find something here
Guard and terminations/finials/whateverthetermis
Handling Characteristics
What can I say here? James warned me it took some effort to get moving. I've yet to strap on kit and buckler to fully test it, but it does have some good heft and blade presence. However, there is something that happens to it when I assume a guard (albeit in my very inept way) that makes this sword my favorite. When held right in a guard, and swung properly and not like a baseball bat, this thing turns almost to a feather.
In movement, it is light up to the point the blade comes down or turns past the acceleration point in the arc of the cut, the instant you hit there, you feel it 'settle in' as I call it. It goes from weightless to a very good feel that leaves you knowing whatever you hit will *not* be happy about it.
I was warned this thing was hard to get to speed. Either through natural build of the shoulders or from my familiarity with getting swords this side going when they're starfires (aka slabs of sword shaped steel) I did not notice this what so ever. It has great authority in it, and while you can fence and swish it a bit, this sword aches to chop and slash and not be bandied about.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
*On hold due to weather and car repairs
Conclusions
By reputation, I was expecting a helluva sword. By previous reviews of Longship pieces I was expecting excellent handling and packaging, and a tight fit and finish. What I got was far and away beyond that, though it was that as well. I was picky, I know, and I had to have annoyed John at least once. The end result is a sword I am positively in love with. I've had to keep it in it's crate to stop myself from wandering out to the back hill to practice with it. I'd recommend John to anyone looking for a high quality blade at a price that is truly a steal. I would have happily paid more than the final price for this and still considered it a great value.
Pros
*Excellent handling
*Impressive balance and harmonics make it a joy in hand
*Top notch leatherwork and a near invisible and razor straight grip seam
*Price paid for sword received is a great trade
*Rather than standard models as most of this price bracket, you are able to do nearly any grip color and fittings combination you so desire to get the sword *you* want
*Packaging approved for troll-punting exercises by the Commander in Chief of Mordor's Armed Forces
Cons
*Semi-custom means someone could feasibly order the exact sword as you.
*Price point is above this forum's focus and may be too much for some
*Some parts of the antiquing were darker or lighter in application. To me it gave it a more natural worn look, this may be a con to some
*Some machine/finish marks left on parts of the fuller. Possibly a bit of waviness to the termination, but it's so minor it is likely just light reflecting.
*Bronze fittings- to me this is a pro, to some it may not be
*I had a bent screw on my crate lid panel.
*Ummm... Errrr....Panels of the box/crate smell of cedar.. Maybe you're allergic to cedar? Maybe you prefer the rich smell of mahogany?
The Bottom Line
Why are you still reading this? Seriously, why? Close this tab out, NO NOT YET FINISH THE LINE!!! Close this tab out, go to the Longship Armory site or send James/Opferous a PM. Order something from the Longship. Pretty much anything short of katana is covered, and i'm pretty sure you could work something out stunningly close to that with a Verrimus.
In all seriousness though... The value for the money in this purchase blows me away. The nuances in handling, fit and finish, and the attention to detail are far and above most anything else i've seen, up there with whatever big names you can think of. And the customer service of James and the workmanship of the OdinDude and Greybeard make this process a truly fun one. I'll be back again, either as soon as I get the divorce papers or finish my EMT classes, these things are addicting.
I've lusted after higher end swords for a while now, and this type is not the least. It's likely the most. John Lundemo's work always appealed to me, but the price of a full on custom from him (or any maker) was far and beyond my meager budget. Then he and James Fang and Sr. Greybeard began the Longship endeavor. I knew as soon as I heard of it i'd be getting one. It was always to be the Morrigan, in my mind. But, before I ordered a while back, I sent out a query and just for laughs asked about a landlord in XIV. I didn't expect it to be done, or not cost a lot extra. I was stunned when the reply was an affirmative, at no extra fee to myself.
From there it was a week or so of back and forth's. I wanted a rather vague yet unique color on the handle grip, and James was not sure John could do it, then replied that he(John) woild 'try his best' on it. I asked for 'something somewhere in between a navy/royal blue and midnight blue'... I can tell from leatherworking experience considerable care went into getting this color *just* right. And it paid off. I also asked the fittings be darkened, but to let the natural bronze show through. It also came out beautifully, as this picture of the guard shows. The following shows just how well.
All in all, I was stoked. I had wanted to hire john for a custom XIV since I saw his work. And I wanted bronze fittings, and pretty much everything I could have wanted in a full blown custom I got, from the Longship line, at a cool $800 or so.
Historical overview
I am no expert on historical swords like some here may be. But from my research this blade fits will into the archetypal XIV from Oakeshott's typology. The pommel is a Type 'J' wheel pommel, slightly different from the standard longship offerings, being the first of a retooled casting or new casting. The same is true of the stylized type 9 guard, I believe. My mind is fuzzy on that. The bronze fittings may not be perfectly in line with the commonality of the 1300's when the type XIV saw it's heyday, but they are far from out of line or unheard of from what my research shows for this sword. All in all, a well to do Sherrif of England in the 1300's might have carried this sword and be no more of note than having a finely made blade.
Full Disclosure
I received this sword from Longship Armory LLC after a payment arrangement and agreement was completed, and am receiving no special consideration in price or features for receipt of this sword of writing of this review.
Initial Impressions
The first thing that greeted me was this-
My reaction was 'Monkey balls, how am I going to open this, and were they expecting trolls to try and make off with it?' I gave the crate a few thumps after unpacking, and this is probably the sturdiest way to ship a sword ever, a rifle case might draw near or surpassing it, but not by much.
Next was the immeadiate packing, thick green bubble wrap and a full wrap of saran wrap that I eventually ended up slicing in pieces to remove in my impatience.
Of note on the interior packing is the thick tape used on the tip. While mine appears to have went through it, and has a few VERY minor scuffs or chips, it is very sturdy short of stiff plastic or metal sleeving.
Also, for all people wondering, it would appear either John or James one should not be angered, as they somehow made the back middle screw do this-
The crate was also wrapped in packign tape around all edges, one part of whcih I have left intact to the screwed on top in order to function as a 'hinge'. In connection, i will be buying some cabinetry hardware, and some stain(s) for wood, and making this crate into the swords permanent home. It is that nice and sturdy. And, as mentioned to Luna, the interior smells like the top and bottom panels used are cedar?!
Under the sword, packed nicely, was the certificate of authenticity-
And, though I didn't photo it, the back of this paper has either dried blood or dark chocolate drips on it. Cool either way.
When finally pulled, these were as far as I got before several minutes of test forms and guards-
Even with my paws, the grip was comfy, if hedging vaguely in the ballpark of almost too tight. The general slender grip and taper to it, along with the risers, helped to keep it well on the side of comfy and roomy feeling though.
Statistics
OAL: 35"
Blade: 27.35"
Grip: 4.5"
Blade width @ guard: 2.455"
Weight: 2.6 lbs
These are from James @ Longship, I'll have to dig up more on my own when I have the time, work and a birthday bonfire call!
Components
Not much I can describe here, it's an OdinBlade, and it's pretty much flawless
Seam
Distal taper attempted shot
Fuller- A slight wave (may be the light) to the termination, and some minor machine marks it appears, but nothing at all noticable, i'm straining to find something here
Guard and terminations/finials/whateverthetermis
Handling Characteristics
What can I say here? James warned me it took some effort to get moving. I've yet to strap on kit and buckler to fully test it, but it does have some good heft and blade presence. However, there is something that happens to it when I assume a guard (albeit in my very inept way) that makes this sword my favorite. When held right in a guard, and swung properly and not like a baseball bat, this thing turns almost to a feather.
In movement, it is light up to the point the blade comes down or turns past the acceleration point in the arc of the cut, the instant you hit there, you feel it 'settle in' as I call it. It goes from weightless to a very good feel that leaves you knowing whatever you hit will *not* be happy about it.
I was warned this thing was hard to get to speed. Either through natural build of the shoulders or from my familiarity with getting swords this side going when they're starfires (aka slabs of sword shaped steel) I did not notice this what so ever. It has great authority in it, and while you can fence and swish it a bit, this sword aches to chop and slash and not be bandied about.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
*On hold due to weather and car repairs
Conclusions
By reputation, I was expecting a helluva sword. By previous reviews of Longship pieces I was expecting excellent handling and packaging, and a tight fit and finish. What I got was far and away beyond that, though it was that as well. I was picky, I know, and I had to have annoyed John at least once. The end result is a sword I am positively in love with. I've had to keep it in it's crate to stop myself from wandering out to the back hill to practice with it. I'd recommend John to anyone looking for a high quality blade at a price that is truly a steal. I would have happily paid more than the final price for this and still considered it a great value.
Pros
*Excellent handling
*Impressive balance and harmonics make it a joy in hand
*Top notch leatherwork and a near invisible and razor straight grip seam
*Price paid for sword received is a great trade
*Rather than standard models as most of this price bracket, you are able to do nearly any grip color and fittings combination you so desire to get the sword *you* want
*Packaging approved for troll-punting exercises by the Commander in Chief of Mordor's Armed Forces
Cons
*Semi-custom means someone could feasibly order the exact sword as you.
*Price point is above this forum's focus and may be too much for some
*Some parts of the antiquing were darker or lighter in application. To me it gave it a more natural worn look, this may be a con to some
*Some machine/finish marks left on parts of the fuller. Possibly a bit of waviness to the termination, but it's so minor it is likely just light reflecting.
*Bronze fittings- to me this is a pro, to some it may not be
*I had a bent screw on my crate lid panel.
*Ummm... Errrr....Panels of the box/crate smell of cedar.. Maybe you're allergic to cedar? Maybe you prefer the rich smell of mahogany?
The Bottom Line
Why are you still reading this? Seriously, why? Close this tab out, NO NOT YET FINISH THE LINE!!! Close this tab out, go to the Longship Armory site or send James/Opferous a PM. Order something from the Longship. Pretty much anything short of katana is covered, and i'm pretty sure you could work something out stunningly close to that with a Verrimus.
In all seriousness though... The value for the money in this purchase blows me away. The nuances in handling, fit and finish, and the attention to detail are far and above most anything else i've seen, up there with whatever big names you can think of. And the customer service of James and the workmanship of the OdinDude and Greybeard make this process a truly fun one. I'll be back again, either as soon as I get the divorce papers or finish my EMT classes, these things are addicting.