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Post by birdman on Aug 12, 2012 0:09:23 GMT
I've been wanting to add to my selection of functional medieval weapons. So far, I have two rondel daggers (one with a single-edge blade and thick, octagonal steel rondels, and the other with a somewhat longer triangular stiletto-type blade and thinner, larger diameter circular steel rondels) and a 15th century French-style warhammer. I recently ordered an early-style (late 15th century) German halberd head by GDFB. At the price I bought that for, I still ahd some left over, but I thought I couldn't possibly afford a functional, full-sized sword. With that in mind, I did a search for "coustille", thinking to buy one of those, and I ran across Strongblade's website. The coustille they have is much better priced than the Windlass offering, and I read some good reviews on it, but something told me to look further.
I'm glad I did!
I ran across their "Knight Protector" arming sword, and found they had a TEMPERED one in their "scratch 'n' dent" selection (minor imperfection in the leather on the grip) - for $89.00!!!
Not wanting to just jump into things, I did my research and found that that same model of sword got a good review on SBG, so I bought it. Granted, it will require sharpening, but hopefully it will be better quality than the Deepeeka Viking "sword" (more of a blunt carbon-steel SLO, in my opinion). We'll see...
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Taran
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Post by Taran on Aug 12, 2012 0:54:24 GMT
I think the $89 version is the non-tempered one. Strongblade swords are good deals, but not that good. The Warspike, tempered and sharpened with scabbard, runs about $200.
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Post by birdman on Aug 12, 2012 1:12:31 GMT
This was a scratch-and-dent, and SPECIFICALLY listed as "tempered": www.strongblade.com/prod/sba-knightprotector.html. The "standard" untempered version is currently $75. By the way, just out of curiosity, would this sword be classified as an Oakeshott XIIIb, or some other typology? Or does it fall completely outside of historical typologies? |
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Taran
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Post by Taran on Aug 12, 2012 2:02:25 GMT
I'm not sure. I know the Warspike is a modified XVIII - Not an XVIII because the grip is too long but not an XVIIIa because the grip and blade are too short. An XVIII .5a?
Depending on the condition it's in, that sounds like you got one hell of a deal, then.
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Post by birdman on Aug 12, 2012 2:35:37 GMT
Difference is, "Warspike" is a longsword (bastard sword?), while the "Knight Protector" is an arming sword. I've always liked one-handed swords or horseman's hammers, myself, so I can use a buckler with them (a 15" buckler and open sallet will be my next purchases, when I have more $$$). If I want a 2-handed weapon, that's what a polearm is for.
I prefer to portray a common footsoldier rather than a knight at renfests, since my ancestors were all commoners (there was at least one crossbowman in my German ancestry - the last name was "Armbruster", which is German for a crossbowman). Therefore, I tend to pick a footsoldier's weapons and armor. At some point, I'd like to make a coat-of-plates to wear over my chainmail haubergeon.
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Taran
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Post by Taran on Aug 14, 2012 17:59:22 GMT
My ancestors run the gamut. I usually go with either an archer or something completely outside my lineage: Chinese.
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Post by birdman on Aug 14, 2012 18:15:43 GMT
LOL! :lol: I was actually considering putting together a Warring States period ashigaru kit, and probably will some time in the future. I already have a 450-year-old long wakizashi that, based on the size, (lack of)quality, and age, was probably ashigaru issue. Combine that with a hara-ate (breastplate) and a lacquered rawhide jingasa (I already have an original to base a replica on), and get a decent tanto, and I'd be all set except for the undergarments. Right now, though, I am focusing on medieval. Bad news is, Strongblade is completely out of tempered "Knight Protector" arming swords  . All they have for tempered swords is the Dominus Crusader, Viking Raider, Deathbringer, and Dark Recourse. Of those, the only one I like the look of is the Dominus Crusader, and I really don't care much for the pommel (or the fact that the website lists it as 4.3 pounds!) Good news is, they have GREAT customer service! I talked to Roger at Strongblade this afternoon, and first off he said that that weight is a typo - what you'd expect out of a true two-hander like a claymore. He said it weighs about the same as the Knight Protector I had wanted. Second, he said that even if they are out of "scratch 'n' dent" tempered Crusaders, he will send me a "good" tempered one for the same price I paid for the out-of-stock tempered Knight Protector. And third, he said that if he has any in stock, he will send me a Knight Protector wheel pommel along with the sword, so I can change it out. He said he is out of the warehouse right now, but would work on my order over the weekend. |
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Taran
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Post by Taran on Aug 14, 2012 18:28:46 GMT
Strongblade is good people. Even if most of their stock is geared toward "Role-Models" type LARPing.
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Post by amirlev on Sept 1, 2012 13:26:51 GMT
how did you get hold of him?, i sent them email twice about the scrached/dent Deathbringer sword but still no answer
by now it's all sold out even the good ones
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Post by birdman on Sept 1, 2012 13:42:33 GMT
By phone and e-mail. You just have to be patient and keep trying. Also, he was out of the warehouse for a while - I was lucky to catch him when I did, during that time.
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Post by Voltan on Sept 1, 2012 18:35:36 GMT
Yeah, I've dealt with Roger as well. He's a good guy, always willing to help. He sent me a free pommel from their Osprey sword that I put on my Dark Recourse sword. While their swords aren't the greatest, Roger and the rest of the staff are great people and they do their best to keep their customers happy. Off topic, I have their Blackrush Coustille Dagger, and that sucker is one stout, fast little blade.  |
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Post by birdman on Sept 1, 2012 18:53:49 GMT
One other thing - I found with the sword that I ordered that first of all it was out of stock, even though it was still listed on their website. I was informed by e-mail of what tempered swords were in stock. I therefore picked the Crusader, of which a Scratch-n-dent was listed on the website. When I talked to Roger, he told me that since I had already paid for my sword that if no scratch-n-dent was available he would send me one that might not necessarily be scratch-n-dent at the same price. So, definite kudos to Strongblade for their customer service!
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. All they have for tempered swords is the Dominus Crusader, Viking Raider, Deathbringer, and Dark Recourse. Of those, the only one I like the look of is the Dominus Crusader, and I really don't care much for the pommel (or the fact that the website lists it as 4.3 pounds!)
