my review and video are only a couple of months old, not years
The Savoy is a new model from Valiant Armoury (VA) and only came out either this year or late last year. I'm not sure where you are getting dates from? Perhaps mixing up other swords and reviews with mine? In any event, pricing is the same now on VA's Custom Sword Shoppe (CSS) site as I paid for it. Peening is an extra option you can request when ordering the sword, it's $35 extra:
www.customswordshoppe.com/shoppe ... ucts_id=67
Available Options:
quote: "Handle Color:
Choose the handle color Original Color or select Antique Brown Antique Green Antique Red Black Dark Blue Cocoa Brown Light brown Ox Blood Rust Tan
Scabbard Color:
Choose the scabbard color Original Color or select Antique Brown Antique Green Antique Red Black Dark Blue Cocoa Brown Light brown Ox Blood Rust Tan
Belt Color:
Choose the belt color Original Color or select Antique Brown Antique Green Antique Red Black Dark Blue Cocoa Brown Light brown Ox Blood Rust Tan
Assembly method:
Choose Hex or Hot Peened Select one Hex Nut Hot Peened ( + $35.00 )"
Peening is:
www.albion-swords.com/swords-components.htm(scroll down to steps 6 & 7)
quote:"Next, the pommel is fitted to the tang-end.
This also requires some hand-filing of the tang slot before the the pommel is hammered into place, ensuring that it will seat firmly in the proper location.
The pommel is then hammered on to the tang-end, wedging it permanently into position at the end of the blade.
The end of the tang protruding from the pommel is then filed into shape to prepare it for peening.
In some models, a decorative rivet block is also added: a separate piece (usually a truncated pyramid shape) that sits flush on top of the pommel.
The sword is locked into a vise and heat is applied to the tang end. The tang-end is then gently hammered until it fills the recessed cavity in the pommel.
While cooling, the peen is either hammered flush or into a rough decorative shape, depending on the demands of the particular sword model."
Sonny might weld all peened hilts anyway - I'm not sure, but I am sure he'll do it if you ask
As for colours, check this thread I started- it's all examples of colours from VA CSS:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4953
If you don't see a colour you want in the drop down menus when ordering just ask Sonny if he can do the colour - he has many options available.
I think black scabbards are boring and too common - google it you'll see many. I like the oxbloods, reds, browns etc. I've seen green and black and it looks okay, or grey/blue and black.
hth
Chris