Paul’s Collection (not the Admin' Paul)

Very nice Paul, those roman swords do look great.

Nice I almost bought that same sword but your offer was higher then mine . My albion curse strikes again.

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Longship Armoury - "Legends Line”, Silvia - Cherry Wine, 5 of 20.

After a mere 5 days of postage from the USA to OZ my Silvia arrived at my office yesterday, after my initial deposit in April 2013 it arrived safely after about 9 months. To date this is the most I have spent on a single sword, $1,600USD and as such I had pretty high expectations compared to my previous purchases.



Stats (Kitchen scales & tape measure)
Overall Length = 107.5cm or 42.32”
Blade Length = 77cm or 30.3”
Grip Length (leathered area) = 25.4cm or 10”
Width @ Base = 5.5cm or 2.16”
Width + 10” = 4cm or 1.57”
Width +24” = 4.5cm or 1.77”
Thickness @ Base = 6mm
Thickness + 10” = 5mm
Thickness +24” = 2.75mm
Weight = 1.5kg or 3lb 4.9oz
POB is about 3.75”



Have to say that I like the packaging, a wooden box just adds to the experience, down side is that it isn’t easy to open if its delivered to your work When I finally got home I spent a bit of time unpacking, it was very well packed with little to no movement within the box. I had a lot of anticipation waiting for this sword and when I first held it I was really impressed and somewhat relieved. Some of the photos I had seen on the net made it look somewhat large and unwieldy but in actual fact it is smaller in person and also quite nimble (for what it is).

As far as construction goes this is excellent, everything is tight as a drum no movement or play whatsoever.

The pommel, grip and guard are fantastic. With the length of the grip there is no need to grip the pommel but if you chose to its very comfortable. I requested a brown grip and in my mind I was thinking of a dark brown grip like my Albion Crecy. When I first saw the finished photos of this brown grip my 1st reaction was that I didn’t like it but after a few messages with James I decided to leave it as it is and I’m glad I did. In hand its really a nice colour, for some reason in photos it has an orange tinge but in hand it is very different, it a very nice rich earthy brown. The guard is a bit less substantial that I was hoping for but as it is is still very nice and pleasing and is actually quite functional. When I grip the sword my index finger seems fit snugly into the turned down part of the guard and makes for a very securer grip which also feels somewhat protective. I am really happy with the grip, its both long and thick and the leather binding is perfectly done. At 10” there is plenty of room for both hands and the thickness, being thicker than my Crecy but less than my Ronin elite katana, makes for the most pleasing grip I have experienced to date.




The blade is also quite well done. The shape is different from anything else in my collection and is both visually pleasing and functional. The fullers provide a sweeping feel from the guard until they terminate about 6” from the tip. The cutting edge is very sharp and very well done, about as sharp as I like it without being razer sharp, it dosnt quite cut paper but is close to doing so.






I haven’t cut with it but in dry handling it is definitely a sword in its own category. I don’t feel like it is heavy but once you put in motion you can feel the mass towards the tip and the intent to cut. It dosnt recover as well as my Crecy or my Elite Katana but I would still say it has excellent recovery, particularly in 2 hands, I might add that whilst it can be well managed in one hand I feel that 2 hands are required to use the full potential out of it.

The scabbard was done by Jonathan from Crusader Monk and for the price paid I am very happy with it. Its fits the sword quite well and the colour match is excellent, I note that the shape of the blade in terms of its curve and tapering in & out makes this a challenging sword to fit a scabbard to. I tried it on last night with its full suspension and its very functional and comfortable.





I really like this sword, its something different within my collection being a fantasy piece. Speaking of which it also scratches that itch within my mind, I’m sure I’m not the only one here that sometimes while watching the lord of the rings etc imagines what sword they would use in that world….. this is it for me

Very nice Paul, the Silva is a real looker and the campaign brown works well, you are spot on about the handling and size, I too thought they would be bigger but was surprised at how nimble and sleek they are once you get them in hand, I have found that most handmade swords have a few small imperfections it is part of what makes these unique as semi-custom swords, I only own two swords that I would call flawless and they are not in the same price bracket as the Longship Silvia, great mini-review, now where's the cutting video .

Just a quick add, haven’t had much time with her but with another quick look this morning, I’m really impressed with the grip. Apart from the great finish the form, size and feel are fantastic. It’s MUCH more substantial than my Crecy’s grip (which I feel is a tad too thin for my hands), I’m pretty sure the wood core is a bit thicker and the wrap treatment adds to this. The spiral cord is harder than I expected and provided a nice secure feeling…… really digging this sword.

Quote from my wife……… “how many swords to you have now? Is this becoming a problem?” lol she may have a point might have to do some sole searching re a few, not sure if I can justify keeping both my Crecy & Principe

For sure... the Principe looks SO beefy next to the Crecy... gezz.

Glad I could help. ;-)

My wife does not like my collection and never goes into my man cave. I hate to admit that I sneak new swords in there but it is what keeps the peace and has worked for me all these years. I sneak and I figure she knows I sneak. She found a KOA box in the storage room that I forgot to take the customs form off with the value and was upset I had spent around 300 on a sword.............

That Principe is one sexy beast of a sword Paul. :twisted:

more pics