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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 18:32:20 GMT
I've been looking on this message board and other boards for the past few weeks trying to chose my first medieval sword... The reviews have been both helpful and overwhelming at the same time. The mixed messages cause the most problems: One review says the XYZ brand swords are too heavy/light/sharp/dull, the next review says the new version is better, and the next says they haven't improved much... Some say XYZ brand is flawless, and others say they're garbage. I'm getting the feeling this is the same as a Ford guy talking to a Chevy guy, a Remington guy talking to a Winchester guy or a SkiDoo guy talking to a Polaris guy. Am I close?
So all of that said, can you fine folks help me out? I'm asking for 2 things:
1) Does anyone know of a shop in the metro-Detroit area that actually stocks battle-ready/functional swords?
2) Is anyone in the metro-Detroit area willing to let me view their collection? I'm not looking to beat up a bunch of targets. Heck, I don't even need to take a swing... There is just too much info out there to make a decent choice without actually seeing the sword.
Any help would be appreciated...
Thanks!
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Post by William Swiger on Nov 2, 2012 18:48:32 GMT
Hello Matt,
If you were in Germany, I could let you spend the day going through my collection. ;-)
I guess the first question is what are you looking to spend? If mid to upper range any Arms & Armor or Albion is a sure bet. Even if you pick up one of the Squire Line Albions, they are excellent for the price.
Below that, it can get interesting from the choices out there. Really need to know what you are looking for.
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Post by mcapanelli on Nov 2, 2012 18:51:53 GMT
I'd go to Germany just to go through your collection.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 18:54:48 GMT
I know, right... There is no clean way to ask, "Can I see your sword?" without chuckling like a 5th grader!
I'm looking to be under $350.
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Post by john570 on Nov 2, 2012 19:01:57 GMT
A Hanwei tinker or something from valiant armory seems to be what most of the members on here would say to get you started in euro blades around that price range. What type of sword are you looking for?
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 19:09:43 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions! I've read good things about VA and Hanwei (aside from the occasional dissenter). I've also read about DA but they seem to be a little more hit-and-miss among people.
I'm looking for a medieval style, one-hand or hand-and-a-half. Besides that, it's a big question mark...
Again, I would prefer to actually handle a blade before making a purchase... I have absolutely no frame of reference on this...
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Post by William Swiger on Nov 2, 2012 19:18:32 GMT
Not for the beer? :lol:
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Post by john570 on Nov 2, 2012 19:27:12 GMT
I hear ya about wanting to handle the swords first but that can be a semprini depending on who you know and where you live. Swiger can arm half of Germany with a blade but I'm stuck here in the states. If your not sure about a one hander or a bastard sword you might be able to get both not to far off from $350 just search the classifieds.
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Post by mcapanelli on Nov 2, 2012 22:32:33 GMT
^^^^^^^^^^ What he said! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'd like to add that while there you should not only check out swords in your range, but any Albion's and A&A's they have on hand as well. When you buy something on a budget your almost going to find some trade off in the item. using guitars as an example; If I have a $500 budget for an acoustic, and expect it to sound like a $4000 Huss & Dalton, I'm in for a big disappointment. There's just no way it's going to happen. Not because the $500 guitar is a piece of shite, but because in order to get the guitar at a price point I can afford some compromises had to be made. Laminate woods, a made in china sticker, unevenly scalloped bracing, or no scalloping at all. All of these things are done to bring the guitar down to a price I can live with. Now why would I touter myself by playing the $4000 one? Simple; So I can have a physical understanding of exactly what those compromises were and find a guitar in my price point that has trade off's I can live with. Swords are much the same
No matter what some people will tell you, there is a reason you pay $1000+ for an Albion, and it's not because of the name. Same goes for Atrim and Arms and Armor. These swords are heavily researched and made to exacting standards that a cheaper sword just won't match. Mass distribution, harmonic nodes, point of balance, distill taper, these features are mostly non-exsistent on cheaper swords. You may get one or two, but very rarely will you get more than that. So by handling a well made reproduction you can see and feel first hand what I'm talking about. Then when you choose a sword in your range you'll know what compromises you can live with.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 23:42:21 GMT
I will be in the Chicago area in January and may just have to take a side trip to KoA! I
As far as the fit of the sword: Thanks for reassuring me that I need to actually handle a few... I'm 6'2"and I don't have a hard time throwing around some pretty heavy things. On the flip side, I don't want a blade that feels cumbersome in the hand. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate all the suggestions that have been offered, but all I can say is they look nice. I have no idea how they feel.
Thanks again, fellas! I appreciate the insight/help!
Thanks again...
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jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Nov 3, 2012 3:53:49 GMT
If I had seen this a few months back, I still had most of the swords going to my new bro in law and brother for their weddings. Woulda let you drive to Grand Rapids to try them...
Fin... Maybe a cutting party is in order? Might sate his curiosity...
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Post by john570 on Nov 9, 2012 14:59:16 GMT
When you get the knightly sword let us know how its cuts and if you like how it handles and post some pics. Not to bad getting an Albion as your first euro by the way.
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Post by raf2 on Nov 9, 2012 16:45:30 GMT
William, how far away are you from Vilseck??
I will be TDY the last week of November at the Army base.
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Post by birdman on Dec 1, 2012 20:05:37 GMT
I live in Michigan, but I'm afraid you'd have about 4-5 hours' drive to get here. I have to say, for the price the Strongblade swords are okay, and their customer service is excellent, but I am stepping up to something of higher quality (and price) from Valiant Armoury.
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