Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 19, 2012 22:01:11 GMT
Hi guys, thought I'd start a topic on the upcoming Albion Principe to see what everyone’s thoughts are and to see how many here have pre-ordered? I’m a bit late to this discussion and only really came across this new sword a few months ago; www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=19975www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic ... highlight= “Dimensions for the Principe: Blade length: 880 mm Blade width: 79 mm Total length: 1175 mm (about)” I’m really liking this sword, would seem to be almost everything I have ever wanted with little compromise. I’ve always loved the Spadona but at this stage in my life don’t want to spend that much and I also love my Crecy, but the Principe fits in nicely. I understand that the Principe has the same blade as the Alexandria but with a longer grip and different furniture. What are your thoughts, is this blade going to be something special, similar proportions to the Spadona but with a much wider blade at the base. I’m thinking of trying to order one of these on the Albion Payment plan would be about $1,430. Cheers - Paul
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Post by john570 on Nov 20, 2012 1:00:15 GMT
It's a lovely looking sword. Do you have albinos link for it?
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Nov 20, 2012 1:42:13 GMT
Why don't they have engravings and whatnot on the pommel and along the "arms" of the cross-guard? They put some nice motifs on the leather, which will end up getting covered up and maybe even go away with repeated use... but no love for the guard and pommel. This is what makes it so hard for me to buy European style swords. They're all so plain, and yet cost so much. If only that vine or leaves theme on the leather continued or was also put on the hilt components as well...
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 20, 2012 3:21:33 GMT
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Post by William Swiger on Nov 20, 2012 4:45:49 GMT
Sometimes it can take years before their concept swords are actually put into production. Not sure if I would put money down on a concept sword but the money put down can always be used for a different sword if you get tired of waiting. Happened to me on one model I was waiting for that still has not been produced.
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Luka
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Post by Luka on Nov 20, 2012 11:49:05 GMT
First, that would greatly increase price, and secondly, engraving was very rare on original european hilts. Inlaying was sometimes done on pommels and guards but inlaying a bronze, silver or gold into a hilt would cost too much for a production sword. Engraving without inlay became more popular in 16th century.
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Nov 20, 2012 13:33:58 GMT
But Albions already cost well over $1K, don't they? And they don't look any more expensive than the well made/balanced Tinker swords that Hanwei sells. You would think that for the extra $1K+ over the price of an H/T, we'd get something nicer. Dynasty Forge's XVIIIa has nice engravings/inlays on the hilt components, and that's under $300. Given, it's not as well balanced, but again... that's what the extra $1K is for. I wish western sword components were as easily interchangeable as katana koshirae, then I could just buy an H/T XVIIIa for the properly geometry-ed blade, and replace the plain ugly fittings with the pretty ones DF XVIIIa.
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Post by Madmartigen on Nov 20, 2012 14:18:12 GMT
Well, imo Albions do look more expensive than H/T. Way more. The way parts are fit, the polish, the finish, all is much better. I've handled only two H/T (bastard and longsword) so far and while they both look well planned, greatly balanced and with nice harmonics (kudos to Tinker), they are not so superbly produced. My longsword came with a nasty secondary bevel and a pretty rough polish, also the handle was pretty simple. The fittings were nice and tight, but not really comparable to Albions. They are great swords for the price, but not really comparable to high-end Albions. Also I've been talking to some practicioners around here, and the general consensus seems to be that during combat and sparrings, Albion blades eat Hanwei blades rather easily. Aah, edited to add - with regards to interchangeable koshirae, you can always buy Albion bare blade and have custom guard/pommel tailored. They should not be more expensive than high-end custom koshirae .
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Post by Sneakypete on Nov 20, 2012 18:28:16 GMT
Kuya man, if you were to handle an Albion and a Hanwei Tinker side by side, you'd definitely understand the price difference. The difference between Albion and H/T is like the difference between a Mercedes Benz and a Ford Taurus. A lot more work goes into each Albion in terms of historical research, production and finish than any sub-300 sword, and it shows. The nice part about the Hanwei Tinkers is that they're a perfect customization platform. Some modded-up Hanweis I've seen actually come pretty close to Albion level, IMHO.
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Post by ken jay on Nov 20, 2012 18:31:46 GMT
Wait, you have folks using actual sharp Albions / other swords in sparring or "combat?" Really? Besides being a WEE bit dangerous for the user, I'd expect any such sword would suffer significant wear & tear or real damage with hardened sharp steel.
Ken
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Post by dylanholderman on Nov 20, 2012 19:19:37 GMT
albion does make blunts specifically for sparing and hanwei makes or at least used to make blunt H/T for sparing purposes. i think that is what he meant
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Nov 20, 2012 20:06:59 GMT
The Principle and the Maxamillion were long my most wanted pre-production swords. Now that the Max exists... I only want it more... I bet the Principle will be awesome.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 20, 2012 21:46:03 GMT
Good point William, looking at the original realise back in June 2010 it can’t be that far away (hoping), 2 1/2 years ago. In the main thread I posted, Peter Johnsson posted in Feb 2012 that the Principe is next in line. I know that Mr Johnsson’s time is much in demand but fingers crossed 2013 is the year A 6month ish payment plan might be good timing, but as you say the funds could be diverted to another sword.
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Post by darius6716 on Nov 20, 2012 21:49:03 GMT
Seconded.The Principe does look amazing, especially with that half wire wrap and leather tooling. I've never been interested in hollow ground swords before but I like the looks of that. Also Kuya check into Yeshua Swords if you want to spruce up your plain jane fittings. Edit: Just noticed I was looking at the wrong sword however I did find the sketch of the Principe and holy cow that's a big sword.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 20, 2012 21:50:33 GMT
Me too, just trying to get my head around the "Blade width: 79 mm" or 3.11inchs, that is big, i dont know of a similar sword on the market?
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Nov 20, 2012 21:56:24 GMT
If wishes were fishes - looks delightful
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 20, 2012 22:52:49 GMT
this was the origional post on Albions site; 6-16-10 Next Generation Update Two new sword models are now in development - the Type XVIIIc. Both of these sword models are monsters, with blades that are over 3" wide at the base. The Alexandria will retail for $1,250 USD, but is available for advance reservation until June 30th, 2010 for the special price of $950. Limited edition of 500 swords worldwide. The Principe (hand and a half) will retail for $1,300 USD, but is available for advance reservation until June 30th, 2010 for the special price of $1,000. Limited edition of 500 swords worldwide. Reserve yours today! The Sword shown is this link I posted www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic ... highlight= isn’t the Principe but a sword that Peter Johnsson made that is very similar.
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Nov 20, 2012 23:10:35 GMT
Also I wonder how “thick” the blade is going to be starting at the guard. I assume it will need to be a bit thicker than others to be in proportion to its width. I’ve read before that the Brescia Spadona is a bit thin in this regard.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Nov 20, 2012 23:36:49 GMT
The Albion XIV swords like the Yoeman are 3 inches wide at the base... this is just longer.
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Post by Rabel Dusk on Nov 21, 2012 0:49:09 GMT
Actually, they're kind of thin. Thickness on 3 originals, in inches - .157, .185, .217. These examples are from the Alexandrian Arsenal group, which contained more XVIIIc's, than almost any other type. (also a fair few XIIIb's and XIX's) The thin cross-section makes it a pure cutter - it was designed for use against unarmored opponents and wouldn't do well against maille.
You may wait awhile for the Albion XVIIIc's to come out. I haven't seen any hilt waxes for them on their facebook page (like the Marozzo and the Tyrolean)
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