Scorpion Swords: Sword of Arwen
Dec 18, 2012 2:21:20 GMT
Post by ShortbowShinnon on Dec 18, 2012 2:21:20 GMT
Introduction
What first attracted me to this sword was the overall design. It kind of looks like you should use it like a Euro though it is physically similar to a Katana. And, I am a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan. Arwen's sword makes a brief cameo, and I honestly didn't care much about it until I saw this. Scorpion Swords, I think, prices their items very reasonably, and is one of the few that I can look at and not think "I'm not staring at a thousand dollar sword, why are you charging it?"
This sword was roughly 230 dollars I think, I'm too lazy to check to be sure.
Historical Overview
Been awhile since I've read The Silmarillion, but the sword's name is "Hadhafang". It originally had no Elvish inscriptions on it, that much I do recall. I also believe that Hadhafang saw an owner before Arwen, please correct me if I'm wrong, The Silmarillion addled my poor what-was 13 year old mind the first time I read it.
Full Disclosure
I AM EXTREMELY BIASED TOWARDS LORD OF THE RINGS MEMORABILIA! I CAN'T STAY AWAY! But in all seriousness, I was not paid to make this review. Would that I were.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived in a triangular "tube" stuffed to the brim with bubblewrap and packing "peanuts". Upon taking the sword out (drawing out the peanuts in the process, what a mess) I was ecstatic. It is because this thing has some real heft to it; more than it looks like it would, but just enough to make you want to hit something right then and there to see the result.
Positive
Blade arrived with a nice satin-like polish. The engravings are clean and crisp, and the handle is beautiful. I believe the Elvish reads "Foe of Morgoth's Realm". This thing has a THICK blade. I took a picture of it. Looks like you could cut down one Orc, flip the sword around in your hand, and bash the next poor sap's head in with the "spine" of the blade. Very, VERY sturdy construction. "Full tang" is the correct term for this type, isn't it?
Negative
There is some minor pitting on one spot of the blade, I took a picture of it, though not a good one. On the two aesthetic "prongs" there is some rust on the "inside" of the curve, but not at all serious. The sharpening on it is sharp, but certainly not paper-cutting sharp. And the sheath is so bad I feel like it needs a note that says "for display purposes only". Of course, for 39$ I wasn't expecting much out of it, but even my Ka-Bar's sheath is more durable than this thing. Within a day the stitching began breaking. I don't think the handle is real Tiger Oak as the description states, I think it's Maple with a paint job. Still looks great though.
Statistics
Taken from Scorpion Sword's website
Total Length = 30 ¾ ” Blade Length = 22 ¼ “
Blade Width = 1 5/8 ” widest Blade Thickness = 3/16 “
Handle Length = 8 ½ ” Handle: Tiger Maple
Handle Width = 1 3/8 ” widest Weight = 2 lbs
Not from the website: POB is around 2.5-3 inches from the top of the handle
Components
The Blade
Made from 1095 High Carbon Steel. As previously stated, this thing is THICK:
(Sorry for bad quality on this one)
Anyways, the blade has a cool... vibe, if you will. Every time you take it out of the sheath, you're not expecting what you get. It's like unwrapping a gift each time
Here's what I mean:
(You can see some of the engraving on some of these)
The Handle
The handle is beautiful. The pale (what I assume is) Maple wood with the Tiger Oak "paint-job" and the golden vine patterns is pulled off wonderfully. This thing is just asking for a dark blue scabbard to add some contrast. I'll post pictures when I get a scabbard done.
The Scabbard
Like I've said before, the scabbard is a piece of crap more fitting for disciplining naughty children than holding a sharp pointy object in. But it's good enough for storing the sword in, I just wouldn't feel safe putting this thing on a belt. It's already falling apart after 2 days.
Test Cutting
Sorry I didn't get any pictures of this
I cut through 4 bottles with this thing, until the weather beat me back inside. It went through larger bottles (i.e. gallon jugs) like butter, but it didn't come sharp enough to do the job on smaller, lighter bottles efficiently. Or, I suck at cutting. I'm 15, after all. Like I've said before, this thing is heavier than you'd expect something as simple and "Elven-inspired" to be, but that's what makes it so fun. It's a real joy to cut with this thing.
Conclusion
For 230 dollars (sheath excluded) you get something that's real fun to cut with, and something that just feels powerful in your hands. It's asking for some customization (dark blue scabbard, anyone?) and in general is a great first starter sword, which it was for me. I could recommend this to a friend, and I most likely will!
NOTE: By no means am I an experienced sword collector, but I can tell you this won't be my last one. My impressions on handling are ignorant at best, and are just what I felt like it was... I cannot compare to any other swords. Believe my opinions at your own risk, but I personally found it very enjoyable!