Museum Collection Glamdring Review
Mar 21, 2013 16:00:48 GMT
Post by LG Martial Arts on Mar 21, 2013 16:00:48 GMT
Full Disclosure
I have not been compensated for this or other reviews by UC, Redford Films, or other manufacturers/vendors
Overview
Based off European Leaf Blade swords, this is a fantastic recreation of the Peter Lyons LOTR inspired Glamdring (“Foe Hammer”), wielded by Gandalf the Grey. I found this Museum Collection Glamdring while browsing the internet one day and could not resist bidding for it on eBay. According to specs I’ve seen online, the blade is made out of tempered high carbon spring steel, advertised as full tang, and fully functional. I won with the highest bid ($275 including shipping), and got my MC Glamdring #485 out of 1000 shortly after that.
Statistics
Blade Length: 35 1/2"
Handle Length (including pommel): 11"
Overall Length: 47 1/2"
POB (Point of Balance): approximately 5" from the guard
COP (Center of Percussion): :?: Don’t know how to measure this, and haven’t found any info online either.
Weight: approximately 4 pounds without scabbard and belt
Initial Impressions
The Glamdring I bought did do not come with the original COA nor the wooden display case (those sold out a LONG time ago for $1,000 + at the time – I suspect they’re going for much more now!). I instead received the sword in a white cardboard box, slightly oiled and supported by styrofoam blocks (not very well though, since it was knocked around so much by the shipping company that the tip was rolled over, necessitating me having to reshape the tip with a hammer and some files – it still looks kind of rough, need to polish it up with some of my fine stones once I get a chance ). A- for the sword, C for the seller for not really securing it well inside the box or providing a thick enough box, and an F to the shipper (big brown) for not treating the box with enough care to prevent it from opening up slightly (tape was undone in some areas) and having some blade tip damage. :evil:
Dry handling the sword, you can tell that it’s very blade heavy, causing me to tire out way faster than when using my Munetoshi Tessen Katana or even my High Elvish King Sword (1st gen – will review that as soon as I can, have never gotten around to it even though I bought the sword over 6 years ago). BTW, since I’m trained in Iaido, it makes sense that I would know how to handle a Japanese sword better than a European type, since I have practically no training at all with European swords except the epee foil (I was on my college fencing team for one season).
The Blade
The blade as you can see from the pictures below is made out of an elegant leaf shape.
It is polished to a satin finish, but is coated in what looks to be acrylic varnish to prevent rusting, I suppose. The blade is magnetic. The single fuller is straight and (mostly) regular throughout. Unfortunately, there is no distal taper in the blade until the very the last three or so inches.
The edge is not sharp; it has a flat edge and a large secondary bevel all the way to the tip. The tip, however, IS very pointy and sharp (at least it is now! It came with a slightly rolled tip from being roughly handled during shipping. I had to reprofile the tip back into shape).
The tang portion near the guard looks to be beefy enough to be considered a “battle ready” sword once the other problems are “fixed” by a good customizer.
The Guard
The guard is a some kind of metal casting (not iron based), plated in genuine silver and is adorned with real sapphires according to the information I’ve seen online – I cannot verify if the sapphires are real or not though since I’m not a gemologist.
There is some clearance on the tang near the guard I don't particularly care for - wish it was done at a closer tolerance.
Supposedly, this version of the Glamdring sword has had the runes on the guard reversed... according to some research I’ve dug up, UC based it off a prop sword from sent to them by Weta, and somehow or another, the elfish sentences on the sides were reversed (probably because of the molding process).
The Handle
The handle is made out of some nonferrous metal according to the specs I’ve seen online and others who’ve taken the sword apart – I can’t attest to that since I haven’t done that (yet – here’s a link to another review of the same sword by a collector who took it completely apart /thread/31580). Since it doesn’t have a wood core, I’m afraid it’ll have some negative impact on the durability of the sword down the road if used for cutting, etc. This is definitely a good place to have someone with knowledge customize the sword for you and make it safe/”battle ready” if you so choose to do so. If not, it’s ready to go as a solid wall hanger for the discriminating LOTR collector.
The Pommel
I have not taken the sword apart, so I can’t really say anything except point you (again) to another review where the issues with the pommel are discussed in detail: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/31580
The Scabbard
The MC Glamdring doesn't come with a scabbard, but it fits the regular edition UC scabbard well (both the blue or white versions, although with the blue leather handle, you might want to get the blue scabbard unless you’re going to customize the sword – then you can use which ever color you like). You can also get a nice ring belt to complete the package off the internet/eBay (where I bought mine).
Handling Characteristics
This is a blade heavy sword because of the lack of a distal taper and the inherent design of a leaf blade. While it is possible to wield one handed (especially if you’re the muscle bound hero type ), the best way to hold/wield it is with both hands, one of them gripping the pommel. Just remember though, that another reviewer who took the entire sword apart made it clear that the pommel is not that secure (threaded type), and that could cause a problem down the road if you try to use it as a cutter.
Test Cutting: NONE
I will eventually sharpen the blade (and strengthen the handle/pommel) and make this sword fully functional, however, that’s not going to happen any time soon. When I get around to it, I’ll post an updated review.
Pros
- nice leaf blade
- high carbon spring steel blade
- good temper
- beautiful aesthetics and tasteful antiquing
- limited edition
- got it cheap
Cons
- non-ferrous handle & hilt materials/construction (got info from other source)
- almost no distal taper (unfortunate, since it makes the sword difficult to maneuver)
- needs serious customization if you really want a "battle ready" sword
Conclusion:
If you can find a similar deal, then I say go for it by all means. I think they're still available from Redford Films and sometimes go on sale on eBay (where I got mine). Remember, this is a Museum Collection Limited Edition Glamdring, not just the regular stainless steel UC version. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still buy it in a heartbeat. I hope you enjoy my review!
I have not been compensated for this or other reviews by UC, Redford Films, or other manufacturers/vendors
Overview
Based off European Leaf Blade swords, this is a fantastic recreation of the Peter Lyons LOTR inspired Glamdring (“Foe Hammer”), wielded by Gandalf the Grey. I found this Museum Collection Glamdring while browsing the internet one day and could not resist bidding for it on eBay. According to specs I’ve seen online, the blade is made out of tempered high carbon spring steel, advertised as full tang, and fully functional. I won with the highest bid ($275 including shipping), and got my MC Glamdring #485 out of 1000 shortly after that.
Statistics
Blade Length: 35 1/2"
Handle Length (including pommel): 11"
Overall Length: 47 1/2"
POB (Point of Balance): approximately 5" from the guard
COP (Center of Percussion): :?: Don’t know how to measure this, and haven’t found any info online either.
Weight: approximately 4 pounds without scabbard and belt
Initial Impressions
The Glamdring I bought did do not come with the original COA nor the wooden display case (those sold out a LONG time ago for $1,000 + at the time – I suspect they’re going for much more now!). I instead received the sword in a white cardboard box, slightly oiled and supported by styrofoam blocks (not very well though, since it was knocked around so much by the shipping company that the tip was rolled over, necessitating me having to reshape the tip with a hammer and some files – it still looks kind of rough, need to polish it up with some of my fine stones once I get a chance ). A- for the sword, C for the seller for not really securing it well inside the box or providing a thick enough box, and an F to the shipper (big brown) for not treating the box with enough care to prevent it from opening up slightly (tape was undone in some areas) and having some blade tip damage. :evil:
Dry handling the sword, you can tell that it’s very blade heavy, causing me to tire out way faster than when using my Munetoshi Tessen Katana or even my High Elvish King Sword (1st gen – will review that as soon as I can, have never gotten around to it even though I bought the sword over 6 years ago). BTW, since I’m trained in Iaido, it makes sense that I would know how to handle a Japanese sword better than a European type, since I have practically no training at all with European swords except the epee foil (I was on my college fencing team for one season).
The Blade
The blade as you can see from the pictures below is made out of an elegant leaf shape.
It is polished to a satin finish, but is coated in what looks to be acrylic varnish to prevent rusting, I suppose. The blade is magnetic. The single fuller is straight and (mostly) regular throughout. Unfortunately, there is no distal taper in the blade until the very the last three or so inches.
The edge is not sharp; it has a flat edge and a large secondary bevel all the way to the tip. The tip, however, IS very pointy and sharp (at least it is now! It came with a slightly rolled tip from being roughly handled during shipping. I had to reprofile the tip back into shape).
The tang portion near the guard looks to be beefy enough to be considered a “battle ready” sword once the other problems are “fixed” by a good customizer.
The Guard
The guard is a some kind of metal casting (not iron based), plated in genuine silver and is adorned with real sapphires according to the information I’ve seen online – I cannot verify if the sapphires are real or not though since I’m not a gemologist.
There is some clearance on the tang near the guard I don't particularly care for - wish it was done at a closer tolerance.
Supposedly, this version of the Glamdring sword has had the runes on the guard reversed... according to some research I’ve dug up, UC based it off a prop sword from sent to them by Weta, and somehow or another, the elfish sentences on the sides were reversed (probably because of the molding process).
The Handle
The handle is made out of some nonferrous metal according to the specs I’ve seen online and others who’ve taken the sword apart – I can’t attest to that since I haven’t done that (yet – here’s a link to another review of the same sword by a collector who took it completely apart /thread/31580). Since it doesn’t have a wood core, I’m afraid it’ll have some negative impact on the durability of the sword down the road if used for cutting, etc. This is definitely a good place to have someone with knowledge customize the sword for you and make it safe/”battle ready” if you so choose to do so. If not, it’s ready to go as a solid wall hanger for the discriminating LOTR collector.
The Pommel
I have not taken the sword apart, so I can’t really say anything except point you (again) to another review where the issues with the pommel are discussed in detail: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/31580
The Scabbard
The MC Glamdring doesn't come with a scabbard, but it fits the regular edition UC scabbard well (both the blue or white versions, although with the blue leather handle, you might want to get the blue scabbard unless you’re going to customize the sword – then you can use which ever color you like). You can also get a nice ring belt to complete the package off the internet/eBay (where I bought mine).
Handling Characteristics
This is a blade heavy sword because of the lack of a distal taper and the inherent design of a leaf blade. While it is possible to wield one handed (especially if you’re the muscle bound hero type ), the best way to hold/wield it is with both hands, one of them gripping the pommel. Just remember though, that another reviewer who took the entire sword apart made it clear that the pommel is not that secure (threaded type), and that could cause a problem down the road if you try to use it as a cutter.
Test Cutting: NONE
I will eventually sharpen the blade (and strengthen the handle/pommel) and make this sword fully functional, however, that’s not going to happen any time soon. When I get around to it, I’ll post an updated review.
Pros
- nice leaf blade
- high carbon spring steel blade
- good temper
- beautiful aesthetics and tasteful antiquing
- limited edition
- got it cheap
Cons
- non-ferrous handle & hilt materials/construction (got info from other source)
- almost no distal taper (unfortunate, since it makes the sword difficult to maneuver)
- needs serious customization if you really want a "battle ready" sword
Conclusion:
If you can find a similar deal, then I say go for it by all means. I think they're still available from Redford Films and sometimes go on sale on eBay (where I got mine). Remember, this is a Museum Collection Limited Edition Glamdring, not just the regular stainless steel UC version. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still buy it in a heartbeat. I hope you enjoy my review!