Evolution Arms Atrim 2 Handed Falchion
Apr 26, 2013 13:53:01 GMT
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Apr 26, 2013 13:53:01 GMT
Evolution Arms Atrim 2 Handed Falchion
Sean O. Stevens -- Grovetown, GA
Introduction
Evolution Arms is a new 'trim' level of Atrim swords if you will... made by Angus Trim and Sold at our own Marc Ridgeway's Torion Sword. Swords from Evolution Arms will be sold on a case by case basis, no per-orders... and the Evo Sword Atrims carry a level of finish untypical of what one is used to in atrim swords. A better polish on the blades and finish on the fittings... and superior grips. Essentially, the idea is to take the now legendary handling and performance of Atrim swords we have all become used to, and bring the over all finish up to showcase it.
When I first heard of plans for this line I was very interested. I've owned somewhere around 30 different atrim swords over the years... and ALL of them handled and cut VERY well. However, atrim swords always had a bit of a 'rough' look. Very utilitarian in appearance, one could say 'spartan'. For some this is fine, others have been turned off from owning an atrim due to these appearance issues.
There was always the option to buy one and have it altered afterwards... but there was no way to get a complete package with a higher level of finish without shipping the sword around and working out something with another cutler. Till now.
I knew I wanted to get one of these new swords, and this Two Handed Falchion appealed to me for many reasons. The Grip, the profile, the blued fittings, the relation it has to an awesome single handed Falchion (The Archangel) that I once owned. The moment I handled it, I knew I was going to buy it.
Historical Overview
I will be honest... this is not my strong point or even a field of great interest to me. I know that Two Handed Falchions existed in history, and that Angus Trim has done extensive study on historical swords to inform his craft... but I do not know if this specific sword has a precedence in history.
Full Disclosure
I know Marc Ridgeway, and consider him a friend. I have owned many Atrim swords and have talked with Gus a few times. That said, I bought this sword without consideration or discount... and own it free and clear of any expectations of favors. I've owned many atrim swords because they have impressed me time and time again, and I have no issues precluding me from giving my honest opinion of this one.
Initial Impressions
I was able to meet up with Marc (as we live only a couple hours apart) and handle this and another of the new Evolution line in person before I bought it. I was impressed with both of the swords... but kept coming back to this one.
It really does handle a lot like a well balanced Katana. The grip is amazingly comfortable and cool looking. The over all look is very unique and cool. The only gripe I had with it when I first saw it was the uniform twin fullers. I thought it might have looked better if they were staggered a bit. That aside, I was VERY impressed with the look and feel of the sword, and knew it would be mine. Oh yes, it would be mine.
Statistics
Blade Length: 32 & 3/4 inches
Blade Width at base: 1 & 1/2 inches
Blade Width at 'spike': 1 & 3/4 inches
Handle Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 42 & 3/4 inches
Guard Width: 8 & 1/4 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 4 & 1/4 inches
Weight: 2lbs 11oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is brought to a very nice polish, just a bit short of mirror. Much higher finish then any Atrim sword I've ever owned before. Its thin and strait for most of the length, till near the end where it curves in on the edge side and spikes out just before the sharpened false edge on the back. The twin fullers are deep and black with scale and very striking. The edge is well blended. The geometry where the blade changes near the end is well executed. Very impressive.
The Grip
This was a huge selling point for me. The grip is epic. The artistic spacer in the center is a great feature. Its a deep brown cord and leather grip, super comfortable, and my preferred length for a two handed weapon, 8 inches. The seam is visible but you can't feel it. This is one of the nicest grips I've ever had on a sword.
The Guard
I love the color of the guard. You can get a lot of different colors when heat-bluing steel, this one goes very well with the brown of the grip. There are hints of brown and gold in the color, which is mostly a dark grey. The slight up-sweep of the guard is appealing to me. Everything is tight with no hint of rattle, very well fit.
The Pommel
Smooth simple disc pommel with visible peen. The color of the tang metal in the peen contrasts with the blued pommel... which might be annoying for some but I sort of like the look.
Handling Characteristics
The Evolution Falchion handles very much like a Katana... that is, in two hands. In one hand for me its MUCH better. I've never been able to cut well with Katana single handed. I'm not sure why. With the Falchion single handed cuts are a breeze. Recovery is quicker and requires less redirection of force for me then does that with a katana.
I think of this sword very much like a Bastard sword... for me it handles like an ideal Bastard sword should. Very manageable and nimble in one hand, and fast and totally controlled in two. Its a near perfect balance between agility and strength.
Test Cutting
Cutting with the Evolution Falchion is effortless. It performs amazingly on small and heavy targets, with single and both hands. Its very versatile. Often with swords I've owned and currently own... it will have a certain style of use that it may be strong in but is weak in another. This is typical, the different swords are almost always some sort of compromise. This sword is one of the best balanced swords as far as being strong at all aspects. Very much a bastard sword... I enjoy it quite a bit.
Conclusions
I very much look forward to seeing the next sword types that will become available from Evolution Arms. This sword was a wonderful surprise for me. I was not looking to add any Two Handed Falchions to my collection... until I saw and handled this one and decided I *HAD* to have it. Being one of the first of a historic new line of swords from Angus Trim was just icing on the cake.
The Evolution Falchion is just VERY attractive, and is so good in so many areas... I'm very pleased with it.
Pros
- One of the best grips I've seen on a sword.
- Versatile, do everything well sword.
- Exclusivity. Not too many of these will be available.
- Unquestioned Atrim quality with higher fit and finish.
Cons
- Price. Evolution Arms swords sell at a much higher price-point then people are used to seeing Atrim swords sell at.
- Availability. There will not be a lot of these, so when you see one you like, you had better grab it, you might not see it again.
The Bottom Line
Evolution Arms will not be for everyone... but its PERFECT for some of us. I think many are used to Atrim sword being the 'budget performance' option. That is not the case with this sword. However, I find the attention to detail on this Falchion to be impressive. The amazing grip, the blued fittings... and the better finish and attention to details on the blade. For me, this sword was well worth the price... but I sure won't be able to afford a lot of them.
Given how the Evolution Arms Atrim swords will be a limited edition option... my thoughts are if you see one that really speaks to you, JUMP ON IT. I can't imagine you will be disappointed... the quality is impressive... and you will have a very limited, rare sword you can cherish.
I'll keep my eyes out for new Evolution Arms, and if I see one that speaks to me, I'll jump on it without hesitation.
Thanks for reading!
Sean O. Stevens -- Grovetown, GA
Introduction
Evolution Arms is a new 'trim' level of Atrim swords if you will... made by Angus Trim and Sold at our own Marc Ridgeway's Torion Sword. Swords from Evolution Arms will be sold on a case by case basis, no per-orders... and the Evo Sword Atrims carry a level of finish untypical of what one is used to in atrim swords. A better polish on the blades and finish on the fittings... and superior grips. Essentially, the idea is to take the now legendary handling and performance of Atrim swords we have all become used to, and bring the over all finish up to showcase it.
When I first heard of plans for this line I was very interested. I've owned somewhere around 30 different atrim swords over the years... and ALL of them handled and cut VERY well. However, atrim swords always had a bit of a 'rough' look. Very utilitarian in appearance, one could say 'spartan'. For some this is fine, others have been turned off from owning an atrim due to these appearance issues.
There was always the option to buy one and have it altered afterwards... but there was no way to get a complete package with a higher level of finish without shipping the sword around and working out something with another cutler. Till now.
I knew I wanted to get one of these new swords, and this Two Handed Falchion appealed to me for many reasons. The Grip, the profile, the blued fittings, the relation it has to an awesome single handed Falchion (The Archangel) that I once owned. The moment I handled it, I knew I was going to buy it.
Historical Overview
I will be honest... this is not my strong point or even a field of great interest to me. I know that Two Handed Falchions existed in history, and that Angus Trim has done extensive study on historical swords to inform his craft... but I do not know if this specific sword has a precedence in history.
Full Disclosure
I know Marc Ridgeway, and consider him a friend. I have owned many Atrim swords and have talked with Gus a few times. That said, I bought this sword without consideration or discount... and own it free and clear of any expectations of favors. I've owned many atrim swords because they have impressed me time and time again, and I have no issues precluding me from giving my honest opinion of this one.
Initial Impressions
I was able to meet up with Marc (as we live only a couple hours apart) and handle this and another of the new Evolution line in person before I bought it. I was impressed with both of the swords... but kept coming back to this one.
It really does handle a lot like a well balanced Katana. The grip is amazingly comfortable and cool looking. The over all look is very unique and cool. The only gripe I had with it when I first saw it was the uniform twin fullers. I thought it might have looked better if they were staggered a bit. That aside, I was VERY impressed with the look and feel of the sword, and knew it would be mine. Oh yes, it would be mine.
Statistics
Blade Length: 32 & 3/4 inches
Blade Width at base: 1 & 1/2 inches
Blade Width at 'spike': 1 & 3/4 inches
Handle Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 42 & 3/4 inches
Guard Width: 8 & 1/4 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 4 & 1/4 inches
Weight: 2lbs 11oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is brought to a very nice polish, just a bit short of mirror. Much higher finish then any Atrim sword I've ever owned before. Its thin and strait for most of the length, till near the end where it curves in on the edge side and spikes out just before the sharpened false edge on the back. The twin fullers are deep and black with scale and very striking. The edge is well blended. The geometry where the blade changes near the end is well executed. Very impressive.
The Grip
This was a huge selling point for me. The grip is epic. The artistic spacer in the center is a great feature. Its a deep brown cord and leather grip, super comfortable, and my preferred length for a two handed weapon, 8 inches. The seam is visible but you can't feel it. This is one of the nicest grips I've ever had on a sword.
The Guard
I love the color of the guard. You can get a lot of different colors when heat-bluing steel, this one goes very well with the brown of the grip. There are hints of brown and gold in the color, which is mostly a dark grey. The slight up-sweep of the guard is appealing to me. Everything is tight with no hint of rattle, very well fit.
The Pommel
Smooth simple disc pommel with visible peen. The color of the tang metal in the peen contrasts with the blued pommel... which might be annoying for some but I sort of like the look.
Handling Characteristics
The Evolution Falchion handles very much like a Katana... that is, in two hands. In one hand for me its MUCH better. I've never been able to cut well with Katana single handed. I'm not sure why. With the Falchion single handed cuts are a breeze. Recovery is quicker and requires less redirection of force for me then does that with a katana.
I think of this sword very much like a Bastard sword... for me it handles like an ideal Bastard sword should. Very manageable and nimble in one hand, and fast and totally controlled in two. Its a near perfect balance between agility and strength.
Test Cutting
Cutting with the Evolution Falchion is effortless. It performs amazingly on small and heavy targets, with single and both hands. Its very versatile. Often with swords I've owned and currently own... it will have a certain style of use that it may be strong in but is weak in another. This is typical, the different swords are almost always some sort of compromise. This sword is one of the best balanced swords as far as being strong at all aspects. Very much a bastard sword... I enjoy it quite a bit.
Conclusions
I very much look forward to seeing the next sword types that will become available from Evolution Arms. This sword was a wonderful surprise for me. I was not looking to add any Two Handed Falchions to my collection... until I saw and handled this one and decided I *HAD* to have it. Being one of the first of a historic new line of swords from Angus Trim was just icing on the cake.
The Evolution Falchion is just VERY attractive, and is so good in so many areas... I'm very pleased with it.
Pros
- One of the best grips I've seen on a sword.
- Versatile, do everything well sword.
- Exclusivity. Not too many of these will be available.
- Unquestioned Atrim quality with higher fit and finish.
Cons
- Price. Evolution Arms swords sell at a much higher price-point then people are used to seeing Atrim swords sell at.
- Availability. There will not be a lot of these, so when you see one you like, you had better grab it, you might not see it again.
The Bottom Line
Evolution Arms will not be for everyone... but its PERFECT for some of us. I think many are used to Atrim sword being the 'budget performance' option. That is not the case with this sword. However, I find the attention to detail on this Falchion to be impressive. The amazing grip, the blued fittings... and the better finish and attention to details on the blade. For me, this sword was well worth the price... but I sure won't be able to afford a lot of them.
Given how the Evolution Arms Atrim swords will be a limited edition option... my thoughts are if you see one that really speaks to you, JUMP ON IT. I can't imagine you will be disappointed... the quality is impressive... and you will have a very limited, rare sword you can cherish.
I'll keep my eyes out for new Evolution Arms, and if I see one that speaks to me, I'll jump on it without hesitation.
Thanks for reading!