PART 3: Albion SL 13th C Knightly (Epilogue added)
Oct 7, 2013 16:10:16 GMT
Post by TheMu on Oct 7, 2013 16:10:16 GMT
PART 1
Introduction
So I wanted to try an European sword for a change. I've handled a few Windlasses briefly and that's it. I've owned only katanas so this is my first European sword. I've been pondering for a couple of years to get this particular sword, and now that I had some extra money, I finally purchased it. Yay. There is something archetypical in Albion 13th C Knightly and I wanted something as basic as can be. Of course I know there is no such thing as "basic" type. I also wanted something with authentic handling and high quality, so Albion was my choice. I think this is also a great piece for some customizing. I know this sword isn't particularly interesting because it's been reviewed a few times already and the model is quite old, but another point of view can't hurt!
Historical overview
This is Oakeshott type XII blade. It is still mainly a cutting sword, but it has also effective thrusting capabilities. Thrusting capability was needed because of improvements in armors of the time. XII has greater profile taper than it's predecessors and fuller is shorter. This blade type was in use from the 12th to the 14th centuries. I keep this part of the review short, because I'm not an expert on the subject and I don't want to just hastily copy and paste things from here and there. From internet there can be easily found a few older but great reviews and info of this sword.
Full Disclosure
This is my first European sword and I purchased it to get some perspective since I've owned only katanas. I wanted to see how quality European sword handles, cuts, feels etc. This is my first review so sheath your swords!
Initial Impressions
I woke up to a door bell and there was a smiling post man with my white Albion box. Hooray:
There was a carefully placed shoe mark on the box, but the box seemed OK otherwise:
The box is clearly reused judging from marks of glue and shoes etc.
I'm okay with that but it's not quite what I was expecting in this price point. But the sword itself is stunning:
I took the sword in my hand and it felt astounding.
I'm really surprised how easy it is to wield one handed sword with weight over 1100g(2,5lbs).
But.... I ordered it SHARP and this one is UNSHARPENED.
Again, in this price point I think at Albion they should be more precise:
I'm almost sure that the blade is just a little bit crooked, not more than 1mm but still...
I'm not 100% sure because the wobbliness of the blade might fool me.
I can't get a good picture of it
I was also surprised that there is visible sort of like a ridge line on the other side of the blade and the other side of the blade is roundish/flat:
Well, delivery was fast, but e-mailing with them was a little bit slow. I've already asked them what my options are, returning the sword, refund or what. It would be OK if they returned the 20€, because they sent me the sword unsharpened. I could easily sharpen the sword myself, but I don't want to lose the warranty. I won't remove more of the oil from the blade because I have to return the sword.
My overall feeling is still very positive considering the sword. I'm just a little bit disappointed with Albions sloppiness. Though I'm positive they will do what they can to fix their mistake.
While I was writing this Albion answered me most politely that they will send me a new sword asap! Hopefully everything will go smoothly.
Now I can review two Albion SL 13th c Knightlys!
Statistics
Blade length: 80cm(31,5")
Overall length: 96cm(37,8")
Grip length: 10,5cm(4,134")
CoG: 11cm(4,5")
CoP: 53cm(21")
Weight: 1140g(2,513 lbs)
(Stats are from albion-europe.com. I'll measure the sword myself when I get some tools to do that.)
Components
The Blade
Overall the blade is beautiful If I ignore the flaws mentioned earlier. I'm more familiar with katanas so the very thin blade feels wobbly, but nothing wrong with that. Fullers are fine and overall geometry is clean:
The Handle
Handle is a little bit crude, but it feels firm and very comfortable. I can actually fit my both hands on the handle if I place the index finger above the guard and grab the pommel. I like the handle but I'm going to customize it later. Of course not on this sword 'cause I have to return it, but on the sharp one when it arrives:
The Guard
Guard is simple and straight and it narrows down to the tips. Size and shape are visually and functionally pleasing:
The Pommel
Pommel is round and simple. I like the shape and size because I can grab the pommel for two-handed grip. There is enough mass to balance the sword, but the pommel doesn't look or feel big or crude. Attachment to tang is very well done.
The Scabbard
There is none, but I'm going to make one!
Handling Characteristics
I've wielded only katanas properly so these are the thoughts of a newbie. I love this sword. It feels so effortless to wield. Clear whistling sound on every swing. It will take some training to really learn to use it, but I'm completely stunned by how comfortable this sword feels right away. It is heavier than my katanas (excluding Hanwei Liondog) but it is a lot easier to use with one hand. Of course this is one handed sword and katanas are not, but still. Thrusting also feels natural. This sword meets and tops at least my expectations what comes to handling characteristics.
Test Cutting
I will do the test cutting when I get the sharpened version of the sword.
I'll add the results to the second part of this review.
I'm sure this is going to be an amazing cutter!
Conclusions
I think it's an amazing sword and I'm really happy I purchased a quality sword as my first European sword. Everything was really close to what I expected. I have to say it once more: I'm amazed of the effortless and vivid handling of this sword. Overall quality is good but some details were a letdown. I'm also just a little bit disapointed with Albion's sloppiness. I've had bad experiences with some vendors and I guess I hoped that Albion would have been something exquisite.
Pros
- Superb handling
- Solid construction
- Clean geometry
Cons
- Flaws in the blade (no biggie)
- Albion's sloppiness (no biggie either), great service all in all.
- Considering the previously mentioned cons the price is a little bit too high IMO.
The Bottom Line
The sword is great and I would recommend it to anyone interested to purchase a one handed medieval sword.
Introduction
So I wanted to try an European sword for a change. I've handled a few Windlasses briefly and that's it. I've owned only katanas so this is my first European sword. I've been pondering for a couple of years to get this particular sword, and now that I had some extra money, I finally purchased it. Yay. There is something archetypical in Albion 13th C Knightly and I wanted something as basic as can be. Of course I know there is no such thing as "basic" type. I also wanted something with authentic handling and high quality, so Albion was my choice. I think this is also a great piece for some customizing. I know this sword isn't particularly interesting because it's been reviewed a few times already and the model is quite old, but another point of view can't hurt!
Historical overview
This is Oakeshott type XII blade. It is still mainly a cutting sword, but it has also effective thrusting capabilities. Thrusting capability was needed because of improvements in armors of the time. XII has greater profile taper than it's predecessors and fuller is shorter. This blade type was in use from the 12th to the 14th centuries. I keep this part of the review short, because I'm not an expert on the subject and I don't want to just hastily copy and paste things from here and there. From internet there can be easily found a few older but great reviews and info of this sword.
Full Disclosure
This is my first European sword and I purchased it to get some perspective since I've owned only katanas. I wanted to see how quality European sword handles, cuts, feels etc. This is my first review so sheath your swords!
Initial Impressions
I woke up to a door bell and there was a smiling post man with my white Albion box. Hooray:
There was a carefully placed shoe mark on the box, but the box seemed OK otherwise:
The box is clearly reused judging from marks of glue and shoes etc.
I'm okay with that but it's not quite what I was expecting in this price point. But the sword itself is stunning:
I took the sword in my hand and it felt astounding.
I'm really surprised how easy it is to wield one handed sword with weight over 1100g(2,5lbs).
But.... I ordered it SHARP and this one is UNSHARPENED.
Again, in this price point I think at Albion they should be more precise:
I'm almost sure that the blade is just a little bit crooked, not more than 1mm but still...
I'm not 100% sure because the wobbliness of the blade might fool me.
I can't get a good picture of it
I was also surprised that there is visible sort of like a ridge line on the other side of the blade and the other side of the blade is roundish/flat:
Well, delivery was fast, but e-mailing with them was a little bit slow. I've already asked them what my options are, returning the sword, refund or what. It would be OK if they returned the 20€, because they sent me the sword unsharpened. I could easily sharpen the sword myself, but I don't want to lose the warranty. I won't remove more of the oil from the blade because I have to return the sword.
My overall feeling is still very positive considering the sword. I'm just a little bit disappointed with Albions sloppiness. Though I'm positive they will do what they can to fix their mistake.
While I was writing this Albion answered me most politely that they will send me a new sword asap! Hopefully everything will go smoothly.
Now I can review two Albion SL 13th c Knightlys!
Statistics
Blade length: 80cm(31,5")
Overall length: 96cm(37,8")
Grip length: 10,5cm(4,134")
CoG: 11cm(4,5")
CoP: 53cm(21")
Weight: 1140g(2,513 lbs)
(Stats are from albion-europe.com. I'll measure the sword myself when I get some tools to do that.)
Components
The Blade
Overall the blade is beautiful If I ignore the flaws mentioned earlier. I'm more familiar with katanas so the very thin blade feels wobbly, but nothing wrong with that. Fullers are fine and overall geometry is clean:
The Handle
Handle is a little bit crude, but it feels firm and very comfortable. I can actually fit my both hands on the handle if I place the index finger above the guard and grab the pommel. I like the handle but I'm going to customize it later. Of course not on this sword 'cause I have to return it, but on the sharp one when it arrives:
The Guard
Guard is simple and straight and it narrows down to the tips. Size and shape are visually and functionally pleasing:
The Pommel
Pommel is round and simple. I like the shape and size because I can grab the pommel for two-handed grip. There is enough mass to balance the sword, but the pommel doesn't look or feel big or crude. Attachment to tang is very well done.
The Scabbard
There is none, but I'm going to make one!
Handling Characteristics
I've wielded only katanas properly so these are the thoughts of a newbie. I love this sword. It feels so effortless to wield. Clear whistling sound on every swing. It will take some training to really learn to use it, but I'm completely stunned by how comfortable this sword feels right away. It is heavier than my katanas (excluding Hanwei Liondog) but it is a lot easier to use with one hand. Of course this is one handed sword and katanas are not, but still. Thrusting also feels natural. This sword meets and tops at least my expectations what comes to handling characteristics.
Test Cutting
I will do the test cutting when I get the sharpened version of the sword.
I'll add the results to the second part of this review.
I'm sure this is going to be an amazing cutter!
Conclusions
I think it's an amazing sword and I'm really happy I purchased a quality sword as my first European sword. Everything was really close to what I expected. I have to say it once more: I'm amazed of the effortless and vivid handling of this sword. Overall quality is good but some details were a letdown. I'm also just a little bit disapointed with Albion's sloppiness. I've had bad experiences with some vendors and I guess I hoped that Albion would have been something exquisite.
Pros
- Superb handling
- Solid construction
- Clean geometry
Cons
- Flaws in the blade (no biggie)
- Albion's sloppiness (no biggie either), great service all in all.
- Considering the previously mentioned cons the price is a little bit too high IMO.
The Bottom Line
The sword is great and I would recommend it to anyone interested to purchase a one handed medieval sword.