Alexandria
May 7, 2014 9:22:09 GMT
Post by William Swiger on May 7, 2014 9:22:09 GMT
I bought this sword from Kult of Athena and have no affiliation with Albion or KOA.
Albion Alexandria
Specifications
Type: Oakeshott XVIIIc
Total length: 43 1/2"
Blade length: 34 1/2"
Blade width at base: 3"
CoG: 3 1/2"
CoP: 20 1/2"
Grip Length: 7"
Cross Guard: 11"
Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
Background: Generic design of European Knightly swords that were deposited in the arsenal of Alexandria during a period from 1367 to 1436. The original swords used as examples for this creation bear marks of bladesmiths from Milan.
Type XVIII: The blade is relatively broad at its base, of flattened or hollow-ground diamond section, tapers to a strong point and sometimes features a pronounced central ridge. According to Oakeshott, Type XVIII and its subtypes were "the most widely used swords between c. 1410 and 1510 all over Europe".
Sub-Type XVIIIc: Large, hand-and-a-half sword with blade up to 34". Faces of the flattened diamond section may be slightly convex. Long grip with a pronounced bulge in its middle. Cross often horizontally S-curved. Pommel usually of wheel form.
Impressions: This sword was on my buy list when Albion first started producing them. The Alexandria is not a fencing sword and is designed as an instrument of war. There are really no frills and laces and there is no mistaking the intent behind this design. The blade is quite stiff even while being thin and wide. The grip is comfortable and I can fit both hands. I can comfortably handle this sword 1-handed for short periods of time. Using 2-hands will unleash the full potential of the Alexandria. The pommel is comfortable to grasp and a plus for those like Sean with meat-hooks. My grip measures 7 inches. The sword seems like it will be a great cutter but retains enough point to be an effective thruster. I have read some people say the sword handles well and lighter than its weight but honestly, I feel the weight is fine for the size and intent of the sword.
Small Issues: The sword shipped from KOA in one of their regular brown shipping boxes. The sword blade was covered in plastic wrap and brown paper. This in itself is no biggie but this Alexandria I received has some small rust places on the pommel. The leather dye on the grip has a few discolorations. The blade is not finished to the usual high quality Albion finish I have taken for granted on my previous 30+ swords from them. Very visible and uneven sanding marks the first several inches from the hilt and some bright spots near the tip. I have decided to keep the sword vice sending it back as the flaws are disappointing but does not impede the functionality or overall good looks of the sword.
References:
1. Archaeology of Weapons, R. Ewart Oakeshott
2. Sword in the Age of Chivalry, R. Ewart Oakeshott
3. Records of the Medieval Sword, R. Ewart Oakeshott
Albion Alexandria
Specifications
Type: Oakeshott XVIIIc
Total length: 43 1/2"
Blade length: 34 1/2"
Blade width at base: 3"
CoG: 3 1/2"
CoP: 20 1/2"
Grip Length: 7"
Cross Guard: 11"
Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
Background: Generic design of European Knightly swords that were deposited in the arsenal of Alexandria during a period from 1367 to 1436. The original swords used as examples for this creation bear marks of bladesmiths from Milan.
Type XVIII: The blade is relatively broad at its base, of flattened or hollow-ground diamond section, tapers to a strong point and sometimes features a pronounced central ridge. According to Oakeshott, Type XVIII and its subtypes were "the most widely used swords between c. 1410 and 1510 all over Europe".
Sub-Type XVIIIc: Large, hand-and-a-half sword with blade up to 34". Faces of the flattened diamond section may be slightly convex. Long grip with a pronounced bulge in its middle. Cross often horizontally S-curved. Pommel usually of wheel form.
Impressions: This sword was on my buy list when Albion first started producing them. The Alexandria is not a fencing sword and is designed as an instrument of war. There are really no frills and laces and there is no mistaking the intent behind this design. The blade is quite stiff even while being thin and wide. The grip is comfortable and I can fit both hands. I can comfortably handle this sword 1-handed for short periods of time. Using 2-hands will unleash the full potential of the Alexandria. The pommel is comfortable to grasp and a plus for those like Sean with meat-hooks. My grip measures 7 inches. The sword seems like it will be a great cutter but retains enough point to be an effective thruster. I have read some people say the sword handles well and lighter than its weight but honestly, I feel the weight is fine for the size and intent of the sword.
Small Issues: The sword shipped from KOA in one of their regular brown shipping boxes. The sword blade was covered in plastic wrap and brown paper. This in itself is no biggie but this Alexandria I received has some small rust places on the pommel. The leather dye on the grip has a few discolorations. The blade is not finished to the usual high quality Albion finish I have taken for granted on my previous 30+ swords from them. Very visible and uneven sanding marks the first several inches from the hilt and some bright spots near the tip. I have decided to keep the sword vice sending it back as the flaws are disappointing but does not impede the functionality or overall good looks of the sword.
References:
1. Archaeology of Weapons, R. Ewart Oakeshott
2. Sword in the Age of Chivalry, R. Ewart Oakeshott
3. Records of the Medieval Sword, R. Ewart Oakeshott