Albion Stamford
Jun 28, 2014 11:58:39 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jun 28, 2014 11:58:39 GMT
I purchased this sword from Viking Shield. I have no personal or professional relationship with Viking Shield.
Albion Stamford:
Overall length: 35.875"
Blade length: 30.25"
Blade width: 2.25"
POB: 5.375"
CoP: 19.5"
Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
We named this sword after the legendary Battle of Stamford Bridge, often considered to mark the end of the Viking era in England.
The battle took place on September 25, 1066, shortly after an invading Norwegian army, under King Harald Hardrada, defeated the army of the northern earls Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria at Gate Fulford two miles south of York.
King Harold Godwinson of England met Harald with an army of his own, taking him by surprise, unarmoured and unprepared, after a legendary forced march from the south of the kingdom.
The Stamford is inspired by several examples found in northern Europe. Weapons like this would have been used by warriors of many different nations at the time. Jan Petersen defines these hilts as his later X type, that belong to the 11th C.
The tea cozy pommel holds a central place, as an almost archetypal form in the evolution of the European sword. The Next Generation line could never be complete without at least one example.
Mounted with the same blade that is used for the Reeve and the Bayeux, it shares the same swiftness and eager bite as these swords.
Impressions: The Stamford feels very light in hand for it's size. I also own the Reeve which shares the same blade but the Reeve feels even lighter in hand. The Stamford is quite stiff and does not flex when moved side to side even though the blade is thin. The stiffness is because of its width, cross-section, and heat-treatment. The sword has a satin finish which is very pleasing and is well executed. The wide fuller is well done and meets smoothly with the point. I was on the fence about this sword for years but finally bought it and have no regrets with the purchase. I had the Reeve at the time and did not see how this blade could be what I would consider a true Viking blade. The folks at Albion surprised me as the hilt on the Stamford makes this blade feel completely different than the Reeve. I highly recommend this sword for those collecting Viking swords.
Cons: None with the sword but some people might find this sword too expensive.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Albion Stamford:
Overall length: 35.875"
Blade length: 30.25"
Blade width: 2.25"
POB: 5.375"
CoP: 19.5"
Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
We named this sword after the legendary Battle of Stamford Bridge, often considered to mark the end of the Viking era in England.
The battle took place on September 25, 1066, shortly after an invading Norwegian army, under King Harald Hardrada, defeated the army of the northern earls Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria at Gate Fulford two miles south of York.
King Harold Godwinson of England met Harald with an army of his own, taking him by surprise, unarmoured and unprepared, after a legendary forced march from the south of the kingdom.
The Stamford is inspired by several examples found in northern Europe. Weapons like this would have been used by warriors of many different nations at the time. Jan Petersen defines these hilts as his later X type, that belong to the 11th C.
The tea cozy pommel holds a central place, as an almost archetypal form in the evolution of the European sword. The Next Generation line could never be complete without at least one example.
Mounted with the same blade that is used for the Reeve and the Bayeux, it shares the same swiftness and eager bite as these swords.
Impressions: The Stamford feels very light in hand for it's size. I also own the Reeve which shares the same blade but the Reeve feels even lighter in hand. The Stamford is quite stiff and does not flex when moved side to side even though the blade is thin. The stiffness is because of its width, cross-section, and heat-treatment. The sword has a satin finish which is very pleasing and is well executed. The wide fuller is well done and meets smoothly with the point. I was on the fence about this sword for years but finally bought it and have no regrets with the purchase. I had the Reeve at the time and did not see how this blade could be what I would consider a true Viking blade. The folks at Albion surprised me as the hilt on the Stamford makes this blade feel completely different than the Reeve. I highly recommend this sword for those collecting Viking swords.
Cons: None with the sword but some people might find this sword too expensive.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury