Angus Trim New XVIIIb.2
Oct 15, 2014 4:10:50 GMT
Post by Sir Alan Adale on Oct 15, 2014 4:10:50 GMT
I purchased this sword new on or about July 5th of this year. I purchased it from KOA.www.kultofathena.com/images/AT002.jpg and as is mentioned in a previous thread. [/url] viewtopic.php?f=10&t=22010 [/url]. It was quite involved acquiring this sword.
The sword forum guide says to explain here why I purchased this sword. So here goes, and I mean this with all honesty and sincerity. At that that time I was a lot newer to all this. And so after everything I had read and heard about Atrims and having never owned one. The two mentioned came available, I had the money, so I purchased it. Now don't get me wrong. I liked the looks of both but I did not have the knowledge or experience to know what I was getting. And now today I have a much better appreciation for just how lucky I was in being able to aquire a brand new Atrim of this caliber.
Per the KOA site this is a XVIIIb.2 and was a long sword that became popular in the later portion of the medieval period as an answer to the proliferation of plate armor.
This being an Atrim it is in my words a high performance rendition of an overall style of sword used in that period.
I do not work for either KOA or Angus trim and have received no compensation of any kind for this reveiw. In addition I payed full price for this beauty. And what a full price it was. I payed $899 + shipping and handling. For ground ups that was I believe at that time under $20.00.
The sword arrived in about five days, and as usual do to KOA's excellent packaging, it arrived safe and undamaged. Upon opening the packaging I was emmedietly amazed at how light and nimble this sword is. It in no way gives the impression that it weighs even the 2lbs 12oz listed for it weight.
Stats
Blade 5160 Spring steel Marquenched to 51-53 HRC
Overall length: 47 3/4 "
Blade length : 36 1/2 "
Grip length : 9 "
Cross width : 8 "
POB : 5 " from cross
COP : approx. 21 " from cross
Weight : 2 lbs 12 ounces if memory serves.
Blade width at cross : 1 7/8 "
Blade thickness at cross. .22 ", 12" from cross. .18 ", 24" from cross. .16", two inches from tip .09".
The blade on this sword was made using the stock removal system. It has very even edges, and the central ridges of this flattened diamond shaped blade are very straight, even, and centered along the entire length on both sides. The flats of the blade are extremely flat smooth and even. With absolutely none of the ripples on the surface associated with the handforged style of blade. And the overall finish Is a very handsome brushed finish that will be easy to maintain, as well as easy to restore after use. The blade tip as I understand it, are hand ground by Gus. This is evident in that the last half inch of the tip, the edges are a bit misaligned, as is the center line so that the tip is a bit lopsided. Not extensively so but it is apperant to the eye. The edge of this blade is sharpened to an appleseed edge by Gus and has no perceptible secondary bevel, and is very sharp. Easily cuts sheets of paper and such. This blade is flexible enough that when held parralel to the floor, the blade flexes a small amount, but it is not in the least, whippy.
The pommel and cross on this sword are mild steel, and are flame blackened, to a very nice dark black that is very uniform and even in color. And both fittings have a very smooth surface that is well polished prior to the blackening. Both of these fittings are modest in design, but fit very well with the overall utilitarion look of the sword. This sword was designed to be a high performance fighter. It isn't designed to look pretty or catch your eye. It has one purpose and looks like it will do that purpose quite well. The one thing I would mention is that the cross although very well done, and very pleasing to the eye. Is not perfectly symmetrical with one end of the cross being slightly different than the other, in both size and shape. Although this is not noticeable without close inspection. The pommel is very nicely done. With a great finish and a size that mates up well with this sword.
The grip on this sword is done in the usual fashion. Poplar wood with cord wrap and leather cover. The grip is very well done. The seem although visible to the eye, is not apparent to the hand while gripping. And is hardly noticeable, and although not in a straight line does not detract from the overall look to much. The grip is rectangles in shape that is comfortable in hand, but the size overall may prove to be too small for some with larger hands, such as my self. Causing it to feel like it causes some loss of control. Do to its small diameter.
Overall this sword is a very nice complete package. I is attractive to the eye, with a very sleek but efficient look, that says i'm not here to look pretty I'm here to get the job done. The overall fit and finish on this sword is right on the money! From the mechanical peen to the tip, other than the already mentioned slight defects, such as the slightly lopsided tip, and the different sizes on the cross and then the fact that the pommel is just slightly off center.
Handling : I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to sword handling. But I think I can safely say that this sword is the cats meow as far as handling goes. Its very light in the hand and do to the fact that I am 6 feet tall and strong enough it would not be a far stretch to say that because of how well balanced this sword is, I could almost use it one handed if neccasary. Its very easy to control tip movement and direction changes are effortless. This sword gives one great reach. And it puts to rest the idea that medieval swords were 20 to 30 lb sharpened crowbars.
At this time I am not set up for cutting practice. So cutting will require a revisit in the future.
Although my inexperience may prevent me from being aware of all the nuances of a sword of this quality. I do feel qualified in saying that this sword is very high performance. Its everything that a true swordsman would look for in a sword that they may need to preserve their own life with. according to all the reading I have done.
Pros : Light ,fast, high quality, overall package is very well put together. Sword is very solid no rattles no free play or undesired movement in any of the fittings. Although business like in appearance. It has an austere beauty that belies its original intended use.
Con's : Price. Grip size may be to small for some. Tip geometry slighly off or lopsided do to hand shaping. Pommel is slightly offcenter. And of course no scabbard at this price point.
Over all I like this sword. And it is unbelievable to handle. Would I buy it again? Hell yes it was a brand new Atrim.
Every one should have at least one just to see what they are all about. Unfortunately with the fact that new Atrims are like UFO's occasionally someone says they've seen one but b the time a person arrives the are gone. In the wind.
The sword forum guide says to explain here why I purchased this sword. So here goes, and I mean this with all honesty and sincerity. At that that time I was a lot newer to all this. And so after everything I had read and heard about Atrims and having never owned one. The two mentioned came available, I had the money, so I purchased it. Now don't get me wrong. I liked the looks of both but I did not have the knowledge or experience to know what I was getting. And now today I have a much better appreciation for just how lucky I was in being able to aquire a brand new Atrim of this caliber.
Per the KOA site this is a XVIIIb.2 and was a long sword that became popular in the later portion of the medieval period as an answer to the proliferation of plate armor.
This being an Atrim it is in my words a high performance rendition of an overall style of sword used in that period.
I do not work for either KOA or Angus trim and have received no compensation of any kind for this reveiw. In addition I payed full price for this beauty. And what a full price it was. I payed $899 + shipping and handling. For ground ups that was I believe at that time under $20.00.
The sword arrived in about five days, and as usual do to KOA's excellent packaging, it arrived safe and undamaged. Upon opening the packaging I was emmedietly amazed at how light and nimble this sword is. It in no way gives the impression that it weighs even the 2lbs 12oz listed for it weight.
Stats
Blade 5160 Spring steel Marquenched to 51-53 HRC
Overall length: 47 3/4 "
Blade length : 36 1/2 "
Grip length : 9 "
Cross width : 8 "
POB : 5 " from cross
COP : approx. 21 " from cross
Weight : 2 lbs 12 ounces if memory serves.
Blade width at cross : 1 7/8 "
Blade thickness at cross. .22 ", 12" from cross. .18 ", 24" from cross. .16", two inches from tip .09".
The blade on this sword was made using the stock removal system. It has very even edges, and the central ridges of this flattened diamond shaped blade are very straight, even, and centered along the entire length on both sides. The flats of the blade are extremely flat smooth and even. With absolutely none of the ripples on the surface associated with the handforged style of blade. And the overall finish Is a very handsome brushed finish that will be easy to maintain, as well as easy to restore after use. The blade tip as I understand it, are hand ground by Gus. This is evident in that the last half inch of the tip, the edges are a bit misaligned, as is the center line so that the tip is a bit lopsided. Not extensively so but it is apperant to the eye. The edge of this blade is sharpened to an appleseed edge by Gus and has no perceptible secondary bevel, and is very sharp. Easily cuts sheets of paper and such. This blade is flexible enough that when held parralel to the floor, the blade flexes a small amount, but it is not in the least, whippy.
The pommel and cross on this sword are mild steel, and are flame blackened, to a very nice dark black that is very uniform and even in color. And both fittings have a very smooth surface that is well polished prior to the blackening. Both of these fittings are modest in design, but fit very well with the overall utilitarion look of the sword. This sword was designed to be a high performance fighter. It isn't designed to look pretty or catch your eye. It has one purpose and looks like it will do that purpose quite well. The one thing I would mention is that the cross although very well done, and very pleasing to the eye. Is not perfectly symmetrical with one end of the cross being slightly different than the other, in both size and shape. Although this is not noticeable without close inspection. The pommel is very nicely done. With a great finish and a size that mates up well with this sword.
The grip on this sword is done in the usual fashion. Poplar wood with cord wrap and leather cover. The grip is very well done. The seem although visible to the eye, is not apparent to the hand while gripping. And is hardly noticeable, and although not in a straight line does not detract from the overall look to much. The grip is rectangles in shape that is comfortable in hand, but the size overall may prove to be too small for some with larger hands, such as my self. Causing it to feel like it causes some loss of control. Do to its small diameter.
Overall this sword is a very nice complete package. I is attractive to the eye, with a very sleek but efficient look, that says i'm not here to look pretty I'm here to get the job done. The overall fit and finish on this sword is right on the money! From the mechanical peen to the tip, other than the already mentioned slight defects, such as the slightly lopsided tip, and the different sizes on the cross and then the fact that the pommel is just slightly off center.
Handling : I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to sword handling. But I think I can safely say that this sword is the cats meow as far as handling goes. Its very light in the hand and do to the fact that I am 6 feet tall and strong enough it would not be a far stretch to say that because of how well balanced this sword is, I could almost use it one handed if neccasary. Its very easy to control tip movement and direction changes are effortless. This sword gives one great reach. And it puts to rest the idea that medieval swords were 20 to 30 lb sharpened crowbars.
At this time I am not set up for cutting practice. So cutting will require a revisit in the future.
Although my inexperience may prevent me from being aware of all the nuances of a sword of this quality. I do feel qualified in saying that this sword is very high performance. Its everything that a true swordsman would look for in a sword that they may need to preserve their own life with. according to all the reading I have done.
Pros : Light ,fast, high quality, overall package is very well put together. Sword is very solid no rattles no free play or undesired movement in any of the fittings. Although business like in appearance. It has an austere beauty that belies its original intended use.
Con's : Price. Grip size may be to small for some. Tip geometry slighly off or lopsided do to hand shaping. Pommel is slightly offcenter. And of course no scabbard at this price point.
Over all I like this sword. And it is unbelievable to handle. Would I buy it again? Hell yes it was a brand new Atrim.
Every one should have at least one just to see what they are all about. Unfortunately with the fact that new Atrims are like UFO's occasionally someone says they've seen one but b the time a person arrives the are gone. In the wind.