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Post by William Swiger on Jan 6, 2015 15:07:28 GMT
Good review Dave. The VA is a nice looking sword.
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Post by Rabel Dusk on Jan 6, 2015 18:06:20 GMT
Thanks for that comparative spec. chart for the three swords -- and especially for the blade thickness measurements. Those can tell you a lot about a sword. Since most people don't have calipers, those stats are often left out.
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Post by Bryan Heff on Jan 6, 2015 19:07:57 GMT
Thanks for that comparative spec. chart for the three swords -- and especially for the blade thickness measurements. Those can tell you a lot about a sword. Since most people don't have calipers, those stats are often left out. I agree. Speaking of those measurement, I was surprised at how thick the Ringeck was at the base! That diamond profile has a serious central high point. Great review as always Dave!
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Jan 7, 2015 9:28:32 GMT
Thanks for that comparative spec. chart for the three swords -- and especially for the blade thickness measurements. Those can tell you a lot about a sword. Since most people don't have calipers, those stats are often left out. I agree. Speaking of those measurement, I was surprised at how thick the Ringeck was at the base! That diamond profile has a serious central high point. Great review as always Dave! See, that's exactly the thing with these slender diamond section blades, be it XVa or XVIIIb, they are a lot more massive and stout than they look. Stiff and reliable thrusters. Some are actually quite powerful hitters too, especially those with particularly long handles. That thickness is also the reason most low or middle-qualiy makers get these wrong (Windlass especially). You need thick stock and a proper idea of what kind of distal taper is necessary. Starting thin and staying thin absolutely doesn't work here, while it can still be ok on a viking sword or short sword.
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Post by Bryan Heff on Jan 7, 2015 11:39:14 GMT
I was just surprised at HOW thick....figured it was 5-6 mm like the Sempach/Landgraf which is a SUPER stiff blade. Very interesting.....
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Post by Alex.Moranz on Jan 7, 2015 16:22:23 GMT
stellar review Dave. Been waiting for a review of this model to pop up. These new VA's are awesome pieces for the price. I am most interested in the Ringeck as well. Thats a hot looking sword that is near the top of my list. Perhaps you could be persuaded to do a review of that next?
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Jan 7, 2015 19:41:17 GMT
I was just surprised at HOW thick....figured it was 5-6 mm like the Sempach/Landgraf which is a SUPER stiff blade. Very interesting..... Pretty much all similarly sized original longswords of diamond cross section that I've seen personally or seen measurements of have at least 8mm base thickness… a full cm isn't unusual either. The sword the Albion Munich is based on for example has a bit over 9mm at the base if I recall correctly. Other than Albions and a few Angus Trim LPM models, I've never rarely a production sword with such thickness and the appropriate distal taper. A&A doesn't do it either (at least their stock models of the type like the Durer don't have it). One exception is the Kris Cutlery bastard sword (forgot the exact name).
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Post by Arthur Dayne on Jan 8, 2015 19:15:46 GMT
I know Sonny's going to get a restock of those Crecy blades and fittings but hopefully the specs will still be similar or heavier. Can you tell me more about that pointy tip and how delicate or tough it seems? Does it look sturdy enough to survive getting stabbed on a hardwood cutting board tip first an inch in and pulled out without having a bend?
On a side note, I bought the Limited Edition War Sword package over December instead of the Crecy (gonna get that one eventually), was really pleased with the overall quality for the money and the blade was heavy duty enough too. Sonny even made a pommel with a peen block for my sword at no extra cost. Leatherwork, Sword, assembly... I need to add a review eventually too.
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Post by Arthur Dayne on Jan 9, 2015 3:22:30 GMT
Thank you Dave. The word is tricky to find, it sounds similar to the sword tip of the current Malatesta I have, not fragile but shouldn't be used in any zealous effort to destroy hard targets- I can sort of see the spatular tip geometry.
Awesome review, I enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures, that is one handsome looking sword and scabbard.
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Post by ineffableone on Jan 9, 2015 3:48:44 GMT
The transition and freeze on the forum, while the great migration was going on, has had a terrible influence on me. Unable to lounge about reading other peoples problems with addiction I ran hog wild on Ebay. Got a whole bunch of catching up to do here. I've never had a lot of Albions. There's the Great Albatross ( Lady Vimontrous ). While I was waiting for it I got a Landgraf. I love the style of the XVII. The hex blade and the long svelt line of the sword. But my pursuit of modern cavalry swords caused me to sell the XVII to lucky Kelmain.
In the past 90 days I found a run of Albions on Ebay that kept me reaching in my pockets: A type XVIa Crecy, The Landgraf, and lastly a XVa Ringeck. The XVa style never appealed to me the way the XVII did; it was too severe. But the weapon was obvious popular and taught by some of the great period masters. It was enough for me to bring it home. I'm very happy I did. Now in hand, it is telling me why it is respected.
Before the Albion run got out of hand I had already ordered the VA XVa Crecy. I've got more XIIs, XIIIs, and XVIIIs than I need. I liked the shape of Sonny's sword and the scabbard. First ordered this was the last to arrive. So Sonny's sword is first to review.
Dave great review, as always. I realy enjoy your reviews a god mix of entertainment with pertinent info and good pictures. And oh sounds like we have more reviews from you to come with your rash of ebay buys. Good news for us. ![:D](//storage.forums.net/forum/images/smiley/grin.png)
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