Albion Swords Ringeck XVa
Jan 10, 2015 3:28:35 GMT
Post by Dave Kelly on Jan 10, 2015 3:28:35 GMT
Albion Sword Ringeck Type XVa Longsword
Introduction
This is the second of three sword reviews spurred by an end of year embolism of wild arsed enthusiasm, lust and greed on my part which garnished 11 new swords; most of which are not posted here. ( But if you are a facebook subscriber, I discovered the SBG site there while this was shut down, and you may find some of this a regurgitation not worth the visit...)
Now for a very serious matter, which needs immediate attention:
This is sword master Sigmund Ringeck whose interpretation of Lichtenauer became very popular.
This is a Ringneck.
I think the evidence is clear, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, and incontorvertible, that we should refer to this sword as a RINGNECK...
Author's Disclosure
Are we still doing this? The truth is that I am the paid lackey of the Albion company and for a few bucks they have their hand up my butt and are moving my lips... ( I should be so lucky: does that come with a free sword?) No, my fellow swordaholics, I have not profited for my golden words (shucks) and am not affiliated with any producer or retailer of the items I have purchased wid my own widdle piggy bank.
Background
The Ringeck doesn't have a review on MyArmoury. Sister designs for the Agincourt and Talhoffer are covered. Also included is the Albion sales listing:
www.myarmoury.com/review_alb_agin.html
www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-medieval-ringeck-xva.htm
As you can read for yourself, the evolution of weapons are part of a continuous technological argument between weapons of offense and the defensive means developed to counteract weapon solutions that defeated previous defenses. As body armor advanced from leather and chain mail to full armor plate, sword smiths tried to come up with designs that would provide a means of overcoming the new defense. Thus swords were modified to provide a fine ballistic thrusting point that might withstand a high impact strike and pile drive into vitals. So from the late 14th and into the 15th Century the XV and later XVIII types became very popular as their many examples attest to.
Sword Elements
The blade is 36 inches long. A substantial diamond blade practically 9 mm thick thru the forte.
A needle like reinforced point.
The hilt is composed of a scent stopper type pommel, waisted grip and type 7 guard.
Albion's do not come with scabbards. The prop here is from a Windlass type XVIII (it does carry the Ringeck).
Handling
Sword weighs 3.4 lbs and has a 4.75 inch PoB. With such a fine forte blade the mass is centered and the sword is fairly quick used two handed, and manageable single handed.
The grip is tight for two hands. The scent stopper works well in providing extra grip space.
Conclusion
The XV had never really appealed to me as collectible. Too Calvinistic; simple, austere lines. Growing to appreciate the stats on the sword I snagged an ebay piece. Easily won over with the sword in hand. Fine presence. A stout blade. Wants two hands to move. As a thrusting sword the balance works well to maintain point control. This still isn't my favorite design, but I'm a true believer in the sword now.
I can't think of anything really negative to say about this sword. It's still a reachable price for a high end piece. Not a preferred option for a dedicated cutter but will take on targets from mid shaft.
Introduction
This is the second of three sword reviews spurred by an end of year embolism of wild arsed enthusiasm, lust and greed on my part which garnished 11 new swords; most of which are not posted here. ( But if you are a facebook subscriber, I discovered the SBG site there while this was shut down, and you may find some of this a regurgitation not worth the visit...)
Now for a very serious matter, which needs immediate attention:
This is sword master Sigmund Ringeck whose interpretation of Lichtenauer became very popular.
This is a Ringneck.
I think the evidence is clear, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, and incontorvertible, that we should refer to this sword as a RINGNECK...
Author's Disclosure
Are we still doing this? The truth is that I am the paid lackey of the Albion company and for a few bucks they have their hand up my butt and are moving my lips... ( I should be so lucky: does that come with a free sword?) No, my fellow swordaholics, I have not profited for my golden words (shucks) and am not affiliated with any producer or retailer of the items I have purchased wid my own widdle piggy bank.
Background
The Ringeck doesn't have a review on MyArmoury. Sister designs for the Agincourt and Talhoffer are covered. Also included is the Albion sales listing:
www.myarmoury.com/review_alb_agin.html
www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-medieval-ringeck-xva.htm
As you can read for yourself, the evolution of weapons are part of a continuous technological argument between weapons of offense and the defensive means developed to counteract weapon solutions that defeated previous defenses. As body armor advanced from leather and chain mail to full armor plate, sword smiths tried to come up with designs that would provide a means of overcoming the new defense. Thus swords were modified to provide a fine ballistic thrusting point that might withstand a high impact strike and pile drive into vitals. So from the late 14th and into the 15th Century the XV and later XVIII types became very popular as their many examples attest to.
Sword Elements
The blade is 36 inches long. A substantial diamond blade practically 9 mm thick thru the forte.
A needle like reinforced point.
The hilt is composed of a scent stopper type pommel, waisted grip and type 7 guard.
Albion's do not come with scabbards. The prop here is from a Windlass type XVIII (it does carry the Ringeck).
Handling
Sword weighs 3.4 lbs and has a 4.75 inch PoB. With such a fine forte blade the mass is centered and the sword is fairly quick used two handed, and manageable single handed.
The grip is tight for two hands. The scent stopper works well in providing extra grip space.
Conclusion
The XV had never really appealed to me as collectible. Too Calvinistic; simple, austere lines. Growing to appreciate the stats on the sword I snagged an ebay piece. Easily won over with the sword in hand. Fine presence. A stout blade. Wants two hands to move. As a thrusting sword the balance works well to maintain point control. This still isn't my favorite design, but I'm a true believer in the sword now.
I can't think of anything really negative to say about this sword. It's still a reachable price for a high end piece. Not a preferred option for a dedicated cutter but will take on targets from mid shaft.