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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 1:08:05 GMT
So I really shouldn't be thinking about picking up another personal sword but... I really like Viking style swords, at least many of them, and I've been looking casually for years but haven't pulled the trigger. I'm hoping to keep it under $500 ($400 would be better) and there are a few I know I definitely don't like. I've owned and disliked the H/T Viking because the pommel was incredibly uncomfortable for me. I have wide hands (4 1/4" from side to side) so larger grips might be better or at least pommels that are more rounded on the grip side. I don't like gaudy bling so anything with shiny brass or jewels can go and I'm not fond of pointy pommel ends(think Saxon) or long u-shaped guards(think Cawood). I like the shaping and the weight of the Godfred but the tip is kind of funky looking and I don't know about the swirly patterns in the fittings. I really love the look of the Hedemark but I have used it and it's just a bit too heavy for my tastes. If I could find something with the weight and balance of the Godfred but the look of the Hedemark, that would be ideal. I just saw a new design from the CSS which is beautiful but I'm fearing it would be a similar weight as the Hedemark. Any suggestions? Thanks -Josh Edit - I also dig the look of the H/T Norman but I do like wider fullers and I'm a little worried about the corners of the pommel biting in. This might be my default if I can't find anything else.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Jan 28, 2015 1:24:53 GMT
Josh, I'm getting a brand new H/T Norman by the end of the week - I also have a custom oxblood sheath by Sarge to go along with it. If interested, send me a PM - I'll offer it to you for a reasonable price.
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Aikidoka
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Post by Aikidoka on Jan 28, 2015 1:25:37 GMT
I've had my eye on the Del Tin 10th Century Viking Sword (DT2104) for a while now. If I had $500 to spend on a Viking sword, I'd seriously consider that one. I think William Swiger has one and likes it. Do you think the forward POB for the Hedemark (7 1/4 inches) is what makes it feel too heavy?
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Post by nddave on Jan 28, 2015 1:42:07 GMT
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 28, 2015 1:42:44 GMT
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Jan 28, 2015 2:00:22 GMT
I just spent good time eyeing some cheap viking swords online today, even though I really shouldn't look for one either... but browsing is fun. I think you'll have hard time finding cheap viking swords that are lighter than Hedemark. Mine weighs 1150 grams after my customizations and I find it to be very light and agile, I guess in US measurements that is 2 lbs 8 oz. Most cheaper replicas of viking swords tend to be in 1,3 kg range ( c. 3 pounds ) and above that. Personally I'm not a big fan of Del Tins as they tend to be really overweight and I see them as too pricey (they do have couple sweet models). That one linked above is listed at 1450 grams in their home page. It will be great to hear opinion from William Swiger as he's had so many different viking swords. I've eyed couple models from Vladimir Cervenka. (EDIT just noticed that his prices have gone up more than I thought in last 4-5 years it seems, so most likely he will not be in sub 500$, as you US buyers have to also pay for international shipping. But there are plenty of smiths in Europe that make good work and from whom it might be possible to get a sub 500$ sword.) This one by Cervenka weighs 995 grams, so it's very light. There are plenty of great makers in Europe. I have my eye on few guys whose work I hope to be owning in the future.
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Aikidoka
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Post by Aikidoka on Jan 28, 2015 2:07:33 GMT
Personally I'm not a big fan of Del Tins as they tend to be really overweight and I see them as too pricey (they do have couple sweet models). That one linked above is listed at 1450 grams in their home page. Yeah, KOA has it listed at 3lbs. But the reviews I've seen indicate that it doesn't feel that heavy. Perhaps the 5.5" POB helps in that regard.
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Post by JGonzalez on Jan 28, 2015 2:22:54 GMT
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 28, 2015 2:31:19 GMT
Funny timing on this post, Josh. I was just thinking I missed my old Godfred, and was looking around to see how cheap I could get one ($420 at KoA, eh) and what else was available. I know I'm not personally thrilled with the linked Albion and Windlass models, but that Cervenka Jussi shared looks really good.
No indication of pricing structure, though, that I can find. I play by "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" so for me it may just be another Godfred.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 2:31:39 GMT
Yeah, I guess I'm looking for something at least 3 Lbs. and under I wouldn't have thought that Albion was within my range but there it is, new for under $500. It's got the look I like and the weight seems right. I love the aged, well used appearance of the fittings and the fuller and it's termination are very nicely done imo. Anyone here own one of these? Anyone willing to trade one of these Jussi, that one you pictured is very attractive, I'm guessing it's not in my price range though right? The Del Tins look nice but seem too heavy for me. That Ulfberht is ok but I'm not really jiving with the engravings. Thanks for all the suggestions -Josh
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 2:40:24 GMT
I play by "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" Yep, most of the time that's exactly how it's turned out for me. I was reading some scary stuff about the heat treating on the Godfred, has this been addressed and fixed by Hanwei that anyone knows of? JGonzalez, funny, I was just on Viking Shield's page, nice swords. A little over my top price though, especially sharpened. -Josh
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 28, 2015 2:40:51 GMT
I forgot about this place, and while it's a tad over budget, there are three Squire Line Viking offerings as opposed to the one at Albion. viking-shield.com/c/112/squire-lineI'm torn between the Vinland or the Gotland. Or, you know, not spending $554. Edit: As far as I'm aware, the heat treat issues with the Godfred were in the early days of its production. They seemed to have gotten worked out by the time I got mine. I deliberately bent and beat it to no ill effect. Finally sold it to [oh crap I forget who] here on these very forums, years ago. I was sad to see it go, but needed the few dollars it brought in. Edit 2: I missed JGonzalez' link. Oops. Either way, you know.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 2:56:53 GMT
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 28, 2015 3:01:13 GMT
Oh yeah, I've seen that one floating around before. I'm hesitant to call it a knockoff, but I'm not sure the Godfred ever claimed to be based on an "original" like this one does...
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Post by nddave on Jan 28, 2015 3:05:12 GMT
Looks like a decent wallhanger knockoff. It almost fooled me too.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 3:14:25 GMT
I'm a few pages in on an ebay "viking sword" search and found the ultimate item title for me, "Viking Sword Cold Steel Knife Knives Double Edged Blade Armor Samurai Weapon"
Now what could be better for a katana guy that likes Viking swords??
-Josh
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Post by randomnobody on Jan 28, 2015 3:20:16 GMT
Yikes, that's a good one. Now you HAVE to buy it!
(Is it the Cold Steel "Viking" because that one's kind of meh, but OBLIGATIONS.)
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Aikidoka
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Post by Aikidoka on Jan 28, 2015 3:22:51 GMT
Yes, but can it cut down a tree?
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 28, 2015 3:24:54 GMT
yep, not crazy about the fuller or the fittings on that one. And it's being sold for $140 more than at KOA but I guess the creativity in the title makes up for these things, lol
-Josh
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron on Jan 28, 2015 5:07:22 GMT
If you're a little flexible on your $500 budget, then the Albion Squire line Clontarf or Vinland would be my suggestion.
About the H/T Norman: I wouldn't worry about the pommel digging in, Josh. I thought I would have the same problem, but it's actually a really comfortable sword to use. After the Fullered Bastard, I'd peg it as my second favorite of the H/T line, which surprised me because I didn't think I'd like it and only bought it because I got a screaming deal on it (was like $84 brand new). I regret selling it.
It's not super Viking-y, though.
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