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Post by Iradei on Aug 24, 2015 14:19:49 GMT
Well, that's what I call an easy way out ... Standing on shaky grounds are we ?
I for one own three Albion swords, all of them flawlessly executed. Even though I had to endure a nine-month waiting period for my Steward, I don't regret it in the least
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Post by William Swiger on Aug 24, 2015 17:37:11 GMT
Cleaned up this thread as it was getting way off course from a VA product review and contained unsubstantiated vendor bashing of a different company.
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 25, 2015 5:40:38 GMT
Svante, I'm honestly begining to think I'm having a discussion with a sixteen year old child. Am I a fan of Albion? Yes, but in many ways I've also been one of their biggest critics over the more than a decade I've been dealing with them. Ask Howard Waddell if I'm biased and see what he says. Any comment I've made concerning Albion, or any of the other comapnies mentioned, has been in response to your opinions you seem unable or unwilling to substantiate. In certain circles they call that, "talking out of your ass". Please peovide us with at least a few sources of these widespread QC problems you've referenced. Yea i don't think we will be speaking any longer, your attitude is lacking in politeness. Nicely executed passive-aggressive exit. |
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 25, 2015 5:41:39 GMT
By the way...VERY nice Actium...far better than mine...better scabbard, different wood colours... What kind of issues did you find with yours? |
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 25, 2015 6:10:35 GMT
Thank you Bryan.
The Actuim met my hopes but exceeded my expectations, if you know what I mean. A very good value for $400.00 It really does seem more like a spatha than a gladius. I can't really criticize it for any issues regarding historical accuracy, as I knew what it was when I bought it. On the other hand, every time I look at it, I can't help but think of how much better it would be with a nice Mainz profile blade. Combining the Praetorian's blade with the Actium's hilt might be a good step in the right direction.
I've been dealing with Albion since Howard and Amy were running the company from the basement of their house. I've owned swords from them going back to the pre-Albion Mark days. I was also standing in the shop when the first Next Generation prototype was assembled so I do have a history with the company, but to assume I'm biased because of that is ridiculous. During the period in which I was most active in doing on-line reviews, I sat in a room full of various sword makers after hours at the Atlanta Blade Show. I was told "The thing we like about you is you're just as hard on your friends as you are on anyone else." When I was sent a piece for review they knew I was going to, "Tell it like it is."
I agree with your assessment. Of all the Albions that have passed through my collection I've only returned one, for having the wrong grip covering applied. The mentioned Cluny was a bit shocking to see as it was an aboration. I do find A&A's medieval designs to be a step below Albion, with a few exceptions like their German Bastard Sword. Their real strength lies in their rapiers and their custom work, the latter of which is under appreciated by most.
Returning to Valiant Armoury, I think VA occupies a very valuable place in the range of options. Many now find companies like Albion too expensive. I have to admit, other than the occasional purchase their pricing has moved much of their line out of my personal comfort zone. Other low tier options, such as Windlass, DSA, Del Tin, etc., leave too much to be desired or they aren't worth the money spent. No other company offers a complete package of functional sword, scabbard and belt in the $500-$600 range. For those who can't afford more, or simply have other priorities, VA is a great choice.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2015 8:23:23 GMT
By the way...VERY nice Actium...far better than mine...better scabbard, different wood colours... What kind of issues did you find with yours? Not really issues...wood is much lighter colour, grip is painted with some kind of white paint (to simulate bone i guess), thread was looking out of the nut for at least 3-4mm, scabbard is much simpler...about 3-4 years old i guess... |
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 25, 2015 8:41:15 GMT
What kind of issues did you find with yours? Not really issues...wood is much lighter colour, grip is painted with some kind of white paint (to simulate bone i guess), thread was looking out of the nut for at least 3-4mm, scabbard is much simpler...about 3-4 years old i guess... The grip on mine was orginally painted white but Sonny removed the paint for me. On mine the threads are about an eighth of an inch below the nut. That's the only real aesthetic gripe I have with it. |
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Post by Valandur on Aug 25, 2015 22:30:47 GMT
Nice review! Neat modifications, too. :) I would have to agree on every point - aside from the somewhat strange (though not unattractive!) blade shape it really is one of the very best things out there in this style and price range.
Its kind of funny, but I was looking at the blade thinking if you put a regular handle with a mid sized guard on it. It would look like a fantasy sword, or some sort of Elvish design inspired sword. |
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 26, 2015 1:09:39 GMT
Nice review! Neat modifications, too. :) I would have to agree on every point - aside from the somewhat strange (though not unattractive!) blade shape it really is one of the very best things out there in this style and price range.
Its kind of funny, but I was looking at the blade thinking if you put a regular handle with a mid sized guard on it. It would look like a fantasy sword, or some sort of Elvish design inspired sword. Like the Actium's blade with a Bristol hilt? Not that I've thought of that. :) |
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Post by Valandur on Aug 26, 2015 20:40:51 GMT
Like the Actium's blade with a Bristol hilt? Not that I've thought of that. :) Precisely! 8-) |
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 26, 2015 21:29:51 GMT
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Post by MOK on Aug 26, 2015 21:35:42 GMT
Well, the waist is perceptibly different, more even and symmetrical, and of course it doesn't have the fullers... but yeah, it's pretty close. Closer than any other historical find I can think of.
A very interesting pommel, too!
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 28, 2015 0:52:58 GMT
Nice review! Neat modifications, too. :) I would have to agree on every point - aside from the somewhat strange (though not unattractive!) blade shape it really is one of the very best things out there in this style and price range.
Its kind of funny, but I was looking at the blade thinking if you put a regular handle with a mid sized guard on it. It would look like a fantasy sword, or some sort of Elvish design inspired sword. Not exact, but close.......... www.facebook.com/105805759496056/photos/pcb.871200416289916/871199142956710/?type=1 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 1:03:22 GMT
Wow... That sword in the link is amazing. It blows all of my swords out of the water. I've been looking for a nice leaf blade. I think I just found my dream sword
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 1:05:45 GMT
A shame that it's just a custom...
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Post by patrick kelly on Aug 28, 2015 1:37:15 GMT
I bet if you asked Sonny would do one the same, or similar.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 1:39:01 GMT
I bet he would, but I don't have the money... I just had to get 5 production swords this month
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