In'Carius Craft Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Arming Sword
Mar 15, 2016 4:45:14 GMT
Post by Croccifixio on Mar 15, 2016 4:45:14 GMT
In'Carius Craft: www.facebook.com/InCariusCraft/,
Smith: Rafal Woszczyna from Poland www.facebook.com/rafal.woszczyna?fref=ts
Introduction
I first saw Rafal’s work on Facebook in the ALL SWORDS page. He had advertised this specific blade for sale (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.974492485966342.1073741873.700886599993600&type=3). What drew me to it was the inscription on the guard: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is latin for “For the Greater Glory of God.” This is the common Jesuit (a catholic priestly religious order) saying, and is the motto of my Jesuit school. I found it apt to purchase something with significance like this, and more importantly, did not hurt the sword budget for this year all that much. Was it worth it? Let’s find out.
Historical overview
The sword is presumably a Crusade-era sword, so from the 11th Century onwards. It’s a type X as far as I can tell, though the pointy tip looks more in tune with type XIIs. The length of the hilt is definitely single-handed, and both guard and pommel exhibit classic characteristics of the swords during this era.
Full Disclosure
I paid for this with my own money on Paypal.
Initial Impressions
From the pictures, I loved the proportions of the sword. From the stats, I could tell that it was an authoritative weapon in hand. I also loved how it looked.
When I received the package, I was alarmed with its wrapping. It was basically smothered by bubble wrap. Half-afraid of its state during shipping, I quickly opened it up with my trusty TFW Gayang (no cutter nearby). Thankfully no damage was dealt to the sword or scabbard. No moisture got in so it wasn’t rusted anywhere.
Now this is the part that made me a bit disappointed: first of all, I could very clearly see the asymmetry of the blade at the end of the fuller. The width wasn’t entirely correct. One side was wider than the other. It can be seen in person, but not in the pictures. Second disappointment: the thing was dull. Butterknife dull.
But when I swung it around, I knew at this specific point that I had a nice sword. More on this later.
Statistics
From Rafal (accurate):
51CrV4 steel, 52-54HRC and sharp edges (not at all).
Total length: 98.5cm/38.8in
Blade length: 80cm/31.5in
Grip length: 12cm/4.7in
Point of Balance (from guard): 12.6cm/5in
Weight: 1400g/3lbs (without scabbard)
Distal taper: 5mm-3mm
Components
The Blade
As stated, the blade was dull. Also, the edge of the blade near the base is not straight on one side. The blade was scratched in areas where there was some attempt at sharpening, but really the thing was quite dull.
However, I have to say that I really like the aesthetic of the blade. It’s nicely proportioned, and has that rugged, handmade feel. It feels like it was made completely by hand. If you’re into that, this is a massive plus. The small hammer marks complement the look very well.
Looking down one edge, you will see that its thickness towards the edge is not wholly even as well. But it’s reasonably straight. I’m sure once sharpened, it will cut well.
The distal taper is quite well done. It’s not too extreme as I’ve seen some swords go (say from 6mm to 1mm). This gives the blade heft in the swing, which is correct for the time period of swords, shields, and maille. But it’s not heavy in the hand like my Windlass Medieval Sword (with zero distal taper, 4mm-4mm). This makes handling perfect for me, since I don’t like swords meant for cutting that feel like feathers while handling, but I don’t like sharpened crowbars either.
The Handle
The original handle was black, and I asked Rafal to send me a brown piece of leather since I planned to re-wrap it and change the color scheme a bit. He did even better, and re-did the grip for me! He did a very nice cord under leather with risers, with no additional charge. I also loved the stitched seam. It didn’t intrude while holding the sword, but it gives a very nice aesthetic in line with the rugged, historical feel. A+ for the service and the result.
The Guard
The guard is what drew me to this sword. As I previously stated, I loved the AMDG inscription. It’s an actual chiselled inscription (I think) and not etched into the mild steel.
That said there are two faults I find in the guard. One minor, one is a bit of an issue.
The minor fault is that the guard is hammered onto the flat of the blade. This makes for sturdier construction, to be sure, but it’s not as pretty as it could have been because of the hammer marks on the guard. It also makes the guard dip a bit instead of being a uniform thickness or taper. This sturdiness could easily have been achieved by back peening the guard to the blade and tang, which does not look as off-putting. That said, it’s in line with the rugged aesthetic and could be a boon for some. Personally, I’d rather it not be done but it’s better than having too wide a slot.
This leads me to the bigger issue I have – the shoulders of the blade are not set into the guard. I failed to see this in the pictures, but in person, it’s a pretty big gap. I could probably shim this one with some steel bits, or I could hammer the guard and bend it a bit so the blade is inside the inset, but it would ruin the look. Still, this could be very much improved. The problem is that the guard might loosen up with use. Also, the vulnerable junction between the tang and the blade is not supported by the guard. More stress in the area means more chances to eventually have a failure in that spot.
While not a deal breaker for me, I’m sure there are some who will see this as a major fault. That said, I’m still thinking of the best way to remedy this since I plan to use this blade once I’ve sharpened it. Any advise would be welcome!
The Pommel
The pommel is a bit of a flattened circle instead of a circle as I had initially assumed. It’s quite beefy and substantial, and aids in the balance of the blade. While it’s very slightly offset, it’s not a big deal to me. The peen is nicer in person than in the pictures. It’s not an invisible Albion peen, but it’s not a rough Windlass peen either.
The Scabbard
I like the scabbard. It’s completes the entire aesthetic in more ways than one. Rough, oxblood leather, stitched at the throat makes the entire package feel very in-context. The whole thing would not be out of place in one of the campaigns in the Holy Land.
I like the suspension system as well. Very simply to understand, and long enough for my waistline. The leather is rough but serviceable.
This is not at all Sonny Suttles level. Definitely far from Fletcher and Kunz. But it’s also far nicer than production scabbards like Hanwei and Windlass. Considering the sword’s feel, the scabbard makes this whole buy worth it in my opinion. I am now a legit, battle-hardened Jesuit-inclined Crusader who happens to look Asian.
Handling Characteristics
As I’ve discussed handling before, I don’t have much more to say. The handling is by far the best part of the sword. It cuts with authority but moves with speed. While at the upper end of historical weight for this type of sword, it is in my view at the correct balance. Just to give you an idea: I sold my Hanwei/Tinker Norman because it felt a bit too delicate for its type (and I didn’t like the pommel). This sword handles almost as fluidly as the Norman, but feels like it could bust through tank armour.
Test Cutting
None yet, but if I tried it now I’d probably crush some bottles. As such, I might eventually add a video here once I get a decent belt sander. I don’t think I have the patience to do this with files, especially if the HRC claim is accurate.
Conclusions
This is like the quintessential EDC for the weird backpacker/outdoorsman having a bit of an identity crisis. It looks the part of a (getting tired of saying this) rugged, warsword, handles beautifully and accurately in my opinion, and is definitely handmade. This isn’t a sword to display for guests, but one to show your friends.
I paid $250 for the sword and $30 for shipping. It was on sale, and after a few questions I took it. Do I regret the purchase? Nope, not at all. I spent the same amount on my H/T Norman, and while both are good swords (with the Norman having a better finish and cleaner lines), the overall package beats the better finish.
I would recommend Rafal, definitely, but to people with no issues about finish and who like the handmade look. I think if you compare him to more famous custom smiths in the West, it would not be fair. He primarily caters to re-enactment/SCA/BOTN people, so his products are built for that. Pure sword collectors would have no enjoyment, really. If you’re willing to do some sharpening, then you get a very nice custom sword and scabbard for the backyard/renfaires.
The Bottom Line
Budget-watchers will enjoy Rafal’s work. Those who want the rugged (last time I say this) sword will love his work. But this is not an Albion. It’s not even a Valiant Armoury. And the pricing reflects that. Pound for pound, as a value buy, Rafal’s work is definitely worth it.
Addendum:
There are issues I’ve heard with the shipping time of Rafal. I experienced it as well. I paid for the sword a full month before I received shipping/tracking info, but I’m patient and didn’t mind the delay. He gave a me a free re-grip, after all. If you have issues about waiting and intermittent communication, you might have an issue with In’Carius Craft. That said, I never felt at all I was being led on.
Smith: Rafal Woszczyna from Poland www.facebook.com/rafal.woszczyna?fref=ts
Introduction
I first saw Rafal’s work on Facebook in the ALL SWORDS page. He had advertised this specific blade for sale (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.974492485966342.1073741873.700886599993600&type=3). What drew me to it was the inscription on the guard: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is latin for “For the Greater Glory of God.” This is the common Jesuit (a catholic priestly religious order) saying, and is the motto of my Jesuit school. I found it apt to purchase something with significance like this, and more importantly, did not hurt the sword budget for this year all that much. Was it worth it? Let’s find out.
Historical overview
The sword is presumably a Crusade-era sword, so from the 11th Century onwards. It’s a type X as far as I can tell, though the pointy tip looks more in tune with type XIIs. The length of the hilt is definitely single-handed, and both guard and pommel exhibit classic characteristics of the swords during this era.
Full Disclosure
I paid for this with my own money on Paypal.
Initial Impressions
From the pictures, I loved the proportions of the sword. From the stats, I could tell that it was an authoritative weapon in hand. I also loved how it looked.
When I received the package, I was alarmed with its wrapping. It was basically smothered by bubble wrap. Half-afraid of its state during shipping, I quickly opened it up with my trusty TFW Gayang (no cutter nearby). Thankfully no damage was dealt to the sword or scabbard. No moisture got in so it wasn’t rusted anywhere.
Now this is the part that made me a bit disappointed: first of all, I could very clearly see the asymmetry of the blade at the end of the fuller. The width wasn’t entirely correct. One side was wider than the other. It can be seen in person, but not in the pictures. Second disappointment: the thing was dull. Butterknife dull.
But when I swung it around, I knew at this specific point that I had a nice sword. More on this later.
Statistics
From Rafal (accurate):
51CrV4 steel, 52-54HRC and sharp edges (not at all).
Total length: 98.5cm/38.8in
Blade length: 80cm/31.5in
Grip length: 12cm/4.7in
Point of Balance (from guard): 12.6cm/5in
Weight: 1400g/3lbs (without scabbard)
Distal taper: 5mm-3mm
Components
The Blade
As stated, the blade was dull. Also, the edge of the blade near the base is not straight on one side. The blade was scratched in areas where there was some attempt at sharpening, but really the thing was quite dull.
However, I have to say that I really like the aesthetic of the blade. It’s nicely proportioned, and has that rugged, handmade feel. It feels like it was made completely by hand. If you’re into that, this is a massive plus. The small hammer marks complement the look very well.
Looking down one edge, you will see that its thickness towards the edge is not wholly even as well. But it’s reasonably straight. I’m sure once sharpened, it will cut well.
The distal taper is quite well done. It’s not too extreme as I’ve seen some swords go (say from 6mm to 1mm). This gives the blade heft in the swing, which is correct for the time period of swords, shields, and maille. But it’s not heavy in the hand like my Windlass Medieval Sword (with zero distal taper, 4mm-4mm). This makes handling perfect for me, since I don’t like swords meant for cutting that feel like feathers while handling, but I don’t like sharpened crowbars either.
The Handle
The original handle was black, and I asked Rafal to send me a brown piece of leather since I planned to re-wrap it and change the color scheme a bit. He did even better, and re-did the grip for me! He did a very nice cord under leather with risers, with no additional charge. I also loved the stitched seam. It didn’t intrude while holding the sword, but it gives a very nice aesthetic in line with the rugged, historical feel. A+ for the service and the result.
The Guard
The guard is what drew me to this sword. As I previously stated, I loved the AMDG inscription. It’s an actual chiselled inscription (I think) and not etched into the mild steel.
That said there are two faults I find in the guard. One minor, one is a bit of an issue.
The minor fault is that the guard is hammered onto the flat of the blade. This makes for sturdier construction, to be sure, but it’s not as pretty as it could have been because of the hammer marks on the guard. It also makes the guard dip a bit instead of being a uniform thickness or taper. This sturdiness could easily have been achieved by back peening the guard to the blade and tang, which does not look as off-putting. That said, it’s in line with the rugged aesthetic and could be a boon for some. Personally, I’d rather it not be done but it’s better than having too wide a slot.
This leads me to the bigger issue I have – the shoulders of the blade are not set into the guard. I failed to see this in the pictures, but in person, it’s a pretty big gap. I could probably shim this one with some steel bits, or I could hammer the guard and bend it a bit so the blade is inside the inset, but it would ruin the look. Still, this could be very much improved. The problem is that the guard might loosen up with use. Also, the vulnerable junction between the tang and the blade is not supported by the guard. More stress in the area means more chances to eventually have a failure in that spot.
While not a deal breaker for me, I’m sure there are some who will see this as a major fault. That said, I’m still thinking of the best way to remedy this since I plan to use this blade once I’ve sharpened it. Any advise would be welcome!
The Pommel
The pommel is a bit of a flattened circle instead of a circle as I had initially assumed. It’s quite beefy and substantial, and aids in the balance of the blade. While it’s very slightly offset, it’s not a big deal to me. The peen is nicer in person than in the pictures. It’s not an invisible Albion peen, but it’s not a rough Windlass peen either.
The Scabbard
I like the scabbard. It’s completes the entire aesthetic in more ways than one. Rough, oxblood leather, stitched at the throat makes the entire package feel very in-context. The whole thing would not be out of place in one of the campaigns in the Holy Land.
I like the suspension system as well. Very simply to understand, and long enough for my waistline. The leather is rough but serviceable.
This is not at all Sonny Suttles level. Definitely far from Fletcher and Kunz. But it’s also far nicer than production scabbards like Hanwei and Windlass. Considering the sword’s feel, the scabbard makes this whole buy worth it in my opinion. I am now a legit, battle-hardened Jesuit-inclined Crusader who happens to look Asian.
Handling Characteristics
As I’ve discussed handling before, I don’t have much more to say. The handling is by far the best part of the sword. It cuts with authority but moves with speed. While at the upper end of historical weight for this type of sword, it is in my view at the correct balance. Just to give you an idea: I sold my Hanwei/Tinker Norman because it felt a bit too delicate for its type (and I didn’t like the pommel). This sword handles almost as fluidly as the Norman, but feels like it could bust through tank armour.
Test Cutting
None yet, but if I tried it now I’d probably crush some bottles. As such, I might eventually add a video here once I get a decent belt sander. I don’t think I have the patience to do this with files, especially if the HRC claim is accurate.
Conclusions
This is like the quintessential EDC for the weird backpacker/outdoorsman having a bit of an identity crisis. It looks the part of a (getting tired of saying this) rugged, warsword, handles beautifully and accurately in my opinion, and is definitely handmade. This isn’t a sword to display for guests, but one to show your friends.
I paid $250 for the sword and $30 for shipping. It was on sale, and after a few questions I took it. Do I regret the purchase? Nope, not at all. I spent the same amount on my H/T Norman, and while both are good swords (with the Norman having a better finish and cleaner lines), the overall package beats the better finish.
I would recommend Rafal, definitely, but to people with no issues about finish and who like the handmade look. I think if you compare him to more famous custom smiths in the West, it would not be fair. He primarily caters to re-enactment/SCA/BOTN people, so his products are built for that. Pure sword collectors would have no enjoyment, really. If you’re willing to do some sharpening, then you get a very nice custom sword and scabbard for the backyard/renfaires.
Pros
Good handling.
Decent period-aesthetic.
Great price.
Cons
Rough fit-and-finish.
Asymmetric in parts.
Dull edge.
Good handling.
Decent period-aesthetic.
Great price.
Cons
Rough fit-and-finish.
Asymmetric in parts.
Dull edge.
The Bottom Line
Budget-watchers will enjoy Rafal’s work. Those who want the rugged (last time I say this) sword will love his work. But this is not an Albion. It’s not even a Valiant Armoury. And the pricing reflects that. Pound for pound, as a value buy, Rafal’s work is definitely worth it.
Addendum:
There are issues I’ve heard with the shipping time of Rafal. I experienced it as well. I paid for the sword a full month before I received shipping/tracking info, but I’m patient and didn’t mind the delay. He gave a me a free re-grip, after all. If you have issues about waiting and intermittent communication, you might have an issue with In’Carius Craft. That said, I never felt at all I was being led on.