Arms and Armor Roman Spatha
Mar 27, 2016 19:49:25 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2016 19:49:25 GMT
On February 22, I called Arms & Armor to purchase the Roman spatha they had on their muster page. This seemed like a great opportunity to add this type of sword to my collection. The team at Arms & Armor were great to work with - whether phone call or email, they responded quickly and answered my questions. Since I like having scabbards for my sword, I asked them about adding one to the spatha, and got a good quote for a traditional looking design. They actually completed the project with a month. I’ve had the spatha for a few days now, and feel comfortable sharing my initial impressions.
This is my first direct exposure to a Roman type sword. I’ve seen them in movies and games, and read about them, but never had opportunity to hold one. This particular spatha has the flattened pommel and came with a faceted hexagonal grip. Aesthetically, this is awesome. Unfortunately I discovered it doesn’t just look severe, but feels it too. It was painful to hold. I gave myself a few days with the sword without changing anything, trying to see if I could get beyond the discomfort. It just was not happening. This is not to take anything away from the guys who made the sword - I think they did a good job on it and it seems to be a faithful representation of what those brutal people would have used. In any case, I decided to solve the problem with some sandpaper, and first knocked back the corners and rounded the lines a bit, and then other the course of a few days worked back hot spots I was noticing in my grip and now have an easier time holding the sword. It’s still not 100% comfortable, but maybe these weren’t intended to be.
I’d describe it over all as solid workmanship. No play in any part or component. This strikes me as being a competent example that is not over-produced. I like good stuff, don’t get me wrong, but this particular sword exudes a sense of being “down in it”, so some of the rougher finish works.
It is light handling. Definitely less sense of presence and cutting power than my Albion Knight. It is fairly rigid, not much vibration from striking the handle. This isn’t to say insubstantial, but it is a fairly thin sword so it should track well through test cutting medium.
The scabbard is solid. The fit is good, nice looking components without being over-wrought. It compliments the sword, and while I am not about to abuse it, it would not give me a heart attack to accidentally knock it against something or wear it out with armor or something. If anything happens to it it is more likely to just add character.
I wish I knew more about the historical context of the sword. While it seems like could fit with later Imperial period, the write up at Arms & Armor specifically notes early example, and apparently some gladius hispaniensis had longer, more parallel edged blades, so it could potentially work in a variety of settings. In any event, it is a cool Roman styled sword, and a fun addition.
This is my first direct exposure to a Roman type sword. I’ve seen them in movies and games, and read about them, but never had opportunity to hold one. This particular spatha has the flattened pommel and came with a faceted hexagonal grip. Aesthetically, this is awesome. Unfortunately I discovered it doesn’t just look severe, but feels it too. It was painful to hold. I gave myself a few days with the sword without changing anything, trying to see if I could get beyond the discomfort. It just was not happening. This is not to take anything away from the guys who made the sword - I think they did a good job on it and it seems to be a faithful representation of what those brutal people would have used. In any case, I decided to solve the problem with some sandpaper, and first knocked back the corners and rounded the lines a bit, and then other the course of a few days worked back hot spots I was noticing in my grip and now have an easier time holding the sword. It’s still not 100% comfortable, but maybe these weren’t intended to be.
I’d describe it over all as solid workmanship. No play in any part or component. This strikes me as being a competent example that is not over-produced. I like good stuff, don’t get me wrong, but this particular sword exudes a sense of being “down in it”, so some of the rougher finish works.
It is light handling. Definitely less sense of presence and cutting power than my Albion Knight. It is fairly rigid, not much vibration from striking the handle. This isn’t to say insubstantial, but it is a fairly thin sword so it should track well through test cutting medium.
The scabbard is solid. The fit is good, nice looking components without being over-wrought. It compliments the sword, and while I am not about to abuse it, it would not give me a heart attack to accidentally knock it against something or wear it out with armor or something. If anything happens to it it is more likely to just add character.
I wish I knew more about the historical context of the sword. While it seems like could fit with later Imperial period, the write up at Arms & Armor specifically notes early example, and apparently some gladius hispaniensis had longer, more parallel edged blades, so it could potentially work in a variety of settings. In any event, it is a cool Roman styled sword, and a fun addition.