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Post by dxdgenert on May 22, 2016 2:18:11 GMT
Can anyone explain pre-Sonny(?) Valiant Armory swords to me? I can't tell if the pommels are solid or hollow. Are they peened or screw on? In particular, I am looking at: Black Prince (wrong photo but description is correct): www.iloveswords.com/ME_templarsG_marto(new).htmlSword of Valor: www.iloveswords.com/ME601_swords.htmlIs there any comparison between these swords or those of this era to any current VA line? I want to get into collecting and I'm torn between the Hanwei Tinker Bastard or a few of VA's Signature Collection (Templar, Malatesta, etc.). The H/T is half the price but I can get the earlier VA swords for <$200. Thoughts?
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Post by demonskull on May 22, 2016 3:29:15 GMT
I've owned a few old Valiants, the pommels were solid and screwed on, not peened. The blades had very little distal taper. There is no real comparison to what the post Sonny Valiants are.
If money is the deciding factor go with the HT, you won't like the older Valiants.
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Post by Rabel Dusk on May 22, 2016 6:38:54 GMT
The old Valiants were a division of Cas Iberia, made in the Philippines, i believe by a company called Del Vera. They were poorly made swords. The new Valiants have nothing to do with those swords, and in my opinion are one of the best mid-priced products. I'd say they are better than the Hanwei Tinkers, but of course, they cost more. H/T's are great for their price.
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Post by Croccifixio on May 23, 2016 5:34:38 GMT
De Vera swords were the makers (Swordrubio is their local name). Passed by their place. Ugly and overpriced to be honest, with poor heat treat on their larger blades. They also lost a case in the local intellectual property office because they copied the designs of a few known sellers from the Philippines (who make far better swords).
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 23, 2016 10:41:49 GMT
I can explain pre-Sonny Valiant Armory swords in one word... Crap.
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Post by dxdgenert on May 25, 2016 1:46:30 GMT
I can explain pre-Sonny Valiant Armory swords in one word... Crap. After countless suggestions for the Hanwei Tinker, I placed my order for a sharpened, non-fullered Bastard. Thanks for the suggestions. What should I look for when it arrives, tomorrow?
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 25, 2016 4:51:04 GMT
I can explain pre-Sonny Valiant Armory swords in one word... Crap. After countless suggestions for the Hanwei Tinker, I placed my order for a sharpened, non-fullered Bastard. Thanks for the suggestions. What should I look for when it arrives, tomorrow? The H/T swords are the best bang for your buck option for affordable user swords... And they are GREAT options for customizers who want a project sword. Things to look out for are poor or uneven edge sharpness... The H/T swords are very hit and miss in that regard. Also check the tang and blade shoulders to make sure they are strait and even, do that had holt fits together well with no rattle or looseness. I think you will be impressed by the balance and feel, the H/T swords are very nicely balanced.
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gandermail
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Post by gandermail on May 25, 2016 16:37:54 GMT
I just wanted to congratulate you on making an excellent choice. The H/T swords aren't gorgeous to look at but they're solid, well made pieces with great handling characteristics. But, as Sean pointed out, the edges tend to be not too great. However, sharpening is a good skill to learn and really not that tough so if you have to touch up the edge it's not a terrible thing.
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Post by dxdgenert on May 25, 2016 19:14:16 GMT
Received the sword today and am very pleased.
Initial impressions are that the sword is not very sharp, despite being sold as sharpened. From the hilt to 1/3 has almost no edge, whatsoever. After that, the is a moderate edge through the halfway point of the blade. Past the halfway point the edge decrease to the point where the tip has almost no edge.
The balance and handling feel fantastic. This just feels like an extension of my hand/arm. Movements are natural and I imagine that is why this sword is so popular with the combat/sparring crowd.
The fit and finish are very nice for a sword that is considered a budget model. Make no mistake, it is very utilitarian in its design and won't ever be called beautiful. The hilt and pommel are polished to a mirror finish and contrast nicely with the brushed blade. Dare I say that the leather on the grip feels luxurious? I am concerned that it is, actually, too soft. can imagine that i may not hold up well after repeated usage. The cord underneath is very subtle but can be felt. I have very small hands so this is a true two-handed sword for me. I can comfortably get both hands on the grip without using the pommel. I will say, that I would have liked to have a ridge/divider halfway down the grip. I feel that this would help with control when being wielded with one hand.
In all, I am very happy with the purchase and can imagine that this positive experience will only fuel a new hobby for me. In the end, I feel like the Hanwei Tinker is exactly as described: high quality, yet low priced and a lot of value.
*Would you recommend trying the Accusharp on this? It seems simple enough and the sword is cheap but I'd hate to ruin the blade.
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Post by Jordan Williams on May 25, 2016 22:58:53 GMT
I've had success on my swords with a whetstone. Takes longer than an accusharp for sure but being able to fine tune the edge is worth it to me.
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ChrisA
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Post by ChrisA on May 26, 2016 12:39:45 GMT
Please! Do not use an Accusharp on a sword. Ever. They can destroy a swords edge forever. There are a few good tutorials on how to sharpen a sword on this site. One of my favorites is: Tom K's method
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gandermail
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Post by gandermail on May 26, 2016 17:37:12 GMT
I will add my voice to the people saying not to use an Accusharp. Once you learn how to properly sharpen a blade it's actually an easy and pleasant task and a great skill to add to your arsenal. The Tom K. method is awesome.
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Post by dxdgenert on May 28, 2016 2:54:21 GMT
I'll take your sharpening advice and look into the articles you suggested. Also worth noting is that he seller, Fuddle Bucks, gave me a $15 refund for the trouble. I just wish that Hanwei could get the sharpening figured out.
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Post by William Swiger on Jun 25, 2016 20:45:37 GMT
I have one of their old model Roman swords. It is about the same quality as the LA/Gen2 same type swords. Made in the same country. You can forgive much on a short sword blade that you cannot on a longer one.
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