Needing help choosing a longsword
Jul 24, 2016 7:28:21 GMT
Post by SH4W on Jul 24, 2016 7:28:21 GMT
Greetings all.
My Name is Gabriel Shaw, I'm 16 years old and I live in Australia and this is my first time on the SBG community.
When I was 5 years old I remember dressing up as a knight at school waving a foam sword around that my father made me for a dress-up day. After that experience I have always been fascinated in medieval history from warfare to architecture ext, you name it. It was not until year 7 (or grade 7, whatever you want to call it) That my dream of being a Knight came true when we had our school medieval day. I was one of the lucky few that was dressed up as a norman (1066, we were studying the Battle of Hastings) wearing a full chainmail hauberk and a nasal helm. Note this was the first time that I had ever worn any authentic armour so I was really excited.
Ever since, I have always wanted my own suit of armour (I know a hauberk and helmet isn't a suit of armour) and my own sword to go with it. Watching the HBO TV series Game of Thrones and Vikings only grew my envy for owning my own armour.
As I have only recently started trying to make my dream a reality, I am quite clueless about where to get armour or swords from. However at this point of time, the most realistic goal for me is getting a sword. I have found two beautiful swords made by Valiant Armoury, The Malatesta and The Marseille. There is roughly a $100 price difference with the Marseille being the more expensive sword probably due to the tang being peened with the pommel, and that the sword is slightly larger at 35" compared to the 34" Malatesta.
The main difference between the swords is the blades and the crossguards. The Malatesta has a 34" blade with a fuller that runs down roughly 3/4 of the blade and the ends of the crossguard are angled towards the tip of the blade. The Marseille has no fuller and a classic I shaped crossguard. I will include pictures to make it easier for you guys.
If it were possible, I would like to get your opinions on the two swords and possibly a reason why. Which are the advantages/disadvantages of having a fuller compared to no fuller and the difference between the two crossguards. Which crossguard would be more effective or usefull. And what time period have the swords been based off.
I am also aware that living in Australia it is harder to import swords, especially those that are blunt, but I will be talking to customs about that so dont worry. But if you have any suggestions on what I should do, please tell me as it would be much appreciated.
I want all the help/opinions I can get to make an informed decision, so even if you don't have much to say, just say what you have as every piece of information/opinions will help. Thanks a million guys
Ps: The top sword is the Malatesta and the sword below it is the Marseille.
My Name is Gabriel Shaw, I'm 16 years old and I live in Australia and this is my first time on the SBG community.
When I was 5 years old I remember dressing up as a knight at school waving a foam sword around that my father made me for a dress-up day. After that experience I have always been fascinated in medieval history from warfare to architecture ext, you name it. It was not until year 7 (or grade 7, whatever you want to call it) That my dream of being a Knight came true when we had our school medieval day. I was one of the lucky few that was dressed up as a norman (1066, we were studying the Battle of Hastings) wearing a full chainmail hauberk and a nasal helm. Note this was the first time that I had ever worn any authentic armour so I was really excited.
Ever since, I have always wanted my own suit of armour (I know a hauberk and helmet isn't a suit of armour) and my own sword to go with it. Watching the HBO TV series Game of Thrones and Vikings only grew my envy for owning my own armour.
As I have only recently started trying to make my dream a reality, I am quite clueless about where to get armour or swords from. However at this point of time, the most realistic goal for me is getting a sword. I have found two beautiful swords made by Valiant Armoury, The Malatesta and The Marseille. There is roughly a $100 price difference with the Marseille being the more expensive sword probably due to the tang being peened with the pommel, and that the sword is slightly larger at 35" compared to the 34" Malatesta.
The main difference between the swords is the blades and the crossguards. The Malatesta has a 34" blade with a fuller that runs down roughly 3/4 of the blade and the ends of the crossguard are angled towards the tip of the blade. The Marseille has no fuller and a classic I shaped crossguard. I will include pictures to make it easier for you guys.
If it were possible, I would like to get your opinions on the two swords and possibly a reason why. Which are the advantages/disadvantages of having a fuller compared to no fuller and the difference between the two crossguards. Which crossguard would be more effective or usefull. And what time period have the swords been based off.
I am also aware that living in Australia it is harder to import swords, especially those that are blunt, but I will be talking to customs about that so dont worry. But if you have any suggestions on what I should do, please tell me as it would be much appreciated.
I want all the help/opinions I can get to make an informed decision, so even if you don't have much to say, just say what you have as every piece of information/opinions will help. Thanks a million guys
Ps: The top sword is the Malatesta and the sword below it is the Marseille.