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Post by jjj007 on Aug 1, 2016 3:27:33 GMT
So guys I was wondering what would be a great beginner viking sword for rennaissance faire use? I've been looking at the Deepeeka 11th c. viking sword but I'm not sure how well it's constructed. Anyone else have one? Kult of Athena has a great price on it right now. I was also considering the Hanwei Tinker 9th c. viking sword sharp. Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Aug 1, 2016 4:06:01 GMT
The problem with the Deepeeka Viking swords isn't the construction, but the weight and balance. Tip-heavy sluggish things. But does that matter for wearing to Renn Fairs? The Deepeeka Viking swords have excellent scabbards for the price.
The Hanwei Tinker is good. The Deepeeka scabbard is better.
You could consider the Hanwei Practical - a blunt might be better than a sharp for Renn Fairs (depending on local rules). Both the Tinker and the Deepeekas have better scabbards.
Some of the Windlass Viking swords look good, and have better scabbards than the Hanwei Vikings, and have better balance/weight than the Deepeeka swords.
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Post by jjj007 on Aug 1, 2016 4:22:54 GMT
Thanks for the info. This will be my first sword so I don't have any hands on experience with the different manufacturer's. Probably gonna take your advice and go with the deepeeka for the scabbard. The price is also great at $124.99 or so on KoA.
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,649
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Post by stormmaster on Aug 1, 2016 5:46:55 GMT
you should wait for viking week on museumreplicas, you can probably score a viking sword sharpened on that weekend for like $120 and $18 shipping or just $120 unsharpened. I wished for roman week so i could score a cheap gladius and it came true this previous weekend
a few weeks ago i got a Stiklestad Viking Sword for only like $150 or so total sharpened and shipping included
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Post by jjj007 on Aug 1, 2016 6:27:10 GMT
Thank you stormmaster, that's good to know. I've been checking mrl every day to see what's on sale. I love the sticklestad but man do I hate the suede. But for $150 with the sharpening you can't go wrong.
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Post by william m on Aug 1, 2016 9:05:26 GMT
I really liked my Hanwei Tinker Viking. The blade was on point and the sword looked pretty good. The scabbard was a bit cheap but it was very thin (a good thing) and was functional.
I sold it in the end, as the blade and grip were just a little too long for me. But that is my problem as I think pretty much every production viking sword out there is on the long side for me. I will get a custom short & super thin one at some point.
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Post by MOK on Aug 1, 2016 12:03:44 GMT
It's not just you, William - aside from Albion, practically every single production viking sword out there has a too long grip.
That said, yes, the Hanwei/Tinker is indeed a beauty! I'll probably make a new grip for mine when I find the time, try and see if a more waisted design might alleviate the issue...
The Sticklestad would be a pretty cool sword but the suede is indeed hideous, and unfortunately the copper bands complicate re-wrapping the grip (by far the easiest way to customize a sword, making it truly yours, and the first thing you should do to any Windlass sword, anyway).
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Post by nddave on Aug 1, 2016 15:50:32 GMT
The Windlass Ulfberht Sword in my opinion has the best handling and price point for any Viking/Early Medieval sword on the market today being just under $200 ($189.00 on KoA). www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=500864&name=Ulfberht+SwordThe only fault reviewers have given it is again it's longer than usual grip (though normal for a 10th-12th century European sword) and it's crude engravings, meant to imitate the original sword it is a replica of. As far as classification goes it falls into a Geibig Type 3 Viking or in Oakeshott's Typology a Type X. When using Oakeshott's typology to classify swords, most Viking or Norman/Anglo Saxon swords fall into either the X or Xa typologies. Though he does specifically mention the Geibig typologies as the predecessors to his 10-22 typologies as pre-Medieval swords (crafted before 900 A.D). The Windlass Ulfberht is based on a Danish Sword dated by Oakshott between 950-1000 A.D. The Ulfberht or Ulfbehrt swords were said to be designed and crafted by a Frankish house of smiths between 800-1100 A.D. They were renowned at the time for creating the first true high carbon steel European Swords using techniques learned from the smiths of the Middle East. In short this would be an excellent starter or in general Viking or Early Medieval Sword for any budget collector. For under $200 you cant go wrong with the Windlass Ulfberht. Also another cheaper alternative (though more Medieval in hilt design) would be The Windlass European Sword. This sword though more clearly a Type Xa or XI type also fits in the more acute Viking blade types of Geibig as a Type 5 or 6. The sword I believe Windlass based this sword on is an 11th century Finland find. Again more Medieval in hilt but for only $145.00 on closeout at MRL, would be a decent beginner sword and have enough in blade design to be considered late Viking. www.museumreplicas.com/p-1638-european-sword.aspx
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Post by hypurr on Aug 1, 2016 16:03:07 GMT
The Windlass Ulfberht Sword in my opinion has the best handling and price point for any Viking/Early Medieval sword on the market today being just under $200 ($189.00 on KoA). I wholeheartedly agree, that is exactly what I was going to suggest. Not only is it inexpensive it is very historically accurate and is a cutting beast. I love mine over many more expensive ones. (Albion is on the way so that might change.)
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Aug 1, 2016 16:04:49 GMT
If you order from MRL give SBGWEB for the promo code and get an additional 10% discount.
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Post by hypurr on Aug 1, 2016 16:06:25 GMT
a few weeks ago i got a Stiklestad Viking Sword for only like $150 or so total sharpened and shipping included If they would ditch the suede it might be worth it.
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Post by nddave on Aug 1, 2016 16:26:18 GMT
a few weeks ago i got a Stiklestad Viking Sword for only like $150 or so total sharpened and shipping included If they would ditch the suede it might be worth it. Hey now! That suede is COMPLETELY AUTHENTIC and was crafted by the skins of Thor's Goats! LOL!! Yea not a fan of the suede either, actually my first turn off on suede was the Hanwei Practical Katana, messy stuff suede.
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Post by tancred on Aug 2, 2016 0:11:21 GMT
I have the Stiklestad, and don't mind the suede. That said, after a little use, the suede looses its luster and original color; eventually, it will probably need to be replaced.
I do have a couple of older Windlass Viking style swords, and they're all nice. No experience with the Hanwei/Tinker Viking, but have long admired that blade shape.
All-told, I have six Viking style swords. To me, the absolute best as far as handling, balance, weight, and ease of use is the Hanwei Godfred. I have the older model where the fuller ends an inch or two before the guard. A few of my Windlass models are close, but that Godfred is the lightest, fastest, easiest, and most comfortable to use. Having a folded blade, its more expensive. So, maybe its not really a beginner Viking sword. However, I would highly recommend that model.
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Post by gruggier on Aug 2, 2016 0:40:25 GMT
I say the Hanwei/Tinker Viking. I own it and was my first viking era sword but you cant beat an MLR deal of the day.
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Post by William Swiger on Aug 2, 2016 8:11:23 GMT
a few weeks ago i got a Stiklestad Viking Sword for only like $150 or so total sharpened and shipping included If they would ditch the suede it might be worth it. Using saddle soap on the suede will turn it into regular leather.
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