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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 21, 2016 21:23:16 GMT
Good afternoon all. I have lurked on here for a while, trying to educate myself on the verbage beyond sharp and pointy. Love swords. My wife bought me one of the Chinese knock-off Atlanteans for Christmas this year. It is purly to be used as a wall hanger and place holder for my Albion as soon as I win the lottery...any day now. Any how, I love the look of the sword in the 1982 original. The one I got is more in line with the destroyer Atlantean, so, being an amateur hobbyist and crafter, I got to work. The original...  I did some work and came up with this....  Again, not perfect, not even close, but it keeps the albion's spot warm. Overall, though, for a decoration, I'm quite pleased. I respect real swords, and look forward to adding those to my currently tiny collection. |
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AndiTheBarvarian
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"Lord of the Memes"
Bavarianbarbarian - Semper Semprini
Posts: 10,332
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Dec 21, 2016 21:36:40 GMT
Crom!
(welcome to the forum!)
Did you already watch Conan the Barbarian again with the sword next to your chair and the right hand on the pommel?
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Dec 21, 2016 22:17:20 GMT
The Chinese knock offs seem to be getting better, at least in the polish on the blade or did you do that ? Yeah wouldn't we all like an Albion but if you get the Atlantean you'll probably want the Father ( Master ) sword as well. Now you're looking at $7,000, for me that would be a 1/3 payment on a new Indian Chief Motorcycle, guess which one would win out ? My Harley needs company.  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2016 23:01:00 GMT
Welcome to the forums and congratulations on the sword. I'm a beginner and Conan fan as well. This is an amazing forum with some very smart people. I've peppered them with dozens of questions and I've learned a ton already.
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Post by Verity on Dec 21, 2016 23:20:23 GMT
Welcome drwillsdc! May you find yourself at home here!
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 21, 2016 23:40:08 GMT
Thank you all! I'm glad to be here!
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 21, 2016 23:51:05 GMT
I actually did watch conan with my hand on the pommel. I have to say, from a pure asthetics perspective, the knockoff "looks" pretty darn good. Good enough for now. I have a question for all the experts. I would like to "dull" the shininess of the blade. Would acrylic flat laquer dull the sheen? The one in the movie isn't really that shiny.
Thank you, and thank you for the warm welcome.
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Post by Verity on Dec 22, 2016 0:02:36 GMT
I actually did watch conan with my hand on the pommel. I have to say, from a pure asthetics perspective, the knockoff "looks" pretty darn good. Good enough for now. I have a question for all the experts. I would like to "dull" the shininess of the blade. Would acrylic flat laquer dull the sheen? The one in the movie isn't really that shiny. Thank you, and thank you for the warm welcome. If the polish is too "mirror" then to achieve a nice satin, I recommend the fine scotch brite pads with some polish like Mother's Mag or MetalGlo. Even strokes with uniform pressure lengthwise parallel to the edge. Don't scrub back and forth or in circular motions. Long even strokes. You basically are looking to rough the finish to a satin sheen which would be 600-800 grit. Your "mirror" polish is probably like 1000-1500. |
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Post by Verity on Dec 22, 2016 0:07:53 GMT
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Dec 22, 2016 1:29:00 GMT
Welcome Drwillsdc. I don’t like mirror finishes either. I find that metal polishes give me too much shine. I suggest that you do this; get an assortment of various grits of wet dry paper, probably from 1500 to 600. One sheet of each will be sufficient at this point. Start with the finest. In this case 1500 which probably will be too fine, but no problem, and progress in coursness until you reach the degree of shine, or in this case the lack of, that you desire. USE A LIGHT OIL WHILE USING THE PAPER. I like WD-40 personally but any light oil will do. Once you discover the grit to your liking get more sheets and go to it with long strokes paralleling the blade. A small wood block with a compressible padding, something like a mouse pad, will be useful maintaining sharp corners rather than your fingers as a backing. Something rounded that will fit the fuller will be equally useful in maintaining the factory’s geometry otherwise you could possibly round those corners giving a washed out look. Good luck.
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pellius
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Post by pellius on Dec 22, 2016 1:31:50 GMT
Glad you like your new sword.
I'm pretty new, too, but I've already learned a lot. This forum is filled with knowledgeable, generous and patient folks.
Welcome.
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 22, 2016 4:07:03 GMT
Thank you all. I'll do as you suggest and get the sand paper. Thank you for the warm welcome. Can't wait to get my next blade, which will be real.
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Post by nddave on Dec 23, 2016 7:28:02 GMT
Nothing wrong with a good looking display sword! You did a great job making it more authentic looking! Not all swords need to be functional and some designs (especially most fantasy designs ) are usually best left to display only status.
Welcome to the forum and looking forward to helping and discussing future purchases and inquiries with you!
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Post by bloodwraith on Dec 23, 2016 9:05:07 GMT
While I disagree with the idea that not all swords need to be functional, you still did a great job and should be proud of your work.
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Post by nddave on Dec 23, 2016 13:30:24 GMT
While I disagree with the idea that not all swords need to be functional, you still did a great job and should be proud of your work. Why is that? Some design just don't work as a functional sword like many Anime and fantasy designs. Some people never actually plan on using their swords and just display them. What's wrong with having the option for display only for those situations? Even in history there are numerous examples of non-functional display and cerimonial swords throughout various cultures and regions known for using swords, especially in Europe and Asia. Just because a sword is display only doesn't mean it can't be beautiful or high quality. Just like being functional doesn't mean the sword will be beautiful or high quality. I know it doesn't make much sense to sword users to have non-functional swords but there is a market for such swords and both the buyers and makers of quality display pieces should be given equal respect to the buyers and makers of functional pieces. Display only doesn't always mean cheap pot metal junk. The problem is when buyers get their wires crossed and don't buy the sword or swords with the swords' intended purpose in mind. If someone for example just wanted a good looking Conan Sword to display and admire, why not go for the cheaper quality looking display model like OP has? Does it make sense for that buyer to go out and spend anywhere from $300-$3000 on a functional Conan Sword? And vice versa, the Conan enthusiast who wants a Conan sword to cut with shouldn't be looking at the display models. Just like the super fan that needs exact authenticity is best to go Albion, functional use or not instead of the display swords or lower tier options like Windlass or Ryansword. To further my point, if Albion's Conan swords were intended for display only would that really depreciate their craftsmanship or authenticity? Personally I'd say no as for the most part anyway the Conan sword by weight balance and design is a stretch as a good handling functional sword anyway. |
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 23, 2016 14:11:55 GMT
Thank you all. I do hope to have an Albion someday. Home invaders beware. Although I could probably do some serious bludgeoning with the knockoff. Maybe the sight of it alone would scare away lesser girly men. Warriors of Set, for that I would need an Albion.
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Post by nddave on Dec 23, 2016 14:24:24 GMT
Thank you all. I do hope to have an Albion someday. Home invaders beware. Although I could probably do some serious bludgeoning with the knockoff. Maybe the sight of it alone would scare away lesser girly men. Warriors of Set, for that I would need an Albion. Nah those Set worshippers are "Wittle Gurly Men" too, LoL! |
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 23, 2016 14:39:40 GMT
lol
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Dec 23, 2016 20:24:02 GMT
If you check on YouTube there are a couple videos there where some guys have turned these into a little more hardy swords. Not an Albion but a little more functional. What the heck, here's one, if nothing else enjoy the music
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Post by drwillsdc on Dec 24, 2016 0:25:58 GMT
That would be amazing! I remember following the "project conan" thread. That's how I found this board. Some amazing work there. Too bad about the soft blades. I could throw the hardware I have onto that, but the quality of the hardware I have would not do justice to those blades.
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