1st timer with a new toy

Some of the earlier MRL models didn't have such a nice imitation patina as the later models and those i think are the ones that tend to rub off a little more. I am a bit of a purist as far as these swords go so i just saved and saved until i could but them. The Albion's for all their heft are pretty nimble to move. I think it's easy to knock what you perhaps haven't actually handled. But i can tell you in all honesty they are worth their money. If i couldn't buy one nor a custom then i'd have likly gone for an MRL. I have handled pretty much all but those Ryan swords and for their price they seem ok.

You will NEVER find any Conan sword that is truly authentic to the originals that weighs in at those weights. Bronze is way to heavy but looks and feels incredible.

Doubtless the Albion is a wonderful piece of art and I would trust him more than the strange MRL construction concerning functionality.
The MRL weights only a bit less due to the very heavy fittings too, I can handle it, but for what I think a sword should be it's simply to heavy for fast moving.
The Ryan seem to go in the right direction with weight, looks, functionality and costs, but for me they look a bit to slender and I prefer the atlantean over the destroyer.
I wonder if it would be possible to make the fittings out of wood or a lightweight material like titanium, alu or a good looking plastic.

I don't think there is any doubt in anyones mind that the Albion is by far the best Atlantean. The price refects what you're getting but because it's so expensive and beautiful I would not want to use it for hacking things up and isn't that what swords are made for. I kind of like the Ryan version because it looks like it was made for hacking things up by what we've seen in the video's. It looks like it's designed better for that than the Windlass because of the riveted handle to tang and the tang the full width of the handle. I'm just not sure if I like the folded steel blade on the one model or the shiny brass on the other model. Oh by the way I was just on their site and they're having a 15% off sale until the end of the month.

I like.

A Viking ship made of Norwegian wood in exact detail, that's only 20" long. Is it a viking ship or not? Practicality goes both ways. If someone likes swords but isn't interested or invested in using them, should they worry about getting swords with functional attributes?

If I for example liked viking swords and wanted to display one on my wall should I opt for the $300 Windlass, the $900 Albion or the $100 display model that looks just as good on the wall. Now understand I like to look at the sword and maybe take it down from time to time to check it out (or sit it in my lap when watching my favorite viking series or movie, lol) but does it matter what steel it's made of? Depends. Do I really want high carbon steel hanging on my wall collecting dust and moisture when I have the option of less corossive stainless steel that requires less time and effort to keep pristine? Do I really want to risk having a sharp blade on display when cleaning it, around it or with nosy guests putting their hands on it?

If I came here asking for options with my preferences included what would you recommend I get? That $300 Windlass, $900 Albion or the $100 display sword? There's many different sword enthusiasts and as long as there's a market for display swords they'll be made. Now the issue with display swords is the idiot who uses them as functional swords and s#!+ hits the fan. Or those who refuse to face facts in regards to functional vs display either due to being cheep or ignorant to the facts because they cut a melon or water bottle with one and it didn't break or explode, lol! Though that isn't the sword's fault that the buyer doesn't know or is ignorant to the facts. It's just a sword.

Of course but it fits better on the mantle. It's all about practicality. A display sword isn't necessarily fake simply because it's not functional. A waister is still a sword even though it's wood right? If someone told you to go get that wooden sword in the corner would you correct them and say it's not a sword because it's made of wood?

Either way just trying to make this place fun for all sword enthusiasts. Display or functional, swords are swords and should be acknowledged and respected as such. Just like knives are knives. Is a butter knife less a knife than a butcher knife due to edge and durability?

But not in making a buttered bread, which I prefer to a knife fight.
An Albion won't be very good for this too (both).
My conclusion is: We have to less Atlanteans!

I agree you all make good points but i like nddave said it really only matters what you want from it. Personally i am not going to be doing a lot of cutting with mine but i wish to i will and without fear of breakage. There is a video of a guy slicing through mats with an Albiopn on youtube. I will refrain from posting as it's been posted many times but suffice to say it is certainly usable. Here in this we could discuss what one connsiders usable/functional? To a spagetti armed girlyman i am sure a hefty Atlantean is as useful as a rubber wrench but to someone with a moderate strength you could have fun in the backyard. A wallhanger simply is just that and again fine for it's intended purpose i think.
I think the windlass is a better looking sword than the Ryan and with a few simple mods also much improved. If i had one the metal tube grip would go out the window for a nice wood grip glued and maybe pinned into place and the pommel would get some steel putty filler in it.

drwillsdc good job done. I did wonder if it were painted. A decent sealent should keep it in place for the best part. certainly an improvement.

Hey Deepbluedave I would like to be your friend. Do you have any more swords you would like to give away buddy.