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Post by Faldarin on Jan 13, 2017 20:14:02 GMT
I have generally kept my collection down to relatively shorter (longsword) type blades, but I was thinking of maybe looking into just one longer one in the future. In that regard, I wanted something other than a XIIa or XIIIa. The classics are awesome, but I wanted something that I could handle and would look awfully eyecatching as a wall display. I'm a big of a sucker for fantasy swords as well as historic, also. So, enter the Witch King Sword. It's a type XVIIIe , from what their site says, which is an impressive look. The look, however, is where my first question comes in. There's two different looks I noticed on their site (short of 'Damascus') - First Look & Second Look. I like the first look well enough, but the second look was considerably more interesting to me. Probably the only XVIIIe I've seen anywhere else (at least with that look) is the Albion Dane. Here is where it gets a little foggy to me. Does anyone know for certain which of these models are newer, and which one is older? I have done research and read about DSA - not all of it positive, lately. The construction on this is listed as a dual-tempered blade... which while I know that they do exist, they're not very common. I would ask about the viability of this kind of construction (I know DH is a thing for katana, and I thought I heard of Tinker or Trim doing this at one point with 5160?). At least the pommel is threaded supposedly, so I could take it off to examine the tang and fit for the grip myself. So, my real final question is - does anyone think this sword is worth checking out, or does anyone have any direct experience handling it? There is no review posted here in the review index, and in my travels around the internet, I have not stumbled upon really 'any' serious reviews of this sword anywhere around. I've no doubt at all that it could hang up and look nice, but I like even those to be (mildly) functional in my collection (light to MAYBE medium backyard type stuff). |
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Jan 13, 2017 20:34:25 GMT
The construction on this is listed as a dual-tempered blade... which while I know that they do exist, they're not very common. I would ask about the viability of this kind of construction (I know DH is a thing for katana, and I thought I heard of Tinker or Trim doing this at one point with 5160?). It's a traditional heat treatment method. Usually, for monosteel blades it was done by an interrupted quench (AKA slack quenching), where you briefly quench, but don't let the blade cool down completely. The differential hardening results from the body not cooling down as much or as quickly in the quench, and from auto-tempering of the body from the residual heat after the blade is taken out of the quenchant. For pattern-welded or laminated blades, you can get differential hardening with just a conventional complete quench (and temper). |
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Post by Faldarin on Jan 13, 2017 20:53:26 GMT
It wasn't the main question I had, but I learned something. Thanks Timo!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 21:23:15 GMT
Honestly, I would avoid that blade, given DSA's recent sketchy business practices. I have also heard many stories lately about broken blades from DSA. I would say to save up some cash and order an Albion, or look for Custom maker. I've actually seen some nice custom blades for $400-800 from several polish makers. I would also talk to Angus Trim, as he's done some large longswords recently. I wish you the best luck in your search, and hope you find something that you are happy with, and that won't break on you.
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Post by Croccifixio on Jan 14, 2017 17:27:45 GMT
The way tinker used to do that was to fully harden the blade, then selectively temper the middle with a torch to get it much softer than the edge. I'm not sure if DSA really does that. And honestly even given that recent video the historical record doesn't favor them. Maybe wait a few months and see if someone experiences the same problem or takes apart a newer model?
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Post by Faldarin on Jan 15, 2017 1:10:58 GMT
That is what worried me the most. I'd heard similiar things across the board, that all three of you have brought up. That's a shame. I did really enjoy the look of the blade and the fittings. I prefer even the things I actually -do- hang on the wall to be functional.  I might do a wait-and-see on the Eindride. It's nice, but not nearly as striking from the looks side of things. Ah well. I don't think I can afford too much right now anyways. Wait and see it is! Thanks for everyone pitching in. |
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Post by bloodwraith on Jan 18, 2017 17:11:42 GMT
Faldarin: what is your budget for a sword? To answer your question though the witch king with the strange protruding area after the ricasso is the first generation as far as I know. Also bloody hell that sword is 4.4 lbs with a 36 inch blade?! That is really poor. Steer clear of DSA, seriously you will do yourself a favour especially if you don't have a large budget. You will probably also find that the fittings are pot metal or equivalent. Also $445 USD even with a scabbard is too much for this sword in my opinion. That is the opinion of someone who likes to over pay swordsmiths for quality work.
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Post by Faldarin on Jan 18, 2017 19:39:38 GMT
Heya bloodwraith. My budget on swords is flexing a bit right now, because I picked up an ATrim that I got a little bit lucky with. Not sure what it's going to be for the rest of the year. This definitely wasn't a 'I must have it now~' thread.
Thanks for the answer there, I assumed it was a different 'generation' of the model. I tend to wince at most of the specs for DSA swords - I'm not an incredibly tall or strong guy by any measurement. This one got my attention for the look, and I was seeing if anyone had firsthand experience with one.
I'm probably not going to pick one up after doing my research, and finding almost no firsthand reviews/teardowns for that price. That goes double, since the look I liked was the first generation, that I have been warned away from multiple times.
I'll pose another question - Albion (the Dane) was already mentioned, but does anyone other than Albion make a type XVIIIe blade, that anyone knows? The Dane is likely a bit -too- much of a 'big fellow' sword for me... and I'm not a huge fan of the grip at all. Is there any production place that may, or is that the realm of custom only? I imagine LukasMG does, it seems like it is in line with his style.
Edit: Alright, figured out how to change the thread title! Woo.
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Post by nddave on Jan 31, 2017 7:13:30 GMT
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 31, 2017 7:39:53 GMT
I've almost purchased the DSA Anduril sword like 4 times by now, but their poor reputation for quality and equally horrible sharpening that everyone has talked about for ages now has kept me away, I hope they step their game up cause I cant find another sword like that anywhere else and if i go custom it would cost me 2k at least and im so tempted, i know i shouldnt but still
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Post by Faldarin on Jan 31, 2017 16:15:15 GMT
Hey nddave. Thanks for the Del Tin links. Since I'm relatively new to this, looking through Del Tin's catalogue had not exactly crossed my mind. There's some interesting stuff there, though. In particular, I didn't know they had such a good looking type XXa in their lineup. The fourth one - that looks intriguing. Actually, a little while after there was some discussion on this thread, I started looking around myself. I ended up with something of the same line of thought, strangely enough. I had been taking a look at the Viceroy, and discussing with someone on the forum to get better pictures of the sword. (Albion's pictures of the Viceroy leave a lot to be desired. There are some on KoA, but they're fairly old, and have a different style of grip.) After getting better closeups, the Viceroy looks like something that I might end up putting money down on. Thanks again for the suggestion, and the Del Tin links for things I'd not thought to look for. |
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