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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2008 9:08:46 GMT
Okay, I think my next sword purchase will probably be of a Celtic leaf-blade anthropomorphic sword- not historically accurate, I know, but they look dang cool and I want one ;D What I could use some advice with is which one to buy, and that's where you guys come in! The candidates are the tried-and-true Gen2: www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=IP-084&Category_Code=ICIBValiant Armoury's Celtic sword: www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=54-084&Category_Code=MBAnd what seems to be a new arrival, Hanwei/Paul Chen's Celtic sword: www.ebladestore.com/knives/PC2370.htmlThe prices are similar enough (taking into account the SBG discount at AoV for Generation 2 swords) that it isn't really a factor in the decision. Here's what I know so far--after this, I humbly request your input and recommendations: The Hanwei sword seems to be very new, and the two sites I've seen it on (Swords of Might and ebladestore) don't have any specs on it... I'm sure I could contact one of the retailers and ask, and probably will before making my final choice. I like the fact that it has brass fittings, though, since the other two are steel (Gen2 DID switch theirs over to steel, right?) The Gen2 is a fair bit shorter than the VA, and I'm not too sure how I feel about that. I'd really like it for use as a one-hander, so the shorter length might be better, but is the 36.5" VA too long to comfortably use in one hand? Any feedback from those of you who've handled any of these swords would be greatly appreciated, and if you have any recommendations based strictly on the manufacturers that would be helpful as well. I know the Gen2 is pretty well-regarded around here, but I haven't seen anything one way or the other about the VA or the Hanwei.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2008 11:25:52 GMT
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on May 28, 2008 12:14:13 GMT
That is nice BW. It has a nicer shaped blade. I haven't heard much about Ritter. Didn't someone here have something like that and make a beautiful grip out of it. I think that was a Kriss cuttlery but.
As far as the Anthropomorphic lookalikes my vote is for the G2. I'm not a G2 fanboy but I can endorse their Celt.
I am very happy with it. I've got a review in sword reviews somewhere. Short axey swords are the best. No durability issues. My FB Falchion and that are the two swords I know can hack up trees and palm fronds when the time comes for pruning. So much fun.
Those round knobby grips on the anths are not great, but you see how Dan and I have fixed ours. Good luck.
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Post by jpfranco on May 28, 2008 13:13:39 GMT
Not to be a party pooper but what about Ritter steel's reputation for making swords that are not really good? I only go on what I have heard. Anyone can fill in the blanks about them? BTW sigild, I own the Cas Iberia Celtic, it is not a new model, just a newer version. It is a typical philippino made sword with grinder marks and all. Not a bad purchase overall.
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Post by septofclansinclair on May 28, 2008 13:47:38 GMT
I'd pick Gen2 over Ritter Steel any day of the week. And like Bren said, the Gen2 Celtic Anthro is a rare pick, truly a great sword. I loves mine!
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Post by YlliwCir on May 28, 2008 18:55:48 GMT
Sig, the Gen2 model has gotten good reviews as a sturdy cutter, that's the one I'd get if I was in the market for that type.
Wraith, I do like the look of that Rittersteel model a lot. The only thing holding me back is I wonder about the handleing and durability. I have their gladius which is roughly the same size and it's a bit bulky and doesn't have a good edge.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2008 19:34:15 GMT
Ric: Well I never got to cut with the ritter but I used it alot for shadow play and things, it is a beefy little sword but the one I used had great balance. Unfortunately the guy who owned it wouldn't let me put an edge on it and cut with it but I would think that it would take an edge quite nicely. Not sure of the steel or the RH on the blade but I think it would serve well. Like I said it is a little bulky but overall it flowed very nicely and afterall it is designed to chop not finesse.
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Post by YlliwCir on May 28, 2008 19:43:30 GMT
Wraith, I'm not down on Rittersteel by any means, I've grown to like their full tang kat a lot for what it is. There is just some things I wish they'd change. I may end up getting that celtic at some point.
Sig, sorry about the side track.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2008 23:03:05 GMT
Ric: The celtic when you get the hang of it really dances in the hand, it is weighty but good balance, I can go through celtic sword forms and medieval sword forms with it without a problem with the weight. I like a beefy sword it builds up precision with a lighter blade. Try using a heavy blade for a couple weeks then switch back to a light blade your control will be amazing.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 7:16:55 GMT
Cool, thanks for all the feedback, everyone. That is a very nice looking blade on the Rittersteel. The "leaf" part of the leaf blade is much more pronounced than the others. I might have to add a fourth sword to the running.
JP, can you give me an idea of the rough dimensions of the CAS Iberia? I do like the idea of getting brass fittings rather than steel.
And does anyone have any experience with the VA Celtic, or even with other Valiant Armoury swords that might give some insight about this one?
At this point I'm kinda leaning towards the Gen2, if only because I've yet to hear anything but good feedback on it (well, except for the knobs on the hilt). But I'm not one to rush into a decision, especially when it's a somewhat expensive purchase, so I'll be giving it some serious thought.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 8:02:44 GMT
Sig: It depends what you are going for really mate, if you want historical accuracy go with the gen two, if you want a beautiful pronounced leaf blade then I can't recommend the ritter enough. There is another sword that I am love with, it isn't strictly celtic it is actually an interpretation of a trojan sword and I should snap it up before windlass discontinue it.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 8:27:50 GMT
Yeah, I believe I know the one you mean. I'm not overly fond of the hilt-- I just can't help being reminded of a pepper-mill-- but the blade's quite nice looking. If I were to buy the Windlass I'd want to take the blade and add different hilt/guard/pommel components, which I have no idea how to do.
Thanks for pointing out that RS, bloodwraith... I think I'm gonna sleep on it for now.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 8:47:32 GMT
sleep is good, I really do love that ritter, too bad my housemate wouldn't let me sharpen and cut with it, it was screaming, cut with me Wraith, cut with meeee!
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 11:36:22 GMT
That Ritter one is also the most historical one I think...
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 12:19:59 GMT
Luka, I reckon you are right mate.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 12:57:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 13:27:00 GMT
That's the one that I was looking for harper, I would probably go for the kris over the ritter because kris has a great reputation.
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Post by YlliwCir on May 29, 2008 16:50:41 GMT
I have the KC celtic and it is a great little cutter. Actually one of the first swords I was able to cut successfully with. Be aware tho that it is differentially hardened. I bent mine on a pooched cut, this isn't a reflection on the sword as any sword will bend under the right circumstances and it was a really bad hit. The bottle near cleared my roof. LOL In any case it bent back easy enough and it still cuts great. /index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=512 I'm really a big fan of KC. I have three of their other swords and have had no other issues.
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Post by jpfranco on May 29, 2008 21:19:06 GMT
JP, can you give me an idea of the rough dimensions of the CAS Iberia? I do like the idea of getting brass fittings rather than steel.
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Here it is: Overall length: 30 inches Blade length: 23 1/4 inches Blade width: 1 7/8 inch Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz Here is a pic
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2008 21:39:08 GMT
I like the kris one because all the others just smack way too much of generic-ness. I also love the pronounced leaf of the kris and I just think it looks like and all round better sword except for the differential hardening.
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