Review: Valiant Armoury Kriegschwert
Mar 6, 2017 18:11:02 GMT
Post by lt666 on Mar 6, 2017 18:11:02 GMT
First review, so here it goes. Pardon the iOS-quality photos
Intro
After getting some disposable income in early summer of 2016 I decided to get a new longsword. Long story short; I chose a Hanwei Rhinelander, it was backordered in August when it was supposed to ship, gave up waiting for it and went with the Valiant Armoury Kriegschwert in November once I got my refund. After 12 weeks of waiting, it finally arrived at my doorstep on the 1st of March!
Initial Impressions
The box arrived at my house while I was working on March 1st, and a family member brought it in for me. Opening each part of the package felt like opening treasure chests. I was blown away from finally being able to see and hold this sword after long weeks of waiting. Initially it felt light, however that could just be me using my more beastly Hanwei Mercenary as a comparison. I was excited to do a review for it.
Stats
Overall Length: 44 ¾”
Blade length: 35”
Grip length: 7 1/8”
Fuller length: 25”
Guard width: 9”
Blade Width:
Base: 1 ¾”
2” from Tip: 7/8”
Blade thickness
Base: .21”
2” from Tip: .15”
Fuller width: .40”
Weight (site stats): 2 lbs. 14 oz
Pommel recess diameter: 13/16”
Hex nut size: 5mm hex-key
The Blade
This blade is an Oakeshott type XVIa; a type that would handle both cuts and thrusts. This is a different blade from the standard Kriegschwert. I asked Sonny for a blade with a sharper point like the newer Malatestas, and he was able to do this customization free of charge. I’m a guy who looks for versatility with his blades, so I tend to dwell towards cut-and-thrust longswords. The material is 1060 high carbon spring steel and is nearly 3 feet with a fuller running about 2 thirds up. It has a very sharp apple-seed edge, and can cut paper very easily. It is flexible, but there is no whippiness which I heard was a concern among the VA’s. There were a couple of scuff marks on the blade which were caused by some debris within the scabbard. However that was easily solved with some polishing and removal of the debris.
I’ve ordered this one with the hex-nut screw, and can be disassembled with a 5mm allen-wrench. There are some points of concern on the tang.
Near the thread there seems to be some pitting in the metal, which makes it seem that the thread was welded on. This makes me concerned about the thread would break off if I were cutting tatami or accidentally tightening the screw too much.
There also is what appears to be a small grinder-cut around the corner of the blade and tang. Opinions on these would be appreciated.
UPDATE (3/14/2017)
The sword came back a week after I sent it back! No divots, pitting, or any other noticeable flaws.
The Hilt
The grip is wrapped leather with cord underneath. It fits very well in my hands (and I’m a relatively small guy). The seam is barely visible (possibly because of the black leather). The guard and pommel are standard satin finish, and have no damage. The diameter of the pommel recess is 13/16”, and the guard is similar to that on Anduril.
Scabbard belt and harness
All the leatherwork and fittings look great. The buckles have a darkened finish, which look nice.
Handling
This sword is light and very well balanced. I’m a relatively small guy (5’ 7” and 120 lbs), so this is a longsword that seems well suited for someone my size. I’ve been practicing and experimenting with various longsword techniques at the martial arts school I’ve been with forever, and with the Kriegschwert the basic guards are still easy to perform. The stiffness of the blade makes half-swording and even the murder stroke possible with the right gloves or gauntlets. Cutting tests however are unlikely as I haven’t built a cutting stand yet and I live in a townhouse.
Pros
• Light and well balanced
• Very sharp
• Excellent craftsmanship all around
• Excellent customer service from Sonny
Cons
• None that I can think of!
Leatherwork planned
My intent since looking for a new longsword was to add my own leatherwork to a blade to further personalize it and give it more character and magic. I do a lot of leatherwork myself. I almost feel bad to remove and cover some of the leather, but I’m making a commitment to make my leatherwork worthy of this blade. Essentially the decoration will make it a fantasy sword, similar to the swords of Fable Blades. I've been exploring Paganism this year through the Wicca, and this sword will be honoring the God Lugh and Goddess Caer Ibormeith. So there will be Pagan influences, some tribal elements, and other decor.
Conclusion
Overall, it was well worth the wait, and I am very happy with this purchase. I’d definitely call this a prized possession worthy of an heirloom. I’d definitely recommend Valiant Armoury and the Kriegschwert, and I hope to do business again with Sonny sometime in the future.
Thanks for reading and a special thanks to Mr. Sonny Suttles for such a fine sword!
Intro
After getting some disposable income in early summer of 2016 I decided to get a new longsword. Long story short; I chose a Hanwei Rhinelander, it was backordered in August when it was supposed to ship, gave up waiting for it and went with the Valiant Armoury Kriegschwert in November once I got my refund. After 12 weeks of waiting, it finally arrived at my doorstep on the 1st of March!
Initial Impressions
The box arrived at my house while I was working on March 1st, and a family member brought it in for me. Opening each part of the package felt like opening treasure chests. I was blown away from finally being able to see and hold this sword after long weeks of waiting. Initially it felt light, however that could just be me using my more beastly Hanwei Mercenary as a comparison. I was excited to do a review for it.
Stats
Overall Length: 44 ¾”
Blade length: 35”
Grip length: 7 1/8”
Fuller length: 25”
Guard width: 9”
Blade Width:
Base: 1 ¾”
2” from Tip: 7/8”
Blade thickness
Base: .21”
2” from Tip: .15”
Fuller width: .40”
Weight (site stats): 2 lbs. 14 oz
Pommel recess diameter: 13/16”
Hex nut size: 5mm hex-key
The Blade
This blade is an Oakeshott type XVIa; a type that would handle both cuts and thrusts. This is a different blade from the standard Kriegschwert. I asked Sonny for a blade with a sharper point like the newer Malatestas, and he was able to do this customization free of charge. I’m a guy who looks for versatility with his blades, so I tend to dwell towards cut-and-thrust longswords. The material is 1060 high carbon spring steel and is nearly 3 feet with a fuller running about 2 thirds up. It has a very sharp apple-seed edge, and can cut paper very easily. It is flexible, but there is no whippiness which I heard was a concern among the VA’s. There were a couple of scuff marks on the blade which were caused by some debris within the scabbard. However that was easily solved with some polishing and removal of the debris.
I’ve ordered this one with the hex-nut screw, and can be disassembled with a 5mm allen-wrench. There are some points of concern on the tang.
Near the thread there seems to be some pitting in the metal, which makes it seem that the thread was welded on. This makes me concerned about the thread would break off if I were cutting tatami or accidentally tightening the screw too much.
There also is what appears to be a small grinder-cut around the corner of the blade and tang. Opinions on these would be appreciated.
UPDATE (3/14/2017)
The sword came back a week after I sent it back! No divots, pitting, or any other noticeable flaws.
The Hilt
The grip is wrapped leather with cord underneath. It fits very well in my hands (and I’m a relatively small guy). The seam is barely visible (possibly because of the black leather). The guard and pommel are standard satin finish, and have no damage. The diameter of the pommel recess is 13/16”, and the guard is similar to that on Anduril.
Scabbard belt and harness
All the leatherwork and fittings look great. The buckles have a darkened finish, which look nice.
Handling
This sword is light and very well balanced. I’m a relatively small guy (5’ 7” and 120 lbs), so this is a longsword that seems well suited for someone my size. I’ve been practicing and experimenting with various longsword techniques at the martial arts school I’ve been with forever, and with the Kriegschwert the basic guards are still easy to perform. The stiffness of the blade makes half-swording and even the murder stroke possible with the right gloves or gauntlets. Cutting tests however are unlikely as I haven’t built a cutting stand yet and I live in a townhouse.
Pros
• Light and well balanced
• Very sharp
• Excellent craftsmanship all around
• Excellent customer service from Sonny
Cons
• None that I can think of!
Leatherwork planned
My intent since looking for a new longsword was to add my own leatherwork to a blade to further personalize it and give it more character and magic. I do a lot of leatherwork myself. I almost feel bad to remove and cover some of the leather, but I’m making a commitment to make my leatherwork worthy of this blade. Essentially the decoration will make it a fantasy sword, similar to the swords of Fable Blades. I've been exploring Paganism this year through the Wicca, and this sword will be honoring the God Lugh and Goddess Caer Ibormeith. So there will be Pagan influences, some tribal elements, and other decor.
Conclusion
Overall, it was well worth the wait, and I am very happy with this purchase. I’d definitely call this a prized possession worthy of an heirloom. I’d definitely recommend Valiant Armoury and the Kriegschwert, and I hope to do business again with Sonny sometime in the future.
Thanks for reading and a special thanks to Mr. Sonny Suttles for such a fine sword!