Swiss Saber by Lutel
Apr 16, 2017 3:59:47 GMT
Post by Aikidoka on Apr 16, 2017 3:59:47 GMT
Swiss Saber by Lutel
Introduction
For a number of years, I have looked at the two-handed sabers from Lutel Handicraft and, 9 months ago, I finally decided to place an order for one of their Swiss sabers. After working with Lutel on the design of my saber, I have come to realize that the swords displayed on their website are just suggestions or examples of swords that they can make. Basically every part of the sword can be customized. For this saber, I decided I wanted their Swiss saber pommel and grip mounted on their Kriegsmesser blade and with the Kriegsmesser guard. I also wanted a full scabbard, rather than the hanger that was offered for this sword. When I asked for these changes, the Lutel representative said they could do it and asked if I also wanted the false edge sharpened. Which I appreciated, since I did want that, but didn't realize it was an option.
In short, I was impressed with Lutel's willingness to create exactly the sword that I wanted.
Historical (and fictional) overview
These two-handed sabers can be seen in period artwork being carried by soldiers such as the famous Landsknechts. Thousands of these soldiers were recruited in the late 15th century from Central and Northern Europe by the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, with the aim of creating a reliable source of men for his armies. Many woodcuts exist depicting these soldiers, some showing them fighting with two-handed sabers. Some woodcuts show how this weapon was worn; it would seem that a common way to carry one was for the saber to be hung from a belt without a scabbard.
Landsknecht with a Kriegsmesser.
The Lutel Kriegsmessers and Swiss sabers come with a sword hanger and belt. I asked for a full length scabbard instead, to protect the blade during transport.
As for the fictional background, when I posted pictures of this saber to the "New Acquisitions" thread on this forum, someone immediately recognized one of the inspirations for the design that I chose: the warder swords from the Wheel of Time series, especially previous warder sword designs by various sword companies and custom sword makers.
Full Disclosure
I have no connection to Lutel. I purchased this sword for full price (and then some) with my own money.
Statistics
Blade Length: 33.25 inches
Grip Length: 7.25 inches
Overall Length: 43 inches
Guard Width: 9.25 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 5.25 inches
COP (Center of Percusion):
Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz
The Blade
This saber has a wide, single edge blade. It is 1.5 inches wide at the base and maintains that width until the last 5 inches or so before the tip. It has a fuller on both sides which runs from the guard to about 9 inches from the tip. At this point, there is a sharpened false edge for the last 9 inches of the back of the blade. The spine of the blade is 4.5mm thick and the tip appears to be somewhat reinforced.
When I ordered this saber, I paid for a sharp blade. The sword I received had significant work done to create the proper edge bevel, but the edge itself was not sharpened. Since I have been sharpening swords for years, this is not a problem for me as I prefer to sharpen my own blades. But others may object to this.
Update after sharpening and test cutting:
After thinking about it more today, I would say that this sword's sharpness is similar to what I have come to expect from more expensive blades, such as those from Albion. The blade profile right down to the edge was well done. Very well done. It took a few passes with each belt on the belt sander at each grit (400, 800, 1400, 2000, leather strop) to put a sharp edge on the blade. Just as with the Albions that I have sharpened. Once I did that, it cut through tatami with ease, as you can see in the cutting video in the "Test Cutting" section below.
Distal taper and mass distribution
The following photo shows the taper and mass distribution for this saber. The ricasso at the base of the blade is 4.5mm thick. I know the lines on the blade are a little difficult to see (sword blades are notoriously difficult to photograph) and are not very straight as they were drawn by hand, but the inner-most purple line indicates 4mm thickness, the blue line is 3.75mm, green is 3.5mm and orange is 3mm. The lines were generated using a digital caliper and dry erase markers.
The Grip
When I received the sword, the pommel was not attached. I think this was done so that the sword would fit in the box that it was shipped in. When I went to screw on the pommel, I immediately noticed that the threaded section was very large. As it turns out, the tang has a welded on threaded rod that is 10mm thick!
Though I am no welder, the rod appears to be cleanly welded and very thick and solid. I was aware that Lutel assembled their hilts this way. I just wasn't aware the rod was so thick. I'm expecting that it will be a very sturdy hilt that will stand up to lots of cutting.
Here is a photo of the tang construction for Lutel swords:
Here is another review of a Lutel longsword with pictures of the thick welded tang: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/32139
The Guard
The writhen guard is beautifully done. And as you can see, it is fairly tightly fitted to the 4.5mm thick tang. Which means it is permanently attached! There's no way it is going over that 1cm thick threaded rod
The Pommel
The writhen pommel is attractive and comfortable in the hand, so long as you don't palm the pommel
.
The Scabbard
As I mentioned earlier, I requested a full length scabbard. I received a leather sheath with steel chape and locket, which was nicely done and fits the blade well. I also received a belt, which is ordered to size on the Lutel website when the initial order is placed.
Test Cutting
This morning after sharpening the blade, I did some test cutting with the Swiss Saber. I first practiced some basic cuts and then performed a double cut. This saber cuts and handles well! It has a fair amount of blade presence when held stationary, but once in motion, it flows smoothly between cuts.
Conclusions
Pros
- Beautiful blade and hilt components
- Very effective cutting blade
- Solid hilt construction
- Nice leather scabbard and belt included
Cons
- Edge was not sharpened
- 9 month wait time
The Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend this sword to anyone looking for a Swiss Saber/Kriegsmesser. It has about the same wait time as an Albion, though. At $642 shipped from the Czech Republic, I think this is a very good, essentially custom sword at production sword prices.
Introduction
For a number of years, I have looked at the two-handed sabers from Lutel Handicraft and, 9 months ago, I finally decided to place an order for one of their Swiss sabers. After working with Lutel on the design of my saber, I have come to realize that the swords displayed on their website are just suggestions or examples of swords that they can make. Basically every part of the sword can be customized. For this saber, I decided I wanted their Swiss saber pommel and grip mounted on their Kriegsmesser blade and with the Kriegsmesser guard. I also wanted a full scabbard, rather than the hanger that was offered for this sword. When I asked for these changes, the Lutel representative said they could do it and asked if I also wanted the false edge sharpened. Which I appreciated, since I did want that, but didn't realize it was an option.
In short, I was impressed with Lutel's willingness to create exactly the sword that I wanted.
Historical (and fictional) overview
These two-handed sabers can be seen in period artwork being carried by soldiers such as the famous Landsknechts. Thousands of these soldiers were recruited in the late 15th century from Central and Northern Europe by the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, with the aim of creating a reliable source of men for his armies. Many woodcuts exist depicting these soldiers, some showing them fighting with two-handed sabers. Some woodcuts show how this weapon was worn; it would seem that a common way to carry one was for the saber to be hung from a belt without a scabbard.
Landsknecht with a Kriegsmesser.
The Lutel Kriegsmessers and Swiss sabers come with a sword hanger and belt. I asked for a full length scabbard instead, to protect the blade during transport.
As for the fictional background, when I posted pictures of this saber to the "New Acquisitions" thread on this forum, someone immediately recognized one of the inspirations for the design that I chose: the warder swords from the Wheel of Time series, especially previous warder sword designs by various sword companies and custom sword makers.
Full Disclosure
I have no connection to Lutel. I purchased this sword for full price (and then some) with my own money.
Statistics
Blade Length: 33.25 inches
Grip Length: 7.25 inches
Overall Length: 43 inches
Guard Width: 9.25 inches
POB (Point of Balance): 5.25 inches
COP (Center of Percusion):
Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz
The Blade
This saber has a wide, single edge blade. It is 1.5 inches wide at the base and maintains that width until the last 5 inches or so before the tip. It has a fuller on both sides which runs from the guard to about 9 inches from the tip. At this point, there is a sharpened false edge for the last 9 inches of the back of the blade. The spine of the blade is 4.5mm thick and the tip appears to be somewhat reinforced.
When I ordered this saber, I paid for a sharp blade. The sword I received had significant work done to create the proper edge bevel, but the edge itself was not sharpened. Since I have been sharpening swords for years, this is not a problem for me as I prefer to sharpen my own blades. But others may object to this.
Update after sharpening and test cutting:
After thinking about it more today, I would say that this sword's sharpness is similar to what I have come to expect from more expensive blades, such as those from Albion. The blade profile right down to the edge was well done. Very well done. It took a few passes with each belt on the belt sander at each grit (400, 800, 1400, 2000, leather strop) to put a sharp edge on the blade. Just as with the Albions that I have sharpened. Once I did that, it cut through tatami with ease, as you can see in the cutting video in the "Test Cutting" section below.
Distal taper and mass distribution
The following photo shows the taper and mass distribution for this saber. The ricasso at the base of the blade is 4.5mm thick. I know the lines on the blade are a little difficult to see (sword blades are notoriously difficult to photograph) and are not very straight as they were drawn by hand, but the inner-most purple line indicates 4mm thickness, the blue line is 3.75mm, green is 3.5mm and orange is 3mm. The lines were generated using a digital caliper and dry erase markers.
The Grip
When I received the sword, the pommel was not attached. I think this was done so that the sword would fit in the box that it was shipped in. When I went to screw on the pommel, I immediately noticed that the threaded section was very large. As it turns out, the tang has a welded on threaded rod that is 10mm thick!
Though I am no welder, the rod appears to be cleanly welded and very thick and solid. I was aware that Lutel assembled their hilts this way. I just wasn't aware the rod was so thick. I'm expecting that it will be a very sturdy hilt that will stand up to lots of cutting.
Here is a photo of the tang construction for Lutel swords:
Here is another review of a Lutel longsword with pictures of the thick welded tang: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/32139
The Guard
The writhen guard is beautifully done. And as you can see, it is fairly tightly fitted to the 4.5mm thick tang. Which means it is permanently attached! There's no way it is going over that 1cm thick threaded rod
The Pommel
The writhen pommel is attractive and comfortable in the hand, so long as you don't palm the pommel
.The Scabbard
As I mentioned earlier, I requested a full length scabbard. I received a leather sheath with steel chape and locket, which was nicely done and fits the blade well. I also received a belt, which is ordered to size on the Lutel website when the initial order is placed.
Test Cutting
This morning after sharpening the blade, I did some test cutting with the Swiss Saber. I first practiced some basic cuts and then performed a double cut. This saber cuts and handles well! It has a fair amount of blade presence when held stationary, but once in motion, it flows smoothly between cuts.
Conclusions
Pros
- Beautiful blade and hilt components
- Very effective cutting blade
- Solid hilt construction
- Nice leather scabbard and belt included
Cons
- Edge was not sharpened
- 9 month wait time
The Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend this sword to anyone looking for a Swiss Saber/Kriegsmesser. It has about the same wait time as an Albion, though. At $642 shipped from the Czech Republic, I think this is a very good, essentially custom sword at production sword prices.
