Post by Verity on Aug 7, 2018 19:35:52 GMT
Introduction
I had been hearing everyone sing the praises of Angus Trim swords for years, but at the time I had purchased this blade, Angus had not yet returned from his hiatus. Atrims were difficult to come by at this time as Gus had stopped making swords, Tried and True had closed up shop and the only ones available were passing around on the secondhand market. I just never seemed to have the funds available to acquire one when they DID come up for sale in the classifieds despite having a few chances. I had seen this particular sword change hands between a few members over the years and finally had the opportunity to purchase it off SBG’s own Lonely Wolf Forge.
Of course, this also meant that it had a special bonus: Lonely Wolf Forge’s special “God-cutting edge” sharpening job on it.
This sword began its life as a prototype of the joint line between Christian Fletcher and Angus Trim which ultimately resulted in the “Austrian War Sword” by Christian Fletcher, a special limited line of which only a few swords (16 or so?) were made, one of which is owned by our very own Dave Kelly. Over its lifetime this sword underwent a full grip by TomK, and a scabbard by Odingaard (Crusader Monk).
While historical in its overall type and styling, there is also a tinge of fantasy thrown in, with the color scheme it possesses. A marbled green coloring and all the customizations done have resulted in this being a “named” sword: Blackwater.
Reminiscent of the battle of Blackwater from George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels and the HBO television series “Game of Thrones” (named after the first book of Martin’s novels), the sword’s grip and scabbard both have the appearance of Wyldfire (the seven kingdoms’ equivalent of Greek Fire) against a water background at night.
It’s been through a number of owners here on SBG. I think by my count I am the eighth owner of this sword.
Historical Overview
The XII and XIIa designs came about in the 13th century when designs evolved to produce a sword that, while still being focused on cutting, had a strong and serviceable point.
Ewart Oakeshott describes the type XII (and its subtype XIIa) as “having a broad, flat, evenly tapering blade, generally with a good sharp point and tending to widen perceptibly below the hilt. The fuller will be well defined, generally extending from below the guard for two-thirds to three-quarters of the blade's length.”
The earliest confirmed specimen of the type XII sword dates to 1295 AD, though a suspected specimen from 1270 is believed to be of this type however it cannot be confirmed because the artifact remains in its scabbard.
Between the years of 1275 AD and 1325 AD in countries that fell under Germanic influence we see the emergence of the type XII subtype of larger longsword proportions: the type XIIa. It is believed this larger version of the sword was developed to counter the improving maille of the time period.
(XIIa with a 43.5” blade in a private collection dated between 1250 and 1350 AD; photo courtesy of MyArmoury)
For further discussion of the XIIa (and its close cousins, the type XIIIa), you can read up on this thread here. There is also a lengthy set of write-ups available on the type XII and XIIa available here and here.
Full Disclosure
Nothing particular to disclose here. I have no affiliation with Angus Trim or Tom Kinder (of the former Tried and True Armory). I obtained this sword through a standard secondhand transaction with Lonely Wolf Forge and paid a market value price for the sword.
I have in no way been compensated for writing this review.
My review also reflects now owning four Atrim blades (this XIIa.4, a XIIa.2, a XVIa.3 and a Christian Fletcher original Borderwatch using an Atrim 1313 blade). My observations are baselined against all of my longswords, including my other Angus Trim blades.
Initial Impressions
It’s been a few years since I acquired this sword but initial impressions still hold true every single time I look at, or pick this sword up:
”BLACK MAGIC!!!”
All kidding aside, this sword is massive but insanely agile. A very wide and beefy blade, but for its size, it is feather light and balanced better than nearly any sword I have ever handled. It literally boggles my mind how such an imposing sword can be so graceful and lithe.
When you look at the sword it exudes power. Then you pick it up and you realize that you were so very badly mistaken at the amount of power you underestimated it had upon looking at it. If you like powerful swords this one will send a shiver down your spine; it did mine.
Angus’ reputation for “dynamic balance” is never more well-deserved than in this sword. The sword weighs around 3 1/2 pounds but you’d swear it is 2 maybe 2 1/2. I have katana that “feel” heavier than this sword.
The grip and fittings are solid and tight. The blade finish is on the rough side (another trait that Angus is known for) with visible machine grind marks especially in the fuller.
This all could come out easily if I took some time polishing the blade to a smoother satin finish but I’ve never felt the need, nor has any previous owner, I guess?
The lines are all straight and crisp and this sword literally screams power, as I’ve previously mentioned.
I can honestly say if I were a 13th century soldier facing a knight holding this blade, I’d have second thoughts about facing off in battle.
The grip length is perfectly fine for me, but some may find it a bit short. In fact, the reason that Lonely Wolf Forge parted with this sword was predominantly for the reason being the grip length was too short for him. My hands, while long are somewhat slender so I don’t find the grip length being a problem.
Statistics
Components
This entire sword is just attractive, simply put. It’s not overly fanciful or opulent, but instead understated and austere. The sword has just enough color and decoration to make it aesthetically unique and beautiful while making no effort to hide the fact this sword was meant for war. It is ALL business...
The Blade
The blade is a fullered, flattened hexagonal cross section with lenticular edge bevels (usually historic type XIIa swords were purely lenticular, but if I recall correctly, some hexagonal cross sections did exist). The fuller runs about 23” down the blade and tapers off nicely. The blade taper itself is actually quite attractive and while being a massive war sword, the blade is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the overall proportions of the sword just “work.” The finish on the blade is definitely on the rougher side which is a general trademark of a lot of Gus’ blades. The grind marks, especially in the fuller are still visible. While a rougher polish, there are no ripples in the surface showing a uniform and consistent grind of the distal taper and edge bevels.
There is a slight secondary edge bevel I presume from when Lonely Wolf Forge honed the edge. This does not detract from its cutting ability in the least but overall finish of the blade could be “prettier”. Certainly not the smooth satin finish of an Albion. But this blade is meant for work, and it shows.
The Grip
The big reason this sword has the name it does. Mottled and marbled green with veins of dark green, yellow and black. I don’t know how TomK got this color but it is simply STUNNING and makes me think of the Wyldfire on the water at King’s Landing. “Blackwater” is such a fitting name for this sword because of this coloring and it is simply exquisite.
The grip itself is incredibly well shaped in a hexagonal cross section, wrapped tightly in leather with a center riser and beautifully contoured waist areas in the front and back.
The Guard
Basic “Type 2” cruciform guard. Satin polished mild steel, the fit to the blade is excellent with absolutely zero play. It is nicely aligned and plumb. The guard is understated but elegant and very tight and well done.
The Pommel
Simple mild steel “Type J” wheel pommel. Nothing to write home about, but it is quality and the peen that TomK did when hilting this sword was superb. The peen line is virtually imperceptible.
Sometime over the sword’s life, the pommel has been dinged up some from someone’s ring when holding the pommel, or banging against a belt buckle when worn on the hip or something like that. It’s very minor and does not bother me for a secondhand purchase having gone through as many owners as this sword has.
The Scabbard
Early and beautiful work by Odingaard (Crusader Monk) in a consistent mottled green with riser accents, featuring a suspension buckle system in black leather, a steel chape, and the Lannister lion. The scabbard is a tad on the loose side but holds the sword well without rattle. The sword would fall out if inverted though.
Handling Characteristics
Some swords disclose exactly what they are as soon as you pick them up, others can be more deceptive. I have never “met” a sword more deceptive than this XIIa.4. No doubt about it being a powerful sword. With a “sweet spot” at 1/3 of the entire blade, this sucker hits HARD. What is more enigmatic about it however is how graceful, agile and forgiving the sword is. This sword takes almost no effort moving through cuts and guard positions. The ONLY tiny nitpick I have, and it is TINY, is that the point does not stay on target as well as some other longswords. This blade favored the cut and sacrifices the steady point for thrusting, but that also keeps some to the historical transition that was the XII type.
Gus himself has said that this model is one of the best big swords he’s ever made or experienced and I certainly believe it to be true.
The edge alignment is also very forgiving given the sheer amount of power this sword can deliver, which is a nice bonus for those of us lacking perfect form.
Whether you are changing guards from Vomtag to Ochs, going through basic cuts like Oberhau, or performing a parry into Zwerchau, this blade will aid you along the way. It’s just FAST.
Honestly, this is one of my most favored sharps to practice with because it doesn’t wear me out, and it just makes me feel powerful. It has that “second kind of cool” in addition to its formidable empirical attributes.
Test Cutting
Ok, this is where things just become downright unfair.
First, Angus Trim is known for making “performance” swords and sometimes deviates from historical specifications and favors geometries and specs that yield a sword designed for handling and cutting. This specimen is no exception. While “plausible” from a historic perspective, the blade definitely was designed to be used.
Second, I obtained this sword after it had been given a special edge treatment by Lonely Wolf Forge, someone who has a well-known reputation for insanely sharp edge work. Again, this blade is no exception.
There hasn’t been a single target in the years I have owned this sword that it could not handle. Clean cuts on noodles, jugs, tatami, soaked newspaper, sapling branches... everything. It just cuts and cuts and cuts and doesn’t stop.
I even heard one amusing story from a previous owner (unsubstantiated) that a missed cut on a target sent this blade into the 4x4 of the cutting stand.... and cut cleanly through the corner with nary a scratch or rolled edge on the blade. Yikes.
From my own experience I could believe it.
Also given the handling characteristics of this sword, I find it does not tire you out either. I’ve done 4 hour cutting sessions with this sword and did not find myself tiring out too much (and I am not an athletic or burly dude).
I’ve also done plenty of parat (solo flow drills) with it and have also found myself still pretty refreshed afterwards.
I sadly do not currently have video of cutting with it or pics of targets handy at the time of writing this review, however, another sword of the same model was featured in a cutting video by our very own TomK:
Now, take a special look starting at 5:10 and you will see what I mean about the crazy center of percussion on this sword. I’ve never before or since seen ANYTHING like it. It literally is seemingly “black magic.”
Conclusions
This is simply a delightful sword to look at, to handle and to cut with. Not only would I buy another Angus Trim sword, but I have done so a few times over now. Angus Trim has a well earned reputation for some of the best handling swords out there and the XIIa.4 stands AT THE TOP of the larger war swords I’ve handled. Even comparing to Angus’ other swords, this one handles better. Just plain better, hands down.
To step into the comparison world just a tad, the closest in size war sword I have currently to compare to is my Winter Warden by Christian Fletcher (I’ll write a separate review on it soon). A valid analogy as well would be the Albion Baron since the Winter Warden and the Baron are essentially two tiers of the same sword, given Christian keeps the same specs and actually uses hand-selected Baron blades for the Winter Warden.
When comparing the Angus Trim XIIa.4 and the Winter Warden, I find both swords belie their weight. Winter Warden weighs 3lb 11oz and "feels" like probably 3ish; Atrim XIIa.4 weighs 3lb 5.8oz and "feels" like 2-2.5.
The Angus Trim XIIa.4 is more dynamic in the cut with faster stops putting less wrist strain and better direction changes in a moment. However tip control is not as easy as the Winter Warden, whose tip stays on target when moving through guard positions better but is a little harder to change momentum once the blade is moving through a cut.
Now note while these are the differences they are really minute. The gaps defining these differences are super small.
But the punchline is the Atrim XIIa.4 is simply exquisite to handle and work with. I could not give a higher recommendation than this sword if you are looking for a war sword of the XIIa type.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
If you ever have a chance to buy an Angus Trim XIIa.4, do NOT pass it up. Just smile and tell the seller to “shut up and take your money” because you won’t be disappointed.
My XIIa.4 is literally the finest handling war sword I’ve EVER handled. Period.
(And no, I’m not ever selling mine, so don’t even bother asking 😂)
I had been hearing everyone sing the praises of Angus Trim swords for years, but at the time I had purchased this blade, Angus had not yet returned from his hiatus. Atrims were difficult to come by at this time as Gus had stopped making swords, Tried and True had closed up shop and the only ones available were passing around on the secondhand market. I just never seemed to have the funds available to acquire one when they DID come up for sale in the classifieds despite having a few chances. I had seen this particular sword change hands between a few members over the years and finally had the opportunity to purchase it off SBG’s own Lonely Wolf Forge.
Of course, this also meant that it had a special bonus: Lonely Wolf Forge’s special “God-cutting edge” sharpening job on it.
This sword began its life as a prototype of the joint line between Christian Fletcher and Angus Trim which ultimately resulted in the “Austrian War Sword” by Christian Fletcher, a special limited line of which only a few swords (16 or so?) were made, one of which is owned by our very own Dave Kelly. Over its lifetime this sword underwent a full grip by TomK, and a scabbard by Odingaard (Crusader Monk).
While historical in its overall type and styling, there is also a tinge of fantasy thrown in, with the color scheme it possesses. A marbled green coloring and all the customizations done have resulted in this being a “named” sword: Blackwater.
Reminiscent of the battle of Blackwater from George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels and the HBO television series “Game of Thrones” (named after the first book of Martin’s novels), the sword’s grip and scabbard both have the appearance of Wyldfire (the seven kingdoms’ equivalent of Greek Fire) against a water background at night.
It’s been through a number of owners here on SBG. I think by my count I am the eighth owner of this sword.
Historical Overview
The XII and XIIa designs came about in the 13th century when designs evolved to produce a sword that, while still being focused on cutting, had a strong and serviceable point.
Ewart Oakeshott describes the type XII (and its subtype XIIa) as “having a broad, flat, evenly tapering blade, generally with a good sharp point and tending to widen perceptibly below the hilt. The fuller will be well defined, generally extending from below the guard for two-thirds to three-quarters of the blade's length.”
The earliest confirmed specimen of the type XII sword dates to 1295 AD, though a suspected specimen from 1270 is believed to be of this type however it cannot be confirmed because the artifact remains in its scabbard.
Between the years of 1275 AD and 1325 AD in countries that fell under Germanic influence we see the emergence of the type XII subtype of larger longsword proportions: the type XIIa. It is believed this larger version of the sword was developed to counter the improving maille of the time period.
(XIIa with a 43.5” blade in a private collection dated between 1250 and 1350 AD; photo courtesy of MyArmoury)
For further discussion of the XIIa (and its close cousins, the type XIIIa), you can read up on this thread here. There is also a lengthy set of write-ups available on the type XII and XIIa available here and here.
Full Disclosure
Nothing particular to disclose here. I have no affiliation with Angus Trim or Tom Kinder (of the former Tried and True Armory). I obtained this sword through a standard secondhand transaction with Lonely Wolf Forge and paid a market value price for the sword.
I have in no way been compensated for writing this review.
My review also reflects now owning four Atrim blades (this XIIa.4, a XIIa.2, a XVIa.3 and a Christian Fletcher original Borderwatch using an Atrim 1313 blade). My observations are baselined against all of my longswords, including my other Angus Trim blades.
Initial Impressions
It’s been a few years since I acquired this sword but initial impressions still hold true every single time I look at, or pick this sword up:
”BLACK MAGIC!!!”
All kidding aside, this sword is massive but insanely agile. A very wide and beefy blade, but for its size, it is feather light and balanced better than nearly any sword I have ever handled. It literally boggles my mind how such an imposing sword can be so graceful and lithe.
When you look at the sword it exudes power. Then you pick it up and you realize that you were so very badly mistaken at the amount of power you underestimated it had upon looking at it. If you like powerful swords this one will send a shiver down your spine; it did mine.
Angus’ reputation for “dynamic balance” is never more well-deserved than in this sword. The sword weighs around 3 1/2 pounds but you’d swear it is 2 maybe 2 1/2. I have katana that “feel” heavier than this sword.
The grip and fittings are solid and tight. The blade finish is on the rough side (another trait that Angus is known for) with visible machine grind marks especially in the fuller.
This all could come out easily if I took some time polishing the blade to a smoother satin finish but I’ve never felt the need, nor has any previous owner, I guess?
The lines are all straight and crisp and this sword literally screams power, as I’ve previously mentioned.
I can honestly say if I were a 13th century soldier facing a knight holding this blade, I’d have second thoughts about facing off in battle.
The grip length is perfectly fine for me, but some may find it a bit short. In fact, the reason that Lonely Wolf Forge parted with this sword was predominantly for the reason being the grip length was too short for him. My hands, while long are somewhat slender so I don’t find the grip length being a problem.
Statistics
- Blade Length: 35.25”
- Blade Width:
- At Guard: 2.25”
- At End of Fuller: 1.66”
- Blade Thickness:
- At Guard: 6mm
- At End of Fuller: 4.2mm
- Grip Length: 8”
- Overall Length: 45.5”
- Guard Width: 8.25”
- PoB (Point of Balance): 5.5”
- CoP (Center of Percussion): direct point of percussion approximately 25-26” up the blade. Difficult to measure because practically speaking, the CoP is ONE THIRD of the entire blade!!! Beginning at about 3-4” behind the point and extending back to nearly the halfway point. You think I’m kidding. I’ve included TomK’s video (with full credit to him) on another sword of this same type in the cutting section. Go to the 5:10 mark and see for yourself. WOW.
- Weight: 3lb. 5.8oz.
Components
This entire sword is just attractive, simply put. It’s not overly fanciful or opulent, but instead understated and austere. The sword has just enough color and decoration to make it aesthetically unique and beautiful while making no effort to hide the fact this sword was meant for war. It is ALL business...
The Blade
The blade is a fullered, flattened hexagonal cross section with lenticular edge bevels (usually historic type XIIa swords were purely lenticular, but if I recall correctly, some hexagonal cross sections did exist). The fuller runs about 23” down the blade and tapers off nicely. The blade taper itself is actually quite attractive and while being a massive war sword, the blade is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the overall proportions of the sword just “work.” The finish on the blade is definitely on the rougher side which is a general trademark of a lot of Gus’ blades. The grind marks, especially in the fuller are still visible. While a rougher polish, there are no ripples in the surface showing a uniform and consistent grind of the distal taper and edge bevels.
There is a slight secondary edge bevel I presume from when Lonely Wolf Forge honed the edge. This does not detract from its cutting ability in the least but overall finish of the blade could be “prettier”. Certainly not the smooth satin finish of an Albion. But this blade is meant for work, and it shows.
The Grip
The big reason this sword has the name it does. Mottled and marbled green with veins of dark green, yellow and black. I don’t know how TomK got this color but it is simply STUNNING and makes me think of the Wyldfire on the water at King’s Landing. “Blackwater” is such a fitting name for this sword because of this coloring and it is simply exquisite.
The grip itself is incredibly well shaped in a hexagonal cross section, wrapped tightly in leather with a center riser and beautifully contoured waist areas in the front and back.
The Guard
Basic “Type 2” cruciform guard. Satin polished mild steel, the fit to the blade is excellent with absolutely zero play. It is nicely aligned and plumb. The guard is understated but elegant and very tight and well done.
The Pommel
Simple mild steel “Type J” wheel pommel. Nothing to write home about, but it is quality and the peen that TomK did when hilting this sword was superb. The peen line is virtually imperceptible.
Sometime over the sword’s life, the pommel has been dinged up some from someone’s ring when holding the pommel, or banging against a belt buckle when worn on the hip or something like that. It’s very minor and does not bother me for a secondhand purchase having gone through as many owners as this sword has.
The Scabbard
Early and beautiful work by Odingaard (Crusader Monk) in a consistent mottled green with riser accents, featuring a suspension buckle system in black leather, a steel chape, and the Lannister lion. The scabbard is a tad on the loose side but holds the sword well without rattle. The sword would fall out if inverted though.
Handling Characteristics
Some swords disclose exactly what they are as soon as you pick them up, others can be more deceptive. I have never “met” a sword more deceptive than this XIIa.4. No doubt about it being a powerful sword. With a “sweet spot” at 1/3 of the entire blade, this sucker hits HARD. What is more enigmatic about it however is how graceful, agile and forgiving the sword is. This sword takes almost no effort moving through cuts and guard positions. The ONLY tiny nitpick I have, and it is TINY, is that the point does not stay on target as well as some other longswords. This blade favored the cut and sacrifices the steady point for thrusting, but that also keeps some to the historical transition that was the XII type.
Gus himself has said that this model is one of the best big swords he’s ever made or experienced and I certainly believe it to be true.
The edge alignment is also very forgiving given the sheer amount of power this sword can deliver, which is a nice bonus for those of us lacking perfect form.
Whether you are changing guards from Vomtag to Ochs, going through basic cuts like Oberhau, or performing a parry into Zwerchau, this blade will aid you along the way. It’s just FAST.
Honestly, this is one of my most favored sharps to practice with because it doesn’t wear me out, and it just makes me feel powerful. It has that “second kind of cool” in addition to its formidable empirical attributes.
Test Cutting
Ok, this is where things just become downright unfair.
First, Angus Trim is known for making “performance” swords and sometimes deviates from historical specifications and favors geometries and specs that yield a sword designed for handling and cutting. This specimen is no exception. While “plausible” from a historic perspective, the blade definitely was designed to be used.
Second, I obtained this sword after it had been given a special edge treatment by Lonely Wolf Forge, someone who has a well-known reputation for insanely sharp edge work. Again, this blade is no exception.
There hasn’t been a single target in the years I have owned this sword that it could not handle. Clean cuts on noodles, jugs, tatami, soaked newspaper, sapling branches... everything. It just cuts and cuts and cuts and doesn’t stop.
I even heard one amusing story from a previous owner (unsubstantiated) that a missed cut on a target sent this blade into the 4x4 of the cutting stand.... and cut cleanly through the corner with nary a scratch or rolled edge on the blade. Yikes.
From my own experience I could believe it.
Also given the handling characteristics of this sword, I find it does not tire you out either. I’ve done 4 hour cutting sessions with this sword and did not find myself tiring out too much (and I am not an athletic or burly dude).
I’ve also done plenty of parat (solo flow drills) with it and have also found myself still pretty refreshed afterwards.
I sadly do not currently have video of cutting with it or pics of targets handy at the time of writing this review, however, another sword of the same model was featured in a cutting video by our very own TomK:
Now, take a special look starting at 5:10 and you will see what I mean about the crazy center of percussion on this sword. I’ve never before or since seen ANYTHING like it. It literally is seemingly “black magic.”
Conclusions
This is simply a delightful sword to look at, to handle and to cut with. Not only would I buy another Angus Trim sword, but I have done so a few times over now. Angus Trim has a well earned reputation for some of the best handling swords out there and the XIIa.4 stands AT THE TOP of the larger war swords I’ve handled. Even comparing to Angus’ other swords, this one handles better. Just plain better, hands down.
To step into the comparison world just a tad, the closest in size war sword I have currently to compare to is my Winter Warden by Christian Fletcher (I’ll write a separate review on it soon). A valid analogy as well would be the Albion Baron since the Winter Warden and the Baron are essentially two tiers of the same sword, given Christian keeps the same specs and actually uses hand-selected Baron blades for the Winter Warden.
When comparing the Angus Trim XIIa.4 and the Winter Warden, I find both swords belie their weight. Winter Warden weighs 3lb 11oz and "feels" like probably 3ish; Atrim XIIa.4 weighs 3lb 5.8oz and "feels" like 2-2.5.
The Angus Trim XIIa.4 is more dynamic in the cut with faster stops putting less wrist strain and better direction changes in a moment. However tip control is not as easy as the Winter Warden, whose tip stays on target when moving through guard positions better but is a little harder to change momentum once the blade is moving through a cut.
Now note while these are the differences they are really minute. The gaps defining these differences are super small.
But the punchline is the Atrim XIIa.4 is simply exquisite to handle and work with. I could not give a higher recommendation than this sword if you are looking for a war sword of the XIIa type.
Pros
- Incredibly powerful and intimidating
- Best balance and agility out of any war sword I have ever personally handled.
- Center of Percussion and “sweet spot” unlike I have ever seen in ANY sword
Cons
- Grip length too short for some people’s liking
- Blade finish is on the rougher side which is par for the course for Gus’ blades. Doesn’t detract from function or performance that I have noticed.
- Very hard to find; Owners rarely sell theirs off and I’ve not seen Gus making many of them, you might try contacting him to make you one?
The Bottom Line
If you ever have a chance to buy an Angus Trim XIIa.4, do NOT pass it up. Just smile and tell the seller to “shut up and take your money” because you won’t be disappointed.
My XIIa.4 is literally the finest handling war sword I’ve EVER handled. Period.
(And no, I’m not ever selling mine, so don’t even bother asking 😂)