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Post by csills2313 on Nov 19, 2018 15:49:43 GMT
Good morning everyone. I am close to making a decision on which Medieval Sword to purchase for Christmas.
It seems that KOA has the Albrech in stock and of course SBG has the Euro Model 13 in stock.
I would like some opinions on which sword is the better buy for the money. I mean I could probably flip a coin and would not regret either purchase however I would like some input from others who have already purchased these swords.
Any and all suggestions are welcome!!
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Post by nerdthenord on Nov 19, 2018 15:57:38 GMT
I have not handled either, but I personally like the look and stats of the Ronin Crusader better. The hanwei looks a bit heavy for a hand and half sword. Of course, get what you want though! Take this with a grain of salt as well, but I think RK has better quality control than hanwei. That's absolutely not to diss on Hanwei at all though.
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Post by csills2313 on Nov 19, 2018 17:26:38 GMT
Ok. Thanks Nord!! I appreciate your input on this one. Your comments were very helpful.
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Post by tancred on Nov 19, 2018 18:21:12 GMT
Never seen or handled the Ronin Crusader in person. Own a Hanwei Albrecht. Stats-wise, they're very similar, main thing sticking out from the SBG listed stats is that the Hanwei has a slightly shorter blade while being slightly heavier. Those stand out, but are also pretty minimal, imo.
The Ronin comes with a belt, whereas the Hanwei does not, so that's a plus in the Ronin's favor. A lot of the Ronin Euro models seem to use the same pommel. Owning Ronin's Alexandria, I think using the same pommel is not a good thing. From the pictures, the pommel on the Crusader looks different. That's a good thing, and hopefully the Crusader's pommel balances the sword really well. The pommel on the Hanwei is huge, but at the same time, my pommel seems very light. Almost like it was hollow. As a result, the sword is a bit tip-heavy; the balance could be better.
Don't know if its something overly important to you, but the fuller on the Ronin extends for a much greater length along the blade than the Hanwei does. The blade shape/typology is, thus, slightly different. I know Oakeshott has the sword the Albrecht is based off of as a Type XVIIIa. The Crusader seems like it would be more of a Type XIIa or XIIIa. Not sure if that's an important difference for you or not.
The Hanwei has some nice cosmetic flourishes to it, the engraved Imperial Eagle on the pommel and the etched sun burst and running wolf on the fullers. This may not be an important thing to you, but I think its a really nice touch.
The hilt wrap on the Ronin looks very similar to the Ronin Alexandria. Its comfortable, but also kind of plain. The Hanwei Albrecht has a more ergonomic shaped hilt that helps with making a secure grip. I'm actually not crazy about how it looks, though. If the sort of raised ridge were a bit more subtle, I'd like it more. Also, I think if it were a half inch closer to the guard, it might make for an even better grip.
The SBG has the Hanwei as slightly less expensive, so that's a positive in its favor, imo.
Anyway, this is coming from an Albrecht owner, but also from one who's never held the Crusader. Just some thoughts. Hope they might be of some help.
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Nov 19, 2018 19:48:00 GMT
Of the two I would go with the RK Crusader mainly on the looks with the longer fuller and nicer looking grip. Also the RK is peened where usually Hanwei have a pommel nut. I also think the engraved shield in the pommel is kind of cheapy looking like you would see on a cheap wall hanger. RK had some problems with their early Euro swords but they were the pommel nut ones so this one should be okay.
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,675
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Post by Scott on Nov 20, 2018 2:35:47 GMT
Forget the stats, get whichever one you think is prettier.
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Post by csills2313 on Nov 20, 2018 15:36:54 GMT
Thanks everyone for all the good answers. I have decided and will post it in the new acquisitions thread.
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Post by csills2313 on Nov 21, 2018 13:56:50 GMT
I purchased the Ronin Crusader #13 two handed sword this morning. This is my first purchase from the SBG store. Time for celebration!!!
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Post by csills2313 on Nov 27, 2018 17:29:57 GMT
Just posting update on my purchase. I bought the Ronin Crusader #13 two handed sword last Wednesday. Looks like it shipped from the Texas warehouse and will be arriving sometime today. That's pretty fast shipping!!
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Post by nerdthenord on Nov 27, 2018 18:51:06 GMT
Awesome! The suspense is real!
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