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Post by razorseal on Nov 23, 2018 18:49:02 GMT
Hey guys,
Here I am, coming to you guys with an opinion and hoping to get it quick lol...
A&A has a 10% black friday deal going on, and they have a Type XVIII Knightly sword for sale at $680... It's in stock it seems and ready to go.
Albion's Squire line has a Type XII Knightly sword for 473. They offer 10% to Military/Veterans... However I'm positive they won't have one in stock and probably a year wait for it.
That being said, I'm in a dilemma.... I did some research and it seems companies are very good, but different approach to making the sword (CNC accuracy vs Forging/traditional).
Does the A&A compare to their higher end "next gen" style swords? Is it fair to compare Albion's squire line to A&A's line?
Do I get a A&A Knightly for $612 and have it delivered next week, or do I put an order with Albion for the knightly for $425. That's almost a 200 dollar differnce for a very similar sword. Except, one will take a year to get to me.
Being a devil's advocate... I've been eyeing the remake of the Windlass Arbedo sword which is $210. KoA is having a 10% off sale with free shipping. It's very similar to A&A's Knightly (both type XVIII). Reviews seem very positive of the 2nd generation one... Do I order the Windlass Arbedo now, put in an order for the Albion Squire and just patiently wait a year? (at that point I might get the viking style one, which is another type of sword I've been wanting)...
so three options here... Which do I get?
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Post by Curtis_Louis on Nov 23, 2018 19:16:34 GMT
Keep in mind that the Albion Squire Line swords do not come sharpened. You will need to request it with the order. I'm not sure how much they currently charge for sharpening. I think it was $30. The sharpening will also add a secondary bevel to the edge. Just something to consider if that sort of thing bothers you.
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Post by razorseal on Nov 23, 2018 20:03:55 GMT
Keep in mind that the Albion Squire Line swords do not come sharpened. You will need to request it with the order. I'm not sure how much they currently charge for sharpening. I think it was $30. The sharpening will also add a secondary bevel to the edge. Just something to consider if that sort of thing bothers you. Yeah, it's 25 I think. Not the biggest deal... secondary bevel is not a deal killer, but sure won't look pretty I called A&A and spoke with someone. Very nice guy (production manager). I mentioned I'm new to all this (which I am) and told him alot of stuff I research compared them to albion (chevy vs ford kinda thing). He explained to me the difference between their manufacturing and how he believes they stand out. One thing he said was that if someone from the 1400s walked up to a table, they would pick up an A&A sword and not know it was built in the 21st century. Albion's swords are very exact etc. I didn't ask if they compare to their "squire line" (could have been an insult for all I know lmao). But Albion's next gen Type XVIII stuff is 900 plus. (plus the year wait). I might just go ahead and get it. I will have it shipped to my work so wife doesn't kill me on spending 700 bucks on a sword LOL
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Post by Curtis_Louis on Nov 23, 2018 22:10:04 GMT
I live very close to the Bristol Ren. Fair (Bristol Wisconsin). A&A Have a store there that I visit every year. I really like talking with the guys that work it. They always have plenty of their offerings on display.
Personally, I really like their stuff. I think they handle and cut well. I don't think you are making a bad choice with the A&A purchase.
I'm going to roll the dice and predict that once you own the A&A, you will end up getting an Albion at some point in the future. Once the sword bug bites, there is no going back.
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Post by tancred on Nov 23, 2018 22:23:20 GMT
Hey Razorseal, I have never owned or handled an Arms and Armour sword. I hear good things about them, and all the pictures I've seen look really nice. I do own one Albion, and it did take 11 months from the time of order to get to me. Its a lovely sword, and the balance is excellent. For a large, broad two-hander (Alexandria), it sure doesn't feel like it.
I'm not familiar with the A&A sword you're looking at, but you say its a Type XVIII, while the Albion is a Type XII. There is a fair difference between sword types there. As long as you're familiar and ok with the difference, that's cool.
I do own a Windlass Arbedo, and I love that sword! Its one of Windlass' best, imo. Great for either one or two handed use. Light as a feather, and very well balanced. I can't recommend that one enough. You're eyeing KoA's full priced one. I think they have a munitions grade one for even less. $190 or so, I think.
In the end, its up to you. Price is always a factor for me, and I almost always try to find the lower priced route. That's how I'd go, but it all depends on if you can wait the year for the Albion (or tide yourself over with the Arbedo).
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Post by razorseal on Nov 24, 2018 3:58:13 GMT
Hey guys,
So I went with the A&A sword. I needed to make my decision by end of COB today so I went with it... I had it shipped to work. Wife will let me know how sharp it slices my flesh if she finds out LOL.
I gave them a call and spoke with Craig (their productions manager) talked about swords and difference between how albion makes their stuff and how they do. He's even going to further sharpen it for me since he told me their swords are sharp for the era and I wanted it slightly sharper. Nice group of people. I'm willing to give them a shot. I just wish I could handle the sword... some people talked about the tapering handle which they weren't fond of, but unless I try it, I will have to figure it out for myself.
I couldn't get a hold of Albion and knowing I'd have to wait a year I just went with what I wanted... and you're right... I figured eventually I'll get an albion LOL. Thinking I could justify one sword a year. I might go put an order in with albion for a viking sword...
as for the abredo... It's actually very similar to this sword and the alexandria from albion. I might get it for th great price and call it a day.
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