|
Post by Jordan Williams on Nov 25, 2018 21:42:31 GMT
When you think about a blade coming down onto your guard or near your hand, there is a lot you can do with a longer guard. For instance, by just moving the sword so the flat faces the ground you can catch their blade before it hits your hand, and with a longer cross that's turned up you could also use it to bind and keep your opponents blade occupied while you move your sword around theirs, like some techniques in rapier or longsword. It's also a lot more hand protection. Take a string and glue it to one end of the cross and then to the corresponding end of the pommel. The line there is the line to your hand that is covered by the cross from downward blows. I'm sure. the crossguard is important. Look over the centuries how it developed, turning into something that completely covered your hand. I think they are just as important as blade shapes. I don't like the look of such an upcurve, but I appreciate the thought and tactical use of it. To each their own though. I don't think my blade will ever have another blade strike it where the crossguard will save my hand. haha That's true, I guess my comments were more a response to "I think about my swords as a warrior would". I personally like straight guards more as well, but prefer the full protection of a bar or bowl hilted sabre myself
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 25, 2018 22:23:45 GMT
Hey, how about a Hanwei Godfred? I guess the early versions had some QC problems, but apparently 2nd gens got it worked out...
pretty sword with the damascus. it is little over budget ($345) but I figured I ask...
|
|
|
Post by pellius on Nov 26, 2018 2:21:57 GMT
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 26, 2018 2:26:58 GMT
Oh, it sure looks like it! Time to move some stuff eh? brand new one costs 345 Lemme shoot you a PM
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 26, 2018 4:24:51 GMT
Alright guys,
I've made my decision...
I went with my decision for few reasons... I'll explain why I DQ'd some stuff... I know someone will do research like me one day and maybe will have to decide like me. Let this be educational for them.
Hanwei Carwood - It's not in stock (even though I liked the styling and history) so I wouldn't get 10% off from KoA and have to wait for it, or take my chances with a retailer nobody has heard of here. If KoA had this sword in stock, it could have been a true contender
Ronin Viking Sword - This one just wasn't speaking to me. I didn't feel a connection with this one. It has good reviews, seems like a good workhorse and very durable... Just wasn't connecting to me. I stopped researching this one early on.
Windlass Ashwood - I started really concentrating on 2 inch plus swords. I feel like the sword needed to be ever so slightly thicker. I think that small difference can be seen.
Hanwei Godfred - I don't like the hex nut pommel and it seems like the sword isn't a big favorite except it looks really good and very attractive. Plus did they really have to polish out the blade on the outside? Leave the pretty folded steel! I'd have to probably etch it to bring it back to what I'd want it to look like.
Windlass Ulfberht - The runner up.... I almost went for this sword but not having an edge and me not being very experienced putting a correct geometry edge on a blade, I didn't want to get something that KoA or MRL had to sharpen the "quick" way and put a secondary bevel on it which is not something I want starting out on swords. Honestly this was the main reason. I would have preferred this over my finalist if it wasn't for that. Price comes out identical.
Hanwei Tinker 9th Century Viking Sword - Another sword out of stock, and I didn't feel like taking my chances with a retailer nobody has heard of. Probably another runner up. Because I couldn't find it anywhere, I didn't do much research on it.
The winner.....
Hanwei Tinker Norman Sword - This one came to the game late... Here is why I went for it.... It has nearly identical handling to the Ulfberht which was my favorite, but China I guess doesn't have the export laws India does so they're able to put a sharp edge on it. That being said, the reviews I read talked about the nice geometry of the blade and edge with no secondary bevel. It's also little thicker than the Ulfberht and supposedly stiffer (something I think I'd like) with little less weight. It comes out to nearly the same price since this one I won't get a sharpening service and will do my own sharpening and learn it myself. The reviews were very positive for this sword so I feel confident.
That being said, while I was ordering it, I forgot to order couple other things I wanted (wall hanger and maybe a shield lol) so I will have to make the order again and ask KoA to cancel my initial order.
I'd like to thank everyone who made this a great post and brought some good discussion points! I will also contact Albion tomorrow and see if I can put a deposit for one of their higher end viking swords... It's going to take me a year to get anyways, so I can put little money away until it's ready. I just don't know how I'm going to explain to wife why the swords are multiplying. LOL
|
|
|
Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Nov 26, 2018 5:29:23 GMT
A good sword! Very good blade! On mine I filed down the edges of the pommel and guard a bit to make it more comfy. Those who had both usually say it handles better than the Ulfberht, that's where the superior blade geometry shines.
|
|
|
Post by nddave on Nov 26, 2018 5:42:34 GMT
Cool, glad you found something you like! I think you'll be happy with the Norman. Again the main concern will be if its sharp enough out of the box which is a common issue with the H/T line all around. Since you plan on learning sharpening for yourself it shouldn't be a major concern. Plus its satin finish won't scratch up if you make a few errors. Its a good representation of a later period transitional design and the 5160 steel used is nice too.
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 26, 2018 12:58:18 GMT
A good sword! Very good blade! On mine I filed down the edges of the pommel and guard a bit to make it more comfy. Those who had both usually say it handles better than the Ulfberht, that's where the superior blade geometry shines. Thanks! I might d something similar. I also want to turn those chrome like fittings to a brushed/satin look. I will start looking into that once I get the sword.
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 26, 2018 12:58:49 GMT
Cool, glad you found something you like! I think you'll be happy with the Norman. Again the main concern will be if its sharp enough out of the box which is a common issue with the H/T line all around. Since you plan on learning sharpening for yourself it shouldn't be a major concern. Plus its satin finish won't scratch up if you make a few errors. Its a good representation of a later period transitional design and the 5160 steel used is nice too. I'm looking forward to it!
|
|
|
Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Nov 26, 2018 16:25:31 GMT
Well maybe your next purchase will be a Viking sword. And yes I know the Normans were descendants of the Vikings. As for where the purchase comes from I have made several purchase from non sword dealers with no problems because the swords are still name brand swords in the company packaging. Got my Hanwei Lowlander and just ordered a Dane Axe from Optic Planet, had the best prices on them. I got a couple other swords from companies other than KOA, MRL, SBG Store, etc. but have also purchased from them too. The price on the 9th Century Viking sword was a no brainer, I'll let you know how it turns out.
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Nov 26, 2018 20:28:49 GMT
Well maybe your next purchase will be a Viking sword. And yes I know the Normans were descendants of the Vikings. As for where the purchase comes from I have made several purchase from non sword dealers with no problems because the swords are still name brand swords in the company packaging. Got my Hanwei Lowlander and just ordered a Dane Axe from Optic Planet, had the best prices on them. I got a couple other swords from companies other than KOA, MRL, SBG Store, etc. but have also purchased from them too. The price on the 9th Century Viking sword was a no brainer, I'll let you know how it turns out. I am truly curious how it will turn out! I'm scared for my life that my wife will find out about the a&a knightly, so I can't risk a third sword right now, otherwise I might have tried myself! Lol Do let me know though. I am very curious!
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Dec 1, 2018 1:12:40 GMT
So just an update... it'been since Sunday that my order has not shipped. I was thinking it'd go out this week for sure.
It's hard to believe they haven't shipped an in stock item for 5 days (and I didn't ask for the sharpening service). Is this what's to be expected from KoA? Pretty disappointing...
on the other hand, my A&A will be here Monday
|
|
|
Post by nddave on Dec 1, 2018 3:39:34 GMT
So just an update... it'been since Sunday that my order has not shipped. I was thinking it'd go out this week for sure. It's hard to believe they haven't shipped an in stock item for 5 days (and I didn't ask for the sharpening service). Is this what's to be expected from KoA? Pretty disappointing... on the other hand, my A&A will be here Monday Probably in the mix of a long list of items to be shipped out after the weekend sale. Definitely not the norm for KoA as they usually get stuff out the next business day or two. You ordered pretty late so you're probably on the back of that list. Who did you order your A&A from, them directly?
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Dec 1, 2018 13:22:51 GMT
I'm not sure if their in stock counter on main page is live, but it dropped few hundred or so. the norman tinker is not back ordered. I'm hoping they didn't run out of stock, and now I'm on the backburner until they get more and didn't tell me about it. I feel like waiting 5 days for something that in stock to ship out is too long in today's age. I will call them Monday and see what's going on. I called them on Monday or Tuesday and they said it should be out thursday.
I ordered directly from them. they had the knightly sword in stock. KoA would have been cheaper with free shipping, but they didn't have it in stock. A&A had the sword in stock with 10% off, but had to pay almost 50 bucks for shipping, which sounds really high... oh well. I'm hoping it's a good quality one. I asked them to sharpen it for me as well. I want to get a custom scabbard made for it... That will be here Monday. KoA still even shipped mine yet. lol
|
|
|
Post by nddave on Dec 1, 2018 16:15:29 GMT
I'm not sure if their in stock counter on main page is live, but it dropped few hundred or so. the norman tinker is not back ordered. I'm hoping they didn't run out of stock, and now I'm on the backburner until they get more and didn't tell me about it. I feel like waiting 5 days for something that in stock to ship out is too long in today's age. I will call them Monday and see what's going on. I called them on Monday or Tuesday and they said it should be out thursday. I ordered directly from them. they had the knightly sword in stock. KoA would have been cheaper with free shipping, but they didn't have it in stock. A&A had the sword in stock with 10% off, but had to pay almost 50 bucks for shipping, which sounds really high... oh well. I'm hoping it's a good quality one. I asked them to sharpen it for me as well. I want to get a custom scabbard made for it... That will be here Monday. KoA still even shipped mine yet. lol Well that's too bad. I guess we all get the short end sometimes. When I ordered my Homildon Hill from them they actually got it out the same day just hours after I ordered it. Took a week to get it to me but thats on UPS, lol.
|
|
|
Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Dec 1, 2018 16:32:00 GMT
Every sword I've ordered from KOA has shipped within a day or two I think one was even same day. Like nddave said with the Black Friday sale you're back on the list because of your late order.
|
|
|
Post by razorseal on Dec 1, 2018 22:44:59 GMT
Every sword I've ordered from KOA has shipped within a day or two I think one was even same day. Like nddave said with the Black Friday sale you're back on the list because of your late order. That's really crappy for me... I will have the A&A Monday... I almost thought about calling out of anger Monday and having them cancel the order, but at this point, we took so long to figure out what I wanted, I feel like I'd be betraying all of you LOL
|
|
|
Post by Matt KOA on Dec 2, 2018 1:28:51 GMT
To the forum in general,
We at Kult of Athena are sorry that it is taking a longer time than usual to ship items. - We expected a notable uptick in business due to the sale but we received substantially more than expected. We have all hands on deck packing during the business week and the main packing crew is working weekend overtime to get the orders out. I normally work on photographing items and updating the website but I myself am temporarily on the packing team until we can catch up. (Hence why the website is not being updated on the new items page).
We are doing what we can to get the inflow of orders out as soon as possible and we are gradually catching up to standard shipping times for this time of year. We still take the necessary time to inspect most items - especially the swords, daggers and other weapons and armor before sending them. It would certainly be much faster to simply ship out boxes from the suppliers without opening or inspecting them but it would be a disservice to customers who expect us to filter out substandard items or the outright lemons that we receive as new from suppliers. We are human and sometimes things get missed or do not get caught, but the substantial amount of blemished or blow out items occupying entire shelving units in the warehouse are all items that would have simply been sent to customers if we didn't inspect them.
We understand the need to have items in a timely matter at this time of year in particular and you can call or contact our customer service reps Zach and Sam who can assist with a status update or an order cancellation. - Again, apologies for the unusual delays for this time of year from our shipping service.
- Matt KOA
|
|
|
Post by nddave on Dec 2, 2018 4:34:07 GMT
To the forum in general, We at Kult of Athena are sorry that it is taking a longer time than usual to ship items. - We expected a notable uptick in business due to the sale but we received substantially more than expected. We have all hands on deck packing during the business week and the main packing crew is working weekend overtime to get the orders out. I normally work on photographing items and updating the website but I myself am temporarily on the packing team until we can catch up. (Hence why the website is not being updated on the new items page). We are doing what we can to get the inflow of orders out as soon as possible and we are gradually catching up to standard shipping times for this time of year. We still take the necessary time to inspect most items - especially the swords, daggers and other weapons and armor before sending them. It would certainly be much faster to simply ship out boxes from the suppliers without opening or inspecting them but it would be a disservice to customers who expect us to filter out substandard items or the outright lemons that we receive as new from suppliers. We are human and sometimes things get missed or do not get caught, but the substantial amount of blemished or blow out items occupying entire shelving units in the warehouse are all items that would have simply been sent to customers if we didn't inspect them. We understand the need to have items in a timely matter at this time of year in particular and you can call or contact our customer service reps Zach and Sam who can assist with a status update or an order cancellation. - Again, apologies for the unusual delays for this time of year from our shipping service. - Matt KOA No worries Matt, sounds like you guys are swamped! I definitely feel for you guys and can understand your situation. I figured that you guys would be backed up after last weekend and figured razorseal should give you all the benefit of the doubt in regards to his shipping delays.
|
|
|
Post by Matt KOA on Dec 2, 2018 6:37:44 GMT
The volume of orders from the Black Friday / Cyber Monday weekend caused a bottleneck. I can understand its a bit frustrating to send an order off and feel like it disappeared into a void and that it feels particularly unusual when that vendor typically has quick shipping times. I thought it best to give a bit of a description to the community as to what is going on behind the scenes and communicate that we are indeed steaming ahead to fill those orders as ably as possible. There is a slowdown of orders after the closing of a major sale so that gives us the breathing room to catch up and be ready for the December holiday orders.
Just a heads up for anyone intending to order gifts and needing their items in time for the holidays - best to place those orders earlier than later as we usually get a second rush of orders in the 1.5 weeks before the holidays. In that timeframe even the stuff that we send out quickly has a notable chance of being bottlenecked in a UPS / USPS shipping facility - thankfully those shipping services can usually pull off some heroic on-the-ground delivery hours as the holidays get close and many people will get their packages - inevitably some do not, so best to not take any chances if you can.
|
|