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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 1:21:14 GMT
Hello everyone. I'm new to sword collecting and am considering purchasing my first Viking sword. Other than one glowing review and one less-than-glowing thread, I can't find much info. Can anyone comment on it's handling qualities compared with other 200-300 swords? I love the look, but am also interested in historical accuracy and handling/cutting ability. Thanks in advance.
P.S. KoA lists it at 4 lb, other sites at 3.2-3.3...any thoughts?
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,647
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 7, 2019 1:23:04 GMT
I would go with the h/t viking sword or the ronin katana viking model #8 for your first piece if u want to know how a sword should feel, these 2 are really good swords, the ronin being prettier imo
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christain
Member
It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on Oct 7, 2019 2:07:25 GMT
2nd on the H/T Viking...or the Hanwei Cawood. Not putting down the Windlass models, but the Hanwei/Hanwei-Tinker models seem to be better balanced and a bit more historically correct...if that matters. And, they come sharp...not the 'butterknife' edge Windlass swords have by default of manufacture.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 2:15:41 GMT
Thanks guys for the input on the other models. Has anyone handled the Legacy Arms Witham River model I was asking about? Would really like some input on that particular sword as well as how it compares to others. Thanks in advance.
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,647
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 7, 2019 3:36:37 GMT
that particular sword's weight varies by website from 3.3 all the way to 4 lbs, that is quite heavy for a single hander and is in the upper weight area for viking swords, grip is suede which i hate and legacy arms have really soft tempers compared to similarly priced swords
grip is really not my style, and this piece could feel weird in the hand depending on the fittings and taper, maybe the pommel is hollowed out at least partially like some viking era swords were to push weight down the blade but I dont think it would be at this price point.
If u like the look tho theres not much to lose getting it, i just think theres superior options out there
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 3:58:55 GMT
Have been looking at the H/T as you suggested and it is a beautiful piece. My only hesitation is that it isn't forged. I like the slight irregularity of a forged blade, but at this price point realize I will have to compromise somewhere.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 4:01:16 GMT
Having said that, all things considered I will very likely end up with the H/T.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Oct 7, 2019 4:02:22 GMT
My 2012 Witham weights ca. 3 lb. and it is a heavy, blade heavy sword, but yet usable. I started to train with dumbbells after I got this beast ("grow stronger!"). Seems they added 1 lb when Cas Iberia/Hanwei bought Gen2/LA. I know the changed the hilt construction. The blade of my Witham is really big and wide but relative thin, perhaps they added some steel there. I can only guess that a 4 lb Witham is hard to move.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 4:10:45 GMT
Thanks for the info. I figured the 4 lb must be a typo...way heavier than I am looking for. I planned to rewrap whatever I buy, but good also to know the temper is softer on the Legacy blade's.
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,647
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 7, 2019 4:14:51 GMT
there shouldnt be any difference between stock removal swords and sword forged at this price point, both the h/t and this one are tempered but as koa has listed the legacy arms line is a bit on the soft side
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,675
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Post by Scott on Oct 7, 2019 9:58:17 GMT
Personally I'd say if you really like the look of the river witham sword then buy it. The temper being a bit softer means you'll need to sharpen it a bit more frequently but at the same time it will be easier to sharpen.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 15:43:47 GMT
Scott...I agree, the temper is of lesser concern to me, since I am aware that many instance of bent blades and dull blades occur in the sagas. We are pretty spoiled in our modern age...we can easily buy well-tempered, homogeneous blades that are of better, more consistent, quality that many of the originals.
Stormmaster and Cristain...thanks for recommending the H/T. The more I look at it, the more I like it. I noticed the fuller stops at the guard on the Legacy...it looks like the H/T goes into the guard. Can either of you confirm this?
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,647
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 7, 2019 15:49:59 GMT
Scott...I agree, the temper is of lesser concern to me, since I am aware that many instance of bent blades and dull blades occur in the sagas. We are pretty spoiled in our modern age...we can easily buy well-tempered, homogeneous blades that are of better, more consistent, quality that many of the originals. Stormmaster and Cristain...thanks for recommending the H/T. The more I look at it, the more I like it. I noticed the fuller stops at the guard on the Legacy...it looks like the H/T goes into the guard. Can either of you confirm this? fullers going onto the tang is not a uncommon occurrence for historical medieval swords and does not affect anything, as you can see on this bare blade on the h/t it does not visibly appear to do so www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=OH2419&name=Hanwei
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 16:10:00 GMT
Stormmaster...I agree...I meant that I LIKE the fact that the fuller goes into the tang on the H/T as it is more common in historical blades.
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Post by scramble on Oct 7, 2019 16:10:40 GMT
It’s probably less historically accurate than the h/t, but I have the ronin katana #8 and it holds up well to some pretty abusive cutting.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 16:12:06 GMT
Thanks for the link, incidentally, on the blade itself...it showed me what I was looking for.
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,647
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 7, 2019 16:13:54 GMT
I liked the finish and profile of the ronin viking model 8 alot, it was better then the price point let me think it would be, was near mirror polish, the h/t tho is tried and true
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Post by joe_meadmaker on Oct 7, 2019 16:25:47 GMT
I recently bought this sword because, like you mentioned, I like the look of it. I haven't weighed the one I received ( I can if you like) but it does feel extremely heavy in the hand. Just going through some controlled swinging motions my arm get tired pretty quickly. If you're looking for a cutter, my advise would be to follow the recommendations that others have given.
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 16:39:14 GMT
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your knowledge...think I will be going with the H/T as it seems to best match my needs overall. I'll wait until I can afford a higher end sword for a decorated guard and pommel...the austere ornamentation of the H/T is really growing on me. I just recently bought NDave's Type XIV to play with, so I'll be busy with it for a while anyway. Unlike Highlander, there's no need to have only one
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Post by bmsinstructor on Oct 7, 2019 16:41:53 GMT
One last question, stormmaster...is the sword in your avatar a Type XIV? Who is the maker? It's beautiful.
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