Eomer's Guthwine - by Magnoli Props

Just checked the site. Are they ready?! The "pre-order" blurb is gone! Is it time?! And just looking at the picture you posted of the pommel. A nice peened tang! That is pretty cool. Interesting doing that on a zinc pommel though. I am surprised that even worked. Maybe he used something stronger than average Zinc? But either way, is it time?!

Hahah love the enthusiasm! 

YES!!!  After 7 years... she's ready.  I received my shipping tracking # this morning!  ETA mid/end next week.  I'll be sure to post some pics and a mini-review.  I plan on doing a bigger "Compare and Contrast" when i get UC's version as well.  One collector on the LOTR FB page received his today already... unfortunately only posted a few pics and no initial impressions lol. 

Yup... i was also wondering about the peen on the alloy pommel.  I'm not sure what mix of alloy or how thick the antique brass plating is... or how much of a difference it makes.  Even without this in hand, i'm still classifying it as similar to the MC Glamdring or MC Sting - "semi functional" = better than UC standard line, but not "battle worthy".  

Thanks storm!  I mean, it's a $400 package including custom plaque, wood/leather scabbard, and international shipping.  So trying to keep my expectations accordingly lol.  Still...  

So just got an email from them. I inquired about the tempering in comparison to that used on the Sparrow sword. He stated that they are tempered the same as the Sparrow sword. So i will "likely see the same issue", they said....
As I commented before, I bought his sparrow sword and there was no tempering. The slightest bend and it stayed bent.... So, if he is using the same steel and same tempering, that does not bode well.
But then again, someone wrote him recently in regards to the tempering of the Sparrow sword, and was told "they do better tempering now", than when I bought mine.... Still has me nervous. If it is at all close to the tempering of my sparrow, then you'll see one of these up for sale here shortly.
But lastly, I thought I saw somewhere on one of these chats or one of the FB sites, someone list the actual steel used for these. But now I can't find it! If it is a 1060 or 1095 poorly tempered, I will be concerned. But if it is 5160 with a bad temper, I will not be as much. So, did we ever confirm?!

Just copying and pasting this from FB : 

My turn! Guthwine by Magnoli Props! I plan on doing a more detailed "mini review" later this week (including comparing it to one of the Weta made props), but I realize a lot of people are eager to know more about this sword - so figure I'd share a few "first impressions" (as mine only arrived last night) lol.


Plaque - better than I expected. From the pictures I was worried the gold print would be too shiny and distract from the sword. It's more subdued in person. But, it stinks of varnish lol. 

Scabbard - this is probably where the sword shines (no pun intended). Being wood - it's much heavier and sturdier than the UC scabbards (compared it to my Anduril scabbard). Even though the metal components are an alloy - they're thick and sturdy. Biggest issue is the leather stitching isn't straight (which i've seen on other examples as well, but in different places). Smaller issue is the leather isn't glued into the grooves in the wooden scabbard, but "sit inside". So the grooves are still visible, but not as well defined. A few people have mentioned the scabbard doesn't hold the sword properly - I don't believe this an issue of Indy's version, but more because that's how it was designed - the sword doesn't go all the way inside. 

Sword Blade - it's what I expected. Straight, but with wavy edges and fullers from being hand ground. Since the majority of people buying this sword are LOTR collectors - this sword is technically "entry level" at this price point, and thus suffers from the same issues seen in such other entry level manufacturers as Deepeeka and Windlass. I did quickly check the temper by bending the blade in either direction. It is stiffer (having double fullers), but did come back to true on every occasion. 

Sword Handle - overall very well done! I need to get the prop out of the display - but from first glance it seems as though this version is somewhat lacking in detail. Not that it's missing anything... but more as though the sword has been used for ages and thus lost some detail. (Think of the prop sword handles from the Highlander hero katanas). Again, the alloy fittings are heavier and feel more sturdy than i expected. Biggest issue - my handle is slightly bent to one side (back to front). So not noticeable when on display or handling, but is when looking at it from the side. I've heard other collectors having different issues with alignment... again, entry level price point for a handmade sword. 

Overall - I'm very happy with this sword. It's slightly lighter than my UC Eowyn sword - Eowyn's is longer, but Guthwine is better balanced. You have to put it into perspective. This was $400 US for a specific replica, handmade sword, leather over wood scabbard with metal fittings, plaque, and international shipping including all duties and fees. UC's Guthwine is $210 and Anduril's scabbard is $180 = $390 US plus shipping and tax. So roughly the same price for those living in the US, but Indy's version will be cheaper for those of us that do not. Also take into account only 100 of these are made - the fewer made, the more expensive the end result I know this sword is getting bad rep for being made in Pakistan... but in all honesty, this is the best quality sword i've personally seen / handled from Pakistan. Goes to show that they can do better than the swords you see floating around eBay. 

Like I said, these are just quick first impressions. I'll try to get a more detailed opinion out later this week. Cheers  

My pleasure. Trying to do a bit longer review including pictures... but just having a busy week... Haha no, I have not seen (or remember at least) your rants regarding sword aesthetics. I'm on a similar page though - preferring the "hand craftsmanship" over perfection. Eomer is of Rohan, so a "Rohirrim" I believe is the term (bit rusty myself)? I hope your blade turns out okay... the ones i've seen / heard about vary quite a bit in fit & finish and QC. Btw - before writing that, I went back to check the temper / flex just for you

Hope you get yours soon! Looking forward to your thoughts on this sword!

Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! Death!!   

*cough* I mean.... cool, cool. 

Oh man oh man oh man, the girlfriend says I just got some package that says "wood sheath, from your friend Indy"!!! I'm sure there is a sword in there too! ; )

@aequitas -     

joeydac - 100% agree.  Maybe 3 options of quality levels? 
1) Bronze fittings with 1095 steel. 
2) Brass fittings with 1060 steel. 
3) Plated alloy fittings with unknown steel....lol