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Post by sebastian on Sept 5, 2020 16:04:38 GMT
Hello I a sort of looking for a longsword to start with or a Templar Sword to handle for a story (and to add to my collection.) Anyone have a good idea for a bit of inexpensive sword to handle that is still historically accurate?
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Post by Sullivan on Sept 5, 2020 17:22:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2020 17:28:22 GMT
Since the order spanned the mid 12th century to the early 14th century, one would be looking for a sword of those periods and there was no designated model. There may have been some commonality amongst various "encampments", chances are one will be looking at an arming sword vs grete swerds of XIIa and XIIIa types. In my opinion, something in a type X, XI, or a IV would fit the bill. Remaining Templars after 1312 (particularly in England) were prosecuted monetarily or rolled into the ranks of the Hospilliters. Edward III was quite lenient on the matter, compared to those in France and the rest of Europe. I am more familiar with the English angle and there is a whole lot more to know about them during those two brief centuries.
There is a good size Wikipedia page you might read for some background. I am not saying lose the romance of movies such as The Kingdom of Heaven but if serious about who and what the Templars were, there is some research you can pursue at your leisure.
Cheers
GC
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Post by sebastian on Sept 5, 2020 19:18:08 GMT
I’m no authority on Templar history but can probably point you in a direction until others come and help hone in on the historical accuracy. Are you talking specifically from “official operations” (1113-1312)? Or maybe hypothetical Templars surviving their disbanding? From what I’ve been exposed to thus far, Templar-era swords were typically of the One-Handed (Arming Sword) variety, but there are some Longswords that capture swords that would have developed in their later years that are plausible and well-reproduced. Are you looking to cut with said sword, or just admire and use it as a model? One is by Ronin Katana kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=RKE13Then you have Kingdom of Arms: kingdomofarms.com/collections/medieval-swords-and-daggers/products/late-crusader-medieval-swordAnd Windlass has a few “reproductions” or interpretations of possible Templar swords, though with my (lack of) expertise I can’t vouch for or dispute their historical plausibility, and many are one-handers. www.museumreplicas.com/faithkeeper-sword-of-the-knights-templarwww.museumreplicas.com/the-accolade-sword-of-the-knights-templarThese are just the budget sharps that are typically vouched for, if you don’t mind blunt swords your options will multiply. ---- I sort of want to cut with it so I can understand how it works. Since I want to know how to draw this thing and understand partially the weight of the weapon with the usage in the story at the same time. Since the character functions as a Crusader though is flawed. |
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Post by MOK on Sept 5, 2020 20:20:30 GMT
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Post by sebastian on Sept 5, 2020 22:55:39 GMT
Thanks! I am going to take a look. I am searching to understand what is going in a blade so I can handle them as well. These seem fun. |
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Post by nddave on Sept 6, 2020 1:37:13 GMT
Yes the Balaur Arms 13th-14th Century Longsword is a good pick as its accurate to the period of when the Templars were a dominant group in Europe. Its also unsharpened so if you're using it for dramatics or as a prop its safer than the sharpened models others have mentioned. The two Windlass models mentioned are also unsharpened but are a little more fantasy in design and more or less film type swords. They're also a hundred or so more in price than the Balaur sword so if your budget is below $300 the two Windlass swords would be a little spendy.
I made a video review of Balaur Sword I posted in the review section and it is the sword I'm posing with in my avatar pic.
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Post by Sullivan on Sept 7, 2020 3:31:43 GMT
sebastian Speaking of the Hanwei/Tinker Great Sword of War, one of our forum members is selling one. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/61923/hanwei-tinker-great-sword-saleI will also say that the Hanwei Tinker line in general is good in the case that you may want to personalize or modify the sword for either your own satisfaction or as modeling for your character’s sword. The Tinker line are among the easier Euros to, well “Tinker” with should you choose to do so. Also yes, those Museum Replicas/Windlass are definitely touched with a good bit of fantasy. Not nearly as bad as some you will find, but liberties are def taken. &Yes, they’re blunt stock, but as with most swords from MRL or Kult of Athena a sharpening service can be had; though that can be hit or miss if you’re hoping for a real cutter. Neither are Longswords though, so I suppose it’s a moot point. Also found this: kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SSM1002BK They don’t advertise the maker, but I think I’ve seen similar by chinese swordmaker Musha. Unless the look really strikes you, the Balaur, Ronin, Hanwei are probably better bets. I would definitely say that if MOK and nddave say the Balaur Arms is a good idea, that this is a sound vote of confidence for those. I’ve personally never had a Balaur, but have heard more good than bad. One caveat though, is that I have seen breakage on some pieces by them with reportedly routine cutting (as recent as a week ago on FB) and will add that at this price-point you’ve always got to be careful putting a blade to anything tough because you can always get a lemon, and that’s not just a Balaur thing.
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Post by sebastian on Sept 7, 2020 19:15:23 GMT
sebastian Speaking of the Hanwei/Tinker Great Sword of War, one of our forum members is selling one. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/61923/hanwei-tinker-great-sword-saleI will also say that the Hanwei Tinker line in general is good in the case that you may want to personalize or modify the sword for either your own satisfaction or as modeling for your character’s sword. The Tinker line are among the easier Euros to, well “Tinker” with should you choose to do so. Also yes, those Museum Replicas/Windlass are definitely touched with a good bit of fantasy. Not nearly as bad as some you will find, but liberties are def taken. &Yes, they’re blunt stock, but as with most swords from MRL or Kult of Athena a sharpening service can be had; though that can be hit or miss if you’re hoping for a real cutter. Neither are Longswords though, so I suppose it’s a moot point. Also found this: kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SSM1002BK They don’t advertise the maker, but I think I’ve seen similar by chinese swordmaker Musha. Unless the look really strikes you, the Balaur, Ronin, Hanwei are probably better bets. I would definitely say that if MOK and nddave say the Balaur Arms is a good idea, that this is a sound vote of confidence for those. I’ve personally never had a Balaur, but have heard more good than bad. One caveat though, is that I have seen breakage on some pieces by them with reportedly routine cutting (as recent as a week ago on FB) and will add that at this price-point you’ve always got to be careful putting a blade to anything tough because you can always get a lemon, and that’s not just a Balaur thing. I see that is something to take a look at though how is the cold steel swords? Like their Hand and a half sword or even their other longswords? Since I am taking a look at even local people selling their swords. |
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Post by nddave on Sept 7, 2020 20:07:11 GMT
sebastian Speaking of the Hanwei/Tinker Great Sword of War, one of our forum members is selling one. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/61923/hanwei-tinker-great-sword-saleI will also say that the Hanwei Tinker line in general is good in the case that you may want to personalize or modify the sword for either your own satisfaction or as modeling for your character’s sword. The Tinker line are among the easier Euros to, well “Tinker” with should you choose to do so. Also yes, those Museum Replicas/Windlass are definitely touched with a good bit of fantasy. Not nearly as bad as some you will find, but liberties are def taken. &Yes, they’re blunt stock, but as with most swords from MRL or Kult of Athena a sharpening service can be had; though that can be hit or miss if you’re hoping for a real cutter. Neither are Longswords though, so I suppose it’s a moot point. Also found this: kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SSM1002BK They don’t advertise the maker, but I think I’ve seen similar by chinese swordmaker Musha. Unless the look really strikes you, the Balaur, Ronin, Hanwei are probably better bets. I would definitely say that if MOK and nddave say the Balaur Arms is a good idea, that this is a sound vote of confidence for those. I’ve personally never had a Balaur, but have heard more good than bad. One caveat though, is that I have seen breakage on some pieces by them with reportedly routine cutting (as recent as a week ago on FB) and will add that at this price-point you’ve always got to be careful putting a blade to anything tough because you can always get a lemon, and that’s not just a Balaur thing. I see that is something to take a look at though how is the cold steel swords? Like their Hand and a half sword or even their other longswords? Since I am taking a look at even local people selling their swords. Not a big fan personally of Cold Steel, their fit and finish and construction methods are very inconsistent and cost to value is poor. |
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Post by Sullivan on Sept 8, 2020 23:12:57 GMT
sebastian I agree with nddave, here, Cold Steel doesn’t have the most stellar reputation. Some of their models can be better than others, but finding out which is which is a big task. Was there a specific model you were looking at of theirs?
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Post by sebastian on Sept 9, 2020 0:44:28 GMT
sebastian I agree with nddave, here, Cold Steel doesn’t have the most stellar reputation. Some of their models can be better than others, but finding out which is which is a big task. Was there a specific model you were looking at of theirs? I was looking at longswords or something that the templars would have used in their time period. So not a specific model. |
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Post by Eric Bergeron on Sept 9, 2020 1:18:33 GMT
sebastian I agree with nddave, here, Cold Steel doesn’t have the most stellar reputation. Some of their models can be better than others, but finding out which is which is a big task. Was there a specific model you were looking at of theirs? I was looking at longswords or something that the templars would have used in their time period. So not a specific model. I have this model sword which is in the same time frame as the templars, its attributed to the Teutonic orders but a lot of the templars who did survive got swept into the hospitallers and teutonic orders. If you are interested send me a PM. Arming Sword |
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Post by wlewisiii on Sept 9, 2020 3:31:03 GMT
I am personally at 50/50 with Cold Steel purchases and would advise against them anytime there is an option,
Just find a nice arming sword and a nice buckler and you'll have 80% of what you want no matter what they are. You can get closer after that.
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Post by sebastian on Sept 9, 2020 12:18:51 GMT
I am personally at 50/50 with Cold Steel purchases and would advise against them anytime there is an option, Just find a nice arming sword and a nice buckler and you'll have 80% of what you want no matter what they are. You can get closer after that. Thanks for the info, I am still not so familiar with arming swords other then their types (I need to go back to HEMA practice in which I practiced the longsword) but I need to go and try that out. Since, lets say that even though I love Japanese and Southeastern blades in general the European sword had a mysticism about it. But to understand the Templars something different must be used. Also, noted to not go to Cold Steel as the first choice. |
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Post by Sullivan on Sept 10, 2020 2:27:45 GMT
Darksword also has some pretty attractive (by my standards) 2 Handed Templar swords. However, a disclaimer: Do some cursory research into the reputation that Darksword Armoury has and make the call yourself on whether the aesthetics/ specs are attractive enough to give them a shot. From everything I read, they can be hit-or-miss. I would say that if you were to buy a DSA, to buy it from a reputable vendor who has a stake in giving you a sword that also passes *their* quality standards. This way you know that there are now two parties at least somewhat invested in your satisfaction, and that it won’t just be DSA checking for QC, which seems to be part of their issue. There is also less of an emphasis on historical accuracy with Darksword than with some other makers. How close are you hoping to come regarding accuracy? Is some fictional license acceptable, or are you most concerned with unimpeachable historical spec? www.reliks.com/functional-european-swords/12th-c-medieval-sword/www.reliks.com/functional-european-swords/two-handed-templar-sword/To back another point made here, you do have those cool Brazil Nut pommels on Arming Swords of that time if you decide to go single-hander. “Teutonic”/“Hospitaller” swords will also work generally as long as you can identify (in your story/model) aesthetic components on them that might make it specific to these orders and change it to Templar-suited features for your purposes. |
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Post by sebastian on Sept 10, 2020 3:43:55 GMT
Darksword also has some pretty attractive (by my standards) 2 Handed Templar swords. However, a disclaimer: Do some cursory research into the reputation that Darksword Armoury has and make the call yourself on whether the aesthetics/ specs are attractive enough to give them a shot. From everything I read, they can be hit-or-miss. I would say that if you were to buy a DSA, to buy it from a reputable vendor who has a stake in giving you a sword that also passes *their* quality standards. This way you know that there are now two parties at least somewhat invested in your satisfaction, and that it won’t just be DSA checking for QC, which seems to be part of their issue. There is also less of an emphasis on historical accuracy with Darksword than with some other makers. How close are you hoping to come regarding accuracy? Is some fictional license acceptable, or are you most concerned with unimpeachable historical spec? www.reliks.com/functional-european-swords/12th-c-medieval-sword/www.reliks.com/functional-european-swords/two-handed-templar-sword/To back another point made here, you do have those cool Brazil Nut pommels on Arming Swords of that time if you decide to go single-hander. “Teutonic”/“Hospitaller” swords will also work generally as long as you can identify (in your story/model) aesthetic components on them that might make it specific to these orders and change it to Templar-suited features for your purposes. Of course. I sort of needed to just have the feel how the blades works and is used in my hand. Though the imagery helps. Since I am not to obsessed with appearance just the knowledge of what they used. |
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Post by sebastian on Sept 15, 2020 12:40:34 GMT
I was looking at longswords or something that the templars would have used in their time period. So not a specific model. I have this model sword which is in the same time frame as the templars, its attributed to the Teutonic orders but a lot of the templars who did survive got swept into the hospitallers and teutonic orders. If you are interested send me a PM. Arming SwordI sent you a PM about this sword, I sorta want to see if I can purchase this today if you still have it. |
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Post by Sullivan on Sept 16, 2020 17:46:50 GMT
Speaking of Templar swords, I just found one by Kris Cutlery that is very interesting- especially considering Kris is going out of business and thus this being a “last chance” thing. Figured I’d put it here just in case, but this one might be of interest to me, actually. Anyone here have experience with Kris Cutlery Medieval blades? www.kriscutlery.com/european-and-medeival/2874fc8z3ap1ewhn6dxkgh6ecbguokWould appreciate any opinions/ second hand testimonials, if you’ve got em. nddave Eric Bergeron MOK @brothernathaniel |
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Post by sebastian on Sept 17, 2020 2:53:47 GMT
Speaking of Templar swords, I just found one by Kris Cutlery that is very interesting- especially considering Kris is going out of business and thus this being a “last chance” thing. Figured I’d put it here just in case, but this one might be of interest to me, actually. Anyone here have experience with Kris Cutlery Medieval blades? www.kriscutlery.com/european-and-medeival/2874fc8z3ap1ewhn6dxkgh6ecbguokWould appreciate any opinions/ second hand testimonials, if you’ve got em. nddave Eric Bergeron MOK @brothernathaniel How that looks freaking awesome! I might get it though it is a bit over my budget. |
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