Jash
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"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
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Post by Jash on Oct 26, 2020 19:27:56 GMT
Just wondering if Deepeeka have any sword "Gems"?
I always see people talking about gems found from other entry level companies (such as the Windlass Arbedo, Balaur Italian, CS sabers, etc...), so curious as to Deepeeka's. I bought my first Deepeeka last year and was pleasantly surprised for the price - their Celtic sword (AH4303N). Fairly recently they introduced their upgraded Primus Line (PRS) with some attractive entry level Migration and Viking swords. These are now entering the price range of Windlass's most expensive offerings... so thought it time to relook at Deepeeka. I was on their website's "New and Improved" section and noticed quite a few upcoming Medieval swords. Especially a St Maurice that caught my eye.
From what I remember, these are always held in high regard (*Edit - only adding ones that I've seen multiple positive comments on to help with subjective bias) : - Fulham Gladius (AH2007). - Tiberius Gladius (AH2008). - Silver Pugio (AH3264S). - Greek Xiphos (AH4236). - 15th Century Rondel Dagger (PRD101). - Type XIX Alexandria Arsenal Milanese Finger Guard Sword (PRS401).
From my understanding, these models were developed with the help of the folks over at RAT Forum: - Fulham Gladius (AH2007). - Tiberius Gladius (AH2008). - 5th Century Feltwell Spatha (AH2009). - Mainz Wederath Gladius (AH3311E).
Any other swords people have been finding to be diamonds in the rough? Any other swords developed by RAT Forums that I missed?
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stormmaster
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I like viking/migration era swords
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Post by stormmaster on Oct 26, 2020 19:58:48 GMT
the gladius they make are usually considered their better pieces, at least for reenactment its decent for the price
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Post by RufusScorpius on Oct 26, 2020 20:42:56 GMT
I have the AH2007 Gladius and it's definitely a first class product. As for other items, I can't give any specifics. Deepeeka still has a lot of their chunky older styles in catalog, so I'm sure someone will chime in with a stock number for a good sword.
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Post by Jordan Williams on Oct 26, 2020 23:16:16 GMT
a gem for deepeeka is a single fiberous sempr!ni in a stream of diarrhea
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2020 0:06:12 GMT
a gem for deepeeka is a single fiberous sempr!ni in a stream of diarrhea Not a diamond in the rough? I have a gladius, it's nice for a reenactment piece.
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Post by tancred on Oct 27, 2020 9:03:44 GMT
Its late, but I do have a few Deepeeka that I do enjoy. All decent to good swords. I was surprised and happy with those purchases.
In any case, this thread inspired me to check out their site. Jash, you were right on about the New And Improved section. A lot of historically-based swords there with close to accurate engravings and everything. I immediately noticed their River Witham Sword. I have the older CAS model. Interesting that the CAS model gets the letter engravings on it but leaves out the geometric symbols, while the Deepeeka seems to do the opposite. Am I going to have to have TWO River Witham swords!?
Lots of other interesting models in that same section. If Deepeeka can churn those out, have them be decently made (or at least at the same level of coolness as the swords of theirs I own now), and keep the price at a similar level, I could very well see myself buying at least three of them. Very interested and eager to see when these come out!
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Post by RufusScorpius on Oct 27, 2020 11:48:56 GMT
Deepeeka has a reputation for low end, chunky, historically inaccurate swords- standard Indian made flea market stuff. However, lately they've started to turn out some surprisingly excellent products. I wouldn't offhand dismiss them as a legitimate supplier, but use caution. Hopefully this shows a turn of events and they will become a legitimate source for serious hobbyists.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
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Post by Jash on Oct 27, 2020 20:19:31 GMT
Well, I'm not about to go all in and become a Deepeeka collector lol. I've been collecting for a while, and Deepeeka was always one of those companies you just stay away from. However, 20 to 25 years ago you'd say the same thing about Windlass; but they've improved a significant amount since then. Balaur, another Indian maker, is even going to another level with overall sword making around the same price point. So I was just thinking that maybe it's Deepeeka's turn?
Their Roman line was redone using the help of historical re-enactors - and now they're probably some of the best Roman swords on the market until you hit Albion's price range. The Primus Migration and Viking swords were done using the help of historians, hence the more historical accurate offerings. I'm not sure about these new Medieval swords, but they seem to be above and beyond Deepeeka's usual swords.
So... maybe there's hope? I guess I started this thread to see if anyone is having great experience with their newer products over the past couple of years.
Tancred - what are the swords you own and are happy with? And yes, it's perfectly fine to own 3 versions of the Whitham swords haha.
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Post by Sullivan on Oct 30, 2020 20:17:06 GMT
It really would be fantastic to see them churning out some better quality stuff.
After we talked in the other thread, Jash, I went and checked out their “New and Improved” section that you brought to my attention, and was pleasantly surprised. Their Moonbrand (for the price, of course) looks pretty interesting. Of course it won’t come close to A&A’s, but as far as I know it’s the only other version being made. I’ve heard their Brescia Spadona is not terrible for it’s pricepoint, either. Though you would probably have to be very strictly budgeted to not go for Balaur’s version instead, or be really intent on a fuller, etc.
It’s good to have an option to purchase reproductions that are in a certain budget and maybe aren’t “high on the list” or are less popular on the reproduction market, that might just be primarily for display, reenactment, or just swinging around occasionally. Most of us want to experience a wide range of different sword types across eras and can’t shell out arguably “heirloom” money for each one, and if Deepeeka can become comparable to Balaur or Windlass eventually? That’s great.
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Jash
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"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Oct 30, 2020 22:46:09 GMT
Glad you found a piece that interests you Fingers crossed these newer swords prove to be an upgrade. I fully agree. The reason I purchased my first Deepeeka last year (Celtic Sword) was A) Didn't seem to be many options with a full metal scabbard; B) It wasn't high on my list, but wanted one for completeness; C) Cheap enough to try my hand at customizing without stressing over ruining a good sword. Deepeeka has been around for a while, so obviously they know what they're doing. Just kudos for them working with customers and experts to try to improve. On that note... I decided to send them an email asking about the St Maurice (as Windlass got the blade wrong, and Hanwei the hilt). To be fair, I am no expert and new to Medieval Euro swords... but I have been looking into this particular sword lately. They not only replied to my questions, but also asked me to send them any sources I had to back up the differences I noticed so that they could see for themselves. It was awesome to see them take me (just some random collector) seriously lol. So if there are any discrepancies anyone notices between a sword they're after, and one with Deepeeka's upcoming production, feel free to shoot them an email.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Nov 6, 2020 23:03:37 GMT
To update on Deepeeka's reply in terms of trying to do better :
Sword of St Maurice - they looked at the sources I sent them, and are currently adding the missed engravings to the cross guard. Also thinking about changing the grip colour to silver. Sadly, the ferrules will be too time consuming and push the cost past where they would like. But fixing 2 of the 3 issues isn't bad at all I'd say.
Langeid Viking Sword - I also brought up the size of the grip. They actually made their prototype to exact scale, but the distributers wanted a longer grip. So that one's not on Deepeeka.
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Post by tancred on Nov 15, 2020 5:21:43 GMT
Tancred - what are the swords you own and are happy with? And yes, it's perfectly fine to own 3 versions of the Whitham swords haha. Jash, terribly sorry its taken me so long to reply. Just been terribly busy. Many years ago, I was given a Deepeeka dagger. The individual parts looked nice, especially the bone hilt that had a red wire wrapped around in a spiral fashion. I thought it looked really stunning. However, the blade and guard looked Medieval, while the pommel looked Early Modern. The parts just didn't seem to fit together. Overall, it was a miss, and I was able to get something in exchange for it. Looking at the other Deepeeka models, I just wasn't overly impressed. Flash forward to today, and (again, just looking off pictures) it seemed like Deepeeka had shown some improvements. While they did still have the really bulky and heavy looking guards and hilts on many of their swords, the others (newer ones, perhaps?) looked to be more elegant and historically accurate. Browsing KOA, I noticed a few Deepeeka models that were rare in the production sword range; unless you were going to go in to the more expensive spectrum of the production market (imo, $350+), you'd be hard-pressed to find swords like this; these were unique swords at this price level. KOA also had munitions grade examples at even further discounted prices. Had Deepeeka improved since I had the weird, mismatched dagger? I thought the risk was worth taking with these. So, I ordered 3 munitions grade Deepeekas from KOA. They were: 15th Century Cluny Hand-and-a-Half Sword www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AH3416R&name=15th+Century+Hand+and+a+Half+Cluny+SwordMilan Finger Guard Sword www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=PRS401&name=Alexandria+Arsenal+Milanese+Finger+Guard+SwordGaelic Arming Sword www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AH6990F&name=Gaelic%2DNorse+Arming+SwordI believe Del Tin has similar models of the Cluny and Milan swords. But, those are in the more expensive production sword level. Windlass used to have a few models with the typical Irish pommels, but those are long discontinued. So, for me, these Deepeekas seemed like the best options presently available. I listed them in order from least to most noticeable issues. These were munitions grade, after all. The only thing I can see wrong with my Cluny is the blade seems perfectly symetrical up until the last quarter inch towards the tip. Barely noticeable at all; you really have to look close to see it. The problem with the Milan sword is part of what makes it so unique--the finger ring guard. It is asymetrical. The one side of the guard is smooth and elegant. The side with the finger ring is roughly done, and obviously bigger and thicker than the other side. I think this could be fairly easily fixed with a little sanding on the finger ring side. The Gaelic sword had the most obvious problem. The blade is very heavily hollow ground, which is a good thing. However, the hollow ground is roughly done, and it leaves the central ridge fairly wavy for the entire length of the blade. I should add that these swords all came with wood core scabbards, something many production sword companies leave off entirely, or charge you extra for. They are all well done, and pretty much immaculate. The ones for the Cluny and Gaelic seem very simple, but are the nicer for it. The one for the Milan has a little more flair to it, but, for whatever reason, I like it less. So, all these swords had problems, but none of them bothered me. I thought the price paid was very worth it, and that I had gotten fairly unique swords in the production sword world for prices that were well below normal production sword prices. All three handle fairly well to very well. In their entirety, a complete win-win. I'm eager to see the measurements and prices on these New and Improved Deepeeka swords. Many of them look wonderful and very tempting. Love the accents and engravings. If stats and price end up being reasonable enough, I could very well see myself getting two or three of them.
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Jash
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"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Nov 19, 2020 4:15:32 GMT
tancred - appreciate the detailed reply regarding your new Deepeeka experience! I agree, they seem to be a great option for select models not usually found in the entry level sword market. In fact, 2 of the ones you purchased are models that also caught my eye haha - the Cluny and the Milan. It sounds as though the Cluny would have been perfect if not munitions grade? The Milan issues could be either due to munitions grade or lack of finishing on this model? The Gaelic sounds like one of the usual issues people have with Deepeeka. Overall though, it's not sounding as though any of these 3 models would be a "Gem"? Regardless, really glad that you're happy with your new Deepeekas! In regards to the other thread on Deepeeka - the "EBay Pre-Production" one - I took a chance. The seller has a few of the upcoming new Primus Line Vikings swords. A little more expensive than Deepeeka's standard offerings - but solid brass hilts, and I love that these are based off museum pieces! I'm trying : 1) PRS 417: Gnezdovo C-2 Type D Viking Sword. deepeeka.in/new-in-2014/d-type-from-c-2-barrow-10th-c.html2) PRS 419: Gnezdovo L-13 Type E-2 Viking Sword. deepeeka.in/new-in-2014/e-type-from-l-13-barrow-920-950-ad.html
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Post by warriorpoet on Nov 24, 2020 1:29:40 GMT
I had the five lobed Viking sword in 2013 and it was awesome for like 125 or something.
Scabbard especially. Wood core top notch, great retention. Perfect amount actually.
Very good hard steel. I live nearby to Kult of Athena so I paid them like 30 bucks and they got an edge on it that held up to my old fashioned Bashing of the edge against a shield wall proxy.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Nov 27, 2020 1:05:18 GMT
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Mar 31, 2021 2:00:04 GMT
Over the months I've been doing more reading on RAT and MyArmoury. Edited the first post to add a few more items that I found to be recommended and/or plenty of positive feedback : - Silver Pugio (AH3264S). - Greek Xiphos (AH4236). - 15th Century Rondel Dagger (PRD101).
Also, edited to add some blades that were developed with the help of the folks over at RAT Forum... so you know these are good to go from a historically accurate point of view lol : - Fulham Gladius (AH2007). - Tiberius Gladius (AH2008). - 5th Century Feltwell Spatha (AH2009).
If anyone knows of any others I could add to this list to help those on a budget, please let me know. Cheers!
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Post by nddave on Mar 31, 2021 18:13:03 GMT
I like my Type XIX Milanese Finger Guard Sword. Its not the best as it and the others in the latest batch have an issue where the guard is unfinished on one side. Overall its put together well and has a decent weight and balance. When you factor in its price at $160 its actually not bad. www.kultofathena.com/product/alexandria-arsenal-milanese-finger-guard-sword/Plan on doing a review for it on my channel but have a few swords ahead of it.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Apr 2, 2021 19:36:10 GMT
I like my Type XIX Milanese Finger Guard Sword. Its not the best as it and the others in the latest batch have an issue where the guard is unfinished on one side. Overall its put together well and has a decent weight and balance. When you factor in its price at $160 its actually not bad. www.kultofathena.com/product/alexandria-arsenal-milanese-finger-guard-sword/Plan on doing a review for it on my channel but have a few swords ahead of it. Thanks nddave! I have now seen a few positive opinions on the Type XIX - so just added it to the first post! Looking forward to your review. Please let me know when it's up, as that XIX is one I've been on the fence about lol.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on May 3, 2021 23:01:17 GMT
Edited to add " Mainz Wederath Gladius (AH3311E) " under one of the swords developed with the RAT Forum.
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Post by highlandredneck on May 7, 2021 14:14:37 GMT
I've been curious about they're newer stuff as well. I keep eyeing that blackened swept hilt rapier.
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