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Post by Lord Newport on Jan 19, 2021 18:59:34 GMT
Do well made custom scabbards add value to a high quality medieval production sword like an Albion or ______?
I like having a well made period correct scabbard for my swords. They cost between $800 and $2400 based on what I have seen. Are they worth it and do you tink that when you go to sell the sword/scabbard, does the value hold up?
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Post by Brian Kunz on Jan 19, 2021 19:16:11 GMT
Most definitely they do. Scabbards are a lot like art though in that the truly custom ones are subject to the individual, and sometimes don't appeal well to others. However, my own creations rarely come up for sell and when they do they sell pretty quickly. As my average build usually runs between $2,300 to $3,000 and I have near a 3 year wait, there is something to be said for that. As for resale value, it depends a lot on who is selling it, and the condition/age. I recently posted on my FB page a completed harness for my personal Svante scabbard I use for shows, and I was asked via private message if I would sell just the scabbard for his Svante. 5K later...
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Post by Lord Newport on Jan 19, 2021 19:19:15 GMT
Most definitely they do. Scabbards are a lot like art though in that the truly custom ones are subject to the individual, and sometimes don't appeal well to others. However, my own creations rarely come up for sell and when they do they sell pretty quickly. As my average build usually runs between $2,300 to $3,000 and I have near a 3 year wait, there is something to be said for that. As for resale value, it depends a lot on who is selling it, and the condition/age. I recently posted on my FB page a completed harness for my personal Svante scabbard I use for shows, and I was asked via private message if I would sell just the scabbard for his Svante. 5K later... I agree but it will be interesting to see what the sword buying community thinks. I love your work Brian and cant wait for my spot in your que to come up for a scabbard for my Albion Tritonia...
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Post by alientude on Jan 19, 2021 19:30:59 GMT
They definitely add a lot of value to me. I don't know that I'm ever going to want to spend the several thousand for a DBK piece (though from the looks of it, they're well worth it), but I've got $1,000 into a Tod's Workshop scabbard, and $450 on a Valiant Armoury scabbard (waiting for both at the moment). A high end sword just doesn't feel complete to me without a quality scabbard.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2021 19:34:44 GMT
For me? Not so much. There's a minimum threshold of quality I want for a scabbard, but most of my $$ is for the sword.
I'd feel differently if I was wealthy.
--edit-- I shouldn't have replied to this. I can see this is geared towards high end custom models only, not sword buying in general. My input isn't relevant.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2021 19:50:36 GMT
I believe they add practical value (easier and safer to transport) AND aesthetic value, however, I would caution that one man's delicacy is another man's distaste. Some medieval scabbards had bright and garish colors that, to the modern eye, are kinda tacky. So even if you have an authentic scabbard designed to the taste of our ancestors, the modern buyer may balk at the idea of paying for it, especially second hand. Take from this what you will, but I think if you intend to sell the entire kit one day, I'd aim for a scabbard with a neutral look and without personal touches, which seems boring to me, but there you have it.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Jan 19, 2021 19:51:55 GMT
For me they do. A sword is only half without something to carry it in and protect it. A well made scabbard is a thing of beauty. Some can be quite ornate and nicely compliment the design of the hilt.
I wouldn't buy a sword without at least a basic scabbard. I've been down that road and its no fun at all
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Post by alientude on Jan 19, 2021 19:54:55 GMT
For me? Not so much. There's a minimum threshold of quality I want for a scabbard, but most of my $$ is for the sword. I'd feel differently if I was wealthy. --edit-- I shouldn't have replied to this. I can see this is geared towards high end custom models only, not sword buying in general. My input isn't relevant.
I don't think you shouldn't have replied. I think everybody's opinion is welcome.
Speaking on the more budget end, I actually think scabbards are essential. When buying a budget sword, I definitely don't want to commission a new scabbard that will cost more than the blade, but I absolutely want a scabbard to store the sword in. I'm much less likely to buy a budget sword if it doesn't have a scabbard, whereas with a high end blade like Albion, I pretty much expect that I'll need to get a scabbard made.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2021 20:35:20 GMT
OK, then I'll put it this way. 1) on lower to mid end blades ($<500) scabbard matters a bit, but not a lot. Just needs to be decent. Don't want to spend a fortune on a scabbard. 2) on higher end custom blades ($>1500) scabbard matters a lot. These are collectors looking for art.
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Post by Brian Kunz on Jan 19, 2021 23:11:29 GMT
Fortunately, there are a variety of scabbard makers out there at all range of cost & quality to appease everyone.
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Post by nddave on Jan 20, 2021 2:33:07 GMT
Yea scabbards are almost a market of themselves. Of course they add overall value to the complete package but scabbards are more limited due to many being fitted to a specific sword it was made for. This also adds cost as they need to be custom made to fit the sword's dimension and profile.
I guess it all depends on what you want, something beautiful and intricate or something simple that houses a sword. That's why its nice when European manufacturers offer scabbards in the package. They may not always fit great or be very attractive but they do their job to house a sharp blade and protect the carrier or those around them.
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stormmaster
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 20, 2021 12:35:16 GMT
scabbard is necessary imo and most custom folks do them too which is great but if a sword comes without one i always feel the need to get one as it completes the package
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Post by Hardrada on Jan 21, 2021 11:47:48 GMT
Personally I have no particular interest in scabbards, and my blades are not displayed in/with those I do have. They all end up in the back of a cupboard. If I was transporting a sword around a lot I would probably want one, or if I wanted to wear it as part of an outfit, but neither is really a concern for me at the moment. While I know a lot of people do want scabbards, I tend to get annoyed if I have to pay for a scabbard with a sword. I would much rather just pay less for the sword - especially at the higher-end, where there has clearly been some effort invested in the scabbard and it has pushed an already budget-denting price higher.
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Post by Lord Newport on Jan 21, 2021 15:50:40 GMT
scabbard is necessary imo and most custom folks do them too which is great but if a sword comes without one i always feel the need to get one as it completes the package My feelings exactly
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Post by Lord Newport on Jan 21, 2021 15:52:35 GMT
Personally I have no particular interest in scabbards, and my blades are not displayed in/with those I do have. They all end up in the back of a cupboard. If I was transporting a sword around a lot I would probably want one, or if I wanted to wear it as part of an outfit, but neither is really a concern for me at the moment. While I know a lot of people do want scabbards, I tend to get annoyed if I have to pay for a scabbard with a sword. I would much rather just pay less for the sword - especially at the higher-end, where there has clearly been some effort invested in the scabbard and it has pushed an already budget-denting price higher. What kinds/brands/price range swords do you own?
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Post by clydehollis on Jan 21, 2021 17:56:31 GMT
For me? Absolutely! In fact it is important enough for me that I won't even consider a sword if it doesn't come with a scabbard if I know it would not be easily enough rectified. Here, here. I also agree and that is why we ensured we had a better quality scabbard than most production swords. We are no way in scabbard making as Valiant or Christian Fletcher. But better than most of the rest. That does add to the cost. But I think it is well worth it. As I say on our site. It is like the paint job on your show car (or truck).
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Post by Murffy on Jan 21, 2021 18:14:12 GMT
To me, much of a sword's value as a weapon is that it's wearable. The point is lost without a scabbard. I know it's highly unlikely I'd ever wear a sword in "earnest" so to speak but a scabbard seems like an essential part of its functionality. A sword is not a fully realized tool without one.
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Post by ThomasW on Jan 21, 2021 18:21:08 GMT
To me, much of a sword's value as a weapon is that it's wearable. The point is lost without a scabbard. I know it's highly unlikely I'd ever wear a sword in "earnest" so to speak but a scabbard seems like an essential part of its functionality. A sword is not a fully realized tool without one. I feel the same way. (And also safety)
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Post by Arthur Dayne on Jan 21, 2021 19:06:25 GMT
I feel that if you can afford it then getting a decent scabbard made for the sword does complete the package. Without the scabbard the sword will just be sitting around all lonesome on display or in a box somewhere. And if you want to carry it around safely by itself it looks more respectable carrying it in a scabbard instead of an oversized rifle or cardboard box. You could wrap the blade in plastic or cloth sword condom too but it doesn't look good.
Plus if you shelled out $1k-3k+ for the sword, I'm sure you could justify spending the $ on an appropriate scabbard sometime in the future heh.
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stormmaster
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Post by stormmaster on Jan 21, 2021 22:37:10 GMT
scabbards just make the sword look cooler too imo if its matching and is safer to handle if theres kids around or moving house
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