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Post by zeus on Nov 5, 2022 2:02:00 GMT
I am a sword newbie and have only held a Cold Steel Sword and I am looking to buy my first Albion sword. I have never seen any in real life and have only online reviews to help. I am looking at a hand and half sword and have narrowed it down to either: a) Mercenary or b) Crecy
I wanted to get a sword that was able to cut and was wondering if the Mercenary was a decent cutter? (I am aware that the Crecy is a good cutter and was leaning towards the it, but I like the look of the mercenary.)
I was thinking of getting the hilt blackened. I was also unsure of the the wrap color to get.
If I get the Mercenary is it worth getting the Half-wire wrap?
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Post by takitam on Nov 5, 2022 11:33:25 GMT
Give yourself a few weeks before committing. Your perception of swords and colours will change a bit as you watch reviews and learn more. I recommend watching Matthew Jensen's and alientude's videos focusing on grips, especially their comments on wire wraps and spiral wrap (like on Vigil). One likes the latter, the other doesn't. Make your own choice If you want a personal opinion - I would choose the Mercenary with maroon spiral wrap standard grip. Or the standard Castellan. Most importantly, don't let anyone make the choice for you. It's you who has to be happy with the sword. As for cutting - speculation warning: Crecy will probably cut better close to the tip than the Mercenary. Both will probably cut equally well close to their CoP's. You will also have more space for two hands on the hilt of Mercenary which you may, or may not like more than Crecy.
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Post by leviathansteak on Nov 6, 2022 10:01:11 GMT
I did get a half wire wrap for my ringeck and while well done, i don't think its really worth the upcharge
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Zen_Hydra
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Born with a heart full of neutrality
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Nov 8, 2022 18:21:10 GMT
I have had the privilege to own multiple Albion swords over the years. Of the models you have listed an interest in...I have neither owned, nor handled either, but I have worked with similar sword models over the years. Per my current collection interests, of the two Albion swords you mentioned, I am most interested in picking up a Mercenary. Of the model variations currently available, I am most likely to purchase one with a waisted handle, and half-wire wrap (I'm not sure which color I would pick for the leather handle wrap...perhaps...ultramarine). I have honestly never heard/read a negative review of the Albion Mercenary, and it certainly fits a gap/space I have in my collection. All that said...considering that blade form, I am more inclined to purchase a waisted and half-wire wrapped Albion Castellan. I just prefer it to Albion's other Oakeshott XVa models.
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Post by Lord Newport on Nov 8, 2022 22:44:17 GMT
Best Albion hand and a half cutter is IMHO the Albion Alexandria.
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Post by toddstratton1 on Nov 8, 2022 22:52:49 GMT
Best Albion hand and a half cutter is IMHO the Albion Alexandria. That thing is a cheat code, alongside the Principe lol. Only cut soft targets though. They are not the most durable of blades
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Post by toddstratton1 on Nov 8, 2022 22:56:57 GMT
I would suggest the Crecy between the Crecy and Mercenary. I love both and plan to pick up a mercenary soon myself, however the Mercenary is more a thrust centric sword, still can cut but it is not as designed for cutting as the Crecy. The Crecy is a great sword to learn cutting with. Someone mentioned the Albion Alexandra as well, but that and the Principe are TOO GOOD at cutting, to the point you won't be able to correct bad habits sometimes that it might make up for in the cut itself, if edge alignment is off, technique is wrong etc. Its such a good cutter that it will rip through even with more error. Getting a good cutter sword that also makes you keep good technique is best to learn with. Plus the handling on the Crecy is top notch and its very well balanced and light in the hand. So you won't get fatigued as easily as you would using a principe or Alexandria for longer training sessions. Both fantastic swords the Crecy and Mercenary, just a bit different in how they lean toward cut or thrust is all.
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Post by rannh1 on Nov 9, 2022 1:02:42 GMT
If you are patient , wait for the 2nd hand market, less time wait and experience of having a sword that someone else has had, plus potentially reduced price
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Post by toddstratton1 on Nov 9, 2022 1:57:17 GMT
If you are patient , wait for the 2nd hand market, less time wait and experience of having a sword that someone else has had, plus potentially reduced price Yeah shorter wait time potential too. Ill sell my crecy in February if I make it to longbeach Albion event and they have a crecy in a differrnt color hilt/grip combo I like. Just because I am nervous about messing something up with a DIY dye job on it. Never used for cutting only dry handled a few times do to limited space.
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Post by rannh1 on Nov 9, 2022 2:24:11 GMT
zeus there you go ^ Feb for a crecy if you want
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Post by toddstratton1 on Nov 9, 2022 23:30:19 GMT
zeus there you go ^ Feb for a crecy if you want Possibly, if I end uo being able to make it there and if they have another in stock with a preferred style lol
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Post by curiomansion on Nov 10, 2022 17:43:41 GMT
Listen to your heart. Don't buy any sword that you feel you "should" buy. You can get good with any sword that you practice with, and I'd like to push back on avoiding a sword that's "too good" of a cutter. If you get one of those swords, just hold your cuts to a higher standard and put in the reps (e.g. if you're cutting bottles, make sure the bottles stay in place when cutting). Every sword in the Albion line up is wonderful and you'll probably end up wanting another with opposite characteristics anyway down the road.
I do second the idea that your tastes will change as you consume more content and as you simply stare at the swords longer, so don't rush your decision; stare at the catalogue as much as you can. The Crecy has a great balance of attributes, but I find it incredibly boring. I always say it's the Toyota Camry of the Albion lineup: a solid, reliable, sensible pick, but lacking in personality.
I'd personally go for a more specialized weapon personally: XVa's for something quick and duel oriented. For a monster cutter and concussion machine, don't overlook the Baron. I think the Castellan is a gorgeous sword along the lines of the Mercenary. But again, my main advice would be just to follow your heart and let your training adjust accordingly.
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Post by toddstratton1 on Nov 10, 2022 18:23:53 GMT
Listen to your heart. Don't buy any sword that you feel you "should" buy. You can get good with any sword that you practice with, and I'd like to push back on avoiding a sword that's "too good" of a cutter. If you get one of those swords, just hold your cuts to a higher standard and put in the reps (e.g. if you're cutting bottles, make sure the bottles stay in place when cutting). Every sword in the Albion line up is wonderful and you'll probably end up wanting another with opposite characteristics anyway down the road. I do second the idea that your tastes will change as you consume more content and as you simply stare at the swords longer, so don't rush your decision; stare at the catalogue as much as you can. The Crecy has a great balance of attributes, but I find it incredibly boring. I always say it's the Toyota Camry of the Albion lineup: a solid, reliable, sensible pick, but lacking in personality. I'd personally go for a more specialized weapon personally: XVa's for something quick and duel oriented. For a monster cutter and concussion machine, don't overlook the Baron. I think the Castellan is a gorgeous sword along the lines of the Mercenary. But again, my main advice would be just to follow your heart and let your training adjust accordingly. Those are all very good points!
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