Greek Korfu Kopis by Deepeeka - AH2151
Dec 11, 2022 0:30:48 GMT
Post by Barahir on Dec 11, 2022 0:30:48 GMT
The Greek Korfu Kopis by Deepeeka #AH2151
Introduction
A 46-year-old Canadian, I have been collecting swords for about 17 years. I own all sorts of weapons… ranging from movie replicas, historical replicas, fantasy weapons and a mix of all of these at the same time! I am by no means a weapons expert, nor a historian, nor a time traveler who thinks I know everything (like some folks on internet). I'm just a fan who likes to add shiny steel items to his armory. I am not used to making very elaborate reviews, but I am launching here to present this magnificent sword which had piqued my curiosity.
Full Disclosure
This is not first Deepeeka Armouries sword. I own many of them, especially their Scandinavian / Viking style swords. Chunmun Agarwal (one of the owner of Deepeeka Armouries) sent me this sword so that I could review it. This sword is a new model that is not yet on the market so I cannot confirm the exact date of launch yet but I can tell you that it will be available very soon in the kultofathena of this world! We concluded that I would do an honest review. I was not asked anything specific. I therefore have no affiliation with them and I am in no way an expert in weapons, as mentioned in my introduction. So, let's start.
Manufacturer Overview
‘’For over four decades, Deepeeka has gained incredible success as a developer and exporter of an exhaustive repertoire of Antique reproductions and general handicraft goods. The emphases has always been on creating high quality replicas as historically accurate as possible, combining traditional patterns with modern materials to match the legacy of the original masterpieces. Their collections signify protection of ideals and culture. They portray courage, strength, manhood, pride, victory and freedom’’.
Often shunned by collectors due to the quality of products offered in the past, Deepeeka swords continue to grow in popularity day by day. The quality has improved greatly and they are moving forward. Several collectors have decided to give it a shot and have not been disappointed. With the price of equipment these days, materials and labor, they manage to offer a diversified product at the most competitive price. The majority of their products are still available for under $300 USD. Which joins several collectors. After all, not everyone is willing or able to invest $2000 on a single sword. There is a market for everything and collectors of all kind.
I love the variety of swords offered by Deepeeka. It's amazing how large their collection is and they are sold in the majority of the most popular retailers sites in the world for swords or any other historical items.
Historical Overview
Deepeeka offers us here a replica of an Iron Kopis which dates from 320BC and which is kept at the Athens Museum.
The Korfu Kopis has a single-edged blade that pitches forward towards the point, the edge being concave near the hilt, but convex near the point. The grip is typically hook-shaped, the end often stylized in the shape of a horse or a bird in this case. There is often a thin chain connecting the hooked butt of the Iberian with the hilt. That kind of weapon was highly prized by the ancient general Hannibal, who equipped Carthaginian Troops with it during the Second Punic War.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrives well oiled and wrapped in bubble wrap, the scabbard and the sword packed separately. What jumps out at me is how small the grip is at the first sight. I don't have a particularly big hand and my 4 fingers fit very tight into the handle. But given that it's a historical replica, I imagine it's intended as is. Everything seems fine, solid and straight. The handle is stained or oxidized a little but I clean quickly with Autosol Metal Cleaner to make it sparkling again! I clean the blade too from oil and start my analysis.
Actual Statistics
Steel : EN45 Carbon Steel (from India)
Blade Length: 22’’ 1/2
Overall Length: 27’’
Handle: Made of Bronze, riveted with 4 pins
Grip Length: 3’’
Weight: 1 pounds, 15 oz
Edge : Factory Blunt
Width : 42.4mm at the largest section of the blade
Distal Taper: from the guard to the tip ... 1.4mmm 2.1mm, 2.8mm
Point of Balance : 3’’1/2 from the guard
COMPONENTS
The Blade
The blade is forged in EN45 carbon steel. EN45 is a high carbon alloy steel usually used to made swords, automative leaf springs, heavy spring parts, and some customized knives, it’s very suitable for oil hardening and tempering. Unfortunately here, this blade has clearly not been hardened, neither in oil nor in water. When I try to bend it, unfortunately it does not return to its original shape. I have to bend the other way to try to straighten it. Is it just mine or are they all like that for this model? I know from my experience that not all Deepeeka sword models are sold ''Battle Ready''.
Nevertheless, the blade arrives straight, thick and beautiful. Without apparent defect. The ridge is straight on both sides and runs the entire blade. The blade measures 22'' ½ in length and its widest point, which is closer to the tip, which is the part that does the most damage during combat, measures 42.4 mm. To improve the maneuverability of a medieval sword, it is often said that the blade should taper with a distal taper, i.e. taper from the hilt to the tip. Although this is not always the case. On this Korfu Kopis, it's quite the opposite (1.4 mm, 2.1mm, 2.8 ''). The blade thickens more and more as one moves away from the handle towards the tip, to reach its thickest in the center of the widest curve of the blade, the one that generally strikes the opponent. Is this how the blade should be or is it a manufacturer error?
The blade arrives factory blunt and you can have it sharpen at your favorite merchant, like all Deepeeka blades. I don't know how it would react if you try to hit tatami or anything hard though, as it doesn't feel hardened. Is it worth getting her sharpen up?
A beautiful sword at first sight for the wall or to decorate your collection of different historical weapons.
The Handle
There is not so much information about this sword on the Deepeeka site yet. They say the handle is made of bronze. I am not an expert. It could be just brass or a mix of the two. In short, when cleaned, it is very beautiful. Some prefer the aged and antique look but I like it better when it's shinny. Tastes are in nature, right?
The handle is therefore not peened. These are two plates riveted to the tang by 4 pins. Very solid. The handle ends in the shape of a bird's head, which is historically accurate.
The plaques are firmly attached to the tang. The fit and finish is not 100% perfect. A few small gaps here and there but nothing too dramatic or annoying. Really minimal.
As mentioned in my introduction, I was surprised by the size of the grip. My 4 fingers fit very tight in the 3” grip. Which is surely historically accurate as well because I believe this type of sword was carried on horseback and when he used it, it had to be tight in the fighter's hand so that it stayed effective, that it does not spin or roll.
The Guard
As it is a sword from antiquity, there is no hilt with quillons to protect the hand. This is essentially not a melee weapon. It's more of a "slasher" or "chopper".
The Scabbard
Not being a museum curator, I don't know if the scabbard is historically correct. Of course, I did my research but couldn't find anything conclusive.
It is a fairly massive scabbard for the size of the sword with a wooden center, covered in leather. The end is not pointed and it is added with an additional piece of leather. The same goes for the other part, the slot where you slide the blade. The sword is well protected even if a tiny part of the blade is exposed. On the other hand, there is really no retention. When the scabbard is turned upside down, the sword comes out. Often something that annoys collectors. I think it depends on what you're doing with your sword. If it's for your collection of historical weapons and only for display, it's not really an issue. The scabbard is also decorated with four rings to attach a belt to, to carry the sword on either. What should be provided in my opinion. It would enhance the look of the combo.
The scabbard is therefore nothing extraordinary but it is well made. The craftsmen at Deepeeka Armouries generally work the leather well. I find them good.
Handling
Honestly, I did not do any cutting or strength test with this sword. I know that many collectors like to see water bottles waltzing into pieces in the air but it is often only the sharpening of the blade that we analyze in these cases in my opinion, which can be very different from blade to blade , for the same model. Also, I treat my swords like oeuvre d’art, and I don't see the point in testing for destruction. There are other ways to analyze the handling of swords than trying to destroy them. That's my personal opinion. Anyway, as we have seen, the blade does not seem hard enough to carry out cutting tests. What I can say is that it fits well in the hand (quite tight even) and is relatively light at 1 lb and 15 oz. It's fun to play with. Its also well balanced.
Conclusions
This is a nice little sword for historical replica collectors. The look is really great and it is well built. The price should also be enticing. On the other hand, the fact that the blade is so soft is a little disappointing. At the time of this writing, I still don't know if it was only the prototype that had an unhardened blade, and if the other swords of this model will be produced as is. This remains to be checked with the retailers. Nevertheless, the Deepeeka Armouries korfu Kopis remains a fine addition to any collection. If you don't plan on going into battle armed with this sword, it might fit well in your wall hanger collection. *edit from forum member AndytheBavarian, Swords from 4th cent. BC weren't quenched/hardened afaik, so the Deepeeka might be historical correct.
Please follow this link to see more images of this sword…
