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Post by ehartkopf on Jul 17, 2023 14:37:08 GMT
I really like the look, but I am worried about the upkeep. Does anyone have strong opinions? Do you feel it enhanced your sword? Was rusting an issue? Thanks for your time.
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Post by Lord Newport on Jul 17, 2023 16:53:46 GMT
I really like the look, but I am worried about the upkeep. Does anyone have strong opinions? Do you feel it enhanced your sword? Was rusting an issue? Thanks for your time. Never been a fan of wire grips...except one sword I saw with a sterling silver wire grip. Interesting questions though... never thought about the rust factor. I suppose one has to wipe/oil the wire when one wipes/oils the blade before putting it away after each use.
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Post by tomtx on Jul 17, 2023 16:54:22 GMT
I haven't had it very long, but I'm not too concerned about rust. I lightly oil it like the blade and other steel parts. It does give a nice antique look to the sword, and gives you a really good grip.
But here is something you might not know: if you order a half wire grip, the leather (non-wire) part closest to the guard will be smooth with no cord texture. This doesn't matter as much on a hexagonal cross-section grip like the Earl, because the shape gives you something to grip, but on the Fiore I got recently it is a little strange-- the non-wire part of the grip is fairly round and small in cross-section, and smooth with no texture so there is not much to grip. Of course, you get a really good grip with the left hand on the wire part. I asked Mike about this, and he said Peter Johnsson wanted it this way.
My guess is, with the fancy longsword techniques you are mainly using the right hand as a pivot point, so maybe having the grip smooth helps with that? But I would rather have some texture on the leather part.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2023 19:13:17 GMT
I owned the Museum Replicas Catalonian with the complete wire wound grip and had it for at least three years with no sign of rust. I likely just wiped it down with a treated gun cloth along with the blades and never had any issues. The only wire wrapped grip I ever saw rust on was an original --
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Jul 17, 2023 21:43:23 GMT
I have had an Albion Munich with a half wire wrap for a few years now, and it is absolutely fine. It's still as tight as the day I received it. It doesn't hurt my bare hand(s). It also has never really needed any maintenance. It looks like it may have been blackened along with the pommel and guard. If so, that's almost certainly why it's never discolored or needed regular maintenance. I'm very happy with mine, and would likely order one with a future purchase.
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Post by leviathansteak on Jul 19, 2023 1:25:02 GMT
I had a ringeck with half wire grip. It does rust but was fairly manageable in terms of maintenance.
In personally not a fan as i don't find the pins comfortable in the hand, but aesthetics wise, looks great
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,631
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Jul 19, 2023 21:31:55 GMT
Here's a quick follow-up to my previous post. I just pulled my Munich out again today and noted that the wire wrap on it is very definitely blacked like the guard and pommel. So, that is certainly offering corrosion resistance. I didn't know the wrap would also be blackened when I placed the order with Albion, but it does look nice with the black leather and blacked guard and pommel.
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Post by toddstratton1 on Jul 19, 2023 21:41:33 GMT
Half wire wraps make everything look cooler IMO. But they aren't always as ergonomic as a full leather grip. But it's not that big of a detriment at all either, for the bonus aesthetics.
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Post by kclee008 on Jul 22, 2023 12:23:56 GMT
I’ve not handled any wire grips but have seen on here and elsewhere they are often described as very comfortable with bare handed use. Can someone clarify how this is because it seems counterintuitive to me?
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Post by toddstratton1 on Jul 22, 2023 13:09:14 GMT
I’ve not handled any wire grips but have seen on here and elsewhere they are often described as very comfortable with bare handed use. Can someone clarify how this is because it seems counterintuitive to me? It is so closely wrapped and tight that it doesnt bite into your hand at all. The only part that can feel a tad uncomfortable less often is the little nubs that are at the end of each side which holds it together.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2023 15:44:55 GMT
The two swords I've had that were all or partially wire wrapped had been done with doubled strands and were well finished and comfortable. I had the MR Catalonian for over three years, and it had been handled often and no signs of rust at all. I never did any cutting with it so no sweaty hands, but it was well done and seemed durable.
I don't see the wire wrapped grips as a problem at all --
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Post by kclee008 on Jul 23, 2023 21:08:20 GMT
I’ve not handled any wire grips but have seen on here and elsewhere they are often described as very comfortable with bare handed use. Can someone clarify how this is because it seems counterintuitive to me? It is so closely wrapped and tight that it doesnt bite into your hand at all. The only part that can feel a tad uncomfortable less often is the little nubs that are at the end of each side which holds it together. Thanks Todd and Squire80. The Albion Munich with blackened hilt and half-wire grip is such an awesome looking piece. I might have to put in an order.
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