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Post by mountainsylph on Jul 21, 2023 10:40:07 GMT
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Post by madirish on Jul 21, 2023 12:20:24 GMT
There are so many things labelled "Viking Sword" on Etsy that have no relation to Viking era swords at all.
I have not seen these two vendors' items in the flesh so they may be perfectly well made, but, in general, these items from Pakistan and Nepal are generally perceived poorly. Poor heat treat, rat tail tangs, poor assembly, and poor quality control plague a lot of these vendors...not to mention getting things that look nothing like the pics online. There are some vendors from whom members have purchased custom items that they are very happy with.
Most of them don't even look like real Viking era designs and are too heavy, too short, too light, overly long grips, fantasy designs, etc. The second sword you listed has a 24" long (quite short) and a long handle for "2 handing" and more of a leaf blade design....that is not close to "authentic Viking". The swords from the first vendor look a bit closer to type, but are not very faithful reproductions in terms of overall design.
You mention handling....what is your intent for this sword? Do you want to cut? Solo training? Costume/Renn Faire? Display? Sparring?
For display or costume, if you like the designs of one what you see on Etsy, there is likely nothing wrong with purchasing one, but I wouldn't swing it around. In general, for cutting, training, or sparring.....I wouldn't chose anything from Etsy unless some folks here have specific knowledge of a particular maker/model.
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Post by dwilson on Jul 21, 2023 21:56:03 GMT
If it says "Pakistan" -- don't walk, RUN. That being said, I have had both good and bad luck with Pakistani swords and knives -- Devil's Edge swords are okay for the price, and I did get a very nice replica of the Musso Bowie which has held up to some hard use. On the other hand, when Pakistani blades are bad, they are VERY bad -- poorly made, overweight, badly heat treated, cheap materials. It's a crap shoot. Is the risk worth it? Unless you're dealing with a known and reputable vendor (and Etsy is NOT one of those), you are taking a big risk. Not worth it, in the long run. As for Nepalese swords, they do tend to be of better quality than anything coming out of Pakistan, but that's not necessarily a very high mark. Some Nepalese makers -- like Purnal Durnal of Great Ghurka Khukri House -- are of the highest quality and come highly recommended. Others? You'll have to do more research and see what people think of the individual maker. Now, the Nepalese sword in question? There is nothing "authentic" about it. It seems to be a bit heavy for its size. I'd recommend avoiding these.
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Post by nddave on Jul 23, 2023 18:22:30 GMT
Judging by the links you posted, the swords shown look like poor hodgepodged wall hanger types. Especially the main pictured one which had a poorly cast viking type U hilt and the blade from the sword of kings from the vikings series. All of them are more than likely Chinese or Pakistan in origin.
Personally for the price of $185 I'd avoid unless you really like the look of it for display but $185 is a little spendy for a wall hanger.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2023 20:06:26 GMT
I've got to agree with madirish and dwilson, I've been over Etsy a lot lately looking for a possible decent dagger [ I found just one] When the description of a sword includes Viking, Crusader, Templer, or any other combined types of swords, that's a "red flag"- they are just using random sword terms to make it seem authentic or more than it is--they really don't know. Always read the reviews, try and find spring steel for the blade, tempered, steel fittings and a wooden core wrapped in leather or cord. Etsy has a fair amount of daggers and swords, but, $16 to say $185 isn't going to buy much, especially a sword. Again, though if it's to be worn to a Ren Fair or just admired and hung from the wall, whatever you like is fine. If you want it to be authentic, well made and safe to practice cutting, go with the name makers, Windlass is usually pretty good, Balaur is often decent quality, Ronin Katana is good and Darksword, but if the cost is an issue, try Deepeeka and hope you get a good one.
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