AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 387
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Post by AJGBlack on Nov 30, 2023 1:34:17 GMT
I have a Kingston Arms Atrim XIV and I have decided that I want to move up a level. Off the top of my head, the only XIV I can think of in the next price bracket is the Tod Cutler XIV. I'd go for that one, but all the pics I've seen of it, the blade finish looks... kinda sad? Like, a lot of grind marks and such. I realize that for that price point, and with the level that the included scabbard is at, that $700 isn't a bad price point, but I'm wondering if there are any other options out there that are in the $500-800 price point that are better. I've done a cursory search, but it seems to jump dramatically from $275-400 to $1750 (scabbard included) with nothing really in the middle.
I know that similar discussions have happened before, but I don't recall any that had a focus on type XIV specifically.
Any insight would be appreciated.
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Post by skelley on Nov 30, 2023 7:07:57 GMT
I've personally been eyeing the falchion but I'll have to wait on that. If the Tod Cutler option isn't doing it for you then the only other one I can think of off the top of my head that comes with a scabbard is Valiant Armory's Harwich which is about double the price. I own both the KA and VA type XIV and love them both for different reasons. The VA packs a bigger punch though, without a doubt. I don't think there are any reviews of the Harwich itself but alientude did do one for the Hardwick. I am almost certain it uses the same blade, just different hilt furniture. KOA has the Harwich currently available. Hope that's of some help.
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Post by mrstabby on Nov 30, 2023 9:00:02 GMT
Just being thorough, not suggesting to buy it. It's big and looks unique.
The reviews so far of their "high end" line aren't really good, they just look like 300$ Windlass unfortunately. I did want to buy it, but it doesn't look good so far.
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AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 387
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Post by AJGBlack on Nov 30, 2023 14:58:02 GMT
I've personally been eyeing the falchion but I'll have to wait on that. If the Tod Cutler option isn't doing it for you then the only other one I can think of off the top of my head that comes with a scabbard is Valiant Armory's Harwich which is about double the price. I own both the KA and VA type XIV and love them both for different reasons. The VA packs a bigger punch though, without a doubt. I don't think there are any reviews of the Harwich itself but alientude did do one for theĀ Hardwick. I am almost certain it uses the same blade, just different hilt furniture. KOA has theĀ Harwich currently available. Hope that's of some help. Oh, the Harwich and Milan are both high on my list, just waaay out of my budget lol. Great suggestions though. Just being thorough, not suggesting to buy it. It's big and looks unique.
The reviews so far of their "high end" line aren't really good, they just look like 300$ Windlass unfortunately. I did want to buy it, but it doesn't look good so far.
Agreed. The RA line really does feel like their usual fare but with a fancier scabbard and too many maker's marks.
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Post by takitam on Nov 30, 2023 15:34:13 GMT
How about - an Albion Yeoman? Go big and have no rugrats You missed a chance to save 130$ but it's still the best deal around if you live in the USA. For Europeans, it is obligatory to shed some tears with an Albion purchase. For Americans, it is sword paradise. edit. And remember, a good sword is not about the quality of finish. It is about looks of course, but more importantly mass distribution, handling and proper edge geometry. All of which are generally impossible to know from pictures and stats.
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Post by fester on Nov 30, 2023 15:36:33 GMT
I have not owned the tod cutler type xiv but so far at the price point of tod cutler swords most people have been satisfied with his products
I would buy one from him if I was looking for one.
There was one for sale in the classifieds. The only complaint was the scabbard was kinda loose but the sword was good.
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Post by crazyjons on Nov 30, 2023 17:23:33 GMT
I think the EN45 steel used in the Tod Cutler swords is equivalent to American 9260 spring steel.
I have two of his knives now and they seem quite nice. You could always polish the blade more if you wanted more of a mirror finish.
Jon
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AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 387
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Post by AJGBlack on Dec 7, 2023 5:06:00 GMT
So I wound up getting a Tod Cutler XIV. I'm both pleased and disappointed. Pleased by the balance and handling. I've owned the Windlass XIV as well as the original "Dracula" XIV made by Windlass back in the day. I also currently have the Kingston XIV (looks/feels more like a XVI) and I have played with both Albion Sovereign and Sheriff swords. The Tod XIV feels closest to the Albions. It's so nimble and fast. I did some basic drills with it, and it just feels right. I am disappointed by the finish. Now, I agree with Tod that not everything about a sword, especially in this price range, needs to be perfect. The fuller on one side curves drastically off center near the guard. I don't like it, but I don't really care about that. There are obvious grinder scratches all over the blade, especially near the edge. Fine, whatever. The disappointing part is that there were sharp ledges on the peen block that I had to file off because they were in danger of actually cutting skin or damaging fabric if they came in contact the wrong way. I get "imperfect" is historical, but there's no excuse for sloppy finishes.
I'll try to put together a full review some time next week, as I'm busy for the rest of this one, but the conclusion so far is: I am glad I grabbed this off the secondary market here for $624 shipped. If I had paid the estimated $780 to get it from England, I would have been sorely disappointed and likely to have sent Tod a nasty-gram. As is, at this price it's worth it. The scabbard ain't bad either.
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