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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2007 6:18:37 GMT
Hello everyone! Obviously I'm new to the SBG forums and man am I ever glad I found this site before I made my first purchase. Great info! Now on to a question about a scimitar I'm really thinking about buying from strongblade.com. Has anyone had any experience with this company? It wasn't in the links of featured vendors and though the sword is fairly inexpensive, $119.00, I'd hate to shell out the money only find out it's wall hanger. Here is the link to the particular scimitar I'm looking at. It's supposed to be high carbon and tempered so it seems like a nice piece. www.strongblade.com/prod/sbj-bonedancerscimitar.html. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2007 8:51:50 GMT
I've never heard of these guys before, but I'll offer a few comments. Two things that struck me right off were the pommel and the grip. The pommel (like on the other swords they sell) appears like it is probably threaded onto the tang. THis isn't necessarily bad, if it's done well, but...that's the problem: unless somebody else here owns one, there's no way to tell whether it has a nice fat tang with good large diameter threads or a skinny rat-tail tang (or whether it's epoxied in place or just screwed on). Second, the grip appears to be totally round. The trouble with this is that it makes it very difficult to properly align the edge during a cut (assuming you're want to use it for such). I'm really not very familiar with Mid-Eastern swords, but all the historiical ones I've seen pics of appear to have a full tang with slab grips rather than being assembled like this one appears to be. The scabbard would be good for storing and carrying the sword, but it's totally wrong for an historical scabbard. However, these last two items are merely aesthetic, so if you just like the look of this sword and aren't too concerned with the historical aspects, then they aren't a big deal. I really don't know what to tell you. On one hand, it's a pretty cool looking semi-fantasy scimitar and may be fairly decent. On the other hand, it could turn out to be garbage. There's just no way to tell about the hilt assembly/durability or the tempering or quality of the blade. Brimstone Tempering is obviously a fancy sounding term they came up with for marketing purposes, but it tells you nothing about the actual process (which may be quite good or horribly bad). Unless someone else here can give you some positive first-hand info on these guys and their swords, my conscience tells me to tell you to hold off and look around at some other pieces. Welcome aboard, by the way.
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Post by admin on Mar 10, 2007 12:27:17 GMT
Some good advice from Mr. Schwert, I'd say the gut feeling is pretty much on the mark for this one... These sellers have been discussed on sword forum international here under the ominous post Crap Sword Sellers that lie... I've also seen some pictures of their tangs, and they may (or may not) be a strong blade, but the tangs are pencil thin rat tail jobbies... Another thing that irks me is that they have a little section in there they call 'sword buyers guide'...Lol. Of course, the name isn't really what grieves me (so much, maybe..! ) but there is a bit in there where they give some pretty false info, such as the little gem at the bottom where they state that a full tang and rat tail tang is pretty much the same thing... GRRRRR... Oh dear - I've just realize that I am ranting.. But you get the general idea...! Welcome to SBG Lloyd! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2007 14:00:32 GMT
Thanks very much to both of you!
Very good point about the grip, Mr. Schwert. I hadn't really thought about it being round but I was concerned about how thin it looked. I know a sword is only as good as it's tang and a thin grip means a thinner tang. I had been hoping that the picture just didn't do the blade justice but that doesn't seem to be the case now. Great insights!
And as if Mr. Schwerts insights weren't enough, Paul's link to the international sword forum sealed strongblades fate in my eyes.
As I said in the OP, I'm really glad I found this site. Thanks again.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2007 16:02:36 GMT
lloyd, For a first sword I Would strongly recommend that you take a good look at this page: www.sword-buyers-guide.com/swords-online.html, and decide which retailer is best for your taste and budget, paul made a fine list of trustworthy ones in this page Some highlighted sellers in my opinion would be: www.trueswords.com - if you are into replicas of famous movies or TV shows or just in general, please take note that some of their swords are wallhangers made of stainless steel, if not claimed otherwise in their descriptions, they are such, so look carefully. (Note to lloyd, If you like Japanese Katanas, take a close look for TrueSwords Musashi Line] www.reliks.com - these guys sell some of the best swords in the market [practical swords] for not too much, and sometimes too little in comparison for the quality of the swords, however their prices would not go for as low as trueswords would. www.sukkotoinc.com - if you like the Cheness Cutlery blades [can be found on the SBG store on the main site, or in www.chenessinc.com ] then you would love this site, the owner, Scott, takes their blades and mounts them on cheaper [not too cheap though] fittings - making an unbeatable swords for their price. -note to paul, I have checked and Scott actually is still making these swords! thats all that comes up in my head right now for a small list of highlighted favorite resellers of my. Some highly important things you should be looking at each swords description is[Skip this of you already know exactly what you are looking for in your first sword]: What metal/metal alloy is the blade made of [Stainless Steel 420/420 J2/440, Carbon Steel 10XX/ Carbon Steel + Silicone 96XX and so on and so on] - note to lloyd the understanding of which is better comes with experience over time, so I won't expand about metals and their respective characteristics. However you can read more about it here: www.angelic.org/highlander/metallurgy/grades.html and here: www.chenessinc.com/steelselect.htmAnd there was another great guide under the sukkotoinc.com site but its down right now [along with the rest of the site, lol, but he will fix it] How was it forged, obviously you would want a hand forged sword [However don't take "Hand Forged" For granted, it does not necessarily means the sword is good for cutting!] What Tang does it have, "Rat Tail" / Welded Rat Tail Tang, Full Tang /Welded Full Tang[Make sure it is NOT welded as an after thought], and so on - obviously the best option is a Full Tang that was made as integral part of the sword, and not welded to it afterwards. Last thing[for now, I wish I had more time to go on and write, but i've ran out of time, but perhaps someone else will continue this list of what should you look at when reading a description of a sword]: How many pins (If Any)are holding the Tang, Most preferd would be Two Pins [Also named Mekugi in Japanese, or Pegs], make sure its not just glued to the handle, as glue is strong but never will be as trust worthy as two pegs would be. I Hope this short list of retailers and what should you look at when reading a sword description will help you make wise desicion for which sword would be your best, Do not forget to first decide what are you looking for - a wallhanger, practical sword for light cutting or a "beater" that will take on heavier targets. Good day to you, and welcome to our community -Haminados
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2007 22:37:09 GMT
Thanks, Haminados. I have indeed been pouring over the featured vendor list and I have found it to be a harrowing experience simply because there is so much to choose from. The main reason for this post, in fact, was because I didn't see strongblade.com on that list... and for good reason apparently. hehe. Thank god for the SBG! I'm no metal expert but am aware that high carbon, tempered steel makes the best blades and wouldn't settle for anything less than a full tang. Though I didn't know people tried to pass off a welded tang as a full tang... bleeech, that's just wrong. Thanks again everyone.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2007 1:27:37 GMT
Some good advice from Mr. Schwert, I'd say the gut feeling is pretty much on the mark for this one... These sellers have been discussed on sword forum international here under the ominous post Crap Sword Sellers that lie... I've also seen some pictures of their tangs, and they may (or may not) be a strong blade, but the tangs are pencil thin rat tail jobbies... That's too bad about the tangs. I was hoping my concerns would be proven unfounded, as I actually really like the looks of some of their swords, having checked out their site extensivley before responding to lloyd's post. As with any other sword maker or vendor, I'd gladly welcome Mr. Rodriguez if he happened to see this (or Paul contacted him, perhaps) and cared to discuss his products with us in further detail. BTW ,If this were to happen, however, I'd encourage people to keep things in a civil/non-bashing tone. In such a manner we may be able to start a productive dialogue with them similar to the one we have with Gen2 and others. One never knows.
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Post by rammstein on Mar 11, 2007 2:09:28 GMT
What is good about strongblades is that, although they are obviously not battle ready, they don't make the claim that they ARE.
I found SFI's attitude quite harsh...but then again what's new? I don't see any reason to criticize the swords and the maker so virulently. It was hilarious when Mr. Rodrigeuz popped in and all rude comments suddenly stopped and people tried to gloss over them because now someone significant could read the posts ;D
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Post by rammstein on Mar 11, 2007 4:45:37 GMT
www.strongblade.com/prod/sba-buster-maelstrom.htmlThey Shall ALL Burn! Well, all except the parts that I cut off Just joking ;P Had a look around the site. If you guys spent the time to take some of these designs to the well tempered historical quality they deserve, you would be an amazing company. That said, it's a waste of steel in my opinion if it doesn't hold up. Think of how many battle ready sword coud have been made from all of that wasted steel I particularly like some of the one handed swords...But I'm not going to buy anything until the swords can hold up to damage and abuse at least as well as, say, a windlass, preferably a gen2.
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admin
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Post by admin on Mar 11, 2007 5:30:53 GMT
I've just approved Strongblade as a new member, so hopefully he will come on soon and provide his side of the argument.
I have a few questions I'd like answered honestly from him (the issues I raised in my first post), but this is what the SBG forum is about and I welcome his contributions...!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2007 9:20:52 GMT
I've just approved Strongblade as a new member, so hopefully he will come on soon and provide his side of the argument. Cool! I look forward to hearing his perspective and point of view. That was fast work, Paul. P.S. Rammstein, your Busterphobia is out of control! Get a grip, man! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2007 16:36:55 GMT
I've just approved Strongblade as a new member, so hopefully he will come on soon and provide his side of the argument. I have a few questions I'd like answered honestly from him (the issues I raised in my first post), but this is what the SBG forum is about and I welcome his contributions...! Very nice, Paul. I too am very interested in listening to what Strongblade has to say. Good on him for coming over here! Lets make this the start of a great relationship.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2007 18:16:31 GMT
Considering they got the Buster Sword down to 12 lbs, that's quite an accomplishment. All the previous steel versions I've seen have been in the 20+ lbs. area. At least.
The old aluminum version was 12 lbs even!
Anyway, I guess it's no secret with those gaping holes. It certainly is 'fantasy'.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2007 6:23:02 GMT
I'm new as well, so hi everybody.
I'm thinking about buying a Strongblade rapier as a costume accessory because they're prettier than any wallhanger rapier I've seen for the same price, so even if that's all it is I won't consider myself to have been technically ripped off. If I scrape together the cash, it'll be going on the reviews board. Let's hope to be pleasantly surprised.
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admin
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Post by admin on Mar 14, 2007 8:37:09 GMT
I'm new as well, so hi everybody. I'm thinking about buying a Strongblade rapier as a costume accessory because they're prettier than any wallhanger rapier I've seen for the same price, so even if that's all it is I won't consider myself to have been technically ripped off. If I scrape together the cash, it'll be going on the reviews board. Let's hope to be pleasantly surprised. Kudos to you shatter on trying one out, and welcome to the forums. Strongblade has registered, but hasn't posted any response yet. I certainly hope that it isn't because he feels we are going to circle him like a pack of sharks because that isn't the case. I did hear some time ago that there were rumours that they were going to be making their swords full tang. If they can do this - keep the prices around where they are now - and the blades are indeed strong, I'd be interested in personally trying one out and reviewing it on SBG...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2007 8:42:51 GMT
If thats what he fears of, I can calm you down sir Strongblade! We won't circle you, nor will we try to bash you personally, this is not what we do here, but we ARE interested in hearing some official answers for a few questions we got.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2007 17:21:07 GMT
What is good about strongblades is that, although they are obviously not battle ready, they don't make the claim that they ARE. I found SFI's attitude quite harsh...but then again what's new? I don't see any reason to criticize the swords and the maker so virulently. It was hilarious when Mr. Rodrigeuz popped in and all rude comments suddenly stopped and people tried to gloss over them because now someone significant could read the posts ;D Not to dump on StrongBlade nor to come to their defense (from what I have seen posted here and on other forums) But as Rammstein made a point of, if they do not say Battleready, then that tells you they are not. But what is most disheartening is a company that says their product is battle ready, then the first strike on a cutting target and it falls apart or snaps in your hand. That is when I get heated under the collar. So I also question the name of the company. Not bashing, but it would lead some one to think that they are battleready?! As others have posted. The list of vendors on Sword-Buyers-Guide are reliable vendors, they have been thoroughly checked and stand behind their products lines (or have the makers stand behind it ;D). And of course so have most all the posters as well! ;D
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