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Post by alientude on Jul 19, 2024 2:16:28 GMT
Kult of Athena just released these two new models in the Balaur Arms line, made by LK Chen.
![BR123L-3.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/fGqfMAiufgeMknrmBrPB.png)
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Greg E
Member
little bit of this... and a whole lot of that
Posts: 1,335
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Post by Greg E on Jul 19, 2024 15:37:54 GMT
The Sidesword has my interest.
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Post by kungfuguy on Jul 19, 2024 21:02:22 GMT
I think the gallowglass looks awesome. Looking forward to a review of it. Anyone know If munitionsgrade of KOA is still possible to use as a cutting sword? Bends and twists does not sound it can hold proper edge alignment in my ears.
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Post by fivesidedpixels on Jul 20, 2024 23:25:15 GMT
The sidesword's caught my eye as well. There's a couple oddities in terms of proportions and weight though. It seems ever-so-slightly heavy at ~1400g, which I imagine makes moulinets require more effort than they should. The style of pommel and peen block seems a bit anachronistic. And the grip looks off: it's too long and has the incorrect shape. By the time sideswords look like this, the grips have become shorter, with a swell towards the center to fill the palm. It should feel cramped unless you put a finger over the crossguard. Also, this is subjective, but I think the scabbard is gaudy. I'm not strictly against bright, saturated colors (medieval people loved color!) but it seems unnatural here. The majority of scabbards I've seen in period artwork are plain black, as boring as that is. Some reds, browns, and oranges, but never blue. My main gripe is the decoration: the incised(?) floral tooling, fleur-de-lis cross, and steel throat all seem kinda hodgepodge to me. It's like someone at KoA wanted a vague French musketeer theme, even though this sword is very much an older Italian style. Criticisms aside, I'm glad there's another option for fans of this type. It's also a funny coincidence for me. A few months ago, I sent a photo of my own sidesword to KK (LK's customer service rep) when comparing it to the Gale Wind jian I'd bought. It's unlikely, but I hope my input influenced the production of this sword in some way! Attachments:![sidesword 1.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/pCKpBd0ezrNXrPXUKVrn.png)
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Post by alientude on Jul 20, 2024 23:46:10 GMT
From what I've been told, LK Chen doesn't have any input on the designs of the Balaur Arms swords - they're strictly making them to KoA's design.
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Post by onixwiz on Jul 21, 2024 9:03:30 GMT
Thank you for the post, I´m also very interested on the gallowglass. Approximately 6 months ago I bought a standard grade 15th Century German Longsword from Balaur arms with a couple of issues of fit and finish. Mainly the guard is not centered and the scabbard is very loose. The blade is perfect though. Never the less I think is a very nice sword for the price, but I would like to know your thoughts about buying one of the first batch of the gallowglass sword. For what I have seen in alientude videos (I am a fan by the way) the "15th Century German Longsword" looks difernt than mine. Do you recomend buying the gallowglass before it goes out of stock or should I wait until it is tested by the comunity?
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Post by curiomansion on Jul 21, 2024 9:43:56 GMT
I think both are hideous. The Gallowglass in a good way, the side sword in a bad way.
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