SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 11, 2009 18:50:10 GMT
TDB- If you want good swords at a great price, PM Sam I Am. He has the best deals on Musashi's that you can find ANYWHERE.
Seriously, it's pretty freaky how great his prices are...check them out!
-Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2009 19:04:04 GMT
I'll stand by the cold steel gim, it's pretty damn awesome.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2009 0:57:34 GMT
Don't buy anything from badtrack or any of the billion other generic katana makers whose prices seem too good to be true because they always are.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2009 4:38:38 GMT
I personally own one of the older models of the hanwei ppk wakizashi and a few gen 2s (black prince and 10th century viking). The wakizashi is fairly attractive, very sharp and all of the fittings are sturdy and well made, if nothing fancy. It also has a very nice saya. The black prince is my favorite of the gen 2s (the viking is too tip-heavy for my tastes). The blade is durable and sharp and there is no rattling in the hilt. However, the leather on the grip is of very low quality and I will probably eventually replace it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 0:20:41 GMT
I'd remove:
All Strongblades All Cold Steel Windlass Raptor Sword Windlass Fantasy Viking Sword Windlass Baron’s Sword
Take the money you by removing the above swords and purchase a couple of ATrims - a one hander and a hand-and-a-half of your choosing.
Take these off your list:
Valiant Armoury Irish Ring Sword Valiant Armoury Mercenary Sword All but one Musashi of your choosing
Now you have enough for a new Del Tin from KoA.
Focus on ONLY a couple different DSA models - many have the same blade, so you don't need them all.
Take the money you saved from purchasing only 2-3 DSAs and invest in one $800 range Albion and one $600 range A&A.
Take the remainder of the cash and invest in some woodworking, leatherworking tools as well as some sharpening files/stones...
Happy shopping! ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 1:11:14 GMT
I'd remove: All Strongblades All Cold Steel Windlass Raptor Sword Windlass Fantasy Viking Sword Windlass Baron’s Sword Take the money you by removing the above swords and purchase a couple of ATrims - a one hander and a hand-and-a-half of your choosing. Take these off your list: Valiant Armoury Irish Ring Sword Valiant Armoury Mercenary Sword All but one Musashi of your choosing Now you have enough for a new Del Tin from KoA. Focus on ONLY a couple different DSA models - many have the same blade, so you don't need them all. Take the money you saved from purchasing only 2-3 DSAs and invest in one $800 range Albion and one $600 range A&A. Take the remainder of the cash and invest in some woodworking, leatherworking tools as well as some sharpening files/stones... Happy shopping! ;D I'd be surprised if he actually ended up getting more than one of the swords on there anyway. I can't imagine he has much cash to spend.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 1:14:02 GMT
Are you sure about removing all Cold Steel from his list? I don't personally own one, but I have heard good things about both the gim and the shamshir, so I don't know if they should just be immediately dismissed because they have the name cold steel on them. Then again, I haven't held one so you might know something I don't.
Also, are we assuming that the OP is planning on buying most of what he has listed off? Because, if so, then I agree that it would seem wise to buy 1 or 2 Albions/Atrims instead of 5 or 6 Windlasses or whatever. However, if he just made this list so he could narrow it down to only a few swords, then I don't know if we should just write off everything that isn't higher range.
He (the OP) did say "Thanks, guys! Remember, this isn't a list I'm trying to get in a year or so . These are just the ones that appeal to me, and I'll probably end up ditching half of 'em," but I'm not sure if he is actually planning on buying at least half of them or if that was just thrown out there and he only plans on (or has enough $$$ to) buy a couple swords.
Which brings me to my last point (and this is directed at the OP), how much money do you have or are you willing to spend, and how many swords do you want? If the answer is thousands of dollars, then I would say yeah, go with a couple atrims and albions. But if the answer is only a few hundred or even 1000 dollars, and you want more than one sword, then it may be wise to go with a couple of lower end swords as opposed to one high-end sword. All depends...
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 14, 2009 2:26:34 GMT
Well...currently I only have $100 , but I have a good idea that should net a few $1000 in the next few weeks. As far as higher end swords goes, I'm going to get Fableblades and maybe a few Atrims. I'm not a huge fan of Albion, although I've only held one for a second so I'm no expert, lol, so I'll probably end up with one some day, but it's not at the top of my list . I do enjoy having some really low end (I.E. the Musashi's) stuff to play around with, try out customizing, and not have to worry about scratches or dents as much since they're cheap. I'm thinking about ditching a few strongblades though, but as they seem to be the 'Musashi' of the medieval market, I'd enjoy having a few of their blades as well. Why do you suggest removing the VA's? As far as I've heard they're pretty decent, if not the best available. I've heard WAY to much stuff about Del Tin (heavy, dull, just overall not so great) for me to enjoy the prospect of getting one, but the other suggestions seem to be some great ideas... Thanks for your input, guys! -Slayer
|
|
|
Post by kidcasanova on Jan 14, 2009 2:31:24 GMT
I'd remove: All Strongblades All Cold Steel Windlass Raptor Sword Windlass Fantasy Viking Sword Windlass Baron’s Sword Take the money you by removing the above swords and purchase a couple of ATrims - a one hander and a hand-and-a-half of your choosing. Take these off your list: Valiant Armoury Irish Ring Sword Valiant Armoury Mercenary Sword All but one Musashi of your choosing Now you have enough for a new Del Tin from KoA. Focus on ONLY a couple different DSA models - many have the same blade, so you don't need them all. Take the money you saved from purchasing only 2-3 DSAs and invest in one $800 range Albion and one $600 range A&A. Take the remainder of the cash and invest in some woodworking, leatherworking tools as well as some sharpening files/stones... Happy shopping! ;D I agree with most of your musing here, but I must say that the Fantasy Viking is a very nice piece (especially since Jason at AOV has it on clearance for 164 dollars). It's got a fairly thin but stiff blade, a great example of a type X. It feels great in the hand, it's nicely balanced and it cuts well. Which, to me, more than makes up for it being a bit heavy. Easily one of the better cutting swords Windlass has made.
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jan 14, 2009 3:49:07 GMT
Odingaard's personal tastes may or may not line up with yours but what he is really saying here is very wise. what he's really saying is: don't waste your money on a lot of cheap swords. pick out a few of the cheaper ones as starters to learn what's good and bad and what you want then use the money you would have spent buying 6 more half-crappy swords and get yourself one sword that you will truly love. if you have one sword you really love you'll use it more than any other and you'll get more enjoyment out of it than 6 lesser swords. follow his advise if not his tastes. BTW, his tastes aren't that bad in my opinion.
|
|
|
Post by kidcasanova on Jan 14, 2009 4:03:33 GMT
I agree with his advice, I was only giving my own opinion on the Fantasy Viking, since I own it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 4:05:10 GMT
And I share his sentiments, I myself said:
"Also, are we assuming that the OP is planning on buying most of what he has listed off? Because, if so, then I agree that it would seem wise to buy 1 or 2 Albions/Atrims instead of 5 or 6 Windlasses or whatever."
However, since we now know that the OP only has 100 dollars, cold steel no longer seems like such a bad choice if he saves up another 100 bucks and buys one of their more positively reviewed swords, like the gim (many of cold steel's non-katana swords can be found for around 200 dollars). Colds Steel's better offers are at least comparable to generation 2, windlass and the like in many respects, and should at least be considered when looking at the lower end price-wise.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 4:08:10 GMT
VA's old line that you have on your list is pretty bad. Those are the ones he is telling you get rid off. Their new Atrim lines are quite good for the money and I don't think anyone see anything wrong with you getting those. As for the cold steel Gim...I would say instead of getting that one, just get a chinese sword our forum member Garret. One of those swords is on my to get list. Course ShooterMike isn't helping thing as that XVIa just hit the top of my list I think...but that's not here or there . Honestly there is nothing wrong with a couple of swords you learn to customize and such with...the key word of the day is COUPLE.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 4:27:50 GMT
Here is my logic, though others have already touched on it:
Remove:
All Strongblades Generic Windlass company. Why bother? Windless has better QC for the money.
All Cold Steel Cold Steel swords are made by Windlass and assembled in the US. You can get the comparable Windlass product for considerably less in a more-historically accurate form.
Windlass Raptor Sword Blade form is not that strong for cutting. Pommel/tang integrity questionable.
Windlass Fantasy Viking Sword My personal rule: stay away from anything with brass furniture. I've had SIGNIFICANT problems out of Windlass brass over the years. Historically, bronze was used, brass was mostly used for decorative purposes before the advent of the contemporary sabre.
Windlass Baron’s Sword Somewhat too whippy for my personal liking. The blade torques to an angle when making a strike landing the blow crooked which could result in a damaged sword.
Take the money you by removing the above swords and purchase a couple of ATrims - a one hander and a hand-and-a-half of your choosing. You really should try at least a couple different ATrims before committing a large amount of cash to lower quality products.
Take these off your list:
Valiant Armoury Irish Ring Sword and Valiant Armoury Mercenary Sword Why purchase either of these? Sonny has went to great lengths to redesign Valiant's swords. Don't buy the old stuff - wait for the new! Save your bucks for a Signature or Base Signature line!
All but one Musashi of your choosing You are planning on spending money on better quality katanas. Why purchase a budget level product?
Now you have enough for a new Del Tin from KoA. Don't knock Del Tin UNTIL you have owned and tried one. Fulvio and company were the epitome of the best production sword maker out there until they were bumped out of the US market in 1997. They are not nearly as heavy as a DSA and hold a better edge. I am saying try ONE or you will never know if you care for them or not.
Focus on ONLY a couple different DSA models - many have the same blade, so you don't need them all. I like DSA products, but don't make a committment to buy everything a company offers until you have given their product a good once over. They may not even suit your tastes if you feel that Del Tins are too heavy.
Take the money you saved from purchasing only 2-3 DSAs and invest in one $800 range Albion and one $600 range A&A. You really should consider trying EVERYTHING out there if you are making such a grand venture into the sword market. Everything in the initial list for the most part is an entry level product. If your tastes and skills change, you will wish you could have bought something more significant in the end with investment and performance value. The best cost less when you buy it the first time.
Take the remainder of the cash and invest in some woodworking, leatherworking tools as well as some sharpening files/stones... It's good as well as fun to be able to work on your own swords. Save a little bit of money and invest in creating a shop to work on the extensive collection you plan on building.
Happy shopping!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 4:38:11 GMT
Having had much experience with swords of all makes models and shapes I have to say that of the ones I have bought I have kept 1, I always regretted what I could afford buying at the time because they were generally lacklustre low budget deals that looked good but weren't. My advice is find one or two really good swords that hold your interest for more than a month and starting saving. If your interest stays keen for a month and you keep coming back to look at and admire the blade wait another 4-5 months, if your interest is still there after this period then buy. Don't buy something just for the sake of having something, I've been there and done that and regret buying substandard whereas if I'd just waited and kept saving I would at this point be able to afford those swords that have taken my interest in a big way and are well worth the dollars. Also you should look at places like BKS they can make a better blade than most production places for the same sort of money in some cases. Also I would much rather support smiths intimately acquainted with the forum like Matthew Stagmer, John Lundemo and others. I know their prices are a bit beyond most of us but even if you save $20 a week that is over a thousand dollars by years end I hope this helps, remember impulse buys are the worst kind of decision and show immaturity in my opinion.
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 14, 2009 15:50:19 GMT
Thanks for the input guys! All great advice.
One thing I'm thinking about is the fact that two of my favorite swords on the list, the G2 High Elven King Sword and the DSA Grayson, are both almost gone. There are only 5 Grayson's left, and just one shipment of G2 H.E.K.S.'s.
I was thinking of first getting the Grayson, then getting a High Elven King, then moving on to a few Fableblades, and then getting a few more production blades if I'm still interested after having a few high-end Brenno's.
What do you guys think about that plan?
Oh, and the Baron, along with a few Strongblades, are officially off the list. Thanks for helping me narrow it down!
-Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 16:40:50 GMT
I disagree with the DSA thing people don't seem to like them much because they are believed to be overbuilt but that isn't necessarily a bad thing in my opinion. For one thing DSAs are built like brick semprini houses, no matter what torture you put them through (within reason) they will outcut and outbash just about any sword out there regardless of price. Also DSA do custom weapons which is fantastic for those of us with a streak of design in us. I would suggest getting the Grayson first, it looks like a good sword and if you heart is in the blade then go for it. Buy one so that the itch gets scratched even if only for a little while it will allow you to look at other purchases with a level head. The only strongblade sword that interests me is one of their rapiers and rumour has it Eyal is bringing back the DSA rapier so there is no question which I'd buy. So my advice save up and get your grayson, then you will want to move quickly to get a G2 because they are amazing looking swords and once they are gone they are gone. I feel there are better swords that I might suggest first but if the grayson and the G2 have your attention and not just in an impulse way go for it.
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 14, 2009 16:46:44 GMT
Thanks BW, I was hoping someone would say that! ;D (particularly someone who knows alot about swords, like you)
Thanks again, mate!
-Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2009 16:53:28 GMT
Always happy to help mate, ultimately it comes down to what you like the look of and what you like. We can give you good advice but ultimately it is your decision. Also might want to be careful posting your money making scheme in public, someone might steal it.
|
|
Marc Ridgeway
Member
Retired Global Moderator
"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
Posts: 3,122
|
Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 14, 2009 17:06:59 GMT
Thanks BW, I was hoping someone would say that! ;D (particularly someone who knows alot about swords, like you) Hopefully, I'll make a few $1000 this Saturday...My money-making-plan is simply to try to do something really silly involving getting rich off others people's garbage, This one guy thats trying to exploit me and make money off of me told me he's made millions doing it... don't know why he's still in that crappy old shop full of musty things... hope I can make a lot of money off of polyester coats and Donnie and Marie albums with just a few scratches on them... Thanks, BW! -Slayer Ahhhh childlike optimism..... Good Luck
|
|