|
Post by kidcasanova on Mar 11, 2009 19:54:25 GMT
That'll teach you to be a grammar Nazi, Slayer. ;D I find that much of my criteria have been addressed, but I'll go down the list anyhow. Tastefulness: Does it look good? If attempting to recreate a historical piece, is it faithful to the original in all aspects? If a recreation of a general sword type, is it historically plausible? If a fantasy piece, does it look good and still perform its primary function as a weapon? If a recreation of an existing fantasy piece, I have the same feelings about it as the historical, is it accurate? I am more lenient with the fantasy pieces because some may be improved to handle better, where the original may have been godawful heavy or otherwise unwieldy. Performance: It's important that any sword I own performs well. In this price point, I do not expect them to cut with the top dogs, but I expect them to perform their function reasonably well. To handle correctly for the type (this is important to remember, as it seems many people want every sword to be nimble and under 3 pounds), and to cut and/or thrust within expectations of the type. Value for money: I picked this one from the standard review outline, though it is a great principle. I am not worried about getting a great sword for cheap, but I think that this guideline is more of "did I get enough sword for my money." Durability: I wont ask my swords to cut through 55 gallon drums (Sorry Paul ) but I will ask them to cut appropriate targets without failing. As we've seen, even some respectable sword companies have sold swords that cannot do this (Glen's Godfred and Nomorewords Gen2 12th Century). If I buy a stage steel sword, then I expect it to handle the rigors of stage combat reasonably well, with light damage being acceptable. There are a couple other points I look for in swords I purchase, but those are my big ones.
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Mar 11, 2009 20:17:29 GMT
Oh, OWCH! ;D My bad! It's been awhile since I learned a new word... +1 to TEP for enlightening me. -Slayer P.S. I actually prefer to be a soup Nazi, but in the absence of soup, I thought that the statis of grammar Nazi would have to do. But then again, that's a WHOLE 'nother can of... soup. ;D NO SOUP FOR YOU! ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2009 23:03:47 GMT
• Historical accuracy
When I first came to SBG, historical accuracy wasnt big for me, but now its my greater passion, I suppose having it accurate equates to having it genuine and of quality. I'll let a hex nut pommel go (if not I like peened), or at least if its interpretive then the whole package must be good (eg VA Signature)
• Cutting performance. Gotta be good for bottles (milk and soda), I dont get much tatami so not bothered.
• Historical period, kinda like Euro's 13th-15th Century with a smattering into rapiers and sabres (sabres dominate my collection so far).
• Durability, only bottles and mats get punished, I'm half/half with this one as long as its well tempered 1060 or better should be all good.
• Value for Money, SIGH ....... the most relative of questions, down under before the reccession all blades were good value for money example:
VA Signature Castille, say SBG Store, best price 380.00US plus 10.00 exchange fee (pfft banks), plus 56.00 to ship it over the water thats 446.00US to get it to me, if we were dollar for dollar match back this time last year yeah totally worth the money.
Trading today the dollar makes it 685.00AUS if I want it ordered today......... no longer the value for money it was. So its fairly relative with economic climate.
Fit and Finish: I like Albions because of their clean, crisp finish, if things are neat and tidy and polished (without rust from poor storage) then chances are I'll like it.
|
|
|
Post by ShooterMike on Mar 12, 2009 0:47:07 GMT
For me, it's different things with different swords. As if most didn't know it already, I have to confess to being a "sword whore" of sorts. At least I was. Now I am being much more selective.... Historical accuracy in handling is frequently more important to me than historical accuracy in looks, especially with regard to hilt construction. That's why I have a propensity to like swords from Gus Trim, that are based on the design and handling characteristics of specific artifacts, or groups of artifacts. But the hilt construction is completely anachronistic. That's also why I like the new Hanwei offerings designed by Tinker Pearce very well too. For the price and versatility, I can let the hilt construction slide a bit. I have a fetish for certain swords from Albion, as they offer the best combination of handling, durability and historic construction. The whole enchilada, if you will. But they are pricey, even on the used market or the 25% off sale. So I don't have very many of them. Then there are the "totally modern, never woulda happened in history" swords like my ATrim Tactical Willowleaf. It ranks very high in handling and durability, as it is a perfectly designed single piece of steel with just a couple of slabs for grips. It probably handles as well or better than any sword I have ever swung. It just doesn't have ANY connection with history, and that's kind of a drawback too. So, I guess I would have to say it all depends on what I want the sword for....
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Mar 12, 2009 4:20:49 GMT
I have a fetish for certain swords from Albion, as they offer the best combination of handling, durability and historic construction. The whole enchilada, if you will. But they are pricey, even on the used market or the 25% off sale. So I don't have very many of them. I guess it's all relative Mike... you have more Albions in your collection then I have SWORDS in my collection... so "I don't have very many of them" is pretty relative.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2009 20:06:36 GMT
Oh, OWCH! ;D My bad! It's been awhile since I learned a new word... +1 to TEP for enlightening me. -Slayer P.S. I actually prefer to be a soup Nazi, but in the absence of soup, I thought that the statis of grammar Nazi would have to do. But then again, that's a WHOLE 'nother can of... soup. ;D NO SOUP FOR YOU! ;D Thank you, Alvin. Slayer, no worries, we're cool- being somewhat of a spelling and grammar Nazi myself I understood your glee, but must warn you- you will want to have your facts in order before you 'Post Reply' so that the learning experience can be one of calm and enlightened discourse, rather than getting bashed in the head (and ego) for being wrong. Feel me? Besides, it can't be any fun to rush headlong into the fray unarmed- unless you just like the punishment. Hey, some do! Me, I prefer to mete it out than receive.
|
|
|
Post by sparky on Mar 12, 2009 20:49:03 GMT
Me, I just like swords. Especially if I can afford them. I would however like them to be able to cut and be a "sword".
I do understand the whole "feeling right" thing, I recently bought the Hundred Year War sword and the Ranger sword. DSA had a special and I thought I could swing the price of War sword,but I really wanted the Ranger sword. So my wife got me both, yeah she's a keeper. Anyway the War sword, which I probably would not have bought, just feels RIGHT in my hand. I still really like the Ranger sword, but not even close in feeling.
So I'm still learning, only five swords so far.....
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2009 20:53:29 GMT
ok maybe this is an Americanese thing but why would slayer wanted to feel you?
Please explain?
|
|
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 Mar 12, 2009 20:56:05 GMT
ok maybe this is an Americanese thing but why would slayer wanted to feel you? Please explain? Hip hop slang, the meaning is pretty easily grasped... it means "understand'? Do you feel me?
|
|
|
Post by kidcasanova on Mar 12, 2009 22:02:54 GMT
Can ya dig that? Can you dig it? Ya feel? Psshhhhhh. ;D
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on Mar 12, 2009 22:05:44 GMT
Can ya dig that? Can you dig it? Ya feel? Psshhhhhh. ;D Kid, you are tragically hip...
|
|