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Post by shadowhowler on May 6, 2009 21:41:43 GMT
I've got big bear paws, so it was a bit awkward for me with the last one I had. I had that one for almost a year, and now Sean's got it. This one will have the same grip as the Crusader, which will be cool because they will match each other even better when I get my hands on that one, too. I'm surprised you went ahead and got the Arming sword... since I know you plan on getting the crusader, and they are nearly the same sword. I would have thought you would be better served getting the practical long sword, and then getting the crusader later. I think the brown leather looks great with these practicals tho. Let me know how you like the grip on yours... I was going to get a practical long sword, but decided to get the Kreigswart instead. However, if the grip is much improved... who knows... I might try and pick it up anyway.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 6, 2009 22:05:42 GMT
Well I promised Tinker that the GSoW would be the first longsword in my collection. Plus, the Crusader is many months from being released. I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more swords!
I'll let you know how the grip is, for sure. Methinks I'll just end up reviewing it.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on May 10, 2009 8:19:28 GMT
can anyone give us a good weight check on the new 303s? the 304s seems like it's on the heavy end but I've heard the new 303s are supposed to be light. anyone got a scale? comparison review?
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2009 20:17:45 GMT
Woop! Just received my Practical Arming Sword 8-)she handles like a light Sabre but the only only complaint I could find was the tip. There seems to be a sliver of tip missing apart from that, however... ;D
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Post by kidcasanova on May 11, 2009 3:47:51 GMT
I'll weigh mine on a digital scale when it shows up, Tom. Mine will have a bigger grip, so the stock ones will probably weigh an ounce or so less, but it will be close enough. It should show up this week.
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 14:59:25 GMT
can anyone give us a good weight check on the new 303s? the 304s seems like it's on the heavy end but I've heard the new 303s are supposed to be light. anyone got a scale? comparison review? Actually, the 304s has shown up the 303s in terms of lightness, coming in a few ounces lighter than the 303s. I can't find that link, though. Crockett did a review where his came in at 2lbs 13oz, which means it's 3 oz heavier than the 303s, but a good 7 inches longer too. I plan on getting one of those - who knows, maybe I won't need the Templar after all once Sonny opens up that custom site; I can retrofit both the 303s and the 304s as the Crusader and Templar (or hybrid of both) w/out buying the gussied up versions. Then maybe they can both get DBK scabbards. Heh.
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 16:41:25 GMT
To be completely honest, guys, the 304s weighs more than my Shura katana (2 lb 12oz) and the shura feels very heavy in one hand.
However, the two pound thirteen ounce longsword might weigh more, but its ballance is completely different, but also very well done. The balance is such that I can one handed without a problem and two handed....that sword is scary fun to swing.
My point being, of course, I doubt that when you get your long swords in, you won't even notice the weight or even care about it. Te balance will be such that you won't want to put it down.
Also, make sure you take it out in the sunlight when you get a chance. Like most blades, these babies look drop dead gorgeous in the sun.
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Post by shadowhowler on May 14, 2009 2:52:55 GMT
My point being, of course, I doubt that when you get your long swords in, you won't even notice the weight or even care about it. Te balance will be such that you won't want to put it down. Well, Tom would notice... because his custom tuned longsword is only 2lbs 7oz, and the balance on it is SICK. It's the best balanced sword I have ever swung... and thats when compared vs swords that cost 4 times as much... it's a hell of a sword.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2009 19:17:44 GMT
THATS the one right there, Sean...it was Tom's. OK. That sinks it, I'm getting it...or should I just wait for the Templar?
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Post by shadowhowler on May 14, 2009 19:49:05 GMT
THATS the one right there, Sean...it was Tom's. OK. That sinks it, I'm getting it...or should I just wait for the Templar? You won't be able to get one like Tom's, sadly. If ANYONE gets Tom's sword... it will be me. Truth told, tho, I stand zero chance... he lvoes that sword, and rightly so. Tom got his sword from ShooterMike... who got it directly from Gus Trim. It MAY have been the prototype customed tuned sword. Either way... you'll not find another one like it, it's one of a kind. Even the other custom tuned swords from the same batch are not quite as good, according to Mike and Gus. The new practical longswords are probably very good... I'll have one in a little while, so I'll share my thoughts then. However... Valiant Armour does not offer the custom tuned option anymore. The only reason it was offer on the first batch was, allthough the first ones were good, they were NOT up to specs. They were a bit heavy and the edge was not as good as it could be. So Valiant Armoury offered an option where, for a little more (about 50 bucks I think) you could get a practical Arming or Longsword that had been sent directly to Gus Trim, and he had worked off some of the extra metal and improved the edge and shaved some of the weight. Thus... 'Custom Tuned'. The new batch is so much closer to the original prototype sword that the custom tuning would not really be 'worth it'.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 15, 2009 15:53:01 GMT
UPS just delivered my 303s...and wow. It's MUCH different from the 1st gen 303s, I can say that. The Crusader handle I ordered is PERFECT for my hands. Sean, you might want to look into it, I think you'd love how the grip feels. The antiqued brown is fantastic, doesnt rub off at all like some people said (I think it was about the new VA's). Scabbard isn't as tight on this one as my Custom Tuned was, but it wont fall out unless it's completely inverted, and I dont have much habit of walking upside down. The blade on this sword is also vastly different than my last one, the profile taper is much more dramatic. I'm not sure how this will affect it's durability with tip cuts, but we'll find out in the long run. Blade geometry is correct, no flattened diamond cross-section after the fuller termination. Hilt parts seem like higher quality steel than the last batch, and have a very nice finish to them. Got a bit of rust on both sides at the base of the blade where it touches the mouth of the scabbard. Most likely moisture in the leather during shipping. Overall, I'm really pleased with the sword. Pictures will be forthcoming. Edit: pics are here. ;D Had to use my index finger to show how thin the tip is, as I dont have a ruler or tape measure on hand. Also, my scale needs new batteries. When I get them, I'll post the weight.
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Post by shadowhowler on May 15, 2009 17:44:55 GMT
Wow... that tip IS a lot thiner! All of the little changes aside... when you hold and swing the blade... how does it FEEL when compared to the Custom Tuned sword? Thats what I'm most currious about... the swords performance compared agianst it's customed tunned sibling.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 15, 2009 17:51:04 GMT
Feels about the same as I remember. This one is probably lighter faster, this could be because of the Crusader grip, allowing me to be more comfortable with the sword. It feels good. I don't want to make a party foul here, but I think the tip might take a set on a badly flubbed cut. The first batch proved very durable, however, so I'll wait and see how things turn out.
Fuller termination is really nice on this run, though. And of course, everything fits very well. I'll review it in the next few days. Wont have a video, but hopefully there will be enough info there. ;D
Edit: Took the sword apart to get the rust off, and it APPEARS as if there is a set in the blade, between 1/3 and 1/2 down the blade from the cross. I say "appears" because I cannot tell for certain, and I can't get a picture that shows it, but I can see it. Though it may be a trick of the light or something...If it does have a set, I'm mildly disappointed. Hilt on it is great, though, and the tang looks fantastic.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 15, 2009 20:05:21 GMT
hmmm, after looking again a few moments ago, I cant find the "set" so I am going to assume it was my eyes playing tricks on me.
The sword is fast fast fast, though it also forced me to realize that my wrist did not heal properly when I sprained it a few weeks ago. Stopping the sword and changing direction hurts a good deal, especially when you put some weight into it...
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Post by shadowhowler on May 15, 2009 20:24:30 GMT
Hm... If the 'set' is so hard to see that you can't photograph it... and it's there one minute and not the next... then I suspect it either your eyes playing tricks on you... or the thickness of the blade may varry a bit from one area to the next, and maybe it LOOKS like a set from the right angle. These are hand-forged, rather then machined. As such, each one will be just a bit different from the next. Hard to say without seeing it myself. Did the rust come off without trouble?
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Post by YlliwCir on May 15, 2009 20:50:25 GMT
Hey, Kid, is your finger bent or what? Anyhoo. I lay my blades flat on the flat side of my three foot level to tell if there is a set or not. Of course none lay completely flat except maybe the one's are machined but gives me an idea where I stand. I like the grip on yours, pretty cool. Does the leather on your scabbard extend into the mouth, if so would explain the rust I had a scabbard did that. I trimmed the leather back. I'd like to see a picture of the whole sword to get an idea of the difference in profile taper if you get a chance.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 18, 2009 5:43:02 GMT
Sorry for the late reply, been feeling under the weather the past few days. The rust came off with some fine sandpaper and #000 steel wool. There is some very light pitting that I could get off with a bit more elbow grease with no problem. It seems that, after oiling the blade, another rust spot (small) has appeared in the same place. It's a darker color though so I'm inclined to think it's possibly residue dye coming off, rather than rust, as it's not red.
Rick, I'll get a full-length picture for you asap.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 19, 2009 3:15:04 GMT
Here you go, Rick, this is the best shot I could get of it. Went ahead and took some measurements, too. Width at base: 1 3/4" Width 10" from crossguard: 1 3/8" Width at fuller termination: 1 1/8" Width 1" from tip: 3/4"
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on May 19, 2009 4:33:35 GMT
that is a sweet looking sword Kid, do you have a weight on that yet? I really love the new leather. I can't get over how good it looks.
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Post by kidcasanova on May 19, 2009 4:45:04 GMT
No weight yet. I have no idea where to buy the batteries for that fish scale I have, and it seems like a waste to buy a whole new scale. I have a few days off here soon, I'll get it done then.
Yeah, the new leather is sweet, feels great, too. The risers are perfect, and it even fixes the problem most people had with the grip not mating cleanly to the cross and pommel. The hilt's on these are leaps and bounds better than the last run.
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