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Post by ShooterMike on Apr 24, 2009 20:59:23 GMT
I'm kind of embarrassed to post this, as I have the great good fortune to own so many really good swords. And I really don't mean this to come across as arrogant or "showoffy" or anything. But I'm curious and I wanted to share... As I was working in my office today, where all my sword collection hangs or is otherwise piled up... I got to thinking "What if, for some reason, I had to pare down my collection to just a dozen modern reproduction medieval swords? Which ones would I keep?" It was a difficult decision, but this might be it. At least today... Left side top to bottom: ATrim Maker's Mark Type XVIa with 8" grip done by me, AT1566 with grip and scabbard from DBK Custom Swords, Christian Fletcher Borderwatch package on AT1313 blade with hand-made by-knife, AT1509 with Christian Fletcher scabbard and knuckle guard, Albion Next Gen Crecy with scabbard and belt from Dan Dickinson, AT1506 with grip by me
Right side left to right: AT1557 with scabbard from DBK Custom Swords and grip by me, ATrim Maker's Mark Flared Shoulders Type XII fitted with reshaped guard and pommel from a VA Castile, ATrim "SBG1315" with grip and guard work by me, ATrim Maker's Mark Courtrai Falchion with guard/grip/pommel by me, AT1571 LPM saber with guard and pommel by me, Albion Gaddjhalt with scabbard/belt by DBK Custom SwordsDoes anyone else sit around pondering on their "Top Ten" list, or top 12, or 20 or whatever? I don't very often, but occasionally it's fun. So what about it? What would your "best dozen" be? But you have to keep it within reason. No lightsabers, no room full of custom one-of-a-kind Peter Johnnson or [ insert name of custom smith here] swords, no pile of real 14th-17th century antiques. Just a realistic list of modern-made reproduction medieval swords you might someday be able to get hold of and afford. The above picture isn't my ultimate list. But it's where I've gotten to so far. What about you?...
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 24, 2009 21:58:36 GMT
Very very nice, Mike. Okay I'll play here's mine off the top of my head and it'll probably vary day to day. From the viewers left; Albion Poitiers, Atrim 1315+, Atrim DS1502b from Lee's armoury, VA "atrim" Practical Long sword, VA "atrim" Practical Arming sword, and Hanwei Hand and a Half (Al2). From top to bottom; Cheness Mokko, Gen2 Pompei, Windlass Military Sword/Rapier, Windlass Gladiator, Kris Cutlery Roman gladius, and Kris Cutlery Teutonic. Don't hold me to this list, I've already changed a few out in my head. LOL
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Post by kidcasanova on Apr 25, 2009 1:07:04 GMT
Ah, great choices, for sure. Luckily I have less than a dozen (less than half a dozen at that) swords, so I could just keep all of them. ;D
Mike, can one still get a 1315 from Gus? I had heard that one could only order what's on Fletcher's site? I'd like to get one eventually to see how the Practical Arming and VA Crusader compare, as well as get a feel for mid-level swords.
This list thing is a cool idea. Not some place to show off, but just to see different people's tastes and preferences, what they'd really stick to in some sort of "end of the world, you only get 12 swords" scenario.
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Post by ShooterMike on Apr 25, 2009 1:41:33 GMT
Christian Fletcher is the sole retailer for Angus Trim swords. But you can always call Christian and tell him you want a 1315. Gus has said he's planning on adding the 1315 to the Legacy Line, as it's been his favorite personal sword for quite some time. The 1315+ Rick shows above was Gus' personal sword. I'm sure he will be making another, and well... he might as well make half a dozen if he does.
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Post by kidcasanova on Apr 25, 2009 1:59:40 GMT
That's good to know, Mike. I like the look of Rick's 1315+, too.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 2:48:29 GMT
Great collection guys
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Post by Brian of DBK on Apr 25, 2009 3:53:05 GMT
The AT1315 is a beautiful sword that is very efficient in the cut. There are few & far between swords I've come across that work as well as the 1315. It's light & fast, yet efficient blade presence allows for some authorative cutting. Mike, those are some excellent choices. But I'm betting there could easily be some substitutes in there ;') Some pictures of my personal 'custom' 1315;
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 3:55:30 GMT
its intresting to note how similar the 1315 and the practical arming sword seem in that pic do they handle similarly as well?
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 25, 2009 4:46:51 GMT
Sotark, they are similar tho the 1315+ is better balanced and is lighter and quicker in hand. Here is a comparison thread I did. My limited skill doesn't show the difference real well but you can get an idea how they work.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 18:39:56 GMT
Mike..love that A-T 1509... here are my Top 1/2 dozen..... left to right Windlass Type 2 Schiavona (antiqued hilt & blade by yours truly), Windlass Scottish backsword (dis-continued), Armour Class mortuary hilt (my precious), Windlass Verneuil hand and a half (dis-con as well now...Windlass idiots:( , CAS/Hanwei Cromwell mortuary hilt (cuts like a laser), Del-Tin #5155 Gothic hand and a half (love it, love it, love it...) cheers, Bill
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on May 1, 2009 16:09:13 GMT
I'm gonna have to steel pictures from other posts and stuff because my swords have all been packed up by the movers already but here are two of my favorites: Angus Trim "was1429" customized by Shooter Mike: that's my favorite sword no doubts. I love that blade more than I should. here's a video of this sword effortlessly cutting through aa tatami mat wrapped around a good sized bamboo pole. my other favorite sword is the VA Custom tuned longsword I got from shooter Mike in the same trade. MAN did I make out on that one, THANK YOU MIKE! I don't have much in the way of pictures of it but I do have some good video:
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2009 16:37:13 GMT
You guys have some awesome swords; Tom, it looks like you might have the handle on 'backwards' on the first sword- if you'll notice, it looks like the grip is just slightly to the right if you're looking at the sword pommel down/tip up. Maybe its just me, but I noticed this on my AT303S; when I took it apart and swiveled the grip and put it back on, I had her back dead to rights. Just a suggestion; its a beauty tho. LOL @ SM "I'm kinda embarrassed to post this..." Mike, we all know you have perhaps the most extensive collection of us regular forumites so anytime you want to show off, by all means, please do so! But it IS showing off, my good sir.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on May 1, 2009 21:46:04 GMT
backwards? oh no, good sir if you were to feel it you would understand. oh wait I see what you mean I think but still, no. in the first picture the shadow tricks the eye into thinking it is off-center I've examined this sword very closely for many hours, for the sheer joy of it you understand, and I can assure you it is dead center and on right. man don't scare me like that.
you know what I see in this thread though? Angus Trim after Angus Trim sword in the top of so many collections above Albion and all the others. sure there ARE albions and Del Tin's and Armor Class etc. but count the Atrims against all the other types. says something I think.
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Post by YlliwCir on May 1, 2009 22:15:25 GMT
Says Angus makes an awesome sword, LOL. Yeah, cameras play tricks with pictures. Point of fact, I'm much better looking in person.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on May 1, 2009 23:06:12 GMT
LOL Ric, if that's true I get shivers just thinking about it. I HAVE seen you in a dress after all. *wolf whistle*
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Post by kidcasanova on May 1, 2009 23:21:52 GMT
Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible" popped into my head, for some unknown reason. LOL
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