Making the step my first sharp

[Bill Welch]

I am wanting to purchase a quality sharp(first one), and do not know where to begin. I have handled a couple of sharps at the Meyer seminar in Knoxville (Lutel, angus trim, etc.) and loved the Lutel(thanks David) but I am stumped at where to begin.

[Shane Smith]

Anything by Albion ought to do nicely if you're not on too tight a budget.Other than that, Deltin isn't too bad if you're on a budget although they are a bit heavy sometimes(You can get these from Albion as well).

[Jaron Bernstein]

Albion! <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" /> Just did some test cutting yesterday with my Albion Sempach and had a wonderful time. Even though it is primarily a thrusting "can opener", it still cut well and an EMA sword practicioner who we rent the class space from commented on the balance.

[GaryGrzybek]

I've been extremely happy with all four of my Abion Armorers Next Generation swords <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> So far they have proven to be great cutters, sturdy, well balanced and pleasing to the eye.

Arms &amp; Armor would be a good choice too.

[Derek Wassom]

I have an A&amp;A. Works fine.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Albion is the way to go if you ask me, I love thier customer service and selection. Quality is very high as well. I have a Baron and I just love it-It is practically a lightsaber, cuts anything I have put in it's way so far- Have fun-Aaron

[JeffGentry]

Hey guy's

Yea i was cutting with Jaron's Sempach also it was very nice, our cutting medium was very tough, it still did a very good job on it for not being a "true cutter".


Jeff

[Shane Smith]

I must admit that of the two Albions I have bought lately, the Crecy has a slightly assymetrical crossguard and my Sempach has an off-center fuller termination on one side(about 1/8" or so turn to the right). The swords handle great but I am not happy about the finish issues.That said, my Atrim had much worse fuller uniformity in my opinion but the furniture was nice(I sold it at a loss because I was fairly unhappy with it after some test-cutting concerns).

I could be happier personally, but as I bought mine on the secondary market, I can't make use of Albions excellent customer service <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> Buy a new one and if there is a problem, Mike at Albion will set it right I'm sure.They are great guys to deal with.

I bought used at a great price so I will live with these two cosmetically flawed (yet wonderfully lively) swords but I recommend that you buy new in case there is a problem <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Shane Smith]

Sempach fuller;

[image] http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_4718149/Cutting+Pics/2004_1228Sempachpics0015.jpg?bc3AX0BBnKGkfYKA [/image]

The off-center fuller termination is clearly visible as the flash-washed shadow.Sorry the pic isn't too clear,I don't have the new camera completely figured out yet. The other side of the blade is nearly perfect.

[GaryGrzybek]

Shane,

I can't speak for Albion but you could try and contact Mike and see if he has any suggestions. You may not be the original owner but that might not matter.

That image link doesn't work for me btw.

[Bill Welch]

Thanks for the info, it seems that everyone is in favor of Albion. I will have to look and see what I can find.