Going to MRL showroom

[Will Adamson]

My wife and I will be making a trip to the MRL showroom in Atlanta while we're down there this weekend. Is there anything I should know about, ask to see, avoid, not miss, etc.?

I'm in the market for a longsword blunt. I think I may hold out for an Albion or Del Tin sharp. I've read not too hot things about the longer MRL swords, so I'm going to be wary, but it is my first chance to get my hands on some sharp pointy things since I've really started to get my feet wet in the subject.

[Jake_Norwood]

Absolutely be wary of their longer weapons. And anything with a plastic handle. Ask to take anything you like out into the parking lot and swing it around (they let me do it).

Most of their best stuff is discontinued, meaning that if you look around you can find their discontinued/clearance catalogue laying around the shop and find some really great pieces for 50% off or less. (I got a pair of rondels that I love...pity they don't make them anymore).

It's a fun trip, but you'll probably be dissapointed.

Jake

[Matthew_Anderson]

Well, yes, their quality is really hit and miss. You're definately better off going to the showroom though, all their stuff looks good in the catalog, but often fails to perform when you actually get the piece. Try out anything you're interested in, make sure the hilt is tight, the blade feels right, etc. As Jake said, their longer blades tend to be too whippy and weak, but some of the shorter pieces and knives are OK.

[Will Adamson]

So I just managed to get to the showroom yesterday before they closed. (Atlanta traffic!) I took a look at the piece that is a less flashy version of the Ibelin hand and a half. I gave it a shake and the blade was like licorice! They didn't have much in the way of other longswords besides the Kingdom of Heaven series, which is actually a little earlier period than I was after.

I did get the Early Rennaisance Longsword because it felt more responsive than the others and the hilt felt more solid. The blade does feel very whippy, but not nearly as bad as many of the others. It meets my requirements right now, meaning a blunt. I'm not sure I'd get it sharpened for test cutting though. I need to handle some more swords and get to know what a quality one feels like. The main problem is that the grip is too short. I have small hands, so I can't imagine what a larger handed person would do with this. My wife's hands fit just right, so perhaps it might be a decent fit for more petite ladies.

My wife suggested checking out some of the dealers at the GA Ren Fest this weekend, but I would be much more wary of those dealers than MRL, unless I was wanting a dust catcher.

Oh yeah. I worked out with my waster and the new sword this morning next to the pond at my uncle's house. The morning fog was rising off the water. Very cool!