Reliable replicas

[Joachim Nilsson]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how reliable Del Tin and Lutel replica swords are for test-cutting and drilling. You see, I have both a Del Tin and a Lutel-blade on the way to my eager hands and I would hate if my 6ft two-hander would snap at the shoulder the first time I used it. My eagerness stems from the fact that I'm... ehrrm.... quite new to this, I only started training this past April and has, as a consequence, never done any test-cutting. <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> Or drilling with a real sword for that matter.

I've also heard of Del Tin-swords being prone to breakage at the grip, so if anyone could share their experinces, please do so.

Oh, BTW; John, I recently aquired and read your book on Medival Swordsmanship. Great reading! Any more books planned? Perhaps on the handling of renaissance two-handers *hint, hint* <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[GaryGrzybek]

Hello,

Having owned about 5 Del Tin's I can honestly say that they are very decent for the money. This also depends on the particular model you are interested in. Some are a little too heavy and the longer versions have been known to bend at the tang on ocassion. I only know of one actually breaking and that is shown here on the website. My only gripe is that the grips loosen up easily. The Lutels seem to be very well made and I'm quite interested in hearing more reviews about them.

Good luck,

[David Kite]

My Lutel should be arriving within a couple weeks, and when it does, I'll post the best review I know how, given that it'll be my first sword.
Fingers crossed
David Kite

[Guest]

Yes, Gary has a lot of swords. Go to our website section tools of the trade to see our tools: http://www.armanortheast.com/toolsofthetrade.htm

and go here to see Lutel in action: http://www.armanortheast.com/virginabeachmain.htm

Albion Armors has great peices also which I recommend: http://www.albionarmorers.com/arms.htm

Cheers

Todd Sullivan

[Guest]

Hey Joachim,
Recently I received a Del Tin from Albion Arms, from what they had in stock...a 14th century Longsword, for sparring purposes. This is the first historically accurate sword I have owned...the rest are made the modern way with modern sensibilities. I will say that for sparring it is excellent, though unfortunately it loosened up at the hilt area just as soon as I hit a solid pell with it...Albion tightened it up, but...it shouldn't have loosened. As far as sparring, it is excellent, fast and flexible...and it seems I am much aware of the edge with the steel swords. Probably the best choice for the money, about $300. Good luck.
Richard

[Joachim Nilsson]

Thanks for the feedback. The swords I've ordered are a early German 16th century bastardsword(?) with finger-rings, No. 2160 from Del Tin and a central european two-handed sword from ca. 1570, No. 16002 in the Lutel-collection. (Yes, I like big, manly swords. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> Although the next sword I'll be getting after those may be of a more slender-looking tapering kind...)

But.... Is it only I who find it somewhat annoying what the Del Tin grips more often than not have to be strenghtend or even replaced just after (or prior!) initial use? I mean... I want to get to test-cutting, drilling, hitting pells and what-not ASAP when I get my sword. Well.... I suppose I just have to hand over my Del Tin to my dad when it arrives. Being skilled in many crafting arts he hopefully might replace the grip. <img src="/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I'm on the lookout for good literature -Which one of the Oakeshott books is prefarable to start with? Archaeology of Weapons or Records of the Medieval Sword?

[Guest]

I've had a LUTEL longsword for a long time now. It is vey well made, with fit and finish, IMO, better than most of the Del Tin swords. It has quite thick rebated edges, and is therefore a little heavy but still handles great due to a very pronounced distal taper. The blade has excellent hardness and temper, I have used it for training, drills, and sparring, even against armour, and it has sustained only the most superficial scratches. I recommend them highly although the prices have gone up a bit since I bought mine. BTW, they come with a nice scabard and belt!

[Shane Smith]

I have a custom Deltin 5143 that handles quite well and is a very good cutter,though not the equal of my Atrim XIIIa heavy,at least on lighter targets.It's all in the edge geometry.That said,the DT is still my favorite Longsword and I wouldn't part with it.I've considered getting rid of the Atrim on a few occasions...

[Jeffrey Hull]

Hello:

You asked:

*****

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I'm on the lookout for good literature -Which one of the Oakeshott books is prefarable to start with? Archaeology of Weapons or Records of the Medieval Sword?

*****

I guess it depends what you want.

AOW is more or less a survey of the history of European medieval arms &amp; armour, with emphasis on the sword, utilising sources archaeological (including specific artifacts), historical, artistic, and literary. It is well illustrated and clearly written.

RMS is basically a catalogue of many specific European swords throughout the span of about 900 to 1600 AD, arranged by the helpful Oakeshott Typology. The artifacts themselves are emphasised, with specific and detailed drawings and descriptions of each. There are a handful of added essays, for clarity of certain issues, and as case-studies.

Both books are outstanding, yet serve different purposes. Again, it really depends what you want. Good luck! JH

[Jake_Norwood]

We have 2 Del tins out here, a longsword and a bastard sword (the bastard sword is the same one in Tobler's Ringeck commentary). While they feel nice and we're pleased with the blades and with the overall balance (especially on the bastard sword), the hilts loosened up immediately upon use and even now have an annoying rattle that I would kill to get permanently fixed.

We've also got the MRL Albrect II sword, which I recently sharpened, and I've been pleased with it as far as MRL's go.

[Shane Smith]

Hello Jake,
My DT rattled after it's first cutting session.Thats seems to be the norm for stock DelTins.There is no need to send your DT away for tightening,nor is there a need to live with that creaky hilt.The good news is that a few well-placed blows from a ball-peen hammer will set everything right in short order.I've done it a few times and it's quite simple. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />