Atlanta Blade Show '05 visit

[John_Clements]

I must make this quick as this is moving in time for our new house and I am still struggling to stay on sabbatical, but I went for a short visit to the Atlanta Blade Show for the first time this Friday as a guest of one exhibitor. Saw many interesting things and people, about four good sword sellers. Among things, got to talk at length with CASI (who continue to improve their rapiers and swords), got to chat some with Albion guys and handle several excellent Albion pieces (their swords seem to just keep getting better and better). And got to meet the great duo of Nathan & Patrick of MyArmoury.com, as well as Lynne Thompson of Cold Steele and a few others. I also had a most enjoyable dinner with Kevin Cashen and several other bladesmiths, which proved very enlightening for everyone. Here are some pics.

JC

[Sean_Gallaty]

You've handled museum pieces, did you also handle the albion swords and if so what's your impression? How far is the gap between the museum pieces and what you handled at the show?

Their prices, if these are serviceable swords I consider extremely reasonable. 500 dollar range for a sharp with fair balance and good workmanship is about half of what I had expected to pay.

Have we test cut with albion swords? do they hold up? I see they have - or mayeb I am mistaken, riveted tangs? I've heard this was a problem elsewhere, but - -

And thanks again for taking the time to post this.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Sean, as I am from Wisconsin I had the pleasure of visiting the Albion Factory at length. I had a chance to handle just about all the swords they had in the shop at the time, (which was just about all of them) I also own a Baron. I am simply in love with the brand, I think all of thier swords handle well and the quality is outstanding for the money. Thier customer service Dept, is second to none and they continue to put out better and better stuff. I am really interested in thier Maestro line of swords. I have used my Baron for alot of test cutting without issues and I also ordered the matching scabbard and love that as much as the sword- this is my opinion of course but all the reviews and comments I have heard from others back up my statements- Aaron

[Nathan Robinson]

John, I was super pleased to meet you! What a surprise. I had not known your move to Atlanta was complete yet so it was quite the shock to see you walking around. Good times, man, good times.

[John_Clements]

Hi Nathan, same to you, a pleasure to finally meet after all this time. It was a blast hanging with you and Patrick and others, I was very please to have run into you all. I learned too late you were going to visit and my time was very short besides. Next time we will definitely plan ahead. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

JC

[Ryan Ricks]

i enjoyed the blade show as well. seeing albion was well worth the $10 admission.

the swords were so well balanced that they seemed well-neigh weightless. it was also interesting to see their edge geometry. They had no secondary bevel, which seems to be present on most swords and knives i've ever seen. This made them seem wickedly sharp.

I also enjoyed meeting the guys from myarmoury.