Next Generation Talhoffer sword from Albion.

[Joachim Nilsson]

I recieved my NG Talhoffer this week and since today was my first day of in quite a while I took it out for my first "test run" today. I am... I am... Utterly Beyond words. Almost anyway. The Talhoffer is a prime contender for the spot of "my all time favorite sword" -a place previously and solely occupied by the Svante. Top notch work by PJ and the Albion team.

This sword, when wielded and used in tip progressions, feels like a natural extension of my body. It's fast, agile and responsive and floryshing with it gave me heaps of new insights into the art of fencing. The Five Strikes of the Lichtenauer tradition has never before felt so natural as they did when performed with the Talhoffer. Two quick Zwerhauen -from right to left and left to right- comes so natural and are so fast that.... oh my. It has to be tried to be believed. As with swords of this type the balance are located not far from the hilt and this immediately is noticeable when the sword is used. Cuts, thrusts and slices all come darting out like a serpent's tongue. A colleague and I also tried utilizing guards and concepts like Ochs, Pflug and Langer Ort ("Long Point" -done with the arms extended straight at the enemy) against each other. And the results were spectacular. Being on the "recieving end" of that tip is so utterly dismaying that one becomes very vary of the slightest motion in the one who's wielding the sword. And you immediately focus more on keeping track on the sword than the person holding it. More over: Langer Ort is downright scary. You just can't percieve, nor judge, how far away that tip is! I can so totally see why Langer Ort is good to utilize if you want your enemy to keep his distance. Especially since he automatically backs away when faced with that nearly invisible point! And to those out there who for some reason have gotten the idea that our historical fencing tradition in linear in its movement: Get in front of a sword like the Talhoffer that has its point aimed at your face -charging straight in from that position would be suicidal. At best. I pity the foo'!

Sorry.... Couldn't resist the Mr. T reference.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-medieval-talhoffer-xva.htm

[Derek Wassom]

Awesome. Thanks for the review.
I was trying to scrape my money together and sell a few things so I can get the Talhoffer, but then that Munich came around...

[Travis Beamon]

I can agree with Derek here. All my Albion lusting halted when I gazed upon the Munich. I cant wait to see what the Museum Line piece he comes out with.

[Matt Bryant]

I have my sights set on the Talhoffer. For a while I swooned over the Ringeck, but the Talhoffer's won me over.

[Joachim Nilsson]

As I very well can tell by your avatar, Derek. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> If you'd like my opinion on it: at least try to get a chance to test-swing them both. The Talhoffer and the Munich have some differing characteristics. But I can fully understand your attraction to the Munich. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Joachim Nilsson]

Hehehe. As absurd as it may sound, given that I just recently recieved the Talhoffer, I spent a great deal of last night thinking about the Munich. I've seen Peter's recreation on the original and that blade is just wicked.

[Joachim Nilsson]

Trust me, Matt. You won't be disappointed.

[GaryGrzybek]

Thanks Joachim!

Now I'm really kicking myself for cancelling my Talhoffer order <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> My financial situation just won't allow it right now.

[Joachim Nilsson]

Now I'm really kicking myself for cancelling my Talhoffer order My financial situation just won't allow it right now.

Oh man. That sucks. <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" /> Hope you can get things sorted out.