Buying Swords

[Jaron Bernstein]

Can't speak for the Talhoffer, but the Sempach has wonderful point agility, thrusts really well, and cuts decently enough.

[Shane Smith]

I've handled both the Talhoffer and the Sempach. I think the Talhoffer handles a bit better on average but it's thin cross section out front makes it look delicate to my eye. I'd take a sempach over it and did. Others will disagree and I'll lose no sleep. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Bill Welch]

Shane Wrote"Atrims are decent handlers too but the pommel screws and assymetrical edge grinds just don't do it for me. They are capable tools however as long as you don't hit armour or another blades cross. His XIIIA heavy in particular is one sword I can recommend to anyone wanting a stout and manly chopper."
I cant agree with that statment, If you remember I had an edge failure with the Crecey, and it took me going to Howard to fix it the "customer service" said that it was historically accurate for a sword to break when hitting something like bone.
After the testing we did for Gus on his new line of tougher swords, and the damage we did to a buckler, heavy bone, and coconuts. I would recommend ATRIM over Albion, just tell Gus what you intend to use it for
And besides they are less expensive than Albion, and they have a better warranty.

[John_Clements]

Don't even try to put Trim's and Albion's in the same boat. They are light-years apart. If you think otherwise, then I am sorry becuase you have just not explored the subject or the swords of both makers thoroughly enough. A blade made from "best guesses" does not compare to one produced from dozens of careful measurements and supervised heat-treating (i.e., Albions).

The strange thing about buying swords today is that virtually everyone is an amateur --in terms of the physical art and knowledge of historical pieces, yet everyone has an opinion from what they have spent and invested emotionally and monetarily. To make matters more complicated, manufacturers often bullshit unbelievably and spout techno babble that either impresses or depresses the consumer. Then their product quality shifts from month to month or piece to piece as they either try to improve or else attempt to cut corners.

It all ends up with arguments and hurt feelings because someone out there can’t acknowledge they don’t know any better or should have waited and spent their money elsewhere.

JC

p.s.
one should not have to tell a maker what they "intend to use" their sword for if the maker is going around claiming their blades are accurate fighting tools in the first place

[Jeff Hansen]

I've got to say, that after handling both, several Albions and several ATrims, at the ABS, I want an Albion. I can't point to any particular thing and say: that's the problem. But, after handling the Albions, the ATrims just didn't feel right. I'm sure it has some technical, physics based explanation, having to do with "distibution of mass", or some really obscure detail of construction. All I can say as a swordsman, is that the "feel" was completely different. It's difficult to get across verbally, but that's my opinion for what it's worth.

[JeanryChandler]

I put my deposit down on an Albion constable last week. Still waiting to discuss the rest of the details with Albion as i gather all the key people were at the blade show. I picked the constable because in spite of it's sort length (42") I handled and cut with it before and it handled exquisitely.

I also still think some of the larger more 'regularly sized' weapons available regardless of manufacturer are still either too heavy or too 'whippy'. So I think this was my best current compromise. I'd like to get several more weapons when I have the money but as especially those of us with girlfriends / wives are aware, justifying this kind expense aint easy. Hard to try to come up with practical uses for these critters.

Anyway I'm sure it's going to be a long time before I actually get my hands on it but I'm glad I took the step. The feel of that weapon at the test cutting event was nothing short of magical. It is obviously primarily a thruster and yet it cut like a lazer (at least soft targets), and I knew at that moment that while I definately agree that all replica makers have a ways to go, these folks were definately heading in the right direction.

JR

(one day though I'm going to get my hands on an Albion tallhoffer, probably at least one of their Viking Swords, an MRL katzbalger, and at least one Cervenka longsword)

[Bill Welch]

Oh no, of course not. As far as historical representation the Albions are great. I just have a problem, I just want something that can cut what it is suppose to cut, and the edge not falling off.

[John_Clements]

It shouldn't be a mystery, Jeff. It's a simple matter: as you get more exposure to historically accurate blades and recognize their handling those that aren't just don't feel right anymore.

A piece based on exacting measurements and properly tempered for fighting is just going to feel better in the hands of someone who better understands its functioning.

JC

[JeanryChandler]

My Albion arrived, and I have to say I'm delighted with it. Comparing it to some old blunts I have, it's light years beyond. It feels "alive" while they just feel like hunks of iron. I love the way it seems to want to maintain edge alignment. Can't wait to do some test-cutting.

JR

[Martin Wallgren]

Congratulations Jeanry!