CAS Iberia Bastard Sword, Good buy?

[Sam Nankivell]

While looking around for a good sword for test-cutting I came across the CAS Iberia "Bastard Sword". Its 50 1/8“ overall and has a 38 3/4“ blade length. At $249, it seems like a pretty good buy. However, I am somewhat worried about the mislabeling as a "Bastard" sword (the thing is 50 inches!) and the rather low price compared to swords from Arms and Armour or Albion.

What's your opinion on this thing?

http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH2250[/url]

[John Harmston]

I own the old CAS-I hand-and-a-half and I quite like it. They have since changed the blade geometry, making it "whippy" and ill-suited for our needs.

I have not handled this particular sword, although with a blade almost 39 inches long it should certainly be classified as a longsword. I can't comment on how it will work for you, but you need to find our if this is a blunt or a sharp (my hand-and-a-half is a blunt). I didn't see mention of that fact in the product description (which is just plain lazy marketing).

[Sam Nankivell]

Are there any other good sharp longswords for under $700?

[John Harmston]

My recommendation for best value for your money, if you need a high-end sword, is a sharpened Albion Squire Line sword. You are getting Albion quality at half the usual cost.

[Axel Pettersson]

I swinged it around recently (no test cutting though), and it was real nice for the price. I would still say save up money to get a better quality one though, you won't have to buy too many sharp swords, and getting one albion is worth 4 cas iberias .