Albion's Late 13th Century Greatsword (Squire Line)

[Grant Hall]

Hey guys, I'm heading down to see a Lawyer about the ownership of a Sword where I live, before going to the Police and getting a permit, or signing up to AKC Club.

Anyways, once all that is said and done, I'm ready to purchase my first sword. I'm looking at getting a Greatsword (I'm 6'6" and feel that it would be best suited for me as a training weapon).

So I had a look at Albion's site and the Greatsword under the Maestro line isn't available for purchase yet. However under the Squire Line their is a Greatsword based off of late 13th century swords. So I was wondering if anyone owns one of these blades, or have used them before? are they suited for use (test cutting), are the Weight and balance seems alright, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has actual hands on experience with it. Does the blade hold up to actually use (in other words would a (poorer) warrior of the Late 13th century find this blade acceptable?

Or am I better off waiting for the (confusingly cheaper) Maestro line Greatsword to come out?

Thanks for your time,

God Bless!

[Grant Hall]

PS: I just had a look at the Maestro Line's Longsword, it is actually longer than the Greatsword, though the blade is shorter and it's 1 cm thinner at the base. It is also lighter.

Perhaps this is the sword for me? Anyone with any experience handling this weapon?

I have to say that I like the look of the Greatsword a little better, but right now I'm more interested in a good sword not a pretty one.

Anyway thanks for your time,

God Bless!

PPS: On further reading the Maestro line longswrod comes with rounded edges as is obviously meant for blunt sparring, I'm interested in a sharp for test cutting, as it will be some time before my training partners and I are ready to upgrade from wasters.

Cheers!

[Benjamin Smith]

If you're in for a sharp get one of Albion's Next Generation Line, they're quality.

If you're in for blunt sparring you can see several videos of sparring with the Maestro Line on the website, there's even a link up in the stickies on the forum.

[Randall Pleasant]

Grant

The Squire Line greatsword is really nice and is very similar to my Albion Baron. However, it should be note that this sword is not a blunt, it is just unsharpen. One person in our study group has one but we do not use it in either drills or freeplay.

[Grant Hall]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Randall, I noticed under the Squire Line Viking Sword there is an offer to Sharpen it for an extra $25(us?), I would think they'd make the same offer for the Greatsword if I was to ask.

However, do you believe the Squire Line Greatsword to be able to hold up to Test Cutting (especially in the hands of a beginner such as myself) and handle well in flourishes.

I would rather spend $1,000 on a High Quality Sword than $500 on a below par sword. However if the Squire is a good functional and sturdy! blade then I'll probably head in that direction.

I'm also going to get my hands on a nice looking WiWaster if I can

Thanks for your time,

God Bless!

[Randall Pleasant]

Grant

If you want a great sword for cutting then do go with the Albion Baron or a similar model. Don't go with the Squire Line Greatsword as a sharp. The extra money for the Baron is well worth it.

[Ken Horton]

Grant,
I was also looking at the 13th century longsword from Albion. I looked at the reviews on myarmoury.com. They have hands on reviews of lots of "real" swords with pictures of it as well. I don't know if you have looked at this site before but I found it interesting and informative. You might want to check it out. The other sword from Albion that is similar is the Duke, very similar. I don't know any of the fellas doing the reviews or how serious they take this art. The Baron, Duke, and 13th century longsword are all reviewed on this site.

Hope this helps,

Ken