In the market for a new sword

[John R. Schmidt]

does anyone know where I can purchase a new longsword of good quality for around $300

[Jonathan Newhall]

Around 300? Museum Replica (as in the company) are of pretty average quality (as far as I know) and about that price for a sharp. They don't offer particularly good blunts, however.

[Stacy Clifford]

Lutel is a bit more than that, generally in the $400 range after currency conversion (Czech), but their blunts are excellent quality and nicely balanced. Mine compares pretty favorably with the Albion blunts. For sharps though, save your money and get an Albion.

[Jonathan Newhall]

Well, if his budget is around 300 dollars, it's around 300 dollars

Anyway, if you're in it for the cheapish sharp that isn't terrible, I say that some of the Museum Replicas swords are almost certain to meet that expectation. Blunts I suppose I'd go with the czech manufacturer recommended by Stacy (haven't been able to find any really cheap steel blunt manufacturers that aren't just theatrical pieces...)

If you reconsider and intend to save money for a better quality piece, I can think of no more highly recommended sites (that have stock, rather than custom pieces only) than Albion-swords.com and armor.com. Both appear to be swords made by adept craftsmen very similar to the real thing historically speaking, but they do cost a rather pretty penny.

[John R. Schmidt]

well cool thanks guys, i was not looking for sharps yet just some real steel to practice with, for the record what does a good albion run?

[Sal Bertucci]

blunt = $500-ish

Sharp = $500-ish

REALLY nice sharp = $800+

[Jaron Bernstein]

does anyone know where I can purchase a new longsword of good quality for around $300

I would save up until you have 500 and get an Albion Squire or Maestro line.

Jaron

[David Kite]

I will second the Lutel recommendation as well. I really like mine (although mine isn't blunt). Unfortunately, due to the current exchange rates, they aren't nearly as inexpensive as they used to be (at least for those of us in the US). Couple that with shipping rates and you'll end up paying more for a Lutel than an Albion.

However, Lutel does have a variety of hilt types to choose from, which is nice if you want to experiment with complex hilts, etc. Their blades are all the same, though, I believe. (and they have a new website: http://www.lutel.eu)

If you can't afford the price of new blunts (which is understandable), another option is to keep a sharp eye on the used market.

2cents

David Kite
GFS, ARMA in IN

[John R. Schmidt]

Thank you so much guys, all of your advice really helped!!!!