Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Reading List

European Sword History
http://www.vikingsword.com/index1.html

Sword Index

Japanese Sword Index
http://nihontoclub.com/swords?page=1

Viking Sword & European Sword Index
http://www.vikingsword.com/vmframe.html

European Sword Index
http://www.swordindex.com/

Hanwei Austrian Albreicht Hand and a Half

length: 45"
blade: 35"

blade width: 2" at base
blade width: 7/8" at 2" from point
balance point: 5 1/2" from guard
grip and pommel: 10"
guard: 7 1/4"
weight: 3 lb 1.6 oz

This longsword (commonly called a hand-and-a-half or bastard sword) is replicated from an original attributed to King Albrecht II of Austria. Classically simple in design with a flattened diamond-section blade and cruciform hilt, the original dates from the early part of the 15th century. The "Lion Rampant" emblem of the Habsburg dynasty is engraved in the pommel. The forged blade of the Paul Chen/Hanwei Austrian longsword is fully tempered high-carbon steel with the legendary Passau, Germany "running wolf" swordsmith's mark reproduced in the fullers. The grip is leather over cord-wrapped wood, and the scabbard is leather over wood with steel fittings. Sharp, well balanced blade. An extremely nice, functional longsword.

Review

Monday, 5 May 2014

Custom Albion Knight Sword

The Knight

Limited Edition Medieval War Sword

Oakeshott Type: XII

http://www.albion-europe.com/swords/swords-by-productline/nextgeneration/singlehand/model.aspx?model=73

Specifications

Standard specification
Total length:	97 cm (38,11")
Blade length:	80 cm (31,5")
CoG:	11 cm (4,49")
CoP:	53 cm (20,98")
Weight:	1200 g (2,646 lbs)
Grip length:	10,4 cm (4,094")

The Knight

A sword of type XII, according to Oakeshott´s typology, is defined by having a broad and evenly tapering blade. It should have a good point and a fuller that is 2/3 to 3/4 of the blade length.

This is perhaps the most classic of all blade styles. So much so that it is close to being the very archetype of the European knightly sword.

We wanted this sword to be an homage to those splendid examples of the ancient sword makers art. A weapon that is broad and bold with understated elegance in shapes, lines and volumes.

The heft of the sword is managed by an effective use of nonlinear distal taper and a deep and well defined fuller. This results in a lively and responsive feel that invites you to strike with the sword.

The pommel of this sword is of type J: a deep wheel pommel with concave bevels. It is crowned by a high rivet block. The cross is a version of style 2: a straight type of octagonal section that swell at the ends and in the middle.

The outer third of the blade towards the point curves gradually to a sharp point. This gives a visual balance to the broad base of the blade and also helps in establishing sweet handling characteristics.