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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 1:07 pm    Post subject: OdinBlade Longsword vs Albion Crecy?         Reply with quote

I am looking for your opinions on which of the 2 I should get.

I currently own and train with a Hanwei Tinker Bastard sword (both blunt and sharp for training/cutting). Our WMA school does have some practical Albions which handle very well, but I have only tried the I33. The Tinker sword is quite good overall - well balanced, light, solid, but the leather grip is starting to come off. This got me thinking it is time to upgrade to a superior longsword, something I have always wanted.

After much research, I've narrowed it down to 2 options:
Albion Crecy with Christian Fletcher scabbard+belt or an Odinblade longsword similar to the one in the gallery (Fishtail Type XII).

Things I'm looking for:

-Superb Balance
-Excellent build quality
-Historical accuracy
-Blade with single fuller
-Excellent leather grip that can withstand prolonged use
-nothing too fancy, a solid weapon that would have been used by say a mid ranking soldier in the 1300-1500 time period

From this, it seems like the Albion has the edge?

The fact that many WMA schools use Albions is encouraging. However, it's bugging me that the Crecy looks so similar to the Tinker Bastard I already have. Plus, I prefer the look of the odinblade in the gallery slightly more. Looking forward I will have a collection of swords eventually and I do not want to have too many similar looking blades.

Also, the odinblade is a custom sword from a custom maker. The parts are all forged, the specifications can be changed to my liking. Whereas the Albion is a production blade and fittings are cast not forged. Price wise both are about the same. So does it make sense to spend so much on a production blade? Hence, the odinblade wins here.

What are your thoughts, opinions? Have I missed something? Is there another sword I overlooked? What would be your recommendation?

Thank you for your time and input.
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Chris Lampe




Location: United States
Joined: 07 Mar 2005

Posts: 211

PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 3:10 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I would say get whichever one appeals to you the most. Historical accuracy is the only area where I would give Albion an advantage and you can have John customize your sword so that it's exactly what you want. I've never handled an Odinblades longsword but the single-handed swords I've owned are sweet!! I hope to commission at least one more in the future and preferably 3 more. Big Grin

I don't think you'll regret either choice.
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Sean O Stevens




Location: Grovetown, GA
Joined: 22 Oct 2008

Posts: 208

PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 5:09 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I've owned many Albions... I only own one Odinblade but I've handled another...

I find that Albion and Odin are very close in overall quality, fit, finish and balance/use. My Odinblade is VERY impressive, as was the other I have handled... and Albions have always impressed me as well.

Being that overall quality are very near, and price are very near... what you have to consider is with Albion you know exactly what you'll be getting, and you'll get it faster. With Odin it may take a good deal of time... but you can have something more unique... but you won't know exactly what it will look/feel like till its done.

So... armed with that info... good luck. Wink
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Joe Fults




Location: Midwest
Joined: 02 Sep 2003

Posts: 3,646

PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 6:56 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Flip a coin.

Rock paper scissors with a friend.

Buy them both.

"The goal shouldn’t be to avoid being evil; it should be to actively do good." - Danah Boyd
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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 7:43 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Thanks for the input guys. Seems like I haven't missed anything and either way I go I'll be in good shape.
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Michael Edelson




Location: New York
Joined: 14 Sep 2005

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PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 8:51 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

You may also want to consider that by the time Liechtenauer's art was being written about by the likes of Ringeck, a XIIa would have been an antique.
New York Historical Fencing Association
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Chad Arnow
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PostPosted: Wed 29 Jun, 2011 8:54 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Since you're interested in historical accuracy as a criterion, that kind of disqualifies the fishtail Type XII. I'm not sure I've seen a historical example with a pommel quite like that. Also, any fishtail type pommels are more of a 15th century thing where a Type XIIa blade is quite a bit earlier normally.

Not that John couldn't make something more historical, but that sword doesn't strike me as particularly historical in my opinion.

Happy

ChadA

http://chadarnow.com/
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William Frisbee




Location: South Shore, MA
Joined: 07 Nov 2005

Posts: 93

PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 7:16 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Personally I've only handled one sword that cuts better than the Crecy... and thats the Bresica...

If you want a great sword to cut with and looks the part, is light and fast, you really cannot go wrong with the Crecy. Plus you'll get it in about 2 months. Don't know how long Odin's line is...
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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 7:32 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Michael Edelson wrote:
You may also want to consider that by the time Liechtenauer's art was being written about by the likes of Ringeck, a XIIa would have been an antique.


Good point, but does that necessarily imply that during the mid to late 1300's (the time period of Liechtenauer himself presumably), the art or at least some close form of it was not practiced by the knights in the battles of Crecy or other battles in that time period?
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Michael Edelson




Location: New York
Joined: 14 Sep 2005

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PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 9:27 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Kirill R wrote:
Michael Edelson wrote:
You may also want to consider that by the time Liechtenauer's art was being written about by the likes of Ringeck, a XIIa would have been an antique.


Good point, but does that necessarily imply that during the mid to late 1300's (the time period of Liechtenauer himself presumably), the art or at least some close form of it was not practiced by the knights in the battles of Crecy or other battles in that time period?


I'm not an expert on typologies and their dating, but I'm pretty sure a XIIa would have been an antique even then.

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Lee O'Hagan




Location: Northamptonshire,England
Joined: 30 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 12:10 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

To even things out i'd say ping John a mail to ask delivery and actuall price etc,
he's also mentioned a newer line a little more pocket friendly,
From what i've seen and read,and heard from friends,both suppliers are very good,
for me personally i lean towards the one off makers,
but, i am very glad there are companies like Albion out there,they are very good at what they do,
No doubt either would be a good choice,
speaking with John might level the playing field,as to final choice,
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Addison C. de Lisle




Location: South Carolina
Joined: 05 Nov 2005
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PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 1:15 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I haven't personally handled any Odinblades swords, but I do love my Crecy. It was the first sword I bought, and is the only piece in my collection that I would not consider selling. Should you choose the Crecy I am certain that you will not be disappointed.
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John Coris




Location: European Union
Joined: 11 Feb 2011

Posts: 33

PostPosted: Thu 30 Jun, 2011 2:06 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I 'd go for the Odinblade custom, a unique piece by an excellent smith...
Always excel and stay superior of others. (Homer - Iliad)
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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Fri 01 Jul, 2011 10:39 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Thanks guys, you've all helped me make my decision.

In the end, I'm sure I'll have swords from both makers, I guess it was just a question of which one I get first.
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Jeremy V. Krause




Location: Buffalo, NY.
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PostPosted: Fri 01 Jul, 2011 1:28 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

If historical accuracy is what you are after, you can't beat an Albion as Peter Johnsson has designed all of their Next Generation swords to be faithful reproductions of typical period pieces.

He has handled hundreds of period pieces so by obtaining an Albion you are benefitting from that first-person experience.
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Glen A Cleeton




Location: Nipmuc USA
Joined: 21 Aug 2003

Posts: 1,973

PostPosted: Fri 01 Jul, 2011 7:17 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

The Albion Crecy is a XVIa, no?

John Lundemo uses mostly stock removal for his work, no?

What else?

I dunno, don't mind me. Just reading with an eyebrow raised ?8^)~

Cheers

GC
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Addison C. de Lisle




Location: South Carolina
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PostPosted: Sat 02 Jul, 2011 10:45 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Out of curiosity, which did you end up choosing?
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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Sat 02 Jul, 2011 1:02 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Addison C. de Lisle wrote:
Out of curiosity, which did you end up choosing?


I'm going with the Albion. My WMA training has taken off and I feel this is the best weapon for that given its historical accuracy, performance and the fact that most WMA schools use Albions.

Not to take anything away from John Lundemo, I hope to commission a fantasy piece by him, just a little later on when I am ready with the design and have the funds.
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Michael Edelson




Location: New York
Joined: 14 Sep 2005

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PostPosted: Sat 02 Jul, 2011 1:45 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Kirill R wrote:
Addison C. de Lisle wrote:
Out of curiosity, which did you end up choosing?


I'm going with the Albion. My WMA training has taken off and I feel this is the best weapon for that given its historical accuracy, performance and the fact that most WMA schools use Albions.


Excellent choice.

Do you have big meaty hands? I ask because the grip on the Crecy is a bit short.

New York Historical Fencing Association
www.newyorklongsword.com

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Kirill R




Location: Montreal
Joined: 31 Jan 2011

Posts: 36

PostPosted: Sun 03 Jul, 2011 2:28 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Michael Edelson wrote:
Kirill R wrote:
Addison C. de Lisle wrote:
Out of curiosity, which did you end up choosing?


I'm going with the Albion. My WMA training has taken off and I feel this is the best weapon for that given its historical accuracy, performance and the fact that most WMA schools use Albions.


Excellent choice.

Do you have big meaty hands? I ask because the grip on the Crecy is a bit short.


I think the handle length on the Tinker is about the same as on the Crecy, and it works fine for me, so I'm covered there. Thanks for the note though.
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