Matt Easton wrote: |
I have to agree actually - I have not handled any of the originals that any of the Albion models are based on, but I have handled quite a lot of originals of various types (including a couple featured in 'Records') from the whole period, and I think Albions are spot-on. I'd also like to mention that some originals feel horrible at first, until you consider their function. For example, a lot of 12thC swords feel clunky, but when you consider that they were primarily cavalry weapons, and almost always used with a shield, then they make sense.
Matt |
Some of the Albion replicas are clearly very, very good. The Brescia Spadona seems to be an example of very good accuracy, and not surprisingly to me, it turns out to be one of the best performing replica weapons in every test i have heard of. But there does seem to me to be some variation in quality from one sword type in their line to the next. There are also more subtle things about what makes a sword than handling and feel. The truth is that because we don't kill people with swords any more (one hopes) we may never really know them all.
It also seems to me, from my own limited experience and knowledge, that the best originals / antiques are mostly in private collections and / or auction houses, not in the museums.
J