LOL...Don't get me wrong here...I am not making a value judgement about the Normans versus the Saxons-English. Or rather, I am not saying one is superior and the inferior. I just think I like the feel of the English-Saxon side more than I like the feel of the Norman side.
I am seeing that the kit is pretty similar, which is good because I like the so called "Age of
Maille" more than the later periods. I am not sure I would want to go back into the classic Viking period either as it has stylistic elements I am not really interested in embracing though I do like the period.
One thing I know for sure is that I am not interested in paying with axes, no matter how well designed or beautiful they might be Patrick...I am thinking I am going with the maille, a round
shield, a sword, a spear, a
seax, and the period appropriate garb. That should give me a good foundation and perhaps some ideas as to how much I want to narrow in on a specific region in England or on a specific date.
Now I just have to talk the wife into letting me shell out the money for a quality sword...I am debating the advisability of buying a slightly less expensive sword for wear and a rebated sword for sparring and combat drills. Of course, I want one of the Albion blades...they look damn nice and the reviews are glowing. I suppose I will just have to stick with the swords I have now and concentrate on a shield and the armor. So, where can I get a decent wedge rivetted hauberk for under $500?