The Viking swords are finally out, and they are looking pretty good!
[ Linked Image ]
SHARP (Blunt)
Specifications:
Oakeshott Type: X
OAL: 37 inches (37-3/8)
Blade Length: 30-1/2 inches (30-7/8)
Blade Width @ Base: 2-1/8 inches (2 inches)
Blade Width 4 inch from point: 1-5/8 inches (1-1/4 inches)
Blade thickness at base: .210 inches (same)
Blade thickness 2 inches from tip: .050 inches (.090 inches)
Distal taper is straight
Hilt OAL: 6-1/2 inches (same)
Hilt construction: Riveted tang or 'peened' construction
Handle length: 4-1/8 inches
Handle Construction: Sandwiched wood wrapped in cord with leather cover.
COG: 5 inches from base of blade (6 inches)
Blade Node/COP: 19-1/4 inches from base of blade (21-1/2 inches)
Primary Hilt Node: On handle approx 1 inch from cross (same)
Weight: 2lb8oz. (same)
Price: $329 ($319)

After a somewhat problematic development period the Viking sword are at last out. They look good, feel good in the hand and are finally at the correct weight and profile. The only note that I'll be making to CAS/Hanwei is about the sharpening- I'm still not entirely happy with this... still at this price there's not much room for complaint! The fact that mine have arrived means that you should be able to find these at your favorite dealer- if not today then very soon.

That sword is very tempting. If I didn't already have 2 others on my plate....maybe later.

IMHO, the best place to get this sword, balancing low price with vendor reliablility is Kult of Athena - no big surprise.

Excellent, they look pretty sweet Michael. I don't currently have a 'classic' Viking style sword in my collection so this might be the one.

worth the wait, although the edge issue makes me a bit sad, still, this will be in my collection very soon :)

These look quite nice Michael, thanks!
When you say they have a bit of a problem with the edge, could you elaborate a little more? Is it too blunt, not enough of an apple-seed etc.?
Thanks,
Dan

Michael I've just been looking at this sword on the CAS/Hanwei site and on their pictures it looks like the fuller doesn't extend under the guard and up the tang. Is this just an optical illusion?

That was true with prototype, not anymore I think.

Ah well, that would explain it then. :)

Cheers!

Very Nice. This will be my next Viking replica - not counting the one coming in the mail right now ;)

You are correct- the sword on the CAS/H site is the prototype. The fullers end under the guard on the production swords.

These do look quite nice Michael! I very much like the extra detail of the braided wire in the pommel.

Any idea when one can be ordered without the hit or miss sharpening issues?

Will they have to sell out all the initial run of swords produced (however many that may be, hopefully not hundreds) before a new batch may come through with a corrected edge taking into account your suggested correction?

Perhaps they take the ones produced to date and simply resharpen them correctly?

I'd rather get one correct from the get go, than a do it yourself project. I just wonder how I would know I was going to recieve a "fixed" one vs. the inconsistent edge treatment you discussed. If they shipped a bunch to venders already prior to fixing the issue, it may be a persistent problem. Hopefully, they will catch it early with your input and get it right.

Still, for the price, not the end of the world, as lower end Windlasses come unsharpened afterall and Abion's are more than twice as expensive. I think these are a very nice nitch price point for a sword inbetween these two at least.

All in all, a very nice looking (and from the stats- sounds like nice handling) viking sword at a reasonable price.

I don't know that the problem is consistent throughout the first run of swords- and honestly I can cut just fine with either sword; the sharpened portion is quite sharp. This isn't a critical flaw, just annoying to me personally. Yes, I would imagine that the first run of swords will need to sell out before the next can come out with corrected edges. Sadly the folks at CAS/H here in the states aren't equipped to correct this on-site.

Yes, I want to see the edge fixed in the future but honestly- given the quality and price of these swords they would be a bargain even if they were completely unsharpened. There is literally nothing on the market that approaches the features, appearance and build-quality of these swords for less than twice the price.

I absolutely agree. I won't order Viking because I have one viking sword coming to me right now, but the first line of greatswords that appear will be mine no matter what the edge will be like I was buying Del Tin's before and my retailer is used to sharpening unsharpened swords for me. Cas/Hanwei's improper edge will be no problem to fix comparing to completely unsharpened Del Tin. :)

Anyone seen these at a retailer yet?

I am so ready to buy one!