Got the opportunity to test this with an Albion Next Generation Landgraf.

Barehanded stroakes against a soft armybag full of clothes.

At first I took it kind of slow to test if there would be some damage to my hands but nothing happened. Thus I got Bold and extended my strokes to full speed. No problem att all. I even tried to stop the strokes by tighten the grip like a Iaido full stop. No problem.

This was made with no handprotection att all and with a full grip of both hands. (not a "monkeygrip" or other, all the fingers around the blade and the thumb in a normal grip.)

Just sharing new Experiences...

Thanks, Martin, for sharing your impressions. Now, I'm even more excited.

I'm expecting for my Landgraf to arrive tomorrow - am looking very much forward to experiencing this particular piece firsthand. Once I get the opportunity to enjoy it a bit, I'll be glad to share.

Hi Aaron

I can tell you, this sword just whisper to you, Stab someone, stab someone... what a weapon. Very fast, might not be the best for a cut but I think it´s deadly enough. Faced with somebody in armour I rather have the Landgraf than something like the Baron or the Duke.

The only thing I wouldn´t go for is the diskpommel, but thats me. To much into Talhoffers 1467 right now and its a lot of grabing the pommel in different ways in that one.

Hope you will enjoy it, emensly...

Patrick, Martin-

I've been quite intrigued about the XVII, and this piece moreso than the Sempach. I'm very curious as to the handling in the cut - sure I will find it impressive. I'm positive it's wicked in the thrust - should be, as that's why it's so narrow and rigid. As the collection grows, I will be able to much better understand the handling characteristics of the spectrum of the Typology. With the point control I am imagining, I expect to feel as Martin did - thrust away.

I have yet to cut with my Knight, but have become quite used to the Vinland. In addition to the Landgraf, I am also awaiting a Regent. I'm expecting I have a very fun day coming up soon. Have to find some more bottles, noodles, and a couple of melons, too.

Well, I made it back home today, and got my mitts on my Landgraf. I'll split my review into two parts - first, my impression of the weapon itself, then on how I found it to handle.

Weapon impression:

Fit and finish are pristine.
Guard and pommel are very crisp.
The blade is sweetly executed.
I'm not a big fan of the black grip - would much have preferred a dark brown or oxblood. It's not that it isn't also well-done, but rather understated for my taste.
Overall impression - an outstanding addition to my growing collection.

Campaign scabbard (also from Albion) is nice, will be better once I rig an appropriate belt and suspension. The photos on Albion's site are a good representation.

Handling impression:

Mean in the thrust - decent point control. I used a pistol target slightly out of reach to avoid damage to the point, but to gauge accuracy and control. I had expected a slightly more distal point of rotation, but adjusted quickly. Martin was correct - this piece begs for a good poke.
Cutting - all I had available were a few 2-liters. From vom Tag, 3 consistent Oberhau from the right. :eek: Not a dedicated cutter, but good God, what a punch! Excellent feel, sweet follow-through straight to Alber and prepared for another immediate action. Against an unarmoured opponent, this would be pretty effective. Against an armoured one, it could still be disruptive.
Guards and Strikes - no real issues here - Martin does have a good point regarding the pommel - for some of the techniques (winding - leverage gained by slipping down onto the pommel is a bit awkward; crossing the wrists - had to release the ring and pinky fingers and loosen the middle) , a scent-stopper would be more ergonomic, though with some practice, I think I could get used to this. The blade is quite lively and responsive, changing direction and rotation easily.

So... bottom line impression?

Wicked.

Headed back out to play some more. :D

I was quite fond of my Landgraf when I owned it, and am somewhat sorry I sold it. *sigh* Isn't that always the case?

Aaron Schnatterly wrote:

for some of the techniques (winding - leverage gained by slipping down onto the pommel is a bit awkward; crossing the wrists - had to release the ring and pinky fingers and loosen the middle) , a scent-stopper would be more ergonomic, though with some practice, I think I could get used to this.

I'd thought this too, originally, as I tend to like to grip the pommel. However some masters actually preferred a grip with the hands closer together. The Doebringer manuscript specifically says not to grip the pommel when fighting to the death, as holding the hands closer together will result in more powerful strikes. If held with the hands close I didn't find any problems at all with the pommel, though I still personally like more ergonomic pommels myself.

Martin, you're right: this and the Sempach felt completely natural in the mortschlag!

I have a Landgraf and a Regent.

Try some halfswording with the Landgraf and I suspect you'll be surprised.

It really IS a can opener.

The Regent is going to take your breath away. Nothing else for it. Initially the pommel is going to feel real odd. Give it some time and play around. Also, if you really work the pommel, consider some light gloves.

Thanks for the snippet, Bill! I was hoping to get a hold of the entire document - can you guide me? I'd like to see the work in it's entirety to get the full contextual picture of what Doebringer is talking about. Joachim is asking the same question, I believe:

Quote:

But the advice Doebringer gives: is it for a special occasion (such as Zufechten) or is it to be used in any and all distances, techniques and cuts? Winden would be clumpsy -to say the least- with both hands close together.

Quote:

Like I said, I personally like gripping the pommel, and Talhoffer and Codex Wallerstein and other manuscripts are littered with illustrations of peopld doing so. But it's clear that certainly not all masters advocated the same grip. I personally agree with you on gripping the pommel. It's more versatile and allows for a more fluid grip which also makes Mastercuts and a host of techniques easier to employ. That's why I'm looking forward to the NextGen Talhoffer.

That makes 3 of us that do grip the pommel, and I've no doubt it's for good reason. I'm interested in seeing the differences amongst these different masters.

Please pardon my ignorance. :blush: Will someone please explain the meaning of "mortschlag"?