This morning I placed a order with my buddy Mike at albion to get a riding sword with a black leather grip. Can't wait to get it and will do a full review once I have it. For current owners of this sword care to share any info on how she handles?

So am I Nathan and that was one of the reasons for getting it plus only making 25 of them. I will give you a call as well once I get it give you first hand impressions :)

When Albion first announced this sword I seriously considered buying one for my youngest son. Given the swords dimensions it would have made an excellent first sword for a young boy.

The gladius would have been very different, I think. I just received an Albion Fulham gladius, and we are getting accquainted. The gladius is not a "romantick" sword at all. It is beautifully made, and is a very handsome brute. "Brute" is the operative word, though. It is an outstanding chopping and thrusting tool (the point is extremely effective). As compared to the other shorter, one-handed swords I have, it is in a different class. Arms and Armor's Shifford Viking and Atrim original one-handed type XIV are both much more of finesse weapons ( and both closer to the Riding Sword, I am sure).