Hello to everyone,

i'm going to buy an english basket hilt sword for fencing use,

i have restricted my choice to three makers:

armour class, Darkwood armoury, the mad piper

i would like to know your opinion upon these three makers, and if you can help me to choice.

I have direct experience only with darkwood ( i have a darkwood sidesword), the quality of their practice blade are very good but, at least with my sword, i'm not been completely satisfied with the overall proportions and finish of the hilt, i have seen other example of their basket hilt and they look very large without the right dimension for a basket hilt.

Regarding armour class (i'm interested in their early basket hilt model) i have read a good review about their cup and ring basket hilt and i know that many menbers of myArmoury consider their work very good, but in one recent topic i have read some negative comments upon the quality of their blade that has worried me, it is true considering that i live in italy it should be the most logical choice in term of cost and shipping charge.

About THe mad piper , again there's a good review on myArmoury and their works looks very nice and for a fair price,
but that's all what i know.

My main goal is to have a good handling sword with the right proportions and blade, nothing of fancy but with all
the property of a good training sword.

thank you in advance for your help.

It seems to be pretty common for folks to buy a basket and then mount a Del Tin blade. The Mad Piper offers those blades, but since you're in Italy you could probably get one cheaper at home by contacting Del Tin directly. Importing only the hilt (from anybody) would save you lots of shipping costs and customs problems, too.

Arma Bohemia does custom work, and it might be worth contacting them with a design idea to get a price quote.

Gabriele, I've recently spoken to Mr. Donnie Shearer, "The Mad PIper", and he informs me that he is not currently taking commissions. I've also confirmed this as noted on his web site. So, unless fate smiles upon you and he changes his mind... But I do recommend Mad Piper - I own five of his swords, and they're pretty nice. ;)

Hi Gabriele -

Given that you're in Europe and intend to use your sword for sparring, I cannot think of a better recommendation than Armour Class for your needs.

Hello to everyone, thanks a lot for your answers,

following the Sean advice i have ordered a del-tin blade (the same kind that the mad piper use for his basket hilt):

total lenght: 82,5 cm

widht:4 cm at the ricasso, 2,8 at the point

three fullered type.

Now i have to choice a basket hilt maker, Mr. shearer looks like the best choice now, i have send him an e-mail

he has been so kind to consider the possibility of taking my order, because i'm his first italian customer

(the funny thing is that he believes me a girl :lol: and probably it has played a decisive role in making his decision,

i hope that now he has dicovered that i'm a rough bearded man he don't change is mind

:lol: )

Do you have other suggestions for me? condider that i wish to remain inside a limit of about 300-400 dollars and i

since i have to use it for fencing i don't want to wait years for having it.

Thanks again for your help.

Gabriele

Hi Nathan,

i have simply call them just 10 minutes before posting this reply, i have been lucky enough
because they have some blades ready to be shipped in a week.