Hello,

I'm a newcomer here. I've kept my interest in longswords at bay for some time, choosing instead to pursue making armour. I have recently been overcome by the desire to purchase a blade, but I have yet to find an artisan who has put together the blade I am craving. I am looking for a German longsword, with siderings and a pronounced fuller, perhaps an arming sword would be the more appropriate term: I am no WMA specialist, definitely a newcomer to this arena. I have finally realized that I would be better off searching for a professionally made blade and construct the hilt myseltf. I find most cast hilts are not evocotive of the originals they seek to duplicate and Forging a hilt and pommel present no problem. I'm sure I can learn to construct and bind the grip. Do any of the major sword manufacturers offer their blades alone for purchase?

I have been drawn to the AA German Bastard Sword, and the Albion Hauptmann seems promising with a rudimentary sidering. But the former is not quite right for my taste and the later is not yet available and perhaps not substantial enough. Lutel and Pavel moc do not quite strike a favorable chord as far as authentic character to my eye. Any suggestions for a blade? The hilt that Arms and Armor modeled their replica from is very similar to what I am after, though they did not at all capture the grip and I would prefer straight Quillons. Think circa 1500-1520, bold fuller, stout blade. Any input is appreciated.

Cheers, Adair

Arms & Armor will sell you a bare blade. I've had them create a custom blade for me.

In addition to Nathan's suggestion, you may also consider having Arms and Armor modify their current German Bastard Sword, as they do customizations for an additional fee.

If you are going to construct the hilt and grip yourself, then the Albion Hauptman is not out of the question. It shares a blade with the Gallowglass which IS available and for $55 less than the Hauptman! If it's for the blade only then it wouldn't really matter that the hilt wasn't what you wanted....

Thank you both,

I think I will come up with a drawing of what I have in mind. I would be very pleased with the AA blade if it had a fullered section, though I may yet consider it depending on the cost.

If the Hauptmann blade were available as a blade only, I would be very interested, though ideally having read reviews of this type, I think I am looking for something more robust as I stated above. I will report back with an image.

So far, the Albion Viceroy blade seems to represent what I am looking for, though I need to research the typology.

Cheers, Adair

Let's try this: The Hilt I have in mind with the Viceroy blade profile. 47" OAL

Not sure about posting images, but I will give this a try...


Cheers, Adair

The links section lists a few custom makers, try John Lundemo of Odinblades. John was posting last month that he was taking bare blade orders with a reasonably quick turn around, and he could make whatever you wanted. Look him up he does awsome work, I have commissioned a Zweihander from John and cant wait to get it.

You could also try www.Armorymarek.com from memory he has a couple of swords that resemble your drawing

Albion doesn't like to sell bare blades, but you could probably work out a custom project with Christian Fletcher using an Albion blade.

Here are two inexpensive options for a decent blade of this general type:

http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~5008...gsword.htm

http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~5007...+Sword.htm

Windlass blades tend to be pretty good.

Thank you all for your input. Pity that Albion does not sell their bare blades, I guess they guarantee a level of quality control in marketing that way. I would likely do the same in their position.

I was ideally looking for a manufactured blade to avoid paying for a one-off custom creation. The windlass blades are ones I have seen, and while I've noted improved reviews for some of their swords, my faith in the quality of their product is not high enough to warrant putting in the time and effort. I guess I am steadily constructing my own rigid cell here to languish in. I will start inquiring with the custom blade makers that have been recommended and see what the asking price for a blade of this style is.

Cheers, Adair

FWIW, Windlass fails mainly in assembly and accuracy of detail rather than in blade quality. In fact, the blades are usually the best part of the best Windlass swords.

Del Tin will also sell bare blades.
http://www.deltin.net/home.htm

Just a shout out for Ollin Swords, as they are pretty awesome to work with for custom projects and general cutlery.