Hi there everyone. My name is Mathew. I'm a long time sword enthusiast, having started out at the age of 8 with sticks in the backyard pretending to be everyone from Beowulf to Zorro. Now I'm 18 and I'm anxious to start collecting swords. My weaponry obsessions are, in order of importance to me: Germanic Migration era swords, Renaissance Rapiers, Viking era swords, and fencing gear. I'm currently unemployed but that should change soon. I don't want to rush out and spend my first paycheck on a SLO (sword like object), I'd much rather save up and get some really nice weapons that will give me a good bang for my buck. Right now I'm looking at the Del Tin type D Migration Era Sword: http://www.deltin.net/2070.htm, and the Arms and Armor German Rapier: http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier163.html. I'm requesting the thoughts, opinions, and suggestions of experienced collectors such as yourselves.

While I don't know the details, I know that Albion is presently developing an early Germanic sword. Could be worth waiting to see what they come up with before making any decisions...

See here:

http://twitter.com/AlbionSwords

a number of people who know what they are talking about have said that DT2070 is one of Del Tin's best swords.

Another source for rapiers is www.darkwoodarmory.com - not as expensive as Arms and Armor, still good quality. They mostly make bated practice rapiers. Many reenactors get their stuff from this place.

I will second the vote for Darkwood Armory; their rapiers and daggers are very nice and eminently handleable. From my experiences with them, I would also call their customer service impeccable.

Welcome Mathew. This is a great place to learn. Be sure to look at Features & Reviews, & use search (hint: AND).

Thanks for pointing out the DT2070, somehow don't think I had run across it. KOA has it, in stock...
http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~DT20...+Sword.htm

Some just stunning migration swords have been done, presumably much more costly, but beautiful "research" anyway. A few examples...
http://www.templ.net/english/
http://www.arscives.com/vevans/viking.htm
http://www.myArmoury.com/review_tmpl_suthoo.html

Welcome Mathew,

You've chosen two very good selections to begin your collection. The Del Tin is a good starting point for migration era swords. While not perfect it is made of quality materials and is affordable, so it's a good place to start. Unfortunately there is a real lack of migration era weapons in the replica market so choices are quite limited but the DT should serve well.

Arms & Armor makes an excellent product, especially where their rapiers are concerned. In my opinion that is where their real strength as a company is found. You won't find a better rapier than an A&A and going custom will only get you something unique not better, so this is an excellent choice as well.

Good luck!

Thank you everyone for your kind welcome. I have taken a look at darkwood armory and based on the reviews I read here, I think I would be better off getting my rapier from them as it seems my dollar will go a bit farther there. I would still like to get the A&A German Rapier someday but I think I'll wait until I have a thousand dollars to spare. For now I've changed my focus from that to the Darkwood Armory Pappenheimer III with ring-in-ring pierce-work as can be seen here: http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/index.php?main_...cts_id=15. As for options I'm thinking a BA2BR Bated - 39 inch blade (I'm only 5'6" so anything over 40" would be a bit much for me and I can't stand a whipy blade), right handed, black leather-wrapped grip, S-curved swelled-end quillons, a cylindrical pommel, and a bright finnish on the hilt. What do you think of my new (economically inspired) choice?

PS: David, as huge a fan of Albion as I am, I'll keep a lookout for any new Albion migration swords, but for the same reason I switched from A&A to Darkwood, I think I'll stick to the Del Tin 2070 for now.

Hi Mathew,

I understand completely. By all accounts the Del Tin one is a good choice. It's great to be able to share in your excitement in getting your first swords.

Take Care,

David