Well, I had a
great time, and had a word or several about it.
First of all, a big thanks to Chad for hosting the event. We Ohio folks have been wanting to have a get-together where some cutting could be done, but we could not make it happen. Thanks for letting us use your place, Chad.
A big thanks to Albion. I find it very remarkable that they are not only willing to send a plethora of swords out as a relative stab in the dark, but they also let us all
cut with them as well. I can't think of anyone else that would let a bunch of yahoos like us actually *use* the product before buying, with no commitment....
It was great to see some new faces, and see the old gang again (Alas, though, not quite the same w/o Alex). Quite a nice group of diverse, intelligent and courteous folks.
Now since this thing was about the Albion swords, I thought I would talk about that a bit.
First, for the Albion people, what kind of mechanism could be set up at these "Albionware parties" to allow immediate purchase? For some folks like myself, with a credit card on file, it seems that a quick/call e-mail could confirm an order? But, is there a way to maybe in the future take a sale on the spot?
Now, a few of my impressions of the swords.
These blades are very, very nice and tight and fit and finish. We Ohio Gathering folks have been accustomed to seeing a range of high-end product, from Vince Evans, Kevin Cashen, Eljay, etc. on down the line to higher end production. These pieces exceeded any other production pieces I handled yet. They were on par with some of the custom pieces, as well. They still can't quite compare to, say, Alex's Vince baskethilt, but the fact that such a comparisn could be conceived is remarkable. These are *nice* swords, well put together. You also notice lots of tiny little details in the form and execution that don't really come through in pictures.
My impressions of the individual swords:
Celtic La Tene--what can I say, I like this one just fine *G*. I would have some changes made to it, but those would be aesthetic rather than functional. Handles very well, quick little sword.
Migration D---I spent some quality bonding time with Mark's Migration D. I really like this dedicated cutter, and was quickly learning how it and I work together. light and fast, easy to cut with. Mark, all my little nit-pick commentary means that I am fast trying to decide whether to buy this now, and do my own aesthetic/authenticity upgrade, or wait until Albion comes out with a higher end version, comparable in aethetics to the Jarl/Huscarl...a Migration sword is "on my list"
Gaddhjalt---the one I couldn't help but call the Norman. A very good bit of blade presence and authority with this one. It feels heavy, in a good way---lots of clout, but plenty nimble. I see this as a very nice mounted combat, sword and
shield sword. Imagine riding down Saxons stupid enough to come to an invasion without horses *G* I also really liked to simple details of the execution on this one. Never cared much for brazil nut pommels, until i saw this one!
Templar High medieval stuff is not my cup of tea, but this sword is a nimble and agile little guy. Very user friendly, easy and fun to get up to speed with this one.
Baron I didn't think I would care much for this one, but as an early two hander, this baby tracks and responds like a dream. I can really even see some finesse cutting with this one, and plenty of control for tip-cutting. Felt light as a feather, and wield-able with one hand (if one had some skill, which I don't)
Duke This baby is not really to my tastes. However, it has a very in-your-face, no-nonsense feel to it. Once up to speed I would want to be several ranks back in the shield wall, far away from the guy using it. Overall, though, I prefer the Baron for a 2-hand type cutter.
Landgraf Very agile sword. As Joe Fults, (this specimen's daddy) noted, it's more like a single hand-sword with a long grip. Very responsive, tip control is amazing. It is however, quite unforgiving in the cut. A little more skill needed for cutting with this one. OK maybe just a little skill period
The Preciousssss...er the Regent I LOVE this sword. The hollow grinding is fairly moderate, so put to rest any of the worries about a too-thin and fragile edge. It handles as if it weighs MUCH less than actual weight. tip control is great--Je was able to hit a wobbly 2" wide or so pool noodle on the thrust with little difficulty. Cut well too. I LOVE this sword. Personally, I would like to have about 2-3" more length in the blade, and the pommel of the Viceroy *G*, but that is purely my preferences. Great sword!
Tritonia Again, a dedicated high medieval cutter is not really my bag. Put together nicely, and present well, but this thing is a brute. It is a veritabole chopping monster. This sword can be described (by me at least) as nothing else but
brutal. Although it can be wielded w/o trouble, I think someone with a good arm and a robust nature could really bring out this one's full potential. I felt that my pencil pushing little chicken wings couldn't really do it justice *g*
Well that's my .02 on these Albion blades, it would be great to hear others' impressions, too.
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