Albion First Generation Swords
A big "Hi" to everyone! :D

I am buying a Albion First Gen Stamford (my first Albion) that was made at the end of 2002. I know that the threaded and peened method of pommel attachment used on this sword has been abandoned in favor of a more secure and historical procedure. As I understand it from Albion's site, this new method does not produce as much compression stress on the hilt components.

I have a few questions. If I plan to use the sword for cutting soft and medium items (tatami mats, water filled two liters, pool noodles, etc.), should I expect loosening or other problems in the hilt? Does the compression of the threaded and peened construction pose a serious threat to the integrity of the wood grip? Does the threaded area at the end of the tang severely weaken the overall tang area? Would the pommel actually turn on the threads if sufficient force is applied (by hand - not in a vice).

Any answers provided would be greatly appreciated. If I have misinterpreted any information from Albion's site, please set me straight! ;) I am looking forward to my first Albion sword and just wanted to get some feedback from informed individuals.

Thanks,

Rob :)
Re: Albion First Generation Swords
R. E. Oxley wrote:
A big "Hi" to everyone! :D

I am buying a Albion First Gen Stamford (my first Albion) that was made at the end of 2002. I know that the threaded and peened method of pommel attachment used on this sword has been abandoned in favor of a more secure and historical procedure. As I understand it from Albion's site, this new method does not produce as much compression stress on the hilt components.

I have a few questions. If I plan to use the sword for cutting soft and medium items (tatami mats, water filled two liters, pool noodles, etc.), should I expect loosening or other problems in the hilt? Does the compression of the threaded and peened construction pose a serious threat to the integrity of the wood grip? Does the threaded area at the end of the tang severely weaken the overall tang area? Would the pommel actually turn on the threads if sufficient force is applied (by hand - not in a vice).

Any answers provided would be greatly appreciated. If I have misinterpreted any information from Albion's site, please set me straight! ;) I am looking forward to my first Albion sword and just wanted to get some feedback from informed individuals.

Thanks,

Rob :)


Well Rob I'll do my best to answer your questions, although Eric or Howy could probably give you a more definite answer. I doubt that you could get the pommel to turn by hand, after the peening process they are usually set in place pretty well, it would take a lot of force to be able to shift it. I wouldn't worry about the tang, although the threading process does weaken the tang to some extent, it is still a good sized tang. As far as the grip goes if it isn't broken already it should be fine for a long time. The main concern with the compression method is if the wooden core shrinks at all over time causing the guard to loosen up, however with an Albion this should not be a problem. As long as it doesn't get torqued on funny it should be perfectly safe to cut with (as long as no limbs are lopped off :eek: ).
Thanks for the reply, Tristan! I thought that the overall tang would be strong on an Albion First Gen but I just wanted to be sure.

By undue torque, do you mean stress applied along the blade during a cut? What area of the tang and/or grip would be most effected by this type of stress and pressure? Don't worry! I will not be striking limbs off bodies! :eek: ;)
R. E. Oxley wrote:
Thanks for the reply, Tristan! I thought that the overall tang would be strong on an Albion First Gen but I just wanted to be sure.

By undue torque, do you mean stress applied along the blade during a cut? What area of the tang and/or grip would be most effected by this type of stress and pressure? Don't worry! I will not be striking limbs off bodies! :eek: ;)


Well all Albion marks are made to be cut with and we have yet to have any 1st gen's sent back because of a loosened hilt assembly. Sorry to be unclear, by undue torque I meant that as long as you don't get it stuck in something and then really twist on it hard (something that would take a conscious effort to accomplish) it would be fine.
Tristan Waddington wrote:
R. E. Oxley wrote:
Thanks for the reply, Tristan! I thought that the overall tang would be strong on an Albion First Gen but I just wanted to be sure.

By undue torque, do you mean stress applied along the blade during a cut? What area of the tang and/or grip would be most effected by this type of stress and pressure? Don't worry! I will not be striking limbs off bodies! :eek: ;)


Well all Albion marks are made to be cut with and we have yet to have any 1st gen's sent back because of a loosened hilt assembly. Sorry to be unclear, by undue torque I meant that as long as you don't get it stuck in something and then really twist on it hard (something that would take a conscious effort to accomplish) it would be fine.


Oh, I see. I definitely understand that! I'll try not to chop into the cutting stand. ;) :lol:

Thanks again, Tristan!
Hi Rob,

If it helps any...

I don't have a Stamford, but I do have an Acre that is several years old. Every summer we (the wife, kids and I) use it to dispatch war-mongering watermelons and every fall we use it to protect hearth and home from pernicious pumpkins. The "threaded and peened" hilt has stayed rock solid and I would guess you will have MANY long years of faithful service from your Stamford.

Regards,

Mike
Mike Fletcher wrote:
Hi Rob,

If it helps any...

I don't have a Stamford, but I do have an Acre that is several years old. Every summer we (the wife, kids and I) use it to dispatch war-mongering watermelons and every fall we use it to protect hearth and home from pernicious pumpkins. The "threaded and peened" hilt has stayed rock solid and I would guess you will have MANY long years of faithful service from your Stamford.

Regards,

Mike


Thanks for the information, Mike! I like the look of the older Acre model, too. Evil watermelons and pumpkins, huh? :lol: I have tried cutting melons with sharpened Del Tins and it is certainly fun! Have you ever applied your Acre to any rolled tatami mats?

Cheers,

Rob

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