Something a little different.

We have been doing a lot of experiments, working our way up to more complex hilts and blade types, so this is one we came up with to mark the 90th Anniversary of the legendary Zorro...
[ Linked Image ]

More info here:

http://filmswords.com/zorro/90th-anniversary-sword-of-zorro.htm

best,

Howy

[/img]

Howie,
If this is your first entry into the really complex stuff, I can't wait to see the rest. This is a very impressive piece and makes me really look forward to Albion rapiers or other complex-hilted swords. Really nice stuff.

Beautiful work as one expects from Albion. How did you darken the guard and grip?

I'm looking forward to more Albion rapiers too :)

That said I'm bothered by the junction between the two parts of the blade on this particular piece. I guess it's the sort of notches that can be seen right where the fuller becomes a ridge that disturb me. Somehow I picture colichemarde blades with a smoother transition, everything smooth except the profile of course.

Not too sure a colichemarde blade is well suited to cutting with the tip as encouraged by the swell, either...

Regards,

WOW Howy this one really turned out great, I've been waiting for this one every since I first saw the sketches. I hope this means that Albion start to make some more complex hilts.

While I admire the skill, imagination, and craftsmanship shown in this sword, I don't really care for it. The thing that bugs me the most is the crest on the shell.

I like the direction Albion is going with this later era sword and think it bodes well for future releases. However, as a life-long Zorro fan I don't care for the style of blade they chose and I especially don't like the flared tip. It's beautifully executed but not to my tastes.

I think it would be great if we could be excited for Albion bringing a new very detailed product to market that hints at future neat things rather than nit-picking what we don't individually like. I think one reason Albion doesn't post here as much as they used to is that some product announcement threads have gone far beyond their original purpose as announcements and the positive press they tried to generate goes the other way.

Will certainly be interesting to see how things go and what comes next.

Bryan,
Howie did not request feedback. And in a capitalist society, people vote with their wallets. End of story.

Let's let these announcement threads be announcements, not debates. If a maker asks for feedback, feel free to go for it. That hasn't happened here.

I'm trying to make sure we don't scare off makers here. My goal is to help the marketplace, not hurt it. Let it go.

Great to see a new sword from Albion! I've never actually watched any of the Zorro movies, but I really do like that sword. It looks quite unique (to me). Good job, and looking forward to seeing more complex hilted swords from Albion!

Like several other posters, I have to chime in and say how excited I am to see complex hilts coming out from Albion. This is something have been looking forward to for some time.

Michael