Hello all, even though I've made a couple posts in another thread I decided this would be my intorductory post. I'm very impressed with this site and have already learned a ton from reading through posts and reviews. In the near future I hope to be buying my first sword. A little background on me, I have enjoyed collecting weapons for many years. I collected Busse, Strider, and Benchmade knives, and I have owned a huge variety of modern firearms over the years (I'll be happy to post some pictures if anyone is interested :)). But I've never had a sword.

I've decided that my first sword will be an Albion. I believe I've narrowed it down to a few. In order of preference so far, they are:

-Laird
-Crecy
-Squire
-Burgundian

As you can see, the Crecy is the odd man out. It is the only hand and a half or larger. I've read reviews on each of the designs above, but I've never seen them compared to each other. A problem is also that I don't live anywhere near Wisconsin (I think this is where Albion is out of), and I sort of hate to spend a lot of money on what will likely be my one and only sword, without having the chance to at least hold it in person.

It might be a long shot that people have owned more than one of these, but I'd be very grateful for a comparisson if you have. Likes, dislikes, handling, etc. Photos with one or more would be appreciated as well (you can never have too much sword porn of styles you like).

As for uses, this will be for collecting, wall-hanging, fondling (haha). I really doubt I'd ever get into swordsmanship as a hobby (I have way too many hobbies as is). As for reenactments, I enjoy learning from them and watching them, but swords are really the only part of the medieval age dress that I like. With collection as my primary goal, I can see why people would just suggest I get the sword I like the looks of most. The problem is, I'd also like to have the one that feels best in my hand.

Any input would be appreciated. And thanks again for a fantastic site. I will be spending hours of enjoyment here learning more about the medieval ages and their famous weapon.

You want the big one, just admit it. Go with the Crecy hand and a half and be done with it. The large size will be visually more impressive when displayed, and big swords are just more fun.

Are you maybe close to KoA? They have some Albions in stock.
http://www.kultofathena.com/

For what its worth I think the Crecy is about the best first sword for anybody when you decide to hit this price point. With your first sword you're not going to appreciate all the nuances and purposes of the different blades and furniture. The Crecy is the most adaptable of the bunch and will most align with what your first sword expectations are going to be. Second thing to get is a decent scabbard and suspension for it.

As you learn more, if the interest stays, you'll branch out and explore other swords and appreciate their context when you do.

The other day a friend of mine told me that when he is undecided about something he just picks one at random. If he feels any disappointment after doing so he either eliminates that one or tries to use that disappointment to pinpoint the one he really wants.

Fortunately for you, one of our members recently put his Squire up for sale. It's a good opportunity to get is cheaper than normal. Plus no wait time. That's a big plus, says I.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...highlight=

I should also add that I have a Crecy, and I really like it.

Do you know what style of sword you favor? Do you want the sword to be neutral in hand or have some omph? Really, unless we know more about you, it's kinda hard to give advice on what amounts to personal taste.

You can try the stick thing I advised just before now. Get a stick, 50 inches long, mark it at 38 inches and grip there. Swing it and see if you like the length and if not, start totrim it down until you get to the length you like. Then add weight to the base until you get a balance you like and fine the PoB. It will kinda give you an idea of what is good in your hands so get whatever has the closest stats to that.

Of the swords you listed, I say go with the Crecy if you are only going to own one sword. I own and have handled dozens (and dozens!) of swords over the last 30 years, and I find I get much more enjoyment handling and swinging around the swords which I can get both my hands on the grip. The hand-and-a-halfers like the Crecy are especially enjoyable. I find that with the lack of training I have, other than what I've garnered from books, having two hands on the sword allows a lot more control and confidence in handling. I always feel like I'm going to hit myself with the one-handers when I do cutting exercises or am just swinging a sword around for no other reason than the enjoyment it gives me.

A lot of suggestions for the Crecy.
P. Cha, thanks for the great suggestion about measuring out a stick. I'm going to have to try that. Ryan, you make a great point about the increased feeling of control with a hand and a halfer. Even without having held a sword, your logic makes sense to me.

I've decided to rule out the Burgundian. I've discovered that I simply can't live without a fuller of some type. In my mind, the fuller helps complete the idea of what a medieval sword should look like. Regardless of how nicely the Burgundian handles (and I've read excellent reviews of them), I can't get past the look for a sword that will primarily be for looking at. Haha.

I noticed that part of the reason I like both the Crecy and the Squire is the blade profile. It makes sense, since unless I'm mistaken they are the same blade type, but with a different legth of hilt (and slight difference in blade length as well). If the Laird hilt came with a Squire type blade my decision would already have been made. I'd love to see that combo even if it's not historically accurate.

Part of the romantic idea behind the sword for me is carrying one while not armored, almost more of a status or self-defense role. I wonder, would a hand and a halfer like the Crecy still have been seen in this role? Or would they be considered too large to be an "around town" sort of blade?

Judging from the fact that huge amounts of long sword teachings from the Liechtenauer and Italian traditions are devoted to blossfechten, or unarmoured fencing with the long sword, I would say that people certainly carried them around in non-military contexts quite frequently.

Hi, I made a similar choice not that long ago and the members here gave me some great advice, these are the threads I used. hope these are of some help, ps Im very happy with my Crecy ;)

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...highlight=

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...highlight=

One thing to consider about the Laird is that its a distinctly Scottish form. That can be a real plus, or a real minus, depending on your interests. Its also a form that was probably a little less widely dispersed across the continent than some of the others. Eventually you'll come to have favorite periods and favorite areas if you stick to this hobby. If the Laird does not fit with your thematic interests somehow in the long term, you won't keep it. True for any sword of course...

Well, I went to the Norther California Renaissance Faire near Hollister today. it was my first time ever going to a Ren Fair and I have to admit, it was pretty fun. Even from just the small amount I've learned so far on this forum I could see obvious flaws in a lot of the costumes worn. But people were still having a good time so that's the most important thing.

I was disappointed not to see any swords that even remotely resembled Albions. So my quest to see an Albion in person has not yet been fulfilled. :\