Was just now browsing at Kult of Athena and saw this: http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...Katzbalger

And other Lutel swords. :D :cool:

Of all the ones they currently have in stock I really like the Katzbalger and there aren't very many production Katzbalgers out there.

I really like the pommel and the way it transitions into the wood handle and the guard looks nice.

Also for the reasonable prices for the Lutel swords they all seem to come with good looking scabbards.

Anyway, thought I would give everyone here a heads-up about it. ;) :D :cool:

Thanks for the heads up, Jean!

Glad to see KOA stocking Lutel swords. now if they could just get in some of their halberds...

Will be interesting to see if they stock any rapiers.

Indeed, I noticed them at KOA last night in a fit of insomnia. I concur with Jean, of the Lutel's at KOA, the Katzbalger is certainly the best looking to my eyes.

While many of their medieval swords look generally clean and well made, there's something almost mass produced looking about them now. Take a look at most of the leather grips, very cheap and same looking, almost looks like leather tape. Of course that is easily remedied by those so inclined. But no doubt, the basic package and designs look good and for the prices are tempting.

In comparison, I feel they're definitely ahead of Del Tin in general consistency, similar price ranges in many cases. But IMO, Lutel is just a step or two away from a 'gotta have one'. But then that Katzbalger, very nice.

Jon

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as long as they stock those zweihanders im satisfied..

I wish they were peened... They are all listed as threaded or nut.

Depending on the exchange rate, it is cheaper to order directly. Have a longsword being mailed Monday that was a little over 500.00 USD including shipping.

I have never read of the threaded assembly Lutel uses ever failing. Jan will peen the swords for a small additional fee though.

i'm with William P, i've had my heart set on a two hander with parrying lugs and hilt rings for some time now. Lutel seems to offer the only production pieces that have something close to the Montante style that i've been researching.

i've always tended to think that lute does have good looking blade styles in production, but some of the grips do look a little common. but a two hander at the right price - i don't think that would be a factor for me.

other than lutel, i've been looking at the del tin italian two hander that KOA has in stock.

For me, the grips do look too modern, between the spiral strip-wrapping and the ferrules on almost all of their grips.

Ferrules of that kind are mostly associated with much later swords than what they use them on. So while the element may have a historical antecedent, it doesn't seem to fit many of the swords they use it on.

I agree with Mr. Arnow's comments and would add that all their blades have a ricasso. That is the main element that would prevent me from purchasing one of their swords. They do appear to be well constructed, from the pictures I have seen.

It's great to see Kult of Athena now carrying the Lutel products, but having ordered personally from Lutel directly some years back I just cant see paying those prices at the Kult of Athena when money is as tight as it is these days. The example is Lutel's sword 12025 which I own the dagger of that is priced at $564.95 before shipping, through Lutel this sword is $407.95 that's a $157 difference, I dont mind paying a bit of mark-up for a have it now but it has to be with in my reason which I find affordable...

I asked for a shipping quote for one of the two handers and was told 305.00 dollars to Mass. I for one am thrilled to see Lutel being sold at KoA. I sent a PM asking if they were planning on having a US distributor, and I guess I have my answer!

:D :D :D

Lutels are also sold in the USA by Art Elwell - www.arts-swords.com -

I noticed with Ryan's width measurements at KOA - not much distal taper on those Lutels - perhaps a bad sign for the more cutting oriented swords.

I wasn't aware of those, so I had to look them up. They are beautiful, and weigh in a bit over 7 lbs. they are pricier, but they look to be worth it, at least from the stats, and photos. Not to crazy about the abrupt transition from ricasso to blade, but that's just me, the originals they're based on could be the same.

I still want someone to come out with a Montante. Zwiehanders get all glory.