My first impression when unwrapping the sword from the bubble pact was how can this sword be this light!
(And not in a bad way). In the hand it is feather light and lightning fast, the point is needle sharp.

The blade has a very flat and VERY broad lenticular section with both profile and distal tapering, the blade is very flexible without being whippy. I would guess that it would be very effective at medium range and at extreme close range as I believe that a dismembering cut could be easily done with with the first 5" or 6" of blade near the guard as well with a more conventionnal mid blade cut, tip cuts although not as powerfull in a chopping mode should be lethal because of speed of tip. A precision trust using the last 4" to 5" should also be fast and deadly, a full trust to the hilt would produce an extremely wide wound channel. Draw cuts would also be very effective.

The only thing I can see it having trouble with would be dealing with an armoured opponent as I am not sure that the blade is rigid enough to defeat maille without damage: This sword is the exact opposite of a sharpened crowbar! In comparison my Gaddhjalt would be slower in the cut but would, because of greater blade presence, would cause much more damage against maille even if only blunt impact, against plate armour neither would be optimum: No sword is, I think, except maybe a type XVII when shortsworded. Against plate I want my A&A winged 12th century spear, my 5 foot long handled Danish axe or best of all my (Ordered A&A Pole Axe). Well maybe a heavily charged .85 cal musket!

In conclusion, for combat at close quarters against unarmoured or lightly armoured opponents the Sovereign would be "Perfect". (Also very good as a selfdefence weapon when in civilian dress.)

Since my practical experience trainning with swords is "Nill" the above is just an opinion based on what I hope is logical analysis of the form and balance of the sword: I welcome any more experienced forum members to support or contradict my conclusions.

Bottom line: This was love at first "Heft"........LOL

Oh, yes let's not forget the flawless execution and subtle details of blade and furniture: Bronze pommel has a much richer colour than if it was made of brass. Also great looking and fitting campaign scabbard and baldric.

congradulations :D

It's certainly a favorite of mine. I also appreciate the bronze pommel as it adds something different. I went the extra step by inserting some silver Edward I coins into the pommel. It helps balance things out a bit aesthetically.

Chad;

I mean thrust, plus with the distal taper it does look a little too thin and flexible to penetrate maille without being damaged: Technique and velocity of thrust might prove me wrong, but it does seem more suited to defeating unarmoured opponents.

In the cut the width of the blade guaranties extreme rigidity at least in that plane.

But yes, I love it a lot, and it is making me appreciate the differences of my Gaddhjalt.

I guess, if I was able to handle each of Albions swords (And any others that respect historical/ real sword handling qualities) I would learn something new with each one I picked up.

Handling two different Albion swords has multiplied my appreciation of the qualities of each one. (Not that I can explain it in words easily, but just picking up my second one a part of my brain whent OUUUUUUUUUUUU....... I LIKE!

Chad;

I basically agree, the Sovereign thrusting ability is much better than earlier more spatulate type points, as armour evolved swords had to change to keep up and the balance of nescessary design compromises tilted in favor of more thrusting ability.

Ideally one should be able to choose the right sword for each different situation: A bit like having a selection of swords available! " Squire could you hand me a slashing sword please, the ennemi seems to be lightly armoured now......LOL."

This not being very practical except maybe for a "Prince" with many swords and squires, thus the search for the ideal sword that could do it all!

Congratulations, Jean! The Sovereign is the top sword on my "want" list, so I am envying you and all the others who have been able to get one by now. I don't believe anyone has yet shown one with scabbard... any chance of pics? Would love to see 'em!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great post Mikko!

ks

I agree with Chad on this sword.

The Sovereign is a fine sword and one of my faves in the current Next Gen. line-up. I really wanted to do some cutting with one last month up in Wisconsin, too bad Bacus was still pounding on the inside of my skull with a hammer :eek:

IMHO there are types that will both cut and thrust more effeciently. On the other hand the Sovereign is an interesting evolutionary design as well as a very striking sword visually. I want one.

Glen;

Sorry, don't have a digital camera at the moment, the scabbard I have is the campaign scabbard with the addition of a baldric: Couldn't afford to go with the custom scabbard, but the campaign one is very well made, if not as ornate.

Mikka: You read my mind about the "Cady/Squire" idea, but phrased it very well. (And made it very funny.......LOL.)

Roger: I agree a sword that can do it all will not be as good doing a specific job as a specialized one: Although the Sovereign seem about perfect for everything except dealing with armour.

Patric: By the way it is "Paper Cutting Sharp" ( I know!.......LOL Sword sharp is enough as discussed in a previous thread.)

UPS just delivered my new Sovereign. This sword is better even than it looks in photos, better than the descriptions previously posted. It fits the hand better than my Prince does, and is wickedly sharp along its entire length. A detail that is not shown in photos is the ends of the cross, which extend the eight planes of the sides into small cross patee forms. I am highly tempted to order a scabbard by Kevin Iseli.

Mike Sigman tells me that Kevin Iseli has over a hundred scabbards on his work list right now, and that estimated delivery on new orders will be sometime in 2006. Since it is pretty obvious that the list will not be getting any shorter anytime soon, I am placing an order now rather than later.