I actually came across this gentlemen's page by chance, I was studying bronze age history "well internet studying" and happened to come across a bronze sword website. Low and behold, it's a man who makes and sells bronze swords.

Obviously, I immediately perked up. Never heard of this guy nor have I seen his work posted on this website.

http://www.bronze-age-swords.com/index.htm

Based in the UK. Has anyone here by chance bought this mans swords before, particularly in the U.S? How did dealing with him turn out? Were you happy with the sword?

Btw, I had no idea bronze swords were so shiny, I have only ever seen ancient antiques. Newly forged "or casted?" they are beautiful. I had no idea.

I ordered an Ewart Park sword from Mr. Burridge; it arrived (in California) in a timely manner. Contact was easy and prompt via email. There was a minor problem with the sword due to the shipper, but it was resolved in a very helpful manner, again via email.

The sword is very well made, lovely to look at and a very good cutter (for light cutting; I have not tried any heavy cutting with it.)

For myself, I can say that I am very happy with both the service and the sword I got.

Neil's work is outstanding, I had one of his swords until I had to start down sizing. He is the only one to make them as authentic as possible using old methods. Great, fast responsive swords, plus Neil is a real gentleman to deal with.

Robert

I have a Ewart park from Mr Burridge. Lovely sword and honest decent man to deal with.

Geoff

Neil's swords are currently the closest anyone today can get to handling the original items.

I have one as well that is still in project stage but it is one of the finest swords I own

I own two swords by Neil and I love them. He's great to do business with.

Mr. Burridge's work is well known here. He's knowledgeable and makes a good product. I was very happy with the piece I owned.

Oh, yes, we talk about Neil quite a bit here! Just do a search on "Burridge", for starters. He also has a bit of a fan club on the Bronze Age Center, http://z8.invisionfree.com/Bronze_Age_Center/index.php?

I must have 10 or 12 of his weapons, all superb, though I confess I have not yet finished them all. (Too many projects!)

There are actually a couple other places to get bronze weapons, notably Bronze Age Foundry. From what I hear, he also does good work. Certainly you should shop around a bit, but you really can't go wrong ordering something from Neil.

So join the bronze sword club! You know you want to.

Matthew

Interesting that the swords don't have tangs. The handles are in one piece with the blade. Is this a feature of the casting process? Also seems a waste of very expensive bronze.

And of course Kirk Spencer's stunning Mindelheim recreation which started life as one of Neil's castings:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...p;start=20

I have a couple.... I can't add much to what anyone has already said, but basically, if you want a reproduction of a bronze age sword, Neil is who you go to. There are other producers of bronze swords, but they miss the mark in terms of weight and handling (really, these other bronze swords are boat anchors, for the most part. Neil's actually handle like real swords, which they are).

Neil is the King/Pharaoh/Chieftain of the modern reproduction bronze sword.

Do they handle as well as iron/steel swords?

I ask because it occurred to me that without a tang you can't really have a pommel. This would make the sword tip heavy (I would think). I do see that some of the swords DO have a tang of sorts and can be fitted with a large wooden pommel.

You may want to read my book. It has a whole section on these swords and how they handle.
http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Bronze-Age-Mil...nt/p/3272/

A few of my bronze swords handle like steak knives, with no significant weight in the pommel. Even with the heavier ones, they are short enough that the balance is probably not a major issue.

Matthew