Hello,

I'm new to sword collecting. VERY NEW.
In fact, i'm close to making my first purchase as soon as my paycheck comes in.
However, I'm stuck between three choices.

The Cold Steel Hand and a Half sword, (found it half priced.) 219
The Cold Steel Italian Long sword, (Also found it half priced.) 219 (all rounded)
and the Deepeeka 12th Century Crusader holy sword. 170

I should include that I am a big into the crusades and the armor and weapons of the era.

What I would like to know is, which of the three is the best bang for your buck.
I am looking for a sword i can use and have fun cutting stuff in the backyard with, while still being an amazing starter to my collection.

I'm leaning towards the crusader sword, since i want to be able to dress up as one eventually (nerdy i know)
but, I've never heard of Deepeka or the quality of their blades.
On the other hand I have heard of cold steel and although they tend to not be historically accurate they are durable and very sharp swords.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you. :lol:

I have no experience with any of the 3 swords you mention. Others around here may be able to help you with that. I will say that neither company is considered a quality swordmaker, especially Deepeeka.

Instead, you should take a look at one of the Hanwei/Tinkers, which can be found HERE at kult of Athena.You wont find a better starter sword at their prices. They are highly regarded as great swords for their price.

Have you considered the Hanwei Classic Medieval or European sword?

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=5000...eval+Sword

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=5006...pean+Sword

I have the European and its pretty good, particularly for the price.

As for Albion, wife and I had a very good experience with their layaway plan and customer service.
http://www.albion-swords.com/payplan.htm

I would just call and talk to them. With your given budget, maybe the Squire Line 13th Century Sword would be a good first choice?
http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...ightly.htm

You'd be a little less than halfway through with just your deposit and you'd be getting a really good sword.

http://www.myArmoury.com/review_alb_slknight.html

My 2 cents.

Hello!

Ive had experience with the blades in both companies. I like the look of those swords but the quality are lacking in all.

Choose cold steel if you must. But under hard use they will break.

keep your eyes open on the forum here and save a little extra

atrim are the best bang for your buck. albion are good to. and the feel of the tinker hanwei is great to.


good luck

If you want to spend a little more money for a mid-level sword, check out Valiant Armory They are considered by many to be the best swords at that price. And you get a good looking scabbard to boot. They are designed by Gus Trim, Christian Fletcher, and Sonny Suttles. The blades and hilt furniture are made in China, and put together and finished off in Texas.

The Marketplace here is a great place to get quality swords for a great price.

If I were in your shoes I'd make an offer on this one: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=30793

It's come down to $800 and he's asking for offers. By all accounts that's a fantastic sword, and Mark is a community member of long standing.

Keep an eye on the Museum Replicas Limited Deal of the Day page for deals in the $150 range. Windlass/MRL produces some winners and some losers. When in doubt, do a search here for the piece in question and ask us if you can't find info.

I would like to thank all of you for your advice.
It has been really helpful in choosing my first sword. I was way off on what a good sword was.
Thanks to you guys I can have a better starting point.

I have made my choice and I am calling Monday to order my 13th Century Knightly Sword

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...ightly.htm

Thank you for all your help.
Awesome community of swordsmen.
Glad that I joined.

That's a great, smart choice. You're going to love that sword. Will you be asking Albion to sharpen it for you?

For a starter? I would highly advise one of these:

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2400
"Hanwei Tinker Pearce Sharpened Bastard Sword - SH2400"

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2411
"Hanwei Tinker Pearce Sharpened Bastard Sword with Fuller - SH2411"

Now, I'll explain WHY: these are, out of the box, not the fanciest swords out there. The price point is VERY good, they are VERY serviceable - and they may be modified over time into virtually anything you WANT them to become. They also have a stunning reputation for quality and reproducibility.

Examples of how FAR one can deviate from these very good, basic models:

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...no, those are not traditional :) - and you do not need to go THAT far. But you can :).

Sigh, I meant Windlass.

But I think that the Albion 13th Century Knightly is a really good choice.

Albion's Type XII blades are a joy to handle. You've made an excellent choice.

Great choice for a first sword, Roberto. Of course, as with all of us here, it won't be your last... :D

Dean F. Marino wrote:

For a starter? I would highly advise one of these: http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2400 "Hanwei Tinker Pearce Sharpened Bastard Sword - SH2400" http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2411 "Hanwei Tinker Pearce Sharpened Bastard Sword with Fuller - SH2411" Now, I'll explain WHY: these are, out of the box, not the fanciest swords out there. The price point is VERY good, they are VERY serviceable - and they may be modified over time into virtually anything you WANT them to become. They also have a stunning reputation for quality and reproducibility.

Indeed, right now over at the Sword Buyers Guide forum there's this little project going on for fancier hilt components. If anybody's interested, I think you can still get in on the prototype action if you hurry. :)

Any thoughts on your next one, Roberto?

Something in line with your Templar persona? Or something later?