Hello, I'm looking for my first sword, and I want it to be a longsword, unfortunately since I live in Poland my budget is not that large and I'm looking for something <300$ . I'd like to hear your recommendations!


I did some research and I found 4 swords that I'd like to know more about, but if you know any other good ones I'm willing to listen. Note: I want a sharp blade.

1. Hanwei tinker Longsword- http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2394

2. ronin katana Euro Longsword- http://roninkatana.com/ronin-katana-two-handed-long-sword-7/

3. CS Italian Longsword- http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=CS88ITS

4. hanwei Claymore- http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2060

5. http://www.therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c390.html idk what that is, somebody reccomened it tho
Also, if any of you know where can I buy Ronin/Tinker I'd be grateful, since KoA does not have them in stock :(


http://www.therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c390.html

All good swords, but the Hanwei Claymore is heavy and it has no scabbard. You would need an adjustable back-sling/baldric to carry it. Might I recommend the Hanwei Rhinelander.....a great functional sword, and it's sharp ,and it comes with a scabbard. All you would need to carry it is a belt frog with adjustable buckles or laces. Just my two cents worth.............good luck. .................McM

P.S.----Have you thought about shipping costs and regulations and paperwork and all that good stuff if you buy from the USA and want it delivered to Poland? You might want to check into all that first , or it could turn into a big hassle. ......McM

Of the four you mentioned, I would go with the Hanwei tinker Longsword - the most functional and well balanced sword of those on your list. Also look at the H/T Bastard - http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2411

You might want to look at some Euro swordmakers - Arma Bohemia, Wulflund, Del Tin.

I also was thinking Hanwei but I would recommend the hand and a half Albrecht II sword. I had one and it possessed wonderful balance and over-all not a bad representation of the original. The pommel and crossguard were stainless steel, so handling it wouldn't cause oxidation. The blade is spring steel and mine had an excellent flex. The blade geometry is one of the best they've produced. and it was razor sharp. 35" (89 cm) blade / 44.5" (113 cm) over-all.

Many of the 2nd tier blade manufacturers are way too heavy. But despite the large pommel, it only weighs 3lbs. 2 oz. (and it has a hollow pommel - as the original is also believed to be). It looks like Kult of Athena has it in stock. And I've seen them for sale on Ebay for a few dollars less (not sure about international shipping though.) I agree with others, make sure that your customs allows sharp weapons being imported without some sort of license or permit.
I had a knife (or a dagger) years ago that was indefinitely held-up in Denmark for that.

Kult of Athena:
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...Half+Sword

Feature of the type XVIII blade. The photo of the original is about half way down the page (XVIIIa.1) click on the photo for a larger image and compare to the Hanwei version.
http://myArmoury.com/feature_spotxviii.html


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I've owned the Hanwei Albrecht II and the Hanwei Tinker Fullered Bastard Sword, they're both good. The Bastard Sword was a little better at cutting but the Albrecht was a little prettier and of course it has a peened pommel which is a nice touch.

I was about to buy the Albrecht but then... 150$ for the shipping+another150$ for taxes and anything else. What a beatutifull time to live in europe. Luckily there is a polish shop selling Tinker Longsword for about 300$ but with no additional payments, so I'll just wait till they have it in stock . Thanks everyone

Poland (and Czech Repblic and Slovakia) are full of excellent swordsmiths with whom you can get a custom made piece for the same/better price. No taxes or customs, just hitch hike to the place, see the smithy, talk to the maker, get what you really want and then pick it up yourself for free. It´s all EU so no border problems anywhere...

For 300$ you can get a nice Berbekucz, Arma Bohemia or something similar from countries surrounding you so you don't pay taxes and shipping is smaller too...