https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD8zzRRHKDQ

Interesting review, worth having a look, and I mention it because many will miss looking at the Youtube video because of lack of context that would cause some curiosity.

Trying to avoid giving too many spoilers but the video begins with a very good example of how " NOT TO PACKAGE " a sword for shipping as the outside of the box shows a lot of crush damage and the tip of the scabbard's shape poking through the end of the box !

Shipping loose inside a cardboard box without any bubble pack or solid ends with the sword able to shift position violently inside the box is asking for damage ! I wont mention what damage if any the sword took in this case but it could easily have been major damage !

Next there is a careful and detailed discussion about the dimensions of the blade and issues with distal taper !

One general conclusion is that the makers of this sword made it from photographs but also made it as if it was a Japanese Katana not really understanding the subtle differences that make European swords different from Japanese ones.

Again not going to give spoilers because the video is worth watching: It does in an indirect way show why swords made by Albion, A&A and other makers who understand the handling of European swords that work, while this sword is only " MEH " !

With some DIY fixes one can bring it up from mediocre to passably acceptable !

Now, I don't know the price of this sword, but if it's priced as a high end sword it would be a disappointment !

As a project sword at a low(ish) price it might still be worth it: But it's handling is not that of a true European sword..

I find this video to be very educational about how a sword can look very good in profile but misses the 3D subtleties of a better sword, and why some makers really don't understand European swords when their actual expertise is with Japanese Katanas!

Thank you for your kind intro to the video. :D

Jean Thibodeau wrote:

Interesting review, worth having a look, and I mention it because many will miss looking at the Youtube video because of lack of context that would cause some curiosity. Trying to avoid giving too many spoilers but the video begins with a very good example of how " NOT TO PACKAGE " a sword for shipping as the outside of the box shows a lot of crush damage and the tip of the scabbard's shape poking through the end of the box ! Shipping loose inside a cardboard box without any bubble pack or solid ends with the sword able to shift position violently inside the box is asking for damage ! I wont mention what damage if any the sword took in this case but it could easily have been major damage ! Next there is a careful and detailed discussion about the dimensions of the blade and issues with distal taper ! One general conclusion is that the makers of this sword made it from photographs but also made it as if it was a Japanese Katana not really understanding the subtle differences that make European swords different from Japanese ones. Again not going to give spoilers because the video is worth watching: It does in an indirect way show why swords made by Albion, A&A and other makers who understand the handling of European swords that work, while this sword is only " MEH " ! With some DIY fixes one can bring it up from mediocre to passably acceptable ! Now, I don't know the price of this sword, but if it's priced as a high end sword it would be a disappointment ! As a project sword at a low(ish) price it might still be worth it: But it's handling is not that of a true European sword.. I find this video to be very educational about how a sword can look very good in profile but misses the 3D subtleties of a better sword, and why some makers really don't understand European swords when their actual expertise is with Japanese Katanas!

[quote="Lancelot Chan"]Thank you for your kind intro to the video. :D

/quote]

Glad it was useful.

Here is an article on the A&A site, with an imbedded link to an A&A Youtube video discussing in great detail historical swords and profile, distal tape and the cross sections of European blades all affecting the handling of European swords, and what gives them good handling:

https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/distal-and-profile-taper-of-european-swords

Very very good information, as well I have both of the A&A reproduction swords used as examples.

Also, there is a detailed description and explanation of the handling of actual period antique swords of the Oakeshott Institute Collection: This includes measurements over the lengths of the blades about each's profile and distal taper.

I could have just given the link, but giving the contents more of a description adds to the odds that people are going to click the link and have a look.

You're a very kind writer, always have been!

[quote="Jean Thibodeau"]

Lancelot Chan wrote:

Thank you for your kind intro to the video. :D /quote] Glad it was useful. Here is an article on the A&A site, with an imbedded link to an A&A Youtube video discussing in great detail historical swords and profile, distal tape and the cross sections of European blades all affecting the handling of European swords, and what gives them good handling: https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/distal-and-profile-taper-of-european-swords Very very good information, as well I have both of the A&A reproduction swords used as examples. Also, there is a detailed description and explanation of the handling of actual period antique swords of the Oakeshott Institute Collection: This includes measurements over the lengths of the blades about each's profile and distal taper. I could have just given the link, but giving the contents more of a description adds to the odds that people are going to click the link and have a look.