Hey Everyone,

Just thought I'd do a little plug for a sword that I did not expect I'd like but as it turns out I really do. It's been my stated goal for some time now to purchase every sword that Arms and Armor makes. Of course the cheaters keep adding new swords to their lineup but that is neither here nor there. :) Anyway B. Stark had the Irish sword on sale at the SFI classifeds for about 170 dollars off the list price and although its not my favorite or even one I planned on getting any time soon I went ahead and purchased it. It turned up yesterday and to my surprise I really like it a lot. I don't know if you know what I mean but there are some swords when you have them in your hand it just feels like you are holding a fist full of steel? Like you need to go out and cleave something? I don't know how else to describe it. Anyway I'll be doing a full review of course, but on first blush I can say that I definitely like this sword.

Congrats Russ, that's always been one of the more interesting looking swords from A&A.

I've come to conclude that a person never *really* knows what they will or won't like in blades til they get to handle a good example. Ofcourse, that is a problem for just about everybody and not likely to happen but hey, it would be nice. Anyhoo, glad you got a new sword that you like. :)

Good observation Scott. That' s why I like those little regional get togethers that happen from time to time. On of the few chances one typically gets to hadle a wide array of products from differnet shops. I'm often surprised by something.

Greetings Russ Ellis, I own an A&A Irish sword. I bought it this year. It has taken over "bedside detail". Light and tight are the best words I can think to describe it. I am looking at getting their Shifford Viking sword next. I also own one of their Scottish Claymores which I dearly love also. Again, for such a beast it too, is light and tight . :D Sincerely, Patrick Fitzmartin

Hey Patrick,

I think your description is apt. I handled a Shifford recently. It's a bit different. If you are used to viking swords then I'm sure it will hold no surprises for you. However I was rather surpised by the type of sword. It's smaller size and smaller grip took some getting used to.

Nice one Russ,
:)

Greetings Russ Ellis, Thank you. I am concerned about the Shifford grip. I am sure I read your review of the Shifford. That was very enlightening. When I got the Irish sword, I found it's grip small and I have small hands. The pommel slide thing is the trick for me. The grip on mine is 3" but the grip area is 3 1/2". We are also talking a round pommel versus the pommel shape on the Shifford. I am taken with the weight of the Shifford though and am really pleased with Arms & Armor in general so I will just have to learn the Viking style all the more. :D Sincerely, Patrick Fitzmartin