I spoke to Mike at Albion today, and thanks to the review by Bill, and , a look at Chad's collection, I took the plunge and went for the sword of my dreams---The Sovereign, with bronze pommel. Looking forward to that WOW Bill. I got on the list for a scabbard too. Gonna be the longest 4 weeks , hey Chad how's it handle.

I just started to collect last year . All I have so far is an Angel sword "renaissance sword "which is not a replica, but it's sure beautiful and handles like pointing my finger. I also have a south tower armouring guild "bastard "which I got for sparring but is probably better for stage as it is heavy and handles like ..well, I like it just the same( I'm not afraid to work on it ).

With the Sovereign I hope to add shear power to my angel's deadly grace and my.....duh whears da beach bastard

As an unsolicited opinion, I don't know that I'd call the Sovereign a a power sword. To me, its really just a nasty little cuss.

Its just opinion, but when you talk power, I think longsword. Something that can hit with the grace and power of a battleship.

Big and mean with reach.

The Sovereign is more in your face. Dodge/deflect step inside, then ruin somebody's day.

Perhaps more like a destroyer.

The longsword or battlewagon can reach out a hit hard from a distance. It can play inside too, but really shows its power a bit farther out. The Soveriegn has destroyer range, it has to get inside the power arch of the bigger sword, or ship in my analogy. Still like a detroyer on a torpedo run, the Sovereign can turn the tables really quick when it does.

Not sure if that makes any sense, but it may be the best I can describe things.

Derek,
Firstly, welcome to the forums (since this is your first post)! :) Second, since your post has to do with a historic weapon, I've moved it here to the Historical Arms Talk forum. I also cleaned up the topic title a little.

Congrats on your purchase! The Sovereign is my favorite sword, though second place seems to be a 3-way tie (at least) these days. Unlike Joe, I would call it a power sword. It is brutal and nasty and wicked and up-close-and-personal. What it lacks in reach, style, and grace it more than makes up for with shear brutishness. Joe's actually cut with mine and I respect his opinion. I just think we have slightly different definitions of power. :)

Just for you, I just took the sword out of the display cabinet just now and swung it around before I typed this. :) It handles really nicely. I need to take it out and destroy something with it; it's been a little while since the last time... It is pretty agile and is quite authoritative in the cut. It's a good thruster, though its cross-section makes it not quite as good as the pointier swords with diamond and hex cross-sections (that's understandable and a characteristic of Type XIV's in general). If you're used to cutting with a longer weapon, the Sovereign may require a little adjustment at first. It's pretty short after all. Overall, it conveys a solid and efficient feel in the hand.

We seem to have discussed this little sword to death around here. You may be able to find more opinions with the Search function.

Again, welcome and congrats!

Now that is one beautiful short beast of a sword! Perhaps a little different but another beautiful short beast of a sword is my Henry V Sword from Arms & Armor, of which I am just crazy about! So I know your going to love your Sovereign. Congratulations on an excellent choice. I am one who has a special affection for the short beast of a sword. An excellent sword, whether it be the Sovereign or the Henry V, to practice sword and shield battle tactics. At least in my opinion. Your gonna love that sword!

Happy Collecting,

Bob

Your going to love the Sovereign I promise :D

That sword grew on me so much that I can honestly say it's my favorite shorty.

I've got one. It would be a very good sword to:

fight your way up one of those narrow spiral staircases

help you get through a jam-packed castle gate

use in any close packed situaltion or melee

swing overhand and not hit a ceiling.

use with a buckler.

I love the Sovereign it's one of my faves of the NG line. I think it's a great sword with a lot of physical presence. Like the Regent, it's gets a "Oooooo!" reaction from everyone that sees it.

Cool sword, and I don't know why I don't have one.

The Sovereign (and also the similarly sized A&A Henry V) have always appealed to me. Congratulations on a fine selection!

Roger Hooper wrote:

...swing overhand and not hit a ceiling....

A big advantage for a bozo like me. My A&A GBS and ceiling have become a bit too familiar.