I am looking for your opinions on which of the 2 I should get.

I currently own and train with a Hanwei Tinker Bastard sword (both blunt and sharp for training/cutting). Our WMA school does have some practical Albions which handle very well, but I have only tried the I33. The Tinker sword is quite good overall - well balanced, light, solid, but the leather grip is starting to come off. This got me thinking it is time to upgrade to a superior longsword, something I have always wanted.

After much research, I've narrowed it down to 2 options:
Albion Crecy with Christian Fletcher scabbard+belt or an Odinblade longsword similar to the one in the gallery (Fishtail Type XII).

Things I'm looking for:

-Superb Balance
-Excellent build quality
-Historical accuracy
-Blade with single fuller
-Excellent leather grip that can withstand prolonged use
-nothing too fancy, a solid weapon that would have been used by say a mid ranking soldier in the 1300-1500 time period

From this, it seems like the Albion has the edge?

The fact that many WMA schools use Albions is encouraging. However, it's bugging me that the Crecy looks so similar to the Tinker Bastard I already have. Plus, I prefer the look of the odinblade in the gallery slightly more. Looking forward I will have a collection of swords eventually and I do not want to have too many similar looking blades.

Also, the odinblade is a custom sword from a custom maker. The parts are all forged, the specifications can be changed to my liking. Whereas the Albion is a production blade and fittings are cast not forged. Price wise both are about the same. So does it make sense to spend so much on a production blade? Hence, the odinblade wins here.

What are your thoughts, opinions? Have I missed something? Is there another sword I overlooked? What would be your recommendation?

Thank you for your time and input.

I would say get whichever one appeals to you the most. Historical accuracy is the only area where I would give Albion an advantage and you can have John customize your sword so that it's exactly what you want. I've never handled an Odinblades longsword but the single-handed swords I've owned are sweet!! I hope to commission at least one more in the future and preferably 3 more. :D

I don't think you'll regret either choice.

I've owned many Albions... I only own one Odinblade but I've handled another...

I find that Albion and Odin are very close in overall quality, fit, finish and balance/use. My Odinblade is VERY impressive, as was the other I have handled... and Albions have always impressed me as well.

Being that overall quality are very near, and price are very near... what you have to consider is with Albion you know exactly what you'll be getting, and you'll get it faster. With Odin it may take a good deal of time... but you can have something more unique... but you won't know exactly what it will look/feel like till its done.

So... armed with that info... good luck. ;)

Flip a coin.

Rock paper scissors with a friend.

Buy them both.

Thanks for the input guys. Seems like I haven't missed anything and either way I go I'll be in good shape.

You may also want to consider that by the time Liechtenauer's art was being written about by the likes of Ringeck, a XIIa would have been an antique.

Since you're interested in historical accuracy as a criterion, that kind of disqualifies the fishtail Type XII. I'm not sure I've seen a historical example with a pommel quite like that. Also, any fishtail type pommels are more of a 15th century thing where a Type XIIa blade is quite a bit earlier normally.

Not that John couldn't make something more historical, but that sword doesn't strike me as particularly historical in my opinion.

Personally I've only handled one sword that cuts better than the Crecy... and thats the Bresica...

If you want a great sword to cut with and looks the part, is light and fast, you really cannot go wrong with the Crecy. Plus you'll get it in about 2 months. Don't know how long Odin's line is...

To even things out i'd say ping John a mail to ask delivery and actuall price etc,
he's also mentioned a newer line a little more pocket friendly,
From what i've seen and read,and heard from friends,both suppliers are very good,
for me personally i lean towards the one off makers,
but, i am very glad there are companies like Albion out there,they are very good at what they do,
No doubt either would be a good choice,
speaking with John might level the playing field,as to final choice,

I haven't personally handled any Odinblades swords, but I do love my Crecy. It was the first sword I bought, and is the only piece in my collection that I would not consider selling. Should you choose the Crecy I am certain that you will not be disappointed.

I 'd go for the Odinblade custom, a unique piece by an excellent smith...

Thanks guys, you've all helped me make my decision.

In the end, I'm sure I'll have swords from both makers, I guess it was just a question of which one I get first.

If historical accuracy is what you are after, you can't beat an Albion as Peter Johnsson has designed all of their Next Generation swords to be faithful reproductions of typical period pieces.

He has handled hundreds of period pieces so by obtaining an Albion you are benefitting from that first-person experience.

The Albion Crecy is a XVIa, no?

John Lundemo uses mostly stock removal for his work, no?

What else?

I dunno, don't mind me. Just reading with an eyebrow raised ?8^)~

Cheers

GC

Out of curiosity, which did you end up choosing?