Has anyone ever owned or handled a sword made by Rick Barrett?
Any information on feel, handling characteristics, quality and price vs. value would be appreciated.

Thanks

Last year I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with Rick. I also handled several examples of his work at that time. IMHO Rick Barrett is one of the treasures of this industry and he doesn't get nearly the press that he deserves.

I handled two examples of his katana as well as several fantasy pieces. I was very impressed with the overall quality and attention to detail throughout the group. If I was in the market for a katana Rick would be at the top of my list.

I was very impressed with Rick's work and this jaded old Road Dog doesn't impress easily. The only thing that impressed me more than the product was the maker himself. Rick is a very sincere and unassuming person who's reputation is based on his talent, instead of an overblown image or fanatic fanbase.

I'd put Rick among the top five smiths in the US.

I was able to handle a Strider sword-inspired blade of Rick's at a gathering this fall. The pattern-welded blade was gorgeous. The burled wood handle was equally handsome, and the textured fittings were also quite well done.

I was impressed.

I had the pleasure of handling this sword at that same get together Chad is talking about. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is a joy to handle too. Not tip heavy, not pommel heavy, just kind of "there" in the hand. It felt almost like a living thing in the hand, much like the Albion swords also present. When you hold a fine weapon like this one its intent makes itself perfectly clear. Perhaps it's a no-brainer, but the construction was rock solid too, no gaps or rattles. Rick's swords are clearly not just lookers, they can dish it out with the best.

Patrick really hit the nail on the head -- Rick isn't just an amazing smith, he's also a great guy. I've been lucky enough to get to know him pretty well and get visits in over the last 4-5 years or so. I've handled quite a few pieces over that time span, and there honestly hasn't been anything that didn't greatly impress me. Below is by far my favorite sword in my (admittingly small) collection -- a type XIIa given a little bit of "Ranger" flavor.

http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/swo...oseup2.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_guard_closeup.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_guard_profile.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_handle.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/swo...loseup.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_profile_1.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_profile_2.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~j.steimel/pics/sword_tip.jpg

As for quality versus price, I can confidently say that you're always going to get your money's worth and more with Rick. The price range can vary though -- there's a very wide range of materials and styles he uses depending on what the customer wants.

Hi Lance

I am the lucky owner of a few swords made by Rick Barrett. You can see pictures of the swords in this thread on swordforum (http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s...genumber=1.
They all handle very well and are very well made - and I find that they are worth every cent I payed for them. I've enjoyed the fiction of fantasy worlds in books and roleplaying games for almost twenty years now (and still do). When I hold a sword made by Rick I don't just hold a fantasy style sword - I hold a sword from one of those worlds. Its a little piece of a dream come true :lol: I cannot recommend Ricks work enough.

Kind regards

Søren

I owned a fantasy leaf blade that Rick made and scabbarded up one of the daggers that Soren has pictured. Both pieces were amazing work. I've also had the chance to meet Rick at the Bladeshow in Atlanta and will agree with the other comments made above. Besides being a heck of a maker he's a heck of a guy.

On a side note Soren what happened to the Barret sword that I sold you? Has it found another home since then? Just curious...

Hi Russ

I still own the leafblade you sold me but Rick wanted to put different fittings on it - so I let him have his way :D It'll come back my way sometime in the beginning of 2005 ... I'll send you some photos when I get it.

Søren

Very cool. I would love to see the pictures. It looks like you've picked up some even nicer pieces by him since then. I still think about that dagger from time to time, it was a heck of a nice piece.

Out of Curiosity, does any one know what the waiting list for a custom piece by Mr. Barrett is?

I sent off an email to him a few weeks back but haven't received a reply as of yet.

I haven't resent it just yet cuz i am sure he is busy and i don't want to be a nag, but i am still curious as i have had an idea in my head for a custom....well we will call it a cutlass for now since before i even realized what a giant sword community there was. And Since then i have decided that he is the perfect smith to get the job done.

Thank you all for your replies. That was the type of response I was hoping for.
Thanks again.

Hi Soren, Patrick and all,
Thanks for sharing and the positive feedback. Always like to hear from you guys and short reviews are great to see, especially after you've had your blades for a while. If you've had your sword for many months, had the chance to go over it with a fine tooth comb and still treasure it then I know I've done good. Also Matt, I just emailed you so let me know if you get it. I had responded but didn't notice you left an alternative addy to reply to.