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So, it’s story time. I picked this up very recently in the SBG classifieds. It’s a very nice Albion Squire Clontarf that’s been sharpened. Blade seemed unused and is in great shape. Very clean sharpening job by Albion or Viking Shield. Also has a very nice leather sheath and belt by Davis Reproductions. Complete package for happy cutting and a trip to the faire.

Problem, when it arrived I instantly noticed that the pommel was crooked. The previous owner was unaware. He stated that it was unused and that it came that way. I’ve inspected it closely myself and I’m inclined to give the benefit of the doubt. It looks to me that it may have came from Albion that way. There are no signs of use or abuse.

To my surprise, it seems to aid with edge alignment when using a handshake grip. (Maybe some more support for the crooked pommel theory?) It has now cut two milk jugs and one mat. It performed flawlessly. For a night I thought I’d keep it being very happy with how it performed, but I woke up knowing I had a problem.

If I keep it I’m going to dismantle it. I can not help it, I have to fix it. I was walking to my vice to start tearing it down before I thought “do you really want to tear up an Albion?” That will likely lead to an entire new pommel and who knows what. This would be a shame, because it’s really a great package and structurally solid. Someone else may be completely happy with it and even appreciate the improved handshake grip.

So, I’m putting it up for trade. Maybe a different Albion squire line? Or an Atrim with some character miles on it? Idk. I like to tinker, so as long as the blade is true, straight, and in the same quality ball park I don’t mind some flaws.

Thanks

Pics

https://ibb.co/LYGwnGq
https://ibb.co/pdDrhzk
https://ibb.co/g9z21xm
https://ibb.co/PTgbmcG
https://ibb.co/4f1sTxx