Favorite Two-Handed Sword? -- myArmoury.com

Li Jin · Posted: Wed 07 May, 2008 9:10 am Post subject: HI

Good morning

I never bought A&A nor Albion swords before because is quite expensive... my favorit is Windlass Braunstone hand and a half sword and I remember hand and half is refer to longsword or two handed sword if I'm correct.

Jin

Paul Watson · Posted: Wed 07 May, 2008 12:17 pm Post subject:

Scott Kowalski · Posted: Wed 07 May, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

I would like to thank everyone who posted more info and pics of the sword. Very beautiful. If my conversions are correct the blade is 3" wide at the hilt. A true monster yet with a weight under 3.5 pounds. It must be superb to cut with.

Shayan G · Posted: Wed 07 May, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

I'd have to second the Svante! It's just stunning. It used to be my desktop image, in fact.

If I had the funds to buy any Albion, it would be that one in a heartbeat. Beautiful hollow grind, aggressive but elegant profile, gorgeous quillons and pommel... Cool

Chris Artman · Posted: Wed 07 May, 2008 2:42 pm Post subject:

I was eyeing up the Svante for a lillte while as well. Its just that I could have a 'Gothic' Munich and a Brescia Spadona for that price.

I'll have to think about it... If the Svant was $2500, I would probably go for it... it is just that it is really up there in price... I'm all for having one better item than two lesser items, but is a Svante really worth a gothic Munich and a Brescia Spadona? Maybe it is... I'd just appreciate more feedback to this regard. I know there is no right or wrong, but it sure would be great to have more opinions. Yes, the Svant seems very, very nice.... it is just the price that is holding me back. Anyone else experience/handle this sword?

Sam Barris · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 1:50 am Post subject:

Here's a link to Patrick Kelly's ode to his own Svante:
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=7590

And my brief praise of my Gothic Munich (which I have, tragically, not yet met in person):
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=11309

My own philosophy on the matter has shifted quite a bit since I was younger. Once upon a time, I would have chosen to purchase three inexpensive swords of lesser quality rather than one exquisite but expensive sword. My feelings now are the exact reverse of this. First, I don't want to find myself with a clutter of cheap wallhangers when I could have one truly amazing weapon in their place. The Svante is a good example of this. I've decided to pass on four other Albions that I was considering in order to have the two that really grabbed me. The Svante's price tag made the sacrifice necessary, but I don't think I'll ever regret it. Likewise, the Bugei Lion Dog has replaced both the Wave and the Dragonfly on my wish list. I mean, how many swords do I actually need? Really, three is plenty for me right now, especially if they represent the same financial investment.

Of course, the parallel doesn't really work with Albion and Bugei, since both companies make nothing less than top of the line production pieces. You quite literally cannot go wrong buying an Albion, as long as it's the Albion you want. I actually had this revelation when my purchasing power was barely at the MRL level and I'd never even heard of Albion. Your milage may vary, but it seems more satisfying now to invest a little bit more money to buy the weapon that really speaks to me rather than going for something that's merely more affordable. I could have bought something really special for what I put into my old MRL pieces and enjoyed it more in the long run. Again, anything Albion makes is going to be extremely high quality, so you're in a far better position than I was.

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 2:10 am Post subject:

Ok... I think I have a plan: If things go well the next month, I'll order a Svante, spadonia, gothic munich, and a Dane. Now don't tell me there is a $7,000.00 sword out there that makes the Svante look like a plastic toy Wink

By the way, what is the difference between production and custom? The production Albion swords, especially the Svante seems completely custom to me... What do sword snobs buy then, only custom? Only rusted originals just for collection sake and not use? I wonder how much that sword cost that we mentioned earlier: Peter Johnsson's type XVIIIc for the Masters of Fire exhibit. Is that what is meant by custom?

What would a year 2000 sword be like, Titanium?

By the way, my understanding is that the Dane is getting revised by Albion. Apparently it is going to be a lot longer... which is good. I really like the 6' 3" flamberge landsneckt I have. The size is fun. Would hate to see it dwarf the Dane...

If things don't go well on June 7th, maybe I'll just order the Svante and see how things go the rest of the year...

I ordered the Kingmaker last week. I'll know by June 7th what I will be able to afford, everything comes down to what news comes in the mail that day...

Bugei Lion Dog: Price US $3390.00, wow... I looked it up and yes, I'd rather have one of those than two lesser items... Looks amazing.

How does the law of diminishing returns apply to swords? Is there a point where all you pay for is looks? Is the construction, handling, and toughness that much diferent, or are you just mostly paying for cosmetic details? I know the Svante is nice looking, but what makes it worth that much more than a Gothic Munich?

Sam Barris · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 4:14 am Post subject:

Production just means that there are many being made to the same specifications. The Svante is probably the single best production sword on the market, owing to Peter's detailed research of the original and the skill of Albion's craftsmen. It is priced accordingly. Custom means that an individual sword is manufactured either to your specification or the smith's whim. Quality is an entirely seperate issue. There are custom smiths who turn out pieces of lesser quality than Albion does. Peter's magnificent Masters of Fire sword represents the best of both worlds, as Peter is amazingly talented and that sword is a one of a kind masterpiece.

Titanium, unfortunately, does not have the proper metallurgical qualities to make a good sword. And it isn't as nice looking, either.

I'm in line for a Dane right now, but I'll probably end up putting that deposit towards a Svante. We'll see. It looks like it'll be magnificent however they end up making it.

As far as the law of diminishing returns, I personally only own one sword that isn't designed to be used, and that is my Navy dress saber. As a part of my uniform, though, it does fulfill its intended military function, so I can't blame the sword for not being a proper weapon. Looks are great, but form must follow function. I like Bugei's products because they are both beautiful and functional. James Williams is a fanatical martial artist and Keith Larman is a professional togishi. Along the same lines, Peter's research has given him a deep awareness of how swords were supposed to function. If he was just copying pictures like so many others do, or if his research was translated into steel by lesser craftsmen, the result would not be nearly as true to form.

As far as Svante vs. Munich, the Svante's blade geometry is far more complex and subtle, which means it is far more difficult and time-consuming to produce. Patrick talks about this in the thread I linked to. That is why it is so expensive. Most people who own or have handled one agree that it is well worth the money. I look forward to confirming that for myself. Happy

Good luck on June 7th! Big Grin

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 10:55 am Post subject:

Ok, I'll go ahead and order a Svante. Whether I order anything else will depend on the news I recieve June 7th...

I did read the entire thread you posted and it was very helpful regarding the Svante.

I hope the Dane is very long and large, it may as well be since it will be the biggest Albion yet.

I think it would also be fun to have Ollin do a fantasy bearing sword... how much fun would it be to make a 91" fantasy two-handed 'bearing' sword... Well, I think it would be fun

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 12:00 pm Post subject:

Done, the Svante is ordered...

Hopefully The Kingmaker and Svante will both be here in 3-4 months...

(Fingers crossed and prayers said for June 7th)

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

http://www.armabohemia.cz/Novestr/newsA.htm

I see the 'Munich' looking sword Justin mentioned.

Also, now we are talking Happy

This 2 handed sword looks impressive:

http://www.armabohemia.cz/imgnew/epees/epees/pancc1.jpg

Paul Watson · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject:

Chris, contact Peter Johnsson personally for his pricing and availability. I have made similar enquiries but am not interetsed in publishing what he told me in case his situation and costs have changed. He is very helpful and every response he gives you will result in you knowng a little bit more about swords whether or not that was your intention.

The cost differences in the high end swords is in the detail and research required. Patrick Kelly once told me something to the effect that the Regent I was getting was no less of a sword than the Svante was. It was just a simpler sword to make. I must clarify that I do not think he meant they handled the same or anything like that as they are two different swords, he just meant that they were two swords that were equals in terms of what they are meant to represent. Both are modern reproductions, one of a carefully documented noblemans swords, the other a design by Peter Johnsson that is true to type based on research. The Svante will not be any more durable or a superior cutter or thruster just because it is more expensive. These factors are dictated by material and sword type.

You have made some very nice choices there Chris.

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

Thank-you Paul. I appreciate your advice.

Out of curiousity, are there some custom swords that are *not* based on replicating history, but that of utilizing today's technology to recreate 'perfect' balance and handling? I wonder what the militatry would use today if we were forced to use swords (in keeping with the proper spirit of what a sword is...)

Thanks for the tip... I'm going to revisit this thead in a month...

Justin King · Industry Professional

Tim Mathews · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 2:52 pm Post subject:

Hello all ,
I own the custom 2 hander (landsknecht zweihander) from Arms and Armor and it is without question the favarite weapon in my collection ...
The balance suffered a bit when we changed the original crosspiece to the one you see on the site but Greg did a marvelous job forging it and I still drool a bit when I look at it ...
My next aquisition will be a copy of their Danish 2 hander they did awhile back ... I had the opportunity to handle that piece before it left the shop and it floats ...
While I have enjoyed reading the Forums for some time this is my first post ...

Paul Watson · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

Angus Trims tac line has some items that would have a feasible modern military application. All of them would be suitable given their construction for various reasons such as durability and maintenance, but it is hard to see some such as the longsowrd having a real modern military application. Check with Gus about the intention of this line.

Chris Artman · Posted: Thu 08 May, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject:

Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team