I really shouldn't visit this threas I always end up feeling jealous and resentfull about my own swords
thats a sweet sword you got yourself Morgan especially the designs on the balde

I dunno about that... I think that's what motivation is supposed to feel like! Also Jeremy that is a fantastic design on your tribute katana; especially the damascus tsuba. Very cool idea.

Darksword Armoury Black Knight

One of the sturdiest cutters I have owned and one of the nicest Darksword Armoury swords I have ever seen. I am very pleased with it.

This is the first Darksword I have owned. I have handled alot of them and was not overly impressed with them until about a year or so ago. They seem to have really improved on their products, listening to customer complaints and making them better.

I love this sword. Now, its too heavy and not long enough to be indicative of other Type XVIs. But, given these inconsistancies and the low price, this sword is built like a brick outhouse. It's an excellent cutter and puts brands like Windlass and Hanwei to shame (both of which I own). The balance is good (not excellent), given the weight and the fit is much tighter than a pre-2007 Darksword. The grip is a far cry above the grips of like priced models, offering a firm, secure surface for your hand.

Now, historical accuracy is out the window. This sword is based on a Type XVI in Copenhagen; the same sword that Albion based their Prince model on. Based in DSA-speak means, make the grip, guard, and pommel look similar - but the blade is so far off spec, its hilarious; with its single fuller, short length, and blued finish, it does not remotely resemble the antiquity. It does have a pleasing asthetic though in its own way - being unique as one could get without paying alot more coin.

This sword is a beater - not an expensive historical recreation. In my opinion, you will not find a better product for under $300 out there. It is what it is, a good sword for the money that is built to be used and abused, while looking good doing it. If you want to drop $$$ on a perfectly balanced, turned, and proportioned Albion or A&A to cut milk jugs, saplings, and waterbottles with in the yard, rock on. But if you want a good sword for the price, this is your ticket.

I am posting the review I did of this sword on SBG with more photos this evening here...

Based on your description JE I thhink I'd be happier with my Hanwei swords my Godfred and Celic short sword are both light and ballenced and are able to bite into wood without suffering any damage to the blade mind you though I bought both of them brand new this year and it's been reported that hanwei made made major improvements to their designs in recent years

I seem to be in one of those periods where a number of items that have been ordered over a fairly wide space of time are all arriving within a few days of each other. These two swords were ordered about 6 months apart and arrived within 5 days of each other.
The sword with the brown grip is an Albion Ritter. I may have had a number of issues with Albion over the last couple of years but I was moved to buy this sword before the recent price rises and it is almost certainly the most beautiful Albion that I've ever held, and there have been a few. The hilt in particular is superb.
The other sword is a type XV from A&A, which is essentially their Duke of Urbino sword with a slight modification to the cross guard, (the down turned ends), to try and make it a little more like the original sword in Records. This one is beautifully balanced and very fast.

Cheers,
Darrin.

ps, Tony. I like the pommel on the Binns. Is your other Binns a sharp, or another blunt?

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And a closer shot of the the two hilts. Apologies for the bad lighting but it's just too wet to get outside and take some decent pictures.

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Congratulations Darrin,

Those look great- especially the Ritter. I wish I would have picked up one of those before the price increases but alas,

Jeremy

Hi! I´m new to the forum. Recieved my first sword today, Albions mainz pattern gladius Allectus.

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I've meant to post this sooner and now I've gotten to it. Last spring I picked up this Munich here in the market place. I was surprised at how thick the blade i, almost half an inch. It's more a long spike with a handle then a sword in the traditional sense. It's would be great for taking on someone in plate armour.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32500316@N08/3030808982/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32500316@N08/3030809786/

This is an older model Del Tin 5140, made in the early 1990s when they were still using Krupps. Picked it up today. I must say, I am quite impressed. I went ahead and added patina to the pommel and cross guard. I'll be sending it off later in the week for a scabbard/belt commission and grip rewrap. :)

Hmmmm..... Now what could this be?



If I open it I should be able to find out. Now what do I have here?

On its way from the UK, a British Pattern 1827 Rifle Officer's Sword by Wilkinson, and identified as belonging to an officer of the 60th (Kings Royal Rifle Corps).

Darn you guys!!

So many of these look great!! Here I am on the 3 year or maybe 2 and a half by now Barta wait list and can't justify a purchase!

Begrudgingly, thanks for sharing!! :evil: ;)

Jeremy

My last sword is the Cold Steel "Gim" sword. I decided for this sword after the review it got on SBG:)

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Pics are taken by Paul Southren from SBG.




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