[Craig Holt]

I am thinking of having a sword commissioned by Ollin Sword. Does anyone have any experience with them? Also, do they make functioning swords? ANY information would be appreciated.

[Luka Borscak]

Here is Ollin custom project with Jean Thibadeau topic. And yes, they make excellent functional swords.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=8131

[Craig Holt]

Thank you so much for the reply. I did indeed look at the posting and it helped greatly. Thank you agin!!!

[Tim Lison]

Craig-

I have had OlliN make 3 custom swords, 1 blade, and do 3 sword upgrades for me. They are top notch all around. Their products are excellent, Mark's blades are *flawless*. Their custom service is really good too, sending progress reports along the way and just generally keeping me informed about progress. The crates they ship in are very solid and excellent to store swords in later. I endorse them strongly and have had only positive experiences with them. If you're looking for someone to do custom work, they are a GREAT choice!

-Tim

[Jean Thibodeau]

And I would mention that their pricing is very reasonable considering that it's custom work and the best way to work with them is to explain exactly what you want but also trust them to advise you.

If handling is important to you tell them how you want it to feel like and general parameters but let Mark figure out where the balance point etc .... should be: Very often the " numbers " we think will produce the sword we want may be different than what will be optimum.

In other words telling the maker that you want the balance point at exactly 4 33/64 " is not as useful as just telling him if you want a good cutter or thruster, a fast and agile sword or one with more presence etc .....

Anyway, good communications in both directions should give better results.

[Craig Holt]

Thanks Jean. The responses about Ollin Sword have certainly sold me. And, as you advised, I will simply draw up what I want and let them take it from there. I know how to use the things but I am NO bladesmith by far and wouldn't dream of telling someone how to do their work. I know what I want and I'll set the guide lines and let them do their art. Thank you again for the response!!!

[Jean Thibodeau]

Oh, a funny story: I was in my basement garage and I decided to cut at a large cardboard box with my RavenWolf sword by OlliN and telling myself to be very careful to not hit anything else by accident .......

Naturally when I pulled back the sword for a swing at the box I heard a loud metallic " clank " and I had hit the metal rails for the garage door !

AAAAAAAAAAAAh: As you can imagine this was upsetting and an OH-NO moment !

The funny part is that using my 8X magnifying glass ( Afga Lupe 8x ) I couldn't even find a dull spot on the blade where it hit the rail ! Now this wasn't a heavy blow but I was expecting at least a dull spot on the edge.

Si I guess one can say that their swords are well heat treated.

[Joe Fults]