Info Favorites Register Log in
myArmoury.com Discussion Forums

Forum index Memberlist Usergroups Spotlight Topics Search
Forum Index > Makers and Manufacturers Talk > CAS/Hanwei Tinker Line Viking Sword is out! Reply to topic
This is a standard topic Go to page 1, 2  Next 
Author Message
Michael Pearce
Industry Professional



Location: Seattle, Wa.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004

Posts: 365

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 10 Apr, 2009 5:21 pm    Post subject: CAS/Hanwei Tinker Line Viking Sword is out!         Reply with quote

The Viking swords are finally out, and they are looking pretty good!

SHARP (Blunt)
Specifications:
Oakeshott Type: X
OAL: 37 inches (37-3/8)
Blade Length: 30-1/2 inches (30-7/8)
Blade Width @ Base: 2-1/8 inches (2 inches)
Blade Width 4 inch from point: 1-5/8 inches (1-1/4 inches)
Blade thickness at base: .210 inches (same)
Blade thickness 2 inches from tip: .050 inches (.090 inches)
Distal taper is straight
Hilt OAL: 6-1/2 inches (same)
Hilt construction: Riveted tang or 'peened' construction
Handle length: 4-1/8 inches
Handle Construction: Sandwiched wood wrapped in cord with leather cover.
COG: 5 inches from base of blade (6 inches)
Blade Node/COP: 19-1/4 inches from base of blade (21-1/2 inches)
Primary Hilt Node: On handle approx 1 inch from cross (same)
Weight: 2lb8oz. (same)
Price: $329 ($319)

After a somewhat problematic development period the Viking sword are at last out. They look good, feel good in the hand and are finally at the correct weight and profile. The only note that I'll be making to CAS/Hanwei is about the sharpening- I'm still not entirely happy with this... still at this price there's not much room for complaint! The fact that mine have arrived means that you should be able to find these at your favorite dealer- if not today then very soon.

Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
-------------
Then one night, as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph, I had an epiphany...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Roger Hooper




Location: Northern California
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Likes: 1 page

Spotlight topics: 4
Posts: 4,393

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 10 Apr, 2009 5:52 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

That sword is very tempting. If I didn't already have 2 others on my plate....maybe later.

IMHO, the best place to get this sword, balancing low price with vendor reliablility is Kult of Athena - no big surprise.
View user's profile Send private message
David Sutton




PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 3:26 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Excellent, they look pretty sweet Michael. I don't currently have a 'classic' Viking style sword in my collection so this might be the one.
'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all'

'To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing'

Hypatia of Alexandria, c400AD
View user's profile Send private message
Mike Arledge




Location: Indianapolis, IN
Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 434

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 8:02 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

worth the wait, although the edge issue makes me a bit sad, still, this will be in my collection very soon Happy
Mike J Arledge

The Dude Abides
View user's profile Send private message Yahoo Messenger
Michael Pearce
Industry Professional



Location: Seattle, Wa.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004

Posts: 365

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 9:42 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Mike Arledge wrote:
worth the wait, although the edge issue makes me a bit sad, still, this will be in my collection very soon Happy


I makes me a bit sad too. I don't get it- Hanwei has no problem sharpening Katanas; why so much trouble with Euro swords?

Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
-------------
Then one night, as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph, I had an epiphany...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Dan Dickinson
Industry Professional



Location: Michigan
Joined: 03 Oct 2004

Posts: 967

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 10:38 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

These look quite nice Michael, thanks!
When you say they have a bit of a problem with the edge, could you elaborate a little more? Is it too blunt, not enough of an apple-seed etc.?
Thanks,
Dan
View user's profile Send private message
Michael Pearce
Industry Professional



Location: Seattle, Wa.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004

Posts: 365

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 10:55 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Dan Dickinson wrote:
These look quite nice Michael, thanks!
When you say they have a bit of a problem with the edge, could you elaborate a little more? Is it too blunt, not enough of an apple-seed etc.?
Thanks,
Dan


The two swords that I was sent to QC are only sharp on the half of the blade closest to the point. Of the two EMSHS that I was sent for QC one of them wasn't sharpened for the last two inches to the point. Neither of these are difficult fixes and these aren't hugely expensive swords but there is a minimum standard that needs to be observed. Everything else about the Tinker Line swords so far has been more than satisfactory- except the edges. So I will once again be talking to Barry on Monday...

Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
-------------
Then one night, as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph, I had an epiphany...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
David Sutton




PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 3:36 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Michael I've just been looking at this sword on the CAS/Hanwei site and on their pictures it looks like the fuller doesn't extend under the guard and up the tang. Is this just an optical illusion?
'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all'

'To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing'

Hypatia of Alexandria, c400AD
View user's profile Send private message
Luka Borscak




Location: Croatia
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Likes: 7 pages

Posts: 2,307

Feedback score: 100%
(1 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 4:09 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

That was true with prototype, not anymore I think.
View user's profile Send private message
Chad Arnow
myArmoury Team


myArmoury Team

Location: Dayton, OH
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Likes: 21 pages
Reading list: 231 books

Spotlight topics: 15
Posts: 9,531

Feedback score: 100%
(10 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 4:39 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

David Sutton wrote:
Michael I've just been looking at this sword on the CAS/Hanwei site and on their pictures it looks like the fuller doesn't extend under the guard and up the tang. Is this just an optical illusion?


The pics on CAS's site appear to be of the prototype. Note the fuller and what looks like the take-down hilt on the sharp. Also, I think see Tinker's maker's mark in one of the pics, too.

Happy

ChadA

http://chadarnow.com/
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
David Sutton




PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 4:52 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Ah well, that would explain it then. Happy

Cheers!

'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all'

'To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing'

Hypatia of Alexandria, c400AD
View user's profile Send private message
J.D. Crawford




Location: Toronto
Joined: 25 Dec 2006

Spotlight topics: 1
Posts: 1,903

Feedback score: 100%
(5 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 5:12 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Very Nice. This will be my next Viking replica - not counting the one coming in the mail right now Wink
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Michael Pearce
Industry Professional



Location: Seattle, Wa.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004

Posts: 365

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sat 11 Apr, 2009 6:00 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

You are correct- the sword on the CAS/H site is the prototype. The fullers end under the guard on the production swords.
Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
-------------
Then one night, as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph, I had an epiphany...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Terry Crain




Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Likes: 2 pages

Posts: 224

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sun 12 Apr, 2009 7:51 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

These do look quite nice Michael! I very much like the extra detail of the braided wire in the pommel.

Any idea when one can be ordered without the hit or miss sharpening issues?

Will they have to sell out all the initial run of swords produced (however many that may be, hopefully not hundreds) before a new batch may come through with a corrected edge taking into account your suggested correction?

Perhaps they take the ones produced to date and simply resharpen them correctly?

I'd rather get one correct from the get go, than a do it yourself project. I just wonder how I would know I was going to recieve a "fixed" one vs. the inconsistent edge treatment you discussed. If they shipped a bunch to venders already prior to fixing the issue, it may be a persistent problem. Hopefully, they will catch it early with your input and get it right.

Still, for the price, not the end of the world, as lower end Windlasses come unsharpened afterall and Abion's are more than twice as expensive. I think these are a very nice nitch price point for a sword inbetween these two at least.

All in all, a very nice looking (and from the stats- sounds like nice handling) viking sword at a reasonable price.

Terry Crain
A/K/A
Donal Grant

Honor, not Honors!
View user's profile Send private message
Michael Pearce
Industry Professional



Location: Seattle, Wa.
Joined: 21 Feb 2004

Posts: 365

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Sun 12 Apr, 2009 8:22 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I don't know that the problem is consistent throughout the first run of swords- and honestly I can cut just fine with either sword; the sharpened portion is quite sharp. This isn't a critical flaw, just annoying to me personally. Yes, I would imagine that the first run of swords will need to sell out before the next can come out with corrected edges. Sadly the folks at CAS/H here in the states aren't equipped to correct this on-site.

Yes, I want to see the edge fixed in the future but honestly- given the quality and price of these swords they would be a bargain even if they were completely unsharpened. There is literally nothing on the market that approaches the features, appearance and build-quality of these swords for less than twice the price.

Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
-------------
Then one night, as my car was going backwards through a cornfield at 90mph, I had an epiphany...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Luka Borscak




Location: Croatia
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Likes: 7 pages

Posts: 2,307

Feedback score: 100%
(1 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Mon 13 Apr, 2009 3:48 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I absolutely agree. I won't order Viking because I have one viking sword coming to me right now, but the first line of greatswords that appear will be mine no matter what the edge will be like I was buying Del Tin's before and my retailer is used to sharpening unsharpened swords for me. Cas/Hanwei's improper edge will be no problem to fix comparing to completely unsharpened Del Tin. Happy
View user's profile Send private message
Mike Arledge




Location: Indianapolis, IN
Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 434

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Tue 14 Apr, 2009 1:18 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Anyone seen these at a retailer yet?

I am so ready to buy one!

Mike J Arledge

The Dude Abides
View user's profile Send private message Yahoo Messenger
Sean O Stevens




Location: Grovetown, GA
Joined: 22 Oct 2008

Posts: 208

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 16 Apr, 2009 1:21 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Michael Pearce wrote:

I makes me a bit sad too. I don't get it- Hanwei has no problem sharpening Katanas; why so much trouble with Euro swords?



I have asked this question so many times... every Hanwei Katana I have ever handled had a nice, super sharp edge. Every Hanwei europian sword I have ever handled had serious edge issues. Not a problem for a lot of people... if you have even some skill at sharpening a blade it's a quick fix and most Hanwei swords, once a proper edge is applied, cut great.

However, I'm new to sharpening. I spent 8 hours getting my CAS celtic sword sharp enough that it cuts decently, and it's still ugly.

Sad
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Yahoo Messenger
Joe Maccarrone




Location: Burien, WA USA
Joined: 19 Sep 2003

Posts: 190

Feedback score: 100%
(1 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Thu 16 Apr, 2009 9:34 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Michael Pearce wrote:
There is literally nothing on the market that approaches the features, appearance and build-quality of these swords for less than twice the price.


Having snagged the one Tinker had available at the shop, I agree! This is not an expensive sword, but it isn't one you'll feel a need to apologize for, either.

Will post a full review in the not-overly-distant future, when I have time to take a few pics and assassinate some 2-liter bottles. The 2-liter bottle filled with water, combined with a rusty swordsman (it's been probably 3-4 years since I last did any test cutting), will be a good test of the durability of this sword. I know from first-hand experience that when you pooch a cut on a 2-liter bottle, bad things can happen to a weakly constructed sword: I once demolished the (welded) tang on a Del Tin with one poorly aligned cut... Big Grin
View user's profile Send private message
Roger Hooper




Location: Northern California
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Likes: 1 page

Spotlight topics: 4
Posts: 4,393

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 17 Apr, 2009 3:16 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Mike Arledge wrote:
Anyone seen these at a retailer yet?

I am so ready to buy one!


Mike - the sharp and blunt versions showed up today at KOA
View user's profile Send private message


Display posts from previous:   
Forum Index > Makers and Manufacturers Talk > CAS/Hanwei Tinker Line Viking Sword is out!
Page 1 of 2 Reply to topic
Go to page 1, 2  Next All times are GMT - 8 Hours

View previous topic :: View next topic
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum






All contents © Copyright 2003-2024 myArmoury.com — All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum