[Aaron G]

Hello all, I'm very excited to see a community chock-full of collectors, enthusiasts and eccentrics all in one place! If only I'd known about such forums 10 years ago, I'll be kicking my-self over this for a year I'm sure (don't ask me why I never looked).

Anyways, I've been quite a modest and to be honest uninformed collector. All I have are wall-hangers with the exception of 2 full tang 420ss katana's that could actually be quite dangerous or fun to cut with. Until a few days ago I didn't know half-decent or better high carbon steel swords could be acquired for affordable prices. I've set my eyes on a few, though I can only walk away with 2 at most.

Gen2 Irish Bastard(This is a very attractive design and the handling appears to be just as remarkable. At the top of my list)
DSA Two-Handed Gothic Sword(At the moment the A&A Erbach is not within acceptable price for me, while the DSA is and has a slightly similar look and is just what I'd be looking for in a two-hander.)
VA Practical Longsword(From what I've read this thing is a absolute steal for its overall presentation, It's either this or the Irish Bastard.)
Hanwei Lowlander(I absolutely love the design of this thing and if not for the set-back with the tang I'd definitely be getting it)

Alright, about the Lowlander, I'd be willing to give it a chance if there was any way I could reinforce the tang (besides filling the grip with cement ) myself or have someone else do it, humor me. If there is one good reason for me to pick the Practical LS over the Irish Bastard, lay it on me.

[Roger Hooper]

If you do a search on this site, you will find that the Lowlander is not highly regarded.

If you are looking for a beater, DSA stuff is alright, but in my opinion they are a little too heavy, and they just don't look right.

An alternative in your price range is a CAS/Hanwei Tinker sword. If you want to go up to $400.00, think of the Valiant Signature Kriegschwert. You can see this stuff here - http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fletcher/Swords.html -

When Kult of Athena gets their website back in action, check there to get these swords at a somewhat lower price

[Etienne Hamel]

i had the chance to have one of the dsa two handed gothic in hand and that more in the light side for my taste the balance is just great !

[Sean Flynt]

If you like the A&A Schloss Erbach sword, you should check out the MRL Erbach at MRL or Kult of Athena. I think it's an excellent bargain (although I'm currently butchering mine: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ght=erbach ).

[Aaron G]

Thanks for the feedback gents. I went ahead and ordered the DSA I listed but I'm going to wait a litte longer for my second purchase. While the MRL Erbach does seem like a good deal, the DSA appears to be of higher standards and would be unique as I do intend to purchase the A&A Erbach in the future.

Sean, your "hack jobs" seems like quite a fun hobby, that's something I wish I had knowledge of. I do it often with 3D models that could use extra detail(mostly for mount&blade), while it's hardly the same thing I can see why you enjoy it, I know I would.

[JE Sarge]

I'll give a nod for the Valiant Practical Series, but you would find the Hanwei-Tinkers of good quality for the money as well. Good luck in your search.