I really like the Danish Raider. I love transitional viking-medieval swords!

The timing is kind of odd for me personally because I recently purchased and returned a Valiant Hedemark. Esthetically I loved it (other than the allen-key nut) but with basically zero distal taper or profile taper to its thick blade, I found it to be literally uncomfortable to handle. Yet I was torn because I really liked the styling of the handle (and the scabbard). When I imagined the perfect version of that sword, it was very much like this Danish Raider. Feels like those recent microsoft commercials where people say - the new windows was my idea! Unfortunately I already purchased another sword to replace the Hedemark and am committed to a couple more, but this is definitely on the priority list for next year.

Hi !

Will there be a chance that Angus Scimitars will be along that collection ?

That would be most awesome !

Regards

Klaus

Has gus ever even made a Scimitar? He has made some sabers, I know... not a lot of them... I've never seen a scimitar.

Maybe he is talking about the falchions that Gus made a year or two ago? Thos were nice, especially the Archangel. I wish I could have afforded it when it was available.

Another sword has been added to the Chimera Line - The English Knightly Sword, an XVIIIb with a scent-stopper pommel. It looks good - http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fl...Sword.html

This line looks great! I almost bought the Venetian Bastard on the spur of the moment but was able to pull back. Together with Valiant's Scabbard it is a sweet package. I am not familiar with the quality of Trim and Fletcher and I am a bit taken back by the stainless but for the price I am considering it. Albion's king Maker and Burgundian are also up there in contention for my next purchase.

There is a review of the Venetian Bastard sword up in the SBG forum - http://sbgswordforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?...read=16597 -

It is a very positive review.

Pedantic side note - CF calls this sword an XVIIIc, but if you go by the recent XVIIIc thread - http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=19661 - this sword doesn't fit the description - the blade isn't wide enough, and it is more of a thruster than an XVIIIc would be. It's more like an XVIIIa in my opinion.

Here's a photo update of the sword from my review, if anyone is interested.

I've now received a custom scabbard, belt and suspension from Valiant Armoury to match the Venetian Bastard Sword, and I'm very pleased with the results.






















The belt is somewhat simple, but functional and comfortable to wear. The overall effect of each element is a reasonable interpretation of a 15th century Italian sword, though not completely accurate.




I still find the most impressive aspect of the Venetian Bastard to be its handling. The way this sword moves is sublime.
It behaves very similarly to my Fletcher Borderwatch sword built on an Albion Crecy blade, and depending on my mood, I often prefer the Venetian in-hand. The two swords share the same static balance point, the same blade width, and are very close in length (with the Albion being slightly longer) and each has superb distribution of mass to create a pleasing dynamic balance.










The difference they do have in handling is subtle, but distinct. The best (inadequate) description I can offer is that the Albion blade "floats and glides" whereas the Angus Trim "whips and bites." The Borderwatch is slightly more substantial in hand and gives the impression of a regal tool of war, while the Venetian feels like a more streamlined and vicious civilian weapon by comparison. All of which is a rather roundabout way to say that the Albion Crecy blade is known for its pleasant handling characteristics, and this sword offers a similar level of satisfaction for this collector (albeit of a slightly different flavor).
I am very thankful to have both in my collection, and I think these blood-red swords complement each other well.
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All told, I absolutely adore this sword. There is room for improvement in each element (the stainless fittings could be mild steel, the scabbard could fit tighter, the suspension and belt could be neater, the chape could be better defined) but as a whole this has to be the most satisfying sword package I have come across for the price.

If this piece is any indication, The Chimera line is a fantastic option for a sword enthusiast looking for a great performing blade in a beautiful package that doesn't cost a fortune. There are other options for more demanding historical accuracy, other sources for leather and scabbard work, other sword lines with a greater diversity of designs, but when you put it all together, no matter how you slice it this is a great sword. Once you hold it in your hands, it's hard to disagree.









Thanks for reading. :)

I have the prototype for the Austrian great sword and it is simply amazing from a performance view point, though the prototype is quite a bit less attractive it sure is a beauty to swing. I don't know about the other swords in the line but as for this one, don't let the weight scare you off. the first time I handed it to my wife she got an unhappy look on her face and she commented that it was heavy. I then told her to swing it and as soon as she did her face lit up and she couldn't help but say "wow" all that weight seems to dissapear as soon as it moves. or more accurately, it is still there but it moves with you so it is effortless. I can use this sword one handed. I wouldn't in a fight but I can cut tatami and water bottles one handed with no trouble. best performing two handed sword I have ever touched by a significant margin.

That sure is one beauty you got there Zach. You are starting one heck of a collection my friend.

I like the stainless furniture idea. The furniture tends to be what gets casually handled the most, and causes me the most problems with tarnishing or rust. This option seems like it would eliminate that issue.