[Sam Barris]

Fellow Swordsmen,

I've been stationed in Japan for the past two and a half years. During that time, I've had my eye on a few weapons that I've been unable to (legally) have shipped to me here. At the top of that list is Albion's Crecy Grete Swerde, which I'd planned to buy as soon as I returned to the U.S. However, today I saw on their website that they were planning to discontinue it and will probably not have any left by the time I arrive at my next command.

There is a way that I could order one now, but it would be a logistical nightmare given my current geographical circumstances. I know that there is no way to know a sword from it's catalogue description, and so I wish to ask any who have hands-on experience with this blade if it's worth the trouble in terms of handling characteristics like balance, flexibility, cutting capability and thrusting capability. I've heard that it is fairly close to being an ideal hand-and-a-half in that regard, which is exactly what I've wanted for some time. Either the Landgraf or Sempach, also by Albion, would most likely be the second choice to fill that role.

So what do you all think? Is it worth moving heaven and earth from the other end of the planet to get this blade, or should I let this one go and choose another a year or so down the road? I appreciate any insight you might shed on this subject.

[Patrick Kelly]

I've owned a Crecy, and I currently own the following:

Baron: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_alb_bar.html

Sempach: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_alb_lansem.html (not my review but I agree with the comments)

Regent: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_alb_reg.html

While the Crecy is a good sword, to be frank it's inferior to these other three.

The Baron is the closest one to the Crecy in overall design. However, it's a much more historically accurate design as well as being a far superior cutter.

The Sempach won't keep up with the Baron in the cutting department but it is the superior thruster, in relation to either the Baron or the Crecy.

The Regent has the best all-around combination of cutting and thrusting ability. It's also far cooler looking than the others

I'd exercise a little patience and restraint and wait for one of the Next Gens. You won't regret it.

[Nathan Robinson]

Hey Sam-
The Crecy is a damn fine sword and I was very fond of mine when I owned it. I sold it to raise money for custom purchases and a couple of the NextGens that Albion has since released. For the price, I'd say the Crecy is still a very good buy for a sword that is quite attractive and has the dynamic properties of a real sword. Having said that, however, I'd say that the price difference between the Crecy and the NextGens that Albion offers would make the NextGen swords a better value. I know this may seem like a strange comment, but I'd submit that the NextGens are that much better than the FirstGen swords and are worth more, proportionately, than the difference in price between the two lines.

If the NextGen line is too costly for you and simply out of reach, then there are other options available for you to consider such as the offerings from A&A or ATrim.

[Nathan Robinson]

Check out This Topic for some recent thoughts.

[James A. Vargscarr]

Hi Sam,

If you followed the link on Nathan's last post, you'll have seen that I recently received a Crecy myself. You'll also have seen that I have almost nothing bad to say about the sword. However, since your post indicates you're looking at the sword primarily for performance, I would have to echo the sentiments of Patrick and Nathan.

I've yet to cut with my Crecy, but I think it's common knowledge that Albion's products have improved a great deal in terms of design and performance since their First Gen line. If you're looking for a hand-and-a-half which combines beauty and superior handling, one of Patrick's suggestions from the Albion Next Gen collection is probably going to be your best bet. These are closely followed in my mind by an upgraded ATrim (see http://allsaintsblades.com for the AT catalogue, and http://christianfletcher.com for upgraded examples more visually comparable to Albion pieces), though many people will advocate ATrim swords over and above Albion's line. I don't believe a clear winner emerges between either the Albion swords or the ATs - which blade is better for you is really a matter of aesthetic opinion and personal handling preference, and you'll get an exceptional sword either way. Putting aesthetics aside however, if cutting performance alone is your criterion, reports on ATs seem to indicate they're the current pack leaders.

That said, I prefer the looks of the Crecy to any of the Next Gen swords Patrick linked; and you can read how I rate it against a comparable AT sword in my 'Crecy thoughts' post (though I stress that the AT 14th Cent. longsword I owned was a very old model). The Mark 1 Crecy can cut, no question (witness: http://www.paullarue.com/html/swords.html - click on the videos); and the sword you'd be ordering from Albion is the Mark 2 which I believe is superior cutter still: though the improvements may only be cosmetic, I've read that the Mark 2 upgrade makes the new Crecy comparable to a Next Gen sword. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I can confirm or deny the validity of this impression.

One other thing to keep in mind. A number of people have sold their Crecys through the classifieds in order to upgrade to a Next Gen Albion (...or new AT!), so even if you deliberate too long to catch one of the last Albion models, you may very well find someone willing to pass their sword along to you in response to a 'want' post.

To summarise, I'd say that if you like what you see and accept that it's not the most accomplished cutter on the market; you'll love the Crecy. The sword is everything the pictures promise, and a great deal more. However, there are some beautiful swords out there which perform a deal better; and it won't be impossible to find a Crecy once the last one ships out of Albion.

[Howard Waddell]

here is Peter's concept drawing for the NextGen Crecy, replacing the FirstGen model... (blade length 35.8" or 91 cm, compared to 36" for the FGCrecy)

This one should be available by the Spring of 2005, along with a replacement for the Agincourt...

Best,

Howy

[Joe Fults]

[Howard Waddell]

[Joe Fults]

[Patrick Kelly]

I agree with Joe. Peter's concept drawing indicates some significant improvements in the Crecy's design. At the listed price it might be quite a deal.

[Brian M]

What would the new Crecy be, a XVIa?
I hope sometime in the future you will consider an XIa as well. That would be a real rarity in the market.

Brian M

[Jason Dingledine]

[Alina Boyden]

[Jeremiah Swanger]

[Lee Watts]

since my budget only allows a new sword every year that might be a 2005 model.
simply gorgeous

[James A. Vargscarr]

Beautiful sword! I'm so glad the Crecy isn't retiring from Albion permenantly; particularly with that price tag.

[Timothy Gulics]

Hmm. Now, do I keep my Mark II Crecy, or sell and go for the NextGen..........

The Mark II has such character, probably one of my favs... I don't think I can part with it, but! Mmm. NextGen.

[Chad Arnow]

[Patrick Kelly]

[Patrick Kelly]