Info Favorites Register Log in
myArmoury.com Discussion Forums

Forum index Memberlist Usergroups Spotlight Topics Search
Forum Index > Makers and Manufacturers Talk > Maximilian Preview Reply to topic
This is a standard topic Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next 
Author Message
Howard Waddell
Industry Professional



Location: Wisconsin, USA
Joined: 18 Aug 2003

Posts: 717

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 5:53 am    Post subject: Maximilian Preview         Reply with quote

Some quick photos on Facebook...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=101507...amp;type=1

Specifications:

Overall length: 55” (139.7 cm)
Blade length: 41” (104 cm)
Blade width: 2.1875” (5.56 cm)
COG: 4.5” from guard (11.43 cm)
COP: 22” from guard (end of fullers): (55.88 cm)
Weight: 5 lbs 1 oz (2.3 kilos)

Grip length: 11.5” (29.21 cm)
Guard Width: 11.5” (29.21 cm)



A very sweet handling sword for its size... Has jumped to the top of my "must have" list...

Best,

Howy

Albion Swords Ltd
http://albion-swords.com
http://filmswords.com


Last edited by Howard Waddell on Thu 12 Apr, 2012 9:12 am; edited 2 times in total
View user's profile Send private message 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: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 6:42 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

It looks wonderful, Howie. There will be some very happy new sword owners before too long.

A sweet-handling two hander!
View user's profile Send private message
Glen A Cleeton




Location: Nipmuc USA
Joined: 21 Aug 2003

Posts: 1,968

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 7:32 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Specifications? I note on the Facebook page the price is increasing? Oh, will the Tyrolean share the same blade?

That is a great bold looking sword.

Cheers

GC
View user's profile Send private message
Howard Waddell
Industry Professional



Location: Wisconsin, USA
Joined: 18 Aug 2003

Posts: 717

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 7:55 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Glen A Cleeton wrote:
Specifications? I note on the Facebook page the price is increasing? Oh, will the Tyrolean share the same blade?

That is a great bold looking sword.

Cheers

GC


I want the guys to build a few more of them before we publish specs, but hopefully by Monday.

It does share the blade with the Tyrolean - which hopefully will be one of the next swords we will be introducing.

Best,

Howy

*** specs added to initial post ***

Albion Swords Ltd
http://albion-swords.com
http://filmswords.com


Last edited by Howard Waddell on Thu 12 Apr, 2012 9:00 am; edited 1 time in total
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Nicholas A. Gaese




Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Joined: 06 Aug 2007

Posts: 100

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 8:14 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

This is great I love the the look of that sword! The blue grip is really nice and fits surprisingly well.

Congratz to Howie, Peter, and the rest of the Albion team, you guys did an awsome job Big Grin







Regards.
View user's profile Send private message
Kai Lawson





Joined: 26 Aug 2010
Likes: 7 pages

Posts: 589

Feedback score: 100%
(1 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 11:08 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Hello all

Got to grasp this beauty in my hot little hand today. Like Howy said, it has jumped to the top of my list. The blue works surprisingly well too. Great work.

"And they crossed swords."
--William Goldman, alias S. Morgenstern
View user's profile Send private message
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 12:31 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I just got off the phone with Mike Sigman. I placed order number one on this one six years ago (!) so to say that I'm excited would be an understatement. It looks like a great one Howard and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I haven't done a detailed write up of a sword in a long time, but expect one on this baby folks!

"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Ulli Martin




Location: Munich, Germany
Joined: 13 Jan 2008

Posts: 37

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 3:31 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

On the Albion Facebook page are now some pictures of the finished Maximilian available, if you don't already know:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Albion-Swords-Limited-LLC/109838441137?ref=mf

I own the Dane and I have a preorder for the Maximilian/Tyrolean for years too - but the pictures of the final Maximilian are a little disappointing for me. The reason is the size change comparing to the drafts on the website, as you can see below. As you can easily see the draft shows a significant longer blade. I measured it in Photoshop, it's about 5-7cm longer.

So I really love the change in size in case of the Dane - the drafts showed also a much longer blade back then but Albion decided to shorten the blade for the final one, too. In my opinion the final Dane is much more appealing on an aestethic and proportional level than the draft was.

In case of the Maximilian the blade was also shorten, but in my opinion it is now less appealing. What do you think about the different sizes?

Perhaps Peter could explain a little bit the decisions for the shorter blade? That would be great!

Thanks,
Ulli



 Attachment: 115.92 KB
[ Download ]
View user's profile Send private message
Peter Johnsson
Industry Professional



Location: Storvreta, Sweden
Joined: 27 Aug 2003
Reading list: 1 book

Spotlight topics: 3
Posts: 1,757

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 9:43 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Ulli Martin wrote:
On the Albion Facebook page are now some pictures of the finished Maximilian available, if you don't already know:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Albion-Swords-Limited-LLC/109838441137?ref=mf

I own the Dane and I have a preorder for the Maximilian/Tyrolean for years too - but the pictures of the final Maximilian are a little disappointing for me. The reason is the size change comparing to the drafts on the website, as you can see below. As you can easily see the draft shows a significant longer blade. I measured it in Photoshop, it's about 5-7cm longer.

So I really love the change in size in case of the Dane - the drafts showed also a much longer blade back then but Albion decided to shorten the blade for the final one, too. In my opinion the final Dane is much more appealing on an aestethic and proportional level than the draft was.

In case of the Maximilian the blade was also shorten, but in my opinion it is now less appealing. What do you think about the different sizes?

Perhaps Peter could explain a little bit the decisions for the shorter blade? That would be great!

Thanks,
Ulli


Ulli, I am sorry to hear you are disappointed.
I did not shorten the blade. I lengthened the grip to make the sword bigger, to induce an even sweeter balance and to tweak the proportions for a better aesthetic effect.
It is a bigger and more fluid sword thus way.
If you remake your comparison, keeping blade length constant instead of total lngth, you will see the effect.
Hope the experience you have when you hold it makes up for your misgivings after looking at drawings and photos.

Waiting years for a sword is not easy. Expectations is the killer.

Concept drawings are by their nature preliminary. It is what customers are faced to go by and they are a blessing and a curse that way. The concept drawing of a design is not the final solution. During development a sword goes through several tweaks and adjustments, New finds in research sometimes motivates changes.

I do not make changes from concept lightheartedly, as I know many are set on certain features and will not welcome changes from this. At the same I feel a responsibility to make the swords the best I can, to make sure they meet their full potential.
This is not very different from when I make a sword in my smithy. I need some degree of freedom to be able to reach for the best solution.
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Thu 12 Apr, 2012 10:32 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

These issues are exactly why I approach a sword purchase in the following manner:

1) Assume concept drawings and rough specifications are exactly that, rough and conceptual. ( I don't know of any other maker who does this, yet Albion continually catches grief because people just don't seem to understand the idea of a rough concept. Perhaps they should just stop and leave us to our imaginations?)

2) Assume the maker knows more than I do about maximizing the swords design characteristics.

3) Just don't take the subject so damn seriously, we ain't curin' cancer folks. Wink

This perspective has always held me in good stead.

"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Chris Artman




Location: USA
Joined: 12 Apr 2008

Spotlight topics: 1
Posts: 441

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 13 Apr, 2012 12:28 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I was wondering what the limitation is on Albions CNC machine. I know they had to get a new CNC machine somewhat recently tobe able to create these longer blades, but I am curious as to the maximum blade length Albion could make. What is the limitation of blade size?

I have to say, I am very excited for this sword. I do feel that the Dane and the Maximillian could have longer blades. I like the Dane very much, but for such an extreme sword, I'm certain it could have been even longer. As for the Maximillian, I also though it could be a tad bit longer in dimension. Certainly, there were many examples of longer blades and longer zweihander... However, I suppose the quote has always been: "The Maximilian is inspired by the many examples of *smaller* zweihander (zweihander = two-hander) swords carried by the Landesknecht" So I suppose it is just what it says, a smaller 2-hander.

Ok, so, for a future sword, please do the Tall and wide XXII as previously you illustrated :-)

The only danger of doing a small version of a 2-hander, is that the XXII can be just as big... Either way, I love the illustration Peter made of the tall, large XXII. However, that seems like it could be bigger than this so called zweihander. It doesn;t change my desire for the tall, large XXII.


http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/download.php?id=19844


On another note, hopefully the XVIIIc is not too far behind as well. Look forward to the Principe or the other version... I forget now, its getting late ... I just know I have a preorder on it :-)


Last edited by Chris Artman on Fri 13 Apr, 2012 12:37 am; edited 2 times in total
View user's profile Send private message
Ulli Martin




Location: Munich, Germany
Joined: 13 Jan 2008

Posts: 37

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 13 Apr, 2012 12:32 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Peter, thank you for your explanations. Perhaps my written words with "little disappointing" seem stronger than they actually are.
You're right - when waiting for something for years and having only rough information (images) in mind, the final result could be a (little) shock. However in case of the Dane it was a very positive shock for me - I liked the final one instantly much more than the concept draw. And I also had preordered the Dane, so perhaps I unconsciously hoped for another positive surprise in case of the Maximilian/Tyrolean ;-)
Nevertheless I will remake my comparisons in Photoshop to appease my first impression from yesterday and think about your words. It would be nice if you could post the final data and specifications. Thank you!

Patrick, of course you're right - but for me looking at swords, handling them and so on is a very emotional thing, even with concept drafts. It's hard for me to be rational like you described. But I will remember your words next time! Perhaps the preorder possibility is a little bit dangerous for people like me ;-)
By the way I'm very focused on the proportion of blade and grip length, much more on an aesthetically (and personal opinion) level. So I don't have much knowledge about proper sword handling characteristics when fighting with them.
View user's profile Send private message
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Fri 13 Apr, 2012 8:35 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I would be very interested in hearing from both Peter and Albion regarding the challenges present in the design and manufacture of a large sword such as this. Too many of the replicas we see of this type are quite heavy and ungainly. What are the challenges in designing a sword like this in regards to issues of handling and feel. Likewise, are there any issues that have to be overcome regarding the manufacture and heat treatment of a blade this long?

Those of us old enough to remember the old days will recall that most reproduction swords were horrible in both their mechanics and proportion. Makers, both production and custom, really knew nothing about swords and were primarily knife makers. Hence, reproduction swords tended to simply be overgrown knives and handled accordingly. I can see similar issues when going from a singled-handed sword, or a typical longsword up to a sword of this size. I'm curious to know if the design principles and manufaturing have to be approached from a different angle.

"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Fri 13 Apr, 2012 8:52 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Ulli Martin wrote:

Patrick, of course you're right - but for me looking at swords, handling them and so on is a very emotional thing, even with concept drafts. It's hard for me to be rational like you described. But I will remember your words next time! Perhaps the preorder possibility is a little bit dangerous for people like me ;-)
By the way I'm very focused on the proportion of blade and grip length, much more on an aesthetically (and personal opinion) level. So I don't have much knowledge about proper sword handling characteristics when fighting with them.


Well Ulli, consider this an opportunity to expand you horizons. Big Grin

I agree and freely admit it's hard to be totally rational when it comes to this subject. We all came to this hobby from an emotional place. I for one didn't gain a love of swords because I saw them as a math problem! However, my continued growth in this field has constantly shown me the value of keeping an open mind. I've learned and continue to learn so much because I've conditioned myself to ignore my own preconceptions.

"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Sean O Stevens




Location: Grovetown, GA
Joined: 22 Oct 2008

Posts: 208

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Fri 13 Apr, 2012 1:04 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

This sword has moved to the top of my Albion must have swords as well... along with the Mercenary, Yoeman, Kern and Gallowglass. I must have this beautiful sword.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Yahoo Messenger
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Tue 17 Apr, 2012 1:47 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I received a pick-up e-mail from FedEx this afternoon, so the wait begins........tic, toc, tic, toc. Big Grin
"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Bill Grandy
myArmoury Team


myArmoury Team

Location: Northern VA,USA
Joined: 25 Aug 2003
Reading list: 43 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 4,194

Feedback score: 100%
(1 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Tue 17 Apr, 2012 7:48 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Patrick Kelly wrote:
I received a pick-up e-mail from FedEx this afternoon, so the wait begins........tic, toc, tic, toc. Big Grin


Me too! I'm pretty psyched about this one. Happy I've never owned a sharp that was this big before. I own some training blunts that are this size (in particular the A&A Montante trainer), so I'm really looking forward to doing some test cutting with this guy!

HistoricalHandcrafts.com
-Inspired by History, Crafted by Hand


"For practice is better than artfulness. Your exercise can do well without artfulness, but artfulness is not much good without the exercise.” -anonymous 15th century fencing master, MS 3227a
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Patrick Kelly




Location: Wichita, Kansas
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Reading list: 42 books

Spotlight topics: 2
Posts: 5,739

Feedback score: 100%
(6 total ▮ 100% positive)
PostPosted: Tue 17 Apr, 2012 9:55 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Bill Grandy wrote:

Me too! I'm pretty psyched about this one. Happy I've never owned a sharp that was this big before. I own some training blunts that are this size (in particular the A&A Montante trainer), so I'm really looking forward to doing some test cutting with this guy!


The very first replica I ever owned was one this size, my mother bought it for me at an estate sale. It wasn't even close the the quality of an Albion but I was thrilled with it just the same. Swords like this are some of my favorites so I'm pretty psyched too. FedEx tells me it will be here Thursday and I'm glad I don't have any plans! I went with basic black for the grip, you?

"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
View user's profile Send private message AIM Address
Ed Toton




Location: Northern VA
Joined: 16 Sep 2005

Spotlight topics: 1
Posts: 462

Feedback score: None
PostPosted: Wed 18 Apr, 2012 11:40 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Bill Grandy wrote:
Patrick Kelly wrote:
I received a pick-up e-mail from FedEx this afternoon, so the wait begins........tic, toc, tic, toc. Big Grin


Me too! I'm pretty psyched about this one. Happy I've never owned a sharp that was this big before. I own some training blunts that are this size (in particular the A&A Montante trainer), so I'm really looking forward to doing some test cutting with this guy!


You'll have to bring it to class so I can put some grimy fingerprints all over it!

-Ed T. Toton III
ed.toton.org | ModernChivalry.org
My armor photos on facebook
View user's profile Send private message 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: Thu 19 Apr, 2012 8:44 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

This sword is now up with photos at Albions website HERE -

That grip is Very Blue.

It will be interesting to see how Albion Europe photographs it. Their pictures are usually terrific.
View user's profile Send private message


Display posts from previous:   
Forum Index > Makers and Manufacturers Talk > Maximilian Preview
Page 1 of 3 Reply to topic
Go to page 1, 2, 3  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