[Justin Fores]

Has anyone done a good review of the Solingen yet? I've been eyeing the Solingen since it first went up on Albions site but I've never seen a review, or pictures by owners.

Anyone on here have one?

Thank you

Justin

[Patrick Kelly]

I've handled the prototype Solingen and found it to be a very fine sword. We do have a person who has volunteered to write a review in the future, possibly, maybe...........as those things go. If that doesn't happen I'll probably write one up at some point.

I didn't find the sword lacking in the handling or fit & finish department. It's a nice example of a high-medieval knightly sword. For whatever reason it doesn't appeal to me personally. It should since it's a general type that I usually like, but it doesn't. Such are the vagaries of personal taste. Never the less it's a fine sword and one that I highly recommend.

[Chad Arnow]

I handled Peter's prototype at the Atlanta show last year. It's a really fine sword.

I found it interesting to compare it to the Sovereign, since both are basically the same Oakeshott type (XIV). Okay , the Solingen rides the line between XII and XIV.... I give it the benefit of the doubt, since I like XIV's.

The Solingen is a finesse sword and is very agile. The Sovereign is more of a brute. Both would be highly effective weapons.

[Björn Hellqvist]

I've handled a prototype, and it felt like a really good sword. I cannot be more specific than that, but suffice to say, if Peter had offered me the prototype (with minor cosmetic issues and all), I would gladly accepted it.

[David Kite]

Lovely sword. I highly recommend it.

It's a little "heavier" than I had expected it to be (in terms of "dynamic balance") but bear in mind I am far from proficient with single-handed weapons and currently lack the strength. But I will soon, believe me. Right now I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can get some test cutting done!

The really odd part about this sword, and all swords from Albion for that matter, is that I don't understand how something that is supposedly hand-made could have such crisp perfect lines and be so well constructed! (jk)

There is one other peculiar thing about this sword, and I hope Peter can comment on this. When I perform the "waggle test" to find the point of rotation I find it to be farther back on the blade than I had expected, at right around the termination of the fuller. After reading ARMA's George Turner's "Sword Motions and Impacts" several times I am led to believe that cutting swords should rotate around their points.

Some points to bear in mind: George said his conclusions are TENTATIVE; the waggle test is reasonably inaccurate; not all cutting swords may have the rotation point at the tip; I could be performing the test incorrectly; I may have interpreted the essay incorrectly. The latter two are probably the most likely, however for the rest of my swords (Lutel longsword, A&A Durer Bastard) the rotation point is about at the tip of the blade. Though again bear in mind those are both longswords, which the Solingen is not.

Otherwise it is a fantastic blade. Very fast and responsive once you get the hang of it. I expect it to be the pinnacle of my collection for quite a while.

David Kite
ARMA in IN

[Alexi Goranov]

[David Kite]

Ah! Thanks, Alexi.

David Kite
ARMA in IN