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Rob Roberson
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 Posted: Mon 28 Nov, 2016 6:31 pm Post subject: Looking for a good longsword |
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Hi, I've been looking around to buy my first sword and so I thought I'd ask for some advice from some of the experienced people on this forum.
For my sword I'm looking for a longsword from the early medieval period, somewhere around the 12th-14th century, something that the crusader and Templar knights would have used. I'd like something that is somewhat optimised for cutting, I believe a Type XIIIa is what I'm looking for.
I saw Darksword armouries had what I'm looking for in their Templar Swords model #1339 and #1340, however I've read bad things about DSA, like they are too heavy, not a good cutting surface etc. However as of yet I've been unable to find a good similar model other producers so that's where I'm looking for suggestions.
My price range of around $400-$1000, I want something that is somewhat historically accurate, reasonable handling, good quality and durable construction that I can use to cut things up with and practice my swings. I don't want something I would be deathly afraid to damage because it cost more than a lot of cars.
Thanks.
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Scott Kowalski
Location: Oak Lawn, IL USA Joined: 24 Nov 2006
Posts: 818
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| Posted: Mon 28 Nov, 2016 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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While I do not own this particular sword may I suggest this sword. You would have to stretch your budget but it is considered a XIIIa and fits your time frame.
http://arms-n-armor.com/sword089.html
Chris Landwehr 10/10/49-1/1/09 My Mom
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Houston P.
Location: United States Joined: 20 Apr 2015
Posts: 83
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| Posted: Mon 28 Nov, 2016 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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While not a XIIIa, the Albion Squire Line Late 13th Century Greatsword otherwise fits your description, as well as your price range: http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...rd-MII.htm You would have to pay extra for the sharpening though, which does have a secondary bevel.
...and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)
Last edited by Houston P. on Mon 28 Nov, 2016 7:22 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Rob Roberson
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| Posted: Mon 28 Nov, 2016 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Scott Kowalski wrote: | While I do not own this particular sword may I suggest this sword. You would have to stretch your budget but it is considered a XIIIa and fits your time frame.
http://arms-n-armor.com/sword089.html |
Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like a good sword. It is a bit of a stretch of my budget though, considering I live in Australia I have to deal with unfavourable conversion rates, large shipping fees, 10% GST on items over $1000 and I also have to pay extra for the scabbard. I'll keep it in mind and consider increasing my budget depending on what other options come up.
| Houston P. wrote: | | While not a XIIIa, the Albion Squire Line Late 13th Century Greatsword otherwise fits your description, as well as your price range: http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...rd-MII.htm You would have to pay extra for the sharpening though, which does have a secondary bevel. |
Thanks for the suggestion, indeed that's what I'm looking for and it seems like a very nice weapon. I know Albion has a reputation for being expensive but the price seems very reasonable. I may have just found my sword.
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Roger Hooper
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Rob Roberson
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| Posted: Mon 28 Nov, 2016 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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This sword from Valiant Armoury looks good, and it comes with it's own scabbard which is important to me. But it is almost a pound lighter than similar swords, I thought that a bit odd. I don't want a sword that is too light.
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K. Robert
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Mark Moore
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 6:09 am Post subject: |
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Have you looked at the Windlass Battlecry line? I don't have one, but their Agincourt model looks pretty good, and from all the reviews I've read, they are tough as heck. Not a lot of money there, and you can thrash away without too much worry. I'm sure you can get one 'down under'.  Just a thought. .........McM
''Life is like a box of chocolates...'' --- F. Gump
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Rob Roberson
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 7:36 am Post subject: |
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| Mark Moore wrote: | | Have you looked at the Windlass Battlecry line? I don't have one, but their Agincourt model looks pretty good, and from all the reviews I've read, they are tough as heck. Not a lot of money there, and you can thrash away without too much worry. I'm sure you can get one 'down under'. Just a thought. .........McM |
Thanks for the suggestion. They look like sturdy swords, but Agincourt looks a bit smaller than what I want. I'm thinking something around 45 inches or more.
| K. Robert wrote: | | https://sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/49533/sale-albion-duke this might interest you DISCLAIMER: That is not me or anybody I know, would get it myself if nto for the fact it's in the damn USA |
I'm considering that model, unfortunately I don't live in the USA either.
I'm eering on the side of saving up some money and buying one of these high end models. I've decided I want something that's a bit more historical, and isn't a training weapon with a double beveled edge. I guess I can live with not using the sword as a makeshift firewood cutter if I misplace my axe. I'm considering the Albion Duke and Steward and well as the Arms and Armour one. Well If I want one of these swords AND a scabbard AND actually shipped to me at least I'll have some time to consider which one to get at least
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Mark Moore
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 8:25 am Post subject: |
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The Duke is a pretty awesome sword. I don't have one, but have handled one. Unfortunately, I'm not really on an Albion budget so I settled for a H/T GSOW. Very good for me---after a little work on the grip and edge.  ..........McM
''Life is like a box of chocolates...'' --- F. Gump
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K. Robert
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 9:21 am Post subject: |
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Well, better to save up IMO, you will probably end up selling the cheaper stuff to buy better quality swords in the end anyway. And since you are located in Australia there was was a guy selling a Svante in there. I'ts way more in terms of price, but you save up on shipping, which considering you are overseas can get quite costly. And it's an almost-exact replica of an original sword. Costs a lot of monnies tho even with the greatly reduced price.
https://sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/49292/sale-albion-svante-australia -the selling thread
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Sean Flynt
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Kuo Xie
Location: Chicago, IL Joined: 29 Feb 2012
Posts: 76
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 10:12 am Post subject: |
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| Rob Roberson wrote: | | This sword from Valiant Armoury looks good, and it comes with it's own scabbard which is important to me. But it is almost a pound lighter than similar swords, I thought that a bit odd. I don't want a sword that is too light. |
Hello, I have a 14th century longsword from Valiant which I reviewed in this thread:
http://myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=31916&highlight=
Sonny at Valiant was courteous, professional, and stuck to our agreed deadlines. He was happy to customize my order and was a real pleasure to do business with. I consider Valiant swords to be the best intersection of price/quality out there today.
I'm mostly happy with the sword but there are a few negatives: the peen is sloppily finished, and the weight as you mentioned is a bit light. Not ahistorically so, but on the lighter side for this type of weapon. I would not let these two drawbacks prevent me from buying Valiant again; if I was looking for another sword they would be at the top of my list.
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Houston P.
Location: United States Joined: 20 Apr 2015
Posts: 83
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 2:03 pm Post subject: |
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If you're thinking about going for a higher end piece, you may consider ordering from Manning Imperial. They are an Australian company, and I've heard allot of good things about them. http://www.manningimperial.com/catalogue/swords/longswords/53
...and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)
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Greg Ballantyne
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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Generally speaking, your inclination to save for a higher quality entry point is a good one. For my first sword I went for the DSA, and was disappointed.
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Mark Moore
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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Manning truly does have some spectacular weapons and armor, but their prices are  ...............McM
''Life is like a box of chocolates...'' --- F. Gump
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Tim Harris
Industry Professional
Location: Melbourne, Australia Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 168
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Rob Roberson wrote: | | This sword from Valiant Armoury looks good, and it comes with it's own scabbard which is important to me. But it is almost a pound lighter than similar swords, I thought that a bit odd. I don't want a sword that is too light. |
I wouldn't put that weight outside the workable range Rob. I use one of my own of similar weight for HEMA fighting, and it's not short of blade presence.
I'd second the suggestion of Manning Imperial for high-end quality and historical accuracy.
https://www.facebook.com/TimHarrisSwords
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Sam Barris
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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If an Albion or A&A (or something of similar quality) is at all within your budget, I recommend spending the money. When I was younger, I picked up a few cheap ones just to have a sword and found them strangely unsatisfying. The hand knows a fine weapon when it holds one.
Pax,
Sam Barris
"Any nation that draws too great a distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards, and its fighting done by fools." —Thucydides
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Ed W.
Location: New Zealand Joined: 27 Mar 2016
Posts: 42
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| Posted: Tue 29 Nov, 2016 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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I have two swords from Manning Imperial. Love them both. Pricing is very reasonable for the quality.
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J.D. Crawford
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| Posted: Wed 30 Nov, 2016 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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I haven't owned them personally but you might consider the Lockwood XIIa or XIIIa: http://www.lockwood-swords.com/index.php?rout...mp;path=33
He also works with Valiant. His own line appears to be more refined but is still in your price range. They are also at Kult of Athena.
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