[Thomas Hoogendam]

Alas, no pictures. I had to pick up the car from the shop after work, unpacked the sword, had dinner, shower and a shave, a quick forum run, then some coffee and then to bed, early start tomorrow.

However, I did ofcourse took some time to get to know the teastrainer. This is my first baskethilt, and I have a Eljay hilt on order, but I've really been bitten by the basket-bug.

Some quick comments. As expected, the basket is slightly larger then the average original baskethilt, but I knew this before buying. Armourclass is geared toward re-enactment, and I've been told that since a lot of people in re-enactment wear gloves as a protection, the hilts are larger then average. If this is really the reason, I do not know. However, it doesn't really bother me, since it doesn't make the sword cumbersome or difficult to handle.
In fact, the sword handles very nice. I was expecting a lot more heft to it, but after a bit of dry-handling, I found the sword to be very pleasent in the hand. I've not yet had the change to cut with it, and probably won't have a change for at least a week, I'm looking forward to cutting a few bottles.

The blade is a bit more 'wobbly' then I'm used to. But again, I was told this is normal for Armourclass blades, and some people have claimed it makes cutting a bit easier. Again, since I haven't cut with it yet, I couldn't tell.

I opted for a satin finish on the basket, which is easier to maintain, and I just don't care for mirror polished fittings. I also opted a for a leather liner, as can be seen in the picture on this page, lower left corner: http://www.armourclass.com/Data/Pages/Scottish_5.htm

Further pictures, and very nice and extensive review by Chad Arnow can be found here.

I hope to post some pictures and a better review after the weekend, time permitting.

As a quick note, I'd really like to thank Chad Arnow for helping me decide on what Armourclass sword to buy, his thoughts and input on the Cup And Ring hilt really helped. Thanks Chad.

[William Goodwin]

Congrats to you Thomas on your new aquitition. I'm sure you'll be quite chuffed with the Armour Class piece. (I do love mine)
And do post pics when your able.

Cheers,
Bill

[Thomas McDonald]

Congratulations, Thomas !

I do believe that basket-hilt is my favorite one, given AC's current catalogue choices !

Did you get it with a half-liner, or a full one ?

Enjoy 'er, laddie ! Cheers, Mac

[Patrick Kelly]

Congrats Thomas!

I owned one of AC's baskethilts for awhile. I think they're the best production swords of that kind.

[Thomas Hoogendam]

[Thomas Hoogendam]

Bill: I really do like it very much. Quite attractive, for a affordable price. Armourclass has great service too, which is something that I always look for when I'm 'swordshopping'.

Patrick: Something inside me is really telling me to get a MRL or Hanwei baskethilt to compare it with, and then be able to compare those two to a Eljay Proto-Mortuary hilt coming somewhere in november probably. However, it probably wouldn't be a fair comparison.

[Henrik Bjoern Boegh]

Congratulations Thomas!
I have an AC early basket hilt and I'm very pleased with it. But mine is fitted with a reenactment backsword blade, so I have no cutting experience. It's far better balanced than the Paul Chen/Hanwei backsword!

I am thinking of aquiring another basket hilt from AC with a sharp broadsword blade, but it takes time to make the money

Cheers,
Henrik

[Chad Arnow]

[Steve Grisetti]

Congratulations, Thomas. I look forward to some pictures of your new 'precious'.

[Thomas Hoogendam]