[Matthew G.M. Korenkiewicz]

Hi all, some time ago I sold off an Albion Duke Broadsword to -- as
usual -- help fund other projects. Like many I'm sure, I've done this
more than a few times with other swords and came to realize that
some of those swords I kinda regretted letting go. The Duke was
one of those I made a silent vow to myself to try and replace ... its
blunt, powerful, no-nonsense presence always agreed with my
own sensibilities, as it were.

So, here I am again with another Duke to show off to my fellow
enthusiasts and collectors. I have to say this obviously speaks
very well of Albion's quality and standards, not to mention their
service. B-)

[Gary Grzybek]

I regret selling a few swords but whatever replaced them usually made me feel better

I had the Duke at my Round Table last year and it was a big hit. That sword really suprised me in how nice it handled. For a big chopper it's suprisingly manageable. One of the best cutters there I'd say.

[Kenton Spaulding]

Hey Mathew,

Glad to hear you were able to replace your Duke. So tell me, did you go for the exact same look (by that I mean same grip color) or did you try something a little bit different? I've gotta say, the Duke is awfully apealing. I'm trying to decide between a big two hander (Baron, Duke or maybe Crecy) or a sweet handling single hander (laird, caithness, knight, sheriff) for my next Albion (have a Gaddhjalt on order, so I won't be looking for another brutish single hander for a while). I'm glad you were fortunate enough to get back the sword you missed. Thats really cool.

Congrats,

Kenton

[Chad Arnow]

[Kenton Spaulding]

Chad,

Ya, I know what your saying. These three swords appeal to me in different ways. The Baron is probably my favorite astatically, at least in the hilt. The Duke's massive blade with so little profile taper is just awesome. The XIIIa is definitely one of the "manliest" types of sword. The Crecy, as you said, seems very versatile. I wasn't big on quickly tapering blades originally, but they are growing on me. The reason I chose the gaddhjalt for my first sword was versatility. I can see the Gaddhjalt fitting in fine anywhere from the late Viking age throughout the Crusades.

Thanks for the input,

Kenton

p.s. sorry to have diverted the topic, Congrats again Matthew

[Matthew G.M. Korenkiewicz]

Thankyou all for the kind words and discussion. Actually, the
old Duke I once owned had a magenta grip color, while the
new Duke has a red grip.

I also own a Baron, and the swords couldn't be more different
in their character and presence. The Duke appears to be all
about battering-ram style power with that formidable blade,
wide hilt, roomy grip, and huge bash-something-in-with-me
pommel. Then you take it in your hands and there is very real
versatility there.

The Baron's somewhat sleeker look belies the exact thing The
Duke boasts of out-loud. A more tapered but equally impressive
blade presence. A slightly thicker maybe a tad bit better shaped
grip. A little bit more decorative pommel, but with that same skull
cruncher attitude.

At one time I even owned a first generation Crecy; I'm sure the
second generation of the sword is different. But what I remember
was a quick-feeling spike of a sword with an all-around pleasing
presence and character.

[Bob Burns]

The "Duke" is definitely one of the Albions that catches my eye. I won't be one of those buying a sword twice as each and every sword or other medieval type weapon I have bought is here to stay. I has in a post as to why anyone would want to sell any swords out of their collection and received many replies which made sense.
It's my own personal decision pertaining to "my" collection, that's all, nothing more, I guess it's quite possible that someday I am going to need a separate room for my collection.

Happy for you that you got yourself another Duke!


Bob

[Matthew G.M. Korenkiewicz]

Thanks for your kind thoughts, Bob , and congrats to you on your AA Durer !
Here's a pic of my Albion Baron, with its custom Christian Fletcher scabbard,
for those who may like to see a comparison between it and The Duke ...

The two main reasons why I'll end up parting with an item : 1. An exciting
sword project will take flight, and selling something helps with the funding.
And, 2. I'm a man with limitted space ( helluva thing, I know ! ).

Even so, I've my mind set on eventually landing an Albion Regent, maybe a
Viceroy, too. This of course can change in an instant if and when I decide to
send my Albion Squire or Project Sword to Christian Fletcher for scabbarding.
Currently I've a Dynasty Forge Japanese style blade off for a re-wrap / fittings
snug down with a friend of mine. He'll be changing the plain black handle-wrap
to a niftier brown-silk, should give the package a lil more eye-appeal ...

[Kenton Spaulding]

Good stuff, Matthew. Must be a ton of fun playing with those two big boy's back to back. Good luck with the Regent and Viceroy

Bob, I understand your perspective. I have a Windlass Viking sword that I got over the summer, before the days that I even imagined affording an Albion (soon I will have my Gaddhjalt in hand!!!). I've toyed with selling my Windlass to go after another higher quality piece, but I just don't know. I find the Windlass to be a tight, durable sword, which is also quite attractive. Difficult to let go at this point. Perhaps my opinion will change after handling a better quality sword. There are a bunch of Next Gens that I really have my eyes on. By the way, Congrats on the Durer.

Kenton

[Matthew G.M. Korenkiewicz]

[Don Stanko]

Matthew, I completely understand how you feel. I too have felt the sting of sellers remorse. I have bought and sold many swords and I must say I can think of many situations where I felt regret for not purchasing a particular sword. But to the best of my knowledge I have never felt disappointment from any of my purchases. Of course, the exception being a change of taste, I know many of us have seen our collections evolve and I have seen myself branch out many times.