I've seen the few reviews myArmoury has on Jody Samson swords, but does anyone who owns the Seaward Sword have any feedback on it's functionality? I love Jody's designs and am considering purchasing one or more of his sword in the near future. How does their functionality compare to that of historical swords? I would think most of them would be too heavy for quicker strikes, but that is also a function of the distribution of the weight, not just the weight itself. Correct? Does anyone have any information on his swords, beyond what has already been reviewed?

Thanks in advance!

Tom

*bump*

Have you seen this thread?

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59989

I believe that there is currently one of these in the classifieds over at SFI as well. I did not chime in before, since I assume that you have already read the reviews that I wrote on the swords I have seen. However, just to reiterate although some of the Samson swords I have handled are what I would consider reasonably functional that is not really Mr. Samson's main focus in my opinion. Rather to him the sword is a vehicle by which he can share his art with the rest of the world.

I don't own any of Jody's swords, but I have owned a few of the balisong he's made over the years.

A lot of people just recognize Jody for his work on films, however he is likely one of the most influential and unsung folks in the knife industry, having literally developed the modern balisong with Les at Benchmade.

I have never had a better ground or balanced knife, than one by Jody.

When Jody does function, no one does it better...

Thanks for the information guys. I checked out the thread you pointed me to at the sword forum. That's about what I thought regarding the functionality. Jody is a master artisan, there's no doubt about that, but I guess when it comes to swords for function, you don't need to look much further than Angus Trim, eh?

Thanks, again.

Tom

I had never heard of Odinblades. Not sure how I missed 'em, though. Thanks for that info. I will definitely check them out. I really appreciate all of the information and opinions offerred. Much obliged.

I took a look at Odinblades.com. Impressive! However, I'm not sure you can really compare Atrims with Odins. Atrims are more much utilitarian and spartan in design and finish than Odins. Those swords at Odinblades are very, very nice swords. I get the feeling I would be truly upset if I put a nick or a ding in one of them!

Getting back to the original question: I've handled one of Jodys Seaward swords, as well as many other examples of his work. I would say that none of those I've handled sacrificed functionality for artistic expression to any great degree. I do think Russ' comment is spot-on regarding Jodys philosophy. On the other hand, I've handled probably in excess of 40 examples of his work and I've yet to see one that couldn't be used as a sword is intended to be. Jody is very inventive in his use of hollow grinding as a way to provide blade geometry and mass distribution. Some of his design aspects run contrary to commonly held views on sword design yet they still work quite well. If I had enough disposable income I'd own several examples of his work.

I appreciate the comments, Patrick. Glad you've had a chance to handle quite a few of Samson's work and were able to make observations based on first hand experience. That cleared up much for me.

As for the disposable income, well, I'm just gonna have to save up a bit to get one!

Thanks, again!

Check the website on a regular basis. Every few months they hold a sale. Usually you can save yourself a couple of hundred dollars if you're willing to be patient and wait for a sale. The downside is the piece your eyeing might get sold to someone who's less patient than you.