[Carl Croushore]

I was just looking over the Hanwei forge/CAS Iberia site. Has anyone purchased, or handled the Paul Chen "Godfred" Viking sword? It seems to be fairly nice for a production sword, and I was wondering at the quality of the blade and fittings (as they are supposedly pattern-welded steel).

Thanks!

[David Wilson]

The Godfred is a pretty nice looking piece, and it handles wonderfully -- the weight and balance are great. This is no wrist-breaker "barbarian" sword.

The blade is of questionable quality. It does appear to be pattern-welded, but it's exact composition is unknown. Earlier Godfreds had extremely poor tempers and would readily take a set. One owner broke his blade (accidently), and upon examination, it exhibited huge grain structures -- that indicates a blade that is too soft and too weak for much use.
I have heard mixed comments about some of the later Godfreds (with the full-length fuller). Some say the heat treatment is vastly improved. One I examined did take a set after being flexed a bit. So the jury is still out, it seems.

I could recommend it for a nice wall-hanger and costume piece, and for occasional light cutting only (soft objects -- pool noodles, light-to-moderate cardboard, etc).

[Carl Croushore]

I appreciate this insight. I had my suspicions, mainly due to the fact that they sell "replacement" pattern-welded blades for the sword.

-- Carl