seeking recommendations for a first sword or falchion -- myArmoury.com

Eric Vanderhoof

I've had an interest in swords and other medieval weaponry for a long time, but i've been reluctant to purchase one after seeing some of the poor quality pieces my friends have purchased. i'm very interested in finding some manufacturers with a known reputation for quality (every website claims their blades are the "highest quality") weapons. A medieval style long sword or preferably a falchion is what i'm looking for. i'm not that concerned with historical accuracy or overall finish. I do want something functional (preferably sharp) with a well made hilt that doesn't break in half the first time you swing it and a blade that will hold up to some med to heavy cutting (rice mats with wooden dowels). I would like to keep it with in the $500-750 range although cheeper recommendations would be nice as well.

James Barker · Posted: Thu 21 Dec, 2006 12:47 pm Post subject:

Armour class makes a damn fine 15th century falchion, a guy in Lord Grey's has a sharp:

http://www.armourclass.com/ http://www.armourclass.com/Data/Pages/Medieval_5.htm

Lutel has a nice looking 14th century falchion, they have a good reputation. It is listed under knives:

http://www.lutel.cz/ http://www.lutel.cz/image.php?id=11008&s=...=11008.jpg

Tod's Stuff has made some in the past:

http://www.todsstuff.co.uk/

Sean Flynt · Posted: Thu 21 Dec, 2006 1:09 pm Post subject:

Check the "Reviews" section of this site. You'll find plenty of information to help you decide.

Bob Burns · Posted: Mon 25 Dec, 2006 12:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Eric and Welcome! If your especially interested in a "Falchion", although it is beyond your mentioned price range of $500.00 to $750.00.

Remember, in most cases and certainly in this one, you get what you pay for! I would highly recommend the Albion Vassal, of which I do have this sword and you can find my postings on this sword in the Makers and Manufacterers category.
Here is a link to the Vassal, although it is $1,000.00. As an owner of this magnificent sword, I think it's worth every dime!

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/ne...lchion.htm

Hope this helps.

Bob

Craig Peters · Posted: Tue 26 Dec, 2006 3:02 am Post subject:

M. Eversberg II · Posted: Tue 26 Dec, 2006 4:00 am Post subject:

At the high end of your cost, the Albion Knight is 750, is high quality, and fully functional cutting sword. It is however, a one hander, not a langswert.

M.

Max von Bargen · Posted: Tue 26 Dec, 2006 10:27 am Post subject:

Albion Armourers (www.albion-swords.com) and Arms & Armor (www.arms-n-armor.com) both make excellent longswords that are in your price range. If you want a good sturdy falchion that's up to the standards of these companies, though, you are going to have to pay $1000+. However, I think that either the Albion Vassal or the A & A Medici Falchion would probably be among the best you can find. Starting off with the best is a good way to go! I would either simply pay the $1000 for the Vassal if I really wanted a falchion or get a good longsword like the Albion Talhoffer or Agincourt if I really had to stay within the price limitation.

Welcome to myArmoury, and good luck with your first acquisition!
Max

Nicholas Zeman · Posted: Fri 29 Dec, 2006 12:01 pm Post subject:

I would also add Angus Trim's wares to this list, he makes excellent functional weapons that are within your price range and are extremely durable as well as attractive. The hilt construction is not as historically accurate as Albion, but that does not diminish their quality. You can check out his wares at http://www.angustrimswords.net/ . I have owned 3 swords from him at one time or another and they were all superbly functional, durable, and attractive. I know his longswords are excellent, and I have heard good thing about his Falchion model, I had a chance to check one out at 4W in Seattle last year and it was very nice!

Bob Burns · Posted: Sat 30 Dec, 2006 9:53 pm Post subject:

I whole heartedly agree with Max, if either of these Falchions are just too expensive for some reason, but either one of them really are very much worth every dime the stated price Exclamation

As stated, I do own the Vassal and the first time I laid eyes on the concept art, before it was ever produced, I went completely TILT with "Pleasure Sensory Overload"! I've had this sword for over 3 months now, the day I went and picked it up at www.kultofathena.com I was stunned that the Vassal was even Better than I expected with all the "PSO", now going on 4 months of ownership I still continue to "Grow In My Appreciation of this Very Exceptional Sword" Exclamation

I have never handled the Arms & Armor Medici Falchion, however, I am at present waiting for Sword Number 9 from Arms & Armor, in addition to the 4 daggers and 7 or so polearms I have bought from Arms & Armor. Which brings up a couple of longswords in addition to Albion's fantastic "Agincourt and Talhoffer Swords" Exclamation

I have the Arms & Armor Durer Bastard Sword and English Longsword, in the range of light and fast longswords, both of which are very quick swords. If you want a powerful beast type longsword, I have the German Bastard Sword and the Claymore by Arms & Armor as well and these too are quite awesome!
But you really sound excited about a falchion, and I just gotta highly suggest to save a bit more money and get the Albion "Vassal", you will be so very glad that you did Exclamation

I mean you will be Elated Exclamation

Maybe this will convey something? Although I am a collector who has no intentions of ever selling or trading any acquisitions, if I were to, the Vassal would be one of those that would never ever be sold for any reason whatsoever Exclamation

Sincerely,

Bob

(here is the link for the Medici Falchion by Arms & Armor which I forgot to list http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sword158.html