[Richard Fay]

Hello all!

I was wondering if anyone has any feedback regarding the handling and construction of the MRL Sword of Auray. It seems nice enough from the photos, and it kind of looks like the sword that it's possibly based on. It actually sounds interesting with it's hollow-ground blade. Does anyone have any information regarding handling and fit and finish?

Now, let's not let this turn into a discussion about how MRL aren't comparable to Angus Trim, Arms & Armour, Albion, and so on. I am aware of this, but I will be lucky to scrape just together enough to purchase the Auray (about $150 at the Kult of Athena). No, I won't be able to up my "price point" to a "better" product (there are too many other things that needed to be purchased or paid for that were much higher priorities). It's also not fiscally possible for me to "save up" until I could reach that "price point", the extra money just isn't there for that. This is a one-time availability of a little (and I mean "a little") extra money. I just wanted to let everyone know this, so we don't get distracted into another lower-end sword discussion.

The Sword of Tiberias is another possible contender, but the Auray might be a little more like the historical sword type it is supposed to represent. However, the mark-down price of the Tiberias is really tempting.

Any help regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any and all input on this matter.

By the way, here's a thread where Nathan posted a photo of the possible inspiration for the MRL Auray:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...p;start=22

Stay safe!

[Patrick Kelly]

A&A used to make a sword very similar to this one (relax Richard, I'm not comparing). I loved the design of that one, but alas, I was very poor at the time and they dropped the design before I could ever afford swords at that level. I was pleased to see Windlass make a similar sword and I'd like to see some feedback on it myself. Nice design.

Richard,

If you can afford it why not get it? You can always utilize MRLs nice return policy if it isn't satisfactory.

Edit: I just noticed you mentioned purchasing from Kult of Athena not MRL. I've done business with Ryan at KofA and he's always been agreeable to returns as well.

[Chad Arnow]

I know absolutely nothing about that sword. Except that I'm curious about it. While I'm sure they didn't take the time/money to get the hollow-grind completely correct (from what I've read, the hollow grind often stops short of the edge, leaving a more robust edge), it's a nice-looking budget offering.

Like some of their other offering in the last few years, they seem to be trying to pack features into the price point. This one has the hollow-grind, the shaped grip, and those brass ferrules have a decent shape to them as well. For $150, it looks to be a bargain.

If you get it, please consider a full review (not a forum post) so everyone can best benefit from your experience.

[Nathan Robinson]

I like the sword. It's likely worth the price. The one thing that I don't care for at all is the bare wood grip. To me, that's a deal breaker in a sword. Having said that, it would make for a wonderful opportunity to add a grip cover to the piece. Many Windlass offerings are wonderful canvases for projects such at this.

[Chad Arnow]

The grip on the original sword is currently bare, but without more info it's hard to know what it had originally. For me, it wouldn't be a deal-killer considering the other features (and low price) the sword has; but that's entirely a personal preference thing. Plus, as you say, a piece of leather an a little time can fix that right up.

Richard,
I say you buy it (isn't it easy to spend other people's money? )

[Richard Fay]

[Richard Fay]

[Richard Fay]

[Patrick Kelly]

I think this one might be a prime candidate for some artificial aging, that way the wood grip wouldn't look so out of place (it does to me too).

One of the reasons hollow grinding got such a bad rap in replica swords is that it was improperly done for years and still is on many lower-end products. It's actually a cheap way to make a blade, by simply running the blade between two belt sanders to establish the cross-section. Unfortunately this does not establish the proper edge geometry that Chad has already mentioned. It typically results in a very thin and fragile sword edge, hence the bad rap. Better quality recreations are now using a hollow grind that creates a slight shoulder at the edge, thereby adding strength to the geometry, as seen in most originals of the type.

[Richard Fay]

[Chad Arnow]

[Sean Flynt]

I have a detailed closeup photo of the original's hilt, but the print is buried in a mountain of other prints. IIRC there are remnants of a leather wrap. I'd love to see somebody upgrade the Windlass version. It'd be a great Review and brief Workbench article. The ends of the cross need to be tapped over a bit to close them, as in the original. Otherwise, it looks great. I'd love to get my hands on one of these!

[Richard Fay]

[Nathan Robinson]

The Tiberias I handled briefly felt horrible in the hand. Maybe that seals the deal.

[Richard Fay]

[Nathan Robinson]

[Patrick Kelly]

We handled several examples from the Kingdom on Heaven Line at the ' 05 Blade Show. Every one of them left a lot to be desired in the handling department. In terms of mechanics and mass distribution they simply weren't very good. If the choice was mine I'd go with the Auray.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Go with the Auray.

It sound good and what compromises there are compared with the original are very acceptable for the price and a little home project work should make it very attractive in both financial and aesthetic sense.

As far as hollow grind: If there is no reinforced edge it's not really bad unless the two hollow ground bevels meet at an over thin edge. If they meet to form a reasonably thick edge before the grinding of a secondary bevel it should be fine even if less attractive than with the original.

If you have to sharpen it yourself or create the illusion of a sharp edge you could round that bevel to an appleseed appearance: Actually should be easier to do if you don't want anything more than a butterknife sharp edge.

A nice hand polished satin finish and a little restrained antiquing or aging of blade should blend any edge work into the main bevels nicely.

[Richard Fay]

[Steve Grisetti]

I think that the Auray is a very attractive sword, with a lot of potential, Richard. I, too, had been tempted by the Tiberias, with the closeout price down at $120. However, Nathan's report on its handling almost verges on 'scary'. So, thanks for that, Nathan!