I just bought a pre-owned Generation 2 from Kult of Athena that I may do a little upgrading of the handle on and maybe some light patination on.

This sword model pre-owned at $164.95: http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...rman+Sword

I also recently purchased a pre-owned " Beowulf " helm that was on sale and before that a pre-owned Cinquedea.

Well, the point of my post is that these are great bargains and Ryan at KoA gives extremely honest and complete descriptions of any flaws, scuff marks or other issues that might be visible on a second hand piece: So if someone sees something they like on the pre-owned page they can believe that they are getting a full and complete and accurate description of the piece.

Many of the flaws that Ryan mentioned on the pieces I purchased where at times barely noticeable, so if anything he over reports on anything he sees as flaws or wear rather than under reporting.

Oh, and the sword I ordered yesterday I have already received the tracking number and it has already been shipped. :D :cool:

I am making a special point in giving praise to one of the best vendors I have ordered from in speed and quality customer service.

Jean:

I've been curious about those previously owned pieces. Thanks for your helpful comments about them.
And indeed, I would say the G2 could use a re-wrap. :-)

Jon

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I'm very happy to see your post, Jean; it echoes my experience. Just like you said, a class act.

In fact, seeing what you wrote made me think to check the new items section there at KoA and I found a beautiful pre-owned Hoplite spear to add to my collection. Thanks for the heads-up, I'd probably have missed that if you hadn't jogged my memory!

The degree of KOA's quality control goes way above and beyond. I have nothing but respect for them. I just received a new Hanwei Claymore, and it was flawless. Hand selected, looked at, handled, and culled if necessary. Nuthin' but luv, y'all......McM

And........yes.......Ryan is THE MAN! Way honest fellow, as well as everyone else there!...........McM

I have bought from KOA for a few years now and Ryan is a good guy.

I recently picked up the Windlass Transitional Viking Sword from their pre-owned selection. I had a pretty beat up one I bought used a few years ago and passed it on as it was beyond my means to repair.

I've had very good experiences with KoA as well, and never hesitate to check out
their link through myArmoury on a regular basis to see what's what ...

I think offering pre-owned items is a pretty intelligent business decision as many
of us collectors look and own swords as we might pieces of art, and those who use
their weapons likely take impeccable care of them ... So what you might get is that
great oldee-but-goodee deal that's only been driven back and forth from church,
maybe to the bank or taxidermist each month, and then lovingly cleaned, waxed,
and polished while being kept in the garage ...

Obviously I could email KoA and ask what they do to acquire pre-owned items ...
do they pay $$$ ? would they do a trade ? or is it just a credit-toward-purchase
arrangement ?

Does anyone know ? or care to share their experience ...

Thank you, Jean and William......my sentiments exactly. As far as I'm concerned, KOA is the best in the business. I have the honor of working with a couple of fine young fellows who are just now entering the arms and armour field, and they are both very impressed by KOA. As a matter of fact, just yesterday evening, one of them said: (quote) " My God.....They have EVERYTHING!" I replied to him---"Well, maybe not everything, but a whole lot!" I'm totally with you, Jean. Any younger person I find with a remote interest in our field, I refer to KOA. ( And ..no...I do not work for, or have been paid by KOA. :lol: )........I just know a good company when I see it!...........McM

i had been talking over a purchase with KoA for a while now. I'm hesitating just because that's the way i am.

even with all my annoying questions they have gotten back to me within a day with an answer, discussed other options, and truly show they have a knowledge of the items they are working with. Honestly, i don't think I've ever seen a negative discussion on KoA within this forum.

i looked over their pre -owned page and saw a lot of opportunity for what someone like myself does, rebuild, a DIY project or two.

I've done business with KOA a number of times, and it's always worked out well. In fact, they have a shipment coming my way right now - a sword and a number of leather pieces, including a used (I prefer that term over pre-owned) sword belt.

Whomever KOA has for a shipping/boxing/wrapping person needs to be commended also. My claymore came in a box within a box, pommel in a box, and point in a box with a plastic tip protector and plastic blade sleeve full of oil. If my sword were to have been damaged(doubtful) it would have been the fault of a reeeeally pissed-off UPS driver. Yup....They're the bomb........ :D .........McM

http://www.kultofathena.com/pre-owned.asp

Might as well have the list up :)

Cheers

GC

I've been making many purchases from KOA along the years and they've been good all the time. Great shop!

Indeed, I've received nothing but excellent customer service and good quality, well packaged items from KoA. Ryan and staff do a great job.

I've bought two swords from KoA. The second was a used Albion Laird and I couldn't be more happy with the service provided. I think it shipped in under 2 business days and it was, in my opinion, in better condition than advertised and a fine bargain.

Except for my slowly growing enthusiasm for antiques, KOA is the place I turn to when I've got the itch for new swords. Excellent customer service, fast shipping. I even e-mailed Ryan and asked if, should I have trouble deciding between two swords, I ordered both of them with the explicit plan of returning one of them, and if there would be any restocking fee. "No objections, no restocking fee," is what he e-mailed me back.

I also truly appreciate the deeper technical description KOA provides: not merely blade length, oal length and weight, but point of balance, two measures of blade thickness, hilt construction (peened or screw on pommel) and a hazard as to the sword's "bottle readiness."