The Sword Magazine Online featured at least two later period swords (late 1400's to early 1500's). In the article on the Vasteras sword at this link, they claimed that Peter had handled one of them. http://swordforum.com/swords/historical/vasteras.html

The blade length (34"), handle lengths (approaching 10"), and weight (between 3 and 4 lbs). The judgement of handling was that these were useable both one and two handed, and good for thrusting into armor weak areas as well as cutting. This is reasonably consistent with the idea of a full two handed grip war sword. I would not go so far as to call this type of sword "non-existant" or swiss chesse, just less commonly relegated to being a well preserved wall hanger....

Jared Smith

Hi,

I'm really in something of a hurry at the moment, so please forgive any possible typos and the briefness of this message.

The idea of longer hilts on longswords isn't that far-fetched, really - there are surviving antiques with rather long grips (saw one in person just a bit ago, actually...), and at least Filippo Vadi recommended a hilt the length of the wielder's forearm. Swords with such hilts may not have been quite as common as ones with slightly shorter hilts, but calling them ahistorical isn't quite correct, either.

Best wishes
Rabbe

Just heard from Albion that the prototype of the NG Crecy made it into the box going to Atlanta. Although the finish details are probably not the usual standard (it IS a prototype after all....) the size and handling should give folks an idea of what to expect from this new and improved version.

That's pretty good news - I've been wanting to check this piece out in person.

I was on the phone with Mike when Eric handed it to him for the first time. The surprised "Holy Crap! Eric just handed me the Crecy!" was definitely enough to pique my interest. That "swelling" still hasn't gone down - the only cure will have to be to see it for myself... :D

Given the level of interest in this sword, I thought people might like to know a little more. I had the good fortune to play with this piece in Atlanta. I was quite pleased with how it felt, both immediately upon picking it up and with it in full strength and speed motion. No cutting, but I did get a decent feel for static, dynamic, and aesthetic properties.

My opinion is, it's quite a nice piece. It's definitely on my "need it" list - towards the top, actually, probably in the next couple of acquisitions. There were a few ordered during the show.

I know I snagged a couple of pics, and the other guys probably did, too. They'll be up soon.

I have one on the way now. :)

Me ordering the Crecy was one of the least-suprising moments of the Bladeshow. Mike and Harlan knew it; Nathan and Aaron knew it. They saw how I couldn't put it down. I didn't have a chance. :)