Here is our newest sword in the Hank Reinhardt Collection.
A Viking sword found in the River Witham, 10th Century.Bbased from an original in the Book "Swords of the Viking Age" by Ian Pierce and Ewart Oakeshott.

Stats are as follows:
Blade length: 30 1/2"
Blade Width near hilt: 2 /12"
Blade Width near tip: 1 5/16"
Blade Thickness near hilt: 1/4"
Blade Thickness near tip: 3/32"
Handle/Hilt length: 6 3/4"
Grip Length: 3 7/8"
Overall: 37 1/4"
Balance Point: 4.25" Below Hilt
Weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.

http://www.imperialweapons.com/swords/Reinhardt/IP-702.html

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could you post some images of the original?

The hilt.

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For what its worth, I think that aestheticaly speaking, the Viking is head and shoulders above the Gen 2 Dordogne.

Clyde,
Thanks for sharing this. It's always good to see new products on the market. :)

For a reference, what is the intention of the weapons in this series in regards to historical accuracy?

Speaking purely on aesthetics (since I obviously haven't handled it), I think the general proportions look good. It isn't a perfect match of the original, but as a generic representation of the type, it is much better than many Viking swords in this price range.

Chad asks a very valid question, though. If the swords of this line are supposed to be exact reproductions, they aren't quite right. If they are supposed to be historically accurate, they are missing the mark. Perhaps the goal is focused more on handling or toughness (in which case I can't make any judgement at this stage). Clarification of this goal, though, would be very useful for potential buyers.

Clyde,
From what I can see in the pics, the blade tip is not a diamond cross-section. That's good. :) Is it hexagonal or is it a more proper flattened lenticular shape? I'm actually quite happy to not see a mid-rib in the tip section.

The pommel looks flat, like a 2D rendering of a 3D object. It lacks the subtleness and grace of the original. That said, it's not too bad for what people usually expect from this price range.

With a fuller ending under the guard and a blade a bit more wide at the base, I think the sword will be particularly good for the price.

I might buy it... would be my first gen 2.

Why is there a little steel band at the top of the grip? It would look better without it. Also, I think it would look nicer if the pommel were a little more curved on the bottom like the original.

I think that thinning the guard and adding more diamonds along with continuing the fuller under the guard are great improvements. I'm really looking forward to seeing the final version.

Not that I'm an expert or anything, but if I got to make only one comment, it would be that I would prefer to see the reverse arch in the pommel on the newly-man'd sword come closer to the original. Not only do i think it more attractive, I think it is more functional in allowing the hand to shift it's grip while holding the sword.

But I also have to say (echoing several other more note-worthy folks here) that for it's price range, it's still a very nice blade.

Hey, Clyde. That is a really nide piece. If I had not committed to Patrick Barta for one of his works of art, I would be snapping one up. But I have and I need to save my pennies.

Hello all!

Hi Clyde! :)

I personally like the looks of this one; I think it shows potential. Curve the cross and the underside of the pommel a bit more, and it may look more like the original. Like Chad's already pointed out, the point cross-section is a nice departure from many of the swords in this price range. And as others have mentioned, extend the fuller into the cross, and the blade will look very nice. I think you're improving the looks of each subsequent new piece, and that's a good thing!

Keep it up! :)

Stay safe!

Looks pretty good to me and any of the improvements suggested are subtle: Good ideas to improve the sword if you can modify the present prototype without increasing your costs too much or the final price you are aiming for.

Yes Clyde I think you are getting there and it's great that you are asking for input and applying the suggestions when possible.

But asking for feedback also takes some guts because you won't always hear what you wanted to hear or were expecting to hear. Its good to keep in mind that the first thing people will see or comment on are the thing they perceive rightly or wrongly as errors i.e. ask for possible improvements about any sword and you will get it.

Just mentioning the above because this sword gets a lot more right than wrong and those changes to the fuller and a more 3D feel in the volumes of the pommel will make this one very VERY attractive for the price.

Good material, design and strong construction doesn't seem to be a problem with your product though and is also something wanted from an affordable sword ( as mentioned on previous topic posts ): So just small improvements in aesthetics will have a large effect on the desirability of your product. ( at least for the part of the market that can tell the difference ).

Bottom line though is that the more I look at it the better it looks. :cool:

Oh, one thought might be some aging or darkening of the steel on guard and pommel would make the inlays stand out more ? Although this might be one of those home project things that some of us might like to do ourselves and another reason for buying. ;) :lol: