Albion: General guidelines for choosing a sword?

The Government

The Government

Joined
Aug 21, 2009
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I am interested in purchasing a sword from Albion, but I have no experience handling "real" swords. The balance and feel is something I have never known.

What I am curious about is if there are general size and weight guidelines for matching a sword to a person, like a sizing chart?

I am 5'10" and 180 pounds. Does that limit the style, size, or shape of western sword that would be best suited for me? I don't want to end up with a sword that is beyond my realistic physical aspects.

I have no idea what style I want at the moment, and I keep going back and forth between one handed and two handed swords. Would the larger two handed swords be historically accurate or reasonable for someone standing at 5'10"?:confused: What about the one handed swords?

Will my dream of wielding The Dane come true? Will the Stark family reunite to take back the North? These answers, I do not know.:D

Thanks for the help! It is very appreciated.

-Max
 
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...you're well within the top size range of anyone who would've been using swords historically. Now, the question is, how much of the 180 is muscle? If you're reasonably strong for your size, you should have no problem. If you've got toothpick arms, time to start doing curls.
 
Thanks for posting that link.
Immensely helpful!

Been thinking lately I should get into another sword before I die. (Easier than after.)

Watched The Adventures Of Robin Hood again last night, and it never ceases to amaze me that after seeing that movie at least 30 times, Rasil Bathbone NEVER learns & STILL loses to Hairoil Flynn every damn time.
You'd think he'd either change his tactics after all these years, or move to France.
Been gettin' thoroughly whupped since 1938. :)

Anyway- the link to reviews is very useful in deciding on which Albion.
Much appreciated.

Now, gotta decide on which guns to sell to finance the project.....
Denis
 
Size is not necessarily measured equally with ability.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/sports/for-longsword-a-comeback-ages-in-the-making.html
[video=youtube;5zueF4Mu2uM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zueF4Mu2uM[/video]

That first sword often leads to another (and more). Spend some time thinking about what you want a sword to be. Either buy the one that speaks most loudly, itches the most and you find thinking about more than any others. Or, think about where you are going in the hobby.

Think about length if primarily planning on air practicing indoors (especially ceilings and walls). Know where that point is going at all times. Be aware that sharp swords will cut flesh.

If cool is weighting more than practicalities, take a second step back and run the list again.

Let us know and post pictures. I have no Albions but the few I have handled are pretty good.

Cheers

GC
 
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Thanks for all the replies!

Im looking forward to the fitness aspect for sure. I can always use more exersize.

I need to watch that Robin Hood again! Lol

As far as the type of sword, ya, I can see how easy it would be to start accumulating. I have a particular style I keep looking at that seems both practical and personally satisfying, but in some ways arent they all? :D

Im thinking two handed is where Im going for this first purchase, and Im toying with the idea of buying a blank one hand sword and making a handle. The Celtic blank looks like a good project. Ive been looking at Albion swords off and on for the last few years, and Im finally ready to take the plunge. Ill definitely take pictures.

If I found a place to learn and eventually spar, that would be really fun. Im reading the Book of Five Rings right now, and it is really cool. Ill have to find some translations of the various European sword fighting treatises.

Thanks again!
 
The Government said:
Thanks for all the replies!

Im looking forward to the fitness aspect for sure. I can always use more exersize.

I need to watch that Robin Hood again! Lol

As far as the type of sword, ya, I can see how easy it would be to start accumulating. I have a particular style I keep looking at that seems both practical and personally satisfying, but in some ways arent they all? :D

Im thinking two handed is where Im going for this first purchase, and Im toying with the idea of buying a blank one hand sword and making a handle. The Celtic blank looks like a good project. Ive been looking at Albion swords off and on for the last few years, and Im finally ready to take the plunge. Ill definitely take pictures.

If I found a place to learn and eventually spar, that would be really fun. Im reading the Book of Five Rings right now, and it is really cool. Ill have to find some translations of the various European sword fighting treatises.

Thanks again!
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If you mean Go Rin No Sho, I recommend Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings, by Kenji Tokitsu....who turns a critical eye on Musashi's life and writings, separating fact from fiction, and giving a clear picture of the man behind the myth.

Musashi's best-known work, The Book of Five Rings , provides timeless insight into the nature of conflict. Tokitsu translates and provides extensive commentary on that popular work, as well as three other short texts on strategy that were written before it, and a longer, later work entitled "The Way to Be Followed Alone." Tokitsu is a thoughtful and informed guide, putting the historical and philosophical aspects of the text into context, and illuminating the etymological nuances of particular Japanese words and phrases. As a modern martial artist and a scholar, Tokitsu provides a view of Musashi's life and ideas that is accessible and relevant to today's readers and martial arts students.

I found it to be much more useful than Cleary's translation alone. This book has no peer or similar type available in Japan or anywhere else. It is solely focused on taking the ambiguity of Musashi's words out, and putting them into the context of a martial artist.

You can read the Bible for the rest of your life, and it will be personal and relevant, but someone who is a biblical scholar can help sort out some of the confusing parts.

Right now I am working on a reading of the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls by Florentino Garcia Martinez.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Thanks for the recommendation! :thumbup::thumbup:

I'll definitely add ^that to the collection sooner or later. I went on an Amazon book frenzy last month. I have the Cleary translation, like you mentioned. I also picked up "The Unfettered Mind," which was fun read. (by Takuan Soho, and translated by William Scott Wilson)

Im kind of working my way through some classic political philosophy and history right now (Works from Plato up to the Founders of the US). I am about halfway through "The Republic," translated by Benjamin Jowett. A lot of history and a lot of swords.:D
 
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I cannot speak about particular Albions, but as far as choosing a sword, my own choices usually come down to a negotiation between historical interest and practicality, (not in the sense that a sword is practical as a tool, but in the sense that I am looking for a blade that I will be training to use).

My deepest historical interests are in early medieval Northern Europe, so I tend to look at blades from that time and culture. Training wise, however, there are far more people in my area that are studying longsword fighting in the style of Lichtenauer, which makes me look at the longer, two-handed blades more than I would if there were more people doing sword-and-shield fighting in my social circle.

If you plan on getting a sword and training with it, then I suggest you get something good quality, but basic that fits your interests and for which you can find instruction/training/practice. Once you have trained for a bit you will learn what you want in a blade and start looking for specific qualities that fit your personal practice.
 
Thanks for the advice! I'm leaning towards historic interest right now, but getting real experience is something that sounds rewarding and very fun. It seems like the wise thing to do would be for me to focus on getting some classes first, then make the big purchases. :thumbup: Tough call.

Either way, I would like to take at least a couple weeks of training just to have a better understanding of sword fighting. There are a couple places that aren't too far away (1 and a half hour drive), and I assume they would probably let me rent or borrow some gear just to try things out (at least on the first day?).
 
Youse guys are making me feel severely inadequate.

While I AM working my way through The Art Of War, I just want a good sword because I just want a good sword.

Too old & too lazy to get into the Zen & the circle. :)
Denis
 
I've always wanted a good sword, but honestly, it was the Game of Thrones TV show that pushed me over the edge. :D
 
I suggest you don't discount their grossemessers.

Only other comment I would make is of all the single handed european swords I own my Poiters is the one I like the most. A excellent cut and thrust sword.
 
I have owned several Albion's and currently have 3. If you're stuck between one or two-handed styles and not hung up on a particular time period, the Castellan, Constable and Mercenary might be worth considering. They are small enough for one handed use but have enough weight and extra grip that two hands can be used as well. I own the Castellan and it is a very versatile sword that is fun to handle.
 
Thanks for the replies!

Obviously I want all of the swords, but the Poitiers and Mercenary are the ones I'm going back and forth on the most. Looks like they probably handle well while having good versatility. I'm also considering the squire bastard sword. It looks like a copy of the mercenary with less finish.

Then there is the Tyrolean :D...
 
A general guideline for buying a sword, is to buy it from Albion. They don't make a bad sword, so just pick out whatever you like. ;)

As to what type and style, well, that's more up to you. I was in the same boat, but was fortunate enough to find a good instructor within driving distance, and spent a couple years practicing and studying before making my purchase.
 
It is going to be the 15th century Bastard Sword. And now the wait begins. :D

Thanks for all the help guys!

I am still planning on taking some classes, but that probably wont be doable until winter begins next year.

I'll post a new thread when the sword arrives.
 
There you go...it probably won't be your last. I gave up my Albion habit several years ago but it's still way too easy to browse their site and decide that I can't live without 5 or 6 more of their swords.
 
The Government said:
It is going to be the 15th century Bastard Sword. And now the wait begins. :D
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I was quoted a 3-4 month wait time, and maybe I got lucky but the sword has already arrived:D. If I can get some time off when it is not raining Ill get some pics up.

I can see how this is going to be addicting. I already want at least two or three more. :eek: lol
 
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