Anyone familiar with Museum Replicas?

S

stilgar

Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
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Has anyone here purchased from this company before? I'm interested in one of the Viking swords. They claim that their products are functional. Are they worth the price? Any input would be appreciated.
 
Are they worth the price? Well that really depends.... what do you intend to do with it and what is the price?
 
I have one of their medieval short swords. It is well balanced and good for what I paid for it but it has no edge. From what I've read it can be sharpened. I'm not sure if their other swords have edges or not but that is something to consider if you want to cut with one.
 
MRL has a good returns policy, which is a good thing as it appears from the experience of others that their quality control is somewhat spotty. You would think that they might take the time to look at what they are shipping before the ship it rather than letting their customers work out problems, but such appears not to be the case. That said, some of their items are nicely done, but thier rices have been rising and I have to wonder if they are still a reasonable buy at the higher prices.
 
I agree with what has already been posted. I haven't bought anything from MRL in ten years, but from what I hear from many people the quality is hit or miss. They are owned by Windlass Steelcrafts now, so you might be able to find comparable swords for less money, but MRL seems to have a great return policy. I suppose the hassle of repeated exchanges is the price you pay for a dirt cheap sword.
 
They have a wide selection and somewhat decent price. Its usually a hit or miss. My ax from them...came sturdy except for the slightly loose head. Since its bolted stright threw the shaft not much to do about it. For $60 pretty much what I expect. I did get a dagger from them, that was tight, and well made.

Hit or miss. Good return. I'd also recommand you NOT have them sharpen it. Only reason, they don't except sharpened blades. So, if you order something, have them sharpen it...comes to you with a loose hilt. no return.
 
MRL has really improved their quality and consistancy.
I just picked up a sticklestad viking sword after researching on "the other" forum. I am very happy.

Tombstone, chill man...
Jim Hrisoulas' work is right on, but few of us have the $$$$ to pick one up.
Same goes for Albion, Patrick Barta, John Lundemo, etc...

The MRL's are just fine for someone just starting out.
 
I've decided that I'll save up the money for an Albion or Arms&Armour Viking sword. No iffy quality issues with either of these from what I've read.

Redleg:can you give me any more details on your Viking sword? Did it come sharp? Would you have any reluctance to do light cutting with it?

I've been toying with idea of accumulating a set of Viking weapons (sword,shield,spear and axe). My most important criteria are that they be functional and as historically correct as possible. I don't mind spending some extra money for quality.
 
You'll notice I have done an about face concerning MRL. This is due to their proactive efforts at quality and process improvement.

To answer your questions,
My Sticklestad came in very good condition. Excellent fit and finish. The Scabbard is a wood-core job with excellent rough-out stitching. The blade is not sharp, but easy to do. Also, the blade is covered in a protective clear coat to guard against rust. comes off with citristrip or nail polish remover.

Haven't yet determined the CoP, bu my CoG is about 2-3 inches on the blade side of the hilt.
The tang is peened to boot! (good thing).
I flexed her to aprox 20 deg's and she popped straight back. (didn't want to overdo it)
Weight is just about 2lbs. 9oz. (just right)

She is extremely lively in hand (owing to the distal taper)
Once I sharpen her up, she will be cutting...alot!

Check out Dave Edelen's review on swordforum.

you will not be sorry you got it!
 
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