Custom vs. Production(?)

[VolundoftheForge]

Hey guys, so I've got a bit of money burning a hole in my pocket, and was looking to invest in a new sword. I currently only have a Hanwei model, the Tinker Norman, and it just doesn't fit me very well. The almond-shaped pommel digs into my wrist, and the grip seems to thin to be practical. I also am not a huge fan of the balance(I don't have much experience with sword-play, honestly). Anyways, I was thinking I may invest in a nicer sword that is more "me". Basically, not the classic shiny stainless guard with thin black-leather wrap.

I know I could just have the Norman customized, but I was curious of other options. I know Albions are supposed to be way up there on quality scale, but when I looked at one it was listed as being 1075 steel, which I know isn't the best in knives (though it could be different with a sword). Anyways, I was wondering if you'd go with an Arms & Armor, Albion, or a full-custom sword from a maker on here/somewhere else? Thanks guys.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

I'd be plenty happy with any of those options, personally. The advantage you may have with a custom piece is that you could get something pretty close to exactly what you want.

 

[VolundoftheForge]

I'd be plenty happy with any of those options, personally. The advantage you may have with a custom piece is that you could get something pretty close to exactly what you want.

Good point, I find I tend to enjoy shorter-bladed one-hand swords, more around 25" than the standard(?) 30". Also was liking the idea of a Falchion, Grosse-Messer, or shorter, wider-bladed "cutlass", but I haven't handled enough double-edged swords to know how I feel about the design overall.

 

[Storm Crow]

I can't comment on the rest, but 1075 is good blade steel. There may be areas of performance where more complex alloys will outshine it, but plain carbon steels in general, when properly heat treated (always that caveat, no matter the alloy), will serve the majority of blade user's needs admirably. My landlord makes dandy deer skinners out of it, and it also makes good sword blades. You just adjust the heat treatment and it handles a wide range of chores.

 

[horseclover]

Albion uses 6150. So does Arm&Armor. So does Del Tin.

Believe it, or not. Albion went on the 6150 train by 2005.

A&A will do full customs.

Cheers

GC

 

[Triton]

It's an interesting question. I've got some of each, rather a lot of Arms and Armor, several of the higher end Albions and some pretty high end custom pieces. Some of it depends on your budget of course, but as the price of the production pieces continues to spiral upward custom pieces especially from newer or up and coming makers can be had for nearly the same price. As with any production vs custom arguement there are pros and cons both ways. With a production piece you get a consistent product. If you purchase an Albion Laird or an A&A English Longsword you know what you are going to get. Think Red Robin Hamburgers. If you buy a custom piece you can get something personalized for you... but you may also be the victim of someone's learning curve or substandard processes, it depends on who you work with. Think of Mom and Pop's Hamburger shop, which may have the best burger ever... or a greasy thing that the dog won't eat. Personally I think for your first swords it's probably best to go the production track. If you stick with it and learn more you may eventually want to go full custom. That's the progression that I've seen in all the really long time sword collectors that I know.

 

[VolundoftheForge]

Well, the main reason I'm wanting to put down so much is, as a child, I always loves stories of knights and swordsmen, and wanted to have a sword of my own. I have a decent sword, but I want one with a nicer balance and that looks more unique, which makes me like the Albions being limited production. I'd probably be willing to spend up to a grand for something amazing, and MAYBE $1,500 if it was absolutely perfect.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Might also add Longship Armory to the list. They've got some really nice pieces.

 

[Triton]

Well, the main reason I'm wanting to put down so much is, as a child, I always loves stories of knights and swordsmen, and wanted to have a sword of my own. I have a decent sword, but I want one with a nicer balance and that looks more unique, which makes me like the Albions being limited production. I'd probably be willing to spend up to a grand for something amazing, and MAYBE $1,500 if it was absolutely perfect.

I suspect many of us would tell you that same formative story. For that money you can of course get pretty much any one of the Albion production pieces although the museum line is out of reach, and I'm guessing depending on what you want you could also have Arms and Armor do a custom piece for close to that. Hard to go wrong either way there.

 

[VolundoftheForge]

Thanks, guys. I'm liking this model: http://www.armor.com/sword192.html, but it still looks a bit plain. Wonder what they could do to spice it up? Also, do you think they would be willing to make a shorter model/would it be a bad idea to do so?

 

[horseclover]

A&A will do full customs and amendments but they tend to work "within historical reason". Meaning that the hilt shown with a blade twenty inches long would probably be discouraged but one never knows. A much shorter blade would put all the weight and balance behind the guard and while not a bad thing for knives at times, we are after all regarding swords. Twenty-eight inches of blade on that hilt would be about the shortest I would suggest. However, is that three inch difference really important to you? A&A can be quite accommodating and perhaps you should send off an email or call their toll free number. I am sure Craig is generally pretty busy but he is usually open to simple yes or no we won't do type of customs/customizing. Combining fittings from existing models can work out quite well. I had the below for some years and it has been tweeked more by someone else since then. It was an inexpensive way to combine one of their most expensive sword model blades (Edward III) with fittings from a cheaper model (Duke of Urbino). A big honkin' compilation/composite that wouldn't suit your needs but an example of what can be done with off the shelf parts.

Armour Class, is another maker from the UK and an American site (Kult of Athena) is importing them. You might like the looks of the Armour Class 17th Century Tower Hanger - AC17C6. It is a less refined look and slightly later period than the tower guard but a shorter sword with a bit of a cutlass look.

I may be a bit of a stickler for "historically plausible" for customized and even full custom work but there is a lot one can consider when looking outside the production market and venturing into custom. Compound hilts (as shown in the tower guard) are going to be pricy work from a custom maker unless one isn't too concerned with reasonable function.

Just to muddy your thoughts a bit here is a link to a Swedish museum with a variety of hilts/guards
http://www.sfhm.se/templates/pages/ArmeObjectListPage____306.aspx?epslanguage=EN

Nielo sword (Czech) is another source for modestly priced compound hilt swords and there may be something else in history they produce that catches your fancy. KOA is also bringing in swords from them.

Good luck

GC

 

[VolundoftheForge]

Would you guys say Albion or A&A production if choosing between those two?

 

[Carhold Arms]

Good point, I find I tend to enjoy shorter-bladed one-hand swords, more around 25" than the standard(?) 30". Also was liking the idea of a Falchion, Grosse-Messer, or shorter, wider-bladed "cutlass", but I haven't handled enough double-edged swords to know how I feel about the design overall.

I also am a huge fan of shorter, one handed blades. One of the makers whose designs got me into making was the late, great Jody Samson. If you're willing to spend around a grand I would recommend trying to score one of his pieces. They are not over-ornamented, but they have a bit more flair and style than a lot of the production stuff. Check out a couple of his designs here: http://jodysamson.com/private-sale-1.htm

I would imagine any of his pieces will only increase in value.

 

[EgYRoNiN]

i haven't handled Albion or A&A production swords.A&A is famous for getting historically accurate blades regarding the looks the feel and the way they handle(which i think the way the sword feels in your hand like it want to cut not a heavy piece of metal with an edge on it and handle like a baseball bat, is far more imp than the steel type.i will value more the quality of the heat treatment over some fancy steel type with poor heat treatment.IF I WERE YOU,i will buy me a good un-sharpened training sword and spend the money on classes to learn the art it self so i could use and handle the sword like a knight.i dont want to look like a knight and i cant move(use)the sword.but that is my opinion to share with you.here is an article and many more on the website link i will send below.please take your time so you make a wiser choice.all the best to you.A.Gaber
http://www.thearma.org/essays/newsword.htm#.UvBlE2LFDXs