Ever heard of these guys?

M

MadMark

Joined
Jun 14, 2000
Messages
157
Hello, everyone. Can any of you give me any info on a company called "Christian Michaels Arms and Armour". Do they make good stuff?
Any help much appreciated.Cheers, Mark
 
Never heard of them, but that doesn't mean they aren't any good. Do you have a link?
 
Well, from what I see of the stuff that he makes, I would suggest that there are others who will make similar, but much more accurate reproductions that cost the same or less. I found the price on his Claymore to be ridiculous. $1100 with a mahogany hilt and $870 for a wire wrapped hilt! Arms and Armor has one for $660 and 56" long weighing 5.4 lbs. while Christian Michael's example is 67" long and weighs 9.5 lbs. I do not know about you, but that difference in size and weight tells me that I would not want it, let alone the price and the ridiculous appearance.

What he appears to make is fantasy weapons for D&D players who want to dress into their roles, or something like that. That is fine, if that is your interest, but his prices are terribly high for that sort of thing.
 
Thanks for the comments, fellas. I didn't see that 9.5 lb. claymore, I was looking at the gladius. You'd have to eat your oatmeal to wield that baby.
Cheers, Mark
 
Not to pile on but I agree with the other comments. It depends on what you want but personally I'd be shopping elsewhere.
 
These weapons Fall into the relm of fantasy functional weaponery. They are over sized and over weight and overly ornamented because thats what the target audience wants. Some of the stuff is really nice IMHO but the pricetag is to steep for my taste or pocket. Still the tag is justified since they are all origional fantasy design (ie you cant buyt them elsewhere) and also the level of detail seems quite high..The deathdealer axe is pretty sweet...

C
 
Sure, hence my comment "it depends on what you want..." This isn't what I would want.
 
MadMark, I have been very much involved in the design of a Gladius Hispaniensis, the first of the line of gladii used by the Roman legions, and have made a considerable study of the forms and varieties of Roman swords, both gladii and spathae from the period of the adoption of the Gladius Hispaniensis during the Second Punic War through to the collapse of the Empire in the West in 476 CE as well as the successors to these swords used during the following Era of Migrations. The bottom line is that you do NOT want to get me going on that "Gladiator" sword. It may be well made and it is certainly less expensive than buying one from Eric Stevenson at Phoenix or from Albion, I have to wonder at the weight, since he doesn't care to enlighten us, and about the scabbard. I can see that the sword bears no resemblance to any gladius ever found or seen depicted in any representation, so i have my doubts about the accuracy of the scabbard. On the whole, I should avoid it if I were you.

I am editing this post to say that the design of the Gladius Hispaniensis to which I refer was done for Eric Stevenson of Phoenix Metalcreations at http://www.phoenixmetalcreations.com/, with his help and the absolutely essential assistance of Michael Bishop, co-author of Roman Military Equipment From the Punic Wars to the Fall of the Empire, and of Matthew Amt, Quintus Darius Macro, Optio of Legio XX, and recognized expert in Roman military gear.

If you want to look into an inexpensive gladius try the newer Deepeeka line that were woked up in conjunction with Dan Peterson. For a bit more money, try Kris Cutlery at http://www.kriscutlery.com/Kris/medieval/Medieval.html or Viking Metal Works at http://www.vikingmetalworks.com//
 
Thanks for the links, Fuller. I like that Viking Metalworks gladius, and I won't have to worry about the exchange rate. The Phoenix ones are very nice, also. Thanks to all for their comments.
Cheers, Mark.
 
I have some of Glenn's leather work and it is quite nice. I am also considering his Viking sword as I find it one of the nicest around for less that $500US. From what I have read and heard, he does very good forging and his weapons are first class. I have also looked with interest at the gladius.
 
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