novice question

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rpn

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Mar 17, 2008
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Hey all, I've poked around and researched a little but am still not clear on some quality/price/steel issues. I was looking at the Ritter Steel Celtic Sword, the Generation 2 gladius (sp?) and the Kris swords...

If I had the cash- I would love a Busse AK or Ruck...but that ain't gonnna happen! I love weapon play after years in the chinese martial arts and just want to be able to swing/practice with confidence and know that in an emergency the weapon is functional as well.

Think that's about it...when I read the Kris website, the bolt on tang made me question durability, but i don't know if that is something I should worry about?

Or should I just pick up a smatchet? :p couldn't resist! hah!

Thanks
 
rpn said:
Hey all, I've poked around and researched a little but am still not clear on some quality/price/steel issues. I was looking at the Ritter Steel Celtic Sword, the Generation 2 gladius (sp?) and the Kris swords...

If I had the cash- I would love a Busse AK or Ruck...but that ain't gonnna happen! I love weapon play after years in the chinese martial arts and just want to be able to swing/practice with confidence and know that in an emergency the weapon is functional as well.

Think that's about it...when I read the Kris website, the bolt on tang made me question durability, but i don't know if that is something I should worry about?

Or should I just pick up a smatchet? :p couldn't resist! hah!

Thanks
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Albion makes top shelf swords and of course they are expensive however they also make a reasonable Squire line you might have a look at those.
http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/swords-albion-mark-squire.htm


Angus Trim has quite a wide offering and are also very reasonably priced.
http://www.angustrimdirect.com/

kult of Athena has quite a wide range of over seas made stuff.
http://www.kultofathena.com/swords.htm
 
Be careful with Kult Of Athena.

They have pretty much the best prices in the industry, but they also sell a lot of junk. If you're considering something from there, feel free to post a link on here to make sure you're getting something decent.
 
Probably the most inexpensive useable swords are from Kris Cutlery. The fit and finish aren't up to the standards of higher end makers, but their affordability more than makes up for it. IMO, there isn't anyone in Kris' price range that makes a sword that you can actually cut with reliably. Windlass might be the sole exception. Just know that you will not be getting anything with more than a remote resemblance to a historically accurate sword.
 
HolyRoller said:
The ones marked "Windlass Steelcrafts" are the only functional pieces on that page. Not high quality, but serviceable.

Windlass is a low-end, entry level production company.

Some people think Depeeka is functional, but the reviews indicate the blades are almost always far too heavy, and incredibly soft.
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Thanks - Do you know of any sites that sell arabian swords? high quality.
 
BokerMartin said:
Thanks - Do you know of any sites that sell arabian swords? high quality.
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Nope.

The only middle-eastern style swords I'm aware of in production are from Cold Steel and Windlass.

Overall, they are VERY under-represented in the production market. One generally has to go custom for that kind of thing.
 
so the generation 2 and ritter steel are poor?

Kris is it or $400 for an entry level blade capable of being swung with intention?

Thanks for all the feedback folks
 
rpn said:
so the generation 2 and ritter steel are poor?

Kris is it or $400 for an entry level blade capable of being swung with intention?

Thanks for all the feedback folks
Click to expand...

Well, what "style" of sword are you looking for?
Asian? European? Something a little more modernized/"tactical" style of sword?
A simple, entry-level Katana? Maybe an affordable, cruciform, arming-sword?

What is the intent?
My suggestions will differ if you're looking for something as a beater, as oppose to something for use with dedicated sword-arts practice.

Is $400 what you're looking to spend?



Ritter Steel is junk.

Generation 2 has a bit of a following, but all the stats and reviews I've read indicate poor balance and soft blades that are prone to taking a set.
Supposedly they're improving, but if one is dead-set on getting a Gen2 sword, I'd order direct from the company to insure fresh stock.
 
I was planning to custom make a tactical sword. But judging from what I have seen here, probably it is safer to buy an off the shelf well accepted sword.
fulltangsword.jpg
 
hi Paua, that's a pretty sword profile, I'd like to see that made. As long as the heat treatment and steel is good and the harmonics aren't weird you should be fine.
 
The bladesmith I approached for this task told me he thinks it's not a good idea to cut the whole profile out of a single piece of metal (9260 or 1095) for that will be excessive shock incurred by this arrangement. He believes the traditional separately made guard and handle will be more shock absorbing. I have not made uo my mind about what to do yet.
 
That's probably true, though if you narrow the section forward of the guard the harmonics will improve. Most people don't hit things hard enough for shock to be a major problem. I chop wood... a lot, so I have been narrowing the area near the guard to improve the harmonic characteristics.
 
Thanks wnease! I think I will never know if I don't materialize this design.
 
klammer said:
For functional, well made swords, it is hard to beat:

http://www.darksword-armory.com/index.html

I have a few of their blades and they are very well made, very strong, and very good prices.

If you are wanting to learn about swords / sword purchasing, nothing beats:

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/

Cheers,
Klammer
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That all depends upon your perspective I suppose. There are at least two other forums with less then positive reports on darksword swords. Notably there is no discount offered on darksword swords through those forums. I have no personal experience with darksword swords so I cannot make a call one way or another from first hand knowledge. I would encourage any first time buyer to do LOTS of research.
 
I would not promote DSA if I was not an owner of 3 of their swords and a very happy one at that. I have owned / used other swords on their price range (windlass / CAS Iberia / Hanwei etc) and they simply do not come close in terms functionality or durability. DSA swords can take a beating, which for me, is what I look for in a blade.

Blades I own from DSA:

1305 – Early Medieval Saxon Sword
1339: 14th C. Two Handed Sword
1303 The Sparta (with custom guard / grip)


Like any manufacturer, you do your research before purchasing of course, some of their models are less desirable than others (Ranger Sword). They also do custom work at a fair price, and have good customer service.

Of course, if you are willing to spend the extra 200$ or so, might as well go Angus Trim / Albion.
 
Heya, late thanks for all the info...computer has been on the fritz and i just saw I missed a knife i've been waiting for too! Doh!!! Ain't that the way?
 
ok, went to the Windlass swords and am wondering about...
Hoplite
Gladiator
Qama (dirt cheap- that can't be a good sign I figure!)
Roman Pompeii or Roman Maintz
Spartan Lakonian

Visually the hoplite is probably the most appealing. I am hoping for something sturdy enough for swinging, some cutting and in ace of emergency- could be beaten on without hurting me or totally failing.

The real dream would be a Busse AK or Ruck, but that would require a BIG promotion or scratch ticket luck!

Any thoughts on the better blades or they pretty close? many thanks for your time!
 
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