Where can I buy a quality European Sword?

SouthernShark · Feb 18, 2001

I am interested in acquiring a quality European style sword, either a long sword, hand and half, or a Viking style broadsword.

Most of the swords I've seen for sale on the internet or in stores around here are just junk. They would fall apart after just a few minutes of use. Therefore I'd like to find something more utilitarian. I want to acquire one which I can practice with, fence with, and could actually use in combat if the need ever arose. No its not my primary home defense item, I have a closet full of Kalashnikovs which fill that niche nicely. But it would be nice to know that I could use it, if I had to.

Anyway, I know I just registered, but I'd appreciate your help. If any of you know where I can find a good source for swords, I'd appreciate it if you let me in on it.

Thank you-

SS

[This message has been edited by SouthernShark (edited 02-18-2001).]

Robert Marotz · Feb 18, 2001

Lots of possibilities out there

What budget are you shooting for? That info would be a big help in helping you choose.

Shinryû.

SouthernShark · Feb 18, 2001

I figure I'd want to spend someplace between 200-250. Also if any of you sale wholesale, I have a retail exotic goods shop and could probably cough up enough for a minimum wholesale order. You know, keep one for myself, and put the rest in the shop. If the goods sold, I'd continue to carry the product line.

-SouthernShark

[This message has been edited by SouthernShark (edited 02-18-2001).]

Bandityo · Feb 18, 2001

Try Kris Cutlery www.kriscutlery.com for some really good high quality swords on your price range. They are very sturdy for cutting, use, and are real swords.

You got Del Tins which can be acquired a number of places. They are very authentic.

Angus Trim makes some nice ones, but they are higher price. See them at www.albionarmorers.com

Stay away from swords made of "stainless" "440, 420" steel. They are wallhangers and are not good for actual use. Also, Pakistan and India are pretty much ones to stay away from also.

bandit

leonc · Mar 7, 2001

Hi SS,
I am a bladeforums member in the UK, and i would advise anyone who wanted an authentic well made, custom, handmade-by-a-craftsman sword, to go to
http://www.raven-armoury.co.uk/home.html
as they make some beautiful blades, and the quality is superlative. They are not cheap, but if you speak to them and say "i want a viking leaf blade 38inches long, that i could swing full power into a target (opponent) and will hold a razor edge." they will make it for you to your spec, perfectly.
I don't know if this would be in your price range, or what you actually want, but look at their site anyway, their blades are great.
regards,
leon

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by SouthernShark:
I am interested in acquiring a quality European style sword, either a long sword, hand and half, or a Viking style broadsword.

Most of the swords I've seen for sale on the internet or in stores around here are just junk. They would fall apart after just a few minutes of use. Therefore I'd like to find something more utilitarian. I want to acquire one which I can practice with, fence with, and could actually use in combat if the need ever arose. No its not my primary home defense item, I have a closet full of Kalashnikovs which fill that niche nicely. But it would be nice to know that I could use it, if I had to.

Anyway, I know I just registered, but I'd appreciate your help. If any of you know where I can find a good source for swords, I'd appreciate it if you let me in on it.

Thank you-

SS

[This message has been edited by SouthernShark (edited 02-18-2001).]</font>

Daniel L · Mar 12, 2001

I've just started to look at hand and a half swords - the best places I've seen for excellent hanndling (ie not too heavy, harmonic balancing) are the Angus Trim swords at www.albionarmorers.com and Michael "Tinker" Pearce www.tinkerblades.com

They are above your budget (about $300-$500) but these are highly regarded on www.swordforum.com as excellent makers of production swords for test cutting and REAL use.

I saw the specs on the Kris cutlery european swords and they look way too heavy IMHO.

------------------
Daniel

Kmark · Mar 12, 2001

Go to <a href="http://www.christianfletcher.com>Christian Fletcher</a> and look at his Tinkerline and Angus trim swords. BTW, Tinkerline and Angus Trim are practically one and the same - they're both made by the same person, and are of the same quality. You will find 2 very attractively priced cut-and-thrust blades for $278 each. I don't know if he still has them in stock, as he was clearing them out a while ago, but definitely give him a call or email and see what he says.

<a href="http://www.albionarmorers.com">Albion Armorers</a> is having a sale on some of their Angus Trim blades. Check out the XVIII, the one at the very bottom of the specials page. Beeeaauuutiful blade.

Other than that, Del Tin would probably be the minimum standard for good, quality swords, but I've heard there's a 10month-1 year wait on their swords. Del Tins, I've heard, are a bit heavier than Angus Trim/Tinkerline, but nevertheless are still good blades.

Kmark · Mar 12, 2001

Also, try <a href="http://www.christianfletcher.com">Christian Fletcher</a> and look at his Tinkerline and Angus trim swords. BTW, Tinkerline and Angus Trim are practically one and the same - they're both made by the same person, and are of the same quality. You will find 2 very attractively priced cut-and-thrust blades for $278 each. I don't know if he still has them in stock, as he was clearing them out a while ago, but definitely give him a call or email and see what he says.