alientude
Sword Review - Maciej Kopciuch knights sword
updated
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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The "Salzritter" is a bespoke type XVIIIc made by Eric Estlund of Winter Cutlery. This sword is available to purchase from Winter Cutlery, and the price is $5,000. That is, quite obviously, a large amount of money. In this review, I go over the sword and scabbard in detail, examining each component individually, and as a composite whole, to give you an idea of what you would get for your hard-earned cash. I cut some water bottles and tatami, explore the Salzritter's handling, and compare it to the famous Albion Principe.
This sword is available to buy from Winter Cutlery:
wintercutlery.com/product/salzritter-type-xviiic/203
I also reviewed another sword by Winter Cutlery:
youtu.be/8jxdA7V0Ntk
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
01:44 Scabbard
06:14 Hilt
10:46 Blade
14:49 Cutting
18:15 Handling & Comparisons
25:15 Bottom Line
29:10 Outro
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This is the Romance of Men Fukyo katana, which retails for $199. RoM sent it to me as a review sample, and my review will release on March 7.
You can purchase one of these swords here:
romanceofmen.com/products/the-fukyo-katana-spring-steel-double-bohi-razor-sharp
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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My review of this sword will release on February 21, 2025.
This exact sword is available to purchase from Winter Cutlery:
wintercutlery.com/product/type-x-arming-sword/178
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Notable improvement!
The sword I'm using is a Sterling Armory XVIIIc.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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The Principe is one of Albion's most recognizable and iconic swords. I purchased this one direct from Albion at Combat Con 2023. With a retail price around $1700, I expect a lot out of a sword. Does the Principe deliver? I go over it in detail in this review, including both backyard cutting and tatami.
Footage of Matthew Cross cutting courtesy of @socalswordfight.
My review of the Balaur Arms Alexandria sword: youtu.be/LBtzKiPdPTc
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:16 Hilt
06:16 Blade
08:31 Cutting & Handling
16:20 Bottom Line
19:25 Outro
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I will be reviewing this sword on February 7.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Need to shake the rust off!
The sword I'm using is a Sterling Armory XVIIIc.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This is my video on the LK Chen Grand Marshal Ming Jian. It was loaned to me by LK Chen, but you can buy one new for roughly $450 including shipping - check the link below. In this video, I give my quick impressions and thoughts on this beautiful sword, and I'm right up front that this is one of my favorites from the batch LK Chen sent me.
Joining me in this video is Andy from @dlatrexswords, to talk about the historical context of this type of sword. If you haven't checked out his channel, make sure you do!
You can buy one of these swords direct from LK Chen: lkchensword.com/shop-1/ols/products/grand-marshal-ming-jian
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This sword was crafted by Eric Estlund of Winter Cutlery, and he loaned it to me (along with two others) for this review. A big thank you to Eric for his generosity!
The asking price for this sword is $4,000. That is obviously a lot of money. What do you get for that price? Can it possibly be worth it? Has does Eric's work compare to other makers in this price range? I answer these questions and more in this review, so make sure you watch til the end!
Check out a livestream I joined with my friend @dlatrexswords where we talk to Eric!
youtube.com/watch?v=J6JN4lGQmfM
Dlatrex also has a review of a different Winter Cutlery sword:
youtube.com/watch?v=wE0lyVpjRKs
You can view this sword and others made by Eric on his website:
wintercutlery.com/product/shaliah-type-xvii-longsword/210
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:40 Scabbard
04:09 Hilt
09:36 Blade
13:34 Cutting
15:14 Handling & Comparisons
21:22 Bottom Line
25:03 Outro
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This sword is a tameshigiri-focused katana, which means it's primary purpose is to compete in tatami-cutting tournaments. With its wide blade and slightly forward point of balance, it is intended to deliver powerful cuts while still remaining nimble.
The maker of this katana, Swordier, has partnered with the Sword Buyer's Guide store. The SBG store provided this one for review, along with a box of 20 tatami mats. During this review, you'll get opinions on the sword's use from a variety of people who have used it, ranging the gamut in experience with swords.
There are four katana models in this tameshigiri line. You can see and purchase them here:
sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/tameshigiri-series.html
Famous video of others cutting tatami: youtube.com/watch?v=pP92q68KG24
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
03:07 Saya
04:07 Tsuka + Koshirae
06:19 Blade
10:50 Backyard Cutting
12:20 Tatami Cutting with Ryan
17:10 Input from Kevin
18:35 My Wife's Opinion
19:15 Final Thoughts
23:04 Outro
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My review of this sword will go live on January 10, 2025.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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I referenced this in the video, but I want to reiterate that the poplar dowel was not soaked all the way through. When we cut it, you could see about 1/8" of wet wood surrounding the dry core. This was a pretty tough target.
I will have more cutting from this session in my upcoming review of a SBG/Swordier collaboration tameshigiri katana. That video will release on December 13.
I don't know if these swords are still being produced, but if you want more information, you can go here:
lancelotsword.com/the-red-baron
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This sword is the Swordier SWM-1030, a floral-themed longsword with highly decorated crossguard, pommel, and scabbard. It's one of Swordier's newer European-style sword models, although they have continued to release new models, with what looks like ever-increasing improvements. This specific sword was sent to me by Swordier for the purposes of this review. It normally costs $199, which is around the lowest price where you can find a functional longsword.
In this review, I go over the sword in detail, do some backyard cutting, compare it to another budget longsword, and identify a few areas that could be improved. Finally, I give my opinion on whether it is worth the price.
I apologize for the video quality in several shots here. Had some difficulties with the camera that caused it to record in an odd format and I had to re-encode it several times.
You can buy one of these swords here:
swordier.com/products/swm-1030-swordier-upgraded-type-xvia-floral-themed-european-longsword
Sword typology graphic courtesy of Peter Johnsson.
Das Schwert: Gestalt und Gedanke / The Sword: Form and Thought - woodenswords.com/product_p/book-vs.sch01.htm
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:43 Scabbard
05:10 Hilt
11:11 Blade
14:44 Cutting
17:00 Handling & Comparisons
22:54 Potential Improvements
24:08 Bottom Line
26:11 Outro
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My review: youtu.be/DVcSY3p3gnw
You can purchase one of these swords here:
swordier.com/products/swm-1030-swordier-upgraded-type-xvia-floral-themed-european-longsword
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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My review: youtu.be/1Lgzvy7OiKo
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This katana was sent to me by Romance of Men for the sake of this review. It costs $350 brand new, and features some upgrades from most budget katana, such as silk ito, hishigami, and an aesthetic polish. The name "ebi" means lobster or shrimp in Japanese, and that theme carries throughout this sword.
Is it worth the asking price? In this review, I go over it in great detail, do some light target cutting, and give my opinion on whether it justifies the cost.
You can buy this katana here: romanceofmen.com/collections/premium-selection/products/the-edi-lobster-and-ocean-theme-katana-t10-steel-extra-sharp-aesthetic-polishing?variant=44019564380350
Hand painted saya video: youtube.com/watch?v=HTeYjTq_SKk
My review of the Romance of Men Surudoi:
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:16 Saya
05:50 Tsuka & Koshirae
11:40 Blade
14:06 Cutting
18:21 Bottom Line
21:27 Outro
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This is a specialized katana designed for tameshigiri. But before I get to tatami, let's see how it does against a common backyard target - water bottles!
My review - youtu.be/1Lgzvy7OiKo
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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My review will go live on November 15.
This sword can be purchased here:
romanceofmen.com/collections/premium-selection/products/the-edi-lobster-and-ocean-theme-katana-t10-steel-extra-sharp-aesthetic-polishing?variant=44019564380350
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This katana is a review sample from Swordis, made by ShadowDancer. The total cost was $560, although a coupon code brought that down to $504, of which I paid $4.
What kind of custom katana do you get from ShadowDancer for half a thousand dollars? Is it worth that price? And what happens with a traditionally-made katana when the user unintentionally throws a terrible cut? This review answers those questions and more.
Check out Swordis below. I receive no kickbacks or any other benefit from these links.
Main website - swordis.com
Custom katana builder - swordis.com/custom-katana-builder
ShadowDancer at Swordis - swordis.com/brands/shadow-dancer
ShadowDancer's website - swordcn.com
My video about ordering this katana:
youtu.be/DowwkZKYUMg
My review of another ShadowDancer katana:
youtu.be/IlIb48bKaNY
Check out @dlatrexswords's sneak peak of a HanBon custom katana from Swordis's custom builder: youtube.com/watch?v=cGZaZGqhNUM
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:22 Saya
04:41 Hilt
08:37 Blade
10:43 Cutting
12:27 Loose tsuba discussion
17:42 Final thoughts
21:08 Outro
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Happy Halloween!
@armsarmorinc.4153 has this axe in stock right now!
arms-n-armor.com/collections/in-stock/products/hungarian-axe
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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I am entering Open Cutting at Fright Fight 2024, so here's some footage of me practicing. My goal is to make it past the first round.
For more info about Fright Fight:
frightfight.info
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This sword was ordered through Swordis's excellent custom katana builder: swordis.com/custom-katana-builder
I will be reviewing this sword on November 1st.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This tactical sword by Fidestisan costs $140 on Amazon. That's pretty much as low cost as you can get for a decent quality sword of this style. What do you get for that price? Just how many compromises are there with it, and is it worth your hard earned money? In this review, I go over it in great detail, do some backyard cutting and chop into some branches, and compare it to another sword in this niche. Finally, I give my verdict on whether or not I think it justifies the cost.
You can buy one of these swords here:
amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQTDMZZ3?th=1
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
01:13 Scabbard
02:44 Hilt
08:14 Blade
12:01 Cutting
14:49 Handling & Comparisons
22:24 Potential Improvements
24:21 Bottom Line
26:29 Outro
Riveted metal background image in thumbnail sourced from FreePik:
freepik.com/free-photo/3d-grunge-texture-background-with-metal-plate-design_7803272.htm
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Thanks for watching! The sword featured in this video is "The Heron" by John Lundemo/Longship Armoury, and was chosen for this video by viewers of the channel.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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My review: youtu.be/x0IKePHO_D4
You can buy one of these swords here:
amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQTDMZZ3?th=1
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This Windlass Sword of Roven, now a discontinued model, sold new for around $300. I didn't particularly like it in its default configuration, so I sent it to my friend @MatthewCross2 for a bunch of customizations. The result is a truly elevated version of the Sword of Roven, but was it worth the cost and effort?
Windlass just recently released a newer version of this sword, available here:
kultofathena.com/product/windlass-signature-series-sword-of-roven/?koa=74
Andy's channel: @dlatrexswords
Matthew's channel: @MatthewCross2
Also check out Matthew's Facebook page for his custom work: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091904203048
Sword typology graphic courtesy of Peter Johnsson.
Das Schwert: Gestalt und Gedanke / The Sword: Form and Thought - woodenswords.com/product_p/book-vs.sch01.htm
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
00:35 Background
02:57 Scabbard
04:35 Hilt
10:11 Blade
14:36 Cutting
15:59 Handling & Comparisons
23:16 Bottom Line
29:11 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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This is my informal review of the LK Chen Double Dragon Sui Dao. LK Chen loaned this sword to me for this video, as well as several other swords. Join me as I take a visual tour of the sword, delve into the history behind it with @dlatrexswords, and discuss how it cuts and handles.
Buy one of these swords from:
LK Chen - lkchensword.com/shop-1/ols/products/double-dragon-sui-dao
Kult of Athena - kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-double-dragon-sui-dao/?koa=74
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:35 Aesthetics
07:39 Historical Overview ft. Dlatrex
15:36 Cutting & Handling
19:57 Final Thoughts
20:57 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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This is a special sword, the last one that sword friend Daniel was able to commission from the late Purna Darnal. Daniel has graciously loaned it to me for this video, and it has been an honor to hold onto it for awhile.
In this video, I take a look at the sword, go over its design and the research Daniel put into it, and cut with the sword.
Purna is survived by his wife and children, and they have continued to run Purna's business, Great Gurkha Khukuri. Check them out here:
greatgurkhakhukuri.com
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
01:41 Sword Design
04:06 Scabbard
06:04 Hilt
09:57 Blade
12:00 Cutting
13:19 Handling
17:35 Final Thoughts
20:27 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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Check out Sterling Armory!
Website - sterlingarmory.com
Facebook - facebook.com/sterlingarmory
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This budget sword by Fidestisan, costing $205, is available to order on Amazon. While not particularly representative of any historical type, it does take some cues from historical swords, as well as some inspiration from Lord of the Rings.
At this low of a price point, there are always going to be compromises made when designing and producing a sword. What are they in this sword, and do they still render this sword effective, or should you pass it by and look for something else? In this review, I go over it in close detail, do some backyard cutting, and compare it to another sword that is roughly similar in price. I identify a few areas that could be improved, and finally give my opinion on who I think this sword would appeal to the most.
Link to this sword (select brown option): amazon.com/gp/product/B0CL2NN8WG?communicationDeliveryId=f55e90ee-3e5e-4363-a3ed-725a1866601a&th=1
Matthew Jensen's review of this same model: youtube.com/watch?v=McgJ2dozT24
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:45 Scabbard
06:18 Hilt
10:12 Blade
15:35 Cutting
17:31 Handling & Comparisons
23:07 Potential Improvements
24:15 Bottom Line
26:22 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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I will be reviewing this sword on October 4.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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I picked up this ATrim XIV.1 awhile back on the secondhand market, and recently sword friend @RyanSoCal sharpened it for me. This was my first time getting a chance to cut with it, and boy did it not disappoint!
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Check out my merch store! alientude.com
I will be reviewing this sword on September 6.
Thank you to Fidestisan for sending it to me!
Link to this sword (select brown option): amazon.com/gp/product/B0CL2NN8WG?communicationDeliveryId=f55e90ee-3e5e-4363-a3ed-725a1866601a&th=1
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
---------------------------------------------
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https://www.kultofathena.com?koa=74
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Check out my merch store! alientude.com
This sword is on loan to me by sword friend Daniel. He designed the sword using a lot of inspiration from historical swords, and had the late Purna Darnal make it. I am honored to be able to review this sword, and my review will release on September 20.
The review: youtu.be/I3XkUs23P60
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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https://www.kultofathena.com?koa=74
If you buy something on Amazon, use this link and I get a referral bonus: amzn.to/421QT62
Check out my merch store! alientude.com
The APOC Survival Longsword retails from somewhere between $150 and $200, depending on where you look and if you can find a sale. At that budget price, you expect compromises in sword design and execution, and this sword is no exception. The question, therefore, is whether or not those compromises result in a good value.
Various listings for this sword
Swordis - swordis.com/product/survival-longsword-with-flexible-carrying-options
Kult of Athena (affiliate link) - kultofathena.com/product/apoc-survival-longsword/?koa=74
Sword Buyer's Guide store - sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/product1198.html
APOC site - apocsurvivaltools.com/products/survival-longsword
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
03:25 Scabbard
06:41 Hilt
09:45 Blade
15:46 Cutting
22:07 Handling
28:12 Bottom Line
29:26 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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https://www.kultofathena.com?koa=74
If you buy something on Amazon, use this link and I get a referral bonus: amzn.to/421QT62
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Cottontail Customs website: cottontailcustoms.com
Josh's Cottontail Customs Facebook page: facebook.com/CottontailCustoms
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Check out my merch store! alientude.com
Ronin Katana's Hand-and-a-half Bastard Sword #15 is one of their newest models, a hand-and-a-half, hollow-ground sword most similar to an Oakeshott type XVIIIa. It retails for $285. In this review, I give my thoughts about all facets of the sword, how it handles and cuts, identify a few things that could be improved, and give my opinion on whether or not it's worth the price.
You can buy this sword in a variety of places:
Kult of Athena - kultofathena.com/product/ronin-katana-hand-and-a-half-bastard-sword-15/?koa=74
Sword Buyer's Guide Store - sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/product1360.html
Ronin Katana - roninkatana.com/ronin-katana-hand-and-a-half-bastard-sword-15
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:10 Scabbard
03:24 Hilt
09:15 Blade
13:45 Cutting
15:40 Handling
17:43 Bottom Line
20:19 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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kultofathena.com/?koa=74
If you buy something on Amazon, use this link and I get a referral bonus: amzn.to/421QT62
Check out my merch store! alientude.com
My review of this sword will release on August 9.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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This is my 4th cutting competition, and the first time I entered an "open" bracket, rather than a beginner bracket (as Combat Con doesn't have a beginner's bracket).
The scores I listed are available on Hema Scorecard: hemascorecard.com/roundMatches.php?e=522&t=2272&m=0#
The deductions are my best guess.
The sword I'm using is an XVIIIc made by Chris Fields of @SterlingArmory. If you want a sword from Chris (I highly recommend it!), he has posted some on Facebook that are available at the time of posting this video.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Check out my merch store! alientude.com
This is the Lion King from sword shop Swordier. It was bought by sword friend Frank and sent directly to me for review. Unfortunately, it's no longer available on Swordier's site, although it can be found listed on several other sites, such as Ali Express and eBay.
This is a complicated sword, bearing more resemblance to a jian than a longsword in my opinion. When Frank bought it, the price was around $250 (Correction - $300). Let's see how the sword performs and if I think it is worth that price.
Swordier's (now defunct) listing for this sword: swordier.com/product/patterned-steel-fluted-european-longsword
Other listings for seemingly the same sword
ebay.com/itm/144818855738
aliexpress.us/item/3256804791557266.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
00:00 Intro
02:13 Scabbard
04:24 Hilt
11:12 Blade
17:13 Cutting
19:36 Handling & Comparisons
27:23 Potential Improvements
28:15 Bottom Line
29:58 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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Buying something from Kult of Athena? Browsing/purchasing through this link gives me a referral bonus.
https://www.kultofathena.com?koa=74
If you buy something on Amazon, use this link and I get a referral bonus: amzn.to/421QT62
Check out my merch store! alientude.com
Ryan is an instructor at Tattershall School of Defense. Check them out here: tattershall.org/southern-california-2
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
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Check out my merch store! alientude.com
The Hanwei Rhinelander is a budget sword model that has stood the test of time. In this video, I take a close look at, cut with, and compare it to a couple other budget longswords. Finally, I render my verdict on whether or not I think it's worth the roughly $250-$275 price it normally sells for.
Sword measurements photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/8EDa3rQFLjwsjUre7
Sword typology graphic courtesy of Peter Johnsson.
Das Schwert: Gestalt und Gedanke / The Sword: Form and Thought - woodenswords.com/product_p/book-vs.sch01.htm
00:00 Intro
01:27 Scabbard
03:07 Hilt
08:51 Blade
15:08 Cutting
16:33 Handling & Comparisons
25:04 Bottom Line
27:34 Outro
---------------------------------------------
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https://www.kultofathena.com?koa=74
If you buy something on Amazon, use this link and I get a referral bonus: amzn.to/421QT62
Check out my merch store! alientude.com


