Where to buy swords???

[sanders]

I'm a new member, and I'm looking to buy my first sword. I was wondering where I should buy from and which makers to buy from.

I like reliks.com's website, but I'm not sure about the prices or the quality of the swords. I'd like to spend between $100-300.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[sanders]

I just saw that I should have logged on with my first name as well. My name is Matt Sanders, and I'd appreciate if a couple of you would respond despite my last of diligence in setting up my account.

Thanks,
Matt

[Will Adamson]

The initial response to such a question is always, "well what are you planning on doing with the sword?" Do you require a sharp for test cutting or a blunt for drills and freeplay?

Although I'm still a beginner at this, I'd have to say that if this is your first sword following a waster, it should be a sharp for test cutting. I only say that because good control is required in blunt use with a training partner. Now, good control is required in test cutting as well, but the things you're going to hurt in making a mistake in test cutting are generally going to be you and your sword. Each bad, but hurting another by accident is far worse than injuring yourself.

The price range you're talking about is pretty heavy in crap. Museum Replicas Limited has quite a few in this range, but most of them are steel noodles. If you're after a short sword, they might be a good bet. I have a discontinued longsword from them that is ok. The grip is too short, and the finish is causing some weird rust patterns that I can't seem to get rid of. Alot of folks rebuild the hilts too, since MRL swords tend to get a little creaky after a while. Although it is not sharpened, it has a sharp tip, so not really a proper blunt. They will sharpen it for you on request.

The only other other company's sword that I have used is Albion. My Talhoffer from them is fantastic, but twice your price range. They have new blunts that are just over $400, and have received rave reviews.

There are a few other decent makers, but those are the only two I have personal experience with. Check out the links on the ARMA homepage.

[Mars Healey]

For a good aluminum practice sword in your price range, check out www.Swordcrafts.com

I have their Liechtenauer blade and the school has 4 more. They are great practice swords and are very sturdy. We use them for drills and controlled sparring.

I also have a $150 blunt bastard sword from www.Silvermane.com that is very sturdy. It's the same sword that I've seen used in steel-on-steel competitions at the CT Ren Faire.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

From what I've heard, the current model of MRL Longsword is much better than what it used to be. Same with the MRL Type XIV.

[Randall Pleasant]

I'm a new member, and I'm looking to buy my first sword. I was wondering where I should buy from and which makers to buy from.

I like reliks.com's website, but I'm not sure about the prices or the quality of the swords. I'd like to spend between $100-300.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Hello

Please note that the moderators will be asking you to change you name to your full name.

If you are looking for a really good blunt sword I would suggest taking a look at Albion's Maestro Line (http://www.albion-swords.com/). The Albion blunts cost about $444 but they are more than worth the money.

[Will Adamson]

From what I've heard, the current model of MRL Longsword is much better than what it used to be. Same with the MRL Type XIV.

Unless they have changed the blade characteristics in the last year, I would have to say that you have it backwards.

At least they're better than Starfire.

[Shane Smith]

I'm a new member, and I'm looking to buy my first sword. I was wondering where I should buy from and which makers to buy from.

I like reliks.com's website, but I'm not sure about the prices or the quality of the swords. I'd like to spend between $100-300.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Please re-register with your full name as per forum rules.

As for swords; In your price range, MRL is probably as decent as you can get but I'd strongly recommend holding out for something from the Albion Squire line. I have yet to handle a crummy Albion sword and I've handled and own quite a few. I have handled several creaky-hilted MRL's. You may also be able to find a used Deltin in your price range. I'd take a Deltin over MRL most anyday.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/alb ... squire.htm

[Shane Smith]

From what I've heard, the current model of MRL Longsword is much better than what it used to be. Same with the MRL Type XIV.

Unless they have changed the blade characteristics in the last year, I would have to say that you have it backwards.

At least they're better than Starfire.

The one MRL model I've seen that has been consistantly decent in terms of handling, fit and finish has been the Arbedo hand and a half. I've handled a half dozen of them and cut with a couple and they seem pretty solid and quick. The crossguards all needed a shot of JB weld to stop the rattle though. The problem is I'm afraid this model has been discontinued.

[Randall Pleasant]

... I'd strongly recommend holding out for something from the Albion Squire line.

I agree with holding out for an Albion but not for one from the Squire line. Erine Perez has the Squire longsword and none of us are willing to face it even in light free play because it is just not blunt enough. In other words, it is unsharpen rather than blunted.

[Derek Wassom]

... I'd strongly recommend holding out for something from the Albion Squire line.

I agree with holding out for an Albion but not for one from the Squire line. Erine Perez has the Squire longsword and none of us are willing to face it even in light free play because it is just not blunt enough. In other words, it is unsharpen rather than blunted.

Yes, and they also have a brittle edge. Mine got chewed up pretty bad against my A&A Fechterspiel. It’s a great sword but it’s not for sparring.

[Shane Smith]

... I'd strongly recommend holding out for something from the Albion Squire line.

I agree with holding out for an Albion but not for one from the Squire line. Erine Perez has the Squire longsword and none of us are willing to face it even in light free play because it is just not blunt enough. In other words, it is unsharpen rather than blunted.

If he's looking for a sparring sword, I agree Ran. The poster did not specify though so I assumed he wanted a sword he could go either way with...ie. make it a true blunt with an angle grinder or make it sharp with an edge grinder.

[Thalun McHale]

http://www.badgerblades.com/

I've handled their swords, --very sturdy, and they include a lifetime warranty. You break it, they replace it.

Cool place though, and they are battle-ready--
However, they are a little bit more fancy. Just thought I'd throw the site out for options anyway.

[Matthew_Anderson]

http://www.badgerblades.com/

I've handled their swords, --very sturdy, and they include a lifetime warranty. You break it, they replace it.

Cool place though, and they are battle-ready--
However, they are a little bit more fancy. Just thought I'd throw the site out for options anyway.

No offense, but those really look like fantasy based, rennfaire vendor, designed for the elf ear wearing crowd, chop a concrete block in two, carry it under your trench coat like in "Highlander" junk to me. The blade geometry is all wrong, the hilts are not functional, etc. Usually, if they don't look like real historical swords, they don't perform like it either. It's really not that hard to produce a "sword like object" that is very tough and difficult to break. To make one that also has proper weight and balance, and performs well in actual fencing, test cutting, etc. is a lot more difficult.

Most folks on this board are interested in serious, historically-based, functional tools designed for serious martial artists. Unfortunately, these are few and far between and really only produced by a few sources in relatively small quantities. I can confidently recommend Albion, having handled many of their line. I personally would stay away from MRL for anything other than a display piece. Their quality control is dreadful and their blades are simply too soft for the most part. If you can find an old MRL, with a Del Tin blade, it may be worth picking up, otherwise, don't believe the hype in their catalogs. Since I mentioned Del Tin, some of their swords are decent as well, though certainly no where near the quality of Albion.