Practically speaking one is not getting that much more sword for the dollar. But for those with an expert eye, love for swords, and are intimately acquainted with the minutiae of the history and art of them, it's a world of difference and easy money. This, of course, ties in with what others have said about overhead, quality tools, and second-to-none researchers and craftsmen - none of which come at minimum wage. I'm probably wrong, though. I would say with Albions particularly the museum line you are paying for the firsthand research of the originals not just the cost of CNCing the replicas.
I'll pay extra to have an accurate replica of an original--particularly the hidden part under the grip where many makers cut corners. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote! The rule of "diminishing returns" is true for most consumer items. Is the more expensive one 5 times better than the first? It won't. Fact is: when items get closer to achieving an excellent level of quality, it's those final incremental improvements that are most costly.
Only a small group of consumers will appreciate these improvements and be able to justify their expensive. It is the rule of diminishing returns. This is not to be underestimated. In non-sword items, this expense is often going to be larger than than per-item hard costs. Just as the reviews here fall back upon subjective qualitative impressions, I think the relative value of minute finishing touches and handling differences are also going to be subjective at the individual level.
Some may perceive multiple fine detail improvements as being worth a few hundred dollars. Others may not. Just for grins, one can compare roughly similar models. They may be an atypical match.. I don't know. These were just the first two I could identify an obvious visual and similarity in proportions and dimensions Minor but noticeable things like the grip wrap and sculptural characteristics of the guard are also different. The differences took some extra hours of hand finishing work, even if the overall production schemes were pretty similar.
If offered either as "free gift I would say they are different objects with different design priorities. Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence! I think the challenge for most of us when considering the price of swords is that they don't command the same importance in our lives that they did for our ancestors, yet we are beginning to demand the same, or better, standards of design, perfomance, and quality of workmanship that our ancestors did.
Outside of one road rage incident last spring, I haven't really been called into battle with it either. If the world turned upside down and I had to take a sword into battle tommorrow, what would I take? An Albion. I own 2 swords, both of which are Albions, one of which is a maestro line training sword. It gets used hard, and looks as pristine as it did when I first took it out of the box, even after some brutal attacks on 80 year old firs and hemlocks.
If you read some of Peter Johnsson's posts, you realize what it takes to design an NG Albion sword to historically accurate detail and put it into production. If you talk to Mike at Albion, you realize what Albion is doing over there.
Their product line is inspiring. I have a lot of respect for the philosophy and the delivery at Albion, and the attention and commitment to the final product. Yes, this is , and we can cut our swords on machines.
If we didn't, a middle income professional like myself would probably never get to own a real sword, let alone two. Even then, when I did look at a hand forged sword I couldn't bring myself to pay what I had to pay to get a pommel that screwed on.
Now, if something does go wrong with my sword, and it was the fault of the armourer, Albion would fix it, free of charge. Personally, I sleep better knowing that a company like Albion exists and that they make the products they make.
Every time I look at another maker, I keep coming back to Albion. My money's on the Albion team. Great post topic by the way, because it really gets a person thinking about whats important, why we do what we do, and why we buy what we buy.
I have yet to decide whether or not to vote on this one, and also, which way I'd vote if I did. On one hand, some products certainly cost more than comparable products from other makers, and I wouldn't complain if they drastically reduced the prices, but on the other hand, I get the feeling that the lower priced companies, who still make well researched and well executed products, could be underselling themselves. These days it's an awful lot easier to learn to be a good bricklayer or an accountant than it is to be a swordsmith.
Personally, I've never spent money on bricklaying or accountancy and, no offence intended to bricklayers or accountants have more respect for the skills of a swordsmith than either of these professions. Why then, would I expect a specialised artisan, creating something no-one else in my street is interested in buying, to charge less for his time than either of the aforementioned people?
Perhaps because he enjoys the work? Perhaps because the market won't stand higher prices? I'd probably expect a hand forged piece to cost more than a CNC milled one but then again, it could be made in a backyard shop with very little overheads.
If it was still a top quality piece, the smith should then charge extra for his expertise should he not? Basically, as much as I hate to admit it, I think swords should realistically cost more than they do. Without wanting to get too deeply into wage discrepancy's between developed and developing nations, I've yet to find a production sword ignoring SLOs , which is priced higher than I think is warranted.
I once bought a Chinese made sword and was amazed at the quality I got for such a low price. It made me feel a little guilty, imagining that the wages paid to those who made it must be quite low, but perhaps it's better to be spending my money in countries which are in greater need than others? I guess that, as in any market, you charge what you must to stay afloat, and above that, whatever you think you can get away with.
Posted: Wed 29 Oct, am Post subject:. Nathan Keysor wrote:. I'm not going to subtract from that, simply because I had to look for some time before I could find anything wrong with its finish.
The peening is indistinguishable from the beautifully executed pommel. The tip is even and spatulate with no flaws of any kind. The entire sword blade is sharp and the sharpness factor did not vary from any part.
This sword is not rattly at all. The hilt furniture grips the tang very well. Everything is wonderfully evened out and there is no shoddy workmanship here! Admittedly I have been timid in performing and tests the involve blade contact, however I have sheared the twigs in leaves off of many a tree with no markings on the sword. I attribute this to the swords flattened oval cross section that makes for a vicious cut. During dry handling the I can find no faults in the sword whatsoever that pertain to how well it is built.
Simply put, this sword is a tank with the beauty and elegance of a true historical replica. I can't make up my mind about value for money. Usually, this is an easy task, but I find myself wobbling here. When it all comes down to it, it is whether or not you like this particular type of sword or not.
That is up to you. I can safely recommend the Ritter to anyone whose interest ranged from the crusades to the Teutonic campaigns in Lithuania and Prussia. I'm a college student, and as such my funds will be rather slow in amassing, but if I've the proper advice I can do this properly in one go.
Regards, M. Originally Posted by David Lewis Smith. Posts 6, An object is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it, at least from the perspective of the buyer. James A. Hi Michael, Different people will tell you different things about Albion. They are unquestionably superior to Windlass Steelcrafts in essentially every way.
Whether or not they're worth the asking price is more subjective. I own one of their older swords - greatly inferior to their current offerings - and I absolutely love it.
But then I didn't pay anything close to the prices they're currently asking. If I did, I would be somewhat less satisfied.
I couldn't tell you how much time, cost and effort goes into making one of Albion's swords these days, but I can tell you that the research behind each design is what really sets them apart from the competition. They've had some criticisms in the last year with regard to their heat treat, which is generally recognised to be every bit as good as period originals and likely as good as you'll need, but it's not necessarily quite as tough as a reproduction sword made of modern steel has the potential to be.
In my opinion, other makers offer swords with a superior heat treat, granting them better edge retention and resiliency against bad cuts. That counts hard against Albion for me, but mainly because of their prices - paying that much, I'd like a sword with a heat treat that's comparable to the toughest production swords on the market.
There was word from Peter Johnson some time ago that this issue has been or will soon be addressed, but I'm not sure what the situation is at present. As for the scabbards - have a look at their campaign line. Albion's 'budget' scabbards are decently priced, and most people don't need anything more exotic than a wood core covered in leather.
Another option is Christian Fletcher. Christian sells Albion swords through his website, and offers a range of scabbards at varying price points. Your milage may vary, but my opinion is that whilst Albion's swords are exceptionally good, they don't quite justify their asking prices. I would rather pay a little more and go custom, and come away with a one of a kind piece.
I'll stress again that this is only my opinion, and I can well understand those that feel Peter Johnson's designs and Albion's consistent level of quality more than justify the cost of their swords. Bottom line - you won't go wrong with an Albion unless it's going to see extremely hard use that borders on abuse; but you might find alternative makers offering swords of better value to you.
Some other makers to research are Arms and Armor and Angus Trim on the production front; with Ollin Sword Design and Tinker Pearce being a couple of the many custom options. Join Date Feb Posts 3, As has been noted essentially in the above posts only you can decide if Albion products are "worth it.
It depends entirely on what is important to you? If historical accuracy makes them better then MRL, yes they are better. If quality of workmanship makes them better then MRL yes they are better. If cheap price makes them better then MRL then they are worse. Basically only you can decide what criteria are important to you and how those criteria are rated in your mind.
To me yes Albion is superior to MRL in every way except price and I am willing to spend more in order to have that product that is superior in every way. You have to make that judgement again when deciding between Albion and some of the other manufacturers presented above.
Now as to the scabbards. Aaron makes a darned fine product and is a heck of a craftsman. Is it worth the money to you? Again only you can decide.
I will say that most people do not give a quality scabbard the respect it deserves nor do they appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into one.
I could tell you stories about the destruction of high quality scabbards I've seen and others about the desire by customers to cut corners in order to get that cheaper price Tritonworks Custom Scabbards www. You've read the reviews and were impressed. Albion supplies a quality, well researched product. Only you can determine whether it is a value to you.
My thanks go to Mike and the Albion staff for providing such a fine quality sword, one of the neatest presents I ever have given myself.
Well, I've had my Senlac for about a week now, and I must say it is impressive! It is light years ahead of any other sword in my collection. It feels like poetry in the hand.
The feel of the sword is amazing. It's balance is just right, nimble while still leaving enough presence in the blade to inspire confidence. It certainly feels like it would be at home smashing through a shieldwall, or riding down a routing huscarl.
Were I a Norman miles, marching up Senlac hill, this is definitely the sword I would want upon my hip. It arrived a day earlier than I thought it would, so needless to say I was delighted to see that long box waiting for me on my doorstep.
It was definitely worth the wait! Sharp, gleaming, a real beauty and beast. I don't know what else to say but thanks. And make sure you pass my thanks along to all the team.
They did an awesome job! Over the course of those few months I can only say that its beauty has grown on me rather than diminished with time. But what really strikes me looking at the Thegn is that despite its historical accuracy I keep thinking Conan or the ancient Westron blades that the hobbits find in the barrow in Fellowship of the Rings.
This sword oozes an aura of fantasy and the mythical dark ages. Keep forging dreams out of steel guys! I received my Thegn today, and it is now one of my favorite swords. The craftsmanship is impeccable. I cannot say enough - it is pleasure to own. Thanks once again. Wanted everyone to know that my gal loves The Thegn.
It is the right length and weight for her, not to mention it is a very "quick" blade. I admit, I am a bit envious, but I have my eye on another blade Thanks for the effort, -- Eric Rollason. The Thegn arrived today and once more Albion has outdone itself. Buddy, this sword is as close to perfection as one could possibly get. Beautiful execution, and a design leaving nothing to be desired. I am simply over the moon.
They say that the best things come in small packages and this being a smallish sword proves the truth of that statement. God, what a wicked little cutter. The grip colour is rich and warm and the hilt itself sits in my hand like it had grown there both in the hammer and handshake grip.
The catalogue is absolutely right when it states that the curved upper and lower guard makes for a very comfortable grip There are really not enough good things I could say about the Thegn, so let me state my appreciation in a way we both can relate to. Mike, make me a Burgundian with a Magenta grip will you. Thank you my friend for the privilege of letting me own such a superb piece of weaponry.
Thank you this fine addition to my collection. Reading the statistics for the Thegn , I had imagined that it would feel light in the hand. Indeed, it is well balanced and nimble while still hanging in my hand with the terrible presence of formidable weapon. I find the grip particularly comfortable, allowing my hand to slide from hammer to handshake grip effortlessly as I execute a cut.
This it is an extremely elegant piece that I will display with pride and spend many hours wielding. My only regret regarding the Thegn is that I cannot find a Viking will to assist me with a cutting test. Afterall, how else can one properly test an Anglo-saxon sword?
My local re-enactors seem less than sanguine about the idea. I guess they just don't make Northmen to the old standard. Or perhaps it's just as well since the steel in your reproduction most certainly far exceeds the quality of the original. It fits my hand like a custom-stitched glove and its lines and balance are pure works of art.
Though I've long been a closet admirer of swords this is the first I ever purchased. I have a sneaking suspicion it won't be the last. My brother-in-law Gary and wife Gen were visiting when the sword arrived. Although they looked askance when I opened the box and proudly displayed the Thegn, I noticed that Gary later took up the catalog and spent more than a little time going through it.
Kinda like my reaction after meeting you and Harlan in Las Vegas My thanks to all at Albion for producing such a beautiful and functional piece. The Thegn will be a hallmark in my collection for years to come. The Poitiers. Just to let you know that I received my Poitiers last Wednesday. As you said I really love this sword, even more that I thought from the picture on your website. It is a bit like the Castellan, the pictures are far from giving a good idea of the beauty of the sword.
I really like the simple and sleek shapes that give this sword all its character. I am also very pleased by the finish, even more than on the 2 others perhaps simpler shapes may help on this matter there is not a single pitting that could betray the fact that the cross and pommel are cast.
The fitting of blade on the cross is perfect I just love that! The handling is just great and it is a pleasure to compare how the 3 swords behave differently. I thank you guys for sending it so quickly, I would never have thought I would hold it in my hand less than 2 weeks after I sent you my order, that's great! This sword must have been waiting for me somewhere in your workshop.
It could have been even faster if UPS didn't hold it for inspection a couple of days. It arrived in France on the 12th, but they thought that an authorization was needed to import it.
I think they tried to foul me somehow because they don't like to carry this kind of stuff. You may want to share this information with your French customers as I really think they wanted to annoy me as much as possible.
Just a note of appreciation. I am delighted with the Reeve ,it is a marvelous piece of work- light, very handy, yet rock-solid. Fit and finish is superb and the sword as a whole posesses an austere beauty. On top of all that, it got here really fast. What more could I ask? This was my first "white box rush". I feel when a man speaks true words, he deserves acknowledgement. In our last phone conversation, you said "wait until I hold this one". How profound!
At first I almost found it too light which is rare for me as I like the shorter light swords. After 2 days though it has revealed it's self to me. A character unto it's self. A really fine sword of itself which I still question if I did the right thing. All of which I am totally happy with.
I can honestly say I have gained another "only one sword" to my collection. With the Reeve, I now have 6 on my wall, but they are all the "one swords". Swords I would stand with and not look back. I feel so fortunate to reach such a collecting criteria. While I am at it, I cannot not say enough about the "Campaign worn" light brown I chose for the grip color. I do leather work and would love to know how you guys get that look.
It gives the sword a "been there, done that" look. Too much of a deal seeker I guess. However, this has been a greatly pleasurable and well executed experience. Your service, communications and product set a standard that many should aspire to. The Reeve I've had the Reeve for a few months and I've become pretty familiar with it in that time.
The sword features very clean lines and an austere look that's very fitting for the period. I'm always impressed with your execution on the blades fullers, few do this as well as you do and none better. The brazil nut pommel is also one of my favorite features on this sword.
This has long been one of my favorite pommel designs and it's great to see it executed this well in its shape and proportion. This last weekend I had the opportunity to finally put the Reeve through some cutting excercises.
Rolled japanese tatami mats were used as the cutting medium and I don't think I missed a single cut with the Reeve, throughout the course of the afternoon. The sword is quite easy to handle and cuts were performed almost effortlessly.
The brazil-nut pommel rides well up into the palm during use, yet its shape makes the grip quite comfortable yet very secure. The sword is quite nimble yet delivers very effective cutting performance. The Reeve handles like a large butcher knife. This sword would have given fine service in the hands of a Saxon Houscarl at Hastings, or with a Norman Miles as he charged the papal army at Civitate.
This is the sword that fans of the 10th and 11th centuries have been waiting for. Not fancy, but well executed and quite effective. The Sword of Saint Maurice Turin. Mike - You sneaky devil! You said 4 weeks for my Maurice and here it is in only 1! All I can say about it is WOW! It's huge! I knew it was big, but the short grip makes it feel even bigger.
I sorta feel like a giant wuss because my arm got a bit sore from swinging it around! It is my first museum line piece and I have to say that it is perfect! Thanks to all of you guys at Albion for a job well done! And thanks to you in particular Mike for your little deception, I was VERY pleasantly surprised by the big white box today since I had no idea it would be here so soon!
Thanks again. The Sword of St. Maurice A friend recently acquired this sword and we finally had the chance to put it through its paces this last weekend. I find swords of this type fascinating, as they force us to continually redefine what we consider to be the 'typical' medieval sword.
In reality, they show us that there really is no such thing. To call the Sword of St. Maurice massive would be an understatement.
The sword is simply huge. The individual who used the original must have been quite a man. This is not a subtle sword by any means and cutting with it next to a sword like the Reeve proved to be a great study in contrast. In spite of the swords size and great blade presence it still possesses excellent dynamic handling. The short grip and pommel design allow the hand to be firmly secured within the hilt during use, not an insignificant detail on a sword of this size.
The original was obviously a horsemans sword and the St. Maurice would be devastating if used from horseback. Cutting excercises were performed using rolled japanese tatami mats and when used in the proper manner the sword cut as if the targets weren't even there. If the man using it is up to the task I don't think anything could stop this sword.
The St. Maurice exhibits the same attention to detail I've seen on all Albion swords. The pommel is an finely executed example of a variation on the brazil-nut shape that, when combined with the guard, gives the sword a very attractive line. The treatment on the grip is especially nice, giving the sword an already 'aged' appearance. The blades engraving is the swords crowning aesthetic touch and is flawlessly executed.
This last detail gives a very austere sword a nice touch of style. The original sword is of historic signifigance and your version is of equal importance to the modern sword making industry. It's great to see swords like the St. Maurice, swords that expand our understanding of the originals, brought to the market. Simply outstanding. The Hospitaller arrived today, in great shape.
My first impression when I took it out of the box was WOW. I bought this sword to fill a hole in my collection, and I'm not sure what I expected, but after reading about the Hospitaller on the web, I did not expect a sword that felt so right in my hand. I love the balance of the sword. Yes it's a cutter, but it moves where I want it to with ease.
I am very pleased with the Hospitaller , more than I expected to be. My thanks to you and every one at Albion for another great sword. Two days ago, a long white cardboard box appeared on my doorstep. I haven't written sooner because I was too busy playing with my brand new Hospitaller to be bothered, partially dealing with getting the handshake grip down. This sword is a monster. It is definitely not a weapon for the weak hearted. It's long, but it doesn't feel weighty, just 'there'.
It moves like a helm-cleaving tidal wave, but has the elegance of movement and balance that doesn't make it feel like a chopping weapon.
I especially want to thank Mike for being such a good and flexible salesman. I think you lot should be regulated. Now I'm addicted to your swords. The Hospitaller arrived yesterday. I really shouldn't be surprised anymore, afterall, this is my third Albion. Talk about blade presence. I have no doubts that this is a fearsome cutter. I can't wait to get outside and do some cutting that is. This sword begs you to "reach out and touch something".
The oxblood grip is beautiful yet again! Fit and finish is superb. This is a fantastic addition to my collection. Thank you to the guys in the shop. Without a doubt, this will not be my last Albion purchase. Talk about service; one week from placing my order and it's in my hand. Be careful Mike, you'll spoil me : Thanks so much to all involved. UPS delivered the Talhoffer today and I am absolutely speechless! This is one of the finest medieval sword designs I've ever seen. The Talhoffer was definitely worth the wait; truly a beautiful sword that proves false all the stereotypes of medieval swords being huge and cumbersome objects with no artistic appeal.
However, once in the hands, the Talhoffer sheds its artistic persona and becomes ready for a duel of honor!
Its Type XVa blade is just how Oakeshott describes it. I can tell a lot of work went in to creating this sword, and no one could have done it like Albion! This sword will be a cherished family heirloom for generations to come. To other swordmakers, Albion should not be viewed as a competitor, but rather as a standard. Oh my I took the sword out for my first proper test run of it today and I am truly amazed.
I mean, I knew that swords were agile, vicious and truly deadly, but so far I haven't really handled a sword that so fully personifies the elements of the longsword fencing traditions of the 15th and 16th Centruies. In that department the Talhoffer truly deliveres. Just by handling it dozens of new insights concerning the fencing I train immediately came to mind. And with it a new-found respect of the Masters of old. It truly feels like an extension of my body when wielded. AND its got the looks to boot too.
A beautiful, but very very deadly sword. I am greatful beyond belief for this sword. And your services Mike have, as always, been top notch. Received my Talhoffer. I really love the feel of this sword. With such sweet balance and point control I rank the Talhoffer as the perfect dueling weapon.
I put her through some quick drills and the response is everything I could expect, fast and agile. The fit and finish is superb and I really love the red grip. This ones a definate keeper but then again, aren't they all?. Thanks for another fine work of art my friends. Quite simply, the Talhoffer is the finest piece that I have ever handled. To paraphrase Hamlet Oh what a piece of work is the Talhoffer, how noble in bearing, how magnificent in handling, In form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like and angel, in fit and finish, how like a god!
Truly a great piece of work indeed. As soon as I got mine out of the box I went out and put it through some drills, and I was shocked at its maneuverability.
Compared to the blunts that I have been using, it is a godsend. Thank you very much, very much indeed. The Talhoffer arrived at my desk in a large white box, and with it came a level of excitement that I don't often get when the delivery guy arrives - heck, the whole office was excited; everyone wanted to get the feel of a real sword! And so I welcome my first sharp. It is a beauty - aesthetically, I love the diamond cross-section of the blade, and the black wasted grip has a very powerful look to it.
This is a very intimidating sword, every bit as inspiring as I expected. In the hand, I find that it has an aggressive feel, it loves to move forward, and its' point is very threatening! From assistance with my order, to the payment plan you helped to set up, and finally the production, detail and delivery of this latest Albion sword that I now proudly call my own, I am blown away by your service. No where else does it like you. I look forward to growing my family of Albion swords again real soon.
Regards, -- Brock S. When I came home today there was a note telling me I had a package waiting for me at the local post office. My first reaction was "I'm not expecting anything today?? Oh wait I am!! It had arrived yesterday but I wasn't at home when the delivery truck visited. That's 6! Much faster than I expected, the fact that the Albion stealth coating allowed it to go past customs without any dues or additional taxes was a pleasant surprise as well.
It only took 16 days from when the prototype was released to when I got my sword -- incredible, the staff must have been working overtime to get the Agincourts and the other new releases finished and on their way.
Inside the box was the real treasure, my Agincourt, what a sword! Nothing had fully prepared me for handling my first own Albion NG sword.
Slim and sleek with an agressive presence thanks to that awl point. The slim blade fools the eye and makes you underestimate the size of the Agincourt, this is a big sword but it doesn't feel like I'm handling a four foot sword.
Gripping the blade in a half-sword guard feels very natural, indeed the sword handles like agile four foot steel spear, the point goes just where i want it with very little effort. The guard and the oxblood grip came out great, the lightly curved guard with it's subtle ridge give the grip a noble air and it's easy to see this sword worn with a full knightly harness. I love the rich, slightly reddish, brown colour of the grip which is very comfortable. The sword fits my hand like it was made for it, this is probably the first time I've actual preferred gripping a sword barehanded to using gloves.
I'm not sure I can go back to using swords with non-cord wrapped grips after this Well done indeed, I'm very impressed with the craftsmanship, the best I've ever seen in a production sword.
Doing business with Albion and you Mike have been a real pleasure, friendly and helpful replies arrived promptly to my every question and you even put up with me switching the sword I'd ordered.
You have one very satisfied customer over here in rainy Sweden and I look forward to the next time I'll place an order with you. Now I'm just hoping that my Poitiers will arrive as swiftly and and effortlessly effortlessly on my part that is ;- Hope you have a great day over there, you just made mine a lot better!
Best regards -- Daniel Staberg, Swede n. I've been meaning to email you and let you know that I'm extremely pleased with my new Agincourt sword. Like the Baron that I ordered last year, this is another fine and exceptionally well-crafted sword! The balance is unbelievable and it executes cuts and transitions through guards with lightning rapidity!
Although it would seem to be primarily a thrusting weapon, I am anxious to try some test cutting with it as its combination of speed and sharply honed edge leads me to think that it should have some excellent cutting capability as well. I spent the weekend getting acquainted with my new Agincourt , and I love it! The balance is nigh-on perfect; it slides neatly into any line I want it to in a way that puts my other longswords to shame. I just got my Agincourt.
Just in time for Christmas, a week before it's estimated shipping time! Truly a special Christmas for me. I have 8 swords from various other companies and now I see why they are all "wall hangers" imitating swords like Albion's. Christmas night, when I was presented with the sword that I didn't know had come a few days earlier, I went into the back yard to see how it handled. My friend couldn't leave until 3 am we were so impressed. This is a REAL sword. Thanks guys and thanks Mike for being so helpful!
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