|
* Customer feedback to Albion US can be found here
* Customer feedback to Albion Europe can be found below:
20.06.2008 - The Crecy
Just a quick thank you - the Crecy arrived this week :-) Just as eariler with the Templar, I'm very impressed with the quality of the sword. And I appreciate very much the level of service your shop provides as well. Jacek, Poland
17.06.2008 - The I:33
The sword I:33 arrived yesterday. It's wonderful; an excellent piece of workmanship. All my expectations are exceeded. Thank you! Michael, Germany
17.06.2008 - The Stamford
Since last saturday the Stamford is here. GREAT! Called Matze & he came with his girlfriend. I pulled out the blackbox ( ;-) ), layed it at the table in front of Matze ( and said nothing )! Suse ( Matzes girl ) said : "you do it like a ceremony" - i said : "that must be - it is one"! Slowly opened M. the case 6 then came "aah"! :-) He said : "that is what i love - withot curlicues, quite simply but very strong!" His eyes were like lightes; he took the sword ( made perfect for his hand ) - and -was happy !!! Mathias, Germany
17.06.2008 - The Vasssal
Hello soren, my albion vassal arrived yesterday and i am verry happy,it is not only a top notch weapon.but also a work of art. Thanks for the ballistol and the polishing pads :-) . i will certainly be a returning customer ;-) Maurice, The Netherlands
14.06.2008 - The Sovereign
Hello Soeren. The parcel with "The Sovereign" arrived this saterday. Everything is OK. I must say the guys in the workshop make a fine work. Really, this is nice to see. Especially the finish and the line of the fullers is very clean and carfully made. Judging this work with a very close and critikal look on ......well, i must say:There is nearly nothing which could be done better. Especially not for 800 € !!!!!!! This is now nr. 5 of my Albion Swords. And this is one with the highest quality and i was really happy with this sword. Dieter, Germany
27.05.2008 - The I:33
The Red Wyverns medieval reenactment group are very impressed with the I33 sword. My daughter (not the strongest of people and relative novice) was for the first time able to hold her own in the sword and buckler sparing demonstrations , mainly because the sword is just so perfectly balanced and provided such a confidence boost. She still can’t stop grinning every time she picks up the sword. David, UK
21.05.2008 - The Duke
First of all i want to tell you that i recieved my sword today,"the Duke" is a fascinating sword,light like a feather and with a very powerful presence,never before i held a sword in my hand that earned the title "sword" more than this one,i can't think of putting it out of my hands since i first held it,simply great,Albion clearly stays true to its philosophy of only offering "the real deal" to sword fanatics!! The only thing that is missing now is a scabbard and belt for this amazing piece of history in my hands,thanks a lot to you and Albion! Wolfgang, Austria
27.02.2008 - The Agincourt
Just a quick note about the Agincourt - magnificent!.
It really is a beautifully weighted, superbly crafted sword that I can't stop picking up.
Thanks for the case and, again, thanks for your customer service - it makes the whole buying process a pleasure. I might see you in Dijon if you are attending this year. Gavin, UK
I received this day my I.33, very nice sword, very well balanced, it's a wonderfull sword for practice! Thanks a lot for this sword! Olivier, France
I'm terribly late in writing this, but I just wanted to let you know that I received my Albion Squire on January 25th, all in good state... I must say I do not regret my choice :-) I think the packaging deserves a special mention. This has been the best packaged sword that I have ever received. The double walls of the box have not suffered at all from the trip, with the foam inserts holding firmly the sword inside. Though perhaps you might consider indicating more clearly which side should be opened to reach the handle, as in the heat of the excitation I opened the wrong end first and almost cut myself on the pointy bit ;-) That will teach me to be more cautious :-D The sword handles perfectly as I expected, and the quality of the fittings and of the blade's polish puts it a notch up from what I already had. I destroyed the previously mentioned packaging without much effort :-) The swords sails through all kind of cuts and thrusts, from every direction with false and true edge. The acute profile taper gives me a funny feeling that the sword is shorter than it really is. But I think I will get used to it quickly... The risers on the handle are surprising at first, but I found their value while using a fencing glove. They make for a very secure grip... The idea of sending oil and scotch-brite together with the sword is also very welcomed addition...All in all I wanted to thank all the people involved, both from Albion US and Albion Europe, for their hard work and beautiful results. I can only hope that Albion continues to grow in the future! Vincent, France
15.02.2008 - The St. Maurice of Turin
The Saint Maurice arrived today. As always, I have to say thank you for the quick delivery. I can hardly find the right words to tell you, how impressive the sword is! Simply excellent! I’m really overwhelmed! It is really a huge sword, even bigger than I expected it to be, while still handling extremly well. This is my first Museum Line piece and it surely won’t be my last. For sure it costs a few Euros more than the Next Generation Swords ;-), but it is really worth its price. Thank you for the wonderful piece of history. Christoph, Germany
10.02.2008 - The Duke
It is long past due for me to write to you in some more detail about the beautiful swords I received. Oddly enough I am reminded of a quote from 'Lord of the Rings', the first movie. Upon entering Moria Gimli the Dwarf speaks '...And they call it a mine!'. You can almost feel how he ponders the silliness of anyone who would call a great Dwarven-keep a mere mine. It is a bit the same with especially the Duke -it almost feels as if the mere word cannot entirely do justice to what it is meant to represent.
What struck me most about the Duke is how incredibly massive and imposing the blade is. Even pictures and descriptions combined -who clearly state that there is little taper to have an as large as possible cutting section- do not prepare you for the size and presence of the blade. The grip itself almost seems small and fragile (that it is not can easily and pleasantly be resolved by picking up and wielding the sword!).
Another odd thing is that while writing I do not persé feel the elation I felt when first opening the case and picking up the sword (by which, I hastily add, I certainly do not wish to indicate any disappointment or such!). There is almost a sort of regret. It is regret born from the fact that in our day and age a magnificent sword like the Duke can never reach its full potential. You can never wear it on your hip during the day (barring perhaps historical events), you can never draw it and see your opponent pale in fright, you can never swing it for real against an opponent or feel it hit home in the knowledge that you have a superior weapon made by craftsmen. Apart from not being allowed to wear it, that is a good thing. I would certainly not want to be in a situation where I was forced to draw the Duke and use it in earnest. Yet part of me cannot help wonder what it would be like, or feel a twang of melancoly at knowing that I will never know. I had expected to feel a great many things when receiving and holding the Duke, but this was not among them.
On the other hand -I do not want to make this too melancholic a tale- the biggest compliment came from my beautiful beloved, who simply said 'It fits you.'. And I feel it does. To return to 'Lord of the Rings', where it not that I want to keep my fingers off the blade for fear of rust, I would hold it and stroke it and whisper things like 'My own... My... prrreciousss...' :-).
Two other things struck me, mostly because I had these two arrive at the same time. One is that all three Albion-swords I have at the moment (and I feel they will not be the last :-) ) is that it is not until you set them in motion that you feel their real balance and character. I have the distinct feeling that Albion-swords are not meant to merely hang or be held. They do not only want to be swung, they must be. It is not until they move that you really feel how shape and balance work together to give you crisp control and performance.
The second is that it was not until having my Albion-blades that I began to feel and perhaps even understand a little the differences of character between swords of different types. I think it is safe to say that with a I:33, a Duke and a Liechtenauer I have a nice little cross-section of swords, and each of them has a different character. That has one major drawback -now I want even more Albion-swords (well, alright, I did anyway...).
Which leaves me to wonder which one to go for next :-). I have for quite a while been eyeing the Templar, I cannot wait for the specs on the ARN-weapons to come out (noteably the dagger!), there is the Oakeshott with its pronounced cross-section, the versatile Yeoman... And I am really looking forward to the Maestro Epee de guerre and the Capoferro. There is only one missing in that line though -a Vikingsword (but, he said hopefully, who knows what the future might bring).
While writing many more thoughts occurred to me, related to but not solely on swords, but also the responsibility for instance that comes with owning a sharp blade. I will not bore you with them (I am prone to rambling; you might have noticed...).
Above all I am a happy man and consider myself a fortunate man to own now three Albion-blades. And I look forward to extending the family! Alexander, The Netherlands
28.01.2008 - The Meyer and The I:33
I have just received the Meyer and the I33 swords ; they are really excellent training tools, especially the Meyer which is perfect. And thank you very much for the plastic case and oil bottles. Philippe, France
25.01.2008 - The Prince
Yesterday I felt like a child on Christmas Day, because I got the Prince delivered. For some years I thought of purchasing a sword. Looking for a blade worth of being called a weapon, I finally came to Albion. Well, I didn´t have enough money at that time, but I decided to wait. I can tell now, it was worth both time and money. The Prince is a superb weapon, even if hanging on my wall right now, I have to admit, it doesn´t stay there for long, because I simply have to take hold of it and go through some sword routines again and again. It feels quite light and is easy to control and a pleasure for that. The grip fits my hand comfortable, especially while wearing gloves. The Prince is simple but beautiful, and seems to send the message “I am dangerous” by its appearance alone. I´ve got the feeling, this won´t be the only Albion I will buy (still waiting for the prototype of the spatha, I am J ). For now, thank you very much for this sword, Thomas, Germany
30.11.2007 - The Count and The Tritonia
I received this last week the Count and the Tritonia swords, along with the box you set. I have to say the following: About The Count: I found it magnificent, and have to say the pictures don't make it justice, it is much more wonderful live. The balance is perfect too, and the proportions absolutely elegant. So I am very happy with it, so I congratulate all the team who made it. About The Tritonia: How to say it without sound silly... It is terrific. Due to its dimensions, it seems even out of proportion, but that makes it much more powerful and impressive, a wonderful razor. Though its weight, you handle it very well, so I'm absolutely happy with it too. What more to say... That seeing your work I realized that I will love anything you produce, and it's very probably that I will be buying more Museum Line items in the next future. Antonio, Spain
29.11.2007 - The Soldat
Hello Soeren, I recieved the Soldat today,i t is great, really I`m excited, wonderfull work. Martin, Germany
27.11.2007 - The Meyer
The sword arrived today, the delivery was extremely fast, I wondered
that it arrived after a week. For the first touch it appeared to me a little bit "strange", slimmer and shorter grip than my present (and from now on my old one;) sword, I
didn't felt any power in it. But, after few strikes and techniques I began to realize what I hold in my hands. This sword is fantastic! Light, extremely fast, good balance point and so on... A true weapon of a fencer. Thanks for this beautiful piece, it will be my main sword on trainings! Good work Albion! Zoltan, Hungary
26.11.2007 - The Templar
I just wanted to let you know, that my „Templar" arrived on Saturday. Thank you once again for the perfect service and especially for the quick delivery again. As I had expected, the sword is really fantastic! Even more impressive than my first Albion sword "The Ritter"! For sure the "Templar" was not my last purchase from Albion Europe. Christoph, Germany
22.11.2007 - The Count
Your work arrived to my home this afternoon...You can't imagine how happy I am ! Your work is fantastic... I could write an entire book about it (er... actualy no, because of my bad english !) but words don't come to me ! It is a wonderfull sword... light, a good and unique balance - suitable to my physionomy - and a very fine art... You have all my admiration. With all my respects. Grégory, Belgium
25.10.2007 - The Knight
Today my "aged" knight arrived.
I am very satisfied with it.That sword is very cool.The aging of the grip is absolutly perfect.
I love the color of the fittings.It looks like a sword that had seen years of handling.
It is my third Albion and i must say it is the nicest I think in the future I will order my swords "aged or blued". :-)
I am very surprised how light and agile this sword is. I have thougt my Castellan is a quick sword. After I have used the knight, I have to revise my opinion.
Thank you for the great service. Oliver, Germany
24.09.2007 - The Ritter
As I told you, I was on vacation the last two weeks and during that time my Ritter arrived at home. So it wasn’t until yesterday that I could unwrap it. I’m very, very pleasantly surprised with the sword. It is really beautiful and arrived in excellent condition. Of course you read this every time you sell a sword, but, what a sword! Luckily the weather is still warm and sunny, so I can take it out and do some cutting. I also thank you very much for the flask of Ballistol and the Scotch-Brite pads. Are the usually shipped with the swords now, or was it a gift for the long delivery time?
So all in all I want to say that I’m completely satisfied. Since you told me how long it would take to deliver that was no problem and I think that every day was worth the waiting, since I really admire this piece! Please also send my best wishes to the team of Albion US for their work. And please count on me for more purchases in the future! Florian, Austria
22.09.2007 - The Liechtenauer
Yesterday I received my Liechtenauer and case and I have not written before because frankly I was at a loss for words (and I can tell you, for a hobby-writer and rethorics-enthusiast that is an often somewhat strange feeling...).
Oddly enough, let me start by saying that I actually noticed one or two very minor aesthetic flaws. The fuller looks ever so slightly off centre compared to the sides of the blade and the tip seems to have been rounded off after the edge had been put on. That, on the other hand, does afford a glance at the colour and 'interior' of the steel.
Now, before I say anything else, because the last thing I want to do, is to appear unhappy or dissatisfied, let me say this. I have two other Talhoffer-swords, both from Czech smiths. One is a cheap but acceptable practice-weapon (having the advantage that you really do not worry about breakage, because you just cannot be bothered to care too much), the other, my first, the blade I used for shows, because it is lighter, better balanced and generally prettier. One of my predominant feelings last night was:'well, I won't be using them again any time soon'. Because one thing I was certain off, was that I would be getting the best quality without any compromise. It is a tad blade-heavy when wielded single-handed (in all fairness, my wrists have been stressed a little too much of late). But then, two-handed. Ahhh... *insert dreamy
sigh* I have a good many swords, most of them made by Paul Binns, reputedly one of the best European smiths, so I judge my weapons by high standards. Binns-blades are not the lightest, but very solid and very good, and the balance of his blades is always excellent (or at least, with the ones I own). This sword feels just as solid. You hold
it, you wield it and you just *know* that it can take anything thrown at it. It is... Well, again words fail me. I already said I would be ordering aI:33 and yesterday-evening I said leafing through the catalogue wondering if I could afford a NextGen, because 1) I want a sharp sword and 2) I am *HOOKED* on Albion. And I have not even had a chance to put it through so me proper moves yet :-) (not until wednesday, when I
can show it to other people with Talhoffer-swords and -skills) ! I can hardly wait to either! Alexander, The Netherlands
20.09.2007 - The Baron
It is here !!! No Søren, not your baby, my sword.
I dreamed often on the Albion's website, imaging me with that sword. But nothing prepared me to feel what you can feel when you have a Baron on your hand. I can feel its balance, its energy. Its quite a sword from a legend, it is a sword I dreamed, a sword Albion did, and now it is reallity.
I have the feeling to became a member of a noble society, and I am very proud to be in this special compagny. I am not exactly the same man today, I am an owner of a Baron, of an Albion's sword.
Thank you very much for your kindness and to be so serious in your work. Pierre, France
06.09.2007 - Maestro Line Liechtenauer
I received the Liechtenauer today in good order. The sword is as good as I could hope it would be. And after all, half a year of waiting isn't much for a sword that can last a lifetime.
I fear for my wallet that this will not be the last sword I will buy. But first I will thoroughly enjoy this beautiful sword. Thank you and best wishes. Stefan, The Netherlands
29.08.2007 - Maestro Line I:33
"Thank you very much for the I.33 and the Earl. I had not pracised with the Earl so much at this time (so I can not tell anything about it) because the I.33 is at this time much more interesting.
I have used this sword in free play (with and without buckler) and for showfight.
It is for both the best sword, that I ever had in my hand. For free play it is fast as a devil with perfect controll. Absolutly that what I hoped to get.
I thought the would be some problems in showfight - because it is much lighter than the swords of my partners and I thought it could give some problems with the blade. But there is no problem. The blade is perfect". Bertram, Germany
26.07.2007 - Museum Line St. Maurice
"Have I told you, that I love my St. Maurice. I think I'll keep it in the wooden box (which is also a very nice piece) and use the box as a display with plexiglass on the front. The box is absolutely perfect matching the sword. Since my early childhood I've dreamed of having a real sword ( like most of us enthusiasts, I think). My first and only sword (better sword like object) is a spanish replica of the Braveheart filmsword. But this is not compareable to the St. Maurice. This sword is worth every cent of the price. The finish is so nice and the fit of the parts is amazing. Despite it's great size ( which was one reason for me to choose it) I found it a very elegant weapon. Every time I look at it my heart starts beating a bit faster. I still can't believe that I have it now. You really feel a bit like pushed into the middle ages when handling it. I've found a picture of the original in Turin in the internet. It is a very good feeling, to know that my sword is a serious recreation of the original. Peter is absolutely right, saying that you have to look at it through the eyes of a medieval knight, well trained to handle heavy weapons. These guys were much tougher and stronger than we are today. I guess I'll never ever go with a lesser sword than an Albion in the future". Sven, Germany
24.06.2007 - The Talhoffer
"Many thanks again for your excellent service in shipping my Talhoffer to me so speedily. I have now had the opportunity to pick it up. I was struck when I opened the box by the austere beauty of the sword. Here is a piece that perfectly evokes the spirit of fifteenth-century Germany and the fechtbuch from which the sword gets its name.
Despite the fact that the sword is not at all heavy (At just over 3.5 pounds it is the lightest longsword I own) it does nevertheless have a certain heft that gives one a definite feeling of confidence when handling it. The close point of balance is such that it is possible to deliver devastating cuts with the sword whilst at the same time having recourse to be able to recover extremely quickly and easily. I wasted no time in putting the sword through a series of fairly aggressive cutting drills and did not feel any undue strain in my forearms. The sword also offers a degree of point control that I had never before experienced in a weapon from the Middle Ages. The tip is as sharp as a needle and would easily penetrate the gaps in the suits of plate armour that were around at the time that Talhoffer published his works.
I look forward to the opportunity to perform some test cutting very soon. The grip is also the finest I have ever seen on any hand-and-a-half sword, the seam on the leather is barely perceptible and the riser in the middle of the grip sits snugly between my hands. The pear-shaped pommel is another magnificent feature of the sword, it is shaped perfectly to be gripped as is frequently shown in the fechtbuchs. This also makes performing a zwerchhau a pleasure as the pommel perfectly accepts one's hand once the cut has been delivered in preparation for a thrust.
Half-sword techniques are also very tempting to use with this sword, though the blade is so keen I would strongly recommend the use of gloves before these are attempted.
Taken as a whole, Albion have created what I think is one of the finest medieval longswords on the market today and I would urge anyone even remotely interested in historical combat to purchase one. Albion have never disappointed me from the point of view of both service and the unsurpassed quality of the products they offer. I am now completely hooked on Albion swords. I will never even consider purchasing from another manufacturer. I am extremely proud of all the swords I have bought to date (The Squire Line Great Sword, The Aquilifer, the Vinland and now the Talhoffer), I get a lot of pleasure out of handling and caring for them. As a footnote I would say that the name of the sword is fitting, since I believe that this is exactly the sword that Hans Talhoffer would have chosen for himself". Paul, England
22.06.2007 - Squire Line Viking
"Allgemeines:
Trotz der Unfähigkeit der DHL-Fahrer das Schwert heute erhalten. Danke an Sören, der sich schnell und zuverlässig um seine Kunden und ihre Bedürfnisse kümmert. Ware kam in ausgezeichnetem Zustand und gut verpackt an. Als kostenlose Zugabe, gab es noch ein kleines Klever-Ballistol Fläschchen und Vlies zum Polieren.
Das Schwert:
Historisch korrekter Aufbau. Klinge sauber geschmiedet, Flexibilität derselben hervorragend. Habe die Klinge bis ca 30 Grad gebogen, schnellte ohne jede Veränderungen wieder in die Ursprungsposition zurück. Für Schwerter dieser Art typische Balance. Sauber ausgeschliffene Hohlkehle ("Blutrinne"). Knauf und Parier ordentlich verarbeitet und sehr gut eingepasst. Vernietung am Knauf gut verschliffen. Griff ein wenig kurz geraten - also (leider) auch hier authentisch. Griffleder in Schwarz, optisch nicht der Renner, aber das läßt sich leicht selbst beheben.
Urteil: das Preis/Leistungsverhältnis dieser Waffe ist ausgezeichnet. Wenn man sich die heutzutage als "Schwerter" angebotenen Prügel ansieht, verwende ich den Ausdruck "Waffe" nicht leichtfertig, doch dies ist definitiv eine.
Ich kann Albion nur von ganzem Herzen weiterempfehlen". S.Qatuny, Germany
20.06.2007 - The Gallowglass
"Thanks, Søren. Apologies for the rather belated reply, but just to let you know that it got here safely first thing Monday. I have to say that I'm absolutely thrilled with it, it's a beautiful piece of workmanship. I think it's safe to say I'll be ordering from Albion Europe again (although it might take some time for my savings to recover!)". Chris, England
20.06.2006 - The Ritter
"The Ritter arrived on Saturday. Thank you very much for the really quick delivery!
When I opened the box, I was really impressed by the wonderful sword!
It is for sure the best sword I ever held in my hands so far!
I`m already thinking about which one will be my next Albion sword. ;-)". Christoph, Germany
04.06.2006 - The Museum Line St. Maurice
"That's it : I received on friday afternoon my Saint Maurice sword.
After cleaning and oiling it for the first time, I could at last admire this beautiful sword.
The Saint Maurice is really a massive sword : even if I knew its dimensions, the blade is very impressive. This sword is not an heavy one, but due to the size of the blade, it is necessary to have a strong arm to wield it. In fact, I think you'll need bigger guns than mine if you want to use it for a long time on the battlefield...
Even my wife, who isn't a sword "addict", finds that this sword has an amazing presence. The grip is also beautiful : the leather is so treated that the different colours give an old look to the sword. All that I can notice is two little scratchs on the gard ; but it doesn't matter, because it gives an older look to my sword. The inscriptions on the blade are "in their imperfections" perfectly done and add a touch of elegance to the sword.
I have other swords (not from Albion) but no one can be compared to the Saint Maurice. This sword is actually the masterpiece of my collection.
Thanks to you and Albion for selling such a "Knightly" sword". Vincent, France
25.05.2007 - The Clontarf
"The clontarf arrived yesterday ! Again a wonderful weapon, razor sharp blade with an outstanding, impressive balance, to make this sword both quick and powerful in the cut ! I am very eager to test it on some tatami as soon as possible. And the sword is also an austere beauty, with its short guard, the elegant engravings, combined with its broad, wicked sharp blade. If you swing it, you might hear the valkyries sing !!Thank you very much again for this excellent weapon. By odin, it will not be my last purchase at your shop !!But the decision about the next sword is quite difficult: munich, crecy, baron, or, quite new: the knecht?" Guillermo, Germany
21.05.2006 - The Gallowglass
"Today i get my sword. A great item, wonderful and perfect. Thank you". Markus, Germany
04.05.2007 - The Sempach
"I'VE GOT IT! :)
Yesterday I called DHL and they said they've got it and will be delivered today, which happened around 10:30am. Everything (case, sword, oil) was in perfect order, thank you so much! No problems whatsoever with the customs either - using DHL is obviously a smart solution.
The sword itself is amazing, much better than I thought just by judging on the photos! A beautiful sword, with great balance, razor-sharp blade and best finish, a wonder to behold and pleasure to handle!
Today I will try to figure out how to mount it on a wall, such way I'll have quick access to it. ;) I can totally see Peter's point about cutting vs trusting capabilities of this sword: it feels a bit like a medieval rapier used to penetrate through armour joints (even plate). A great piece to be sure and by far the best first time sword to own i.m.h.o". Laurentiu, Hungary
20.04.2007 - The Squire Line Knightly Sword
"I was happy to receive my Squire Line Knightly sword today and just thought i'd drop you a couple of lines to say thanks for your excellent service and quick delivery and that the sword is fantastic! Don't think you need me go into how good Albion swords are, but this is certainly the finest sword i have handled so far! Im definately hooked on Albion swords now and will be saving up for a Next Gen as soon as possible. So, again, many thanks and hope to be ordering again soon". David, UK
17.04.2007 - The Agincourt
"I'm pleased to say that the Agincourt arrived safe and sound this morning. Happily DHL did the job where UPS struggled :-)
Once again the pictures don't do the sword justice, it is beautiful and the balance is perfect. Static, it feels slightly heavy, but once it is in motion the weight just seems to disappear.
Now I'll just need to start saving for my Squire". Thanks, Darrin, UK
03.03.2007 - The Aquilifer & Earl
"The swords arrived ! Thank you very much for this outstanding weapons !
The aquilifer is superb, wonderful lines, wonderful balance, able for quick cuts, and for heavy thrusts as well. A masterpiece ! With this sword in hand, you are able to understand, that a roman gladius is a highly dangerous weapon, especially if you imagine, for example, the excavated bones and sculls of the british warriors of maiden castle, which were cut to pieces by such swords.
If you hold this sword, you get a feeling how the legions could conquer nearly the entire ancient world.
And the Earl: This sword is perfect, light enough to be used precisely with one hand, heavy enough to deliver devastating, but also very quick, blows against armoured enemies. The lines clean, sharp and crisp ridge lines, very well done hollow grounding. I am very impressed, also by the s-curved guard and the pommel. Swung correctly with proper edge alignment, the sword has a deep, strong, quite "hoarse" sound.
Swords of this type have been worn by the bold warriors of the early german renaissance, such as Georg von Frundsberg, Götz von Berlichingen, Franz von Sickingen or Florian Geyer." Guillermo, Germany
15.01.2007 - The Caithness
"I got my Caithness today and it’s everything you said it was! a dream to handle! It’s perfect! I can’t put it down!
Truly a work of art, ive been collecting swords for nearly twenty years now and ive got to say Albion ARE the best!
Beautiful finish to the blade (so that’s what sword sharp is!) the grip, the pommel, the down swept quilions perfect just perfect! Thank you!". George, Ireland
08.01.2007 - The Knight
"The Knight arrived on friday the 5th. When I opened the box I became very inspired! It is an amazing sword. I love the simple design so much. The quality is very good and I love the balance." Christopher, Austria
08.01.2007 - Late 13th C Great Sword
"I have recieved my sword a couple of days ago without a problem! I am VERY impressed at the quality and feeling of the blade, couldnt be any more satisfied! Also, I was impressed at how fast it has arrived, barely a week after I placed the order, with new year in between and all. Just wanted you to know!
As a small side-comment, I was actually suprised that the sword had arrived before you had sent me the track number from UPS, like you commented in your e-mail, but anyway it all went well, so its no big deal... im actually giving a thought as to which will be my next purchase from Albion! ;))
Best wishes to you and the people at Albion Europe!" Miguel, Germany
05.01.2007 - The Norman
"The sword was delivered right now (Friday, 4 pm) and I am very pleased with it. It is so much faster than from the USA and the priceitself is rather lower ! This is my fourth Albion after the Vinland, Huskarl and Gaddhjalt.And , as maybe you remember, I have the Valkyrja on pre-order.
Thank you for the gifts, I know how useful oil and scotch-brite are at servicing blades.
Making business with you is great. Long life to Albion Europe and congratulations again for launching it." Jean, France
21.12.2006 - The Viceroy
"The viceroy was delivered yesterday. A wonderful, mighty blade, razor sharp, seems to be ideal for heavy cutting. With the long sharp tip the viceroy is also very well suited for thrusting. The sword's balance is outstanding: the blade may have its weight, but you can wield it with ONE hand precisely and quite fast (with correct blade alignment there is a nice sound !), though it excels when used with both hands.
Thank you very much for this outstanding weapon, really the sword of a bold commander-in-chief ! Perhaps I will call the sword "the truchsess", remembering Georg Truchsess von Waldburg, who commanded the forces of the swabian league against the uprising bands in the great german peasant war in 1525." Guillermo, Germany
10.12.2006 - The Vinland
"I have finally had the opportunity to go down to pick up my brand new Vinland. During the weeks since it has been delivered, I swear I could hear the sword calling out to me but alas I always had some prior engagement to attend to at the weekend so until now I have been unable to pick it up.
When I opened the box and saw my sword for the first time, it literally took my breath away. The blade is keen and bright and the hilt components are beautifully rendered with barely a casting flaw to be seen anywhere. The scrollwork is very pleasing on both the crossguard and the pommel, I have no doubt that it is this feature which made the Vinland so popular. I particularly wanted to own one as the typically 'barbarian' symbology exhibited by this sword pays more than a little lip service to my own heritage (Mainly Celtic/Saxon).
In the hand, although the sword has a lot of blade presence which makes it optimally designed to cut, the sword can hardly be described as clumsy or cumbersome in any way, and it tracks very smoothly through the cut from one guard to the next and there is enough point control to allow for some reasonably accurate thrusting also. In general the weapon is as light and responsive as any early middle ages replica I have had the opportunity to train with, and its effectiveness in the hands of a competent swordsman exceed even its aesthetic qualities.
As can now be expected from Albion, the sword is very solidly constructed with no rattles or movement felt in the hilt when the sword is swung and it is this combined with the artistry and obvious pride that has gone into the manufacture of the sword that gives me no reservations whatsoever about labelling Albion as the leading manufacturer of historical swords in the world.
As for my new Vinland, I cannot sing its praises highly enough. This sword is a true tribute to the legendary smiths from the Dark Ages, and every time I hold it I feel like I am not holding a replica, but a piece of history. If I didn't know better I would say that this sword had been stolen from a museum. It really is that perfect. I rate it even more highly than my Aquilifer gladius, which is also a beautiful weapon which I have the honour of owning.
I am also proud to have been able to patronise Albion's new European venture, and I wish Soeren and his team every success in the future. You will be hearing from me again soon when my funds allow". Paul, England
05.12.2006 - The Steward
"Coming home from work yesterday, I found the steward: What a weapon ! Again a real masterpiece, clean lines, a razor-sharp, very thin blade, clearly a sword for cutting. I am very eager to do some cutting tests with beach mats and tatami-omote.
Thanks to your recommendation I switched to the dark brown grip, with which this sword is a real beauty !
I am afraid that I have become an albion-addict, because I already feel the need to order the next sword (pedite ? bayeux ? clontarf ? knight ? : to quote you: "I think I love them all !"))". Guillermo, Germany
21.11.2006 - The Agincourt
"I just hold my second Albion sword, the Agincourt, in my hands. Again I'm fascinated by its beauty and strength. The esthetic lines, the perfect balance and the high quality are unique. In my oppinion this sword is perfect(!) for the sword fencing technics in the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer and I realy can´t find any flaw. I congratulate Albion on that work and I am very happy, that you distribute Albion swords in Europe now. It was very pleasent to order by your online shop. The delivery was quick and without any problems.
Thank's a lot!". Guido, Germany
09.11.2006 - The Earl
"Today the Earl has arrived. That really makes my day.
Thank you so much for the very quick shipping. 1,5 days from Denmark to Germany, thats great.
Thank you for the Ballistol and the scotch Brite too.
This sword is amazing. It is dancing in my hands. The hollow grinding is perfect - the curved guard is wonderful.
I am very content with it.
Thank you Soeren and thank you Albion for this wondeful piece of history". Oliver, Germany
01.11.2006 - The Squire Line Viking Sword
"I have just picked the sword up from the UPS place, realy fast delivery, i think it was at the door for 12.15 this afternoon.
The quality of the blade is fantastic; and its only one of the entry level swords! im very impressed and will certainly be back in touch for a beserker (and hopefully a huskarl) as and when funds allow". Andrew, Norway
17.10.2006 - Late 13th C Great Sword
"My Albion Late 13th C. Great Sword arrived on my front porch today. It’s hard to describe the feelings that surge through you as one opens the packaging and pull out your very own sword. "WOW" is the only word that comes to mind and you realise that Albion has taken the phrase “move like a butterfly and sting like a bee” to a whole new level. It’s so perfectly balanced and comfortable to hold that the sword simply feels like a natural extension of your arm.
As a historian I must admit that there’s a sort of subconscious understanding about our forefathers that only can be reached by actually holding a blade like this in your hands. It evokes a new interest and respect for the fearsome potency of warriors past and has really re-sparked an old love for the medieval ages.
I want to thank the crew at Albion for your excellent service and am looking forward to doing business with you in the future". Scott Hellroth, Sweden
13.10.2006 - The Sempach
"Yesterday the sempach has arrived. The sword is superb, fantastic ! It exceeds all expectations. The finish seems perfect, the ridge lines and fuller are crisp, the balance is outstanding. From iaido training I am used to iaito or shinsakuto blades with 75cm length and weigth of about 900g to 1000g, so I
|
