Torawashi
September 25th, 2008, 08:08 PM
Well, here we go, as promised. Received my Castile sword today, via UPS, and after inspecting and cleaning and oiling her I pronounce her outstanding. The sword is well balanced and the blade has just the right stiffness to springiness ratio, not too stiff and not too whippy. she should be a good cutter. Edges are VERY sharp! the blade has a wide fuller down it's full length. I have classified it as an Oakeshott type Xa, according to his "Record of the Medieval Sword" that I use as a reference guide for all my medieval swords. the tech specs are as follows:
Overall Length: 38 5/8th"
Blade Length: 31 13/16th"
Handle Length: 4 1/2"
Blade Material: Hand Forged 1060 High Carbon Spring Steel (according to Valiant Armoury)
Blade Width at Guard: 2"
Sword Weight 2 lbs. 14 oz.
Sword, Scabbard & Belt Weight 4 lbs
Center of Gravity 5 1/2"
Center of Percussion 17"
as you can see, the center of percussion is farther up the blade from the tip than a Katana. This is a sword whose primary purpose is for cutting and slashing as opposed to thrusting, although it has enough of a point to thrust as well if needs be.
Overall the sword has a quality feel and the fit and finish is excellent, a little different than the prototype in that the leather of the scabbard and grip is more of an oxblood color and the sword belt is black. contrasts rather well. the scabbard mouth has the authentic medieval triangular leather guard front and back which is the first scabbard I've seen of this quality at this price ($383.99 at Sword Nation, free UPS shipping within U.S.). It is a single hand sword, designed to be wielded with one hand while the other hand grips a shield.
The sword was designed by Chris Fletcher and Angus Trim for Valiant Armoury and forged in China.
If any of you are interested in Medieval swords I highly recommend this one. A beautiful sword at a great price for the quality. By the way; I have named her SILVERLIGHT, because her silvery blade is the light in the darkness.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castile_blade.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castileA.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castile_closeup.jpg
Overall Length: 38 5/8th"
Blade Length: 31 13/16th"
Handle Length: 4 1/2"
Blade Material: Hand Forged 1060 High Carbon Spring Steel (according to Valiant Armoury)
Blade Width at Guard: 2"
Sword Weight 2 lbs. 14 oz.
Sword, Scabbard & Belt Weight 4 lbs
Center of Gravity 5 1/2"
Center of Percussion 17"
as you can see, the center of percussion is farther up the blade from the tip than a Katana. This is a sword whose primary purpose is for cutting and slashing as opposed to thrusting, although it has enough of a point to thrust as well if needs be.
Overall the sword has a quality feel and the fit and finish is excellent, a little different than the prototype in that the leather of the scabbard and grip is more of an oxblood color and the sword belt is black. contrasts rather well. the scabbard mouth has the authentic medieval triangular leather guard front and back which is the first scabbard I've seen of this quality at this price ($383.99 at Sword Nation, free UPS shipping within U.S.). It is a single hand sword, designed to be wielded with one hand while the other hand grips a shield.
The sword was designed by Chris Fletcher and Angus Trim for Valiant Armoury and forged in China.
If any of you are interested in Medieval swords I highly recommend this one. A beautiful sword at a great price for the quality. By the way; I have named her SILVERLIGHT, because her silvery blade is the light in the darkness.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castile_blade.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castileA.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w71/jimnpatsy/castile_closeup.jpg