Update: Kult of Athena contacted me and offered a replacement due to the grinding mistake, but then backtracked and claimed it wasn't a mistake, simply a normal remnant of the forging process and within acceptable parameters, but still offered to replace the sword with the 13th to 14th Century Longsword I originally ordered. I disagree with their characterization of the dip in the blade as acceptable or anything other than a mistake, but I declined the replacement for several reasons: 1) I'd rather not deal with the hassle of shipping this sword back to them. 2) My recent experiences with Kult of Athena's sharpening service have been very lackluster, except on this sword. I think there's a fair chance the replacement would be sharpened considerably worse. 3) Even with the dip and the resultant slight bend in the blade, I'm pretty satisfied with the sword.
Great review! The quality seems to be on par with the old BA by OTC, but with some Windlass aesthetics. Thanks for showing the grinding error and how it creates a weak spot that caused the bend in the blade. It's pretty noticeable in the footage of you doing the tip control tests. Overall it's still like the old BA--light weight, easy to move, cuts well in static swings against soft targets, but struggle against hard targets. Looking forward to your review of the Rafal Woszczyna's type XIIa sword!
Great review! It looks like they've improved some of what I didn't like about Balaur Arms but still have a ways to go before I would trust ordering one again...
I have the 14th century second generation balaur. (They had a first gen filled with factory seconds,, i have a 12th single hander from then with a twist and poor edge retention) , first of all,, its the best cheap euro blade i have that DOESNT come from windlass,, and despite its flex,, i think its edge retention is superior to windlass. I also agree with you that the handles for those earlier balaur were REALLY good, and honestly who cares about glue at all? If you were in it for aesthetics balaur looks overly plain anyway. Over time even my balaur that doesnt hold an edge and has a twist is a superb sword,, it will never take a set, it cuts fine with an 80 grit edge, and feels like a real sword in every way. My longsword 14th feels enormous, because it is, but although floppy it self edge aligns, i cant even make a mistake, and it keeps such a nice edge even with the koa steep bevel. Ive never had to sharpen it, and havent felt the need for a different longsword yet. Do i think theres better? Not for what i paid.
I received the 13th to 14th century longsword version and I agree with you about the blade quality. Mine was very poorly made and I believe it should have been designated as 'munitions grade' too. The fullers on both sides had a noticeable veer to the left and were wavy along their whole length. The edges of the blade were also not straight and had variable thicknesses. This blade totally looks like it was a practice piece made by an apprentice. Everything about the hilt was great, though.
I enjoyed this review! It's unfortunate that my 13th-14th Century Longsword does not fit well into the scabbard at all. It falls right out when you turn it upside down. The blade itself is nice though, considerably less bad fuller marks, and no issue with the sharpening on the blade as yours had. Great video!
I personally would go with the Balaur Arms sword, or perhaps one of the new Balaur Arms/LK Chen collaboration, because I prefer more agile and nimble longswords. In addition, I find Ronin Katana's grips pretty uncomfortable.
Update: Kult of Athena contacted me and offered a replacement due to the grinding mistake, but then backtracked and claimed it wasn't a mistake, simply a normal remnant of the forging process and within acceptable parameters, but still offered to replace the sword with the 13th to 14th Century Longsword I originally ordered. I disagree with their characterization of the dip in the blade as acceptable or anything other than a mistake, but I declined the replacement for several reasons:
1) I'd rather not deal with the hassle of shipping this sword back to them.
2) My recent experiences with Kult of Athena's sharpening service have been very lackluster, except on this sword. I think there's a fair chance the replacement would be sharpened considerably worse.
3) Even with the dip and the resultant slight bend in the blade, I'm pretty satisfied with the sword.
Good work Kyle. Thanks for being on the vanguard of the budget sword reviews.
Very clean cut at 14:49! And great review!
Thanks!
Great review! The quality seems to be on par with the old BA by OTC, but with some Windlass aesthetics. Thanks for showing the grinding error and how it creates a weak spot that caused the bend in the blade. It's pretty noticeable in the footage of you doing the tip control tests. Overall it's still like the old BA--light weight, easy to move, cuts well in static swings against soft targets, but struggle against hard targets.
Looking forward to your review of the Rafal Woszczyna's type XIIa sword!
Agreed - seems to be roughly similar in quality to the older models, which is a win for KoA imo, since Balaur Arms has generally been a good deal.
Great review as always.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
Great review! It looks like they've improved some of what I didn't like about Balaur Arms but still have a ways to go before I would trust ordering one again...
I have the 14th century second generation balaur. (They had a first gen filled with factory seconds,, i have a 12th single hander from then with a twist and poor edge retention) , first of all,, its the best cheap euro blade i have that DOESNT come from windlass,, and despite its flex,, i think its edge retention is superior to windlass. I also agree with you that the handles for those earlier balaur were REALLY good, and honestly who cares about glue at all? If you were in it for aesthetics balaur looks overly plain anyway. Over time even my balaur that doesnt hold an edge and has a twist is a superb sword,, it will never take a set, it cuts fine with an 80 grit edge, and feels like a real sword in every way. My longsword 14th feels enormous, because it is, but although floppy it self edge aligns, i cant even make a mistake, and it keeps such a nice edge even with the koa steep bevel. Ive never had to sharpen it, and havent felt the need for a different longsword yet. Do i think theres better? Not for what i paid.
I received the 13th to 14th century longsword version and I agree with you about the blade quality. Mine was very poorly made and I believe it should have been designated as 'munitions grade' too. The fullers on both sides had a noticeable veer to the left and were wavy along their whole length. The edges of the blade were also not straight and had variable thicknesses. This blade totally looks like it was a practice piece made by an apprentice.
Everything about the hilt was great, though.
Excellent review. That guard design is hideous on that sword. I really wish they'd change it. It sounds like the typical Windlass QC.
Thank you, sir.
Excellent review! Extremely in-depth and a fun watch! The sword comparison's were a great addition too.
Thank you kindly!
I've talked to a blacksmith who saw this video, he said the bend is cause by the heat treatment of the blade instead of the fuller
Feels like I’m in a sword college class. I enjoyed this review and love learning more and more about different swords
Glad you enjoyed!
im looking at those close outs!
I've been tempted as well!
I enjoyed this review! It's unfortunate that my 13th-14th Century Longsword does not fit well into the scabbard at all. It falls right out when you turn it upside down. The blade itself is nice though, considerably less bad fuller marks, and no issue with the sharpening on the blade as yours had. Great video!
I was wondering if i should get this sword or the Ronin katana Euro model #1 dual fuller longsword?
I personally would go with the Balaur Arms sword, or perhaps one of the new Balaur Arms/LK Chen collaboration, because I prefer more agile and nimble longswords. In addition, I find Ronin Katana's grips pretty uncomfortable.
So it's worth 280? I'm looking for a good longsword and the 13th the one you wanted has been catching my eye.
this is too bad, ive heard enough about balaur arms now. This is not good. Asthetics misstake is fine by me, but when it comes to use, im out.