Is this a good selection/deal

[Sir Vander Linde]

Hi All,

Just saw a reference to BKS on the  Order Facebook page. Good or not? Their prices seem very completive.

Thanks

Having used BKS swords for along, long time, and knowing the guys at the shop I would highly recommend them. They do wonderful custom work as well. But then again it depends on what your looking for in the sword.  (if you have any specific questions that John (of BKS) doesn't answer in an email or something let me know I'll send a message to Matt, Sam, or Ilya on FB an get you an answer.)

[Timothy]

Sir Vander,

Thanks

I will put them back on the list.

Tim

[B. Patricius]

I'll add some more to this as well, since during Adrian Empire's Imperial Crown War I got to handle quite a few good reenactment swords.

here's my opinion on the ones I handled and I'll post links and pics of similar weapons on here as well:
first off, I'll talk about the hanwei designs again.  They're good blades, affordable and look quite a bit more accurate than the BKS ones.
http://www.cashanwei.com/product/practical-single-hand-sword/sh2046

http://www.cashanwei.com/product/practical-norman-sword/sh2326


and the "rare" - apparently it isn't being made anymore???
http://casiberia.com/product/practical-viking-sword/sh2047
- even though it's "in stock" and such on the site maybe it was an older model.  I'm not entirely sure.

the two favorite I handled:
http://casiberia.com/product/tinker-bastard-sword-blunt/sh2401

and
http://casiberia.com/product/practical-basket-hilt-broadsword/sh2059


I liked them all really and all of them had very good balance and were quite durable.  Most of the swords I handled minus the basket hilt had been owned by the knight for well over 12 years of hard abuse.

When it comes to the baskethilt, I've handled far better weapons, but again, for the price, there is no comparison really.  But for me, I'd spend the extra money and get a nicer one.  It's not that the hanwei wasn't "nice" but its balance just felt a bit off, believe it or not, more hilt heavy than blade heavy, and the finish on the basket was sub-par for me.  But then again, when it comes to those weapons I'm truly spoiled.  Of course, the basket hilts I admire usually run 75% to 400% more expensive than the hanwei, and again, you get what you pay for.

for a crusader era or viking era sword for reenactment though, I'm leaning more towards Hanwei. 

The two BKS weapons that were at war weren't even allowed on the field because:
a) too heavy
b) caused a danger because of a lack of flex in the blade
they were absolutely gorgeous though, and to me, handled quite nicely.
here are the two swords most similar to the ones from BKS I saw at war:
http://imakeswords.com/handhalves.htm
about half-way down


and again about half-way down
http://imakeswords.com/falchions.htm


beyond that, BKS makes a very nice weapon.  It's just one that for my case, I'd have to be careful about how much it weighs.  Ironically because of AE's ruleset, it's easier for a greatsword or an axe from BKS to meet the weight requirements than their single handed falcions.  The hand and a half was just over weight, and to the marshal, just seemed overly built to be used safely against the much lighter hanwei weapons and the plywood shields most people were carrying.  As a matter of fact, for a demonstration of the weapons ability, it cracked a 36" round war shield in one blow by the marshal and he wasn't even swinging it that hard.

for cutting, I'd avoid both.  There are far better weapons out there for that purpose.  Namely Albion, Arms & Armour, and Darksword armory as the big three.

For me, and for what I use it for, the hanwei is the one for me personally.  I can get two, if not sometimes even three hanweis for the price of one BKS.  From 10 feet away in a nice scabbard, the hanweis look better too because they aren't oversized.  And, the marshals love them.

[Sir James A]

That is a *mean* looking falchion!

[Sir Gerard de Rodes]

Just to give Armour Class a mention. They make very affordable battle ready swords.
Many groups and individuals alike, here, use and recommend their swords, our group and myself included.
 I have had my single hand lightning and my hand and a half for many years and they have stood up to all the abuse that I ( or anyone else) have thrown at them.
I have recently bought one of their broader bladed single hand swords and my newest acquisition from them is my falchion.  I have yet to use the falchion in combat but can`t see it being anything but as reliable as the others.
They are very well made to a high standard and nicely balanced.
 They do temper extremely well with use

Armourclass also have a good after care service where they will re bind the handles, re peen the pommel and even replace the blade should it break ( which doesn`t happen very often).
They will also make to order within reason.
G.

[B. Patricius]

Just to give Armour Class a mention. They make very affordable battle ready swords.
Many groups and individuals alike, here, use and recommend their swords, our group and myself included.

oh sweet!  I've been drooling at quite a few of their weapons as well, I was just a little concerned because of them being overseas.  Thanks for the head's up!