Opinion on these swords from Therion Arms

[Timothy]

Good afternoon all,

So what is the consensus on these two swords from Therion Arms?

Thanks

Timothy

[Thorsteinn]

Got a link o their pages so that we can see the stats?

[Timothy]

Hi, here they are.

http://www.therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c915.html


http://www.therionarms.com/reenact/therionarms_c463.html

Timothy

[Sir Edward]

Therion is a reseller, much like KoA is. These are pieces from CAS/Hanwei.

I used to have the Lionheart back when they made it with a bare wooden grip. It was a little heavy and overbuilt. The newer version is lighter, but I don't know how the hilt is constructed, specifically what they did with the tang, so I can't speak to the new model's durability. It has a nice feel in the hand, for the price-range though, but it can also feel a little "cheap".

I haven't handled the newer variant of the Marshal sword, though I have handled the blunt trainer version. It also seems to have a decent feel for the price. This one also has a nice fuller, but it breaks with historical accuracy a little by running the fuller almost all the way to the tip and then ending abruptly there (it ideally should end smoothly before the "center of percussion" and have more of a lenticular cross section there, though there are exceptions of course, such as some of the type X/Xa blades), and also by having an odd center-ridge reinforcement right at the tip, where the fuller ends. I think this is a side effect of how they do the manufacturing, with a thick flat spine, that acts as a guide for grinding the fuller.

So in that price range, I'd say they're both "OK". Between the two, the Marshal is a little more beefy, and the Lionheart is a little small (only 34" overall). They specifically mention distal taper on the Marshal, which I think is lacking on the Lionheart.

If I were choosing between the two, I'd go with the Marshal.

[Paulus von Zurich]

The Lionheart Arming Sword's blade does not appear to be based on anything from history.

[Ian]

Yeah, the lionheart has kind of an odd cross section... and by that I mean thick flat piece of bar stock with a beveled edge

What do you want the swords for?  Just display pieces?  Cutting?  Reenactment?  Ren Faire?  Those things may shift the criteria by which a sword is evaluated.

[Paulus von Zurich]

There's a few things I look for when making a choice in a sword. Time frame required, design, pricing and quality. You may ask why I leave quality for last. Most of the time swords end up being simply a prop or an accessory to our kits, so quality is usually an afterthought for me. How often are you going to actually need a sword?

 I also take a look and see what is currently popular and avoid buying the same sword as the dozen other guys wearing armour, I like to be unique. I always modify any replica weapon to make it mine and to have it's own look.

[Sir William]

Of the two, the one billed as the Marshal sword is the better model.  The Lionheart is an old, old model- one that never resonated with me.  The Marshal is a nice looking sword, I don't much care for the 'damascened' version but to each their own.

If its just for Faire, I'd still go with the Marshal- it has a better looking hilt and more interesting and unusual grip style.

As for whether or not one needs a sword, I believe that sort of question is best answered by the man holding one.  I've got a number of swords, but only a few that are considered worthy, and one that no one else lays a hand on but me.  Oh, and a few of my brethren have as well, but you get the point.  It is all in what it means to you.

[Timothy]

Thanks all,

Consensus seems to be get a better sword regardless of usage. 

Thanks

Timothy