Does anyone have one of these or may have handled one some?
I'm wondering how they look inperson and how the construction and durability is?
I've searched the boards for awhile and can't find any post or reviews on that particular sword
Thanks,
Hi Chad,
I have one of these, and it's not bad. Here are the good points.
1) Blade is a good shape, was well made, not sharp (none of the DPKa gladii are).
2) Wood of the hilt was a nice, dark wood.
3) Scabbard is sturdy.
Some bad points.
1) The interior of the scabbard was very rusty when I received it. I had to disassemble the scabbard (removing the chape from the bottom) and then clean it thoroughly with a rifle cleaning kit (cleaning rod, wire brush, and then oiled patches). This took some effort.
2) The chape of the scabbard was not permanently attached to the scabbard body. I found this out when I went to remove it to clean the interior. When I put it back on, I drilled holes though it and the scabbard and then riveted it on.
I find that if I keep the interior oiled, I don't have rust problems (I squirt a little Break Free in there every now and then).
This is not a bad piece, for the money. My plan for it is to modify it to recreate one of the finds from Kessel-Lith.
Good luck.
Edge
Good points:
- The blade is not a bad shape
The handle is not too bad in terms of shape
Scabbard chape and runner not too far out
Bad points
- The wood on the handle is dark eastern hardwood and not a native type. Highly polished and, I think, varnished
Pommel held on with nut
scabbard is welded up the seams (utterly wrong)
You can sand the handle back and oil it and it doesn't look too bad. However, the scabbard will take some work as the originals have the one side folded around the blade and the other side is just a plate that is inserted in (and held with the chape and mouthpiece).
Thanks everyone,
I may pick one up soon since the price is right and they seem to need just enough work to make it enjoyable and not to much trouble.