New longsword
I purchased a new training longsword, the Valiant Armoury Atrim I-Beam sword, from Kult of Athena this past week. I've been meaning to get one for over a year, but haven't wanted to risk it not being useable in SCA fighting. Finally I gave in and purchased one last week. Also, last week the SCA's approved blades list was updated, and now this blade is legal for heavy rapier and cut & thrust. A change to how blades are checked was needed for a long time, and I am glad to see it happen.
About the sword I purchased: It is a cheaper version/copy of the Angus Trim I-Beam longsword. I've never handled either one, but the one review of the more expensive sword I found rates it well above the cheaper one. Then again, one has to consider the $200 price vs the $500 price. I'll wait until I fight a few times with the sword I have before giving it a review, but I do know that the sword should be more back-weighted for my style of fighting. I'm going to use it, then add weight to the pommel, use it again, and see how the two compare. The blade is wide enough that a bird blunt won't fit on it, so I gave it a double leather wrap on the tip.
About the sword I purchased: It is a cheaper version/copy of the Angus Trim I-Beam longsword. I've never handled either one, but the one review of the more expensive sword I found rates it well above the cheaper one. Then again, one has to consider the $200 price vs the $500 price. I'll wait until I fight a few times with the sword I have before giving it a review, but I do know that the sword should be more back-weighted for my style of fighting. I'm going to use it, then add weight to the pommel, use it again, and see how the two compare. The blade is wide enough that a bird blunt won't fit on it, so I gave it a double leather wrap on the tip.