Valiant Armoury Long Leaf-Bladed Sword Reviewed & Test Cutting by My Wife Nikki
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- My wife @nikkishen took up the mantle of reviewer to examine this Long Leaf-Bladed Sword by Valiant Armoury, which is a conglomerate of Bronze-Age European leaf blades and medieval style hilts.
I gifted this sword to her as the grip leather wrapping is of her favorite color: aqua green, and the waisted grip, the fishtail pommel, the upturn quillons and the sexy leaf-shaped blade resembles a mermaid--her favorite.
It's quite compact for a hand-and-a-half sword, featuring a blade only 30" long, but a long hilt in comparison at 11.4". Although the overall weight is average for its size at 1262g (2 lbs 11 oz), the generous space provided by the long grip and the fishtail pommel enables two hands to maximize the leverage to maneuver the blade, which is surprisingly authoritative in swing comparing to many medieval swords. This is attributed to the broadening of the blade near the point of percussion introducing extra mass to the upper portion of the blade. At 20" from the base, it is 45mm, comparing to the narrow waist at 9" from the base at 37.7mm. Although there's a significant distal taper to offset this in terms of mass distribution, from 5.4mm at the base, to 3.7mm at the broadest part of the blade, and further tapers down to 3mm at 2" from the tip.
It might sound bizarre but the way this sword moves resembles a katana more than an European hand-and-a-half sword, due to the unique mass distribution, and the blade-to-hilt proportion. The bevel is quite deep at the point of percussion due to the leaf shaped blade, and the blade is rather rigid from the diamond cross section, and the short length. It cuts very well, with the refined edge geometry and adequate sharpness. We had a lot of fun cutting at the beach.
Lots of folks have asked me to review this sword, and here you go, my lady accomplished it. This Craftsman Series model comes in very limited quantity once in a while, and by the end of 2022, there are still a few available at Kult of Athena (www.kultofathena.com/brand/va...) and Age of Chivalry (ageofchivalry.com/shop/ols/ca...) with different grip color choices. Do note that Valiant Armoury also offers 2 other models with the leaf blades, one is a short single-handed sword, and the other is the longer full-size longsword with Irish ring pommel and a 35" blade.
The Warden of the North Grete Swerde of War showcased in this video reviewed here: • Valiant Armoury Warden...
00:00 Intro
00:45 The Blade
03:53 The Hilt
05:21 Big Issues
07:54 The Scabbard
08:18 Test Cutting
13:54 Conclusion - กีฬา
Your husband is a very blessed man.
Having a spouse that shares your passion is the most fortunate thing in the world. Indeed!
this will be perfect for lord of the rings world
Yes, indeed. As an elven sword.
Uh ok, Kane you have to watch out. Nikki is totally ready to start a competing review channel ;-)
Wonderful overview of a sword I usually would not zero in on; thanks for covering the good and the bad with such detail and professionalism. It does look like a lovely sword that just needs a few tweaks.
Now to convince my Mrs, that swords can be fun…
Totally. Swords and ladies go hand in hand.
Maybe I will.🤭 But I already have my own channel.
Awesome video Miss Shen.
Mrs. Shen thanks you!
30" is a bit short but not ridiculously so. My bastard sword has a 33" blade bit is more acutely tapered so the last 3" would not cut well. That sword with the leaf shape has more mass towards the tip & a but wider closer to the tip so likely can cut close to the tip. This means your sword may actually be able to cut at greater distance than my sword despite being a shorter blade.
I find the short blade very easy to use for someone who's 5 feet 4. Kane uses it as a single-handed sword, but for me, this size is perfect. There's no risk of the tip dipping below and hit the ground.
@@nikkishen that's great! People often forget a sword should fit someone's height. Many who practice katana today use katana that were sized for samurai who were shorter than they are & it changes how one moves & distancing.
Too long or too short changes things but a sword that is the right size just sings!
Yeah your speculation is correct. The blade is rigid, that partially comes from the short length, which gives a shorter lever for the blade to receive any force and thus causing it to vibrate. I has more mass toward the tip (not gratuitously so), and being stiffer making it superior at cutting near the tip.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold good to know thank you
This is truly a sword for all seasons given the changes in climate shown in this one video. My compliments to Mrs. Kane for such a lovely review. I agree with her feelings about the aesthetic of the sword and I also share her love of the color green. It's the best fantasy color there is. Why our ancestors did not continue making leaf-shaped blades is a mystery to me. It's such a beautiful and effective shape. Also, much respect for cutting while wearing flip flops and a two piece swimsuit and making it look so easy, when it damn well is not.
Thanks so much, Daniel, and Merry Christmas! Indeed this sword is our best buddy whole year round. Cutting is so fun and made easy with such a petite yet lethal sword! Always look leaf blades, and the leather wrapping color is the cherry on top!
Mrs. Kane thanks you 🤗. We saw the progress of your new sword and are eager to do an exposé of it!
Cutting at the beach in swimwear has gotta be the most West-Coast thing one can do! Good job!
Yeah my wife has been saying the same thing that this is the most Vancouver thing.
Great review, I love leaf blades. Also the views from your home are gorgeous. And I enjoyed seeing your sword collection on the walls in the background. I was pausing to identify models lol.
Thank you! Indeed, identifying specimens on sword friends' sword walls is one of our favorite activities, too. LOL
When watching movies and shows I can usually pick out a familiar piece. Once I paused to show my girlfriend of the time a specific sword model I owned was being used, then it was a totally different sword for most of the movie which had me annoyed that it changed so often.
@Alex Ackles I literally paused the Hollow Crown Series 1 and showed Nikki that Richard II's sword is the Edward III sword (probably made by Hanwei), and the pictures of the original in Ewart Oakeshott's book. Nikki was like, why was the photo taken with a potato? I said because the book was written in the 70s, lol.
Beautiful video! She seems to have a strong affinity to water and the ocean.
Let's go! Awesome. Great job.
And go we will, brother!
I’ve had my eye on this sword for a while. This only makes me want it so much more. Very well done
Glad to be of help. It’s beautiful sword both in aesthetics and in handling.
A very innovative design, though not strictly historical, possess certain quality of aesthetic consistency, and works well as a fantasy sword. The lady's presentation is first class.
Thank you very much, and indeed the design is fantasy sword done right!
I have this sword. The balance on the blade makes it feel like a feather. Still overall not my favorite sword. Greay for long practice periods to avoid fatigue or over straining yourself though.
Yeah, definitely not a sword for everybody. But very easy to maneuver.
Go, Nikki, go! I would love to be there, too. Vancouver is so beautiful!
Thanks and absolutely you are welcome to visit here, or to move here. Thank you for the support over the years!
That was a great and thorough review, Nikki. Well done!
Thanks a lot!
She is such a great presenter. So eloquent!
She certainly is. The reason I let her do this review 🙂
Wow!! There's some nice color and contrast in this video! Love the cutting at the beach!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Love the review she does. Can we have more from her?
Absolutely you will!
Very well presented, Nikki! Sounds like a very handy sword for a leaf blade. And, yes, I would be rounding off those sharp corners pretty immediately, and feeling bad (and a bit nervous) for having to on a sword in this value range. How do the multiple risers in the upper part of the grip feel?
Thanks! The risers feel and the rest of the grip feel pretty amazing! The corners should have been sanded off before handling of the sword began.
They feel comfortable and reassuring. It's a great grip.
She did such a great job elaborating all the pros and cons of this sword!
Thank you kindly!
Amazing scenery in this review!
Thanks for acknowledging this! Took a lot of effort to film in different locations!
Her swings are all very decisive and knows her way around a blade. She would make a fearsome assassin!
Thanks, Nikki is a natural.
Your wife is such an oriental beauty. The sword she reviewed suits her perfectly.
She enjoys practicing cutting with this sword a lot, except for the sharp edges and corners on the fittings, which can be sanded down of course.
A power couple!
Thanks! Hope we’ve lived up to it.
The shape of this sword is very similar to many Irish bronze swords. Very glad to see it fitted with a green grip. There’s even a version with ring pommel you say? That would be perfect!
Yeah, the longsword version with the ring pommel has actually the right proportion to be a conventional longsword with a 35” blade, check it out!
Beautiful review!
Glad you liked it!
I've taken a look at Valium armory swords before they're pretty expensive so would you say they are worth the price?
Yeah, the current Craftsman Series and the Vision Series are both very well designed and made. They certainly are more of a step up from their old offerings. Even though their prices are somewhat high now, their swords are well worth it.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Good to know thanks. Nice review by the way.
Thanks!
They certainly are. I have this and the Noble, both from the Craftsman series. Both are incredible and match my Albions in quality and precision.
A very beautiful video, madam!
Nikki thanks you!
Dang what a view, BC is beautiful! Love the leaf-blades, they satisfy that fantasy need.
Absolutely! My wife's favorite sword!
Ok, that view towards the lake from those windows is awesome. What a great place to live
Thank you. It’s actually the sea. That bay goes out into the Pacific Ocean.
After watching this video back in January I decided to order one myself. Got the shipping notification earlier this week. Expecting it to arrive this weekend. I am extremely excited!!!
Congratulations! Love to hear your opinion about it once you receive it!
The only thing that I don't like i s the sharpness of the pommel and crossguard. I will need to wear gloves when handling the sword. The pommel and crossguard came with a satin finish by default. They do not appear to have any issues with corrosion. Overall this is a very nice sword. Well worth every penny!!!
@@arzw1112 Yeah, that's my issue with it, too. Definitely wear gloves when you handle it. Or, you can use some sandpaper to round down the edges on the guard and pommel. It wouldn't take much effort as the corners and edges are simply so damn sharp out of the box.
Appreciate the review. I've been eyeing this sword for some time now and there aren't really any video reviews out there. It doesn't look like I'd regret it if I pulled the trigger on this one.
Glad to be of help! Go ahead pull the trigger on this one!
Very nice review, very nice cuts and technique. Good music, good view, good people. Thank you Kane & Nikki.
Our pleasure!
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Kane would you consider the blade on stiffer side or whippy?
Definitely one of the stiffer blades, as it is not particularly long.
That house, all those swords, those window views, the deck, what does this guy do for a living I wonder
Thanks. In a video last year I explained briefly what I do as a day job. th-cam.com/video/lDAmEGDY4TY/w-d-xo.html
I love it when chicks handle swords like they mean it ! Totally cool !
Thanks! She loves handling this sword, and a number of swords of shorter blades.
Nice
Thanks!
this video recommendation is a god's gift because for the love of me i cannot visualize a 30inch blade sword (i customized a 30 due to budget lol) and this helps a lot so thank you!
p.s.: that sword looks like if sting and glamdring had a baby
We are glad to be of help. Indeed, leaf-bladed swords are very popular in fantasy designs, especially favored by Peter Lyon for his designs for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films.
This would make a fine elven sword like Glamdring.
Yes, with the leaf blade.
You guys live a good life. Cutting with a bunch of fancy swords on the beach? Too posh for myself, but it's easy on the eye for sure. A good review by the way!
Well, we try to enjoy our lives.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Must be an expensive life style to maintain.
We try to make ends meet.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold "Make ends meet"!
In a way, yes.
Clearly a gentleman’s sword for the ladies.
Well, that’s a funny way to put it.
Your wife has a nice body. Her hip and core and generate a lot of torque and explosive power. You guys must have been having a lot of fun all the time.
Yes she does and we do. She does a lot of Pilates training at all daily, and swimming helps immensely as well.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold She is deserving of such a good life then. She is diligent.
Nikki is driven.
Okay, this all sounds so pervy to me. Am I wrong?
No, it’s not. She enjoys working out and staying fit.
This is an absolutely stunning blade. It has been my dream sword for a while now, however i recently discovered that Valient Armory also makes another similar sword in the Irish Ring Leaf Blade Longsword. I am having a difficult time finding a side by side comparison on its handling and I was curious if you had any insight into that sword as well. As always you both do a fantastic job and this was a great review.
Thank you very much and fortunately I'm able to help on this one. This leaf-bladed sword reviewed is a rather short-bladed hand-and-a-half sword that's very easy to handle, while having some heft considering its size. The longer leaf-bladed one with the Irish ring pommel is a full blown longsword size sword. However, due to the swelling in the profile happening at a certain distance from the hilt, on the rather long blade, it handles closer to the 13/14th century grete swerde of war, rather than a late medieval longsword. It doesn't mean its handling is bad. Quite the opposite, it's still very maneuverable, just not too similar to a typical longsword.
If you enjoy longsword length swords, and don't mind the authoritative handling, I can easily recommend the ring-pommel leaf-bladed sword, especially the Irish theme works well with the leaf-blade, as many Bronze-Age Irish swords had the leaf blade. Otherwise, I think this shorter hand-and-a-half one is the way to go.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold That is exactly the comparison I was hoping for. I appreciate the quick response and as I have more experience with more traditional longswords and hand and half swords I will keep working to get the long leaf blade as you suggested. Thank you again for sharing your insight and experience!
@@gregoryevans2673 Gladly! My friend Kyle (Alientude) has done a review on the VA Irish Ring-pommel Leaf-Bladed Longsword you mentioned, you can search it up (TH-cam filters out pretty much all comments with links now). It's an excellent sword, but he sold it right after the review, while I keep the sword as part of my collection. It's anecdotal but it gives you some indication of where people are in terms of the opinions toward both swords.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold I did see his review shortly after I discovered the sword on Valient’s website. After seeing his review I started questioning which of the two I was going to work to get. I asked him if he had a comparison between the two but he said he hadn’t handled the long leaf blade just the Irish ring long sword. Then I remembered your wife’s review of this and thought you may have handled the Irish ring long sword as well. Thank you again for your explanation and comparison it really helped solidify my desire to get the long leaf blade over the Irish Ring leaf blade. At least for now. Maybe someday in the future I’ll add the Irish Ring Leaf Long Sword to my slowly growing collection.
@@gregoryevans2673 Happy to help. I think you will enjoy the long leaf-bladed sword with the fishtail pommel quite a bit!
Very cool! Looks like your girl isn't just good at katana. Love all the slice and dice done in bikini. Swordfighting in bikini is a great concept!
Not very protective that's all. But very distracting to your opponents, haha!
1:25 what is the red sword in the back mounted on the wall
Albion Regent.
başarılar
Thanks!
Bachelor #1, if I was a mermaid, and you caught me in your fishing net, what would you do with me?
Well, I would give you an aqua-green leaf bladed sword to cut yourself out and go skinny dipping with you.
Hee hee hee.
I assure you, we skinny dig in the sea all the time.
So it rust really really easy. Good to know.
The fittings do, yes.
Well this is a new sub genre
Why not? Haha
Sure the rust is not just blood stains caused the sharp edges of the crossguard and pommel?
Also, much easier to listen to this review than some of the others on this channel due the review being done as a voiceover (compared to all the wind noise the recordings on your deck have).
It’s just the blood stain on the pommel after I got poked by the pointy corner. I wiped it away right after I filmed the evidence.
Now if only their delivery waits didn't take forever...
How long does it take now? 12 months? There are some in stock at Kult of Athena and Age of Chivalry.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold According to the Valiant Armoury website, they reduced the wait times to 4-8 months, but in Kult of Athena most are still listed as 6-12 month waits; which either way is a long wait for someone who travels frequently...
At the moment, Age of Chivalry has 4 in stock for this model.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold nice, will check them out then, thanks :)
I love the sword.. but it is a bit to small...
They're all well and good cutting plastic bottles and and juice cartons. But how well do these swords hold up to abuse? Swords were meant for battle afterall. That means they had to be strong and durable enough to hack through wooded shields and their iron boss and an opponent's iron helmet. They had to withstand the occasional blade on blade contact and remain dependable for a long time because your life depended on a good sword.
You are right that sword should withstand blade on blade contact, because parrying and riposte is the primary functions of a sword. And edge on edge on contact WILL damage a sword. It needs to remain in one piece and not break in half, so you can reprofile the blade to fix the edge damage. In some cases when the damages to the edge are too severe, you need to either retire the sword, or shorter the blade. This happened countless times in history.
On the other hand, swords are NEVER made to “cut through steel helmets, or steel shield bosses”, you cannot cut through properly hardened steel mass that forms the helmet and shield boss. If you can just cut through them, there is absolutely zero point of making and using them. Armor stops weapons, period. Accidental hitting armor and shield bosses happen, because your opponents move and fight back, so it would be in their interests to have you hit those parts because they STOP or REDIRECT (they are domed in shape) the blade.
Swords should survive these impacts but are never meant to cut through them like butter.
I do not run a channel that does destructive tests like Matthew Jensen to find out the maximum durability of each sword tested this way (and lots of swords he reviewed do NOT go through destructive tests), and those swords going through the destructive tests are free samples sent by makers. I don’t destroy the swords I buy with thousands of dollars for TH-cam.
You can buy a sword for thousands and destroy it, film it, and start your own channel. It would be providing some good consumer value and data for the community. Or you can buy some swords and send me to destroy. I’ll be very happy to oblige.
That is perfect.. if the blade was about 6 inches longer
LOL. Yes, for me this works as a one-handed sword, though the hilt is a bit long for that. For my wife's stature, 30" blade length is pretty perfect.
The blade is too short for use of both hands, but it maybe just right for women.
I use it without any problem, and I’m 6’1” (186cm) and 210 lbs. I can use it mostly as an arming sword but with more grippable area I can put two hands on it, too.