I have a Principe, and the state of the edge, when I received it directly from Albion, was nothing to write home about, but the blade geometry does lend itself to being a fantastic cutter. Before sharpening it, the factory edge was able to repeatedly cut vertically through water-filled 2-liter soda bottles (cap, neck, and all). I've personally found that the ease of cutting with these blades is pretty dependent on good edge alignment. When I have good alignment and form I barely feel it passing through the target, but when my alignment is off it can fail to penetrate at all. Some folks claim this is a newb-friendly sword for cutting, but that hasn't been my experience. All that said, putting a properly sharp edge on it made a substantial difference in performance.
Great info. The quasi sharp edge seems to be a theme from Albion. I don't think many folks are as timid about putting an edge on them if cutting is the main objective.
@@Matthew_Jensen Albions tend to have enough of an edge (and good edge profiles), that putting a keener edge doesn't require much effort. I've never had to change the edge bevel on any of mine so far.
This sword is actually not newbie friendly. Once you figure out how to really cut with it it does far too much of the work for you and lets you get away with bad technique which can cause you to adopt bad habits. It's not just a good sword, it's too good of a sword.
Hi Matthew. You asked for additional sources of information for this sword type. Here is a link to my written review of this sword, which has some discussion of the type and list some other sources of additional information. In particular, Clive Thomas wrote a series of articles in the London Park Lane Arms Fair catalogues on these Alexandria arsenal swords which are full of good information. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/55292/alexandria-sword-albion
One comment on the pommel and cutting: If you watch my cutting videos, you will see that I don't grip the pommel. I put my right (dominant) hand against the guard with my thumb over the guard and then place my left hand directly beneath it, so that my left pinky is in contact with the pommel. When I squeeze the grip with my hands in this position, everything locks tightly in place. I believe this is how this sword, and many other European longsword with shorter grips, are meant to be gripped.
I read your review and noticed that you liked the shorter grip. Perhaps I need to spend more time with the sword and I will feel the same. putting my hands on top of one another fees odd in the swing but I would imagine more practice is required before I can form an opinion.
There are a lot of different ways to get one in your hands. The used market is a little crazy right now but sometimes that can be a good spot. Ebay has had some good deals... Or the Albion payment plan. Not to say you cannot be content with Windlass but if you really want an Albion, then there are ways that can help get you there.
Very interesting. I noticed my euro from Ronin could also accommodate coins in the pommel. Like you I thought it would aid in changing the balance, but it sadly, did not. Excellent review sir!
@@erichusayn there's 2 in the museum, one with and one without the inscription so it's cool that RK has that option. For Matt to basically have one with and one without is pretty dang cool in my opinion.
@@Psycho-Ssnake agreed. I know all about those swords. Was just surprised that Albion did not include it, seeing as they're the much higher end, more historically accurate company....
Great review. I've had a few Albions and I love their swords. The weight, balance, and finish are spectacular, however I've been disappointed with the sharpness. At their price point I want it to cut tatami well out of the box. Sharpening some of the narrower blades like the type XVa is very challenging and the cosmetics of my Ringeck were affected by putting a good edge on it. It cuts very well now but I wish it came sharper from Albion.
@@Matthew_Jensen it absolutely is. I did the sharpening on it, not KOA. It's the first one I've ever sharpened, so bear that in mind 😏 But I've sharpened literally hundreds of axes
Great review, your style is fantastic and enjoyable to watch. Question, what is the sword to the left of your shoulder? Brazil but, slightly down turned guard?
Have you ever considered leaning a sword art? It may be a lot of fun and while i prefer HEMA you may prefer HAMA (african) FMA (filipino) or any of the countless asian styles it may be great for developing your martial understanding.
Here is a correctly scaled image showing Type XVIIIc swords in the market place along with two extant historical examples i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/92/50/eb925005dc5a2d05c1b6ccc4e3aa8b8d.jpg
![[Live] : ONE 169 วันนี้!! "อนาโตลี vs อูมาร์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IK3YZVWuFJg/mqdefault.jpg)
I have a Principe, and the state of the edge, when I received it directly from Albion, was nothing to write home about, but the blade geometry does lend itself to being a fantastic cutter. Before sharpening it, the factory edge was able to repeatedly cut vertically through water-filled 2-liter soda bottles (cap, neck, and all). I've personally found that the ease of cutting with these blades is pretty dependent on good edge alignment. When I have good alignment and form I barely feel it passing through the target, but when my alignment is off it can fail to penetrate at all. Some folks claim this is a newb-friendly sword for cutting, but that hasn't been my experience. All that said, putting a properly sharp edge on it made a substantial difference in performance.
Great info. The quasi sharp edge seems to be a theme from Albion. I don't think many folks are as timid about putting an edge on them if cutting is the main objective.
@@Matthew_Jensen Albions tend to have enough of an edge (and good edge profiles), that putting a keener edge doesn't require much effort. I've never had to change the edge bevel on any of mine so far.
This sword is actually not newbie friendly. Once you figure out how to really cut with it it does far too much of the work for you and lets you get away with bad technique which can cause you to adopt bad habits. It's not just a good sword, it's too good of a sword.
Excellent sword review brother.
Thank you sir.
Hi Matthew. You asked for additional sources of information for this sword type. Here is a link to my written review of this sword, which has some discussion of the type and list some other sources of additional information. In particular, Clive Thomas wrote a series of articles in the London Park Lane Arms Fair catalogues on these Alexandria arsenal swords which are full of good information. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/55292/alexandria-sword-albion
Thank you sir!
One comment on the pommel and cutting: If you watch my cutting videos, you will see that I don't grip the pommel. I put my right (dominant) hand against the guard with my thumb over the guard and then place my left hand directly beneath it, so that my left pinky is in contact with the pommel. When I squeeze the grip with my hands in this position, everything locks tightly in place. I believe this is how this sword, and many other European longsword with shorter grips, are meant to be gripped.
I read your review and noticed that you liked the shorter grip. Perhaps I need to spend more time with the sword and I will feel the same. putting my hands on top of one another fees odd in the swing but I would imagine more practice is required before I can form an opinion.
i hope you will have the time one day to show your entire collection, just showing the sword with it background, that would be great.
Looking forward to the RK version review.
Hell, looking forward to all reviews you will make.
It is the next one... I have a XVIIIc thing going on right now.
Looooove me some VXIIIc swords.
One day I WILL own an Albion. For now I'll have to be content with my Windlass.
There are a lot of different ways to get one in your hands. The used market is a little crazy right now but sometimes that can be a good spot. Ebay has had some good deals... Or the Albion payment plan. Not to say you cannot be content with Windlass but if you really want an Albion, then there are ways that can help get you there.
those swords behind you are so gosh darn pretty cant wait to see another collection video
Cool sword, thanks for sharing. Nice weather you are having.
I Believe that you can send it to albion for sharpening
Very interesting. I noticed my euro from Ronin could also accommodate coins in the pommel. Like you I thought it would aid in changing the balance, but it sadly, did not. Excellent review sir!
Wish they would have put the Arabic inscription on it like the historical one....
@@erichusayn there's 2 in the museum, one with and one without the inscription so it's cool that RK has that option. For Matt to basically have one with and one without is pretty dang cool in my opinion.
@@Psycho-Ssnake agreed. I know all about those swords. Was just surprised that Albion did not include it, seeing as they're the much higher end, more historically accurate company....
Great review. I've had a few Albions and I love their swords. The weight, balance, and finish are spectacular, however I've been disappointed with the sharpness. At their price point I want it to cut tatami well out of the box. Sharpening some of the narrower blades like the type XVa is very challenging and the cosmetics of my Ringeck were affected by putting a good edge on it. It cuts very well now but I wish it came sharper from Albion.
I have a Windlass Arbedo and work in St Paul if you'd be interested in doing a comparison video of the Albion, Ronin, and Windlass together.
I would not mind taking you up on this if the offer is still open?
@@Matthew_Jensen it absolutely is. I did the sharpening on it, not KOA. It's the first one I've ever sharpened, so bear that in mind 😏 But I've sharpened literally hundreds of axes
Shoot me a message on here or Facebook and we can get it ironed out. I'm Tom Hinderman on Facebook.
Make a report on the Regent from Albion!!! Please!! Like the one behind you on the wall.
It's the best, the best one-handed sword
The squire! THE SQUIRE!!! I GET CONFUSE, IS THE SQUIRE the best and the one you have behind!! please
Great review, your style is fantastic and enjoyable to watch. Question, what is the sword to the left of your shoulder? Brazil but, slightly down turned guard?
That is a blunt blade from art of swordmaking. I think.. I have pondered what to do with it..
@@Matthew_Jensen pretty sure that used to be my sword : ). I sold it couple years ago...I was seeing it over your shoulder and was like "could it be"
How good of a thruster is this sword?
Oh man I love the width of this ones blade (also as always you still don’t look like a drunk handling it 👍🏼)
I cut way back not too long ago. I still have a beer or scotch occasionally but not enough to do drunken reviews...
Matthew Jensen that’s great man 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@@Matthew_Jensen Ha! I never assumed that you were actually drunk when you made those.
Is than an albion Tylorean on the back wall? If so please do a review video of it!
Have you ever considered leaning a sword art? It may be a lot of fun and while i prefer HEMA you may prefer HAMA (african) FMA (filipino) or any of the countless asian styles it may be great for developing your martial understanding.
I am not very active in FMA these days but I do currently study JSA. I am not very good at it but I am making progress.
Matthew Jensen wonderful good luck on your path :)
Could you do a Kawashima sword review?
What is the diameter to the pommel?
Here is a correctly scaled image showing Type XVIIIc swords in the market place along with two extant historical examples
i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/92/50/eb925005dc5a2d05c1b6ccc4e3aa8b8d.jpg
You must be a huge guy. it looks like a regular arming sword in your hands.
You got to use a little bit more for when you cut bro lol
Is this swords good at trusting ?
It can do the job well enough.
Is this thing any different than a Principe
hit is a bit different. That seems the main thing.
The coins are from the German empire. So, not newer than 1918; maybe 10 Pfennig.