Albion Brescia Spadona Review

[@peterjohnsson557]

Thank you for a thoughtful, detailed and well reflected review! I especially appreciate the critique.Very good reasoning and to the point! Now. Tolerances. Again, you bring up good arguments. I do know that it has been a weak point in the past to keep the stats of the swords updated. Sometimes there has even been flaws in conversions between inches and millimeters causing discrepancies in published stats.In some cases blade lengths have been taken from the blade blank instead of the hilt sword (with would result in a seemingly shorter blade length - however, not by the amount you remark on in the video). As far as I know typos have been corrected but it is always good to get feedback from customers to motivate another careful look. This is obviously such a case! The original sword in Brescia is partly quite worn. The original point is no longer in existence as it has been resharpened, from what it looks like at least a few times. The cross section is also no longer what it was originally: the blade has been both re-polished and resharpened in historical times and also more recently to bring it up to current finish. This means that in the case of the Brescia Spadona, I am called to use experience from the study of other swords to a greater degree when reconstructing the original shape. The present form of the sword is influenced by the study of other blades of this XVIa-ish type that provide insight to those aspects that are quite worn on the Brescia sword. This means that the *exact* original blade length of the Brescia sword can never really be known. I have used my best understanding in reconstructing an original point based on the study of other swords of the same type that have better preserved points. The swords of the Museum Line are focus for repeated deliberation over time. The Brescia Spadona was one of the very early additions to the Museum Line. The octagonal cross section with its subtle differences in edge angles and the reinforced point are quite challenging to grind, since it is like all other blades that Albion produce worked by hand at the grinder without any jigs or supports. The blade blank is machined to about 80 % final form, but it is those last 20% of the work that really demand skill, experience and attention by the person at the grinder. It is very easy to destroy an otherwise perfect blade by a moment of inattention. During the years of manufacture we have had to review the process of manufacture and apply lessons learned. This means that swords tend to become better as the years pass. My experience as a sword smith has also grown in the 20+ years since I first documented the Brescia Spadona. I want to make sure that this is to the benefit of the swords that Albion produce. It is therefore a dilemma when stats that may have been written quite some time ago seem to reflect badly on a sword that is made with the benefit of lessons learned from close to 20 years of manufacture and professional development. Your concerns about discrepancies are completely understandable and well put. The published stats are quite a different thing than the large body of data that is critical for the development and manufacture of Albion swords. There is much more that can be said about each sword in the line (both Museum Line swords and Next Gen swords), but for several reasons this material is not published in full detail. It would not be smart to give away a full set of data to other sword manufacturers, for one thing. The stats are intended to provide an understanding of each sword but they are not the same material that is used in manufacture or quality control. Perhaps you can imagine the published stats as a quick profile silhouette while the full data is a 3D image. I thank you for the time and effort you invested in this review :-) Kind regards Peter

[@LIERHEMA]

Thank you for the detailed response. It is always great to hear from those who are actually involved in the design and manufacturing of the reviewed item. This gives very interesting and helpful insight to the process of creating such a reproduction. Especially in the case of the product maturing over time. In my opinion explanations such as these are also very valuable in giving a broader view to customers such as I who are interested in the originals. Sometimes it is too easy to look at a sword such as this in a museum, or in my case in photos, and forget that it might seem to be in a deceivingly good condition. In a case of an original missing half of the blade it is quite clear that a rather significant amount of educated guesses must be made. With something like this specific sword it is much easier to forger.

[@peterjohnsson557]

@@LIERHEMA Thank you for that. There is no way I can argue away the discrepancy between the stats on the page and the blade length of your sword. However, I am not 100% certain that the stat is actually the correct number. The stats are intended to communicate the general form of the sword, but they are not the standard for the quality control. If I may speak about swords in general rather than this particular example, I'd like to point out that exact blade length is less important than handling characteristics and that the sword is true to form and proportion, both overall and in detail. Exactness to the milmeter is not the best way to reach a faithful interpretation when it comes to work that is largely performed by hand. Each sword manufactured by Albion is made more or less on order. Once an order is placed with Mike, the swords is sorted into the schedule of manufacture. Each sword is made for a customer. It is not grabbed from a box in a store room. This may be the reason why Albion is reluctant to resort to an anonymous shopping cart. Even if it is old fashioned, the method will always involve personal contact between Mike and the customer. If I may further reflect on the case of the Brescia Spadona: If there were three swords like the Brescia Spadona made at the same time back in the day, they would have shared many details in likeness and could have been nearly identical in dimensions, but perhaps not completely identical. Each one of the unknown siblings to the Brescia Spadona would have shared a deep familiarity with the surviving sword in ways that goes beyond millimeters in length. -Please do not take this as an excuse for a possible mistake or flaw. I cannot comment on this particular example as I do not know everything that pertains to it. I am merely trying to provide a richer understanding of what it is that I am trying to do with Albion. -Thank you for your patience in reading, if you have reached this far! Kind regards Peter

[@LIERHEMA]

It is interesting to hear that the stats are not actually a standard for quality control but that Albion aims for a specific feel. Why I think this is very interesting is because while thinking what to say about the sword I tought that I would not have had any issue with the weight difference if the page had had a disclaimer along the lines of "as these swords are hand made there will be some variation in the final measurements" or something similar. I may have taken the "is very close to the original, not only in dimensions and details" a bit too literally. There seems to be much more of an communication issue here than anything else. Much of which might be my programmer brains reading things to the spec. As someone who uses swords, both blunt training tools and sharp replicas, extensively I whole heartedly can agree that handling characteristics are way more important than exact measurements. That is why I also mentioned that you handled the original before designing the Albion repoduction. If a custom replica was made purely on measurements I believe that almost certainly it would not feel correct. As I said I very much love how the sword handles, even after taking measurements. The fit and finish on the sword is extremely high and all in all the craftsmanship is exceptionally good. That is the reason I tend to like Albion swords in general and recommend them to anyone asking me. In addition to them being very historically accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also completely agree that no two historical swords would be identical, even when aiming for the "same sword". The reason I don't recommend this sword to people is simply the price. Most people will get just as much, if not more, from a more affordable Albion which is just as good or maybe a bit better at what they are going to use it for. And I don't mean that as a negative thing for the Museum Line as I see it having a different goal. The price is also the reason I recommend European customers consider custom swords. With shipping and taxes I think I ended up paying around 2700€ for the sword. Based on second hand knowledge that can get you a high quality custom project from an European smith. I chose Albion and haven't regretted my decision. The shopping cart commentary did come out a bit more harsh than I originally intended. I think I also failed to clearly explain my reason for the rant. As said, ordering from Albion is very easy and Mike's customer service is top notch. Both times I've ordered from them the experience has been very pleasant. The issue is not generally having a shopping cart but having a payment method with strong customer authentication. My general issue with the order form requiring a CVC and sending credit card information over email is simply an information security issue. Same applies to other online payment options which don't require SCA. Using a strongly authenticated payment service is simply more secure. In Finland I've grown used to everything requiring payment confirmation of some kind. Once again thank you for the conversation and the inside you are able to give. I find it very interesting and I think I agree with you on all of the points you have made. I will definitely try to communicate these points in any new Albion sword reviews I hopefully end up making.

[@orionthehunter217]

@@peterjohnsson557 I ordered an Albion recently. I was wondering about that email ordering system. I see you have a reason for doing it that way. Some of this stuff would be great in a FAQ on the site, unless there is one and I missed it somehow.

[@peterjohnsson557]

@@orionthehunter217 Orion, thank you for the feedback. It is certainly something to consider as the personal connection mike cultivates with customers is a great asset to Albion customer care. I will bring this up next time I talk with Mike and Howy.

[@Duzzies-101]

This is the most practical, objective, no-BS approach to a sword review I've seen

[@leorobadey9132]

Best review I have found. Well done.

[@augiedad54]

Thank you very much for an excellent review. My practice sword is a $200 Cold Steel Italian Longsword that arrived 50 hours after I placed the order. It is not flashy, or forgiving in the cut, but it has served me well throughout the learning process. From Albion, I ordered first a Brescia, then a Principe. Hopefully the Brescia will arrive in November, which will be a lot more like 50 weeks of wait time rather than the 50 hours for the Cold Steel. As you said in your review, I ordered the Brescia because I wanted THAT sword based upon its looks, specs, reviews, and the Albion reputation for quality. I’m assuming that the Principe will be my primary cutter (assuming that it arrives in my lifetime), and I think that it will be a sought-after commodity long after Albion closes Principe sales. Keep up the good work!

[@LIERHEMA]

Thank you. From what I've heard Cold Steel swords can be great training tools. More specifically the Hand-and-a-half and the Italian Long Sword. Sadly I don't have any personal experience with these outside of shortly handling the Hand-and-a-half once. As you said they can be easily acquired and are very affordable, at least when compared to something like an Albion. Those are very valuable points when it comes to training. If you don't have the money to spend, or don't want to spend, on an expensive sword a cheaper option can be almost as good. And having a pretty good training tool is better than not having one at all. Also if you can get to training in a few days instead of almost a year you can get an extra year of training in. The value of that should never be underestimated. This is just a very long way to say that people shouldn't overlook cheaper options. They have their place. They might not be as good of a tool but they can be still good enough. Also, a sword being four times as expensive doesn't mean it is four times as good of a tool. These things have diminishing returns. I hope your Albions arrive swiftly and you enjoy them. I definitely have enjoyed mine.

[@emunante]

Thank you for the excellent review. Looking forward to a review of your friend's Albion Earl.

[@LIERHEMA]

I have it recorded, just need to edit it together. I have one video I’m currently editing and the Earl review is after that.

[@viktorkachovski5252]

I was in possession of an older make Brescia Spadona from Albion that was actually reground a couple of times (and it actually looked extremely close to the museum original in profile), also secondary bevel a little diminished. It weights closer to the what it was stated (at 1440), and it was by far the most magnificently maneuverable sword I have held (used to describe it as some kind of elvish magic). Perfectly good for one hand as well. Cutting capacity was not diminished in my opinion, but I've never tried it on anything above tatami. I've had the chance to hold a brand new Brescia, and it felt like what you described, a bit heavy overall. I have also had the chance to speak with a person that has held the original museum sword and he thinks it's closer to the reground one that I had, as presence and feel. Overall conclusion is that Albion's representation is really closer to a "brand new freshly out of the shop" sword, and you can touch it up to have the "battle worn/seen use" blade. Would we really know if that was truly the original's handling for a fact - I don't think so, but It is as close as could be made. My big fault with Albion (same as yours) is not about the quality of their blades, but the advertising is really old and incorrect. I have an Albion Prince that is 100gr heavier than advertised, and I have a friend with Albion Squire (same blade type) that is 200 gr lighter than advertised. In my opinion this is all over the place as expectations, as I wanted the lighter sword and more nimble sword, and he the heftier one. To add a comment on that - I also have a Sulowski custom type XVIIIC based on the Alexandria sword in the Met Museum, and it's a magnificent sword, that came in a f***ing coffin for a box. Can't fault anything there, handles superb, came shaving sharp, scabbard is a work of art. For a European, if you are going for top end quality, he makes a lot more sense as a purchase. No customs, no taxes either.

[@LIERHEMA]

I’ve wanted a Sulowski for a while and will probably end up buying one at some point :D

[@viktorkachovski5252]

@@LIERHEMA Just sell the Brescia when you grow tired of it. It would fetch the same price give or take.

[@madfrosty5228]

I am surprised that Albion did such a poor job when I comes to the tolerances, I personally would rather have over sized than undersized blade , you can always lose some material but you cannot add . 1% difference should be maximum at this price point 😳

[@nicolaiantonov5923]

Wonderfully detailed review. Out of curiosity, how would you compare the blade presence and handling to the Albion Crecy? Obviously this has much more room for the hands, and my understanding is that this is slightly more nimble, but I'd be interested to hear your opinion.

[@LIERHEMA]

Sadly I have something like a minute of handling experience with the crecy so can’t really compare. Ny initial experience of crecy was that it felt small and light and that the grip was just large enough for me. If someone has access to both I would also like to hear a comparison.

[@sam_barris]

FWIW, if I ever fell on hard times and had to sell my Albions, the Brescia would be the last to go.

[@wormdao]

are you from finnland? i just met a finish guy and he had the same accent great review- love that sword my most favourite

[@LIERHEMA]

Yup, I’m from Finland :D

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Careful. Albion swords aa excellent cutters sure. But their blades can’t handle full contact impact resistant. Too thin and makes the edges easily chip and break off

[@MylesKillis]

Which sword? They all have different thickness

[@jagod535]

It is good but price especially for europe is super premium

[@Ugojglc]

A shaving sharp edge is fragile, I don't think they used to do this before to go to a battle.

[@LIERHEMA]

To my knowledge, and based on personal experience, the sharpness of an edge has pretty much nothing to do with its fragility. The edge angle and the general blade profile do. The sharpness is simply the amount of micro serration at the edge, the less there is the sharper the blade is. Such a tiny amount of difference should not really affect the fragility of the edge. If anything, I would think a serrated edge would be more prone to micro damage than a continuous shaving sharp edge. The blade geometry on the other hand does affect edge fragility. If the edge angle is smaller there is less material near the edge and as such it is more fragile. Thus very thin blades with small edge angle are more prone to chipping than blades with larger edge angles. Also an apple seed edge should be more durable than a straight edge as there is once more more material near the edge. On the same note the hardness of the steel at the edge also plays into this. In my experience both very sharp and not so sharp but still sharp edges lose sharpness, one of them just is duller to begin with. In my personal cutting experience if your sword is much duller than shaving sharp it will have very difficult time cutting through cloth. In my case I have cut linen. Based on this, my assumption would be that historical swords would have been shaving sharp. Much less and the sword will not go through any sensible amount of cloth armour. As the sharpness has pretty much nothing, or at least to my experience insignificant, impact on durability it would make no sense to go with less than shaving sharp. Especially as any blade to blade, or blade to metal, contact will damage the blade significantly there is no real reason to try and reduce a minimal amount of blade damage when it will cause a significant performance loss to the primary function of the sword. That being said I am no blade smith. This is based on my experience on sharpening swords and using sharp swords to cut and to very limited amount drill with. This question seems to pop up rather often when talking about sharps but personally I would never have anything less than a shaving sharp sword with me if my life might depend on it.

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Exactly. A durable edge is better for full contact combat.

[@Outlier777]

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me where you got those two stand pieces? I have an Albion on the way, and would like to display it in a similar way.

[@LIERHEMA]

Thank you. The first piece is a no brand knife stand I bought from a Finnish web store years ago (irongatearmory.com/product/knife-stand/). It is now out of stock and I have no idea who manufactured it, might be hand made. Something similar should work just fine (www.discountcutlery.net/CN2025-Knife-Display-Stand-Finished_p_81914.html) The second piece is a generic cork potholder which should be available from any supermarket. Or from amazon (www.amazon.com/watou-asia-Cork-Pot-Stand/dp/B07DL1C9XW). Mine is darker coloured because I have used it as a potholder for probably a decade now :D

[@Outlier777]

@@LIERHEMA Thank you for your quick response. I've contacted Iron Amoury to ask when they can expect new stock.

[@edwincassidy7368]

2 years wait time

[@Ugojglc]

Thank you for the review, the blade seems very stiff because of the secondary bevel, is it true ?

[@LIERHEMA]

To my understanding the secondary bevel doesn't really affect the stiffness of the blade as it a rather insignificant portion of the blade profile. The stiffness is due to the diamond section (and general profile) of the blade.

[@wonbongcho8709]

hey mate love the reviews i was actually considering to buy a cercy or ringeck not so long ago, now i can save enough to buy this the spadona only problem i am facing is import tax 800 usd all up to ship it to New Zealand so total cost rounded up is 3000 usd sword for me, do you think it is still worth it? would you still own this sword and buy it if it was 3000 usd to you?

[@LIERHEMA]

@wonbong cho It was for me :D Shipping to Finland was $375 I think and the tax rate was 24% + I think 1% or so of customs handling fees. As such it was pretty close to $3000.

[@trystanfranziskus]

what do you think of the La Lupa replica from malleus martialis?

[@LIERHEMA]

@Trystan Franziskus Sadly I don't have experience with any of the swords from Malleus Martialis.

[@mysticmarbles]

That's really disappointing about the inaccurate stats. I've always imagined this as my dream sword to get one day. Now I'm not so sure. I understand Peter's reasons for why the stats can deviate, but personally I would not be willing to plonk down $2200 on a sword that might come out 100 grams overweight.

[@trystanfranziskus]

i think i'd get the lockwood one instead for less

[@chestfullosixes5808]

A hand crafted sword is never going to be completely accurate. It weighs more and was shorter. Maybe just not hammered to the exact length. At least you know that no 2 swords will be the same. I wouldn't really be complaining it is a beautiful piece.

[@mysticmarbles]

If these were forged I could buy that reasoning, but these are CNC milled in order to have precise tolerances. The hilt components are cast to be the same every time. That's Albion's main claim to fame: having very specific blade geometry that is nearly the same every time. If they advertise their method as precise, and they list specific stats, then it's not acceptable for them to be that far off. Especially on their most expensive line.

[@madfrosty5228]

Yes if it was hand forged you would expect certain variations but this is cnc cut blank that is hand then shaped on hand grinder . I am using grinders my self and I have to say that it takes great skill and patience to achieve good results , it’s not as easy as someone might think but it’s possible especially with experience , but that’s the reason you pay high price and you expect perfection ( almost 😉 ) I understand the points Peter has made but the original prototype sword was made to handle as expected and then measured , so if there are noticeable variations that would affect the handling also .

[@Dmoriarty1993]

It is CNC manufactured. It should be spot on with that kind of technological control and that price point.

[@chestfullosixes5808]

Oh my mistake well why buy it ?

[@Dmoriarty1993]

@@chestfullosixes5808 Speaking for myself, I buy them because it's a passion of mine. Connecting with history, heritage and elements of my childhood. It's still a good sword and I wouldn't argue otherwise. But when you're an enthusiast, the spec is important because that's what you set your heart on, so to speak. Lastly, on principle, the sword should bloody well match the description at that price. I have mine arriving within the next two days, hopefully, tomorrow, and I'll be miffed if it doesn't match the spec. I would prefer it too large than small if there is any variation. I hope that answers your query.