Thoughts on the Albion Swords I Have Owned

[@zenhydra]

That's it, Matt. You have besmirched the good name of "wheel pommel," and that is something I cannot abide. It's to be pistols at dawn then...errr...I guess swords would be more appropriate

[@necroseus]

If wheel pommels are so good, why don't your fancy shmancy pistols have 'em?? Checkmate, wheel head!!! (I like wheel pommels, lol)

[@zenhydra]

@@necroseus That's a great question. The funny thing is that I was recently thinking about making a custom black powder pistol with highly detailed engraving on the metal bits, and fantastically carved wooden bits. I have a couple of unspoken for wheel pommels in a box of spare sword parts, and you pretty much just convinced me to incorporate a sword pommel into the design. You inadvertently made the wheel faction even more powerful. Mwaahahaha!!!

[@necroseus]

@@zenhydra Hahahaha, amazing! Good luck in your endeavour :)

[@MIKE_THE_BRUMMIE]

Tbh your voice and delivery is really soothing, I'd think you'd be great at doing long form videos. The last one is my favourite "the Spadona" (dyslexic) 😅 it ticks every box for me and I'd have to get the furniture blackened with a dark blue Handel

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks for the tour and the characterization of your experience with each! Currently I own 14 Albions, and I'm impressed with all of them, just like what you said, if one more or less knows what to expect from the typology and the purposes. I like how historically accurate they are, and the Next-Gen line often mix and match elements found on different originals of the same period and amalgamate them, such as the Principe an the Viceroy. I think you will impressed by the Regent and the Viceroy with the half steel wire wrap. I actually enjoy scentstopper pommels with leather wrapping with cord impression's feeling more, but the two fishtail pommels just look so amazing especially with the half steel wire wrap that I would suffer maybe 5% of usability and comfort for them. Their profile taper and distal taper also make them quite nimble and maneuverable--typical for mid-to-late 15th century swords. But the Viceroy has a more substantial feel, more like a war sword than a longsword like the Regent.

[@ToxicallyMasculinelol]

European medieval sword grips are generally more comfortable with gauntlets on. That's why they're so thin, as the gauntlets add so much extra volume to your hands. I can't stand to cut with most of them with my bare hands. Japanese swords are definitely more comfortable for barehanded swordplay. The spiral grip you mention does seem like a solid compromise. But sometimes I think it'd be nice to throw a silk and rayskin tsuka-ito on a longsword. It might look silly but it would be pretty damn comfortable

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

They are really nice but if im spending that kind of $ I tend to go after antiques instead but that is purely my preference. Antiques are just what give me the warm fuzzies, I guess its that almost "magical" feeling that hand made things & the history attached to them tends to impart to the object i suppose.

[@Joshua-yr2fz]

I got my ArchDuke in January. Finally, got to take it outside yesterday. Dance partner is correct. I also compare it to a rifle we’re most swords are pistols. That said, I can do most of the positions found in hand and half treatises. Makes me want another class of sword for the different experience.

[@O.LEO.N]

Imagine if every single one of those swords in the background were from Albion... that's like a $45.000 collection right there! 😢

[@alientude]

Interesting that you like the spiral grip so much. I tend to dislike it. I plan on having my Principe rewrapped to a more "normal" style wrap. As for Albions I have experience with, obviously my channel has a good number of reviews on them. And the list of ones I've sold are: Prince, Reeve, Squire Line Bastard, and Steward. I regret selling the Steward. I think it's a quiet model that doesn't get much attention but I thought it felt great in the hand, and the octagonal grip was sublime. I somewhat regret selling the Prince, although that's mostly because of things unrelated to the sword that happened with the sale. I agree with you that the Munich handles amazingly. It's got a really magical feeling to it. Shame that in my ideal configuration - gothic, half-wire, blackened hilt, black grip - it's nearly $3,000. Maybe I'll spring for one someday. I'm currently lusting after the Oakeshott, Machiavelli, and Pedite.

[@zenhydra]

The Munich is my favorite among my Albions, with the Principe in the number two spot (and after that all the rest come in third, because I generally hate making hierarchal lists) . The Munich has become the platonic ideal of a longsword for me.

[@kevgoo1274]

Why did you never do a review of the Reeve? Don't see one on your channel

[@alientude]

@@kevgoo1274 I sold the Reeve before doing a review of it.

[@kevgoo1274]

@@alientude :(

[@martialman12]

​@alientude do you recall your experience with it still? The reeve was on my mind recently after a few people told me how good it feels in handling and cutting. And I like the aesthetic it has for a high medieval sword.

[@Feanorian01]

I don't have any firsthand experience with Albions yet, but I'm waiting on a Regent and Maximilian, my two favorite swords on the market (unfortunately I placed the orders recently, so it'll be a while until I get them). I'd love the Brescia Spadona, but it's just so expensive, especially after the price increase. I also admire the Squire and Burgundian, but I'd rather get a cheaper arming sword first, to have experience with one before I drop over $1K for one. The Duke is also cool, but I'm not sure if I'd get it at the current price.

[@yuyuhaio]

One day I'd love to get my hands on a Talhoffer. They just look so elegant. Great video Matt!

[@chickensandwich1589]

Shame they went up in price $200... I have been drooling over the Ringeck for years.

[@BT-su1yf]

it is a shame but I can see why they did it. I ordered a sword from them and they informed me it's a year and a half wait to complete it due to high demand.

[@thatguynameddan2136]

theyre far and away out of my price range. That and im pretty sure i dont have almost 2 years of patience to get a sword.

[@chickensandwich1589]

@@thatguynameddan2136 I like your pfp 😹

[@channingb2577]

I really love my Ringeck. It's not an amazing backyard cutting sword, but it is an amazing piece. Some day I will get a proper fancy scabbard made for it, but I recently spent the money I had been saving for that purpose on the Balaur Arms Alexandria sword. Holy cow, am I glad I did, too. That is a reasonably attractive sword, with a decent sheath, that is a phenomenal cutter. For only having two sharp swords, I feel like these two turned out to be good picks.

[@chickensandwich1589]

@@channingb2577 I was about to buy it a few days ago... then saw the price jump.

[@myrar8708]

would love to see more light on alternatives in the high end range.

[@augiedad54]

I always enjoy your videos; very down to earth. I own a Brescia, a Principe, and a Vassal. They are all impressive swords both to view and to use. The first time I swung the Vassal, it sliced thru a tatami mat so easily that i thought that there was something wrong. I have had an Earl on order since 4/22 and hope to receive it before the end of time I’ve also owned an I.33 for several years. It is great to improve hand/arm/wrist strength since it is like driving a truck, but I would hesitate to use it for sparring.

[@JFTL81]

Just ordered an Albion sword yesterday. I’ll do a review in about 2 years when I expect to receive it…

[@Matthew_Jensen]

wooo

[@ramblingatease4402]

I quite miss that sempach I’m glad you love it for the same reasons I did

[@AOWGroundBeef]

Thanks for the summary and input. When it came to selling one of my couple of Albions, it was the Crecy that went and the Merc that stayed. The Merc is lovely and feels great. Looking at an Alexandria as I prefer the look to the Principe and I hope the wheel pommel won't be an issue for me! not a criticism...just a clarification it is "tih roll ee uhn" or "tr-ow-lee·uhn"

[@Pablo668]

That was a really good rundown. They do make some nice stuff. Ouchy on price though.

[@Jabsy101]

Any chance we’ll be getting a review of the Albion Tyrolean any time soon? There isn’t a single review of it on KZbin. Amazing considering it’s as close to a “Braveheart” like greatsword we can find from Albion….

[@redfishnotbluefish9459]

I loved the video! I really wish Matthew would have reviewed an Albion Roman Galdius, particularly an Augustus gladius from Albion. I have one on order. 16 months and still waiting...

[@notanotherswordreviewchann4901]

The crecy you showed is actually the mercenary. The crecy is wider at the tip and doesn't taper as much.

[@cigarsparrow]

One of my best friends was a Master smith at Albion, his parting gift was my all time Favourite sword. I'm so happy for him...😭😭😭

[@johnmartlew5897]

Albion uses CNC to grind steel into submission. No smithing going on there. They’re computer/metallurgists.

[@fettmaneiii4439]

Albions, even though the have suffered spotty build quality recently and have been criticized on their heat treat and steel quality, their swords are STILL the best production swords on the planet. The only way to get a better sword is to make it yourself or commission it with a competent smith. I say this even though the Albion i got shoulda been a factory second.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Manning Imperial swords in Australia are just as good as Albion and in my case their better as they also build complex hilt swords and he will customize your sword if asked. Got swords from both companies and everything albion do right with swords, so does manning imperial. The only downside is manning imperial is a one man show and the waiting time can be a couple of years.

[@martialman12]

Love the reviews, would be happy to let you try some of my albions sometime if you had an interest in handling some of them, like the Brescia Spadona and Principe

[@tanegurnick5071]

Any chance of doing a run down on the lk chen line??

[@DynomitePunch]

i understand the issue with the wheel pommel, i usually have to grip ball pommel and wheel pommel swords differently, than say a sent stopper pommel which is my favorite, or an eastern style sword, probably because just like you i have more experience with Japanese and Chinese swordsmanship than i do western, but I've been learning over time, and while their isn't a huge amount of difference in 2 handed and hand an a half swords to katana in their essential handling, certain sword grips, pommels and guards can be more problematic than others.

[@candyshop84106]

MATT!! PLEASE READ... I ALSO Have the CONAN ATLANTIS SWORD!! . I've had the Conan Sword for 30 years or more.. Original Maker of first License from movie 1982, was very cool movie in theaters .(Was in High school Then.. Old, yes.. Heh ) Made in Italy or somewhere like that. Would have to look it up again.. More I watch you the more I feel like "WE ARE BROTHERS"!! .. (Highlander Movie Sceen.. Heh) 😁😎😎

[@Prophet7592]

Your voice is surprisingly soothing. I can't remember if I've commented this before or not, but you should narrate some audiobooks.

[@JohnMcKLV]

Would love to see your thoughts on the Regent/Earl.

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Sword phases: Sticks Toys Tools Many cheap Select quality (historical or mechanical) Using quality iin the garden as tool or toy

[@SPR-bk3tf]

Thank you for doing this video. Albion does not do a good job describing their swords on their site. I have been looking at a number of the ones you reviewed here, and settled on the Mercenary. My decision was greatly influenced by your videos on the Mercenary. Although I committed to the order prior to this video, this video reaffirmed my decision. Thank you.

[@johnmartlew5897]

Can any one tell me what the experienced wait time is on purchasing an Albion sword? I ordered a Baron in June of 2022. I was told one year. It’s now beginning the third year. I’m told by Albion there were “production issues” with no apologies or further details.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That is an odd one. I have not ordered one from them myself but I have heard that a year is common, two years is less common. I have not heard of three years before.

[@vicnighthorse]

I would probably have more swords if the high quality makers weren't in a race to infinity on their wait times. I often imagine that they are to some extent utilizing the Hermès - Birkin bag marketing strategy. Increase the wait time and you increase the price you can charge. Increase the price and you increase the demand a la Thorstein Veblen. I sat on Arms and Armor's ever lengthening waiting list a couple times and it was an unpleasant experience (Craig seems to hate getting update requests even months after the promised date set years in the past) I do not want to repeat. I am rather hoping that rise of AI and automation will result in new companies that put the current high end manufactures (or at least their business models which all have the smell of old Angus Trim business acumen) out of business. So for now, I am waiting a few years until I can just send an AI controlled CNC machining company the specifications I want (I enjoy drawing swords in Rhino 3d and exploring/tweaking their dynamics with Vincent Le Chevalier's analyzer) and get that product to standard in a reasonable time.

[@vicnighthorse]

I do understand that these a small companies selling luxury items in a frighteningly uncertain economy. I would probably do the same thing they are in their place. Spending the money to increase production to get the wait times down would be a risky gamble. With such long wait lists they have a very nice cushion in demand and are making a speculative business safer. Why would they gamble to lower their profit margins while betting on an uncertain increased demand?

[@jimgorman5176]

Question I'm looking for a two-handed greatsword I'm looking for durability extreme durability I know nothing's invincible but I got about a thousand bucks what would you recommend

[@UnkleDavo]

Looking at the templer any opinion on the sword and dagger?

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Year 2 into backorder, glad I haven't been homeinvaded so far

[@eternalstudent11]

SIR! I would very much like to be the first to have a shot at getting that Knight from you!!!

[@JiyuKishiParn]

"I don't talk to the swords." Tell that to... *whispers* "Anathar..." That said, I happen to like big swords.

[@thehonfleur]

You look like Seth MacFarlane. Great vids btw

[@Matthew_Jensen]

We have similar fiveheads.

[@corvusscottwilliams4751]

Nice review. Cheers.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Great presentation. Thank you. This makes me curious about your own collection(s). Maybe you could give us a tour. I don't mean show every sword but an overview, how many of each, how many total, some of your every-improving video skills, storage means, representative examples of each category. Other questions: do you have an "inventory" collection and a "personal" collection like Matt Easton? He says his personal collection is "one-in-one-out." How about you? Do you collect by business or personal considerations or by opportunity or do you search or specifics or a combination? Anyway, just a thought. Thanks for the ramble. Cheers!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Wait what... Its called... The Sold Out.??

[@johnevans5472]

Nice video! Do you like wheel pommel?

[@aceltone]

Where do you sell your swords?..it's near impossible to buy an Albion or a 2 year waiting time for a new

[@JohnMcKLV]

Great vid! Not "tirolEEN." Tai-RO-lee -an.

[@KyIeMcCIeIIan]

If you are that much of a fan of the Conan sword, go ahead and buy yourself a Frostmourne. See what that does for ya.

[@jchart]

Considering how much they've price hiked recently, I'll probably never buy one. Just can't justify it when I have a mortgage and student loans and medical expenses, etc. etc. So I'd be curious if you'd consider talking about some swords you think are high quality but not thousands of dollars. Maybe you already have done so, I haven't gone back and watched your entire library of videos, but just a thought.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Maybe still out of your price range but Manning Imperial Swords of Australia make swords just as great as any of the albion swords, i own swords from both compainies and what is great about albion swords is also the same for manning imperial with the exceptions that manning will customize your sword if asked and he has complex hilt swords. Worth looking at maybe there will be something in your price range. But he is a one man show so the wait can be a couple of years, one sword took me a 3 years of waiting but then another was a 5 month wait.

[@andrewsock1608]

I feel let down , I stuck around for the dumb face but it just wasn’t dumb enough compared to the average face these days

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Look harderer

[@messerlittle6166]

Nice.

[@ltserge3226]

cool video

[@beepboop204]

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Matt "The Conan sword is the dumbest most awesome sword..." DON'T let Anathar hear you say that 😂

[@arcturionblade1077]

The Rule of Cool, lol.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Good swords but it's a shame for me anyway they do not build any type of basket hilt sword, and the limited numbers they make on each sword does seem very pointless and silly.

[@fishdude666ify]

I'd never heard of Albion, how do they compare to Darksword Armory?

[@KingTotz]

There is no comparison, Albion is just far far superior in every way.

[@beerthug]

@@KingTotz Priceless seeing the Darksword blade flying across the lawn during it's first swing.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Hardly ever hear a complaint about Albion swords but Darksword on the other hand i here heaps of complaints.

[@Tobiwandk1]

You never had a fathers sword from conan?

[@notanotherswordreviewchann4901]

Albions are great but comparably for nowadays standards are too pricey. China is catching up real quick...

[@PicardoMontalban-sq8gg]

Love the video. Maybe I’m wrong but or it’s just an optical illusion from the movies but I feel like their Conan sword in the movies looks a bit longer. That one you have looks a bit stubby. But again I’ve never seen it in person so who knows

[@trystanfranziskus]

as a Tyrolean I can tell you it's pronounced Tie roll ian not tee ro lean lol

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

why are the swords in the thumbnail AI?

[@justforfun-tf6jt]

I would like to know what that yellow hilt behind you is. Attention grabber for sure!

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Albion is just overpriced. There are much more durable swords not so pricey

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Have you had one?

[@fishdude666ify]

I'd never heard of Albion, how do they compare to Darksword Armory?

[@beerthug]

You sound like the Darksword owner on a cheap advertisement campaign, lol.

[@fishdude666ify]

@@beerthug I guess; my only two "real" European swords (that I didn't make myself) are DSA. So it's the only brand I have experience with.

[@buttered__toast_2899]

@@fishdude666ifythat’s like comparing a Honda to a Pagani

[@fishdude666ify]

@@buttered__toast_2899 noted; that's why I was asking. My two "real" European swords (from before I started making my own) are DSA's that I got over ten years ago. I haven't paid for a sword or knife since I started forging my own, but I wouldn't mind paying for something if it's of significantly higher quality than I can produce. Which Albion certainly is.

[@v4pilot331]

I own both... The quality and fitment on my Albion is a notch or two better than my DSA. That being said my DSA is 5160 forged, while my Albion is 6150 CNC machined. I think my DSA was a good value for the money, however, if I had to chose between two... it would definitely be the Albion. If you want to know more I have reviews of both swords on my channel.