Kit review: Danelli Armouries Basic Longsword

"The new 2016 entry level longsword. The crossguard is new, 2mm thicker to be more durable and a new improved design. Also the grip has a new waisted design. The blade is hollow ground and flexes enough to fence safely and the tip is large and round (about 15x6mm) and now the edges are thick (2.5mm c.) to withstand the sparring duties." Website here

This is the "basic" sword produced by Danelli Armouries. I've been keen to try these guys after reading a few positive reviews from friends. Prior to this I had no experience of Danelli Armouries.

I can say firstly that Giulia has been an absolute pleasure to deal with, a rapid and thorough responder to emails! I've over 40 emails in my trail which is exceptional and a testament to their patience, with me, and their communication skills.

Their postage and packaging was excellent, the shipping time was extraordinary (4 days to New Zealand). There was a little problem with one of the swords I ordered that Guila worked out immediately and without incident. So, very impressed with their customer service skills. 

Secondly, while the delivery date slipped slightly (I'm always very happy to be accommodating) it did not shift significantly beyond the agreed time frame. So, another big plus. 

Pros

It's a very professionally turned out sword, with wonderful presence. It both is and feels extremely light and "correct" to my mind as a simulator of a sharp weapon. The best testament to this was at the weekend where none other than Guy Windsor picked up the sword to demonstrate with and exclaimed "what an amazing sword" or the like and then proceeded to monopolize my sword for a while. What better endorsement?

It has fantastic flex. I feel no compunctions whatsoever in the thrust with this guy. It also appears to be nicely hard and doesn't appear to easily pick up burrs. A few hard sparring seasons have not required any attention from a file so it seems to be a remarkable mix of flex and hardness. 

The point is nicely packed out and feels safe. The guard is a good width and feels solidly reassuring in the bind. 

The whole weapon is quite plain but that suits my aesthetic. While the components are very simple and slight they seem good quality and well built.  

Cons

It's perhaps a touch longer than I'm used to for a longsword. I'm 6ft and it reaches to my solar plexus, so edging into the Great Sword end of the spectrum by my experience but I'm adjusting. 

The very flexible nature of the blade means that it is a little more wobbly than I'm used to, however the extra safety in the thrust easily compensates for this. 

The "basic" nature of this weapon is only evident really in the simple leather grip, a simple piece of leather wrapped and glued, I imagine, that I will want to upgrade shortly.

Finally it's possible to disassemble the weapon, as it has a threaded tang. I'm not really sure if this is a downside or not yet, I've never owned a longsword that wasn't peened. I imagine it will get quite tiresome tightening it all the time, something that it does require despite a lock nut. On the plus however, and it's quite a large plus, it does leave the possibility that I could replace components of the hilt if I wish, i.e. getting a guard with side rings or different pommels etc. Which would be very cool.

Conclusion

A deal, a steal, sale of the century. It's hard to believe they're selling this for 200 Euros. Get in quick before they put the prices up!

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