Sword customizations
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Can I get a sword with the fittings from model X and blade from model Y?
We often get the question if we can make a "custom" sword that is a mixture of fittings from one model and the blade from a different model. This is not possible. Here is an explanation by our researcher and designer Peter Johnsson:
Regarding the mix and match of hilt furniture and blades, it is something that has been requested several times over the years.
There are some good reasons why this is not offered as a standard thing. The first one is that not all pommels can go with all blades. The pommels need to be able to accommodate the tangs as well as leave enough space for the fitting of the grips. Sometimes the tolerances are pretty small if it is all to come together nicely.
Then there is the obvious problem with effects on heft/balance. Most blades have quite a margin where the weight of the pommel can be varied, but this often involves adjusting the grip length as well.
Apart from the actual weight of the pommel, its actual size may disqualify it. It may look too big or to small together with a certain blade and guard. Visual proportion is an important aspect of the design.
The goal with the swords I design for Albion is that they shall be faithful to cultural and historical styles. Personal taste is one thing and that is all fine in itself for other kind or projects. The mission of the NG line is to offer swords that fit a time and place in history. You do see a lot of variations and combinations in the historical material, but not *every* combination.
Allowing some customers to combine their favorite sword, but not others (that request a less than ideal combination) is a sticky situation. It is bound to result in customers feeling let down and refused on what they feel are irrelevant and vague grounds. It would also probably mean I would have to sit in with each such customer request, suggesting alternatives and explaining why a certain combination may look cool, but still might not be the best combination for a specific blade.
I design these swords to meet a certain level in style, feel and integrity. The components are carved for specific blades and all tangs are different is dimension. All grip cores are made to fit a specific blade and a specific hilt for that blade. All are different and made by hand to fit.
Saying all this (and I know it will come across as mean and nit picking: that is part of my job after all! :-) there are pommels, guards and blades that can yet meet in happy marriage. There are possible combinations that are still to be made. We shall keep working through various combinations and see what may be offered as unique new products, but never by compromising the quality of the sword or the identity of the product line. -
Which grip colors can I choose between?
Grips are offered in black, red, oxblood, dark brown or light brown (Campaign Worn), at no extra charge. Dark brown and oxblood grip can look very alike in the photos but the oxblood is more reddish.
Custom colors beyond that are available at a small additional charge (+20 EUR).
Please note that grip colors may vary slightly due to the authentic processes and natural materials use!
Here are some examples (from top left to bottom right): Black grip, Brown grip, Light brown grip, Oxblood grip and Red grip.
Please browse though the extra pictures on our sword models to see examples of the different grip colors as well. They come out a little different every time.
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How can Pommel color be customized?
Some swords are offered with two different pommel materials. For those models you can choose between a steel pommel and a bronze pommel. These models are:
Here is an example as seen on the Sovereign:
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Which finish can I choose for the fittings?
In addition to the standard finish on the steel fittings three options are available at a small extra charge:
Blued fittings (+35 EUR). An example of the blued finish can be seen on the pictures of the Next Generation Machiavelli. Please note that the blued finish will wear off in time.
Antiqued fittings (+35 EUR). An example of the antiqued finish can be seen on the extra pictures of the Next Generation Earl. Please note that the actual finish may wary from this picture.
Browned fittings (+35 EUR). Please note that the browned finish will wear off a little over time.
Here are examples of the different fitting finishes.
From left to right: Blued (NG Machiavelli), Browned (NG Ritter) and Antiqued (NG Bayeux):
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Which custom colors can I choose from?
Let us know which color you'd like and we will try to match it. Please note that grip colors may vary slightly due to the authentic processes and natural materials use. We will do our best to match the color you choose but we cannot guarantee an exact match. -
What is "Butterknife sharp"
All Museum Line and Next Generation Line swords come sharp as standard but you can order the swords "butterknife sharp". On a butterknife sharp sword we have removed the final sharpness of the blade so you won't cut yourself.
Please note that we do not recommend trying to sharpen a butterknife sharp sword unless you are very experienced with sharpening and have access to suitable machines.
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What is the difference between Waisted grip, Waisted w. half-wire wrap and Tapered grips?
Here you can see examples (left to right) of a Tapered grip, a Waisted grip and a Waisted grip w. half-wire wrap:
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What are the different grip options on the NG Munich?
The Munich is offered with three different grip types. Here you can see pictures of them. From left to right: Waisted, Waisted w. half-wire wrap and last the Gothic grip:
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What is Base Color of Diamond Strap Overwrap?
Here is a picture of a NG Chevalier. This sword has brown as the base color (the grip color) and light brown as the overwrap color (color of the straps overwrapping).
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What is the difference between Spiral Cord Wrap and Diamond Strap Overwrap?
Here you can see the difference. Spiral cord wrap to the left and diamond strap overwrap to the right:
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What is Overwrap Color of Diamond Strap Overwrap?
Here is a picture of a NG Chevalier. This sword has brown as the base color (the grip color) and light brown as the overwrap color (color of the straps overwrapping).
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What´s the difference between waisted and waisted w. half-wire wrap?
Here you can see the difference. Left is the waisted grip (standard leather wrap) and to the right is the waisted grip with a half-wire wrap (both on the NG Fiore):
