3rd Crusade, .... a little disappointed.

by John K T
(Arizona)

Received my first Gen 2 Sword, 3rd Crusade.

I know the reputation the Gen 2 swords have for durability and strength, but I must admit I was a little disappointed with the fit and finish of the Grip, Guard, Pommel and scabbard. Absolutely beautiful blade, and would have been a beauty of a sword if a little more care was taken on fit & finish.

The leather on my grip really looks poor. There is an ugly gap at the bottom near the pommel and you can see wood or possibly glue. The seam appears kind of scuffed, and there are patches on the leather where it appears scuffed or possibly had glue on it.

The top and bottom surfaces of the guard show signs of brushing or marks which the polishing was incomplete.

The Pommel had epoxy or something on one side near the leather, and the black cross on one side was very poorly painted on, brush marks and undefined edges. Amazingly, the other side is beautiful. It almost looks like the one side was touched up at some point.

I realize scabbards are often considered "an added bonus" and therefore "don't expect too much", but here again they were very close to really including a nice scabbard, but sloppy seam and poor looking leather took it down. The construction of the wood inside appears very good, the sword fits very nice, but sloppy work on the outside really detracts from the overal scabbard.

I guess for the money it's OK and I will keep it, but with a little more quality control before shipping, this could have been a really nice sword.