A hands on description of the 'Svante'

by Rune
(Denmark)

Both pictures and such data as dimensions, center of percussion etc. can be found on Albions homepage and elsewhere; thus I will skip those and rather try to convey how the 'Svante Nilsson Sture Sword' feels and handles when you actually hold it in your hands..

It is in its appearence in many ways an unusual weapon.

Although I had of course done my homework in terms of reading available material and pictures the best I could before purchase, just how its presence really was, only dawned on me as the wooden box was carefully opened for the first time. It seemed all shiny blade, not what would be expected from a large two-handed sword-of-war at all. One with a not too wide a blade come to that.

That impression would partly have been caused by the s-curved crossguard, whose actual span from tip to tip is less than the most common straight (or at slightly curved) crossguards. Not only did that result in an over-all less width to length ratio than the medival swords we are used to think of, it also softened up the cruxiform, rather rectangular look commonly found.

That however, is not the whole story, as I came to realize when wiping the protective oiling off for the first time. Other features, from the very pronouneced point at the end of the clearly thrust-orirented blade with gradually increasing taper, over the spade-shaped rainguard till the inverted wedge of the pommel at the end of a likewise gradually tapering grip, all seemed to enhance the impression of slender length.

Upon the close inspection (and I do mean close!) done while caring for the sword, small pockmarks and inclusions of impurities in the steel could be found, both in pommel and crossguard. However they are minute and can in no way affect either structural integrity or the general appearence. A first, of course, I disliked these small imperfections, had expected none from a top-line Albion product, but as I have come to know them as well as all other aspects of the sword, they no longer bother me. If anything they seem to testify of the carbon steel used and add a touch of 'personality' to what would otherwise be an eeriely perfect weapon one would hardly dare lift.

That said, the overall fit and finish are none the less impressive. As for the workmanship of the blade, I can only repeat what has been written in other reviews of Albion Swords - it is perfect. Every line is carried through with no visible error or wavering, sharpness is uniform where it is suppossed to be and even the play of light and reflections blend seamlessly at all but the distinct centerline, which itself is dead center and straight to the perfection of the eye.

Much care has been taken, both in original design and modern assembly, in order to make a very sturdy and reliable weapon. Both weight distribution and such vibrations as can travel in the grip, makes it evident that the tang is solid and all parts from crossguard till pommel are perfectly aligned and fitted. What at first seem decorative details, the grips wirering under the leather and the five petals formed from the peening at an otherwise flat and smooth end of the pommel, these add to the overall strength and ability to deliver a significant force through the weapon. At that is what this sword is all about, projecting of power.

A fact which becomes indeniable from the geometry of the blade. Despite its width of only 5.1cm (~2'') at its maximum, it there has a thickness of more than a cm (~0.47'') and no fuller whatsoever, which places a significant amount of steel along the axis. Not only does this give you a very rigid blade which easily supports a thrust all the way till the very end of the most acute point, even against a rather unwielding surface such as chain mail. Combined with the additional geometry, which places a significant amount of mass right along the still acute edge, it also makes for makes for a weapon with great stamina even when bashed against armoured targets. And bashing, or chopping as one would associate with a heavy axe, rather than the long slashing arcs against unarmed infantry descriped by at typical heavy one-hand-sword of the time, is probably the words I would chose. It is a heavy sword, clearly a noblemans choice suited for actual warfare against his peers, yet a the same time it is representative, easily classed as beautiful, and has an unexpected versatility.

Handling characteristics.

This is where it really shines. An example of 'form follows function'.
It has long grip indeed, could almost be classed as a two-and-a-half-hand if such a thing existed, which allows for various placements of the hands. As the point of balance is at a distance of perhaps 9 cm (~3.5'') from the guard, the placement with your hands the farthest apart, actually allows pivoting the whole sword around the hand placed closest to the guard, while still swinging both your arms around the torso. The combined effect is that of extraordinary speed (and thus momentum, not least considering the weight), probably one of the highest I have achieved with any any sort of sword this size. And still there is accuracy, no wild swings making you loose your balance and being vunerable.

This point of balance also belies the true weight of the sword, makes for singlehanded handling, although I find it rather slow or imprecise, a secondary use at best. When extra force is needed in thrusts, this however comes in handy, as your one hand naturally seems able to travel up the fluted pommel until the palm of your hand is firmly planted at the flat end, allowing for a significant part of your body mass to be put behind the thrust and transferred into any unlucky opponent.

At all times the sensation of distinct geometry of the pommel and the oblong crosssection of the grip, leaves no doubt about the orientation af the sword nor allows it to slip or rotate in your hands. What seemed a mood of fashion or decoration, thus has distinkt functions. Nothing is for show only.

Even the shorter than average s-curved guard makes sense when the sword rests in your hands. It is prominent enough stop or even better, divert as the smooth curve and slightly flaring ends seem to invite, a blade travelling up your own, yet it would be less prone to get tangled in reins or clothing when speed is of the essence.
There is always a sort cold beauty found in deadly function which seems to surpass that of any ever so richly ornamental decoration.
To me, that is how a sword should be, pure about intent and instinctive handling. If its abilities are not immediately to be spotted, or a slender design even belies its true strenght and sturdiness, the more the surprise on an opponent.

A sword easily worth its price.