Gen 2 Swords

[Jason Moore]

Please vote on whether you would be interested in gen 2 swords as we are still considering on whether or not to carry them. If you vote no, please include your reason why.

[hiead]

gen 2 = medieval?

[Firehand10k]

Yes Gen2 focuses on medieval. They are strong swords and very sharp. I have one here and just waiting to see the results of this poll to buy more. Hoping I'll get to buy them here but either way I'll get them. They had 2 Japanese in their line but I heard they are dorpping them because they are now somehow endorced by Last Legend and those are all Japanese.

[RedZorak]

I may decide to pick one up at some point, they do look nice.

[Jason Moore]

Yes Gen2 focuses on medieval. They are strong swords and very sharp. I have one here and just waiting to see the results of this poll to buy more. Hoping I'll get to buy them here but either way I'll get them. They had 2 Japanese in their line but I heard they are dorpping them because they are now somehow endorced by Last Legend and those are all Japanese.

You are correct sir

[Firehand10k]

I try to keep up with that which I like. For those unfamiliar here is Gen2's link.

http://www.imperialcoinc.com/

[Brian Brazier]

I have been reading some really bad reviews of the Gen2 stuff lately, here is a link to one I found on SFI, look at how horribly the sword bent from a plastic bottle http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=83036

[Firehand10k]

I have seen this post before and read about Gen2 problems lately. The problem with the Black Prince sword and was a heat treat problem that was found and addresseed in subsequent shipmants (it also affected the Lucern sword which is another blade that tapers rapidly). On all of the boards I can find this is the only mention of anyone having a problem with the Elven King Sword. There are reviews of Gen2 swords at
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/index.html
as well as on their forum where the positive seriously outway the negative.

And of course the reason I never replied to that post at SFI- I got with a machinist friend of mine and we looked at the pictures closely and both came to the conclusion that those bends are inconsistant with any for of cutting damage. They are to close to the end (not in the inpact zone and not enough mass in fornt of them to draw them that hard) and they are too anlgular and consistant betweeh the two blade. To make a bend that sharp there is either a distinct fault in the material (unlikely in such similar placement one two complelely different style blades) or a pressure there too cause the flex (we both suspect inproperly performed flex tests in a vice in spite of the fact that that idea was refuted in the post, who wants to admit their own errors? ).
We could be wrong since most of our experience comes from other steel works (bars, rods, plates) but even with my bad form I have never had a sword bend like that (a flex that doesn't come out yes) or that near the end. I choose to over look one or two bad reviews in favor of the many good ones I have found.

Sorry if I seem long winded but while I have only one Gen2 sword I firmly believe in them and their blades. I only take this much time to defend them here because after all the work he puts in to SoM I would rather have all my sword buisness go through Jason and I think it would be a good line for him to carry to help open his busness to western sword enthusiats too.

[Brian Brazier]

I don't care if your long winded, the more info about swords I can learn the better. This forum and others like it have really helped me expand my knowledge of swords, but also they give us a place to research, ask questions, and get instant feedback from people about every sword out there

[Dotanuki]

Firehand,
Glad to have you aboard, it is nice to talk about other swords other than Japanese. I myself am interested in the study of all forms of ancient weaponry.
I must agree with you and your friend's assesment of the bend on those swords. I find it hard to believe those swords were bent in the manner they described. I have worked with all sorts of metals over the years so I have a pretty good Idea of what I am talking about.[custom fabricator]
Sometimes I believe some stories are made up, by fools who have nothing better to do, and then everyone else jumps on the bandwagon with even further exaggerations. I do believe however that the greatest majority of the stories are true.

[Firehand10k]

I too believe that most stories are true and have seen confirmation from Clyde of Gen2 that two models did have a serious problem earlier this year but he says it was fixed. Beside that all of their other models have had mostly good reviews and I think it is a very worthy line.
I plan on getting 4 of their models that I have seen so far. Those are heavier blades though and unaffected by this years earlier issues.

[Richard Johnson]

I have a number of decent Katanas from paul Chen to Cheness to Cold Steel, Oni and so on.
So I ma trying to flesh out my collections with some decent medieval as I only have three worth owning: Oscar koblomivich, Paul Chen viking and Toledo Sword Company.
So a good European blade, preferably with Irish fittings would be a nice addition.

[Jason Moore]

Trying to get the contact info for Gen2...I will put in an order asap. Anyone got any requests for this line?

[bobO]

The gladius looks good.

[Firehand10k]

I'm still interested in the heavier blades, 12th Century Norman, Crusader....
Wouldn't be immediately (well maybe with layaway).
Richard have you seen Gen 2's Irish Hand and a HAlf? Pretty nice. I'd want one of those sometime too.

[Jason Moore]

How about this...

List the swords you want from most to least...I am trying to get an idea of what to order as I really do not care much for medieval swords.

[Firehand10k]

My personal choices in order would be:
1. 12th Century Sword
2. Maximilian
3. Dordogne (Hank Reinhardt Collection)
4. Black Prince
5. Irish Hand and a Half

To me the Crusader could also be number 1 but it is similar enough to the
12th century which ever I got would drop the other to the bottom. I prefer the 12 Century only in the pommel design.

[Jason Moore]

I talked to Clyde (the owner) and they have very little in stock. (Typhoons around their forge) I will see if any of the ones you have on your list are there and if so order them. I will backorder the rest.

[tsafa]

I own a number of Gen 2 swords. I am pretty rough with my swords, beating them on tires and pepsi bottles. The only one I had a problem with was the Irish H&H. That one has a very long tang and a thin pin. The pin snapped after some 200 strikes. Both the old version Blackprince and the new version have served me well.
The Lucern has also done well on my pell test. The traditional Katana cuts beautifully through bottles. I don't do any percussive work with that one, only slices.

Despite a few hick-ups I think Gen 2 makes good swords at a good price. They have a one time replacement warranty for each sword, so that says something. Swords of Might should sell them.

You guys should also look into selling Darksword. I have seen some excellent reviews on them by Paul Southern.

[Jason Moore]

Do you have their site??

[tsafa]

http://www.darksword-armory.com/swords.html

They have some very prominent pictures on their site of their swords being tested by Paul Southern against a steel barrel. He reported no edge damage which amazed me. When Darksword puts images like that on their website, they have really raised the bar as far as expected durability.

[Firehand10k]

I have seen their site too and those tests and they have some amazing and beautiful pieces. The ONLY reason the fall second on my purchasing list under Gen2 is I'm too lazy to wanna sharpen them and too impatient to wait while I have them done.

[Jason Moore]

Why do they have google ads on their pages?? That makes me nervous!

[tsafa]

I see the button for the Google adds now. That is weird. :-?

[rick]

thay are on google search engine, so google put a sticker on the site like a
child would do to a store window.

[Jason Moore]

I don't think so. Google cannot just "put something on a site" we as webmasters have to do it. You then get paid by google when someone clicks on the ads. To me, that seems like the business is not doing well enough that it needs pocket change by adding google ads to their site.

[Cosmic Ownage]

This is the Gen 2 sword i am considering buying but i'm waiting to find a dealer that is reliable (like swords of might)

[Firehand10k]

Which one?

[Jason Moore]

If you want to show me which oneyou want, I can order it for you....As long as Gen 2 has it in stock It will only be a short time till it ships to you.

[Cosmic Ownage]

Which one?
sorry haha must have forgotten to put up link :) here it is
Link:http://www.imperialcoinc.com/Shared/IP-036.html

[mancosbob]

I voted a good strong definate maybe; I am only interested in the Wasp Waisted Gladius. I have no strong desire to collect European blades; at this time, my interest lies on a distant exotic island which seems not believe in furniture, well, maybe a few low tables. Speaking of which, is SoM ever going to carry any midrange Ko-Katana's? I'd like a clay tempered, folded blade of about 20" with a 10" (+ or -) tsuka. I like my swords like I like my coffee, women, cats, vehicles, and weapons, like the color of my heart. :-?

You know, if they ever invent a time machine, I'll have to follow one of these ronin master types around, scrounging swords after he slays a few dozen and just walks off...dibs on Ogami Itto! ;)

[Brian Brazier]

Cold Steel makes a Warrior Series Chisa Katana that has a 24.5" blade 11.5" tsuka though they aren't differently tempered, a 20" blade will most likley come in the form of a Wakazashi, they usually have about a 20" blade with a 8-9" tsuka, and you will have allot more options with a Wakazashi

[Jason Moore]

Yea man, if ya want it, give me a call!

[Cosmic Ownage]

well my problem is I'm kinda torn between 2 blades your either the gen 2 maxamillian sword or your Ryumon Folded Dragon Practical Katana. Both swords seem like their of good quality for the buck but my main worry is if i get the gen 2 sword ordered from you what if it's of bad quality or somethings wrong could i still return it? but also i don't have 500$ to spare to buy both right now only one. Got any suggestions?

[Firehand10k]

If you're picking just for the aesthetic both are good. If you're picking because you have cut and want to cut more the same applies. If you're picking to learn to cut I recommend starting with the Ryumon, even though I love looking at and using my Gen2s (I have the Witham Viking and Chaos broadsword and several brands of katanas). My wife and I have both found that unless you are planning to train a specific style that takes something else the Katanas are easier for a beginner to cut with. The curve of the blade (sori) results in a strike that produces more of an automatic slice than the straight blades. Both take much practice and thorough attention to safety details but again the katana comes out ahead for novice cutters; it has a lighter single-edge blade that is easier to control and has a naturally safer (Not safe, only safer) side.

If you're worried about Gen2 quality I'll let you know all of mine are great and the Clyde Hollis, owner of Gen2 stands behind his products, usually offering direct replacement for defects in his swords. He can be contacted on The Sword Buyers Guide Forum or at the number for the site you referenced the Maximillian from.

[Cosmic Ownage]

If you're picking just for the aesthetic both are good. If you're picking because you have cut and want to cut more the same applies. If you're picking to learn to cut I recommend starting with the Ryumon, even though I love looking at and using my Gen2s (I have the Witham Viking and Chaos broadsword and several brands of katanas). My wife and I have both found that unless you are planning to train a specific style that takes something else the Katanas are easier for a beginner to cut with. The curve of the blade (sori) results in a strike that produces more of an automatic slice than the straight blades. Both take much practice and thorough attention to safety details but again the katana comes out ahead for novice cutters; it has a lighter single-edge blade that is easier to control and has a naturally safer (Not safe, only safer) side.

If you're worried about Gen2 quality I'll let you know all of mine are great and the Clyde Hollis, owner of Gen2 stands behind his products, usually offering direct replacement for defects in his swords. He can be contacted on The Sword Buyers Guide Forum or at the number for the site you referenced the Maximilian from.
Awesome, Now please don't laugh at what I'm saying but, the swords will be one a hobby for myself. so cutting with them. But i plan to buy them mainly for one reason. I am a strong believe in zombies. I have always believe in them just one of those things. I've also been planning my zombie escape plan for 2-3 years. I've even gone to the lengths of making up my own armor at my local wood shop. i have a wooden sword and shield and i'm in the midst of making wooden body armor, stupid yes, but i don't have access to a metal shop. I've also been saving as much money as i can to buy a horse. Now listen to my dilemma, so to fight off zombies and protect my self i need a one handed preferably double edged sword(single handed for carrying a shield as well) . On the other hand though, i have never been taught how to cut. I'm trying to figure out where to get lessons but until then i would need a sword that allows me to cut and not screw up horribly. So a curve blade would be ideal but not at the same time! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
/cruise control

[Firehand10k]

In that case I would recomend the Gen2 Dordogne (spelling?). It is a 1 handed cut and thrust sword with a pretty long blade. The original it is based on is suspected to have been designed for use from horseback.
There are also cavalry sabers that are curved and made for use from horse. There are alot of cheap quality replicas out of these so make sure you know what you're getting. I would personnally stick with cold steel for this.

Advice: Be careful of your technique any sword can bend or break on a bad cut. read all you can about cutting here and check out Sword buyer's Guide for the same.

Don't ever attempt to cut from horseback until you are super proficient from the ground. Don't wanna hurt the horse.

Make good and certain its walking dead before you swing anywhere near something human shaped.

[mancosbob]

Don't ever attempt to cut from horseback until you are super proficient from the ground. Don't wanna hurt the horse.

Make good and certain its walking dead before you swing anywhere near something human shaped.

Sage advice Sir Firehand!

Remember, all zombies in the coming invaision will be dressed in black with kevlar helmets and sporting MP5's...swords are not the answer, indiscriminant exthothermic area weapons are what you will need.

Top of the world ma! Top of the world!
from, White Heat

[bobO]

MBob, I don't know what those things you mentioned are, but I want one, no, two!

[Firehand10k]

You mean these?

, indiscriminant exthothermic area weapons are what you will need.

That would translate to really big fire bombs.:hahaskull:

[RedZorak]

Even though he is now gone...

I believe the survival guide recommended katana for close range, and the shaolin spade for slightly longer range. As mancosbob already said, exothermic area weapons would work wonders:)

[corundum]

All I know is that I've heard many more good things about Gen 2 than bad and I just got my chaos yesterday and first was a little disapointed in the sharpness of the blade but after a few swings realized that it was proboly just packing grease on the edge because now it seems much sharper than at first. But what realy impresses me is its constucrtion this sword is tough and everything is very tightly put together simply just an all around great sword and for under 400 buck hey you can't go wrong with Gen 2!!!! I for one will definatly buy more I'm thinking the crusader sword next anyone got one of them I'd like to hear what you think of it.

[corundum]

Oh and for taking care of zombies I like my 12 gauge pump action of course for close range and for long range I think I'd go with my 303 british but i'd also have to use the sword from time to time :hahaskull:

[Torawashi]

I have the Generation 2 Godfred Viking sword and it's a great cutter. very sharp, durable, and very good quality. Highly recommended

[Torawashi]

I have seen this post before and read about Gen2 problems lately. The problem with the Black Prince sword and was a heat treat problem that was found and addresseed in subsequent shipmants (it also affected the Lucern sword which is another blade that tapers rapidly). On all of the boards I can find this is the only mention of anyone having a problem with the Elven King Sword. There are reviews of Gen2 swords at
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/index.html
as well as on their forum where the positive seriously outway the negative.

And of course the reason I never replied to that post at SFI- I got with a machinist friend of mine and we looked at the pictures closely and both came to the conclusion that those bends are inconsistant with any for of cutting damage. They are to close to the end (not in the inpact zone and not enough mass in fornt of them to draw them that hard) and they are too anlgular and consistant betweeh the two blade. To make a bend that sharp there is either a distinct fault in the material (unlikely in such similar placement one two complelely different style blades) or a pressure there too cause the flex (we both suspect inproperly performed flex tests in a vice in spite of the fact that that idea was refuted in the post, who wants to admit their own errors? ).
We could be wrong since most of our experience comes from other steel works (bars, rods, plates) but even with my bad form I have never had a sword bend like that (a flex that doesn't come out yes) or that near the end. I choose to over look one or two bad reviews in favor of the many good ones I have found.

Sorry if I seem long winded but while I have only one Gen2 sword I firmly believe in them and their blades. I only take this much time to defend them here because after all the work he puts in to SoM I would rather have all my sword buisness go through Jason and I think it would be a good line for him to carry to help open his busness to western sword enthusiats too.

hear, hear;
I happen to be a Western Sword Enthusiast. I have my katana too, but my favorites are the medieval and ancient world swords. I have never had an iota of trouble with my Gen2 swords. the photos i saw of those blades in the review could not have been from cutting water bottles. unfortunately on the internet you only have someone's word for what you see and not everyone is "straightforward" about what really happened. sometimes a company will have forging issues with a particular model, but these instances are few and far between. you never know what the situation really is with some reviewers. some try to use swords for what they never were intended to be used. others buy from disreputable dealers who don't stock the products they sell and have never handled the swords and thus are unfamiliar with their merchandise. a reputable dealer will keep the swords they sell physically in stock and will have handled their swords and be familiar with them, and also inspect the swords before they ship to the customer, thus ensuring the product is in good condition and avoiding returns and disappointment to the customer. also some dealers sell factory seconds or "scratch and dents" without informing the customer. any of these things can result in problems when trying to use the sword. don't automatically believe everything you see in a review. it may not always be accurate.

[bobO]

If you ask me those guy's worked long and hard to get those swords to bend like that, why? I don't know but something fishy about the whole thing. Just my 2 cents.