| Patrick De Block wrote: |
| Maybe you will hate the following quote: 'The use of absolute descriptors is a practice that I try to avoid. Experience has shown me that it can be a perilous undertaking in the field of arms study. However, in this case I am forced to break that rule. This sword features performance and handling qualities that provide a perfect blend of powerful attacks and responsive defense.' |
How could I hate it, after all I wrote it. ;) You present some interesting questions.
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| This quote is a rather matter of fact statement, compared to the lyrical sentences on the Vigil. |
I do prefer facts over emotionalism when writing something like a product review, where the emphasis is to convey accurate information through the written word. In fact, when I was part of the myArmoury team I often counseled submitters to be less emotional and more logical in their descriptions, but it's a fine line. In the case of this thread it really isn't a review but rather my own personal impressions of this sword. In that sense you'll have to forgive my blathering as I'm very excited about the Vigil. When I read Peters description of the Vigil on Albions site I could tell he was very excited about the design, as soon as I opened the box I knew why.
The Witham sword has always been my favorite medieval sword and several years ago Peter Johnsson and I discussed making a custom version of it. (that would have been my third attempt at having it reproduced via the custom venue) I was then told that a version of the sword might be a future addition to Albions line. I had honestly put that in the back of my mind and focused on other important matters, so when I found out the Vigil had come to fruition I was quite enthusiastic.
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| My question: apart from the historical interest, the aesthetic appeal, the genius of Peter Johnsson in recreating swords, what is the value of this sword? I mean, suppose you're working in a medieval swordshop and I come along to buy an excellent sword, I want 'the best available tool' to do the job, I'm not blind to the other qualities, but my foremost thought is pratical, which sword would you recommend, the Knight or the Vigil. To put my question differently, has the Vigil superior handling characteristics compared to the Knight? |
Value? Hmmmm.......................... First, let me clarify a comment I made earlier: when I said, "The Vigil has the best handling characteristics of any sword of this general type I've ever handled." the operative word is type. Comparing the Vigil and the Knight really isn't a direct comparison. Oakeshott put the Vigil in his typology as a Type X. While it exhibits features that put it outside of his typology I suppose that would be the closest comparison. As such the Vigil should be compared to the general Type X and perhaps the Xa. In this context the Vigil might be compared to Albions Reeve or Senlac. The Reeve is a bit more responsive whereas the Vigil is still lively in the hand but will strike with greater power. The Senlac is a bit longer and has a more point-forward feel whereas the Vigil is more responsive by comparison. So making a more direct comparison of these swords I find the Vigil to be the superior overall package.
Comparing the Vigil and the Knight is interesting. The Vigil is the more powerful sword to be sure, but the Knight will be more lively and probably a hair more responsive. The Knight might be the better thruster as this is an obvious part of its design focus, increased thrusting ability. If I remember correctly the Knight was better at following its point into a thrust than the Vigil, but while it might be capable of it thrusting isn't the Vigils priority. I have no doubt the Vigil will be superior in the cut as that is its focus, whereas the Knight is a compromise design or more of a jack-of-all-trades. That's not a criticism but is in fact one of the real assets of the Type XII. Which is better? That would depend upon personal preference and priority. Both would achieve their intended missions very well and I doubt an opponent could tell the difference when you separated him from his limbs. In the end I suppose it depends on your priorities. If your primary concern is backyard cutting I don't think you could do better than the Vigil, this thing will be an absolute cutting monster. On the other hand, if you're a WMA practitioner and specialize in working in I.33 or different types of sword and shield techniques, then you might find the jack-of-all-trades Knight to be more to your liking. I certainly wouldn't advise throwing away your Knight and getting a Vigil, it's more a case of defined excellence than a black and white better/best issue.
My own personal perspective is this: the Knight is a truly excellent sword and an archetypal example of the Type XII. There's another thread currently active wherein the discussion focuses on which sword you'd show a uninformed individual as an example of what a medieval sword was really like. In that sense the Knight would be a first choice for me. It's a very general and common single-handed design from the era that perfectly exemplifies the knightly sword in the age of mail. In my initial post I mentioned the stars aligning, the Knight is another example of that given what it is and I can't think of a better general example of the Type XII currently on the market. On the other hand, my personal preference is without a doubt the Vigil. This lies primarily in the uniqueness of its design. It's not a common design from the period and exhibits many features that are unique and ahead of its time. I'm not a hardcore WMAer, I've done a bit of study on my own but I'm far from highly knowledgeable in the fine minutae of the various techniques. I'm primarily a collector who views his collection as more of a case study than an array of weapons. (I have other things I use professionally that fall into that category) In this respect things like aesthetic value and mechanical complexity carry as much value as practical function. The Vigil is far and away the more interesting design, both aesthetically and mechanically. It's design is bold and imposing yet its mechanical attributes make it a far livelier sword than one would assume by simply looking at it. Based on commonly held perceptions there's a contradiction between mass and handling in the Vigils design and I find this fascinating. Visually it's a more exciting sword and from a design standpoint there's a lot more there to study. Consequently, for me it's more than a tool and as such has more value for me personally.
Now if you walked into my shop I'd try my best to sell you the more expensive Vigil. ;)
I hope this long and rambling post was of help to you.