Let’s Dive into Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword isn’t just a blade; it’s a statement, a conversation starter, and a tangible link to Arthurian legend. Crafted by Legacy Arms, this full-tang, high-carbon steel sword aims to capture the spirit of Excalibur, offering a blend of historical inspiration and functional design.
My interest in the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword stemmed from a lifelong fascination with medieval history and a desire to own a well-made, historically-inspired sword. I was specifically looking for a display piece that also felt substantial and authentic.
Upon unboxing, the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword immediately impressed me with its weight and overall presence. The polished brass fittings gleamed, and the leather-wrapped scabbard added a touch of class; the wood handle with the twisted wire wrapping felt surprisingly comfortable in my grip.
While I considered other “Excalibur” replicas, including those from Windlass Steelcrafts and various smaller forges, the Legacy Arms version struck the best balance between affordability and perceived quality, plus, it more closely resembles depictions I have seen in museums and historical texts. My first impression was excitement tempered by a bit of apprehension – I hoped the performance would live up to the initial visual appeal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword wasn’t a battlefield, but a meticulously maintained grassy field, perfect for test swings and basic handling. While not intended for rigorous cutting tests (more on that later), I focused on balance, grip comfort, and overall feel.
The Excalibur Sword felt surprisingly well-balanced for its size, although its weight made extended handling tiring. The grip, while aesthetically pleasing, became slightly slippery after repeated swings, even in dry conditions.
There were no immediate issues or surprises during this initial handling, but I did notice a slight looseness in the brass pommel after about an hour of swinging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of occasional handling and display, the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword has held up reasonably well. The blade has maintained its finish, and the scabbard shows minimal wear.
However, the pommel looseness I noticed initially has worsened slightly, requiring occasional tightening. The edge, while not razor-sharp out of the box, has dulled slightly with minimal use, indicating the need for regular maintenance if cutting is desired.
Compared to my experience with other historical replicas, like my Hanwei Practical Katana, the Excalibur Sword requires more frequent attention to fittings, but its overall aesthetic appeal makes it a worthwhile addition to my collection.
Breaking Down the Features of Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword
Specifications
- The Blade Length of the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword is 34 inches. This length provides a good balance between reach and maneuverability, fitting the typical longsword profile.
- The Overall Length is 44.5 inches. This makes it a substantial piece, suitable for display or light reenactment.
- The Blade Steel is 5160. This high-carbon steel is known for its toughness and ability to hold an edge, making it a decent choice for a functional sword, however, the edge needs to be maintained frequently.
- The Handle Material is wood with a stainless steel twisted wire wrapping, finished with brass. The wire wrapping offers some grip, and the polished brass adds to the visual appeal of the sword.
- The sword weighs 5lbs 3oz. This weight is typical for a sword of this size, though it can lead to fatigue during prolonged use.
- Full Tang Construction ensures the blade extends through the handle, providing greater strength and stability. This construction method is critical for a sword intended for any form of cutting or impact.
- A hardwood scabbard wrapped in leather with brass accents is included. The scabbard protects the blade and adds to the overall presentation of the sword.
Performance & Functionality
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword performs adequately as a display piece and light handling weapon. It feels substantial and well-balanced, although not perfectly suited for rigorous cutting.
The sword’s strengths lie in its visual appeal and historical inspiration. However, its edge retention and the potential for fitting looseness are areas that could be improved.
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword met my expectations as a display item but fell slightly short as a functional weapon, primarily due to edge retention concerns.
Design & Ergonomics
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword features a classic longsword design with polished brass fittings and a leather-wrapped scabbard. The overall aesthetic is pleasing and evokes the Arthurian legend.
The handle provides a decent grip, although the wire wrapping can become slippery with moisture. The weight distribution is acceptable, making it manageable for basic handling.
The Excalibur Sword is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special skills to appreciate its design and handling characteristics.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword should last for many years as a display piece. However, the edge will require regular sharpening if used for cutting, and the fittings may need occasional tightening.
Cleaning the blade with oil and polishing the brass fittings will help maintain its appearance. The leather scabbard should also be conditioned to prevent drying and cracking.
Maintaining this Excalibur Sword is fairly straightforward, with readily available cleaning and polishing supplies.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword comes with a leather-wrapped hardwood scabbard featuring brass accents. There are limited customization options directly available from Legacy Arms.
However, aftermarket grips or pommels designed for similar sword types might be adapted with some modification. It is compatible with standard sword care products like blade oil and leather conditioners.
Pros and Cons of Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword
Pros
- Visually Appealing Design: Captures the essence of a legendary sword.
- Full Tang Construction: Provides strength and durability.
- High Carbon Steel Blade: Offers decent edge retention for its price point.
- Included Scabbard: Protects the blade and enhances the display value.
- Good Balance for Handling: Manageable weight distribution for basic maneuvers.
Cons
- Edge Retention Could Be Better: Requires regular sharpening for cutting purposes.
- Pommel Looseness: May require periodic tightening.
- Grip Can Be Slippery: Especially in wet conditions.
Who Should Buy Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword?
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword is perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a visually striking display piece. It would also suit individuals involved in light reenactment or stage combat (with proper safety precautions).
This sword might not be ideal for experienced martial artists seeking a high-performance cutting weapon. Also, those who prefer low-maintenance items might find the need for regular cleaning and tightening a bit tedious.
A must-have accessory would be a quality sword stand for display. Also, consider purchasing sharpening tools and blade oil to maintain the Excalibur Sword’s condition.
Conclusion on Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword
The Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword offers a compelling blend of historical inspiration and functional design at a reasonable price point. While it may not be a high-performance cutting weapon, its visual appeal, full-tang construction, and included scabbard make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
The price of $519.00 is justified considering the materials, construction, and overall aesthetic. However, potential buyers should be aware of the need for regular maintenance.
I would personally recommend the Legacy Arms Excalibur Sword to anyone looking for a historically-inspired display piece that feels substantial and authentic. Embrace the legend; add this sword to your collection today!