Sarednab's Grail Knight Sword Review

[Indy Magnoli]

Got mine in and I'm very happy with it:

I have a sword collection of around 15-20 (depending on whether you count fencing swords) which includes everything from cheap knock-off to differentially tempered katanas. Considering this is a Pakistani job, I'm impressed with the final product. The detailing is nice and the finish is gorgeous. My original idea was to distress it, but now that I see how shiny it is... it'll be a tough call. The blade is obviously not the highest quality, but the little imperfections are perfect (in my opinion) to mimic a supposed centuries old weapon.

The real surprise though came in the form of a scabbard (which was not advertised with the original sword). I am surprised no one has mentioned this yet. I'm guessing that Sarednab did not specify a scabbard to be included and certainly did not give them any specifications, so what was included is a real riot!

First of all, it's just a couple pieces of cheap leather stitched together (even good sword companies make this style of scabbard, which I hate), but the little details are too funny! There is a random "crocodile" type print of faux leather stitched half-way down the scabbard:

The snap on the hilt closure has got to be the best feature though:

Yes, that's right... the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma, the home of the Grail Knight! :lol

Not only does it have a large belt loop at the top, but it includes a sling as well for that Braveheart/Army of Darkness look:

This is not meant to take away from the sword, which is an excellent piece and well worth the money... I just couldn't help but share this scabbard with you, which truly put a smile on my face!

Thanks, Sarednab! :thumbsup

Kind regards,
Magnoli

 

[Michael Bergeron]

I had the same thoughts. I like how the blade isn't machine perfect, looks like it actually could have been a blade forged by a man with a hammer.

I noticed the Oklahoma clasp to. What a riot!

 

[Indy Magnoli]

Well... I did it. I couldn't stand being blinded by this shiny piece of hardware, so I've distressed it:

I used a 320 grit sandpaper to dull the shine of the blade. For the hilt, I sprayed it with a regular gold rattle-can, then used a wire brush to take off most of the gold spray paint to reveal the original shiny gold finish. Then I did a black/brown acrylic wash, and wiped the excess off with a soft cloth. I'm really happy with the final result and have no regrets!

NB: the photos make the coloring look a bit more "brassy" than it does in life. After the distressing, the hilt is still obviously "gold".

Kind regards,
Indy

 

[Ramirez]

Looks good.
Unfortunately i'm still waiting for mine.


What is the thinking behind the gold spray paint?
To me it seems a bit odd to put it on only to scrape it back off again

 

[Indy Magnoli]

Gold spray paint is no where as shiny as the original finish, so the patches of spray paint that you leave help to dull the shine and add a natural patina look. You don't scrape the paint all off, just most (or as much as you think is necessary).

Kind regards,
Indy

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Looks great Indy! I plan on aging mine as well. Bright and shiny looks a little odd displayed with my weathered grail tablet.

 

[Zombie Killer]

Looks real nice. I wish i had gotten one. I would hit that blade with some 600 grit wet and then maybe even 1200 wet.

 

[thegreatgalling]

That looks great!

Isn't Sarednab still selling a few leftover in the JY? You might still be able to snag one ZK.

 

[Ramirez]

Gold spray paint is no where as shiny as the original finish, so the patches of spray paint that you leave help to dull the shine and add a natural patina look. You don't scrape the paint all off, just most (or as much as you think is necessary).

Kind regards,
Indy

Thanks for the tip.

What kind of paint do you recommend, car spray, model paint or acrylic?

 

[Sarednab]

Great work on aging Indy!

 

[Indy Magnoli]

Any enamel gold spray paint will do the trick.

 

[Elmebo]

Great sword but the handle is waaaay to golden and shiny for my taste.

 

[Elmebo]

I did the same thing to my sword. I just simply wanted a more realistic look and therefore chose to weather it a bit. So, with a rattle-can of gold color, some black and brown acrylic paint, water, steel wool and a splash of matt varnish I finally got that "worn" and old look I wanted.

Regarding the scabbard I don't display it at all....I will only use it if I transport or perhaps sell the sword in the future. But it's was a nice way of protecting the blade during shipping.