War Helm of Dain Ironfoot - UC3167 - Review

[JJByers]

United Cutlery UC3167 - War Helm of Dain Ironfoot
Limited Edition #0037 of 1500
MSRP: $625.57 :facepalm
BudK: $349.99 :lol
Clearance: $249.98


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Introduction:

I'd like to start off by pointing out, despite a previous review on polyresin pieces, and my great dislike for them; I managed to fight off picking up this item for the better part of a year after talking with United Cutlery at some length about resin replicas. In that conversation, I learned that, much like UC3106 - Thorin's Regal Sword, these weren't strong sellers and that UC placed a small order to have them made and once they're sold they are gone. Much like UC3106, I expected after a year to see them on clearance for $107. At that price I'd be willing to take the gamble. Dain's helm and warhammer are now on clearance, but, after getting a stock update from BudK I realized I may not get to wait for a $100 helm. I was informed they had 12 in stock and would not be restocking. As for the hammer I think stock is still at a healthy supply. I asked my normal questions about returns, as I expected it to arrive broken, like the 4 Regal Swords I went through before just keeping a cracked one. All that aside, ordered on a Saturday, come Tuesday I had a big box.

Packaging and Customer Service:

Well, if I can say one thing as for shipping, its that its boxed well enough for FedEx to throw it around and remain potentially safe. I'm 5'9" and the box came up to my waist. Upon opening it up you'll be met with two hulking pieces of Styrofoam with the helm, stand, and COA sandwiched between them. Before removing the helm from the foam, or the plastic covering it, I placed my hand on it, bear with me, to see how cold it was, its been pretty cold where I'm at and polyresin is a temperamental thing with cold. It was definitely cold too. So I knew I'd be looking for cracks, which didn't take long. It was pointed out to me one of the boar tusks on the crest was broken. I really wasn't that mad, seeing as I expected this. I didn't even bother to remove the helm. I just put the other half of foam back on it and boxed it up to return it to BudK. Budk was nice and honestly didn't seem too surprised when I told them it was broken. In a matter of seconds I got, "FedEx will return to pick it up in a few days and we'll get you a refund." I opted for a replacement though. At this point I asked about units in stock again and was told 10-11 where left, and that FedEx could take up to a week for pickup and returns or exchanges are 2-3 weeks. Another helm could not be held for an exchange, and the broken one could not be sent back should they sell out. I didn't really have much choice but to say okay and assume they may sell out. Afterwards I messaged United Cutlery with the broken helm (picture below) to show off yet another polyresin fail. I just want to add, no matter how you feel about UC, I have never encountered better customer service. Top notch. I brought up it'd suck to not get one if the sell out and Kimberly asked for my order number through Budk. The next day I was informed United Cutlery had arranged for a replacement helm to go ahead and be sent out immediately, and to make sure the other was ready for pickup. So, major thanks to Kimberly over at UC!

Broken boar's tusk on helm crest


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Replacement:

I was told to expect the replacement by Monday or Tuesday when it shipped out on Friday. It arrived Saturday. I met FedEx outside and watched the driver cartwheel the box around thinking, "Yeah...that is broke..." I hinted how easy it is to break them and he appeared shocked and picks it up and hands it to me. I ask is he taking the other one back and he says no. No call tags on weekends he'll come back some other time. So in I go, to measure the damage on this one. Immediately upon opening it I'm eyeing the crest, nothing broken on this one, that I can tell. So at least I'll get to take it out of the packaging lol.

The War Helm of Dain Ironfoot (Interior):

Immediately, this thing is big and heavy. In the gigantic box it doesn't seem it, but after removing it I was instantly like what the hell? It being polyresin I needed someone to hold the helm to get the stand out, since it is fragile, I don't think sitting it down on its own with its weight would end okay. I could see something cracking or snapping. The helm is steel reinforced poly resin, the lining is cheap and uncomfortable, largely due to its weight. The leather chin strap feels thin and cheap, unlike United's Helm of Gimli. I'm positive if you tried to wear this and tighten the leather straps, they would stretch, and eventually break. So, it seems wearable, but is best left on display. Besides its scale is that for a dwarf, as the UC Gimli helm fits me nicely; this looked and felt double that size. It looks ridiculous on a person. Other than cheap padding and leather, the inside of the helm is black resin, UC didn't bother to paint the inside. However it doesn't really take much away from the piece because of it.

The War Helm of Dain Ironfoot (Exterior):

When it isn't broken it really does have a commanding presence. From the boar crest to the tusks along the face. The paint is fairly nice, but it doesn't look as shiny and glossy as in the film. Which I'm okay with personally. The boar's crest along the red hairs (also resin) were not painted overly well. I found a few spots missing paint but can easily touch them up. Better than cracked resin. The detail on the helm is amazing though, it certainly has to look of something that has been slammed into a couple times with various knicks and scrapes molded into the cast. A nice note the painted brass parts were also given a slight patina finish in certain spots for added effect. I wish, much like a sword, there was more to explain to it, but, its cast resin hahaha. The stand is nice, as it matches the helm with the appearance of Dain's armor with a numbered medallion of the front. I received #0037/1500. My lowest edition ever as far a collectibles go. The stand is also pretty heavy, which it'd have to be with that helm.

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Conclusion:

If you're on the fence about this piece there is a chance you can wait and the price may drop lower. There is no guarantee on current stock though. If you can get one undamaged its definitely worth having for you collection. It took 2 tries for me, but I'm happy I didn't go with a refund.