The Lord Of The Rings : Strider's Sword - The Master Swordsmith's Collection : Reviews

GoldLiberator
23/06/10
Weta Collector

A POSTCARD: Estel aka Thorongil aka Strider writes...

Greetings Elrond, I am newly arrived in Lorien -- with hope this... Read more.

Greetings Elrond,
I am newly arrived in Lorien -- with hope this letter finds you swiftly as you are likely eager for news of my safe return from 30 years of toil in regions wild and far. After a brief rest here I will set forth to Rivendell for the full telling of hazards too dark and numerous to recount in this brief note.

For now, let it suffice to say that my military services to Rohan and Gondor (under disguise as Thorongil) were a trifling compared with the perils I later encountered beyond Khand and Harad. Thoughts of Narsil, restored, would have been full upon my mind were it not for the excellence of this blade fashioned by your swordsmith in the days of my youthful excursions with Elladan and Elrohir. It has weathered these many hard trials admirably and the evidence is well upon it that Peterlyon not only apprenticed under Celebrimbor in the days of old but has equalled his master's craft. Its design and balance are ideal -- to experience how it handles in the chaos of battle is to marvel that it must surely have a mind of its own bent upon doing precisely all that needs done to see me through.

The only praise adequate to convey the true measure of my abiding appreciation is to admit it has served so well throughout so many formidable entanglements these long dark years that only reluctantly shall I put it aside to take up my father's sword if events may some day call for that.

Respectfully yours,
Aragorn
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moonglum83
10/06/10
Gold Collector

Battle Worn, Scuffed Up, Near Perfection

This is a difficult sword to review. On the plus... Read more.

This is a difficult sword to review. On the plus side, Peter Lyon's skills are generally top-notch and evident throughout most of this sword, as well as the optional scabbard, belt, and other extras done by the workshop. Truly an amazing set that feels, looks, and handles unlike anything else I've come across in 10+ years collecting swords. I went with the aged/weathered finish to allow Weta to fully express their craftsmanship and talents in hero-sword prop production. Also wanted this sword to be fully authentic and accurate to Strider's character, and have the look and feel of an authentic historical item, rather than a reproduction or "replica".

Unfortunately, there is obvious and gaudy NLP licensing information boldly stamped into the steel just below the cross guard on the handle. For me, this drops the review from 5 stars down to 4. A very poor decision by NLP and Weta to allow this horrible marketing intrusion IMO.

Granted, you can hide the licensing stamp for display by facing it towards the wall, but anytime you handle the sword the illusion of history and authenticity is completely shattered.

Also on the unfortunate side, the pommel on my sword is rather asymmetrical and appears to "lean" a bit to one side. At first I accepted this as a uniqueness of this handmade sword, but it came to bother me enough that I have contacted Weta to see what can be done to fix the problem. This also knocks another star off my review, so I've got to put it at 3 stars unless or until the pommel issues can be resolved.

It breaks my heart to post this review, but it is honest and provides useful information for others who may be considering a sword in this line. The licensing stamp is a small price to pay, and hopefully the issues with my pommel are unique and won't be seen on any other swords.

Peter Lyon is still the man, and has shown again why he truly is a master swordsmith. Hide.

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feastofrnds
26/05/10
Weta Collector

Strider sword perfection

Many swordsmiths have tried to emulate this sword in cheaper versions... Read more.

Many swordsmiths have tried to emulate this sword in cheaper versions due to its long screentime. However, this piece by Peter Lyon is probably the best balanced and exquisitely executed sword in my collection. Hide.

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