I should mention that neither Honshu, United Cutlery, nor OTC/Erik Steelcrafts have confirmed that OTC is source of this sword. I am speaking based on my knowledge of the history and quite a bit of experience with swords of OTC's make.
the pseudo owner of OTC, Shahzeb, is the young son of M.Z. Ansari, the CEO. As a businessman, they really couldn't do worse. Liar, arrogant, condescending. The way he deals with customers or the way he talks to them, phew. He was never even grateful without words for what I accomplished for him. The broken sword does not bother him and he never intended to replace it. He has a great talent for irritating people. I have a list of ten+ people who are unhappy with his service. He insulted me for the last time a few weeks ago. I blocked him from my messenger. Im done.
From all reviews it seems balaur arms is the best maker of decent cheaply made western style swords. Still India milled but overall best fit and make. Now that said I'd never buy any western style swords that's not made by a Westerner...Czech and European makers count as Western makers for obvious reasons. Not that's Chinese makers aren't doing a decent job but overall I think regions make their own styles the best I just don't like honshu. They're better than in the past but still just meh..for beginners maybe but once one feels how a real sword is supposed to be it's hard to like anything else.
I'm 10 minutes in. I saw a video of the factory producing the viking swords and it looked like the pommels were all to a bolt. ... I'm presently wondering / worried about the pommel breaking off.
I have the second gen LK chen, and I think they did make improvements as you guessed because mine is less floppy. My guess is after the first wave of reviews for that model, as well as the Alexandria, hit RU-vid and were less than outstanding they listened to critiques such as the harsh metal throat on the Alexandria scabbard and that was obviously removed in the next wave. I believe the leather color change on these models from oxeblood to a brighter red is a good indicator of where the waves separate.
I think it's a great show of faith that they do listen to reviews Even a small thing like removing the throat on the Alexandria goes a long way and shows continuous improvement for the line
Hope you feel better soon. I just got past the three week cough. Pain in the backside. Lovely sword. Though outside the Katana, I prefer one handed swords. 🤙☘️
