Question: Is an Albion Meyer worth buying?
My verdict: Yes, if you live in North America; otherwise, unfortunately, probably not.
Albion Swords is an American company with a very good reputation. Many of their swords have beeb designed by Peter Johnsson, a well-renowned Swedish smith and sword-researcher.
The Albion Meyer is a good training tool, and if you have the opportunity to buy one in person or in North America, it is probably worth it.
It handles very nicely and is appropriate for 15th century Liechtenauer sources, or for working with Fiore. It is too short for 16th century Liechtenauer sources, including that of Meyer, even though it is named after Meyer.
If you are not based in North America, and are considering importing one into Europe, then it may not be such a good investment anymore. It will still be an excellent sword, but by the time you pay for transatlantic shipping, postal insurance, import duty and VAT, the sword will cost you a small fortune, potentially enough to buy any three swords from some European smiths.
Motivation and transparency
I have one of these swords, which I bought for myself several years ago. I have used it regularly. I would be delighted to see one of my students coming to my club with one of these.
(Edit: this “motivation” section was added on the 9th of March 2019, as part of an effort to improve the transparency of the various reviews on this website.)
Keith Farrell teaches HEMA professionally, often at international events (why not hire me to teach at your event?), and has an interest in coaching instructors to become better teachers. I teach regularly at Liverpool HEMA, and help behind the scenes with running HEMA in Glasgow at the Vanguard Centre.
I have authored Scottish Broadsword and British Singlestick and the award-winning AHA German Longsword Study Guide, and maintain a blog at www.keithfarrell.net where I post regularly.
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