Opinions on the new swords

[mencot]

How about this new/update of the old/classic sword? (probably needs a better definition...)

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/weilpics/1.jpg

Someone over on eurobricks has brought the Kingdoms Chess set and all the 'classic' swords (in the instructions) were replaced with this different mould.

Whether it's change in design is due to where/how it's being moulded, or a sneak peak at future sets (mainly thinking LOTR), place your bets!

I haven´t seen this sword before (ofcourse now in the CMF 9) but my Kingdoms chess comes with the swords that are in the other Kingdoms too, not that new version of the sword, strange. I did buy the chess set immidiately when it came out, so has it change in the later releases to that sword?

[Kev]

Another case of a replacement piece being lesser than the original. I always liked the fact that the classic sword had the crossguard piece the same size as the handle, so a fig could grip it there, or it could fit into a clamp or hollow peg. Less versatility for no real gain. Dumb decision by the company.

[Eklund]

I definitely agree. I wish they hadn't changed the design too. They have come out with quite a few really nice new sword molds over the last couple years, but I am afraid that this isn't one of them.

[Velliscig]

I would advocate anything from LEGO that replaces the need to buy from custom parts vendors, mainly for reasons of price and potential resale value. However, none of these swords (or most of the new weapons, for that matter) are within a reasonable price range yet for me to afford equipping any substantial number of troops. I suppose I shall begin trickling them in by having only knights, lords, and other higher status individuals purchase them out of their own pockets.

Overall, the original swords remain the most appealing to me because of their simple design - most specifically the ABS plastic swords, due to their rigidity which prevents scuffing from wear. This quality is in my opinion superior, and I wish to see LEGO return to higher quality plastics. Alas, I doubt this will ever happen!

I think the influence of custom parts vendors in the market has induced LEGO to create more weapon variations, which is in undoubtedly a good thing!

[timber_wolf899]

I feel i should comment on 'sting'.

I have to say i'm liking the look as an elfish weapon. IT seems kinda short, but the 'leaf' blade really works for me, when you're thinking ofrest elf. I am using them as secondary weapons for my mirkwood guards. That having been said, i still have a hard time resisting the notion that the elves should carry katanas.

How do you all equip your elves?

[andhe]

My small company of CMF elves have either the longbow, or a Prince of Persia dagger of time. So I will of course be asking TLG for commission on the idea seeing that this knife is now being used in the Mirkwood set

I would ideally like to give a few dark green hoods and the long-handled elf sword, when they become a bit more widely available.

[Count Blacktron]

My Elvish Legion has been using katana blades since 1999. Generally I prefer the older and more rigid plastic of the older versions, and any that offer a variety of holding positions due to standard "system" construction.

[Quickblade22]

How do you all equip your elves?

With BrickForge Elven Blades, Elven Spears, Raider Blades, Long bows, Elven Helm, Rogue Biter, etc....

Those alternate chess set short swords look a little weird. I like them better than the KK2 Zwords, but I like the newer short swords from the collectible minifigs better.

[The Syndicate]

Any new LEGO castle weapons that aren't the mini ones from the Heroica/Blacksmith set(s) are fine with me. Although in all fairness, those mini weapons, combined with all of the green heads (Toy Story soldiers) and mini legs I had laying around inspired me to create a goblin faction. Also, I used the minibow with some Eastern-style mounted archers and it seemed to fit. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I always try to make the best out of whatever weapons LEGO releases.

[DaleDVM]

I like the look of the new short sword but I do agree that the loss of functionality may not be worth it in the long run. My older chess sets have the old version.

As for the elves. I think sting looks pretty good when dual wielding. I also like the new brown/silver spears when put on the elves. I haven't seen that new elf sword in person yet. Gold is not exactly the color I would have chosen for that weapon either.

[Knight Man]

Whoah!
I didn't know about that new short-sword, must be the one there going to use in the new Castle sets this fall.
Personally I think it looks terrible and less versatility was a bad move....
EDIT:
I see it's actually the same one as the CMF Heroic Knight. I really wish the Heroic Knight would have come with the Highland Battler sword since I'll probably just end up never using the sword anyways. I'm guessing it was some kind of odd mix up at the Chinese plant between CMF and the Chess set, has there been more than one report of this or just this one instance?

[timber_wolf899]

Knight

That is a good point re the spear! I had not thought of that.
thanks!

[Vladimir]

I'm a fan of the claymore and to be honest I didn't know about the sword that came with the Heroic Knight. I like them and I may try get a few to equip some soldiers.

Everyone on here is desperate for a little weapon diversity within their ranks and the more swords that become available the richer our armies will become.

Bring on the swords!