[quote=""Lindir""]

Could possibly be Bard's sword, although it may be a generic Lake-town weapon.[/quote]

That sword looks pretty ornate for anything generic. I'm guessing it is his personal weapon and might likely be available from UC if it gets any significant screen time. Like you, however, it's Bard's bow that I covet! The bow that was well and truly "The Desolation of Smaug!"

Wow, I didn't e xp ect that one to be leaked so early.

Probably an heirloom from the days of Dale, possibly even Girion's sword itself. I like the look of it, but my priority with Bard would be his bow and black arrow.

Thats what happens when you try and sneak forum time at work and you try and post replies as fast as possible haha.

My Fili and Kili swords arrived. It looks like I got some decent ones. There are a few rough places on the blades, but nothing like in the photos of the bad ones posted here. These must be from later production as the blades are much darker than what I saw from the first batch. Overall, pretty good.

I also got the new Morgul dagger, Gondor shield, and the Sauron helm. The dagger looks fairly close to my prototype. Maybe a bit too black on the blade paint wash, not quite as aged looking as it should be, but it looks good. They did a nice job matching my weathered leather grip too. The Sauron helm and base look good, but the post hole in the base is too large, so the post wobbles a lot. Anybody else have that issue?

I'm not happy with the shield at all. The handle does not prevent my shield form being hung on the wall, so I don't have that problem, but my shield has the same sloppy paint issues I have seen other people complaining about, only x10.

[quote=""Nasnandos""]I'm not happy with the shield at all. The handle does not prevent my shield form being hung on the wall, so I don't have that problem, but my shield has the same sloppy paint issues I have seen other people complaining about, only x10.[/quote]

I noticed you said in a recent post that if there were only a couple of bad apples in a given batch, you'd likely get one of them. Well, I usually get the other one! That's why I canceled my order for the shield (even w/30% off). I just know I'd get one of the sloppy ones where the silver dry brushing would be everywhere but where it should, etc. Additionally, this would be yet another dupe for me as I already have the original version. True, it isn't a true dupe as the material is different and the mold much improved, but the paint makes all the difference. If it isn't finished and detailed properly, the rest is moot. That's why I decided to cancel.

[quote=""Valkrist""]Probably an heirloom from the days of Dale, possibly even Girion's sword itself. I like the look of it, but my priority with Bard would be his bow and black arrow.[/quote]

I really like the look of that sword (what can be seen of it). If UC makes it, I will definitely pick one up.

[quote=""Lindir""]I also want Guthwine, even though it probably won't get made [/quote]

Count me in on that thought. Guthwine will *always* be on my wish list.

[quote=""polyphemus""]I noticed you said in a recent post that if there were only a couple of bad apples in a given batch, you'd likely get one of them. Well, I usually get the other one! That's why I canceled my order for the shield (even w/30% off). I just know I'd get one of the sloppy ones where the silver dry brushing would be everywhere but where it should, etc. Additionally, this would be yet another dupe for me as I already have the original version. True, it isn't a true dupe as the material is different and the mold much improved, but the paint makes all the difference. If it isn't finished and detailed properly, the rest is moot. That's why I decided to cancel.[/quote]Yeah, I'm the guy that will hit every single red light driving through town too. I have only seen photos of 5 shields from production, but not one of them matches the proto I painted for the factory to follow. It's supposed to look a bit rough and not perfect, as the prop was very beat up and worn, but there is a difference in rough looking and rushed looking. Hopefully they are not all like this.

I'll have to check my Sauron Helm base this weekend and let you know . My shield hangs fine as well , no problems with the handle . My only problem with the shield as I stated before was the paint on the stars , but I didn't have the prop shield in my hands to compare . Overall I am also happy with the Fili and Kili swords , got two decent ones I guess . Was thinking about taking stainless steel black to the few light spots on the Kili sword to see how it will look .

The stars on mine are literally a small dab of gold paint in the middle and look worse than what yours looked like. The paint on the rivets is sloppy, silver paint is brushed all over the black wood around the raised metal parts, the medallion is crooked - I mean nothing looks good except the mold itself and the banner.

You would notice it easily if the post in your Sauron helm was loose. Mine rocks side to side about 6mm. I have not heard of anyone having this issue - but it's probably that cursed luck I was talking about above

So would these happen to be the elven pole-arms?

I'm sad they're making those and Aeglos got passed up.

I know, I know... these will likely see 10 more seconds of screentime than Aeglos did, but at least that was a weapon with pedigree and history. Not sure what the reasoning was for UC in going with this replica.

[quote=""N2darkness""]So would these happen to be the elven pole-arms?
[/quote]
No, but that one should have been in the early line up. Things are always changing with the secondary weapons so we don't even know if the one United is making will be in film 2, and then things we didn't pick turn out to be in the film.

As for the rest of the arms and armor those Mirkwood guards have...

[quote=""Nasnandos""]As for the rest of the arms and armor those Mirkwood guards have... [/quote]

I assume you mean the helms and shields, or is UC actually going to dabble in mail shirts, breastplates, pauldrons, and greaves?

My Sauron helmet base has the same issue, the hole is too large for the post. Other than that, no issues with the helmet.

Man, it's a good thing UC doesn't make guns or cars or something...

It is generally a bad thing if the hole is too large for the post

Well played Sirjump ! ! ! I would absolutely love to see that shield made , the helm as well . I am going to need another job just for my collecting habits ! ! ! Or alot more OT ! ! !

[quote=""N2darkness""]
[/quote]

[quote=""Nasnandos""]As for the rest of the arms and armor those Mirkwood guards have... [/quote]

I want one of those shields!

I got my replacement Fili Sword from Budk the other day and it is an excellent example of the sword! The handle is solid and the blade looks good. I also noticed that they have the Kili Sword listed as in stock again. I wonder if they have addressed the issues with first run?

I doubt it. United did an inspection of every piece in their warehouse in Georgia so they (hopefully) culled out the ones with the blade issues. The one I got last week was pretty good too.

Derek from smithblades.com sent out a teaser email today revealing that the sword of Thranduil is coming in December from UC, more details to follow soon.

Trying hard to contain my excitement here but... Kit, are you permitted to comment on whether this sword may realistically be ready for release in a month? Another question I'm hoping you can answer: how is this sword going to be displayed? The lack of crosspiece and Hadhafang-like design makes a vertical plaque display difficult. Aside from that, the options are horizontal plaque, like the Elven Warrior Sword, and table-top, like the aforementioned Hadhafang. So, which will it be? I hope it is a wall plaque of some kind, because as quickly shrinking as my wall space is, a table-top mount poses even more problems. What do others wish to see for this sword?

[quote=""Valkrist""]Derek from smithblades.com sent out a teaser email today revealing that the sword of Thranduil is coming in December from UC, more details to follow soon.

Trying hard to contain my excitement here but... Kit, are you permitted to comment on whether this sword may realistically be ready for release in a month? Another question I'm hoping you can answer: how is this sword going to be displayed? The lack of crosspiece and Hadhafang-like design makes a vertical plaque display difficult. Aside from that, the options are horizontal plaque, like the Elven Warrior Sword, and table-top, like the aforementioned Hadhafang. So, which will it be? I hope it is a wall plaque of some kind, because as quickly shrinking as my wall space is, a table-top mount poses even more problems. What do others wish to see for this sword?[/quote]

I just wish I could get this sword

From the press release Val, they made it sound like none of the replicas wouldn't be available until next year. Kit did mention that we may see some photos in the catalogue that UC will put out in December, so perhaps Derek may have confused it with that?

I think they could make a wall plaque. Have the hooks grab the spur (spike) of the blade and one could grab it between the cut-outs.

I wonder if I could try and convince UC to produce a straight bladed model. The curve is very slight and isn't really that noticeable like the curve on Hadhafang or Haldir's sword so if it was straightened there wouldn't be much of a problem

[quote=""Valkrist""]Derek from smithblades.com sent out a teaser email today revealing that the sword of Thranduil is coming in December from UC, more details to follow soon.

[For display] I hope it is a wall plaque of some kind, because as quickly shrinking as my wall space is, a table-top mount poses even more problems. What do others wish to see for this sword?[/quote]

I'm also hoping for a horizontal wall plaque. The HEWS looks fantastic displayed that way, as it enhances the elegant curve and design of the sword. Thranduil's sword would greatly benefit from the same display method. Here's hoping...

It would help if it could hang from the ceiling in my case... hehe...

It definitely is not going to be available in December. Not sure where that is coming from, but I know what stage of development it is in and it's more likely to be mid next year.

The display is a horizontal wall plaque. It did not work vertically for several reasons, but the original idea was to display at a 30 degree angle, in the 'scabbard'. You would have to see it to understand that, but it was simply too e xp ensive that way so the idea was dropped.

[quote=""Nasnandos""]It definitely is not going to be available in December. Not sure where that is coming from, but I know what stage of development it is in and it's more likely to be mid next year.

The display is a horizontal wall plaque. It did not work vertically for several reasons, but the original idea was to display at a 30 degree angle, in the 'scabbard'. You would have to see it to understand that, but it was simply too e xp ensive that way so the idea was dropped.[/quote]

Do Tauriel's daggers also have to same potential release date or will they be released sooner?

Out of the six items announced so far, the release will probably be like this - Azog mace and Thranduil staff, Tauriel bow, Elven polearm, Tauriel daggers, and Thranduil sword last. Some thing may get done earlier, some later, and different things in development stage and approvals are always in flux.

Kit - has UC ever considered releasing their own Staff of Radagast? I would think that their wall mount design would be better than what is currently available. Thanks!

[quote=""Nasnandos""]Out of the six items announced so far, the release will probably be like this - Azog mace and Thranduil staff, Tauriel bow, Elven polearm, Tauriel daggers, and Thranduil sword last. Some thing may get done earlier, some later, and different things in development stage and approvals are always in flux.[/quote]

Woooooooaahhhhhh how on earth did I miss all of that being announced?!

[quote=""Fingolfin""]Woooooooaahhhhhh how on earth did I miss all of that being announced?! [/quote]

Lindir did some sleuthing a few posts ago and spilled the beans on UC's plans.

Fin, that's what you get for two-timing us over at S&F. They may have the top Weta news, but we have the scoop on UC.

[quote=""Valkrist""]Fin, that's what you get for two-timing us over at S&F. They may have the top Weta news, but we have the scoop on UC. [/quote]

Ha, Val! Here Fin, sounds like you might need this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bu ... ted_States

Joking aside, it sounds like some people have finally picked up some Kili swords that appear to be in good shape. After my talk with UC on facebook, I'm definitely ready to pick up another, I just want to make sure I'm getting a good one. Perhaps I'll send out some emails prior to ordering.

[quote=""Valkrist""]Lindir did some sleuthing a few posts ago and spilled the beans on UC's plans.

Fin, that's what you get for two-timing us over at S&F. They may have the top Weta news, but we have the scoop on UC. [/quote]

Burned indeed! I totally missed that though, time to do some sleuthing of my own and looks for pictures!

[quote=""Fingolfin""]Burned indeed! I totally missed that though, time to do some sleuthing of my own and looks for pictures![/quote]

Unless you can get hold of a time machine or break into UC's databases I don't think you'll find any pics The ones that UC have are early prototypes as the finals have not yet been shot, and probably won't be until after Christmas I believe

[quote=""RosereIII""]

Joking aside, it sounds like some people have finally picked up some Kili swords that appear to be in good shape. After my talk with UC on facebook, I'm definitely ready to pick up another, I just want to make sure I'm getting a good one. Perhaps I'll send out some emails prior to ordering.[/quote]

Hopefully you get a good one Rosere. Perhaps if you call/email BudK or wherever you plan to shop and ask them to check it over before sending it out to you. I know not a lot of stores don't like doing that, but it's worth a shot

Weta just posted images from the new Chronicles: Art & Design book. It shows the Elven polearm UC is making, far right with the double blades. Now we just have to hope it actually appears in the film!
http://www.wetanz.com/assets/images/ins ... -267642233

I was just about to post that image and you beat me to it. Here is a cropped version.

Does look rather cool, but may also be hard to display.

I went with a very simple, very small vertical display design. The piece is long and I though a large display would just interfere with the slim design.

So something similar to Gandalf's staff? Is it going to come in 2 pieces due to shipping or all in 1 piece? I'm curious as I'm startig to run out of room storing all of these oversize long boxes.

I know the feeling. I have an attic full of LOTR boxes and I'm trying to cram the latest round of Weta Collectibles boxes up there!

Yes, it has to ship in two pieces. Much too large to ship as one pc. The box should end up being about the size of a LOTR sword box. The display is like the wood Fili/Kili displays. Close to the same size.

Kit, pardon my ignorance but I'm slightly confused by one of the illustrations on that picture that was posted: is this polearm double-headed or single? One of the sketches shows two blades opposite one another on the same haft. Interesting, but a style unlike anything seen in the movies so far and a bit too out there for my taste.

Ah great news about the two pieces... if not it would be a no for me to ship it to Norway... =)

Man that thing looks so great. I'd really like UC to make the spear that's also on that page, they would make a cool set.

I think if its made with steel then it should be fine in the UK, so I'll be able to buy it because its classed as a polearm and not a sword. Is it polyresin or steel though Kit? I can't remember if the press release stated what it would be made from but I'm thinking polyresin will be better to capture all the details.

From the drawing it looks as though it has a wave pattern going through the blade, kinda like damascus steel.

Gonna have to pre-order this when it becomes available

No poly. Steel blades, wood shaft. I can't comment on the design too much since the film has not been released, but the prop is slightly different than what is shown in that concept art.

I would have loved to have that spear in the line had we known for sure where it would appear and who used it. I know now, but now United wants to wait and see the film before deciding on those. They are massive, 2X the size of the one the elf is holding in that concept art. You can see them in the background of some of the green screen behind the scenes footage of Thranduil that has been released.

[quote=""Nasnandos""]No poly. Steel blades, wood shaft. I can't comment on the design too much since the film has not been released, but the prop is slightly different than what is shown in that concept art.

I would have loved to have that spear in the line had we known for sure where it would appear and who used it. I know now, but now United wants to wait and see the film before deciding on those. They are massive, 2X the size of the one the elf is holding in that concept art. You can see them in the background of some of the green screen behind the scenes footage of Thranduil that has been released.[/quote]

Ah right I see. I think it should be fine because the spear from your line is legal over here in the UK. I guess it depends on whats written on the boxes. If they say its a polearm or spear it should be fine. I guess we'll find out for sure when they come to release them.

Yeh I remember seeing those when they did the sneak peak event back in May. They look really nice. Hopefully they'll decide to do them

From CBswords:

"Sad news, United Cutlery has delayed the Orcrist Scabbard until Feb 15th now...."

I wonder why they delayed it? Hopefully nothing serious production wise

Anybody else get Derek's email this morning? New Legolas knives, Tauriel knives, Thranduil's staff, elven polearm, Sauron's gauntlet, Azog's mace, and Orcrist scabbard details and prices. New legolas knives look a bit flashier than the LotR replicas. Thranduil's staff is also bigger than I'd imagined. Still not as big as the wizards staffs, but I didn't think it was that big from the pictures. Sweet prop though. And the elven pole arm is great too.

No mail yet but I see there are pics out here...

http://www.cinemareplicas.com/

They state that the Anduril scabbard will be released again as well...

They are also listed on United Cutlery's website. Including Thranduil's Sword and Staff, Tauriel's Daggers and Bow & Arrow (which I will say is more accurate to the marketing imagery than Weta's), Mirkwood Double-Bladed Polearm, Azog's Mace and Sauron's Gauntlet (I wonder why it is listed amongst the Hobbit items)

[quote=""Fingolfin""]Anybody else get Derek's email this morning? New Legolas knives, Tauriel knives, Thranduil's staff, elven polearm, Sauron's gauntlet, Azog's mace, and Orcrist scabbard details and prices. New legolas knives look a bit flashier than the LotR replicas. Thranduil's staff is also bigger than I'd imagined. Still not as big as the wizards staffs, but I didn't think it was that big from the pictures. Sweet prop though. And the elven pole arm is great too. [/quote]

Nice. My wallet is already complaining about what's to come.

As an aside . . . I've tried to get on Derek's mailing a couple of times (once via PM here after making a couple of purchases, and once via eBay after making a purchase from him there), but I haven't been successful. Can anyone offer advice as to how to get on his list?