Recieved my Silendar this morning and was very surprsied.

The Handle is HUUUUGE! Which is nice for a spell-sword/caster sword. The Detailing is fine and the Eagle/hawk/Bird stands out very much as though carved in the fires of which it was born. (Saying that I suddenly realize the Phoenix dagger would go remarkably well with this)

As for handling, the handle fits one handle perfectly and comfortibly, and you'de think with the larger handle/decorations it would be weighted in the handle more but surprisingly it is not. Once again it is weighted above the handle plus some and makes for great balance. It slides perfectly into a scabbard without pulling weight and being top/bottom heavy or wanting to even out. it glides through the air and looks fantastic for a wizard/mage/elf.

The pummel is also flexible and allows for a quick stab if needed.

Overall, great detailing, soft handle, good balance, great character sword for the classy, the magical or those who just want a fine looking sword with a phoenix/bird on it. (The gold is darker on mine but then it looks more worn and less sparkly. I find it makes it look more like real gold and not some polished and buffed toy. shading has been added as well to give it a realistic look as well. The gems are a ruby red and are a great touch) (Posted on 6/30/10)