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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 5:01:35 GMT
I've decided that my next purchase will indeed be a short sword and ive narrowed it down to 2: The windlass arming sword and the VA Signature Bristol
Does anyone have advice or hands on time with one or possibly even both of these swords?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 5:47:17 GMT
I'm trying to make a similar choice for what I plan to be my next purchase. I haven't handled either, so it's a tough call. Right now, I'm leaning towards the VA Bristol because of the superior fit and finish, better leatherwork, nicer scabbard, included sword belt, dismountability, sharp edge, more appealing aesthetic (to me), and my own previous satisfaction with Valiant Armoury products.
But I've heard some really stellar things about the Windlass Arming sword, it's got a more palatable price, and since it's been discontinued the harder and harder it is to get a hold of one the longer I wait. I've yet to hear from a person who has handled a Windlass Arming sword that didn't like it. It's often been called the best sword Windlass has made. If you have an interest, I know that Jason of Arms of Valor ("trueswordsman") has one for sale in the classifieds that has been spruced up and customized to look as good as it handles.
/index.cgi?board=selling&action=display&thread=13284
It's been properly sharpened, it's been given a high-end satin finish, the grip has been re-done with a high-end DBK customs grip, and it's being offered from the personal collection of a well-respected dealer.
I know there are a few people on here, like shadowhowler, who have handled and owned both swords and would probably be happy to share their impressions. I'm pretty sure they'll chime in in a day or two.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 14:52:34 GMT
Actually, that post in the classifides is what got me thinking about it, it's virtually the same price and I'm wondering if the two really can compare
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 15:08:11 GMT
While Jason's is a customized sword, it is still a Windlass. That particular one is quite good- Windlass does have the reputation of occasionally putting out a quality blade; for the money, I don't think you could go wrong if you like the custom bits.
The VA Bristol is going to be a better sword than the stock Windlass arming sword- it comes with the wood core leather-covered scabbard and period belts; generally speaking, the VA blades tend to be better made so overall, it is a better option to go with.
I'm not sure I'd pass up on that custom if I had the money but if you do the math:
semi custom + crappy Windlass scabbard
versus
semi custom from factory + quality wood and leather scabbard AND belts (and better overall quality)
= no brainer, go with VA.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 17:31:13 GMT
good point, do you know anything about their handling other than "It's good" ?
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Nov 20, 2009 17:42:31 GMT
I haven't held a Bristol but I have held the Windlass arming sword. it has a very noticeable presence to the blade yet it is still quite fast. I didn't get to cut with the one I held but it was a joy to swing I REALLY liked it. I think I'd get the Windlas if I had the chance simply because it's about to go away forever and the Bristol will be around for a long time to come. I've heard enough about each of them to be sure they are both fine swords but I think I prefer the Windlass (strange I know) especially if it has been touched up by Brian Kunz like the one in the Classifieds.
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Post by Eaglehawk on Nov 20, 2009 17:42:33 GMT
Have you seen this /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=10227 or this /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=11328
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 19:21:15 GMT
Have you seen this /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=10227 or this /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=11328 Indeed i have, but that is only two opinions and what im really looking for is hadling characteristics particularly a comparison of the two if anyone has any experience
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 19:24:55 GMT
Sean (Shadowhowler) has or had a Bristol that he was much taken with; he likes the shorter swords as well, but not gladii short, far as I remember.
Jason (trueswordsman) will vouch for the Windlass...in fact, it is his that is in the Classifieds right now, customized grip and bladework by DBK.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 20:58:55 GMT
The Bristol Is a beautiful and amazing pice of art and death I love it to death and recommend it strongly but If your budgety than the windlass does look like a fine blade
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Nov 20, 2009 21:06:15 GMT
if you are in no hurry Valiant Armoury is working on a few new swords for their Performance (Practical) Cutting line. he first batch of new practicals will include a remake of the Crecy which ould fit your desire, and in a batch to come sometime soon (maybe second batch) will be a replacement for their old Dagesse which is a very broad type XIV that is about 27-28 inches long in the blade. they also have a Falchion coming soon. I'm very excited about these, and I'm pretty sure I will own one or two of these new VA Performance swords. it's just a matter of when they will come out. my intell is suggesting that FEB-March will likely see the Falchion and the Crecy may well come along with it.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 21:19:28 GMT
if you are in no hurry Valiant Armoury is working on a few new swords for their Performance (Practical) Cutting line. he first batch of new practicals will include a remake of the Crecy which ould fit your desire, and in a batch to come sometime soon (maybe second batch) will be a replacement for their old Dagesse which is a very broad type XIV that is about 27-28 inches long in the blade. they also have a Falchion coming soon. I'm very excited about these, and I'm pretty sure I will own one or two of these new VA Performance swords. it's just a matter of when they will come out. my intell is suggesting that FEB-March will likely see the Falchion and the Crecy may well come along with it. That's good to know, perhaps I shall wait
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 21:37:59 GMT
I've got the Windlass as well, it's a very fast, well-balanced sword. I haven't sued it for any cutting but it feels pretty sturdy to me, though it probably isn't quite the quality of a VA sword. I think you'd be getting your money's worth either way, so go with the one you like the looks of better.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2009 7:17:12 GMT
I'd like to throw in my vote for the Bristol as well. I have nothing against Windlass and have handled/enjoyed many of their swords over the years... but that Bristol is something else.
I am not overly fond of one-handers, but the moment that Bristol arrived at my store and I opened up that box... I knew I had to have one. The handling was unbelievable and it's nothing short of gorgeous. I absolutely can't eait to cut with one.
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Post by shadowhowler on Nov 21, 2009 18:49:41 GMT
Interesting... Well, as people have mentioned... I have a VA bristol and I have had two Windlass XIV swords. They do compare fairly closly in a couple different ways. You asked about handling, so I'll adress that. The Bristol is a bit faster and more nimble then the XIV... the XIV feels a bit more blade heavy (which is not to say that it IS blade heavy, its a great sword, just a bit more in comparason) so I find the Bristol to be a quicker sword. Comparing them out of the box, the Bristol wins hands down. The grip on the XIV is plain and uninspiring... and the scabbard is a flimsy peice of leather. However, the XIV is BEGGING to be modified. With an improved grip from Brian of DBK (Or maybe even the Custom Sword Shope... I bet Sonny would do a Windless) the XIV's feel would improve dramaticly. Still, by the time you sharpen the Windlass, modify the grip... now your in the pricerange of the Bristol... and the Bristols scabbard is AWESOME and it has the belt as well... so I think the Bristol is the better buy. The XIV is peened where the Bristol is attached with the hex nut.... and the XIV is discontenued now which may make it hard to find in the future... so these may be considerations as well. However... from a pure sword handling/cutting perspective.... I prefer the faster more nimble bristol... and from a pure value/quality perspective... I prefer the bristol as well... but the XIV is a great sword from windlass, and if you mod it right, it can be an amazing sword. Tough call my friend.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2009 0:40:14 GMT
I propose another question, Bristol vs Actium?
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Post by shadowhowler on Nov 22, 2009 1:14:31 GMT
I propose another question, Bristol vs Actium? Well... unless your RicWilly... I'd say Bristol hands down. The Actium is a Gladus... and therefor will be geared primarily towards thrusting. I'm sure it will still cut, but looking at the shape of it, I can not imagen it cutting nearly as well as the Bristol. Also, I like a good Gladus, I have one, a KC Gladus... but I think the Bristol is far and away a more attractive sword.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2009 1:26:40 GMT
I propose another question, Bristol vs Actium? Both...
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Nov 22, 2009 3:38:41 GMT
do you like apples or oranges?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2009 6:24:55 GMT
does my bum look big in this?
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