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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2010 23:18:18 GMT
I was looking at getting a standard longsword, to roundout my collection. I have a lot of odds and ends right now *points at signature*, but no solid, basic longsword to anchor the collection.
Anyways, I decided to start my search by looking at a brand I personally know, the only one being Windlass. I have their mace, and from this I trust their craftsmanship, and am more than willing to buy more of their line.
So I started searching Windlass longswords, and I only saw one that caught my eye- the Sword of Roven. However, I couldn't find any reviews for it.
Can anyone who has the Sword of Roven tell me what it's like, how it handles, how it cuts,etc? If not, can you recommend a different *cheap* longsword of good quality?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 0:02:39 GMT
I found a review of a windlass longsword that looks just like it. I think its the same sword.
/index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=5452&page=1#85666
I don't think its all that good. The VA AT 304s or the Hanwei Tinker longsword would be your best bet if you want a sword that performs well. Although the windlass sword looks cool, reminds me of Anduril.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 1:11:10 GMT
Allso take a look at Gen2's stuff, good steel at good prices from Kult of Athena.....SanMarc.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 1:42:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 2:43:37 GMT
If you're willing to save up a bit more the Kriegschwert from the Valiant Armoury Signature line is 399 at Wiwingti www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/cf402.html and free shipping conus. I've owned several windlass swords, and from everything I've read and seen the VA signatures beat windlass silly. Especially in the scabbard area. I'd look at the additional cost as having a superior sword than the Roven while upgrading the notoriously crappy Windlass scabbard to a much better scabbard complete with suspension system and belt. just my .02
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 2:49:52 GMT
If you're willing to save up a bit more the Kriegschwert from the Valiant Armoury Signature line is 399 at Wiwingti www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/cf402.html and free shipping conus. I've owned several windlass swords, and from everything I've read and seen the VA signatures beat windlass silly. Especially in the scabbard area. I'd look at the additional cost as having a superior sword than the Roven while upgrading the notoriously crappy Windlass scabbard to a much better scabbard complete with suspension system and belt. just my .02 www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=4407Thanks! Found the same one a few bucks cheaper at my local shop. I'll definitelyhave to ask about it next timeI'm up there! I didn't know that Windlass had poor scabbards! I will definitely have to keep that in mind when buying their products in future...
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Dom T.
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Post by Dom T. on Sept 9, 2010 2:51:57 GMT
Yeah, Windlass scabbards are horrible. I would love my Windlass XIV more if it had CSS upgrades. You'd be surprised how much more enjoyable a sword becomes when it has good leather-work. It's really hard to save up for a VA Signature, especially if you're one a tiny budget, but it is so worth it. Having one VA Sig is better than having 4 lesser swords. Heck, any number of lesser swords, IMO. I love my Bristol so much....
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 2:56:12 GMT
I didn't know that Windlass had poor scabbards! I will definitely have to keep that in mind when buying their products in future... Well not so much poor as cheaply done. Generally Windlass sword scabbards are just leather with very cheap chapes and sometimes a locket glued on. The scabbards are flimsy, but they do their job (protecting the blade and protecting soft squishy people FROM the blade). On some of Windlass's higher end models they've started trying to duplicate the look of VA's scabbards, and on some of their movie reproductions you have nice scabbards (The Kingdom of Heaven swords are good examples) but generally speaking, eww.
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Dom T.
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Post by Dom T. on Sept 9, 2010 2:59:04 GMT
The scabbard for my Windlass XIV just... falls off when held upright. Uh, for... quick-draw purposes?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 3:04:41 GMT
Dom T. AKA Swordslinger!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 3:23:38 GMT
I dunno about MRL / Windlass stuff with a blade over 32" in length - they are too flexible because they use a thinner steel than they should in order to save money. It's a pretty well-established fact - even models people say are not 'whippy' are still substantially more flexible than similar blade lengths from other manufacturers in my experience.
If you are looking for a basic longsword with both thrusting and cutting abilities, I'd have to recommend the H/T Practical Longsword. It's best used with historical longsword techniques. If you are looking for a backyard cutter outside WMA practice, I'd lean toward the VA 304S.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 4:28:47 GMT
I dunno about MRL / Windlass stuff with a blade over 32" in length - they are too flexible because they use a thinner steel than they should in order to save money. It's a pretty well-established fact - even models people say are not 'whippy' are still substantially more flexible than similar blade lengths from other manufacturers in my experience. If you are looking for a basic longsword with both thrusting and cutting abilities, I'd have to recommend the H/T Practical Longsword. It's best used with historical longsword techniques. If you are looking for a backyard cutter outside WMA practice, I'd lean toward the VA 304S. D: Cutting corners?! Hmmm that 304 does look nice, but it's a bit bland.... assuming I found the right one, of course. This what you meant? kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AT304S
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 7:41:27 GMT
Allso take a look at Gen2's stuff, good steel at good prices from Kult of Athena.....SanMarc. You might even say they're a... Steal.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 12:11:03 GMT
I dunno about MRL / Windlass stuff with a blade over 32" in length - they are too flexible because they use a thinner steel than they should in order to save money. It's a pretty well-established fact - even models people say are not 'whippy' are still substantially more flexible than similar blade lengths from other manufacturers in my experience. If you are looking for a basic longsword with both thrusting and cutting abilities, I'd have to recommend the H/T Practical Longsword. It's best used with historical longsword techniques. If you are looking for a backyard cutter outside WMA practice, I'd lean toward the VA 304S. D: Cutting corners?! Hmmm that 304 does look nice, but it's a bit bland.... assuming I found the right one, of course. This what you meant? kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=AT304S Thats the one. If you look on KOAs website, they have several models of the 304S. The customized ones are a bit more coin though.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2010 12:48:26 GMT
I would love to get a 304s so I can send it to Sonny at CSS and have a Signature Crusader guard and Castile pommel put on it. That would rule.
If you had not guessed yet, I would say, the 304s is the best bang for your buck. I'ne never owned that model myself, but I have owned the Kriegschwert, the 303s, and the Crusader, and the have all handled like extensions of my arm. It's pommel and guard are made of stainless steel. This means no rust. To me that is an added bonus.
The only thing to be aware of is that the 304s isn't of a peened construction but rather of an Allan nut compression system. That's not really a huge problem for me, but other folks really really don't like that.
Let us know what you do get though. We love visiting the new acquisition page in the review section.
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Post by alanschiff on Sept 12, 2010 3:27:14 GMT
I'll go ahead and chime in here. I personally have the sword of Roven, and it's pretty good as far as Windlasses go. The sword really is NOT "whippy" because of the long ricasso. My Arms & Armor Bohemian Broadsword is, in fact, more "whippy" than the sword of Roven, and I assume the original it's based on is the same. If it was good enough for whoever used it several hundred years ago, it's good enough for me.
That being said, though, the Roven is not as nice as others that have been mentioned. The grip is rather short for two handed use, and while the pommel effectively extends the grip, it's not as comfortable as a longer grip would be. In addition, the sword doesn't move through a cut very well. I don't know exactly what the problem is, but it definitely does not flow as well as any of my other longswords.
My suggestion would be to get a VA or a Hanwei Tinker, personally. You won't be spending much, if any, more money, and I think you'll be happier with it in the long run.
Hope that helps, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 11:40:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 13:26:27 GMT
The 15th C longsword is very light and agile. If it fits the bill for your image or historical impression, buy it.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 21:45:02 GMT
Ooooooo.... That /is/ a nice one, Luka. And since I've recently found myself engrossed in the Hundred Years' War... That one's definitely worth looking up! Karma for you!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2010 23:40:21 GMT
Thanks herobane, but this would be a bit too late for HYW. This one is more late 15th century...
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