Hanwei Antiqued Bastard sword - October 2008
Oct 1, 2010 20:53:51 GMT
Post by RicWilly on Oct 1, 2010 20:53:51 GMT
Haanwei Bastard Sword - Antiqued - SH2250N reviewed by RK Williams of Evansville Indiana USA.
I have liked the look of this sword for some time now. The name is a bit misleading I believe as it's really a two hander
as opposed to a "bastard" sword, which is what decided me. It was a true two hander I was wanting so when Haanwei upgraded
to a solid pommel it was only a matter of time until I got one. I ordered from KOA and per usual received it quickly.
Vendors description;
The strong and fearless Swiss and Germans originally carried these early weapons, although bastard swords soon became
popular in other regions such as the British Isles and Europe. The term bastard undoubtedly comes from the fact that the
sword, because of its design, has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a single-handed or two-handed weapon.
The two-handed sword was a weapon developed for the use of the foot soldier and had became quite common by the early 1500’s.
The combat styles developed for the two-handed sword were the particular specialty of the Northern European Cultures, with
the Germanic nations being quite active in its development and use.
The Paul Chen / Haanwei Bastard Sword features a sharpened carbon steel blade with an antiqued finish, a steel guard and
pommel, and a leather covered grip. Includes a wood scabbard with antiques steel throat and tip.
Overall Length: 50 1/8 In Blade: 38 3/4 In
Weight: 3 lb 10.4 oz
$189.95
Dry handling impressions; this is a big sword. Definitely needs two hands. The fittings are solid and tight. I like the finish
on the blade. I'll leave the matter of balance and handling to those more familiar with this type.
The peen appears solid and sufficient.
The grip is 9 in. long and 3 3/4 in. at the guard tapering to 3 1/4 at the pommel.
The guard is 9 1/4 in. from the tips, 3/8 in. tall at the center tapering to 1/2 in. at the tip and 3/4in. thick at the grip to
3/16 in. at the tip.
The blade is 3/16 in. at the ricasso, full ricasso 1 1/4 in., after which it has a gradual distal taper to the tip. Pob 5 in.
It's quite flexible tho I wouldn't call it whippy. Held blade up an struck on the pommel the tip moves about an inch either way.
Cop around 23 in.
Scabbard is stained wood with metal accents. The collar arrived loose, I epoxied it in place.
The Action;
As you can see in the video my cutting is off. Probably more me than the sword as I am not well practiced with a sword this
long. It has been suggested that this piece needs to be up speed to cut well, which is a trick because of it's size. I also noticed
I was having trouble with edge alignment. I believe I have a bit of learning to do, I'll have to study ShooterMikes vids.
Historical accuracy - No opinion.
Fit and Finish - 3/5 Minus 1 for not coming from the factory sharp. Another minus for the loose collar on the scabbard.
Handling - 3/5 I believe it will get better with practice.
Structural integrity - 3/5 Over time the grip has become a bit loose.
Value for money - 4/5 Worth the price.
In conclusion, I like this sword. It depends on what one wants in a sword. I like to cut so this one will be a lesson blade for me. Still,
I like it and I wanted a big good looking sword and this one sure fits the bill.
I have liked the look of this sword for some time now. The name is a bit misleading I believe as it's really a two hander
as opposed to a "bastard" sword, which is what decided me. It was a true two hander I was wanting so when Haanwei upgraded
to a solid pommel it was only a matter of time until I got one. I ordered from KOA and per usual received it quickly.
Vendors description;
The strong and fearless Swiss and Germans originally carried these early weapons, although bastard swords soon became
popular in other regions such as the British Isles and Europe. The term bastard undoubtedly comes from the fact that the
sword, because of its design, has no legitimate claim to being classified as either a single-handed or two-handed weapon.
The two-handed sword was a weapon developed for the use of the foot soldier and had became quite common by the early 1500’s.
The combat styles developed for the two-handed sword were the particular specialty of the Northern European Cultures, with
the Germanic nations being quite active in its development and use.
The Paul Chen / Haanwei Bastard Sword features a sharpened carbon steel blade with an antiqued finish, a steel guard and
pommel, and a leather covered grip. Includes a wood scabbard with antiques steel throat and tip.
Overall Length: 50 1/8 In Blade: 38 3/4 In
Weight: 3 lb 10.4 oz
$189.95
Dry handling impressions; this is a big sword. Definitely needs two hands. The fittings are solid and tight. I like the finish
on the blade. I'll leave the matter of balance and handling to those more familiar with this type.
The peen appears solid and sufficient.
The grip is 9 in. long and 3 3/4 in. at the guard tapering to 3 1/4 at the pommel.
The guard is 9 1/4 in. from the tips, 3/8 in. tall at the center tapering to 1/2 in. at the tip and 3/4in. thick at the grip to
3/16 in. at the tip.
The blade is 3/16 in. at the ricasso, full ricasso 1 1/4 in., after which it has a gradual distal taper to the tip. Pob 5 in.
It's quite flexible tho I wouldn't call it whippy. Held blade up an struck on the pommel the tip moves about an inch either way.
Cop around 23 in.
Scabbard is stained wood with metal accents. The collar arrived loose, I epoxied it in place.
The Action;
As you can see in the video my cutting is off. Probably more me than the sword as I am not well practiced with a sword this
long. It has been suggested that this piece needs to be up speed to cut well, which is a trick because of it's size. I also noticed
I was having trouble with edge alignment. I believe I have a bit of learning to do, I'll have to study ShooterMikes vids.
Historical accuracy - No opinion.
Fit and Finish - 3/5 Minus 1 for not coming from the factory sharp. Another minus for the loose collar on the scabbard.
Handling - 3/5 I believe it will get better with practice.
Structural integrity - 3/5 Over time the grip has become a bit loose.
Value for money - 4/5 Worth the price.
In conclusion, I like this sword. It depends on what one wants in a sword. I like to cut so this one will be a lesson blade for me. Still,
I like it and I wanted a big good looking sword and this one sure fits the bill.