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Post by Vincent Dolan on Oct 11, 2010 19:07:15 GMT
I'm looking for some opinions on these two swords, the Windlass Steelcrafts Scottish Cutlass* and the Hanwei Scottish Basket Hilt Broadsword (particularly the antiqued version)**. As I'm wont to mention, I like one handed swords and I like short swords (not always a separate category in the case of kokatana/kodachi), but I have no swords on my list from the Renaissance period (I've got pretty much every other period and culture covered) and these two caught my eye; the broadsword originally piqued my interest when I wanted to use its basket hilt in a custom sword, but I found a different one (so long as I can find a simple method of antiquing the bastard), so I took it off my list. Then I found myself thinking that it's a really nice looking sword in its own right. As for the Cutlass, well, it's short, it's one handed, it's got a beast of a blade, and it just looks mean. * www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=500920&name=Scottish+Cutlass** www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2002N&name=Hanwei+Scottish+Basket+Hilt+Broad+Sword+-+Antiqued |
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Oct 11, 2010 21:19:12 GMT
Love the look of the Windlass Scottish Cutlass... but I have not got to handle one yet. It seems a bit heavy for what it is... but I'd really have to get one in hand to say anything one way or the other. It is pretty tho.
I've handled the Hanwei Scottish Basket... very nice. However, as with all Hanwei Euro swords it was dull as hell and needs to have the edge addressed.
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Oct 11, 2010 22:34:46 GMT
I have never handled the Scottish cutlass, but I have only heard bad things about it. The one thing I can remember is they didn't like the basket. I don't remember why. I just knew that after everything I heard, I never gave the cutlass a second thought.
The Hanwei Bascket backsword handles a lot better thing the Broadsword and the Cromwell handles better thing the backsword. When I picked up the Broadsword I didn't like how it handled at all. With the Cromwell and the Backsword, I had a hard time deciding which one I wanted. I think I have a picture on me holding both the swords lol. I went with the Cromwell. The Cromwell is a nice cut&thrust sword,the Backsword is too but it's beefier than the Cromwell and the Balance on the Backsword would make it a better cutting sword than the Cromwell. I'm not saying the Cromwell isn't a good cutter, it is.
A lot of Basketheads really don't like the Hanwei Broadsword, they say the Backswords ok, and they say the Cromwell is the best of the three.
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Post by Poohze on Oct 12, 2010 1:14:52 GMT
I've been eyeing the Cromwell and Backsword for a while, and I'm surprised that you call the Backsword beefier, since KOA lists the comparative weights and balances- Cromwell - 2 lb 15 oz, POB 3 7/8'' Backsword - 2 lb 9 oz, POB 2 3/4'' I'm not saying you're wrong- you've handled them and I haven't!  - but I am surprised...   Cheers Marc E |
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Oct 12, 2010 2:49:45 GMT
Thanks, Sean. I think the Cutlass' weight might be one of its advantages, seeing as it's so short. As for the broadsword, I had counted on it coming dull because it's not a Hanwei katana and I've heard of maybe one or two occasions where they came sharp. I'd give you a +1, but you opted out of karma. Razor: Thanks for the info, but it sounds like the bit on the cutlass might be purely subjective and I may like it better than those who have had it. If not, it's not like I'm stuck with it. As for the backsword, I'll be honest, I did look at that first, but slender blades aren't really my thing, so I discounted it . With regards to the Cromwell, I actually really like the look of it, which is why I didn't include it, since my original plan was to basically rip apart the sword so I could use its basket. |
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Post by Pogo4321 on Oct 12, 2010 4:41:56 GMT
Ahh, the scottish cutlass. Love mine. Albeit it isn't sharp so I've only dry handled it, but it is fun. It is a bit heavy but I don't find it difficult to manuever at all. The basket may be a bit tight for someone with very large hands, but I find it about right (I'm 5' 10" and wear a size large glove). It is about the meanest looking sword you'll ever find. I got mine off ebay for about $45 less than KOA .
I'd really like to know more about issues people have had with it and how they used it. Like I said mine's pretty much just been decoration and "play"--no cutting or steel on steel. I am considering picking up another and having it sharpened, but that won't be til quite a ways down the line.
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Oct 12, 2010 7:20:52 GMT
My Cromwell is 3lb, 2 3/4. I have handled more than one and they are all about then same. I think the Backsword tip is wider than the Cromwell. I like them both....still might get the Backsword someday.
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Post by dwilson on Oct 13, 2010 0:39:32 GMT
I'm a bit of a Claidheamh Mor snob, and I think the Hanwei broadsword is okay, all things considered. The weight is okay, the balance is meh, edge is ehhh, historical accuracy is okay (could certainly be better). In any case, it's not bad for the money, if you're set on a basket-hilt broadsword (either the Hanwei, or Cold Steel. There are other makers in the price range, but those are the best). The backsword handles much better, although I don't remember stats. I really like the Cromwell (mine is 2 lbs 14 oz), IIRC the other backsword is lighter but not by much.
The Windlass scottish cutlass handles pretty well despite it's weight. The basket is a copy of an original (the Lyttelton hilt, again IIRC). The hilt is not really accurate, being stamped in one piece, not forged. But for the price, whaddaya gonna do. (Note: There is an original Scottish basket-hilted saber or Claidheamh Crom in a museum (I believe at Culloden?), with a "beaknosed/ribbonhilt" style hilt and kilij blade. If this is the piece Windlass is trying to copy, well... they failed...)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2010 6:59:30 GMT
I have both of these swords. They are my second and third basket hilts respectively. I've used both for light cutting with the factory edges (milk cartons, soda bottles and the like). They do well when I don't make any mistakes. I was initially some what disappointed in the Cutlass when I first got it. The basket seemed too wide and too short. In addition the construction of the basket just looks kind of shoddy and it had some fit and finish issues were the basket met the pommel. However after using it for cutting for a bit it has started to grow on me. It just feels like a wicked chopper when in hand and has delivered some very enjoyable cuts. The Hanwei Basket hilt was partly originally purchased for a little experiment involving its scabbard. The rest of the reason being I found that I love basket hilts.  That being said I've mostly liked how its handled though it could be better. I do find the basket to be smaller than I like and the factory edge could use some improvement. The basket lining also does not quite look right but that may just be personal preference and it is nice and comfy. Finally to be fair to both swords, I should mentioned that my very first basket hilt (a 5173 Del Tin Schiavona) may have skewed my expectations. |
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- but I am surprised... 
