Paul Chen Practical Broadsword
Jul 5, 2007 21:53:38 GMT
Post by Matt993f.o.d on Jul 5, 2007 21:53:38 GMT
This is my first new sword for a while, and has a bit of a story attached to it.
A few of you may know that I recently purchased a 'functional broadsword' from www.blades-uk.com, which was apparently "carbon steel, full tang and suitable for re-enactment use. I was disappointed to find out that, although being full tang, it was stainless, and very roughly made. After brief converse with Blades-uk, they very kindly offered to replace it free of charge with this, the Paul Chen Practical Broadsword. They also corrected their ad for the other sword to state that it is stainless.
That means that this sword effectively cost me -35 pounds, since its value is greater than what I spent on the one I returned; It practically made me money!
It arrived a neat four working days after the return of the last sword. Prompt service or what?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blades-uk team for possibly the best piece of customer service ever.
I've tried to upload some pics, but my computer doesnt like photobucket or imageshack, for some reason. For pics, look at the 'other full tang swords' section of www.blades-uk.com Its the "re-enactment broadsword" on that page.
The sword itself is in my opinion attractive, in its own way. For a practical sword (for re-enactment) its quite simple, yet still doesnt look dull. The scabbard is really nicely varnished and smooth, and the fittings are neat and not at all boring. The pommel and crossguard are simple and functional, and the handle is plain and functional leather over wood. It aint no art sword, but it looks very respectable for a practical sword.
The blade feels light, weighing in at a reasonable 3 pounds (on my balance). It handles pretty nicely, but can be slightly difficult to stop mid swing when using one handed. The grip is slightly too small to use comfortably two handed when using certain swings so this can annoy at times. I probably only have this trouble because I'm quite small, though, and a stronger person likely wouldnt be bothered by this.
Using the flex test that Clyde described, the blade feels nice and springy. Not too bendy, not too rigid. I get the impression that if it had a sharp point, It would be one hell of a good thrusting sword. Another thing I like is the really obvious peening, which reveals a very thick and sturdy looking tang.
My brother and I took it and his re-enactment viking sword for a bit of light sparring and it held up just fine. The edge took only a few barely visible marks, which would easily polish out. It feels excellently tough, and I think that I would feel quite confident using it in a re-enactment setting.
My only gripe overall would have to be the finish of the blade. It looks pretty roughly polished, particularly in bright light. I don't think this matters so much for a re-enactors blade, however.
Overall then:
Historical accuracy=4/5 It looks the business
Handling=4/5 A stronger man would have less trouble
Structural integrity=5/5 It feels and looks well strong enough for anything you can throw at it.
Value for money= For me, infinite. I think if you were to buy it for its list price, it would be well worth it. 5/5
Overall= 5/5
One bloody good sword.
Buy. It. Now.
A few of you may know that I recently purchased a 'functional broadsword' from www.blades-uk.com, which was apparently "carbon steel, full tang and suitable for re-enactment use. I was disappointed to find out that, although being full tang, it was stainless, and very roughly made. After brief converse with Blades-uk, they very kindly offered to replace it free of charge with this, the Paul Chen Practical Broadsword. They also corrected their ad for the other sword to state that it is stainless.
That means that this sword effectively cost me -35 pounds, since its value is greater than what I spent on the one I returned; It practically made me money!
It arrived a neat four working days after the return of the last sword. Prompt service or what?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blades-uk team for possibly the best piece of customer service ever.
I've tried to upload some pics, but my computer doesnt like photobucket or imageshack, for some reason. For pics, look at the 'other full tang swords' section of www.blades-uk.com Its the "re-enactment broadsword" on that page.
The sword itself is in my opinion attractive, in its own way. For a practical sword (for re-enactment) its quite simple, yet still doesnt look dull. The scabbard is really nicely varnished and smooth, and the fittings are neat and not at all boring. The pommel and crossguard are simple and functional, and the handle is plain and functional leather over wood. It aint no art sword, but it looks very respectable for a practical sword.
The blade feels light, weighing in at a reasonable 3 pounds (on my balance). It handles pretty nicely, but can be slightly difficult to stop mid swing when using one handed. The grip is slightly too small to use comfortably two handed when using certain swings so this can annoy at times. I probably only have this trouble because I'm quite small, though, and a stronger person likely wouldnt be bothered by this.
Using the flex test that Clyde described, the blade feels nice and springy. Not too bendy, not too rigid. I get the impression that if it had a sharp point, It would be one hell of a good thrusting sword. Another thing I like is the really obvious peening, which reveals a very thick and sturdy looking tang.
My brother and I took it and his re-enactment viking sword for a bit of light sparring and it held up just fine. The edge took only a few barely visible marks, which would easily polish out. It feels excellently tough, and I think that I would feel quite confident using it in a re-enactment setting.
My only gripe overall would have to be the finish of the blade. It looks pretty roughly polished, particularly in bright light. I don't think this matters so much for a re-enactors blade, however.
Overall then:
Historical accuracy=4/5 It looks the business
Handling=4/5 A stronger man would have less trouble
Structural integrity=5/5 It feels and looks well strong enough for anything you can throw at it.
Value for money= For me, infinite. I think if you were to buy it for its list price, it would be well worth it. 5/5
Overall= 5/5
One bloody good sword.
Buy. It. Now.