Windlass or Hanwei for Sidesword?
Nov 8, 2010 18:58:59 GMT
Post by adtharp on Nov 8, 2010 18:58:59 GMT
So, there is a nice thread going on about the Windlass Munich Cut and Thrust, which I have had my eye on for a while. But I am wondering how you all feel about the Hanwei Sidesword v. the Windlass Munich. Here are my requirements:
I am a fencing instructor, and every semester I give a presentation on the history of fencing. I am now updating my collection a bit to demonstrate some of the types of swords that were used. Now, I have antiques of much of what I am showing, but I like to have replicas for the students to hold and feel. With that in mind, what I am currently lacking is a smallsword and a rapier. I hate replica rapiers, because they can't cut, I like to cut with my replicas. Second, I don't think replica rapiers are very good for the price. People seem to be very turned off by the Hanwei grips, but I am much more turned off by the blades, since they are almost as whippy as a foil. Handles can always be replaced. I felt that the Munich or Hanwei Sidesword might fill the void of not having a rapier, granted, they are not actually rapiers, but they are from a similar time period and look close enough, plus I get another cutting sword.
So, some questions - has anyone done any real cutting with the hanwei? I have felt it before and it doesn't feel very solid. A sidesword is a military weapon - the hanwei felt like a civilian dueling weapon to me, that would break under any serious cutting (even with a new handle). On the other hand, the Munich looks like a monster to me. It is heavier than I would expect from a longsword, and seems like it wouldn't balance very well. Does anyone have one that can comment on the handling?
Finally, does anyone know if I can return a sharpened windlass to Kult? I mean, the obvious choice might be to get the Munich, as it is the one that I haven't held, and then return it if I know I would prefer the hanwei.
Thanks!
I am a fencing instructor, and every semester I give a presentation on the history of fencing. I am now updating my collection a bit to demonstrate some of the types of swords that were used. Now, I have antiques of much of what I am showing, but I like to have replicas for the students to hold and feel. With that in mind, what I am currently lacking is a smallsword and a rapier. I hate replica rapiers, because they can't cut, I like to cut with my replicas. Second, I don't think replica rapiers are very good for the price. People seem to be very turned off by the Hanwei grips, but I am much more turned off by the blades, since they are almost as whippy as a foil. Handles can always be replaced. I felt that the Munich or Hanwei Sidesword might fill the void of not having a rapier, granted, they are not actually rapiers, but they are from a similar time period and look close enough, plus I get another cutting sword.
So, some questions - has anyone done any real cutting with the hanwei? I have felt it before and it doesn't feel very solid. A sidesword is a military weapon - the hanwei felt like a civilian dueling weapon to me, that would break under any serious cutting (even with a new handle). On the other hand, the Munich looks like a monster to me. It is heavier than I would expect from a longsword, and seems like it wouldn't balance very well. Does anyone have one that can comment on the handling?
Finally, does anyone know if I can return a sharpened windlass to Kult? I mean, the obvious choice might be to get the Munich, as it is the one that I haven't held, and then return it if I know I would prefer the hanwei.
Thanks!
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