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Post by Alacritas on Dec 12, 2010 20:22:57 GMT
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Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
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Post by Sébastien on Dec 12, 2010 21:04:50 GMT
I don't know anything about this sword, besides that it has been on the market for a very long time. Either Windlass has been making it for a very long time, or Windlass is having trouble selling their copies ...
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Dec 12, 2010 21:34:48 GMT
I've handled, and cut with, this blade. It is undoubtedly the MOST tip heavy piece of steel I've ever held. It felt like it weighed 8lbs, seriously. :shock: On the other hand, IF you could get around the substantial weight and balance, as well as the uncomfortable grip... the wide, stiff blade made for EXCELLENT cutting. I almost wanted one as a dedicated cutter alone, but I would seriously be more potent wielding a Hanwei Lowlander. I expect they handle similarly, but at least there you have the added benefit of two hands to control it, and extreme range. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but you get the point.  As for the grip, it wasn't my favorite at all. The brass decorations at either extremity of its length had a tendancy to bite into my palm, and both the large pommel and side-ring of the guard were apt to whack my wrist with every swing. Doubtless, this was a result of poor form, but this poor form was merely brought on by the extremely poor handling of the weapon. :roll: All in all... a beautiful sword, a great cutter, and one heck of a workout. I have handled about a half dozen DSA's, and as many Gen2's (both brands being well known for having heavier swords), and none of those blades were half as hard to manage as the particular example of this Windlass Short Sword that I had a chance to use. The DSA Anduril/Ranger sword (the heavier one, I can never keep them straight) felt similarly, but even then I had a two-handed grip to manage its great heft, so it was fine.  Still, that being said... if my edge alignment was decent, this thing practically threw silent cuts at me left and right.  Maybe Windlass has improved this model, as what I held certainly didn't feel like 3lbs with a 3.5" POB, or maybe the handling was simply a result of the finer points of blade harmonics... :? either way, I wouldn't reccomend this weapon unless A, you get to handle it first, or B, you want a heavy-as-heck slasher for dedicated cutting. I hope this helps! :mrgreen: -Slayer |
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Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
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Post by Sébastien on Dec 12, 2010 21:41:56 GMT
Ugh... Maybe Slayer's testimony explains why those blades stay on the shelf ...
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Post by Alacritas on Dec 12, 2010 22:41:04 GMT
wow........I would have never expected it to be that bad. Ive been looking for a decent cut and thrust sword that falls under 30" and I thaught the short sword would fit. Apparently not..you guys wouldnt happen to know of one would you?
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Dec 12, 2010 23:14:04 GMT
Windlass Type XIV Arming Sword. They're out of production, and hard to find, but if you do... with a new grip and a proper edge bevel (though the secondary Windlass one is fine), the XIV has been compared to Albions. Favorably. I happen to have one, and love it... Other than that, I'll keep thinking, but nothing springs to mind. :? -Slayer |
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Post by Alacritas on Dec 13, 2010 4:23:45 GMT
It seems that all the good windlass swords that everyone like end up discontinued. I'm calling conspiracy
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Post by chuckinohio on Dec 13, 2010 14:40:19 GMT
Maybe Pauls recent effort will persuade Windlass to bring back some of the discontinued but still in demand models.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Dec 13, 2010 21:16:58 GMT
AT 1557, probably the best XVIII for under 500$ out there. VA Bristol isn't bad either.
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Post by darius6716 on Dec 16, 2010 8:33:28 GMT
If you're looking for shorter blades KoA also has the Windlass Coustille. Haven't cut with it but I've handled it at KoA and it's very light.
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