Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2011 13:24:09 GMT
Hi,
I'm just wondering what the general feedback is on windlass swords, I'm looking at purchasing the classic hoplite sword and i'm not particularly knowledgable on this type of thing, If the general consencus is to avoid it then any suggestions?
thanks
Kurt
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Post by S. Thomas on Mar 30, 2011 13:52:48 GMT
with Windlass swords. I own four of them. 1840 Heavy and 1860 Light Cavalry Sabers, Confederate Cavalry Officer`s Saber, and US Dragoon`s Saber. The last named item is NOT historically accurate in terms of the blade. The real sword has a very slightly curved blade. The Windlass has a slightly curved scabbard to accommodate a slightly curved blade. The US Dragoon Saber is almost perfectly straight, with I`d say less than 1 cm, less than 1/2" of curvature over it`s entire length. I suspect this was more accidental than intentional. I did buy it after viewing pics of it at Kult of Athena`s website, as well as pics of the real thing elsewhere on the web, so I knew I wasn`t getting a historically accurate piece. Having said this, as a weapon in it`s own right, I`m pleased. Have no doubt it would perform with lethal effectiveness as a thrusting sword. The 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber fits loosely in it`s scabbard and rattles around in it; won`t stay in place turned upside down. I intend to fix this with 1/16" balsa wood, which I have beside me right now. (Thanks Dave Kelly. For the fix-it tip, not the balsa wood  ). About their other swords, I DO intend to purchase more, and I would and do recommend them to anyone interested. Read some more reviews of their products; you`ll find, I think, that they`re usually quite well made swords, but somewhat wanting in terms of historical accuracy. Can`t speak for the hoplite sword, however; it`s well before my preferred time period for interest in swords. |
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Mar 30, 2011 14:15:00 GMT
To add to Thomas' remarks, the general consensus that I can find on Windlass sword's that they're decent, inexpensive functional swords, but there are plenty who don't like them because they do have some issues with historical accuracy and their longer blades (over about 30", if I remember correctly) tend to be very whippy. Most of their swords also have threaded pommels and I think most people despise threaded pommels.
Other than that, I can't comment since I don't own one and the only one I've actually handled was their double edged zatoichi (marketed as their Sword Walking Staff on their website). This was about 6 years back during a Ren Fest, so I didn't really get to do more than hold it, but I was actually rather pleased with the construction. It fit in its sheath very tightly, the hilt felt quite sturdy, and there was no real play in the blade. But again, all I really did was hold it and look at it, so I don't know how it would have held up to any kind of testing.
Still, I've got about 7 of their swords and 3 of their daggers on my list to buy, so, if nothing else, they're at least attractive.
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Post by MOK on Mar 30, 2011 14:58:58 GMT
Windlass can be hit or miss, but if you ask around on the net it's pretty easy to find out which of their pieces are worth getting. And since they have a ton of products out there, there are also lots of spectacular hits. I actually have the Classic Hoplite. It's nice. I posted a review of sorts about it on myArmoury.com a while back: www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=20096(Before you ask, despite my plans I still haven't gotten around to doing anything to it. Life keeps getting in the way.) PS. I also have the German Bastard Sword and the new model Coustille, and like both very very much. Both are more than worth their price, and IMO the Classic Hoplite is, too, assuming you're not specifically looking for historical accuracy. |
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SanMarc
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Post by SanMarc on Mar 30, 2011 15:55:34 GMT
Well I have owned and modifide a few, the windlass Clasick Midiveil is a great sword, the Viking King is....Hmmm, Whippy.
Some ar good some are so,so, Most of Cold Steel are windlass, just slightly better fit and finnish, thats all.......SanMarc.
The shorter the sword, the better the windlass!?
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Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 30, 2011 16:37:20 GMT
Windlass generally falls, I think, into the 'good enough' category; that is, they will generally perform okay and be usually safe, IF you are willing to put up with occasional-to-frequent lapses in quality control. Also, their blades do have quite a reputation for being 'whippy', ie, more flexible than really desired. Not necessarily a bad thing for most people but it does mean that the blade doesn't always feel all that robust in your grip, like it's flopping around if you cut with it.
There are always exceptions, of course. Some of their blades *are* pretty decent, and they're one of the better-known makers out there of reproduction 19th century military swords. As long as you're fairly aware of what you're getting into...
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Alan Schiff
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Post by Alan Schiff on Mar 30, 2011 18:21:43 GMT
Windlass is pretty much hit or miss. They have a number of pieces that are good to great quality, fit and finish wise; but they also have a number of pieces that aren't very good. In general they're heat treat is done well and the swords are robust enough for handling and cutting at least light targets. All of their swords start off as 3/16 inch flat stock, so their longer blades are often more flexible than people prefer.
The best thing you can do for any Windlass piece is look up reviews and ask for opinions. The good items will generally get good feedback and the not so good items will get either bad feedback or no feedback.
I personally haven't heard much about the Hoplite sword, but if you ask around I'm sure you'll get some more information on it.
Hope that helps,
Alan
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2011 18:24:38 GMT
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice, it's really appreciated. I think i should be ok then as it is only a small sword so there shouldn't be too much "whippy"ness in the sword. This isn't the first sword that I bought but it is the first one I've thought about buying without having a feel for it first. I apologise for my spelling of consensus before as well :-P P.s. thanks MOK i shall check your link out as soon as possible |
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 30, 2011 18:35:21 GMT
Windlass's shorter swords are general a decent buy... and our resident Roman fan RicWilly has the hoplite sword and I recal him digging it, so it should be a good buy for you.
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Post by chrisperoni on Mar 30, 2011 18:55:26 GMT
I was close to picking this up last christmas so did abucnh of checking up on it and the general feeling was this is one of the better ones- wide enough to be stiff enough (ha!) and visually a pleasing leaf shape. Basically it's all been said already so let me just add that the only thingthat stopped me from buying this sword was a deal in the classifieds for a jian that grabbed instead- but I do wonder if I shoud've gone for the hoplite instead... grass is greener and all that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2011 19:52:35 GMT
I've actually just found another windlass product "spartan lakonian" sword, looks a bit better than the classic hoplite one, more accurate anyway, blade looks like a leaf rather than just resembling one  handle is brass so goes with the brass corinthian helmet i'm getting so may go for that one. Anyone ever touched that? |
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Post by MOK on Mar 30, 2011 20:50:28 GMT
There's a hands-on review with pics and video here. |
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Post by f.m. on Mar 30, 2011 23:24:33 GMT
on the lakonian, it was actually my first battle ready sword..it's not bad construction wise, scabbard is a little cheesy but is a real wood core. (they tend to be loose too) but i'd like to point out it's not a "beater" sword by any means.. i was cutting some pretty heavy targets(little green saplings and branches) with mine and the tang bent about 10 degrees off true..i turned it around and used it the other way, and on the next strike it bent about 10 degrees the other way..i guess the tang just got fatigued but mine was really soft..i dissected it and the tangs are pretty small, like maybe 1/4 inch right up by the shoulders, tapering down to a really small threaded section to which the pommel screwed on..really wish i would have gotten pics of it..it's definitely a usable cutter once sharpened, but don't play too rough  i've since cut new shoulders and a huge tang into it and turned it into a pugio/smatchet. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2011 9:19:10 GMT
How did you replace the tang? :?
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 1, 2011 15:23:29 GMT
I believe he actually cut off the old tang and cut a new one into the body of the blade. That's a method you can use on a sword where the tang has broken off; it does shorten the blade a bit, though, but you save a bit of $$$ and get some craftsmanship experience too...
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Post by chrisperoni on Apr 1, 2011 15:47:03 GMT
That's for sure what he did- and now I know why he did it- I remember wondering what drove f.m. to macgyver his lakonian.
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Post by f.m. on Apr 1, 2011 17:35:03 GMT
Haha yep that's exactly what i did, then put an antler grip on it..the tang's about 3/4 wide all the way down now. i know most ancient swords(i.e. gladius and the like) have smaller tangs, even historically that was the only way to make them. The lakonian was actually a spearhead for a while, then I drew back the last 4 inches of the blade and cut a tang into it and mounted it.
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handle is brass so goes with the brass corinthian helmet i'm getting so may go for that one. Anyone ever touched that?
i've since cut new shoulders and a huge tang into it and turned it into a pugio/smatchet.
