Windlass Medeival VS Atrim Thorpe comparison
Jun 5, 2011 13:29:09 GMT
Post by chuckinohio on Jun 5, 2011 13:29:09 GMT
Owing to the recent introduction of the Thorpe Falchion from Angus Trim through TriedandTrue Armoury, I thought that a comparison would help forum members to decide if it may be their cup o tea or not.
The Windlass Medieval Falchion is arguably available in more numbers, and more easily attainable than any other Falchion currently on the market. Owing to its popularity and availability more members probably have experience with it than any other model.
There are already several reviews of each model on the forum-
The Medieval Falchion-
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/falchion.html
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4743
The Atrim Thorpe Falchion-
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4658
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4680
What I will attempt to do is to give members a sense of how they directly compare to each other. The Windlass to the Atrim model that is.
This first image shows a side by side comparison between the two.
Most readily apparent is the difference between the shiny polished finish of the Windlass versus the Mercenary grade finish of the Atrim. This is purely a personal choice in aesthetics, but more people seem to like the utilitarian looking finish of a satin polished blade versus the shiny brand new look, me included.
What is not readily apparent is the fuller termination on the Atrim. The fuller terminates 5 inches from the point on the spine of the blade where the false edge starts, the Windlas fuller runs to within an inch of the point.
The Windlass demonstrates no Distal taper until the very end of the blade, and the longer fuller does reduce weight somewhat. That is the only explanation I can come up with for it being as long as it is, unless the designer just thought that it looked better that way.
The overall length of the two weapons is also readily apparent.
This photo will give you a better feel for the difference in overall length between the two pieces. The false edge on the Atrim is a shade longer than the Windlass, and you can notice the slightly wider blade on the Atrim.
This photo gives you a better look at the business end of the two. Notice the slightly longer false edge of the Atrim, the more gradual rise in the cutting edge to the point, and the length of the fullers. The point of the Atrim, being more in line with the center line of the blade, IMO lends itself to thrusting better than the Windlass.
The non pointy end.
The differences in the furniture should be readily apparent. The Windlass model has far beefier fitings than the Atrim. The Atrim guard is sleeker and has tapered ends allowing one to use the guard as an offensive weapon on its own.
The grip on the Windlass has been wrapped with heavy waxed cotton cord to eliminate the need for a rewrap of the grip. The Windlass grip has a stitched seam on the underside that is readily felt in hand and quite annoying even wearing gloves. The wrap eliminates this problem.
The grip problem does not factor into the Atrim equation, as it is leather over cord wrapped and done quite well. No protrusions, and no felt seam.
The following is pure speculation, so take it for exactly what it cost you.
Thw Windlass furniture is bulkier to offset the weight of the blade in an attempt to balance the weapon in your hand better. There I said it.
The above series of photos are an attempt to demonstrate the difference between the distal taper present in both pieces.
Distal taper stats on the two Falchions-
Measurements were taken along the spine of the blades above the fuller.
Windlass-
At the guard- .177
At midblade- .177
1 inch from tip .140
Atrim
At the guard- .250
At midblade- .149
1 inch from tip .085
Windlass Falchion= Very Little
Atrim Thorpe Falchion= LOTS
Seriously, this is where the difference between the price points of the two examples comes into play big time. The Thorpe was researched, thought out, and executed with an eye towards performance, plain and simple.
I really like my Windlass Medeival Falchion a lot. It has displayed none of the shortcomings of the earlier mentioned examples, and if you can catch it on Museum Replicas "Deal of the Day" by all means get it. It will deliver an authoritative cutting blow, and will thrust clean through a lightly armored opponent. Just because I have the Atrim, I will not sell my Windlass, I like it too much.
ON THE OTHER HAND, if you are a fan of Falchions, or for that matter, short authoritative side arms, then you will truly appreciate the refinements present in the Atrim Thorpe.
To me, the comparison is akin to hopping into a Model A Ford and going for a spin, and then getting into a sports car and ripping up the asphalt.
The Atrim simply feels better in hand, handles more adeptly, and will deal a blow every bit as devastating as the more robust Windlass blade will.
The above was presented not as a judgement call on which you should buy, it was presented in the spirit of presenting the forum with as much info as possible.
Lets face it, the price points are radically different between the two, and one should base their decisions carefully when contemplating a purchase from a limited budget.
That is all.
Edited to add a disclaimer-
I am not an employee of TriedandTrue Armoury, I am simply a fan of Atrim weapons. I was not afforded any special considerations from the owners of TriedandTrue Armoury to do a review of their product. The Atrim Thorpe Falchion was purchased at full retail with my own money.
The Windlass Medieval Falchion is arguably available in more numbers, and more easily attainable than any other Falchion currently on the market. Owing to its popularity and availability more members probably have experience with it than any other model.
There are already several reviews of each model on the forum-
The Medieval Falchion-
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/falchion.html
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4743
The Atrim Thorpe Falchion-
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4658
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4680
What I will attempt to do is to give members a sense of how they directly compare to each other. The Windlass to the Atrim model that is.
This first image shows a side by side comparison between the two.
Most readily apparent is the difference between the shiny polished finish of the Windlass versus the Mercenary grade finish of the Atrim. This is purely a personal choice in aesthetics, but more people seem to like the utilitarian looking finish of a satin polished blade versus the shiny brand new look, me included.
What is not readily apparent is the fuller termination on the Atrim. The fuller terminates 5 inches from the point on the spine of the blade where the false edge starts, the Windlas fuller runs to within an inch of the point.
The Windlass demonstrates no Distal taper until the very end of the blade, and the longer fuller does reduce weight somewhat. That is the only explanation I can come up with for it being as long as it is, unless the designer just thought that it looked better that way.
The overall length of the two weapons is also readily apparent.
This photo will give you a better feel for the difference in overall length between the two pieces. The false edge on the Atrim is a shade longer than the Windlass, and you can notice the slightly wider blade on the Atrim.
This photo gives you a better look at the business end of the two. Notice the slightly longer false edge of the Atrim, the more gradual rise in the cutting edge to the point, and the length of the fullers. The point of the Atrim, being more in line with the center line of the blade, IMO lends itself to thrusting better than the Windlass.
The non pointy end.
The differences in the furniture should be readily apparent. The Windlass model has far beefier fitings than the Atrim. The Atrim guard is sleeker and has tapered ends allowing one to use the guard as an offensive weapon on its own.
The grip on the Windlass has been wrapped with heavy waxed cotton cord to eliminate the need for a rewrap of the grip. The Windlass grip has a stitched seam on the underside that is readily felt in hand and quite annoying even wearing gloves. The wrap eliminates this problem.
The grip problem does not factor into the Atrim equation, as it is leather over cord wrapped and done quite well. No protrusions, and no felt seam.
The following is pure speculation, so take it for exactly what it cost you.
Thw Windlass furniture is bulkier to offset the weight of the blade in an attempt to balance the weapon in your hand better. There I said it.
The above series of photos are an attempt to demonstrate the difference between the distal taper present in both pieces.
Distal taper stats on the two Falchions-
Measurements were taken along the spine of the blades above the fuller.
Windlass-
At the guard- .177
At midblade- .177
1 inch from tip .140
Atrim
At the guard- .250
At midblade- .149
1 inch from tip .085
Windlass Falchion= Very Little
Atrim Thorpe Falchion= LOTS
Seriously, this is where the difference between the price points of the two examples comes into play big time. The Thorpe was researched, thought out, and executed with an eye towards performance, plain and simple.
I really like my Windlass Medeival Falchion a lot. It has displayed none of the shortcomings of the earlier mentioned examples, and if you can catch it on Museum Replicas "Deal of the Day" by all means get it. It will deliver an authoritative cutting blow, and will thrust clean through a lightly armored opponent. Just because I have the Atrim, I will not sell my Windlass, I like it too much.
ON THE OTHER HAND, if you are a fan of Falchions, or for that matter, short authoritative side arms, then you will truly appreciate the refinements present in the Atrim Thorpe.
To me, the comparison is akin to hopping into a Model A Ford and going for a spin, and then getting into a sports car and ripping up the asphalt.
The Atrim simply feels better in hand, handles more adeptly, and will deal a blow every bit as devastating as the more robust Windlass blade will.
The above was presented not as a judgement call on which you should buy, it was presented in the spirit of presenting the forum with as much info as possible.
Lets face it, the price points are radically different between the two, and one should base their decisions carefully when contemplating a purchase from a limited budget.
That is all.
Edited to add a disclaimer-
I am not an employee of TriedandTrue Armoury, I am simply a fan of Atrim weapons. I was not afforded any special considerations from the owners of TriedandTrue Armoury to do a review of their product. The Atrim Thorpe Falchion was purchased at full retail with my own money.