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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2011 19:08:19 GMT
Hello all.
I am looking at buying a two handed sword and have been doing lots of research (mainly this site) and I am still uncertain which sword takes my fancy. My only requirements are that it is big and sturdy (with good looks a bonus). To give an indication of my interests, I have been looking at the Hanwei Claymore, Hanwei Lowlander, and Cold Steel Two Handed Greatsword. Each of these swords have good reviews here, but also have numerous bad comments in various threads.
I would like any of those swords but I doubt their quality based on the reviews here, so I am asking for advice on either modifying these swords to increase their strength, or any other alternative swords of similar style.
It is my understanding the lowlander and cold steel swords both have threaded hollow pommels, which are weak spots for the sword, and the claymore has a rivited on blade which is a weak spot. Unless a zombie outbreak occurs, the sword will be used just for backyard cutting of various objects. Would these swords be suitable?
(ease of availability to NSW Australia would be a bonus too)
Thanks for all advice offered.
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Post by chuckinohio on Jun 13, 2011 21:38:15 GMT
Dennoire, Funny enough, I own all three of the blades that you mentioned, so I will try to address your questions. Cold Steel Greatsword- I have an older version that does not have the parrying hooks on the blade. It is a very robust sword, but the blade demonstrates a bit more flexibility in a sword this size than I care for. It can give you a lot of feedback through the grip if you are slightly off in your cut. The pommels on these swords are notoriously weak, and they are known to snap off at the base of the grip. I am very careful how I leverage the hilt when I use this blade, and have suffered no ill effects to date with it. Hanwei Lowlander- Be prepared!! This is a very large sword, and will be unforgiving if mishandled. I have noticed no structural weakness in the Hanwei model that I own, the hollow pommel is there for purposes of balance as far as I know. A solid pommel of that size would be quite a chunk. The blade on the Lowlander is pretty rigid for its size, and will absolutely devastate a target assuming that one has the wherewithal to control the sword. The Lowlander will flat out overpower you if you are lax in your focus or handling. Once started in motion, the mass of this sword will carry it through regardless of your intentions and you must plan your cutting accordingly. Hanwei Claymore- My favorite of the bunch. An authoritative sword with blade presence to spare. The blade is rigid enough that you get no sense of vagueness or undue feedback from it, and it hits like a truck. The pommel is peened to the tang, and the langets present under the guard are riveted through the ricasso of the blade. I have found no structural weaknesses in mine from use, and am really quite pleased with its durability. Also, have you considered the Hanwei Bastard sword? www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2250N&name=Hanwei+Bastard+Sword+%2D+Antiqued I own one of these models also, and I like it as well as, if not a bit more than the Hanwei Claymore. |
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Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Jun 14, 2011 0:21:01 GMT
omg....why have i never seen that sword anywhere....wants one
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Post by Maynar on Jun 14, 2011 1:18:10 GMT
Mine gonna ship this week! *gloats gleefully* oboyoboyoboy
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SeanF
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Post by SeanF on Jun 14, 2011 2:13:59 GMT
I see how one could be confused as to whether this was intended to be used with one or two hands.  |
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Hairu
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Post by Hairu on Jun 14, 2011 4:55:08 GMT
My vote goes to the Hanwei Tinker Great Sword Of War
Its quite sturdy handles extremely well
doesnt come with the best edge but neither do most of the swords youve stated
and its easy to sharpen
and I mean Its hard to explain just how awesome this sword feels in hand
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Post by William Swiger on Jun 14, 2011 6:33:19 GMT
Have the claymore, 2-GSOW and 2-antiqued bastard swords. Really like the antiqued bastard the best. The weight and handeling seem to work for me.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2011 7:17:44 GMT
The Hanwei Antiqued bastard does seem awesome. I like that it comes with a scabbard. Would it be held over the shoulder or on a belt?
Looks like its between the Hanwei Claymore or Bastard. Maybe ill get em both.
Thank you all for your help.
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Post by Deepbluedave on Jun 14, 2011 11:25:39 GMT
I too have the Hanwei Antiqued Bastard sword, for the price I reckon you carn't go wrong looks nice handles ok and is sturdy with a scabbard. I cannot comment on the other swords on your list as I have never owned or held them. The KoA price is bloody good. even with shipping is still way cheaper than buying in Aus, Global gear has this one on Ebay $279.00au
Edit - shipping might be pricey as it is over 42" in length maybe $279 isnt so bad as it includes shipping.
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Post by chuckinohio on Jun 14, 2011 12:18:58 GMT
You can rig a suspension system to suspend it from a belt, but I find that it is really at home slung on a baldric.
If you are going to get both the Claymore and the Bastard, then by all means do so. If I had to choose between the two, I would probably go with the Bastard.
It is a lighter, faster, sword than the Claymore. It still has a lot of authority behind it and will cut very well. It is a bit more versatile sword in performing drills due to being lighter, and it does come with a scabbard.
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Post by Enkidu on Jun 14, 2011 18:29:32 GMT
I have the CS greatsword ( with hooks but an earlier version than the one currently selling ) and i've handled the Claymore numerous times ( one of my friend got one ).
The Claymore is overall undoubtedly the best weapon between those two. The CS greatsword is quite sturdy ( i've cut wood panels with it and it suffered only a couple of scratches ) but is obviously made for the looks because it handles like a blind flying pig on acid.
Never had the chance to handle the lowlander or the bastard, but the bastard from what i've read got the better hand on a couple of reviews. There's a review somewhere of the bastard by Ric Willy in the old site review list.
The GSOW was also mentionned, personnaly i really like this one, i got one and i love it. it handles really well for a sword this big and cut way better than the ones mentionned earlier i had experience with. It doesnt feel as rock solid as the others but used under normal circumstances i dont see how can a major failure can occur. Just change the leather color... its so damn ugly...
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Post by Maynar on Jun 15, 2011 2:41:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 12:47:39 GMT
I have watched RicWilly's videos, it looks like a fine blade, but damn now those comments after his review has me doubting the bastard sword also.
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Post by chuckinohio on Jun 15, 2011 12:55:16 GMT
Perhaps then you should take a look at the Great Sword of War.
The only issue you are likely to encounter with it will possibly be the need to sharpen it , and there is the leather color.
It is a proven performer though and there are several reviews backing this claim up.
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Post by TheCrunchyCrouton on Jun 15, 2011 15:51:33 GMT
My vote's for the GSoW. I have one, it's amazing for the price. Great handling, cutting power and sturdiness for $170. As Chuck said, the only real problems you're likely to encounter with the GSoW are the edge and the leather color. My edge came decent, all it needed was a touch up. The leather isn't nearly as ugly as it looks like in Hanwei's pics. Check out the reviews and Kult of Athena's pics ( www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2424&name=Hanwei+Tinker+Great+Sword+of+War) That being said, I do plan on dying the leather; which is fairly easy. Good luck with whatever you purchase. |
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Post by Bryn on Jun 15, 2011 17:49:04 GMT
I own both the Hanwei Bastard and the GSOW. They are VERY different animals, and based on the swords you're looking at, I would actually suggest the Bastard. Later models (read, more current) have a better balance than older models, and the sword handles pretty well for its size. It is a MUCH stiffer blade than the GSOW, and it handles through longsword drills decently well. I have a video around somewhere of me and the Bastard having a disagreement with a watermelon that may help you.... But seriously, stiff blade, good blade presence, decent handling, and most importantly, a good price and a good scabbard. Plus if you have a little DIY knowledge, you can shorten the bastard about an inch and improve its handling drastically.
Best of luck with your decision!
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ChrisA
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Post by ChrisA on Jun 15, 2011 19:01:54 GMT
Bastard sword? At that size and weight I don't think it really fits as a bastard sword...unless you are 7'3" and 290lbs of solid muscle |
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Post by ShooterMike on Jun 15, 2011 20:55:45 GMT
Ever since Hanwei released that sword (the "Bastard Sword"), everyone and his dog has mentioned how inappropriate the name is. It's a longsword or even a borderline greatsword. I wonder why they haven't renamed it.
I guess any publicity (discussion) is good publicity?...
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Aaron
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Post by Aaron on Jun 16, 2011 9:40:59 GMT
Maybe the guy who designed it had elephantiasis of the hands. Definitely a borderline greatsword with the monstrous grip and blade. It would be interesting to see one cut down to get rid of the ricasso (blade would still be around 36") and shorten the grip to 7.5-8". I seem to recall someone (was it you, Mike?) doing something similar.
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Luka
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Post by Luka on Jun 16, 2011 11:31:27 GMT
The only true two handed swords of those mentioned here are Hanwei Claymore and Lowlander and Cold steel. Both GSoW and the "Bastard" are 14th century "greatswords" meant to be used both two handed on foot and single handed when mounted on a horse. If you want a true two hander get either a Cold Steel or Claymore or Lowlander. And of those I recommend the claymore, it's a good sword.
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