|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jul 1, 2011 1:58:15 GMT
The New Hanwei Rheinlander and the Windlass 15th Cent German Bastard SwordsIntroduction I've been promising a review since I recieved the sword last week. Unfortunately some manpower issues at work have conspired to have me working every day since the sword arrived. ( And the 4th of July weekend is starting to look bleek as well). So looks like getting this to print is going to be a work in progress over several days. For everyone asking for pics I will post a number of shots taken tonite. It was late and they aren't what I'd hoped. Will update. The Hanwei and the WIndlass are well matched to talk comparison of manufacturers strengths and weaknesses for two firms of similar business models and price points. These are both $200 swords. ConclusionsProsRheinlander has a bold XIIa appearence Strong blade with percussive bias Rough and ready finish of a "soldiers sword" Carries weight well for one or two hand use ConsUneven symetry of blade annoys a bit spongy grip material indifferent sheath that doesn't quite carry the blade without force I like both of these swords. As close as the stats are, they have quite different personalities. The Hanwei feels strong and percussive thanks to the bias of the blade. The Windlass is definitely biased to the hand and if you reach over the guard to control it that sense is drastically increased. Both sword can be nit picked for weaknesses and historical inconsistencies. Don't bother. Neither company worries about not getting it exact. For the price point you shouldn't either. Both of these are nice weapons for entry level collectors and light cutters.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent Dolan on Jul 1, 2011 4:51:07 GMT
Great start, Dave; that's some lush greenery in the background. It'd be nice if the Rheinlander had twin rings and maybe a less rounded pommel. As is, it looks sorta like a light bulb as another member put it. Still, it's beginning to grow on me.
|
|
Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
|
Post by Sébastien on Jul 1, 2011 4:59:41 GMT
Very nice pics so far, can't wait to have more in your complete review later. Thanks for taking the time to do this Dave, have a karma from me, and more when the complete review is done Edit : Nevermind the karma ...
|
|
Aaron
Member
Senior Forumite
Posts: 2,369
|
Post by Aaron on Jul 1, 2011 5:28:57 GMT
I really do like the blade on the Rhinelander, but I think I would prefer it with more simple fittings and some new leather. Thanks for the pics, looking forward to the write-up.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2011 11:11:17 GMT
Looking good so far, really looking forward to hearing your opinions, hope you catch a break at work soon.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2011 20:20:51 GMT
Thank you for a very good review Dave. I especially liked your comparative data chart. I own the Windlass 15th Century Longsword so the comparison helps greatly. Your conclusions at the end of the review were also a great help in understanding the different characteristics of the two swords. Even though the specifications shows similar qualities the difference in their respective "personalities" has convinced me they are different enough from each other to warrant adding the Hanwei Rheinlander to my collection.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jul 16, 2011 23:10:39 GMT
My apologies for not having fleshed out this report. The excuse was 19 days of work without a break due to a hiring shortfalls.
Like many old verterans I have been somewhat remiss about the grass roots vendors who have been the bread and butter of this business for a long time. The Windlass was recommended to me by Arms of Valor. The Rheinlander was an intuitive response to the advert picture that bespoke something bold and better than most of the other Hanwei euros. It may lack in aesthetics, but in hand it is a very good sword.
Enjoy.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2011 0:26:59 GMT
Dave I forgot to ask, Is the pommel on the Rheinlander threaded or peened to the tang? If it was peened did Hanwei manage to do the work without damaging (hammer marks) the pommel?
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jul 17, 2011 1:07:19 GMT
Only took one pic of the peen, and it over flashed on me. The peen looks like it was done by a chimpanzee ( beat with an ugly stick).
But it is part of that "rough hewn" character I was referring to.
|
|
|
Post by Federico on Jul 26, 2011 4:46:37 GMT
Nice swords there. I love side ringed swords. I'm curious, did you ever weigh the guard of the Windlass? I own the late european bastard sword, and the guard on the damn thing weighs like a pounds and a half!
|
|
|
Post by bloodwraith on Jul 26, 2011 5:12:29 GMT
Sadly, I just lost all interest in the rheinlander, I was hoping that they would do a double ring cross but that might've been too much to ask. Good review though, thanks for this one mate.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2011 4:11:17 GMT
How was the edge on the rheinlander?
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Oct 29, 2011 10:33:01 GMT
Functional working edge. Would probably want it refined for backyard cutting. Haven't cut with the sword.
|
|
|
Post by Marty on Jan 13, 2013 22:56:11 GMT
What about the scabbard on the Rhinelander, is it a fiberglass core, similar to the Hanwei tinker line swords?
Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jan 13, 2013 23:45:31 GMT
I sold the Rheinlander some time back. ( Making room for a lot of 16th Century swords I bought.) I don't recall. Perhaps someone else has one...
|
|
|
Post by Kataphractos on Jan 14, 2013 23:09:46 GMT
Almost certain its a wood core, since every other Hanwei scabbard I've handled in that style (black leather and steel chape/mouth) has one.
|
|