Hanwei Basket Hilt Broadsword
Oct 8, 2011 8:32:38 GMT
Post by Silver_Fan on Oct 8, 2011 8:32:38 GMT
Hi,
This is my first post, but as I have found all the reviews on here a big help when looking at swords I would like to buy, I thought I would contribute with a review of my own. Go easy on me though as this is the first review I have wrote.
Introduction
As a practitioner of Historical European Martial Arts with a strong interest in English Backsword/Broadsword (especially George Silver) I have begun to get obsessed with basket hilt swords. I already own the Hanwei Cromwell, which is a backsword so I have been looking for a Basket broadsword, and on my tight budget decided to opt for the Hanwei Scottish Basket hilt Broadsword.
I purchased the sword from the Knight Shop in the UK, as always excellent customer service from start to finish.
Historical overview
I am no expert on Scottish Basket Hilts so I will not comment on how historically accurate the sword is, however in a local museum there is a basket hilt broadsword, the museum have listed it as an “English civil war sword”. I was quite surprised at how similar the two hilts are when compared to each other. (see pic below)
Initial Impressions
My thoughts when I first handled this sword was that it looked really nice, the hilt really stands out, and to my novice eyes the fit and finish is spot on. The blade has a smooth finish with no obvious faults. I can imagine Rob Roy swinging this beast around, in highland garb.
Statistics (taken from the Knightshop Website)
- Blade length: 33 1/2“
- Handle length: 6”
- Overall length: 39 3/4“
- Weight: 3lb 1oz
- Point of Balance: 5"
- Point of Percussion: 23"
- Width at Guard: 1.79"
- Width at Tip: 1.19"
- Thickness at Guard: .18"
- Thickness at Tip: .08"
Components
The Blade
The “high carbon steel” blade has a nice polished finish, Along the forte of the blade is etched the name “Andrea Ferara”, the etching is clear and crisp which I think is a nice touch that adds to the overall look. I am not sure what classification this blade falls under (it does not resemble the museum piece mentioned above), but I would classify it as a beast, it has a certain presence about it. In fact it reminds me of the blade on the Hanwei Albrecht II hand and a half sword.
Although the blade has a spring to it, it is not whippy at all, and seems quite robust. Straight out of the box the blade had dull edges, which I was surprised at, as the other Hanwei European swords I have all came bottle cutting sharp.
The Handle/Basket Liner
The handle is “wire-wrapped genuine rayskin” according to the hanwei info on the knights shop website. The thickness of the handle is good, some may find it a little to thin but I find it suits my grip. The rayskin is obviously rough to touch so a glove is recommended when holding the sword.
The Basket liner appears well made and gives the sword its characteristic Scottish look, the material “fabric covered leather” is soft to the touch, and not abrasive or rigid.
The Guard/Basket
I cannot fault the look or finish of the Basket, The fittings are tight with no rattle or looseness Hanwei has done a good job re-creating the feel of original basket hilts. It’s decorative but not over the top and as the museum piece above shows it is not too far from the originals. The basket is made of stainless steel, which means low maintenance, and I think very strong.
Now I have to mention my first negative comment. The basket combined with the leather lining makes this sword quite a tight fit (my hands are large but not overly big). When holding the sword it is very snug, not uncomfortable but I feel as if the basket should be a little bigger allowing for some hand movement, As it is I can only grip the sword in a hammer grip, and it is almost impossible to wear a light leather glove and hold the sword. If my hands were any bigger I would not be able to comfortably hold this sword.
As I have never handled an antique basket hilt I cannot say if this is the norm for these swords.
I think I may have to remove the leather lining to give my hand more room to move, and allow me to wear a glove. I am reluctant to do this as it will take away some of the look of the sword.
The Pommel
The pommel is very plain, no markings or decorations, this in not a problem for me as I think it fits nicely with the overall look of the hilt. Notice the museum antique, the pommel is plain although of a different design to the Hanwei.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the usual Hanwei European scabbard, its black leather over a fibreglass core. The sword fits snug, not to tight, not to loose.
Handling Characteristics
Some swords seem to come alive when you first draw them from their scabbards, sadly this sword does not, the overall weight (although not outside the bounds of historical basket hilts) makes this a heavy sword. Quick guard changes, parry-ripostes and snap cuts would be out of the question, this sword needs to be handled and used like a medieval sword (i.e. cutting from guard to guard) Don’t get me wrong, this sword does not feel like a crowbar, and as mentioned above it does have a nice presence about it. However in my opinion this sword is to heavy to fit the style of swordplay I like.
Test Cutting
Once you have adapted to the weight and feel of the sword, it actually cuts quite well (see video below) The sword handled the light target of pipe insulation easily and with the blade presence it has, should cut heavier targets with no problems. Likewise this sword should make a good thruster.
Sorry for the cheesy Scottish tune in the video, I could not resist
Conclusions
If you are looking for a nice Scottish Basket Hilt on a budget, one to show friends and family or use for backyard test cutting, then I would recommend this sword. However if you are looking for an accurate historical Basket hilt then this sword is not appropriate and a higher priced manufacturer would be best.
I purchased this sword to supplement my English backsword training, to use it for very careful solo drills, however the weight of the sword does not lend itself well to what I had in mind.
Pros
- The Overall look, fit and finish. Someone who knows very little about swords will recognise this one as a Scottish sword.
- The basket does resemble historical examples
- Makes for a nice cutter, should be able to handle most targets
Cons
- The Basket is small, do not buy this sword if you have giant hands.
- Weight, this is a heavy sword.
The Bottom Line
If I was transported 400 years back in time and I had to fight a duel/battle, provided I had the time, I would use this sword as a training weapon to strengthen my arm, so the sword I came to fight with would feel a lot lighter.
This is my first post, but as I have found all the reviews on here a big help when looking at swords I would like to buy, I thought I would contribute with a review of my own. Go easy on me though as this is the first review I have wrote.
Introduction
As a practitioner of Historical European Martial Arts with a strong interest in English Backsword/Broadsword (especially George Silver) I have begun to get obsessed with basket hilt swords. I already own the Hanwei Cromwell, which is a backsword so I have been looking for a Basket broadsword, and on my tight budget decided to opt for the Hanwei Scottish Basket hilt Broadsword.
I purchased the sword from the Knight Shop in the UK, as always excellent customer service from start to finish.
Historical overview
I am no expert on Scottish Basket Hilts so I will not comment on how historically accurate the sword is, however in a local museum there is a basket hilt broadsword, the museum have listed it as an “English civil war sword”. I was quite surprised at how similar the two hilts are when compared to each other. (see pic below)
Initial Impressions
My thoughts when I first handled this sword was that it looked really nice, the hilt really stands out, and to my novice eyes the fit and finish is spot on. The blade has a smooth finish with no obvious faults. I can imagine Rob Roy swinging this beast around, in highland garb.
Statistics (taken from the Knightshop Website)
- Blade length: 33 1/2“
- Handle length: 6”
- Overall length: 39 3/4“
- Weight: 3lb 1oz
- Point of Balance: 5"
- Point of Percussion: 23"
- Width at Guard: 1.79"
- Width at Tip: 1.19"
- Thickness at Guard: .18"
- Thickness at Tip: .08"
Components
The Blade
The “high carbon steel” blade has a nice polished finish, Along the forte of the blade is etched the name “Andrea Ferara”, the etching is clear and crisp which I think is a nice touch that adds to the overall look. I am not sure what classification this blade falls under (it does not resemble the museum piece mentioned above), but I would classify it as a beast, it has a certain presence about it. In fact it reminds me of the blade on the Hanwei Albrecht II hand and a half sword.
Although the blade has a spring to it, it is not whippy at all, and seems quite robust. Straight out of the box the blade had dull edges, which I was surprised at, as the other Hanwei European swords I have all came bottle cutting sharp.
The Handle/Basket Liner
The handle is “wire-wrapped genuine rayskin” according to the hanwei info on the knights shop website. The thickness of the handle is good, some may find it a little to thin but I find it suits my grip. The rayskin is obviously rough to touch so a glove is recommended when holding the sword.
The Basket liner appears well made and gives the sword its characteristic Scottish look, the material “fabric covered leather” is soft to the touch, and not abrasive or rigid.
The Guard/Basket
I cannot fault the look or finish of the Basket, The fittings are tight with no rattle or looseness Hanwei has done a good job re-creating the feel of original basket hilts. It’s decorative but not over the top and as the museum piece above shows it is not too far from the originals. The basket is made of stainless steel, which means low maintenance, and I think very strong.
Now I have to mention my first negative comment. The basket combined with the leather lining makes this sword quite a tight fit (my hands are large but not overly big). When holding the sword it is very snug, not uncomfortable but I feel as if the basket should be a little bigger allowing for some hand movement, As it is I can only grip the sword in a hammer grip, and it is almost impossible to wear a light leather glove and hold the sword. If my hands were any bigger I would not be able to comfortably hold this sword.
As I have never handled an antique basket hilt I cannot say if this is the norm for these swords.
I think I may have to remove the leather lining to give my hand more room to move, and allow me to wear a glove. I am reluctant to do this as it will take away some of the look of the sword.
The Pommel
The pommel is very plain, no markings or decorations, this in not a problem for me as I think it fits nicely with the overall look of the hilt. Notice the museum antique, the pommel is plain although of a different design to the Hanwei.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the usual Hanwei European scabbard, its black leather over a fibreglass core. The sword fits snug, not to tight, not to loose.
Handling Characteristics
Some swords seem to come alive when you first draw them from their scabbards, sadly this sword does not, the overall weight (although not outside the bounds of historical basket hilts) makes this a heavy sword. Quick guard changes, parry-ripostes and snap cuts would be out of the question, this sword needs to be handled and used like a medieval sword (i.e. cutting from guard to guard) Don’t get me wrong, this sword does not feel like a crowbar, and as mentioned above it does have a nice presence about it. However in my opinion this sword is to heavy to fit the style of swordplay I like.
Test Cutting
Once you have adapted to the weight and feel of the sword, it actually cuts quite well (see video below) The sword handled the light target of pipe insulation easily and with the blade presence it has, should cut heavier targets with no problems. Likewise this sword should make a good thruster.
Sorry for the cheesy Scottish tune in the video, I could not resist
Conclusions
If you are looking for a nice Scottish Basket Hilt on a budget, one to show friends and family or use for backyard test cutting, then I would recommend this sword. However if you are looking for an accurate historical Basket hilt then this sword is not appropriate and a higher priced manufacturer would be best.
I purchased this sword to supplement my English backsword training, to use it for very careful solo drills, however the weight of the sword does not lend itself well to what I had in mind.
Pros
- The Overall look, fit and finish. Someone who knows very little about swords will recognise this one as a Scottish sword.
- The basket does resemble historical examples
- Makes for a nice cutter, should be able to handle most targets
Cons
- The Basket is small, do not buy this sword if you have giant hands.
- Weight, this is a heavy sword.
The Bottom Line
If I was transported 400 years back in time and I had to fight a duel/battle, provided I had the time, I would use this sword as a training weapon to strengthen my arm, so the sword I came to fight with would feel a lot lighter.