Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2012 17:05:05 GMT
Since both swords are almost exactly the same price I thought I'd ask. I've heard that the Hanwei definitely has a plastic grip core and a fiberglass scabbard, and is also a little on the light side and under built for what it is.
I haven't heard nearly as much as Armour Class. Their version does not come with the sharkskin wrapped grip (though I could request it from them) nor does it come with a scabbard. That however does not concern me if the blade is significantly better, but is it? I've frequently heard their blades described as whippy, but just as often read reviews by people that were very satisfied with theirs.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2012 19:12:05 GMT
I can't tell the difference between dollars and pounds apparently. >_<
I'd still be interested in hearing any thoughts on the Armour Class issues that I mentioned.
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 7, 2012 21:58:45 GMT
Unfortunately I can't give you an opinion on the blade, but I own the Armour Class Cromwell/Mortuary hilt mounted on a Del Tin sidesword blade, I've handled the Hanwei version of the Cromwll and I've seen the original Cromwell Sword in person. The Armour Class Cromwell hilt is much nicer than the Hanwei hilt, but the overall Hanwei package is still very attractive for the price. The Hanwei is a bit underbuilt, with a less substantial blade than the original sword and a thin basket. The overall shape of the blade, however, is closer to the shape of the original sword than the double-fullered Armor Class blade, though the Armor Class blade seems more in-line with the wide robust dimensions of the the original sword (again, I have not seen this AC blade in-person, I only own the hilt.) The Armor Class hilt is certainly closer to capturing the essence of the original hilt, as it has a more appropriate thickness and is nicely contoured, but the Hanwei looks superficially closer because of grip and color details. I don't much care for the paint/surface treatment on the Hanwei, but it looks fine from a distance. The authentic sword is not painted of course, but was given a dark oxidation treatment with gilt accents. Neither reproduction replicates the onion-shaped pommel of the original very accurately, but I prefer the smooth globe of the AC pommel to the sharp-edged "water tower" shape of the Hanwei pommel. I do think the sharkskin grip of the Hanwei is nice, though it's a bit rough on bare hands. I have an aftermarket grip on my AC Cromwell hilt, so I can't comment on the stock wire-wrapped grip. The Hanwei blade is handy, but not as robust as the original, and reasonably stiff. I do not know how the AC blade handles, but the Del Tin blade on mine handles quite nicely! :lol: Anyway, here's pictures. The Original Cromwell sword (sorry about the lighting, I did my best):    The Armour Class version with a Del Tin XIX blade swapped in:       The Hanwei repro:    Armor Class also makes a dandified version of the Cromwell with a full fancy hilt treatment and grip, but it's WAY more expensive than the others. Definitely the best version of the hilt, but the blade still seems to be the same inaccurate form as the Standard AC:    .....Hope some of that helps! |
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Mar 8, 2012 2:57:23 GMT
I have the Hanwei Cromwell and it's my Favorite single handed sword. As morts and baskethilts sword in it's price range, it's considered The best one by people who study the British style. My Cromwell has a wooden handle. What I have never seen an AC sword yet but I should this weekend at my meet up. Dirtydan as a mort sword and should be bring it to the meet up. Is blade is 1/8'' think or should I say thin and is whippy. I heard that AC can make a stiffer blade if you want them too. Here is his review of it. it's will also take a long time to get it. I have heard something like 6 months. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5966Maybe there is good reason that Lunaman mort has a Del Tin blade. @ Lunaman- How think it your mort's basket? My Cromwell is 1/8'' think. If you want a Cromwell sword right away I would go with the Hanwei one. |
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Mar 8, 2012 3:11:33 GMT
Just looking at Lunaman's pic of the original, I get a much better sense of the blade presence everyone talks about. Hmm, wonder if ArmorClass would just sell the basket?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2012 5:36:11 GMT
Thanks for all the info. It's hard to tell from just the pictures but it doesn't look to me like the basket of the original is significantly thicker than the Hanwei. I prefer the dandified  Armour Class hilt though, I too wonder if they would sell the hilt separately. That's good to know. Do you mind me asking where you got yours and how long ago? In this thread someone mentions that the scabbard is fiberglass and the grip core is plastic. I don't doubt that yours is wood though, I guess the design changed at some point. KOA advertises it as having a "wooden" scabbard. I guess I can always shoot them an email and ask. |
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 8, 2012 23:13:33 GMT
Can't measure at the moment because I'm out of town, but it's not tremendously thicker than that--it just feels more substantial in its construction and heft. The distinction is really more about shaping I suppose, with the hanwei a bit more flat and angled and the AC more contoured and rounded in the knuckleguard especially. Both are good-looking, of course. Here's J. Hopkins's Hanwei with the paint stripped off to make the comparison easier.   Armour Class:  So would I. Hope I didn't come off as putting the Hanwei down! It's a very good package for the money and you avoid the unknown attributes of the AC blade. The Hanwei blade is quite satisfying. |
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Mar 9, 2012 5:50:19 GMT
My scabbard isn't wooden and I got my sword in 2009 at a ren faire. I agree with Lunaman that AC Mort hilt is better than the Hanwei's. I wonder how a sword would be if you combined a AC hilt with a Hanwei backsword blade?
Here is a vid with my Cromwell I use it at 1:00 and 7:00. Than Thana is cutting with it at 2:19
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Mar 12, 2012 17:48:30 GMT
The AC blades are very very whippy. The sad thing is the sword handles very well. Here is the vid of Dirtydan AC mortuary hilt sword...... I mean my new mortuary sword  . I love the hilt so I got it. I might turn it into a trainer or get another blade for it. |
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Lunaman
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Post by Lunaman on Mar 12, 2012 18:18:55 GMT
Hahahahahahahaha, WOW, that is quite the Indiana Jones sidearm! :lol:
Swap in stiffer blade for that beasty!
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Mar 12, 2012 22:15:43 GMT
I don't know how well they cut when they come from AC. Dirtydan tried to sharpen it but it wasn't that great of a job.
I'm going to put a better edge on and see.
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Razor
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Post by Razor on May 21, 2012 23:29:33 GMT
I put a better edge on my AC Mort sword and took it out for the meet up. It got a lot of use that day. It cuts really well, I can get three silent cut on 1 2L soda bottle with it. And it cuts mats good too, I can even cut free standing mats.
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Armour Class hilt though, I too wonder if they would sell the hilt separately.
. I love the hilt so I got it. I might turn it into a trainer or get another blade for it.
