Hanwei Tinker Bastard Sword Review (First Medieval!)
Dec 11, 2012 0:54:21 GMT
Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Dec 11, 2012 0:54:21 GMT
Surprise Review!
Introduction
As a growing sword collector, I knew I had to expand to a different new kind of swords and I chose to expand with the classical Medievals. I was excited and confused with finding the right first medieval sword for me. After having the time to think, I finally chose the Hanwei Tinker Pierce Bastard Sword. I am also excited to share my review on this sword, even though I have only experience on Japanese swords. :mrgreen:
Historical overview
I really don't have an exact idea of which sword this came from, but I can guess that this sword is kind of like a Hand and a Half Sword. Not sure if the Hex nut on the handle is also historically accurate for medievals but the practical look of the sword gives this sword a uniform that I kinda find usual for common medieval sword.
Full Disclosure
Just the ordinary sword collector that purchased this sword on Kult of Athena for sale at the price of $200, in total of $230 including tax and shipping. I have experience with Japanese swords so far, this is my first medieval, so don't expect a pro review on it. :? But this review may be interesting for those who want to see a newbie's view on this sword.
Initial Impressions
From all of my sword-shipping waiting, this has by far the fastest!
Bought it on Thursday and just received it today on 12/10/12. Packaging was plain and simple, a box and some brown paper wrapping.
The sword was undamaged and arrived safely in my inexperienced hands
. The moment I picked up the sword, I COULDN'T GET IT OFF MY HANDS! It was so fun to wield such a sword. Until I got over it, I finally noticed the one thing that I should've noticed the first thing, something I should've heard...
SHWING!
Yep, my sword was grinding against the metal throat of the scabbard
Oh well, I can fix that later... Right? :?
Statistics
(Some statistics were taken from the Kult of Athena website):
Blade Length: 33 5/16"
Handle Length: 7"
Overall Length: 42 3/4
Guard Width: 7 7/8"
POB (Point of Balance): 3 1/2"
Weight: 2 lb 6.5 oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is made of 5160 Spring steel, marquenched and is around the hardness of 50-53. (As taken from the KoA site) 5160 is a pretty good steel and I am pretty excited to get my first spring steel sword, though obviously I'm not going to swing this at trees. :lol: Just nice to have a tough steel for a sword.
This blade type in my opinion is what I like about this sword. Simply straight and a fuller on a blade. I then realized that there was obviously no hamon... *Facepalm (So used to seeing Japanese swords :lol: )
THe polish on the blade is a bit rough, but pretty even. This is a practical sword, so the polish is obviously not superb but utilitarian. The tip is also done pretty nicely.
The Handle and Fittings
The handle is wrapped with black leather and the seam seems pretty well hidden.
The guard and the pommel are made of mild steel. Both fittings are pretty plain, but they look attractive by just the simplicity, no?
The pommel is round and is attached to the handle by a hex screw nut. This feature will make any future customization easy and won't damage the sword ... If only I can find the screw driver. :?
The Scabbard
The scabbard is also wrapped with black leather and features to fittings on both ends made of a mild steel. I was naive enough to think there wouldn't be a seam, but there was... :lol: And I don't see that as a problem.
I mentioned earlier that the throat kind grinds against the sword's blade, which I'm worried about since it may grind away the edge after a few more draws... Other than that, the blade fits in nicely in the scabbard with only a slight rattling, but it rattled because I was shaking it a bit too crazy...
Handling Characteristics
As a person who has only handled Japanese katanas, this sword is one the most maneuverable sword I have handled. Though I was indoors, I was able to make quick swings with it. The sword produced a slight tachi-kaze (Sorry, "tachi-kaze" was the first thing that popped in my head) when swinging.
Test Cutting
I only had the cardboard box that was it was shipped in as my target. The cuts I made were decent and was sharp on both sides. The blade can barely cut paper on both sides, but the scabbard may continue to dull the sword even more :?
Conclusions
The Hanwei Tinker Pierce Bastard Sword is an excellent first medieval for anyone. Though not as cheap as it used to be years ago... :? This sword still performs for the price, maybe even more.
Pros
- Nice cutting ability
- Very nice looking practical sword
- The handling and weight of the sword is superb
- Fast delivery when I ordered
Cons
- SHWING! The problem with the throat of the scabbard may eventually dull the sword, but it can be fixed.
- Rough but even finish on the blade
- Mild steel fittings in my opinion will be a pain to preserve from rust without oiling it
The Bottom Line
This sword simply exceeded my expectations and will be a great part in my collection. Being my first medieval, it give me a good first impression with medieval swords. Who knows, maybe I'll buy more medievals... (Though my budget may restrict me from ever doing that...) And quite frankly, I am still so interested with Japanese swords...
(The katana is my SBG Custom, my personal favorite )
Anyway, I would recommend this sword to anyone looking for their first medieval, maybe even their first sword. Great for a person on a budget looking for a nice practical medieval sword.
And I just noticed how biased this review is... :mrgreen: I was writing this with no sleep
Introduction
As a growing sword collector, I knew I had to expand to a different new kind of swords and I chose to expand with the classical Medievals. I was excited and confused with finding the right first medieval sword for me. After having the time to think, I finally chose the Hanwei Tinker Pierce Bastard Sword. I am also excited to share my review on this sword, even though I have only experience on Japanese swords. :mrgreen:
Historical overview
I really don't have an exact idea of which sword this came from, but I can guess that this sword is kind of like a Hand and a Half Sword. Not sure if the Hex nut on the handle is also historically accurate for medievals but the practical look of the sword gives this sword a uniform that I kinda find usual for common medieval sword.
Full Disclosure
Just the ordinary sword collector that purchased this sword on Kult of Athena for sale at the price of $200, in total of $230 including tax and shipping. I have experience with Japanese swords so far, this is my first medieval, so don't expect a pro review on it. :? But this review may be interesting for those who want to see a newbie's view on this sword.
Initial Impressions
From all of my sword-shipping waiting, this has by far the fastest!
Bought it on Thursday and just received it today on 12/10/12. Packaging was plain and simple, a box and some brown paper wrapping. The sword was undamaged and arrived safely in my inexperienced hands
. The moment I picked up the sword, I COULDN'T GET IT OFF MY HANDS! It was so fun to wield such a sword. Until I got over it, I finally noticed the one thing that I should've noticed the first thing, something I should've heard...SHWING!
Yep, my sword was grinding against the metal throat of the scabbard
Oh well, I can fix that later... Right? :? Statistics
(Some statistics were taken from the Kult of Athena website):
Blade Length: 33 5/16"
Handle Length: 7"
Overall Length: 42 3/4
Guard Width: 7 7/8"
POB (Point of Balance): 3 1/2"
Weight: 2 lb 6.5 oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is made of 5160 Spring steel, marquenched and is around the hardness of 50-53. (As taken from the KoA site) 5160 is a pretty good steel and I am pretty excited to get my first spring steel sword, though obviously I'm not going to swing this at trees. :lol: Just nice to have a tough steel for a sword.
This blade type in my opinion is what I like about this sword. Simply straight and a fuller on a blade. I then realized that there was obviously no hamon... *Facepalm (So used to seeing Japanese swords :lol: )
THe polish on the blade is a bit rough, but pretty even. This is a practical sword, so the polish is obviously not superb but utilitarian. The tip is also done pretty nicely.
The Handle and Fittings
The handle is wrapped with black leather and the seam seems pretty well hidden.
The guard and the pommel are made of mild steel. Both fittings are pretty plain, but they look attractive by just the simplicity, no?
The pommel is round and is attached to the handle by a hex screw nut. This feature will make any future customization easy and won't damage the sword
... If only I can find the screw driver. :? The Scabbard
The scabbard is also wrapped with black leather and features to fittings on both ends made of a mild steel. I was naive enough to think there wouldn't be a seam, but there was... :lol: And I don't see that as a problem.
I mentioned earlier that the throat kind grinds against the sword's blade, which I'm worried about since it may grind away the edge after a few more draws... Other than that, the blade fits in nicely in the scabbard with only a slight rattling, but it rattled because I was shaking it a bit too crazy...
Handling Characteristics
As a person who has only handled Japanese katanas, this sword is one the most maneuverable sword I have handled. Though I was indoors, I was able to make quick swings with it. The sword produced a slight tachi-kaze (Sorry, "tachi-kaze" was the first thing that popped in my head) when swinging.
Test Cutting
I only had the cardboard box that was it was shipped in as my target. The cuts I made were decent and was sharp on both sides. The blade can barely cut paper on both sides, but the scabbard may continue to dull the sword even more :?
Conclusions
The Hanwei Tinker Pierce Bastard Sword is an excellent first medieval for anyone. Though not as cheap as it used to be years ago... :? This sword still performs for the price, maybe even more.
Pros
- Nice cutting ability
- Very nice looking practical sword
- The handling and weight of the sword is superb
- Fast delivery when I ordered
Cons
- SHWING! The problem with the throat of the scabbard may eventually dull the sword, but it can be fixed.
- Rough but even finish on the blade
- Mild steel fittings in my opinion will be a pain to preserve from rust without oiling it
The Bottom Line
This sword simply exceeded my expectations and will be a great part in my collection.
Being my first medieval, it give me a good first impression with medieval swords. Who knows, maybe I'll buy more medievals... (Though my budget may restrict me from ever doing that...) And quite frankly, I am still so interested with Japanese swords...(The katana is my SBG Custom, my personal favorite )
Anyway, I would recommend this sword to anyone looking for their first medieval, maybe even their first sword. Great for a person on a budget looking for a nice practical medieval sword.
And I just noticed how biased this review is... :mrgreen: I was writing this with no sleep
