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Post by Morsus on Jan 25, 2013 3:21:23 GMT
Hello SBG Community. I recently thought about purchasing my first fully functional battle ready sword. I've always loved swords, bows and knives ever since I was young and have been collecting some over the years. I've mainly collected the latter two rather which a few good bows and knives but my favorite weapon has always been a good old sword and particularly those of the two-handed variety. I've been researching tempering methods, tang structures and all in depth. I've known for a while the basic differences between a real sword and a display sword or a wall-hanger but lately I've taken it upon myself to look into some matters such as preferable steel for a sword and such. I'm looking for a two-handed sword, or a greatsword and I've looked at a few reviews, unboxings, and store pages and found a select few I'm interested in. My price range is from $200-$350 or so plus shipping. These swords are: darksword-armory.com/products-pa ... word-1352/ darksword-armory.com/products-pa ... word-1324/ darksword-armory.com/products-pa ... word-1356/ www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... Hand+Sword www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... s+Warsword I'm aware of the manufacturer's of the swords, particularly about Windlass' larger blades being a little whippy. I'm just curious if this is still the case because I really like the Warsword a lot. I've heard a lot about Windlass but I've also heard a lot about improvement. Same story with DSA a few years ago. What would be some recommendations and/or advice?
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Post by William Swiger on Jan 25, 2013 4:59:00 GMT
I cannot recommed the first three. I have been interested in the Windlass 2-hand but have read conflicting reports of the blade being overly flexible. Have not read anything positive on the Hero's sword. My recommendation is the Hanwei Bastard Sword - Antiqued - SH2250N. Big sword and I own 2 of them. www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... D+Antiqued
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Jan 25, 2013 11:33:34 GMT
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Post by William Swiger on Jan 25, 2013 12:17:55 GMT
Ulahn is dead on for the claymore swords. Not for everyone due to the weight but have the cool factor.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
VIP Reviewer
Retired Moderator
No matter where you go, there you are.
Posts: 8,828
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 25, 2013 13:51:10 GMT
The above recommendations are solid... for a Windlass two handed sword, you can't go wrong with this one: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... Long+Sword I've owned two of them and handled several others... all were very good which means a consistency of quality. This is important with Windlass swords. There is also this: kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2424 If your looking for a greatsword on a budget, you can't do better then this one IMO. I've owned three of these and handled over 30 others. I still consider picking one up now and modifying it, its THAT good.
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Post by Arwyn on Jan 25, 2013 15:13:47 GMT
I would agree with the above, and add a few.
Sean is dead bang on for the recommendation of the Hanwei Tinker Great Sword of War. Its an excellent starter greatsword. The blade DOES have some flex to it, but it is very well balanced and that is a big deal for these larger swords.
The English Two handed sword is pretty whippy, at least in the two I have handled. You can email Kult of Athena for comments/recommendations on the swords, they will be spot on most of the time.
The Hero's Warsword is a giant crowbar. It is very solid, and very tough, and NOT at all agile. It is way too heavy. There is no distal taper to the blade, it handles like a very large iron bar.
There is a HUGE difference between swinging a three pound sword and a six (or seven) pound sword, if you are actually looking to cut with these. If you are looking into that, start smaller.
The GSOW is a good starter, or go with the Hanwei Claymore if you really want a big one.
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Post by templar on Jan 25, 2013 15:54:24 GMT
I very much agree with the Windlass long sword (or sword of roven on their site) and the Hanwei bastard-antiqued. I have both and they are among my favorite Euro swords. I like my GSOW, but it is much too flexible for my taste.
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Post by Morsus on Jan 25, 2013 21:13:48 GMT
Do you mean overall DSA isn't advisable or just haven't bought any? Great responses! Thanks for all the recommendations, advice and suggestions so far! Absolutely great alternatives. I think I'm going to rule out the Warsword and English Longsword as well the the DSA Witchking (slightly long handle for me and a little heavy). I've looked at the Hanwei Claymore and GSOW before and nothing really jumps out at me though. I do have a claymore wall-hanger now and the GSOW just seems a bit bulky and slightly unappealing to me, anyways. I like the Lowlander but the threaded pommel and disassembled packaging is a turn off for me. Just my thoughts on these though. I just couldn't see myself handling any of them, well except the Claymore. The Lowlander is just as tall as me which would I think give me a bit of trouble handling, if not a lot. www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... D+Antiqued Though this has peaked my curiosity all over again and does look extremely nice. The scabbard looks very nice as well. I'm still really looking the the DSA Danish though because I love the design and length though I'd prefer it in black leather I think. The DSA 14th Century also still looks good to me as well, despite the whole fur thing.It is a little odd and I've read reviews that its not always favorable. But the Hanwei Antiqued looks good now too... Any personal experience or thoughts on these three? Also curious to see other suggestions as well. Love the responses!
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Post by William Swiger on Jan 25, 2013 21:31:02 GMT
From my experience with several DSA swords over the last few years, I think there are better swords out there for the same or less money if you want a cutting sword. If you are not going to use the sword for cutting, and/or just swing it around or display it, DSA is a valid option. Most folks find them to be more of a project sword to work on to make them decent cutters. The sharpening option from DSA is pretty rough and will need more work when you get the sword.
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Post by Morsus on Jan 27, 2013 0:54:40 GMT
Alrighty, so if I wanted more of a cutting sword I would go with the Hanwei Bastard then and for display/swinging DSA would be better. I don't necessarily intend to have to do a lot of maintenance to anything such as sharpening or fixing threaded pommels so perhaps the Antiqued Bastard might be my best bet. On sale too. Thanks to everyone!
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