Windlass Henri VIII sword
Apr 3, 2013 10:03:38 GMT
Post by Alfacentori on Apr 3, 2013 10:03:38 GMT
Introduction
I have wanted to add this to my collection for a while, and finally decided to purchase one before they go out of production, thus making sword number 5 in my collection.
Historical overview
I won't go into this as I couldn't possible outdo one of the reviews already done by a dedicated member, the short answer is no, its not historical.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=574
Full Disclosure
I have no relationship to Windlass, and purchased from MRL at full price of $225 plus sharpening (I missed it on special but decided to buy it anyway)
Initial Impressions
It was very well packed, no problems there, and once I got through the three boxes I unwrapped it and looked over my newest addition. Overall it looked good, the blade was covered in a waxy substance and had a nice edge, all good so far.
Statistics
From MRL
Overall: 43"
Blade: 36" long, 2" wide, 3/16" thick
Wt: 3 lbs/4 oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is the best part of this sword, its long, firm (not whippy), and quite nice to look at as it comes down to a fine point. That said I think it would be rather fragile if you carried it into battle
The Handle
Part wire and leather (perhaps faux) wrapped, everything was tight, no complaints.
The Guard
It's large, solid, simple, and gold. Enough said.
The Pommel
The pommel is quite large in the hand, and the simple patterning is quite nice, no problems.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the most disappointing element of the deal and badly lets down the sword it holds. The scabbard is light compared to my DSA 12 C Medieval Templar, even taking into account the size difference. The leather (if it is leather) feels plastic and the wood of the scabbard is very thin. All gold surfaces on the scabbard also had small pits (I originally thought they were wax but cleaning revealed them as pits in the gold plating), and in a couple of spots you can see the dark metal under the gold coming through. The scabbard also does not line up evenly with the sword, leaving surprisingly large gaps. Overall, not nice.
Handling Characteristics
I'm no sword master, but it feels quite nimble in the hand, and balance also seems reasonable. That said this is clearly not a sword made for taking abuse.
Conclusions
I didn't really know what to expect from my first Windlass and a cheap medieval sword. Overall its nice to look at, feels like a real sword, is sharp (credit to MRL there), and is collectible. But the manufacturing defects in the scabbard and scabbard quality leave a little to be desired in terms of an overall package.
Pros
-It's gold
-It's collectible
-It's sharp (MRL)
-It's pretty
Cons
-The scabbard is a let down
-It's blade would be fragile for any actual use
The Bottom Line
Would I recommend this sword, well that depends,
-If you want it to cut with, NO,
-If you want a nice looking collectible sword for you collection, yes (if on special)
I have wanted to add this to my collection for a while, and finally decided to purchase one before they go out of production, thus making sword number 5 in my collection.
Historical overview
I won't go into this as I couldn't possible outdo one of the reviews already done by a dedicated member, the short answer is no, its not historical.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=574
Full Disclosure
I have no relationship to Windlass, and purchased from MRL at full price of $225 plus sharpening (I missed it on special but decided to buy it anyway)
Initial Impressions
It was very well packed, no problems there, and once I got through the three boxes I unwrapped it and looked over my newest addition. Overall it looked good, the blade was covered in a waxy substance and had a nice edge, all good so far.
Statistics
From MRL
Overall: 43"
Blade: 36" long, 2" wide, 3/16" thick
Wt: 3 lbs/4 oz
Components
The Blade
The blade is the best part of this sword, its long, firm (not whippy), and quite nice to look at as it comes down to a fine point. That said I think it would be rather fragile if you carried it into battle
The Handle
Part wire and leather (perhaps faux) wrapped, everything was tight, no complaints.
The Guard
It's large, solid, simple, and gold. Enough said.
The Pommel
The pommel is quite large in the hand, and the simple patterning is quite nice, no problems.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the most disappointing element of the deal and badly lets down the sword it holds. The scabbard is light compared to my DSA 12 C Medieval Templar, even taking into account the size difference. The leather (if it is leather) feels plastic and the wood of the scabbard is very thin. All gold surfaces on the scabbard also had small pits (I originally thought they were wax but cleaning revealed them as pits in the gold plating), and in a couple of spots you can see the dark metal under the gold coming through. The scabbard also does not line up evenly with the sword, leaving surprisingly large gaps. Overall, not nice.
Handling Characteristics
I'm no sword master, but it feels quite nimble in the hand, and balance also seems reasonable. That said this is clearly not a sword made for taking abuse.
Conclusions
I didn't really know what to expect from my first Windlass and a cheap medieval sword. Overall its nice to look at, feels like a real sword, is sharp (credit to MRL there), and is collectible. But the manufacturing defects in the scabbard and scabbard quality leave a little to be desired in terms of an overall package.
Pros
-It's gold
-It's collectible
-It's sharp (MRL)
-It's pretty
Cons
-The scabbard is a let down
-It's blade would be fragile for any actual use
The Bottom Line
Would I recommend this sword, well that depends,
-If you want it to cut with, NO,
-If you want a nice looking collectible sword for you collection, yes (if on special)