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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2008 12:08:18 GMT
Hi there, I was looking for something evil, wicked, mean and nasty to keep under my pillow (big pillow)...and I saw the review of the "official" replica elsewhere on SBG. Earlier today, I saw this item: www.swordsofvalor.com/WLS300sword.htmland wanted to know if anybody here has an opinion or any info on the Windlass version? Good, Bad or Ugly? Same? I like the re-wrapped grip option they offer, but the way the handle is hammered on gives me a little concern. (I had some WWII Ranger knives from India back in the 80's that were made that way, not bad, but not great either). Any feedback is most welcome. Thanks in advance. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2008 18:38:52 GMT
I read on the forums somewhere somebody having the concern that the Windlass swords have a tendency to be whippy. Anybody else care to comment?
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Post by jpfranco on Feb 27, 2008 19:24:52 GMT
I read on the forums somewhere somebody having the concern that the Windlass swords have a tendency to be whippy. Anybody else care to comment? The whippy factor tend to be present primarily in Windlass longer blades. The 300 should be ok. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2008 21:25:31 GMT
mancosbob scroll around the site i know arms of valor did a video showing this sword in action and they stated that its very stiff and a great light duty cutter thats very fast it might be even on there web sight
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2008 21:27:21 GMT
its in sword reviews page 2
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Post by Brian of DBK on Feb 27, 2008 21:32:54 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2008 22:21:07 GMT
Ahhh, okay, now I feel better; I just needed to make sure that: www.necaonline.com/product/detail/49202and the Windlass are not the same swords. Right? It was the review on this page: www.sword-buyers-guide.com/300-movie-replica-swords.htmlthe last part that gave me pause. This being due to the SoV statement about their Windlass also being a liscensed model....I think I see the light now. Of course I also have my eye on the Roman Wasp Waisted Gladius by Generation 2 for the same duty. I'm Scots-Irish and Italian...the Italian side of me really like that Gladius; maybe I like it too much! Thanks again, my brothers in arms. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2008 2:50:22 GMT
I thought the Windlass version was the "official" version? Mine says it's Frank Miller's officially licensed version and has a CoA in the box to "prove" it! Whatever. Anyway I plan to do my own test when the weather warms enough to spend some time outside. The problem I see with the provided video is that the target medium is very brittle causing some breaks to occur at angles not matching the sword's entry path. If you watch very carefully you can see it. This to me suggests the target "cracking" rather than being "cut". When I do my test it will be with more standardized mediums such as bottles and cardboard.
Yes, the blade is VERY thin. Less than 3mm at the hilt, but is short enough that I don't believe any "whippiness" will be a problem.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2008 3:29:13 GMT
The NECA company (a toy company  ) got the rights to make the movie prop replica for 300. Frank Miller was so disappointed by the quality that he commissioned Windlass to make one based on his designs. The results are a good quality 300 sword with a peened pommel. It is very broad, well tempered, and strong. If you buy a 300 sword do not be fooled by any of the knock offs or even the "official" movie prop replica by NECA. If you want a good 300 sword go with the Windlass version. And of course you can't go wrong with the Gen 2 Waisted Gladius though you might have to wait a while as they sell faster than they can be made. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2008 19:42:15 GMT
The problem I see with the provided video is that the target medium is very brittle causing some breaks to occur at angles not matching the sword's entry path. If you watch very carefully you can see it. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2008 1:48:55 GMT
Ya, the first album is one of their best IMHO. It could have been a dull sword. They do charge a slight extra fee for sharpening, which I did go with. I don't think the tester was afraid of hitting with it. It appeared to me he was swingin' pretty hard! Rest assured when I do my testing it will be with a blade as sharp as I can get it.
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Post by swordboy bringer of chaos on Feb 29, 2008 1:58:03 GMT
brian you have way to much fun at your job
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Post by Brian of DBK on Feb 29, 2008 2:08:08 GMT
brian you have way to much fun at your job I don't think anyone noticed that was me in the video. The sword is razor sharp in the video. The target(s) in the video were a very thick laminated foamboard, followed up with a thick plastic hoolahoop, and into a tree stump. Anymore demonstrations of durability needed? It would/will cut through just about any target you would with any other sword. Edit: I highly recommend my custom grip with this sword, however, as the grip on it isn't all that neat, nor functional. I add thickness to the rear of the handle, and extra grip with a premium leather. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2008 13:19:25 GMT
Thanks Brian...
I am still going around in circles about which blade to get first; being indecisive is a real curse. Even worse, a third blade has entered the fracas; the "Kaze" Ko-Katana by Cheness, heaven help me. I'm a short sword and carbine kind of guy; my favorite rifle was a custom built No.5 Enfield in .308. True it had a wee bit of a kick, but it was tack driver, and an absolute pleasure to carry about.
I have seen more than a few wish threads on this forum, but if I had a wish, it would be to have a reputable blade dealer within a days march of my tiny village.
I am a hands on kind of guy; I can usually tell by the feel if I have a gem or junk in my presence. I once had an importer toss me an AK-47 and ask my opinion. After about a ten second inspection I told him it was a non firing weapon. He was shocked that I could tell that fast, with a single working of the mechanism. Lack of hands on "bonding" is the single greatest stumbling block for me and Internet sales. And I do like to support my local vendors whenever possible.
The 300 blade looks neat, but was not anything that really existed...but it looks junk yard dog mean, and it was in a magnificent film as well! The Gen2 Gladius is, at least to me, the perfect close quarter "long knife", I feel it has no peer in the area I intend to deploy it; and who was not swept away with RC in Gladiator. The Ko Katana is graceful; to me the Japanese swords have always been the most beautiful, almost elegant, edged weapons I have ever seen. Plus I saw all those cool 70's Samurai films and really like the the style and grace of those fights.
So, I have sort of decided what the next three might be, but where to start is the issue. I keep leaning towards the Gladius; my mind was almost made up too, and then I saw that short bladed, standard handled Kaze Ko Katana...there are just too many really great choices.
+1 at ya buddy...
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Post by Jeff K. ( Jak) on Mar 13, 2008 1:40:54 GMT
Ha! I just ordered this sword.  Thanks for the vid Brian. |
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Post by Brian of DBK on Mar 13, 2008 1:50:27 GMT
Sweet! Getting the grip custom too?
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Post by Jeff K. ( Jak) on Mar 13, 2008 1:56:58 GMT
Id like to. Unfortunately I couldnt buy it through AOV (no paypal option)  . To bad, Id like to give my fellow forumites my buisiness....a credit card is on the way shortly so in the future....Anyway,about the custom grips you do, I love the look of them pretty much all the swords you've done (great job) but I didnt care for the widened section at the pommel end of the 300 sword. Is this necessary for the wrap, or can you leave that out? |
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Post by Brian of DBK on Mar 13, 2008 2:27:41 GMT
Id like to. Unfortunately I couldnt buy it through AOV (no paypal option) . To bad, Id like to give my fellow forumites my buisiness....a credit card is on the way shortly so in the future....Anyway,about the custom grips you do, I love the look of them pretty much all the swords you've done (great job) but I didnt care for the widened section at the pommel end of the 300 sword. Is this necessary for the wrap, or can you leave that out? Too bad, I'm sure Jason or I could figure out a payment solution if you chose to buy through AoV. As for the grip, the widening of the handle at the pommel end is by design, and not only increases comfort, but also helps the control of the sword. The blade wants to 'twist' in the hand without it, and the widened grip at the pommel end keeps the positioning of the handle in your hand stay proper. On top of all that, the pommel wants to dig into the part of your hand that grips there during your swing, which I eliminate this discomfort with the custom grip. |
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Post by Jeff K. ( Jak) on Mar 13, 2008 2:45:50 GMT
Hmm, yeah I hate it when the pommel digs into my hand. My Godfred is bad for that, but when held in the "handshake" grip its not so bad, but this sword might be hard to hold that way. I'll see how the sword performs when it arrives and maybe the custom wrap would be a good idea. Would you be able to gradually widen it so that its not so noticable? www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2112&close=2like this one (before it tapers down again) |
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) got the rights to make the movie prop replica for 300. Frank Miller was so disappointed by the quality that he commissioned Windlass to make one based on his designs. The results are a good quality 300 sword with a peened pommel. It is very broad, well tempered, and strong.
Thanks for the vid Brian. 
. To bad, Id like to give my fellow forumites my buisiness....a credit card is on the way shortly so in the future....Anyway,about the custom grips you do, I love the look of them pretty much all the swords you've done (great job) but I didnt care for the widened section at the pommel end of the 300 sword. Is this necessary for the wrap, or can you leave that out?
