Windlass English Cutlass
Jul 3, 2014 23:41:08 GMT
Post by El Chingon on Jul 3, 2014 23:41:08 GMT
First try at a review, and my photog skills need work. 
Introduction
My first love in swords was the sabre. Some of my favorite
shows when I was little featured one as the main protagonist's
weapon of choice. Now a cutlass is very much just a short (but
stouter) sabre, and I do prefer shorter blades. I decided it
was time to own one and my web search began to locate a
suitable piece. My journey took me from this forum to youtube
and other places to learn who's models were good, who's QC was
good and of course pricing. After some emailing to and from a
couple vendors, I decided on Kult of Athena. I placed the order
and then began the horrible wait. I ordered the sharpening
service after viewing some of the youtube vids I saw, and it
did come recommended by Ryan at KOA.
Historical Overview
This sword is modeled after the 1751p British Infantry Hanger
Similar swords were made by a few manufacturers
of the time. This one appears closest to the ones made by
Samuel Harvey of Birmingham England, then Britain's top
sword maker. Pommel and makers marks aside, this appears to be
an excellent replica of the original.
Full Disclosure
I have no connections to KOA or Windlass. Paid regular price,
sharpened.
Initial Impressions
Came in standard rectangular box, wrapped in tons of twisted
brown paper. I know this piece isn't the heaviest thing out
there, but I was still taken by the light feel of it. Covered
in some kinda dark grease, which took a while to clean off. Ordering was simple, my only complaint was that Windlass apparently has a policy that getting one of their blades sharpened means that it has to come from the forge sharp, not at KOA, which adds at least a week to shipping time.
Stats
Blade length: a shade just over 25"
Grip length: about 4"
Overall Length: 29 3/4"
Guard width: roughly 3"
POB 4 3/4"
COP
Weight 2lb 3oz
Components
Blade has a thin fuller along each side terminating just before
the false upper edge.
Grip is all brass in a spiral design.
Guard is heart shaped with 3 branches.
Pommel has a sort of scent stopper look.
Scabbard is leather with brass hardware at throat and chape.
Handling Characteristics
As I have never owned a cutlass before, I cannot say how close this handles compared to an original. I am 5'7" and it moves easily in the hand.
Conclusions
It feels solid. The blade was very scuffed under all the grease, so I had to sit and work those down some with a bit of metal polish. I believe these were supposed to come with some kinda leather or felt washer, which was absent. There's a half inch opening at the base of the spot where guard meets blade and while it doesn't change the feeling of how solid it all is, it is however a bit of an eyesore to me. If they were to revise this model I would recommend a slightly thicker grip and a smaller tang slot in the guard. For the price paid, it is still a good,serviceable piece.
Pros
- Quick in the hand
- solid construction, nothing feels loose or wobbly
- Attractive once you clean it up
Cons
- blade was very scuffed towards the tip(a good metal polish will reduce this)
- Missing washer and gap in the guard's tang slot
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this sword to anyone looking for a good replica of British Infantry arms, or a good cutlass. Good value for the money.
Introduction
My first love in swords was the sabre. Some of my favorite
shows when I was little featured one as the main protagonist's
weapon of choice. Now a cutlass is very much just a short (but
stouter) sabre, and I do prefer shorter blades. I decided it
was time to own one and my web search began to locate a
suitable piece. My journey took me from this forum to youtube
and other places to learn who's models were good, who's QC was
good and of course pricing. After some emailing to and from a
couple vendors, I decided on Kult of Athena. I placed the order
and then began the horrible wait. I ordered the sharpening
service after viewing some of the youtube vids I saw, and it
did come recommended by Ryan at KOA.
Historical Overview
This sword is modeled after the 1751p British Infantry Hanger
Similar swords were made by a few manufacturers
of the time. This one appears closest to the ones made by
Samuel Harvey of Birmingham England, then Britain's top
sword maker. Pommel and makers marks aside, this appears to be
an excellent replica of the original.
Full Disclosure
I have no connections to KOA or Windlass. Paid regular price,
sharpened.
Initial Impressions
Came in standard rectangular box, wrapped in tons of twisted
brown paper. I know this piece isn't the heaviest thing out
there, but I was still taken by the light feel of it. Covered
in some kinda dark grease, which took a while to clean off. Ordering was simple, my only complaint was that Windlass apparently has a policy that getting one of their blades sharpened means that it has to come from the forge sharp, not at KOA, which adds at least a week to shipping time.
Stats
Blade length: a shade just over 25"
Grip length: about 4"
Overall Length: 29 3/4"
Guard width: roughly 3"
POB 4 3/4"
COP
Weight 2lb 3oz
Components
Blade has a thin fuller along each side terminating just before
the false upper edge.
Grip is all brass in a spiral design.
Guard is heart shaped with 3 branches.
Pommel has a sort of scent stopper look.
Scabbard is leather with brass hardware at throat and chape.
Handling Characteristics
As I have never owned a cutlass before, I cannot say how close this handles compared to an original. I am 5'7" and it moves easily in the hand.
Conclusions
It feels solid. The blade was very scuffed under all the grease, so I had to sit and work those down some with a bit of metal polish. I believe these were supposed to come with some kinda leather or felt washer, which was absent. There's a half inch opening at the base of the spot where guard meets blade and while it doesn't change the feeling of how solid it all is, it is however a bit of an eyesore to me. If they were to revise this model I would recommend a slightly thicker grip and a smaller tang slot in the guard. For the price paid, it is still a good,serviceable piece.
Pros
- Quick in the hand
- solid construction, nothing feels loose or wobbly
- Attractive once you clean it up
Cons
- blade was very scuffed towards the tip(a good metal polish will reduce this)
- Missing washer and gap in the guard's tang slot
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this sword to anyone looking for a good replica of British Infantry arms, or a good cutlass. Good value for the money.
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