Windlass European Sword Review
Aug 29, 2014 3:04:43 GMT
Post by nddave on Aug 29, 2014 3:04:43 GMT
Windlass European Sword Review
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi everybody,
So I finally got it. My European Sword arrived last night and now after doing some dry handling and taking some measurements I’m ready to present you all with my review for the Windlass European Sword.
Historical overview
This sword has had an ongoing debate on just where it would fit historically. Windlass on the MRL web site places it as a 14th century sword. Some believe it to be a Type XII or XVI in the Oakeshott typology. I have another theory as to where this sword fits in the Typology and after handling it, taking measurements and doing two weeks of research (thanks to the delay in shipping and receiving) I feel I have a pretty accurate placement for this sword’s blade type.
I believe this sword to be a Type XI, a unique blade type that primarily saw use in the 12th century as a horseman’s sword. The rise in use of mounted cavalry widened on the battle field in the 12th century. This prominence was primarily due the advancements to the saddle, as well as the weapons and tactics of mounted combat. Even though the main weapon of the cavalryman was the Lance, they still needed their side arm. So was developed a longer narrower cousin to the prominently used at the time Type X and Xa variants, the Type XI. It could also be argued that due to the more tapering blade profile and acute tip that this sword could be a type XII. Though the extended fuller and length could counter that argument.
Having a uniquely longer blade (34”-37”) and more tapering profile, the Type XI seemed the perfect sword for mounted combat to the European soldier. The sword’s long narrow blade allowed long low sweeping cuts to the infantryman on foot from horseback. The Type XI though only saw a short life span of around a century. After the introduction of the Longbow and Pole arm the cavalry of the middle ages ferocity on the battlefield died down and infantry regained the primary unit position. As such the soldiers of Europe turned back to the more standard arming sword types like the Type X and the newly developed Type XII which kept many of the features of the XI but with a more standard arming sword blade length, as well as a reduced fuller to allow more sturdiness for the thrust against the evolving armor of that period. It could be speculated that the Type XI is what turned smiths onto the design of the two handed Long sword which saw its introduction through the type XIIa design at the turn of the 12th century.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am neither affiliated with Museum Replicas ltd or Windlass Steelcrafts. I paid for this sword in full at a reduced price thanks to MRL’s Weekend Weapon Deal. Plus the sweet 10% discount thanks to SBG. I am not being paid to do this review, I’m just a fellow sword loving forum member that enjoys reviewing and discussing swords here on this forum with it’s awesome community.
Initial Impressions
From the start of un-boxing I was really excited to see and feel how this handled. This is my fist early period sword as the majority of my collection is late period. Packing was top notch as usual from MRL. Sword came in bubble wrap over heavy formed paper and plastic wrap. Just like my Hero’s War sword. The Scabbard came wrapped in the same tube of heavy paper as the sword but had its own heavy wrap as well as plastic and wax paper to protect it, great packaging. Funny though, with my Effigy I got two magazines and a DVD, with my Hero’s I got a MRL tote bag, with this sword I got a two sided Halloween add and a green Atlanta Cutlery ballpoint pen (probably by accident).
Statistics
Blade Length: 34” (Width at the base 2” tapering to 1” at the fuller end and 1/4”at the tip)
Handle Length: 3 3/4” (3 3/4” round at the guard tapering to 3” round at the pommel)
Overall Length: 40”
Guard Width: 7” (1/4” length slightly tapering to the ends)
Point of Balance: 5 1/2”
Center of Percussion: 23” up from the guard
Weight: Little over 2lbs
The Blade
The blade’s profile would classify this sword’s primary function as a cutter. It has a flat lenticular profile with a long narrowing fuller running almost the entire length of the blade. The fuller stops at 6” from the tip, the fullers do have some slight unevenness at the base and on one side at the end. Nothing drastic though and gives it that handmade feel to the blade. The P.O.B is low sitting at 5 1/2” from the guard, a standard for early period cutting swords. The polish is surprisingly not as mirror as most Windlass swords I own and have seen. It has a nice finish that isn’t as rough as Hanwei Medievals but not too glossy as most Windlass swords. The blade is long compared to the average arming sword both historically and from what’s offered in the modern market. It isn’t quite as long as the average Long sword (36”) but is still longer than the average arming sword (30”-32”).
The lower portion of the blade has a flat diamond profile but still seems very lenticular, or at least was profiled to reduce the diamond by Windlass to simulate a flatter cross section. The tip is acute but still has a more spatulate profile. If I were to compare it to any of my current swords I’d say the tip is very similar to my Roven. Though unlike my Roven the last portions of the blade don’t taper as prominently to the tip as the Roven does. Here’s a pic showing the Roven, European and my Effigy sword (European in the middle) just to show how different the swords taper down to the tip.
The Handle
The handle is of standard arming sword length sitting between 3”-4”. The grip has a under wrap of cord and is wrapped in a fine black leather, which is nice and tight. The leather feels softer and of better quality than my Roven, but perhaps I’m just feeling the “new leather” feel. There has been some debate on if the leather is real or simulated and by my judgment I believe it to be real. It is comfortable in both grip styles but feel the sword handles better with a handshake grip. I must give Windlass kudos for the seam termination as most other seams I’ve handled and seen can be pretty rough from them. This one though is smooth and comfortable and I don’t feel the worry that it may fall apart.
The Guard
The guard is made of polished steel and is 7” from end to end. The guard has a length of just 1/4” at the handle that tapers slightly towards the ends. It is of the Type 7 Style and very well cast. It has a more rectangular shape but the edges are not sharp and they feel comfortable when pressed against the hand. I feel a straight cross would’ve looked better in my opinion but it does give it a unique look that isn’t so standard.
The Pommel
The pommel is made of steel and is of a Type I Style. It is 2” wide and is pretty thick at 3/4”. It is solid and heavy providing a decent amount of hilt weight to counter the balance point. It is cast well and mirror polished. The pommel is peened to the sword and has the usual Windlass un-ground finish. The peen is well done but you can feel the edges slightly when rubbing your finger over it. There are a few slight indentures where you can see they hammered it on. The pommel overall is comfortable to the bottom of the hand and doesn’t get in your way when in swing.
The Scabbard
Standard Windlass Leather scabbard. The mouth and chape are polished steel and the black scabbard core is the standard semi-hard leather stitched in the back like most all standard Windlass scabbards. Nothing fancy but it fits snug and is still a nice addition for the price. It does its job and still is moderately attractive for carrying on a belt. Something unique to this scabbard is the chape. Unlike most Windlass scabbards that have the little ball at the end, this one is flat.
Handling Characteristics
This sword handles great and gives a feeling of power when going full swing. Its light enough so you won’t tire yourself out after multiple swings but you can feel that balance point come into effect by mid swing. It has a decent enough tip for thrusting and compared to most Windlass offerings is quite stout in blade profile. It still has decent flex but this is definitely one Windlass model that’s completely off the whippy list. Having only handled later period swords with either low balance points and or Long swords, I must say this is a fun sword to swing around and really shows me how the cut focused blades handle.
Test Cutting
No cutting yet as I haven’t sharpened it yet. Once I get it sharpened I’ll add to the review like with my Hero’s War sword review. I’d still like to post video or two but still can’t figure out how to, or find a camera person since I only have my cellphone to record video. Plus I may be a little camera shy...LOL.
Conclusions
Overall I’m pretty impressed with this sword. It’s always been revered as one of Windlass’ top tier offerings and I absolutely agree with that sentiment. For under $200 this sword is an amazing piece and I don’t think you can find anything of its caliber below the $400 price range. Be it a Type XI or XII or just a hodgepodge of popular Medieval sword models, you can’t go wrong with this sword.
Pros
- Well-made high carbon blade of 1060 spring steel.
- Excellent fit and finish for the price point.
- Interesting early medieval period sword design.
Cons
- Minor finish issues like the peen and fuller.
- Cheap scabbard may not be up to some collectors’ standards.
The Bottom Line
For the Price and quality you can’t go wrong with the Windlass European Sword. Windlass is my favorite vendor in the sub $300 market for a reason and that reason is swords like the European. Some might argue my typology classification which is fine, isn’t that why we are here, to friendly debate and discuss swords? Overall though you can’t go wrong with the European, it’s definitely in the top ten of Windlass models.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi everybody,
So I finally got it. My European Sword arrived last night and now after doing some dry handling and taking some measurements I’m ready to present you all with my review for the Windlass European Sword.
Historical overview
This sword has had an ongoing debate on just where it would fit historically. Windlass on the MRL web site places it as a 14th century sword. Some believe it to be a Type XII or XVI in the Oakeshott typology. I have another theory as to where this sword fits in the Typology and after handling it, taking measurements and doing two weeks of research (thanks to the delay in shipping and receiving) I feel I have a pretty accurate placement for this sword’s blade type.
I believe this sword to be a Type XI, a unique blade type that primarily saw use in the 12th century as a horseman’s sword. The rise in use of mounted cavalry widened on the battle field in the 12th century. This prominence was primarily due the advancements to the saddle, as well as the weapons and tactics of mounted combat. Even though the main weapon of the cavalryman was the Lance, they still needed their side arm. So was developed a longer narrower cousin to the prominently used at the time Type X and Xa variants, the Type XI. It could also be argued that due to the more tapering blade profile and acute tip that this sword could be a type XII. Though the extended fuller and length could counter that argument.
Having a uniquely longer blade (34”-37”) and more tapering profile, the Type XI seemed the perfect sword for mounted combat to the European soldier. The sword’s long narrow blade allowed long low sweeping cuts to the infantryman on foot from horseback. The Type XI though only saw a short life span of around a century. After the introduction of the Longbow and Pole arm the cavalry of the middle ages ferocity on the battlefield died down and infantry regained the primary unit position. As such the soldiers of Europe turned back to the more standard arming sword types like the Type X and the newly developed Type XII which kept many of the features of the XI but with a more standard arming sword blade length, as well as a reduced fuller to allow more sturdiness for the thrust against the evolving armor of that period. It could be speculated that the Type XI is what turned smiths onto the design of the two handed Long sword which saw its introduction through the type XIIa design at the turn of the 12th century.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am neither affiliated with Museum Replicas ltd or Windlass Steelcrafts. I paid for this sword in full at a reduced price thanks to MRL’s Weekend Weapon Deal. Plus the sweet 10% discount thanks to SBG. I am not being paid to do this review, I’m just a fellow sword loving forum member that enjoys reviewing and discussing swords here on this forum with it’s awesome community.
Initial Impressions
From the start of un-boxing I was really excited to see and feel how this handled. This is my fist early period sword as the majority of my collection is late period. Packing was top notch as usual from MRL. Sword came in bubble wrap over heavy formed paper and plastic wrap. Just like my Hero’s War sword. The Scabbard came wrapped in the same tube of heavy paper as the sword but had its own heavy wrap as well as plastic and wax paper to protect it, great packaging. Funny though, with my Effigy I got two magazines and a DVD, with my Hero’s I got a MRL tote bag, with this sword I got a two sided Halloween add and a green Atlanta Cutlery ballpoint pen (probably by accident).
Statistics
Blade Length: 34” (Width at the base 2” tapering to 1” at the fuller end and 1/4”at the tip)
Handle Length: 3 3/4” (3 3/4” round at the guard tapering to 3” round at the pommel)
Overall Length: 40”
Guard Width: 7” (1/4” length slightly tapering to the ends)
Point of Balance: 5 1/2”
Center of Percussion: 23” up from the guard
Weight: Little over 2lbs
The Blade
The blade’s profile would classify this sword’s primary function as a cutter. It has a flat lenticular profile with a long narrowing fuller running almost the entire length of the blade. The fuller stops at 6” from the tip, the fullers do have some slight unevenness at the base and on one side at the end. Nothing drastic though and gives it that handmade feel to the blade. The P.O.B is low sitting at 5 1/2” from the guard, a standard for early period cutting swords. The polish is surprisingly not as mirror as most Windlass swords I own and have seen. It has a nice finish that isn’t as rough as Hanwei Medievals but not too glossy as most Windlass swords. The blade is long compared to the average arming sword both historically and from what’s offered in the modern market. It isn’t quite as long as the average Long sword (36”) but is still longer than the average arming sword (30”-32”).
The lower portion of the blade has a flat diamond profile but still seems very lenticular, or at least was profiled to reduce the diamond by Windlass to simulate a flatter cross section. The tip is acute but still has a more spatulate profile. If I were to compare it to any of my current swords I’d say the tip is very similar to my Roven. Though unlike my Roven the last portions of the blade don’t taper as prominently to the tip as the Roven does. Here’s a pic showing the Roven, European and my Effigy sword (European in the middle) just to show how different the swords taper down to the tip.
The Handle
The handle is of standard arming sword length sitting between 3”-4”. The grip has a under wrap of cord and is wrapped in a fine black leather, which is nice and tight. The leather feels softer and of better quality than my Roven, but perhaps I’m just feeling the “new leather” feel. There has been some debate on if the leather is real or simulated and by my judgment I believe it to be real. It is comfortable in both grip styles but feel the sword handles better with a handshake grip. I must give Windlass kudos for the seam termination as most other seams I’ve handled and seen can be pretty rough from them. This one though is smooth and comfortable and I don’t feel the worry that it may fall apart.
The Guard
The guard is made of polished steel and is 7” from end to end. The guard has a length of just 1/4” at the handle that tapers slightly towards the ends. It is of the Type 7 Style and very well cast. It has a more rectangular shape but the edges are not sharp and they feel comfortable when pressed against the hand. I feel a straight cross would’ve looked better in my opinion but it does give it a unique look that isn’t so standard.
The Pommel
The pommel is made of steel and is of a Type I Style. It is 2” wide and is pretty thick at 3/4”. It is solid and heavy providing a decent amount of hilt weight to counter the balance point. It is cast well and mirror polished. The pommel is peened to the sword and has the usual Windlass un-ground finish. The peen is well done but you can feel the edges slightly when rubbing your finger over it. There are a few slight indentures where you can see they hammered it on. The pommel overall is comfortable to the bottom of the hand and doesn’t get in your way when in swing.
The Scabbard
Standard Windlass Leather scabbard. The mouth and chape are polished steel and the black scabbard core is the standard semi-hard leather stitched in the back like most all standard Windlass scabbards. Nothing fancy but it fits snug and is still a nice addition for the price. It does its job and still is moderately attractive for carrying on a belt. Something unique to this scabbard is the chape. Unlike most Windlass scabbards that have the little ball at the end, this one is flat.
Handling Characteristics
This sword handles great and gives a feeling of power when going full swing. Its light enough so you won’t tire yourself out after multiple swings but you can feel that balance point come into effect by mid swing. It has a decent enough tip for thrusting and compared to most Windlass offerings is quite stout in blade profile. It still has decent flex but this is definitely one Windlass model that’s completely off the whippy list. Having only handled later period swords with either low balance points and or Long swords, I must say this is a fun sword to swing around and really shows me how the cut focused blades handle.
Test Cutting
No cutting yet as I haven’t sharpened it yet. Once I get it sharpened I’ll add to the review like with my Hero’s War sword review. I’d still like to post video or two but still can’t figure out how to, or find a camera person since I only have my cellphone to record video. Plus I may be a little camera shy...LOL.
Conclusions
Overall I’m pretty impressed with this sword. It’s always been revered as one of Windlass’ top tier offerings and I absolutely agree with that sentiment. For under $200 this sword is an amazing piece and I don’t think you can find anything of its caliber below the $400 price range. Be it a Type XI or XII or just a hodgepodge of popular Medieval sword models, you can’t go wrong with this sword.
Pros
- Well-made high carbon blade of 1060 spring steel.
- Excellent fit and finish for the price point.
- Interesting early medieval period sword design.
Cons
- Minor finish issues like the peen and fuller.
- Cheap scabbard may not be up to some collectors’ standards.
The Bottom Line
For the Price and quality you can’t go wrong with the Windlass European Sword. Windlass is my favorite vendor in the sub $300 market for a reason and that reason is swords like the European. Some might argue my typology classification which is fine, isn’t that why we are here, to friendly debate and discuss swords? Overall though you can’t go wrong with the European, it’s definitely in the top ten of Windlass models.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D