Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review

nddave Member Posts: 4,118	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Aug 31, 2014 9:20:53 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by nddave on Aug 31, 2014 9:20:53 GMT This review has been featured on SBG! CLICK HERE to read it in its new and improved format
	Last Edit: Aug 1, 2018 4:05:15 GMT by admin: Featured on SBG My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion, youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

William Swiger Global Moderator Retired Global Moderator "If I must choose between peace and righteousness, I choose righteousness" — Theodore Roosevelt Posts: 11,040	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Aug 31, 2014 9:51:07 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by William Swiger on Aug 31, 2014 9:51:07 GMT Excellent review. Nice work on upgrading the sword as well. +1 Karma.
	"We can have no "50-50" allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all." — Theodore Roosevelt

nddave Member Posts: 4,118	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Aug 31, 2014 10:01:22 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by nddave on Aug 31, 2014 10:01:22 GMT William Swiger wrote Excellent review. Nice work on upgrading the sword as well. +1 Karma. Thanks William, It really is a big and fun sword, thanks again for gifting it to me.
	My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion, youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

pokey
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Posts: 146

Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Aug 31, 2014 10:18:47 GMT

Quote

Post by pokey on Aug 31, 2014 10:18:47 GMT

nddave wrote
It’s literally a mini-mace on the end of the sword hence the term “scent stopper”, or pretty much nose breaker.

I believe the term comes from the shape being similar to the small stopper or lid that fits the top of a glass bottle, like those used for perfume... Fantastic review though, very thorough and I really like what you have done with the grip.

Sir Thorfinn Global Moderator Global Moderator Posts: 4,266	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Aug 31, 2014 11:21:52 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Sir Thorfinn on Aug 31, 2014 11:21:52 GMT Yes, nice review, +1 from me as well.
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nddave
Member

Posts: 4,118

Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 1, 2014 0:04:33 GMT

Quote

Post by nddave on Sept 1, 2014 0:04:33 GMT

pokey wrote

nddave wrote
It’s literally a mini-mace on the end of the sword hence the term “scent stopper”, or pretty much nose breaker.

I believe the term comes from the shape being similar to the small stopper or lid that fits the top of a glass bottle, like those used for perfume... Fantastic review though, very thorough and I really like what you have done with the grip.

Thanks Pokey,

Yea I never thought of it that way, always figured it was due to the shape and the pommel strike. It makes sense they would call it that when you look at old glass bottles. I guess it would be a suited analogy for the time. Thanks for the compliment. I'm not the best for sure and it definitely is not easy wrapping such a large handle still attached to the blade.

My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion,
youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

nddave Member Posts: 4,118	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 1, 2014 0:05:55 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by nddave on Sept 1, 2014 0:05:55 GMT SirThorfinn wrote Yes, nice review, +1 from me as well. Thanks SirThorfinn, Keep those Karmas handy, I'll be posting at least three more review by the end of the week.
	My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion, youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

Dapper Blades
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Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 2, 2014 16:24:35 GMT

Quote

Post by Dapper Blades on Sept 2, 2014 16:24:35 GMT

nddave wrote

Cons
- basic in detail with a few nitpicks to the fit and finish.
- Ugly riccasso.
- The new price from Hanwei is ridiculous, even the discounted pricing on KultofAthena is ridiculous.

The Bottom Line
Overall its a pretty decent sub-$300 sword, even if it’s original MSRP is over $300 now. Of the four or five Hanwei Beginner (Cas Iberia) medieval models the Mercenary is the best of the bunch with the River Witham earning a close second. If you’re in the market for a moderately attractive but tough as nails medieval sword or a Warsword type you can’t go wrong with with the Mercenary. Also if you’re a katana guy looking to get into medieval swords this sword should definitely be on your radar for a similar handling sword.

Classy detailed review for sure.

I do have one question though. In your eyes, how much is this sword worth? You stated that even the pricing from KoA is ridiculous, but unless they dropped it since your review, they have it listed at 199.95 (www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2368) with an original MSRP of 325. I do understand not wanting to pay 300+ for it, but 200 plus S&H certainly seems more reasonable.

Or, would you just recommend getting one second hand?

Artist and Bladesmith.

nddave
Member

Posts: 4,118

Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 2, 2014 17:50:17 GMT

Quote

Post by nddave on Sept 2, 2014 17:50:17 GMT

Dapper Blades wrote

nddave wrote

Cons
- basic in detail with a few nitpicks to the fit and finish.
- Ugly riccasso.
- The new price from Hanwei is ridiculous, even the discounted pricing on KultofAthena is ridiculous.

The Bottom Line
Overall its a pretty decent sub-$300 sword, even if it’s original MSRP is over $300 now. Of the four or five Hanwei Beginner (Cas Iberia) medieval models the Mercenary is the best of the bunch with the River Witham earning a close second. If you’re in the market for a moderately attractive but tough as nails medieval sword or a Warsword type you can’t go wrong with with the Mercenary. Also if you’re a katana guy looking to get into medieval swords this sword should definitely be on your radar for a similar handling sword.

Classy detailed review for sure.

I do have one question though. In your eyes, how much is this sword worth? You stated that even the pricing from KoA is ridiculous, but unless they dropped it since your review, they have it listed at 199.95 (www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2368) with an original MSRP of 325. I do understand not wanting to pay 300+ for it, but 200 plus S&H certainly seems more reasonable.

Or, would you just recommend getting one second hand?

Yea the original Cas Iberia line was going for around $150 at KOA which was perfect for these swords. I don't know it just seems to me Hanwei tends to have the more simplistic medieval designs and are notoriously known for using shortcut after shortcut yet charge these outrageous retail prices. I've pretty much boycotted Hanwei since their "after the fire" mark up prices jacked everything of theirs up hundreds of dollars. Fact is compared to other offerings in that price range the Cas Iberia line looks pretty sad. At their original pricing they were good beginner swords for the new or budget medieval BYC or collector. Another example of their ridiculous pricing is their katana. Swords worth around the $300-$800 mark now selling for over a $1000 dollars. I'm sorry but neither the Bamboo Mat or Bushido models are worth $1000+ dollars.

My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion,
youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

Dapper Blades Spam Bots Registered Posts: 61	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 2, 2014 18:37:58 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Dapper Blades on Sept 2, 2014 18:37:58 GMT Gotcha. Makes sense. Thanks for the additional info.
	Artist and Bladesmith.

nddave Member Posts: 4,118	Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review Sept 3, 2014 18:21:44 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by nddave on Sept 3, 2014 18:21:44 GMT Dapper Blades wrote Gotcha. Makes sense. Thanks for the additional info. No problem. I may seem a little hard on Hanwei but honestly I just can't understand the justification of their pricing anymore.
	My YouTube Channel for sword reviews and discussion, youtube.com/@dynamoswordchannel?si=ZjVNeYuOHkJyEWDn

Hanwei Mercenary Sword Review

Post by nddave on Aug 31, 2014 9:20:53 GMT

Post by William Swiger on Aug 31, 2014 9:51:07 GMT

Post by nddave on Aug 31, 2014 10:01:22 GMT

Post by pokey on Aug 31, 2014 10:18:47 GMT

Post by Sir Thorfinn on Aug 31, 2014 11:21:52 GMT

Post by nddave on Sept 1, 2014 0:04:33 GMT

Post by nddave on Sept 1, 2014 0:05:55 GMT

Post by Dapper Blades on Sept 2, 2014 16:24:35 GMT

Post by nddave on Sept 2, 2014 17:50:17 GMT

Post by Dapper Blades on Sept 2, 2014 18:37:58 GMT

Post by nddave on Sept 3, 2014 18:21:44 GMT

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