Windlass Sword of Roven Review
Sept 7, 2014 8:52:41 GMT
Post by nddave on Sept 7, 2014 8:52:41 GMT
Windlass Sword of Roven Review
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi everybody,
This is the second review of the swords I own but never reviewed. This specific sword is one of my favorites in my collection and one of the top five offered from Windlass in my opinion. So here’s my review of the Windlass Sword of Roven.
Historical overview
This sword is pretty easily categorized due to its distinct profile and shape. I as well as many others have always considered this sword a Type XXa due to its Warsword size and unique triple fullers. Throughout my having the Roven I’ve tried to find something resembling it in historical swords (If anything for the pics I provide in the Historical Overview, lol.) of the same typology. There have been a few that were similar but never one that really matched it. A few days ago I finally decided to purchase a copy of “Records of the Medieval Sword” By Ewart Oakeshott. It was then inside this wonderful book I found what appears to me either what Windlass based the Roven on or something near identical. That sword is pictured above. What’s wild is Oakeshott doesn’t categorize it as a Type XXa or even a XX, He states it is actually a Type XIX.
Now I’m not sure if Oakeshott ever changed his opinions on that specific sword because as far as I’ve researched I can’t seem to find any other information on that sword outside page 206 in RotMS. There isn’t much description either, Oakeshott basically describes the key point of the sword being the long ricasso. Yep that’s it, not even a description of the blade outside its stats and hilt type. Odd thing is neither the Roven or the original really match Oakeshott’s description of the Type XIX or really Type XXa with both typologies having hexagonal blade profiles. Something that neither the Roven nor the Type XIX no. 9 have as they’re both plainly diamond profile.
What we can say about these swords specifically though is they are definitely later period Warswords. Something a front line man would be proud to carry and would suit the need of a long reach as well as prominent half-swording technique with the extended ricasso. The thin tapering profile would’ve made this sword an excellent thrusting weapon while still offering a moderate cutting surface. The hilt furniture as well as the blade type (or types) put this sword as a popular one in Southern Europe, primarily popular in Italy. It should be noted that the majority of Type XIX swords were forged in Arabia and housed in the Hall of Victories in the Arsenal of Alexandria. Most of these swords are today housed in the Askeri Museum of Istanbul but many are displayed in museums across Europe and North America. The Type XX seems to prominently be favored in Italy but a few have also been found in the Askeri Museum but most are in various private collections and European museums.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am neither affiliated with Museum Replicas ltd or Windlass Steelcrafts. I paid for this sword in full through a transaction with forum member Shadowhowler in the Classifieds board a couple of years ago. 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
Sean shipped this real fast after a lengthy Paypal issue. I got it within a week and it was packaged really well. This was would be the first Longsword or Warsword in my possession and I was really excited to get my hands on it to see just how it handled. I remember while waiting for shipping swinging around and handling a broomstick I had that was the same length as this sword just to get a feel of it. I’m only 5’7” so even though to some this sword would be a typical Longsword I felt I was holding a Claymore. This sword just has a beauty to its design that even though a budget sword feels like something special when in hand.
Statistics
Blade Length: 38” (1 3/4” width at base to 1/4” at the tip, 6” Ricasso)
Handle Length: 6”- 9 1/2” plus pommel (3 3/4” width at guard 3” width at pommel)
Overall Length: 47 1/2”
Guard Width: 9 3/4” (1/4” length, 1 1/2” Cusp)
Point of Balance: 6 1/4”
Center of Percussion: 26” from Guard
Weight: Little over 3 lbs
The Blade
The blade on the Roven is very unique and attractive. With its triple fullers and thin diamond profile it is a very attractive cut and thrust blade. It’s of the usual high polish from Windlass. The blade has as I mentioned a unique and attractive triple fuller with the two outside fullers reaching the ends of the ricasso and the prominent middle fuller reaching down to half of the blade. The blade finishes off with a pronounced diamond profile sharply tapering to an acute point. The whole blade is stout and doesn’t suffer from the whippyness which most longer Windlass models are attributed to. It thrusts well and has a nice spring to its flex. Overall an exceptional beautiful blade.
One thing I feel needs mentioned is an apparent flaw I’ve only seen in my sword. On one side of the blade closest to the tip the edge is cut deeper than the other side. I’m not sure if this was done during it’s forging and just missed CQ or if it was done during an attempt to sharpen it. I asked Sean once on the forum but he couldn’t remember anything and to his knowledge he never knew it was there as he never noticed it himself. Over the last few years it has never really effected the performance of the blade but does add a minor flaw to it. Plus because I noticed it during my “new sword hype phase” it does kinda stick out to me but nothing that bugs me too much. Plus nobody I show the sword to has ever noticed it so it’s obviously not as prominent as my meticulous self thinks.
The Handle
The handle is hardwood wrapped in a nice black leather stitched on the side. The wood core is ridged which adds to both it’s attractiveness and grip. At 6” the handle offers enough room for both hands but still feels more like a hand and a half grip. The pommel’s shape adds extra room for a two handed grip but I feel this sword would be better suited with an additional inch or two added to it. Especially with such a long blade this sword has. Overall a well made handle that as I mentioned could use an extra inch or two.
The Guard
The guard is nicely cast and offers great hand protection. The guard Style is a Type 11 Guard with a straight profile. It has the unique addition of a 1 1/2” Cusp that wasn’t unfamiliar to later period swords like this. It’s made of polished steel and as mentioned before is nicely cast and shaped. The cusp is also well formed and fitted and evenly lines up to the ricasso on both ends. Overall and attractive an well made guard.
The Pommel
Pommel is also polished steel and is decently cast. It is of the Type T-5 “scent stopper” design which was popular at the time of this sword’s use. It has a thin body 3” around that as mentioned above can be handled and used to comfortably add an additional 2” to the handle making it more of a two handed sword. From a fantasy point you could say its similar to how the movie sword Anduril is handled in The Lord of the Rings. The Pommel is not peened and is actually fitted with a external compression nut. The nut is smooth and rounded and sticks out slightly similar to a peen block or at least it probably was meant by Windlass to give the illusion of a peen block. Over the years I’ve owned this sword It has never come loose, nor have I felt the need to tighten it after use. I can’t tell if any lock-tite or epoxy was used to help keep it in place but it doesn’t appear that any has been used.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the usual Windlass flair of metal chape and mouth with a leather stitched core. This scabbard compared to my others is unique as it is hard leather rather than the usual semi-hard variety. It almost gives off the illusion of having a wood core. The mouth is formed and cut to fit around the cusp and fits it moderately. Oddly it fits flush only when put in one way and a little crooked the other. Nothing real major but obviously worthy of note in a review. It does its job of protecting the blade but fits pretty loose and has a slight rattle and the blade easily falls out when held upside down when the sword is in flush side but holds pretty well upside down when inserted on the crooked side.
Handling Characteristics
This sword handles as one would expect allowing solid long reached thrusts and cuts as any Longsword should. The point of balance is pretty low and gives this sword a decent blade presence while still offering the finesse of a lighter sword. The ricasso adds some extra accuracy to thrusts and makes half-swording a breeze for close range cuts and parries. As I mentioned above the sword would probably handle better with a longer handle but none the less still handles well for such a long sword. The sword feels best in hand when the grip is spaced with the off hand on the pommel though can still be used without much effort one-handed. Overall this sword has great handling and is well balanced.
Test Cutting
I’ve cut with this blade numerous times and can testify it is a great cutter. There have been plenty of cutting videos posted here over the years of the Roven in action to give a nice visual of just what this sword can do. It is a great functional sword that offers many different options for attack and defense.
Conclusions
Overall this sword is one of the best swords offered in the sub-$300 market. It is a beautiful and well made sword that just begs to be used while still holding the elegance of a display sword of higher cost. Seriously this is the best Longsword Windlass has in its catalogue and a happy piece of my collection.
Pros
- Well forged high carbon steel blade with a beautiful and unique profile
- Well cast fittings of accurate historical design.
- Solid construction and exceptional fit and finish for the price point.
Cons
- Loose fitting scabbard.
- Nut construction may not be for those preferring the traditional peened construction.
- Handle could be longer.
The Bottom Line
For the price point this has to be one of the best Longsword on the market today. It offers a unique and attractive design not seen much in the reproduction market. This again is another Windlass sword that really goes above and beyond what you’d expect from it at this price point. A must have for any collector looking for a affordable but well made Warsword or Longsword type.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi everybody,
This is the second review of the swords I own but never reviewed. This specific sword is one of my favorites in my collection and one of the top five offered from Windlass in my opinion. So here’s my review of the Windlass Sword of Roven.
Historical overview
This sword is pretty easily categorized due to its distinct profile and shape. I as well as many others have always considered this sword a Type XXa due to its Warsword size and unique triple fullers. Throughout my having the Roven I’ve tried to find something resembling it in historical swords (If anything for the pics I provide in the Historical Overview, lol.) of the same typology. There have been a few that were similar but never one that really matched it. A few days ago I finally decided to purchase a copy of “Records of the Medieval Sword” By Ewart Oakeshott. It was then inside this wonderful book I found what appears to me either what Windlass based the Roven on or something near identical. That sword is pictured above. What’s wild is Oakeshott doesn’t categorize it as a Type XXa or even a XX, He states it is actually a Type XIX.
Now I’m not sure if Oakeshott ever changed his opinions on that specific sword because as far as I’ve researched I can’t seem to find any other information on that sword outside page 206 in RotMS. There isn’t much description either, Oakeshott basically describes the key point of the sword being the long ricasso. Yep that’s it, not even a description of the blade outside its stats and hilt type. Odd thing is neither the Roven or the original really match Oakeshott’s description of the Type XIX or really Type XXa with both typologies having hexagonal blade profiles. Something that neither the Roven nor the Type XIX no. 9 have as they’re both plainly diamond profile.
What we can say about these swords specifically though is they are definitely later period Warswords. Something a front line man would be proud to carry and would suit the need of a long reach as well as prominent half-swording technique with the extended ricasso. The thin tapering profile would’ve made this sword an excellent thrusting weapon while still offering a moderate cutting surface. The hilt furniture as well as the blade type (or types) put this sword as a popular one in Southern Europe, primarily popular in Italy. It should be noted that the majority of Type XIX swords were forged in Arabia and housed in the Hall of Victories in the Arsenal of Alexandria. Most of these swords are today housed in the Askeri Museum of Istanbul but many are displayed in museums across Europe and North America. The Type XX seems to prominently be favored in Italy but a few have also been found in the Askeri Museum but most are in various private collections and European museums.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am neither affiliated with Museum Replicas ltd or Windlass Steelcrafts. I paid for this sword in full through a transaction with forum member Shadowhowler in the Classifieds board a couple of years ago. 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
Sean shipped this real fast after a lengthy Paypal issue. I got it within a week and it was packaged really well. This was would be the first Longsword or Warsword in my possession and I was really excited to get my hands on it to see just how it handled. I remember while waiting for shipping swinging around and handling a broomstick I had that was the same length as this sword just to get a feel of it. I’m only 5’7” so even though to some this sword would be a typical Longsword I felt I was holding a Claymore. This sword just has a beauty to its design that even though a budget sword feels like something special when in hand.
Statistics
Blade Length: 38” (1 3/4” width at base to 1/4” at the tip, 6” Ricasso)
Handle Length: 6”- 9 1/2” plus pommel (3 3/4” width at guard 3” width at pommel)
Overall Length: 47 1/2”
Guard Width: 9 3/4” (1/4” length, 1 1/2” Cusp)
Point of Balance: 6 1/4”
Center of Percussion: 26” from Guard
Weight: Little over 3 lbs
The Blade
The blade on the Roven is very unique and attractive. With its triple fullers and thin diamond profile it is a very attractive cut and thrust blade. It’s of the usual high polish from Windlass. The blade has as I mentioned a unique and attractive triple fuller with the two outside fullers reaching the ends of the ricasso and the prominent middle fuller reaching down to half of the blade. The blade finishes off with a pronounced diamond profile sharply tapering to an acute point. The whole blade is stout and doesn’t suffer from the whippyness which most longer Windlass models are attributed to. It thrusts well and has a nice spring to its flex. Overall an exceptional beautiful blade.
One thing I feel needs mentioned is an apparent flaw I’ve only seen in my sword. On one side of the blade closest to the tip the edge is cut deeper than the other side. I’m not sure if this was done during it’s forging and just missed CQ or if it was done during an attempt to sharpen it. I asked Sean once on the forum but he couldn’t remember anything and to his knowledge he never knew it was there as he never noticed it himself. Over the last few years it has never really effected the performance of the blade but does add a minor flaw to it. Plus because I noticed it during my “new sword hype phase” it does kinda stick out to me but nothing that bugs me too much. Plus nobody I show the sword to has ever noticed it so it’s obviously not as prominent as my meticulous self thinks.
The Handle
The handle is hardwood wrapped in a nice black leather stitched on the side. The wood core is ridged which adds to both it’s attractiveness and grip. At 6” the handle offers enough room for both hands but still feels more like a hand and a half grip. The pommel’s shape adds extra room for a two handed grip but I feel this sword would be better suited with an additional inch or two added to it. Especially with such a long blade this sword has. Overall a well made handle that as I mentioned could use an extra inch or two.
The Guard
The guard is nicely cast and offers great hand protection. The guard Style is a Type 11 Guard with a straight profile. It has the unique addition of a 1 1/2” Cusp that wasn’t unfamiliar to later period swords like this. It’s made of polished steel and as mentioned before is nicely cast and shaped. The cusp is also well formed and fitted and evenly lines up to the ricasso on both ends. Overall and attractive an well made guard.
The Pommel
Pommel is also polished steel and is decently cast. It is of the Type T-5 “scent stopper” design which was popular at the time of this sword’s use. It has a thin body 3” around that as mentioned above can be handled and used to comfortably add an additional 2” to the handle making it more of a two handed sword. From a fantasy point you could say its similar to how the movie sword Anduril is handled in The Lord of the Rings. The Pommel is not peened and is actually fitted with a external compression nut. The nut is smooth and rounded and sticks out slightly similar to a peen block or at least it probably was meant by Windlass to give the illusion of a peen block. Over the years I’ve owned this sword It has never come loose, nor have I felt the need to tighten it after use. I can’t tell if any lock-tite or epoxy was used to help keep it in place but it doesn’t appear that any has been used.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the usual Windlass flair of metal chape and mouth with a leather stitched core. This scabbard compared to my others is unique as it is hard leather rather than the usual semi-hard variety. It almost gives off the illusion of having a wood core. The mouth is formed and cut to fit around the cusp and fits it moderately. Oddly it fits flush only when put in one way and a little crooked the other. Nothing real major but obviously worthy of note in a review. It does its job of protecting the blade but fits pretty loose and has a slight rattle and the blade easily falls out when held upside down when the sword is in flush side but holds pretty well upside down when inserted on the crooked side.
Handling Characteristics
This sword handles as one would expect allowing solid long reached thrusts and cuts as any Longsword should. The point of balance is pretty low and gives this sword a decent blade presence while still offering the finesse of a lighter sword. The ricasso adds some extra accuracy to thrusts and makes half-swording a breeze for close range cuts and parries. As I mentioned above the sword would probably handle better with a longer handle but none the less still handles well for such a long sword. The sword feels best in hand when the grip is spaced with the off hand on the pommel though can still be used without much effort one-handed. Overall this sword has great handling and is well balanced.
Test Cutting
I’ve cut with this blade numerous times and can testify it is a great cutter. There have been plenty of cutting videos posted here over the years of the Roven in action to give a nice visual of just what this sword can do. It is a great functional sword that offers many different options for attack and defense.
Conclusions
Overall this sword is one of the best swords offered in the sub-$300 market. It is a beautiful and well made sword that just begs to be used while still holding the elegance of a display sword of higher cost. Seriously this is the best Longsword Windlass has in its catalogue and a happy piece of my collection.
Pros
- Well forged high carbon steel blade with a beautiful and unique profile
- Well cast fittings of accurate historical design.
- Solid construction and exceptional fit and finish for the price point.
Cons
- Loose fitting scabbard.
- Nut construction may not be for those preferring the traditional peened construction.
- Handle could be longer.
The Bottom Line
For the price point this has to be one of the best Longsword on the market today. It offers a unique and attractive design not seen much in the reproduction market. This again is another Windlass sword that really goes above and beyond what you’d expect from it at this price point. A must have for any collector looking for a affordable but well made Warsword or Longsword type.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D