Windlass Sword of Homildon Hill Review
Jan 27, 2015 4:02:38 GMT
Post by nddave on Jan 27, 2015 4:02:38 GMT
Windlass Sword of Homildon Hill Review
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi Everybody,
So as some of you may know from my last sword review I had some refund money coming my way and had planned to get a Classic Medieval Sword. Well the joke was on me because by the time I got my refund they were out of stock! So I opted to spend a little more cash and get the Windlass Sword of Tancred. Well turns out those have a poor tang and threaded pommel so I turned to my next preferred option, the Sword of Homildon Hill! A sword I always had my eye on but never jumped at. So finally after four years I own one and wanted to do a review to let everyone know what this sword is like.
Historical overview
The historical placement of this sword by Windlass states it is a 14th century sword based on one used by the Henry “Hotspur” Percy, first son and heir to the earldom of Northumberland in England. Considered one of the greatest English knights of his time, Hotspur gained his fame and nickname from his significance and readiness to attack in the Anglo-Scottish wars. He also gained recognition with tours in Calais, Picardy and Brest for Richard the II for which he was made a Knight of the Garter. Later on his rebellion against Henry the IV of England marred his reputation and even was over embellished in Shakespeare’s play Henry the IV, where he was described as a childhood rival of the young Henry the V. Even though Hotspur was already half the teenage prince's age when he allied with the Scots to rebel against his father the King Henry. The reasons why were breaking oaths to ransom Percy family members and failure to pay them wages promised for the defense of the Scottish border. He sadly died in 1403 at the battle of Shrewsbury valiantly facing King Henry the IV's armies. There’s no official cause of death but it is said that he died when he raised his visor on the front line and an arrow struck his face.
Aside from giving the sword a unique back story there isn’t really much evidence in art or effigy that Hotspur used a similar sword. The blade type matches one that would be used at the time he lived which was during the middle of the 100 Years War. The guard too but not so much the pommel as it’s a later century design. The blade itself probably mostly resembles a Type XVIa referencing the Oakeshott typologies. It does have similar characteristics to a type XIIa but overall due to the prominent diamond profile and mid length fuller it does seem to resemble more of a type XVIa as well as having a moderate hex profile ridge towards the end of the fuller. There’s one featured in the Records of the Medieval Sword with a similar profile and dimension. The hilt furniture resembles those used in a more later period but does look attractive and suits the sword I think.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am not affiliated with Windlass Swords. This sword was purchased in full from Kult of Athena. 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
Overall I was really excited to actually get another sword of my choice with my refund money. I really wanted to purchase the Windlass Sword of Tancred, so much so that I actually ordered it first. After ordering it though I watched a review about the tang and threaded pommel and decided against it. KOA was great about it though, I literally called them fifteen minutes later asking if I could change my order which they happily did as well as credit back the ten dollar difference between the two swords (They also changed the Tancred’s pommel description from peened to threaded minutes after I told them why I was changing my order). It took about seven business days (three to ship and four to be delivered) to get it, not too bad for standard shipping. My first hands on impressions were kind of dull as I was sick with the flu and not really feeling up to handling the sword. It is hard to feel excited when you’re as sick as I was that’s for sure. Overall the packaging was ok. Pretty much a single shipping box with a lot of packing paper which seems to be standard for KOA. I do prefer the extra TLC Museum Replicas offers but I guess that’s one of the reasons KOA is cheaper than the rest, its still a decent packing job and works for the economics I guess. I did request that KOA inspect the sword and check it for any issues before shipment.
My first impressions were that this is a really attractive sword. From the darkened bronze hilt furniture to the Latin engraved blade this sword is one of the most attractive offerings from Windlass in my opinion. I always liked this sword and have wanted one since they released. Overall there was nothing noticeable first hand that seemed to be wrong with the sword. Nothing was loose and the blade was in good shape.
Statistics
Blade Length: 33 3/4” (Blade width, 1 3/4” at base tapering to 3/4” before the tip)
Handle Length: 6” (3 3/4” round at base tapering to 3 1/2” round at pommel)
Overall Length: 43 1/2”
Guard Width: 7 1/2”
Point of Balance: 3 3/4” from the guard
Center of Percussion: 20” from the guard
Weight: Little over 3lbs
The Blade
The blade is really impressive. Nice slender profile that gradually tapers to an acute point. One of the big features of this blade is the engraving in Latin inside both fullers. The description reads on one side, “Who lives in falsehood slays his soul.” and on the other, “Whose speech is false his honor.” Supposedly two sayings Hotspur himself lived by. The engravings are pretty well done for the price point, they’re not too deep but can be felt and read well. You can tell they used some kind of blackening to heighten the clarity of the letters as its faded on some. There’s also a scratch amongst the lettering were it appears who ever was doing it goofed.The blade sports the standard mirror polish that Windlass is known for.
The blade doesn’t have too much taper (which is why I mentioned it has a similar profile to a type XIIa) but still more resembles a type XVI or XVIa than any other blade type in my opinion. One unique thing I noticed is there seems to be a hex profile to the blade just past the fuller than transitions into the diamond profile. It’s hard to catch in pics but you can feel it. It may just be the finish of the fuller playing tricks on me but I can still see and feel it. The only real issue I found with the blade was the tip was slightly chipped, Nothing a little filing didn’t fix when I was sharpening the sword, none the less that’s two swords I’ve received from KOA with messed up tips. It wasn’t very noticeable but still I had hoped to not have anything wrong with the blade after my extra inspection request. Perhaps it's a packaging issue since the blades only have the wadded paper to protect them in transit?
I just sharpened the blade yesterday and much like my European Sword it was pretty tough to sharpen. Windlass doesn’t specify what steel was used but its more than likely 1095 but could be 1060, as both are what Windlass primarily use. It's pretty stout and doesn’t have too much flex or whip to it. In dry handling the sword stays pretty rigid and doesn’t whip or flex when swung. Overall a really nice blade and a decent sub $300 make of the more complex type XVIa blade type.
The Handle
The handle offers decent room for two handed use at 6”. Kinda more of a hand and a half size (what I’d categorize this sword as anyway.) but is still very comfortable to hold. It’s wrapped with some kind of thin nylon cord, which isn’t very historically accurate but feels comfortable and offers decent grip. It feels very similar to the faux silk ito used on most production katana. Its wrapped very tight and glued in place on both ends of the handle. It may actually be glued throughout the handle as it doesn’t budge or shift.
The handle has a more oblong profile at the guard and slightly tapers down to a more circular profile at the pommel. Some people with smaller hands may feel the top is too wide and fat for their grip but overall it’s not too bad and the handle is carved well and doesn’t have any odd shaped spots.
The Guard
The guard is a uniquely attractive Style 8 guard with lobed terminals. It is cast from darkened bronze and has an attractive angled ridged design that creates a triangle in the center on both sides. It is cast very well as I can see no cast marks on it like I have other Windlass guards. The shoulder slot is well done and fits snug to the blade. There’s no rattle or looseness felt at all. Overall a well made and beautiful looking guard.
The Pommel
The pommel is of an attractive Type T5 design. It almost resembles a Type V1 as well but doesn’t have the prominent central ridge associated with that type. It’s unique design resembles a seashell. It is also cast of darkened bronze like the guard and is solid. It’s shape also adds an extra 1 1/2” to the handle if held, much like the Sword of Roven’s. The benefit of the darkened bronze is unlike the Roven you don’t have to worry about getting fingerprints all over the pommel. One issue I noticed upon handling it was the peen was roughly done, more so than any other Windlass I’ve owned. Nothing a little filing down didn’t remedy. The other issue would be the historical accuracy of the pommel based on the timeframe Windlass places this sword as well as there not being any type XVIs with this pommel I’ve seen. There are a few Type XVa with this pommel type though and since both swords were used prominently in the 14th and 15th centuries it could be plausible. Overall a really attractive pommel that really sets this sword apart from others in the price range.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the standard variety leather scabbard Windlass offers with most of it’s swords. It’s made of the more harder leather though like the Sword of Roven. It fits the sword pretty well but is a little too tight which is surprising for most of these leather only scabbards. The only issue I have with it is the scabbard is so tight it smudges the blade as it is sheathed and un-sheathed. Hopefully throughout use the scabbard will loosen a bit and remedy the situation because I’m constantly having to polish off the residue.
The scabbard does hold firmly upright and upside down. It’s carved to fit the guard pretty well. Mine could use a little more filing to fit a little better. It seems that much like my Roven scabbard, it fits more flush when the blade is sheathed one way over the other. Also unlike most Homildon scabbards the color of mine is more mahogany than red. The throat and Chape are also blackened bronze. Mine seems to have been botched regarding the blackening as it almost looks like the black is swirled around the metal. Nothing to complain about personally though as I like the look of it.
Handling Characteristics
As I mentioned before I was really sick when I received this sword so I’ve only really been able to handle it in the last few days. Overall though I think this sword handles really well. You’d think it would handle heavy due to the weight but the low point of balance really counters the weight, as well as the the hilt. It is really a hilt heavy sword due to the thick pommel. Honestly its so heavy I wouldn’t be surprised if the pommel was a big factor in this sword’s 3lbs + weight. This sword handles well both one and two handed and feels good in the thrust too. The handle wrap isn’t as slick as you’d think either. All in all I’d say this is one of the best handling Windlass swords I’ve owned.
Test Cutting
No test cutting unfortunately as living in Idaho its just too cold and I have a good four feet of snow in my yard. I will definitely do some cutting come spring when the snow melts as I’ve already sharpened it so its ready to go.
Conclusions
Overall with it’s interesting historical back story, Latin engraved blade, dark bronze furniture and unique hilt design this sword is hard not to recommend. It also stands out as being the only Type XVIa available in the sub-$300 price range. It’s put together well as is Windlass standard especially and for the price point.
Pros
- Unique design
- Peened construction
- Engraved blade
- Solid bronze furniture
- High carbon steel blade
Cons
- Grip wrapping may not be to some people’s liking
- Fit and finish may be hit or miss as most offerings in this price range
The Bottom Line
In the end I’m extremely happy with this sword and must say its a welcome replacement to that Shinwa katana. As I mentioned before I have always had my eye on this sword since it released and am happy I finally own it. It really is a beautiful sword and for just under $200 on KOA its a definite must have for anyone looking for a solid hand and a half sword or budget type XVIa.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D
Reviewed by, NDDave (David) McCall, ID
Hi Everybody,
So as some of you may know from my last sword review I had some refund money coming my way and had planned to get a Classic Medieval Sword. Well the joke was on me because by the time I got my refund they were out of stock! So I opted to spend a little more cash and get the Windlass Sword of Tancred. Well turns out those have a poor tang and threaded pommel so I turned to my next preferred option, the Sword of Homildon Hill! A sword I always had my eye on but never jumped at. So finally after four years I own one and wanted to do a review to let everyone know what this sword is like.
Historical overview
The historical placement of this sword by Windlass states it is a 14th century sword based on one used by the Henry “Hotspur” Percy, first son and heir to the earldom of Northumberland in England. Considered one of the greatest English knights of his time, Hotspur gained his fame and nickname from his significance and readiness to attack in the Anglo-Scottish wars. He also gained recognition with tours in Calais, Picardy and Brest for Richard the II for which he was made a Knight of the Garter. Later on his rebellion against Henry the IV of England marred his reputation and even was over embellished in Shakespeare’s play Henry the IV, where he was described as a childhood rival of the young Henry the V. Even though Hotspur was already half the teenage prince's age when he allied with the Scots to rebel against his father the King Henry. The reasons why were breaking oaths to ransom Percy family members and failure to pay them wages promised for the defense of the Scottish border. He sadly died in 1403 at the battle of Shrewsbury valiantly facing King Henry the IV's armies. There’s no official cause of death but it is said that he died when he raised his visor on the front line and an arrow struck his face.
Aside from giving the sword a unique back story there isn’t really much evidence in art or effigy that Hotspur used a similar sword. The blade type matches one that would be used at the time he lived which was during the middle of the 100 Years War. The guard too but not so much the pommel as it’s a later century design. The blade itself probably mostly resembles a Type XVIa referencing the Oakeshott typologies. It does have similar characteristics to a type XIIa but overall due to the prominent diamond profile and mid length fuller it does seem to resemble more of a type XVIa as well as having a moderate hex profile ridge towards the end of the fuller. There’s one featured in the Records of the Medieval Sword with a similar profile and dimension. The hilt furniture resembles those used in a more later period but does look attractive and suits the sword I think.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am not affiliated with Windlass Swords. This sword was purchased in full from Kult of Athena. 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
Overall I was really excited to actually get another sword of my choice with my refund money. I really wanted to purchase the Windlass Sword of Tancred, so much so that I actually ordered it first. After ordering it though I watched a review about the tang and threaded pommel and decided against it. KOA was great about it though, I literally called them fifteen minutes later asking if I could change my order which they happily did as well as credit back the ten dollar difference between the two swords (They also changed the Tancred’s pommel description from peened to threaded minutes after I told them why I was changing my order). It took about seven business days (three to ship and four to be delivered) to get it, not too bad for standard shipping. My first hands on impressions were kind of dull as I was sick with the flu and not really feeling up to handling the sword. It is hard to feel excited when you’re as sick as I was that’s for sure. Overall the packaging was ok. Pretty much a single shipping box with a lot of packing paper which seems to be standard for KOA. I do prefer the extra TLC Museum Replicas offers but I guess that’s one of the reasons KOA is cheaper than the rest, its still a decent packing job and works for the economics I guess. I did request that KOA inspect the sword and check it for any issues before shipment.
My first impressions were that this is a really attractive sword. From the darkened bronze hilt furniture to the Latin engraved blade this sword is one of the most attractive offerings from Windlass in my opinion. I always liked this sword and have wanted one since they released. Overall there was nothing noticeable first hand that seemed to be wrong with the sword. Nothing was loose and the blade was in good shape.
Statistics
Blade Length: 33 3/4” (Blade width, 1 3/4” at base tapering to 3/4” before the tip)
Handle Length: 6” (3 3/4” round at base tapering to 3 1/2” round at pommel)
Overall Length: 43 1/2”
Guard Width: 7 1/2”
Point of Balance: 3 3/4” from the guard
Center of Percussion: 20” from the guard
Weight: Little over 3lbs
The Blade
The blade is really impressive. Nice slender profile that gradually tapers to an acute point. One of the big features of this blade is the engraving in Latin inside both fullers. The description reads on one side, “Who lives in falsehood slays his soul.” and on the other, “Whose speech is false his honor.” Supposedly two sayings Hotspur himself lived by. The engravings are pretty well done for the price point, they’re not too deep but can be felt and read well. You can tell they used some kind of blackening to heighten the clarity of the letters as its faded on some. There’s also a scratch amongst the lettering were it appears who ever was doing it goofed.The blade sports the standard mirror polish that Windlass is known for.
The blade doesn’t have too much taper (which is why I mentioned it has a similar profile to a type XIIa) but still more resembles a type XVI or XVIa than any other blade type in my opinion. One unique thing I noticed is there seems to be a hex profile to the blade just past the fuller than transitions into the diamond profile. It’s hard to catch in pics but you can feel it. It may just be the finish of the fuller playing tricks on me but I can still see and feel it. The only real issue I found with the blade was the tip was slightly chipped, Nothing a little filing didn’t fix when I was sharpening the sword, none the less that’s two swords I’ve received from KOA with messed up tips. It wasn’t very noticeable but still I had hoped to not have anything wrong with the blade after my extra inspection request. Perhaps it's a packaging issue since the blades only have the wadded paper to protect them in transit?
I just sharpened the blade yesterday and much like my European Sword it was pretty tough to sharpen. Windlass doesn’t specify what steel was used but its more than likely 1095 but could be 1060, as both are what Windlass primarily use. It's pretty stout and doesn’t have too much flex or whip to it. In dry handling the sword stays pretty rigid and doesn’t whip or flex when swung. Overall a really nice blade and a decent sub $300 make of the more complex type XVIa blade type.
The Handle
The handle offers decent room for two handed use at 6”. Kinda more of a hand and a half size (what I’d categorize this sword as anyway.) but is still very comfortable to hold. It’s wrapped with some kind of thin nylon cord, which isn’t very historically accurate but feels comfortable and offers decent grip. It feels very similar to the faux silk ito used on most production katana. Its wrapped very tight and glued in place on both ends of the handle. It may actually be glued throughout the handle as it doesn’t budge or shift.
The handle has a more oblong profile at the guard and slightly tapers down to a more circular profile at the pommel. Some people with smaller hands may feel the top is too wide and fat for their grip but overall it’s not too bad and the handle is carved well and doesn’t have any odd shaped spots.
The Guard
The guard is a uniquely attractive Style 8 guard with lobed terminals. It is cast from darkened bronze and has an attractive angled ridged design that creates a triangle in the center on both sides. It is cast very well as I can see no cast marks on it like I have other Windlass guards. The shoulder slot is well done and fits snug to the blade. There’s no rattle or looseness felt at all. Overall a well made and beautiful looking guard.
The Pommel
The pommel is of an attractive Type T5 design. It almost resembles a Type V1 as well but doesn’t have the prominent central ridge associated with that type. It’s unique design resembles a seashell. It is also cast of darkened bronze like the guard and is solid. It’s shape also adds an extra 1 1/2” to the handle if held, much like the Sword of Roven’s. The benefit of the darkened bronze is unlike the Roven you don’t have to worry about getting fingerprints all over the pommel. One issue I noticed upon handling it was the peen was roughly done, more so than any other Windlass I’ve owned. Nothing a little filing down didn’t remedy. The other issue would be the historical accuracy of the pommel based on the timeframe Windlass places this sword as well as there not being any type XVIs with this pommel I’ve seen. There are a few Type XVa with this pommel type though and since both swords were used prominently in the 14th and 15th centuries it could be plausible. Overall a really attractive pommel that really sets this sword apart from others in the price range.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is the standard variety leather scabbard Windlass offers with most of it’s swords. It’s made of the more harder leather though like the Sword of Roven. It fits the sword pretty well but is a little too tight which is surprising for most of these leather only scabbards. The only issue I have with it is the scabbard is so tight it smudges the blade as it is sheathed and un-sheathed. Hopefully throughout use the scabbard will loosen a bit and remedy the situation because I’m constantly having to polish off the residue.
The scabbard does hold firmly upright and upside down. It’s carved to fit the guard pretty well. Mine could use a little more filing to fit a little better. It seems that much like my Roven scabbard, it fits more flush when the blade is sheathed one way over the other. Also unlike most Homildon scabbards the color of mine is more mahogany than red. The throat and Chape are also blackened bronze. Mine seems to have been botched regarding the blackening as it almost looks like the black is swirled around the metal. Nothing to complain about personally though as I like the look of it.
Handling Characteristics
As I mentioned before I was really sick when I received this sword so I’ve only really been able to handle it in the last few days. Overall though I think this sword handles really well. You’d think it would handle heavy due to the weight but the low point of balance really counters the weight, as well as the the hilt. It is really a hilt heavy sword due to the thick pommel. Honestly its so heavy I wouldn’t be surprised if the pommel was a big factor in this sword’s 3lbs + weight. This sword handles well both one and two handed and feels good in the thrust too. The handle wrap isn’t as slick as you’d think either. All in all I’d say this is one of the best handling Windlass swords I’ve owned.
Test Cutting
No test cutting unfortunately as living in Idaho its just too cold and I have a good four feet of snow in my yard. I will definitely do some cutting come spring when the snow melts as I’ve already sharpened it so its ready to go.
Conclusions
Overall with it’s interesting historical back story, Latin engraved blade, dark bronze furniture and unique hilt design this sword is hard not to recommend. It also stands out as being the only Type XVIa available in the sub-$300 price range. It’s put together well as is Windlass standard especially and for the price point.
Pros
- Unique design
- Peened construction
- Engraved blade
- Solid bronze furniture
- High carbon steel blade
Cons
- Grip wrapping may not be to some people’s liking
- Fit and finish may be hit or miss as most offerings in this price range
The Bottom Line
In the end I’m extremely happy with this sword and must say its a welcome replacement to that Shinwa katana. As I mentioned before I have always had my eye on this sword since it released and am happy I finally own it. It really is a beautiful sword and for just under $200 on KOA its a definite must have for anyone looking for a solid hand and a half sword or budget type XVIa.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed,
D