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Post by disappearingone on Jun 24, 2015 18:39:44 GMT
Introduction
I have to admit that I bought this sword on a bit of a whim which is a bit uncharacteristic of me. I saw it online and just thought... yeah, I think I like that.
Historical overview
This a modern, utilitarian version of a sword with a curved blade that was used in the past especially in the Middle East and western Asia.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword from Budk.com, a website I generally try to avoid, but I had a coupon code that made it worth my while. I was actually after the Condor Dadao (which I did also get), but when I saw this there I decided to give it a try too. I ordered the Dadao before from another website but had trouble getting one to arrive undamaged, but to Budk's credit, they managed to get both swords to me damage-free.
Initial Impressions
Unlike the Dadao, the scimitar was shipped inside it's sheath, which left some brown marks on the blade. Thankfully, a little rubbing alcohol and a paper towel quickly took care of that. Was quite surprised at how light and well-balanced the sword felt.
Statistics
Blade Length: 22''
Handle Length: 9 3/8"
Overall Length: 32 1/8"
POB (Point of Balance): about 4"
Weight: 2lb 6 oz
Components
The 1075 high carbon steel blade has a sand-blasted sating finish and slight fuller on each side. The guard is a simple metal oval and I'm not really sure what it's made out of. Possibly also steel but I really don't know. The simple handle hardwood is riveted to the tang with three rivets. The leather sheath is decent quality, although it really needs a belt loop or a shoulder strap or something. As it is, it's really just more of a blade cover in my mind.
Handling Characteristics
This, to me, was the biggest surprise this sword brought me. Yeah, it's mean looking (that's the main reason why I bought it), but the size and shape of the blade combined with the shape of the handle just make it look like it would feel very strange and awkward in hand. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that there's really nothing awkward or strange about how this sword feels at all. It feels quite light and balanced. Cutting was ridiculously easy (more on that in a minute) and the sword just feels really good and natural in hand. Despite the oddly-shaped handle, using a two-handed grip feels surprisingly easy. People that like to do all the twirly-flippy stuff with their swords should be able to with no problems.
Test Cutting
I seriously think I squeed a couple of times. I didn't try to cut anything crazy with it, but what I did cut this sucker sailed through like there was nothing there. Whether I used a one-handed grip or two-handed, it didn't matter. Water bottles, pool noodles, and small branches all fell with the greatest of ease. I don't think I've ever had that much fun during a cutting session.
Conclusions
In case you can't tell, I like this sword. A lot. I'm primarily a Japanese sword guy, but this bad boy right here has seriously won me over. My order was all about getting the Condor Dadao, but it's the Condor Scimitar that captured my heart. I've had a blast with it and would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a little different for their collection.
Pros - crazy functional - wicked fun to cut with - much easier to wield than I expected
Cons - It doesn't bother me, but the Condor utilitarian aesthetic won't be for everyone. - No belt loops or straps on the sheath - I could maybe see the tip of the blade being damaged during a bad cut
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Post by disappearingone on Jun 24, 2015 18:47:07 GMT
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Aikidoka
Member
Monstrous monk in training...
Posts: 1,451
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Post by Aikidoka on Jun 24, 2015 19:14:31 GMT
Nice review. Thanks!
The stats listed on Kult of Athena list a uniform blade thickness of just under 3 mm (no taper). Do you find that the blade flexes much?
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Post by disappearingone on Jun 24, 2015 20:37:46 GMT
The blade is thin and it can flex a bit, but I can't really imagine it being an issue.
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Post by Jayhawk on Jun 24, 2015 22:07:54 GMT
Well done! Nice review. I think it looks fun.
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Post by William Swiger on Jun 28, 2015 12:13:55 GMT
Good review. Thanks for posting.
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Jun 28, 2015 19:39:43 GMT
The more I look at Condor's gear, the more I think I'm going to end up buying. I'm a huge fan of the dadao, and now this one pops up! Yummy. Thanks for the review.
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Post by Jayhawk on Jun 29, 2015 12:14:38 GMT
I love my condor dadao. Did you see the pics of mine all dressed up with wrapped hiilt and red scarf In yhr chinese section?
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Post by ericn on Jul 2, 2015 8:57:56 GMT
Nice review,nice sword. You sir are going to cost me money.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2015 10:56:20 GMT
Reminds me of the blades on the old Chinese polearms, I can imagine attaching that blade to a long pole...
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Jul 2, 2015 11:51:32 GMT
I have a blade like that in my queue of things to attach to hafts (a cheap copy of the Hanwei bellydance sword).
While these appear in cartoons as Middle Eastern swords, the real-life ancestor appears to be Italian/Spanish falchions. Which would have been common enough among Mediterranean pirates. Which might explain why the cartoon version is a classic cartoon Arab/Turk/Moor sword.
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Post by Jayhawk on Jul 2, 2015 14:26:54 GMT
I can definitely see the falchion heritage, but swords like this also show a dao-like quality as well.
Maybe a melding of east meets west aboard pirate ships?
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Post by michaeljager on Jul 2, 2015 15:09:24 GMT
As a one handed dedicated cutter, how do you think think this weapon compares to a well-made falcata, overall?
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Jul 2, 2015 21:19:46 GMT
I can definitely see the falchion heritage, but swords like this also show a dao-like quality as well. Maybe a melding of east meets west aboard pirate ships? There was certainly East meets West aboard pirate ships. English, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian sailors alongside Arabs, Berbers, Turks, Greeks, and more. Which is why the (original) Lingua Franca was so popular; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Lingua_FrancaThe Mediterranean pirates (Barbary pirates and others) were a diverse bunch, lots of different countries of origin, languages, religions, etc. But in their heyday, didn't have much East Asian contact (and at that time, East Asian pirate dao have thin blades). Remounting broad-bladed polearm heads as swords in China looks like a late practice, 19th and 20th century. Sure, earlier falchion-like dao are a possible contributor (and in art showing such swords in Chinese hands, perhaps a probable contributor), but given Spanish/Italian falchions, and the presence of many Spanish and Italian sailors among Western pirates, there's no need to look for East Asian influence.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Jul 2, 2015 21:44:10 GMT
As a one handed dedicated cutter, how do you think think this weapon compares to a well-made falcata, overall? Seems like very apples and oranges. Twice the weight, two-handed, very different blade cross-section. I think you'll find they're good for different things.
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Post by cearball on Apr 14, 2020 12:44:00 GMT
Necro thread.
I am looking for some info regarding how flexible this blade is & also where it tends to flex along the blade the most?
For example I have a windlass in which the last 1/3 is where it flexes "naturally".
I have had a nice little bonus in work & am considering a cheap ish present.
Thanks
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,625
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Apr 14, 2020 13:33:14 GMT
"I command you to rise from your grave and rescue my daughter."
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Post by treeslicer on Apr 15, 2020 2:59:20 GMT
"I command you to rise from your grave and rescue my daughter." Geee-hosaphat! Altered Beast? Now that's necromancy, but mine is stronger.. "You will be eaten by a grue."
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Post by howler on Apr 15, 2020 4:23:31 GMT
"I command you to rise from your grave and rescue my daughter." Yeeeeessssssssssss...Maaaaasssssssterrrrrrr.
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Post by Adventurer'sBlade on Apr 15, 2020 6:41:09 GMT
Necro thread. I am looking for some info regarding how flexible this blade is & also where it tends to flex along the blade the most? For example I have a windlass in which the last 1/3 is where it flexes "naturally". I have had a nice little bonus in work & am considering a cheap ish present. Thanks It's even in thickness like a machete. That means it flexes at the most narrow part of its blade profile, which is the forte. This is not ideal. However, it is thick enough that it generally stays stiff when you swing it unless you strike something hard.
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