Comparative Review: Windlass Bosworth vs. CS Italian Long
Jan 13, 2017 2:04:29 GMT
Post by masterofossus on Jan 13, 2017 2:04:29 GMT
Introduction
I am a huge – huge – fan of Type XVa (and Type XVIIIb) swords. For some reason, Types X-XIII have really seized the popular imagination and so there are almost endless arming-, long- and bastard swords (and everything in between) in those types and a couple others besides. But I really, really like the “pointier” longswords. The Cold Steel Italian Longsword has long been a favorite of mine, and I’m such a sucker for the type that I picked up a Bosworth on Windlass’ recent Winter Sale pricing, too.
Also, this comparison is not intended to take attention away from Arfoo's recent video (!) review and the comments, there. It should be taken as supplementing it with information about the similar Windlass Battlecry! Bosworth. You need to watch his video, first, to have full context for these. Plus, it's glorious to watch these things in action and I'm not as technically sophisticated.
Historical overview
The Type XVa longsword is designed to stab, but it also carries an edge.* Oakeshott defined the type as having an effectively triangular blade profile, with straight edges that narrow to the point for (nearly) the entire length of the blade. The cross-section is a diamond, to maintain stiffness to the point.
Type XV’s seem to have evolved in an effort to defeat opponents wearing maile and limited plate-armor. Because no sword can cut through either type of armor, Type XV’s were designed to stab through it by defeating a very small number of links of maile, or by finding a “gaps” between the opponent’s plates. I am skeptical of how well this worked against opponents with even contemporary plate maile, but there is no doubt that these are formidable weapons. I am also particularly taken with their appearance.
* A note on terminology: A longsword designed only for stabbing and which has no sharpened edges is usually called an “estoc” or a “tuck” (single-handed swords in the same style can also be called estocs, but I reserve the term “longsword” for an edged weapon and prefer to designate whether the tuck is designed for single- or two-handed use).
Full Disclosure
I purchased both of these swords. The Cold Steel Italian Longsword has long been one of my favorites. I have sharpened mine to the point where it can easily cut paper from nearly the tip to several inches below the Point of Percussion. I cannot remember how much I paid for it, but despite Cold Steel claiming a $470(!) MSRP for the non-MAA version, Kult of Athena currently carries the MAA version for $220. The non-MAA version usually retails for slightly more.
kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=CS88ITSM
The Windlass I purchased during their winter sale from Museum Replicas. Ever since the model has been on the market, Windlass has had an “introductory” price of $265 despite having sold out their stock several times. The MSRP is $350. At the intro pricing, with the 10% discount from SBG, you’re looking at about a $10 difference between the two. The winter sale reduced the price I paid just slightly further.
Initial Impressions
Both swords shipped pretty much like normal swords. The only oddity on opening the boxes was that on opening the Windlass, I discovered that the little plastic “tip cap” that protects the tip during shipping had cracked in half at some point in transit. I have never seen this happen, before, on any sword I own. However, there was no damage to the actual tip of the sword, so it did its job well enough.
Statistics
CS Italian Longsword
Blade Length: 35.25”
Handle Length: 11” to the end of the pommel (8.5” without)
Overall Length: 47.25”
Guard Width: 9.125”
POB (Point of Balance): 4”
COP (Center of Percussion): ~21”
Weight: 2.8 pounds (2 pounds, 12.8 oz)
Windlass Battlecry! Bosworth Longsword
Blade Length: 35.35”
Handle Length: 11” to the end of the pommel
Overall Length: 47”
Guard Width: 9”
POB (Point of Balance): 5”
COP (Center of Percussion): ~22”
Weight: 2.8 pounds (2 pounds, 12.8 oz)
Note the incredibly similar specifications. The only relevant difference, in my view, is the point of balance difference. That is noticeable when handling the two side-by-side.
Components
Blades
The blades are incredibly similar. They have the same length, same basic profile, and even terminate in the same type of point at exactly the same place (Windlass on Left, CS on Right). The Windlass has a maker’s mark in addition to the printed brand name and the Cold Steel does not. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they just came out of the same exact production line and were marked with one maker's stamps or the other.
I have the MAA version of the CS, which has a black coating. The Battlecry, I believe, is only available with a coating. This is a cost-saving measure because it allows the manufacturer to skip out on the final polishing of the sword, which is usually required to help shine the thing up. However, the precise nature of the coating of the blades is interesting and is a point of distinction:
The Windlass has a kind of “marbled” look to it, and the Cold Steel is entirely black. The secondary bevel of the two swords is untreated (or, more probably, the swords were sharpened after the coating was applied). The Windlass’ coating will hide scratches and dings better, and it is noticeably more “slippery,” which might make a marginal difference when cutting through targets because it will reduce friction on the blade, but I do not think the difference is material. Aesthetically I prefer the Windlass finish: it looks interesting and very different.
One other point of distinction is that, to the fingers, my CS Italian came with a ripple or two, but the Windlass is comparatively smooth. This difference is invisible to the eye - the coating completely conceals it even if it would be visible on naked steel. I can only detect it by running my hand along the flats of the blades (for example, while cleaning or oiling with a cloth).
This is likely a function of my particular models as opposed to the lines, but something to keep in mind.
I have long-since sharpened the business parts of my CS sword and cannot provide a fair cutting comparison, however the Windlass came just barely sharp enough to draw-cut paper. The CS factory edge wasn’t even that sharp, and so I had to touch it up. Unlike almost all Windlass swords I’ve seen or purchased, the Bosworth line comes “sharp” by default. A point for Windlass if out-of-box cutting is an important consideration.
In terms of stiffness, as they handle I feel like the Bosworth may have a slightly, slightly, slightly stiffer blade. I tried to evaluate this by striking my hand on the pommels and tracking the vibrations, but with that method I couldn’t really tell a difference. It may be an artifact of the fact that the CS Italian is quicker and so it feels like it flexes a little more during certain swings and cuts when objectively they’re the same. The CS is definitely plenty stiff, anyways, so it's more of a "feel" thing as opposed to a performance difference.
The Handles and Pommels
The handles are the main aesthetic point of distinction between the swords. Cold Steel’s is a conservative but gorgeous design, using a few risers. In contrast, the Windlass has a unique helix-patterned riser that runs under the leather grip. Cold Steel’s sword uses a flattened fish-tail design for the pomment. Windlass goes with a scent stopper.
Aesthetically, I prefer the Windlass’ pommel slightly but much prefer the Cold Steel’s grip.
In the hand… it’s kind of a wash. Cold Steel’s grip is nice and narrow and fits my hand well, but I tend to grip the sword by the pommel with my power hand. This creates a hotspot near the heel of my palm, and after extensive cutting can grow uncomfortable. I would prefer that the handle be extended by another inch to allow for a better fit, or alternatively that the fish-tail be replaced with either a rounded or a scent-stopper design.
Windlass’ grip is identical in length to the Cold Steel one, but uses a scent-stopper (good thing), but I find that the grip itself is just slightly thick to my (medium glove-size) hands. Interestingly, after complaining about the CS’ pommel design, the scent-stopper alleviates the hot-spot issue but I found that the first time I switched to dry-handling it the scent-stopper caught on my forearm using some longsword techniques. This is really an issue of technique since I’m so used to the CS, but it prevents me from giving the unambiguous win to Windlass in this area.
I will note that I have seen several reports of poor fitting furniture on other peoples’ CS Italians, but this does not impact my particular model. The reports are credible and numerous enough to make me think that it is, in fact, an issue with the line.
I have seen much less review material on the Bosworth, so there isn’t enough of a community track record to evaluate the line, but my Bosworth’s build quality also seems good, so given that that may be the only datapoint right now the Bosworth may have a perfect score on limited sample size. The sword is entirely solid, and the furniture is devoid of rattling and fits tightly when struck on the pommel and when the blade is tapped into cardboard.
The Guards
The guards are very, very subtly different. The Bosworth’s guard seems a bit thinner, but they both have the characteristic Oakeshott Type 7 design. Either is entirely functional. Aesthetically… I might give a slight edge to the CS? There’s just so little to choose, here.
Edit: Pommel and Assembly
As you may have grasped from my allusions to the criticisms of the Cold Steel sword, it seems that construction may be an issue for them. The CS Italian Long Sword secures the pommel with a screw assembly; the Windlass is peened. As stated elsewhere, my particular CS sword is perfectly secure and it's been through many hours of dry handling and light-cutting. That said, the threaded assembly is known to be a weakness even when well-executed, and is easier to mess up than the Bosworth's peening.
The Sheaths
Both have virtually identical sheaths. The Windlass’ sheath also comes with a frog and attachment lug – a very nice touch. I did not like that my frog came with some minor corrosion on it, but the CS sword didn’t come with anything. Full marks to Windlass, though, for its inclusion. The CS sheath does not accommodate a frog.
Note that neither sheath is anything special: neither fits the sword guard especially well and both leave gaps between the guard and the sheath. The chape and the metal mouthpiece of both sheath are finished with the respective finishing material for the swords, but here I give Windlass no points – aesthetic or otherwise – because these are not likely to wear significantly, the difference is so subtle, and because the “slippery” feeling is entirely non-functional.
Handling Characteristics
Weirdly, and despite the nigh-identical stats across the board, the swords don't feel the same in hand at all.
This image shows the point of balance difference - I am measuring the distance from the POB to the guard on both swords, which I previously balanced on the "lower" edge of that sheath as an additional point of reference. It's a full inch further from the guard on the Windlass, and I think that understates the difference in hand between the two. The Bosworth handles like a normal budget longsword. The Cold Steel is lightning fast and nimble in hand. I honestly have no idea what could account for this difference. Maybe the Bosworth's pommel isn't as heavy... but it looks and feels heavier. Maybe one or the other uses some weird extra-dimensional material for part of it. But in either case... two swords of the same length with the same blade and the same length grip... somehow feel totally different.
The Bosworth feels like it could deal a heavier blow and cut, but the Cold Steel is just a joy to swing around.
Test Cutting
I cannot comment on this fairly because my CS has a huge edge (pun intended) in that I sharpened it myself. I will eventually do this with my Bosworth, but the CS now goes through any reasonable light target (it's probably tough enough to handle medium targets without much risk, especially given the low cost - I just haven't tried). The Bosworth has a slight advantage in that its factory edge was noticeably better – it can just barely draw-cut paper pulled across the length of the edge, and the CS couldn’t do this.
Conclusions
For all intents and purposes, this is a toss-up with small advantages both ways. Retail prices for the Windlass are currently ~$10 higher. For that price, you get a slightly better factory edge, a frog (and a sheath that accommodates it). The grip and pommel… from a performance perspective, the Windlass has a slight edge in my view, but aesthetically I prefer the CS so personally it’s a toss-up. You do have the option of paying a little more for the non-MAA version of the Cold Steel sword, which has a polished finish instead of the blackened one.
In handling there is a difference. The Cold Steel is lightning fast – it can even be handled one-handed with comfort (though less optimally than with two hands). The Windlass handles like a normal budget longsword. I am baffled by how the handling could be that different given the nigh-identical swords, but it’s real. I don’t fully understand how the center of gravity on the two swords is even different by an inch, given the similarities between the swords, but they are different. You will know it if you swing the two one after the other. It is unmistakable.
In use, the Bosworth is a longsword; the CS is a joy.
Pros
Both:
- Both swords are very, very capable Type XVa longswords. My models came solidly constructed, and both can cut well after sharpening, and stab viciously. I can easily recommend either, for what they currently cost, to someone who is interested in this type of sword.
Cold Steel Pros:
- The Cold Steel is much nimbler in the hand (big advantage CS)
- As of this writing, the Cold Steel is less expensive
- I prefer the aesthetics of the CS’ handle, pommel, and guard, but YMMV
Windlass:
- The Windlass is heavier, and the coating will do a better job of hiding scratches and dents from cutting
- The pommel is just slightly more comfortable for extended sessions without gloves
- Sharper out-of-box, at least given my examples.
- Comes with a sword frog, and the sheath is designed to accommodate it
The Bottom Line
I can recommend either as a value longsword – and both happen to be in one of my favorite styles.
As between the two… there’s just so little to pick between them that the small difference in handling seems big – I’m still honestly surprised that there is such a difference in feeling given the similar specs, appearance, and pricing of the blades. But the CS definitely seems lighter and faster. The Bosworth heavier and meatier.
If you prefer your longswords quick and nimble then go with the CS. The Bosworth is a “heavier-duty” XVa which is clearly designed for more cutting.
If you like the aesthetics of one versus the other then go with that one. If you want the Windlass, then it gives you enough to easily justify the tiny price difference, but someone who likes a heavier and cuttier blade will prefer the Windlass, anyway.
I’ve seen so many credible complaints about the CS’s build quality that if I absolutely had to recommend one to a first-time buyer then I’d have to point them to the Bosworth. (That way they can’t blame me if they get a lemon). But if you can get a solidly built CS one then it is a great, great value as well.
I am a huge – huge – fan of Type XVa (and Type XVIIIb) swords. For some reason, Types X-XIII have really seized the popular imagination and so there are almost endless arming-, long- and bastard swords (and everything in between) in those types and a couple others besides. But I really, really like the “pointier” longswords. The Cold Steel Italian Longsword has long been a favorite of mine, and I’m such a sucker for the type that I picked up a Bosworth on Windlass’ recent Winter Sale pricing, too.
Also, this comparison is not intended to take attention away from Arfoo's recent video (!) review and the comments, there. It should be taken as supplementing it with information about the similar Windlass Battlecry! Bosworth. You need to watch his video, first, to have full context for these. Plus, it's glorious to watch these things in action and I'm not as technically sophisticated.
Historical overview
The Type XVa longsword is designed to stab, but it also carries an edge.* Oakeshott defined the type as having an effectively triangular blade profile, with straight edges that narrow to the point for (nearly) the entire length of the blade. The cross-section is a diamond, to maintain stiffness to the point.
Type XV’s seem to have evolved in an effort to defeat opponents wearing maile and limited plate-armor. Because no sword can cut through either type of armor, Type XV’s were designed to stab through it by defeating a very small number of links of maile, or by finding a “gaps” between the opponent’s plates. I am skeptical of how well this worked against opponents with even contemporary plate maile, but there is no doubt that these are formidable weapons. I am also particularly taken with their appearance.
* A note on terminology: A longsword designed only for stabbing and which has no sharpened edges is usually called an “estoc” or a “tuck” (single-handed swords in the same style can also be called estocs, but I reserve the term “longsword” for an edged weapon and prefer to designate whether the tuck is designed for single- or two-handed use).
Full Disclosure
I purchased both of these swords. The Cold Steel Italian Longsword has long been one of my favorites. I have sharpened mine to the point where it can easily cut paper from nearly the tip to several inches below the Point of Percussion. I cannot remember how much I paid for it, but despite Cold Steel claiming a $470(!) MSRP for the non-MAA version, Kult of Athena currently carries the MAA version for $220. The non-MAA version usually retails for slightly more.
kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=CS88ITSM
The Windlass I purchased during their winter sale from Museum Replicas. Ever since the model has been on the market, Windlass has had an “introductory” price of $265 despite having sold out their stock several times. The MSRP is $350. At the intro pricing, with the 10% discount from SBG, you’re looking at about a $10 difference between the two. The winter sale reduced the price I paid just slightly further.
Initial Impressions
Both swords shipped pretty much like normal swords. The only oddity on opening the boxes was that on opening the Windlass, I discovered that the little plastic “tip cap” that protects the tip during shipping had cracked in half at some point in transit. I have never seen this happen, before, on any sword I own. However, there was no damage to the actual tip of the sword, so it did its job well enough.
Statistics
CS Italian Longsword
Blade Length: 35.25”
Handle Length: 11” to the end of the pommel (8.5” without)
Overall Length: 47.25”
Guard Width: 9.125”
POB (Point of Balance): 4”
COP (Center of Percussion): ~21”
Weight: 2.8 pounds (2 pounds, 12.8 oz)
Windlass Battlecry! Bosworth Longsword
Blade Length: 35.35”
Handle Length: 11” to the end of the pommel
Overall Length: 47”
Guard Width: 9”
POB (Point of Balance): 5”
COP (Center of Percussion): ~22”
Weight: 2.8 pounds (2 pounds, 12.8 oz)
Note the incredibly similar specifications. The only relevant difference, in my view, is the point of balance difference. That is noticeable when handling the two side-by-side.
Components
Blades
The blades are incredibly similar. They have the same length, same basic profile, and even terminate in the same type of point at exactly the same place (Windlass on Left, CS on Right). The Windlass has a maker’s mark in addition to the printed brand name and the Cold Steel does not. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they just came out of the same exact production line and were marked with one maker's stamps or the other.
I have the MAA version of the CS, which has a black coating. The Battlecry, I believe, is only available with a coating. This is a cost-saving measure because it allows the manufacturer to skip out on the final polishing of the sword, which is usually required to help shine the thing up. However, the precise nature of the coating of the blades is interesting and is a point of distinction:
The Windlass has a kind of “marbled” look to it, and the Cold Steel is entirely black. The secondary bevel of the two swords is untreated (or, more probably, the swords were sharpened after the coating was applied). The Windlass’ coating will hide scratches and dings better, and it is noticeably more “slippery,” which might make a marginal difference when cutting through targets because it will reduce friction on the blade, but I do not think the difference is material. Aesthetically I prefer the Windlass finish: it looks interesting and very different.
One other point of distinction is that, to the fingers, my CS Italian came with a ripple or two, but the Windlass is comparatively smooth. This difference is invisible to the eye - the coating completely conceals it even if it would be visible on naked steel. I can only detect it by running my hand along the flats of the blades (for example, while cleaning or oiling with a cloth).
This is likely a function of my particular models as opposed to the lines, but something to keep in mind.
I have long-since sharpened the business parts of my CS sword and cannot provide a fair cutting comparison, however the Windlass came just barely sharp enough to draw-cut paper. The CS factory edge wasn’t even that sharp, and so I had to touch it up. Unlike almost all Windlass swords I’ve seen or purchased, the Bosworth line comes “sharp” by default. A point for Windlass if out-of-box cutting is an important consideration.
In terms of stiffness, as they handle I feel like the Bosworth may have a slightly, slightly, slightly stiffer blade. I tried to evaluate this by striking my hand on the pommels and tracking the vibrations, but with that method I couldn’t really tell a difference. It may be an artifact of the fact that the CS Italian is quicker and so it feels like it flexes a little more during certain swings and cuts when objectively they’re the same. The CS is definitely plenty stiff, anyways, so it's more of a "feel" thing as opposed to a performance difference.
The Handles and Pommels
The handles are the main aesthetic point of distinction between the swords. Cold Steel’s is a conservative but gorgeous design, using a few risers. In contrast, the Windlass has a unique helix-patterned riser that runs under the leather grip. Cold Steel’s sword uses a flattened fish-tail design for the pomment. Windlass goes with a scent stopper.
Aesthetically, I prefer the Windlass’ pommel slightly but much prefer the Cold Steel’s grip.
In the hand… it’s kind of a wash. Cold Steel’s grip is nice and narrow and fits my hand well, but I tend to grip the sword by the pommel with my power hand. This creates a hotspot near the heel of my palm, and after extensive cutting can grow uncomfortable. I would prefer that the handle be extended by another inch to allow for a better fit, or alternatively that the fish-tail be replaced with either a rounded or a scent-stopper design.
Windlass’ grip is identical in length to the Cold Steel one, but uses a scent-stopper (good thing), but I find that the grip itself is just slightly thick to my (medium glove-size) hands. Interestingly, after complaining about the CS’ pommel design, the scent-stopper alleviates the hot-spot issue but I found that the first time I switched to dry-handling it the scent-stopper caught on my forearm using some longsword techniques. This is really an issue of technique since I’m so used to the CS, but it prevents me from giving the unambiguous win to Windlass in this area.
I will note that I have seen several reports of poor fitting furniture on other peoples’ CS Italians, but this does not impact my particular model. The reports are credible and numerous enough to make me think that it is, in fact, an issue with the line.
I have seen much less review material on the Bosworth, so there isn’t enough of a community track record to evaluate the line, but my Bosworth’s build quality also seems good, so given that that may be the only datapoint right now the Bosworth may have a perfect score on limited sample size. The sword is entirely solid, and the furniture is devoid of rattling and fits tightly when struck on the pommel and when the blade is tapped into cardboard.
The Guards
The guards are very, very subtly different. The Bosworth’s guard seems a bit thinner, but they both have the characteristic Oakeshott Type 7 design. Either is entirely functional. Aesthetically… I might give a slight edge to the CS? There’s just so little to choose, here.
Edit: Pommel and Assembly
As you may have grasped from my allusions to the criticisms of the Cold Steel sword, it seems that construction may be an issue for them. The CS Italian Long Sword secures the pommel with a screw assembly; the Windlass is peened. As stated elsewhere, my particular CS sword is perfectly secure and it's been through many hours of dry handling and light-cutting. That said, the threaded assembly is known to be a weakness even when well-executed, and is easier to mess up than the Bosworth's peening.
The Sheaths
Both have virtually identical sheaths. The Windlass’ sheath also comes with a frog and attachment lug – a very nice touch. I did not like that my frog came with some minor corrosion on it, but the CS sword didn’t come with anything. Full marks to Windlass, though, for its inclusion. The CS sheath does not accommodate a frog.
Note that neither sheath is anything special: neither fits the sword guard especially well and both leave gaps between the guard and the sheath. The chape and the metal mouthpiece of both sheath are finished with the respective finishing material for the swords, but here I give Windlass no points – aesthetic or otherwise – because these are not likely to wear significantly, the difference is so subtle, and because the “slippery” feeling is entirely non-functional.
Handling Characteristics
Weirdly, and despite the nigh-identical stats across the board, the swords don't feel the same in hand at all.
This image shows the point of balance difference - I am measuring the distance from the POB to the guard on both swords, which I previously balanced on the "lower" edge of that sheath as an additional point of reference. It's a full inch further from the guard on the Windlass, and I think that understates the difference in hand between the two. The Bosworth handles like a normal budget longsword. The Cold Steel is lightning fast and nimble in hand. I honestly have no idea what could account for this difference. Maybe the Bosworth's pommel isn't as heavy... but it looks and feels heavier. Maybe one or the other uses some weird extra-dimensional material for part of it. But in either case... two swords of the same length with the same blade and the same length grip... somehow feel totally different.
The Bosworth feels like it could deal a heavier blow and cut, but the Cold Steel is just a joy to swing around.
Test Cutting
I cannot comment on this fairly because my CS has a huge edge (pun intended) in that I sharpened it myself. I will eventually do this with my Bosworth, but the CS now goes through any reasonable light target (it's probably tough enough to handle medium targets without much risk, especially given the low cost - I just haven't tried). The Bosworth has a slight advantage in that its factory edge was noticeably better – it can just barely draw-cut paper pulled across the length of the edge, and the CS couldn’t do this.
Conclusions
For all intents and purposes, this is a toss-up with small advantages both ways. Retail prices for the Windlass are currently ~$10 higher. For that price, you get a slightly better factory edge, a frog (and a sheath that accommodates it). The grip and pommel… from a performance perspective, the Windlass has a slight edge in my view, but aesthetically I prefer the CS so personally it’s a toss-up. You do have the option of paying a little more for the non-MAA version of the Cold Steel sword, which has a polished finish instead of the blackened one.
In handling there is a difference. The Cold Steel is lightning fast – it can even be handled one-handed with comfort (though less optimally than with two hands). The Windlass handles like a normal budget longsword. I am baffled by how the handling could be that different given the nigh-identical swords, but it’s real. I don’t fully understand how the center of gravity on the two swords is even different by an inch, given the similarities between the swords, but they are different. You will know it if you swing the two one after the other. It is unmistakable.
In use, the Bosworth is a longsword; the CS is a joy.
Pros
Both:
- Both swords are very, very capable Type XVa longswords. My models came solidly constructed, and both can cut well after sharpening, and stab viciously. I can easily recommend either, for what they currently cost, to someone who is interested in this type of sword.
Cold Steel Pros:
- The Cold Steel is much nimbler in the hand (big advantage CS)
- As of this writing, the Cold Steel is less expensive
- I prefer the aesthetics of the CS’ handle, pommel, and guard, but YMMV
Windlass:
- The Windlass is heavier, and the coating will do a better job of hiding scratches and dents from cutting
- The pommel is just slightly more comfortable for extended sessions without gloves
- Sharper out-of-box, at least given my examples.
- Comes with a sword frog, and the sheath is designed to accommodate it
The Bottom Line
I can recommend either as a value longsword – and both happen to be in one of my favorite styles.
As between the two… there’s just so little to pick between them that the small difference in handling seems big – I’m still honestly surprised that there is such a difference in feeling given the similar specs, appearance, and pricing of the blades. But the CS definitely seems lighter and faster. The Bosworth heavier and meatier.
If you prefer your longswords quick and nimble then go with the CS. The Bosworth is a “heavier-duty” XVa which is clearly designed for more cutting.
If you like the aesthetics of one versus the other then go with that one. If you want the Windlass, then it gives you enough to easily justify the tiny price difference, but someone who likes a heavier and cuttier blade will prefer the Windlass, anyway.
I’ve seen so many credible complaints about the CS’s build quality that if I absolutely had to recommend one to a first-time buyer then I’d have to point them to the Bosworth. (That way they can’t blame me if they get a lemon). But if you can get a solidly built CS one then it is a great, great value as well.