Devil's Edge Tactical Egyptian Khopesh
Apr 17, 2017 14:22:49 GMT
Post by Kristie on Apr 17, 2017 14:22:49 GMT
Devils Edge Tactical Egyptian Khopesh
Purchased from Kult of Athena for $79.95.
Introduction
I’ve wanted one of these for a long while, but there aren’t many options out there, especially ones which are useable. This one is affordable at just under $80, sharp and battle ready out of the box, and the tactical aspect makes it unique. I added it to my most recent KoA order just on a whim, even without thinking about it much, which is unordinary for me. But I’ve purchased a Devil’s Edge blade before which I was impressed enough with (The Greek Xiphos) and thought it was a good gamble.
Historical Overview
Sizewise, it seems correct, but otherwise not so much. The holes in the blade are a completely modern embellishment, for one, and the overall shape doesn’t come close to most historical examples, either. What is most apparently different is it’s very plain and undecorated, as well as being made of steel rather than bronze, which most khopesh commonly were not until later. Here’s a little more detailed reading if you’re interested: www.swordhistory.info/?p=85.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliations which could in any way bias this review.
Initial Impressions
The first thing I noticed was how large the handle is. It’s fine that they put finger grooves in the grip, but for myself they’re much too large, not to mention the somewhat sharp edges. The first thing I did was get some sandpaper and round out the sharp spots a bit. I may actually go further and create a thumb groove on the left scale to help the blade feel more secure in hand. Second thing I noticed was the weight. It’s an overall small weapon, but it’s no lightweight. But you want to pick it up simply because it’s an uncommon blade type. You want to give it a swing but you know it’s going to take some doing. And it’s also got that tactical look that draws you.
Statistics
Supplied by KoA:
Overall Length: 24 1/8'' Blade: 18''
Weight: 2 lb 7 oz
Edge: Sharp
P.O.B.: 4 3/8''
Thickness: 4 mm - 4.7 mm
Width: 38 mm - 70 mm - 48 mm
Grip Length: 4''
Components
The Blade
At first glance, it is an attractive design. The holes are nice and even, the edge grind is okay, but not perfect. Upon further observation, you see that the curve of the blade isn’t uniform, plus the blade is off center with the handle. But what do you want for this price point?
The Handle
Like I said, it feels overly large and clunky, but the finger grooves do help somewhat. I’ve noticed that I tend to use the first grove for my index finger and the second one for my middle and ring finger, leaving the third for my pinky. That leaves a lot of extra handle, but I don’t know that anyone would be able to use all the space properly unless they’ve got some pretty big hands. What I do like is that the wood they’ve used has a very nice pattern. Unfortunately, at some edges it appears to be separating slightly from the tang, probably just due to humidity change.
And while I don't think it affects anything, the left scale appears to be much thinner than the right one.
The Guard
I don’t know if you can call the protuberance in front of your first finger a guard or not. In any case, it serves as one, and is more than adequate to keep your hand from sliding onto the blade. Plus, it gives style to the handle.
The Pommel
No pommel here!
The Scabbard
It seems to be leather of not bad quality really. There is definitely a tactical element here as well. As this blade type would only allow, the edge must be inserted into the scabbard sideways, and then held in place by three straps with snaps. And on the belt loop is another strap and snap to hold the handle. It’s kind of nice that they also included a kind of belt or baldric, but I wish it was detachable.
Handling Characteristics
History says these were derived from a battle axe, and that is apparent. It’s a bit more elegant than that, but not so very controllable as its size would have you think. Just holding it in hand, you really feel the weight of the tip pulling the blade forward.
Test Cutting
The edge is sharp but I would like it sharper. Still, it cuts well enough. Because of the handling, I wasn’t surprised by the few amounts of cuts I was able to get out of each milk jug, but I think it’s something I could improve on as I continue to get used to the weapon.
Conclusions
Overall I think it’s fine, just not that exciting. I would like to see better refinement of the handle, for one. And I’m curious what a thinner blade would do for the handling. But I feel like I’m nitpicking, like maybe I want it to be something it’s not supposed to be. I’ve never handled any other khopesh, so there may be better examples out there that are closer to what I envision. But still, I would buy from Devil’s Edge again. They offer exciting designs and great prices.
Pros
- Good price
- Attractive design
- Battle ready!
Cons
- A bit unwieldy
- Uncomfortable handle
The Bottom Line
If you want one of these, it seems you don’t have very many options. There are the bronze examples which you can’t cut with but which can be historically accurate. And there are a few steel versions which are likely to be less historically accurate, and maybe a bit pricey. This one seems to be a good all around compromise. If you end up using it as primarily a display piece to fill that niche in your collection, at least it didn’t break the bank!
Purchased from Kult of Athena for $79.95.
Introduction
I’ve wanted one of these for a long while, but there aren’t many options out there, especially ones which are useable. This one is affordable at just under $80, sharp and battle ready out of the box, and the tactical aspect makes it unique. I added it to my most recent KoA order just on a whim, even without thinking about it much, which is unordinary for me. But I’ve purchased a Devil’s Edge blade before which I was impressed enough with (The Greek Xiphos) and thought it was a good gamble.
Historical Overview
Sizewise, it seems correct, but otherwise not so much. The holes in the blade are a completely modern embellishment, for one, and the overall shape doesn’t come close to most historical examples, either. What is most apparently different is it’s very plain and undecorated, as well as being made of steel rather than bronze, which most khopesh commonly were not until later. Here’s a little more detailed reading if you’re interested: www.swordhistory.info/?p=85.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliations which could in any way bias this review.
Initial Impressions
The first thing I noticed was how large the handle is. It’s fine that they put finger grooves in the grip, but for myself they’re much too large, not to mention the somewhat sharp edges. The first thing I did was get some sandpaper and round out the sharp spots a bit. I may actually go further and create a thumb groove on the left scale to help the blade feel more secure in hand. Second thing I noticed was the weight. It’s an overall small weapon, but it’s no lightweight. But you want to pick it up simply because it’s an uncommon blade type. You want to give it a swing but you know it’s going to take some doing. And it’s also got that tactical look that draws you.
Statistics
Supplied by KoA:
Overall Length: 24 1/8'' Blade: 18''
Weight: 2 lb 7 oz
Edge: Sharp
P.O.B.: 4 3/8''
Thickness: 4 mm - 4.7 mm
Width: 38 mm - 70 mm - 48 mm
Grip Length: 4''
Components
The Blade
At first glance, it is an attractive design. The holes are nice and even, the edge grind is okay, but not perfect. Upon further observation, you see that the curve of the blade isn’t uniform, plus the blade is off center with the handle. But what do you want for this price point?
The Handle
Like I said, it feels overly large and clunky, but the finger grooves do help somewhat. I’ve noticed that I tend to use the first grove for my index finger and the second one for my middle and ring finger, leaving the third for my pinky. That leaves a lot of extra handle, but I don’t know that anyone would be able to use all the space properly unless they’ve got some pretty big hands. What I do like is that the wood they’ve used has a very nice pattern. Unfortunately, at some edges it appears to be separating slightly from the tang, probably just due to humidity change.
And while I don't think it affects anything, the left scale appears to be much thinner than the right one.
The Guard
I don’t know if you can call the protuberance in front of your first finger a guard or not. In any case, it serves as one, and is more than adequate to keep your hand from sliding onto the blade. Plus, it gives style to the handle.
The Pommel
No pommel here!
The Scabbard
It seems to be leather of not bad quality really. There is definitely a tactical element here as well. As this blade type would only allow, the edge must be inserted into the scabbard sideways, and then held in place by three straps with snaps. And on the belt loop is another strap and snap to hold the handle. It’s kind of nice that they also included a kind of belt or baldric, but I wish it was detachable.
Handling Characteristics
History says these were derived from a battle axe, and that is apparent. It’s a bit more elegant than that, but not so very controllable as its size would have you think. Just holding it in hand, you really feel the weight of the tip pulling the blade forward.
Test Cutting
The edge is sharp but I would like it sharper. Still, it cuts well enough. Because of the handling, I wasn’t surprised by the few amounts of cuts I was able to get out of each milk jug, but I think it’s something I could improve on as I continue to get used to the weapon.
Conclusions
Overall I think it’s fine, just not that exciting. I would like to see better refinement of the handle, for one. And I’m curious what a thinner blade would do for the handling. But I feel like I’m nitpicking, like maybe I want it to be something it’s not supposed to be. I’ve never handled any other khopesh, so there may be better examples out there that are closer to what I envision. But still, I would buy from Devil’s Edge again. They offer exciting designs and great prices.
Pros
- Good price
- Attractive design
- Battle ready!
Cons
- A bit unwieldy
- Uncomfortable handle
The Bottom Line
If you want one of these, it seems you don’t have very many options. There are the bronze examples which you can’t cut with but which can be historically accurate. And there are a few steel versions which are likely to be less historically accurate, and maybe a bit pricey. This one seems to be a good all around compromise. If you end up using it as primarily a display piece to fill that niche in your collection, at least it didn’t break the bank!