Windlass Buffalo Horn Sword Cane
Jul 28, 2018 18:17:35 GMT
Post by pgandy on Jul 28, 2018 18:17:35 GMT
With the new life in my CS HDSC review and watching Skallagrim’s video review again on Windlass’ Buffalo Handle Sword Cane I decided to review mine. I am not connected to Windlass and paid full price to the forgotten vendor which at the time didn’t exceed 100 USD. That too forgotten with time.
Using MRL’s statistics the OAL is 37½”, with a 17¼” blade, weight 1 lb 4 oz., and is now carrying a $124.95 price tag.
The blade separates using a release button. The blade is of unsharpened carbon steel, typical of Windlass. MRL has them in stock but does not offer a sharpening service on these so if desired it will be a do it yourself job. I sharpened mine but it isn’t really necessary as the point is very sharp and will penetrate as is. The sharpening that I did just eased the penetration effort and will discourage someone from grabbing the blade, but again isn’t necessary.
The shaft is fibreglass and comes with a rubber tip. The grip is of buffalo horn and well shaped and proportioned for my size 8 hand. I find it comfortable.
Skallagrim gave it a less than favourable review and had the video evidence to back it up. One of his complaints was rattling. I can’t deny that his wasn’t rattling. I have heard of one other such complaint. I don’t know if Windlass has changed their design since receiving mine a decade or more ago or if those two received faulty swords. MRL has two reviews posted given back in 2009, about the time if not after I purchased mine and both were 5 stars, the same as I would give it. This cane as well as my sword umbrella from Windlass has two plastic inserts that sandwich and securely hold the blade. This gives a smooth operation as well as silences the rattle. It also beefs up the cane as without them the blade/sheath fit is sloppy and there is slight movement between the two. Perhaps Windlass no longer uses the inserts or perhaps they had fallen out somewhere along the way. Mine act up from time to time and have to be put back. They were originally glued in, and I reglue mine, but the glue does not last. Every 3 years or so I need to put them back w/glue. I think the oils from the blade break down the glue bond over time.
I’ve had no problem with my release button but Skalligrim broke his. He also objects to the positioning of the button, must be a subjective thing as I have no problem locating mine.
I find the cane graceful and eye pleasing in appearance, fits my size 8 hand well, and easy to carry. Most importantly the cane and the blade each handle well, are fast and controllable. When buying this I noticed that many canes had a 17” or thereabouts blade and thought the length was too short preferring originally longer blades. To use one of Matt Easton’s favourite words, it’s all in the context of things. There are occasions when a longer blade would be advantageous and other times a shorter one. I think overall a 17” blade will cover more bases than a longer blade. When someone steps in next to me my 27 and 28” blades are useless. In addition they take longer to draw and need more room.
One thing that has bothered me, and it’s the nature of all button release blades, is the button’s visibility. Most buttons don’t stand out like a sore thumb but can be seen if one is looking. I’ve found ways to disguise the buttons on some of my sword canes but never got around to this one, until yesterday. On all of my sword canes I use a commercial wrist strap in order to free my hands when needed. I’ve learned to remove these straps when not in use as UV light destroys the elastic in them. Looking the Buffalo cane I decided to make a non-elastic strap and mount it in a way to hide the button. I did so out of a black flat shoe string held in place with rescue tape. I prefer the cane’s line without the little bulk it now has although it’s not that bad and reasonably excusable because of the strap, and the release works perfectly. I now have a wrist strap that the light won’t destroy, and no visible button. The blade draws and returns as smooth as silk. Which is great as a release button is my favourite mechanism.
All in all I prefer a release button due to the speed, smoothness, and silence. I must admit though that I have no experience with Hanwei’s system and would like to give it a try.
Complete Cane Wicked Point
Cane Separated Strap Attachments
Plastic Inserts
Using MRL’s statistics the OAL is 37½”, with a 17¼” blade, weight 1 lb 4 oz., and is now carrying a $124.95 price tag.
The blade separates using a release button. The blade is of unsharpened carbon steel, typical of Windlass. MRL has them in stock but does not offer a sharpening service on these so if desired it will be a do it yourself job. I sharpened mine but it isn’t really necessary as the point is very sharp and will penetrate as is. The sharpening that I did just eased the penetration effort and will discourage someone from grabbing the blade, but again isn’t necessary.
The shaft is fibreglass and comes with a rubber tip. The grip is of buffalo horn and well shaped and proportioned for my size 8 hand. I find it comfortable.
Skallagrim gave it a less than favourable review and had the video evidence to back it up. One of his complaints was rattling. I can’t deny that his wasn’t rattling. I have heard of one other such complaint. I don’t know if Windlass has changed their design since receiving mine a decade or more ago or if those two received faulty swords. MRL has two reviews posted given back in 2009, about the time if not after I purchased mine and both were 5 stars, the same as I would give it. This cane as well as my sword umbrella from Windlass has two plastic inserts that sandwich and securely hold the blade. This gives a smooth operation as well as silences the rattle. It also beefs up the cane as without them the blade/sheath fit is sloppy and there is slight movement between the two. Perhaps Windlass no longer uses the inserts or perhaps they had fallen out somewhere along the way. Mine act up from time to time and have to be put back. They were originally glued in, and I reglue mine, but the glue does not last. Every 3 years or so I need to put them back w/glue. I think the oils from the blade break down the glue bond over time.
I’ve had no problem with my release button but Skalligrim broke his. He also objects to the positioning of the button, must be a subjective thing as I have no problem locating mine.
I find the cane graceful and eye pleasing in appearance, fits my size 8 hand well, and easy to carry. Most importantly the cane and the blade each handle well, are fast and controllable. When buying this I noticed that many canes had a 17” or thereabouts blade and thought the length was too short preferring originally longer blades. To use one of Matt Easton’s favourite words, it’s all in the context of things. There are occasions when a longer blade would be advantageous and other times a shorter one. I think overall a 17” blade will cover more bases than a longer blade. When someone steps in next to me my 27 and 28” blades are useless. In addition they take longer to draw and need more room.
One thing that has bothered me, and it’s the nature of all button release blades, is the button’s visibility. Most buttons don’t stand out like a sore thumb but can be seen if one is looking. I’ve found ways to disguise the buttons on some of my sword canes but never got around to this one, until yesterday. On all of my sword canes I use a commercial wrist strap in order to free my hands when needed. I’ve learned to remove these straps when not in use as UV light destroys the elastic in them. Looking the Buffalo cane I decided to make a non-elastic strap and mount it in a way to hide the button. I did so out of a black flat shoe string held in place with rescue tape. I prefer the cane’s line without the little bulk it now has although it’s not that bad and reasonably excusable because of the strap, and the release works perfectly. I now have a wrist strap that the light won’t destroy, and no visible button. The blade draws and returns as smooth as silk. Which is great as a release button is my favourite mechanism.
All in all I prefer a release button due to the speed, smoothness, and silence. I must admit though that I have no experience with Hanwei’s system and would like to give it a try.
Complete Cane Wicked Point
Cane Separated Strap Attachments
Plastic Inserts