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Post by RickDastardly on Aug 8, 2018 10:36:14 GMT
I want an arming sword... but there can be only one (due to lack of enough funds for 'get both' )
By the looks of it I can get* the Windlass European for less than half the price of the H/T Medieval sword. If the H/T is much better though, I'll hold out for that one.
Has anyone owned and cut with both?
* Provided that the UK shop that says it is in stock is telling the truth. It seems more often than not that it's a lie. Some (like Blades-UK) can't even be bothered to tell you it isn't in stock, and never will be, after you've paid for it and are sat waiting for it to arrive.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Aug 8, 2018 13:43:04 GMT
I don't have an answer for your question because I don't have the European but perhaps this helps a bit:
The H/T EMSHS has a nice blade with a broad base, a good distal taper and a historical correct lenticular blade cross section. But the handle and guard are plain and modern minimalistic and often the lower forte of the blade isn't sharp. And it isn't peened but has a good threading sytem with keyed pommel and a nut. Windlass usually has nicer fittings, less distal taper and the cheaper diamond cross section.
Consider also the Battlecry Agincourt! It's a little bit shorter and more agile than the H/T and probably the better thruster. I don't cut but I suppose the H/T will cut better than the Agincourt.
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Aug 8, 2018 14:14:07 GMT
For what it's worth, and considering the time-period you may be interested in, you might also consider the H/T Norman. This is my personal favorite single-hander. The fullered blade is relatively light and fast...and it's peened at the pommel. Also, for what its worth, there's a Windlass Classic Medieval sword in the 'Dent and Scratch' section of Kult of Athena. There shouldn't be much wrong with it, and it's a great buy. Also peened. If someone doesn't snatch it up soon, I may buy it myself.
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Post by William Swiger on Aug 8, 2018 14:26:44 GMT
I prefer the Windlass European over the H/T. I like the H/T line and have owned them all at one point but did not keep them except for the Viking. I HATE hex nut assemblies. Can live with a robust threaded sword but not a fan of the hex nut.......
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2018 14:40:38 GMT
I prefer the H/T due to the hex nut assembly... it so easy to rule out the typical Windlass flaws like misaligned pommel or crossguard. The grip can be customized easy enough even for a double left-hander like me... and hex nut assembly also can be covered by some nail head or similar things to rescue the optics. In addition i just dont like the Windlass mirror polish at all; but that can be corrected even easier with some Scotch Brite; point given. Scabbard on the other hand again adds another plus to the H/T.
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ChrisA
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Post by ChrisA on Aug 8, 2018 14:47:32 GMT
I have the HT and I love it. Hex nut construction does not bother me at all and I have had 0 problems with them. It is a nice handling sword and cuts great.
My 2 main issues with the HT are (were):
The grip:The grip was very thin and awkwardly shaped for my hands (might not be for others). This was easily fixed by wrapping the grip with cord and covering that with a leather wrap. Now it's one of my most comfortable grips.
The edge: The edge that came on my HT medieval sword was bad. Not much better than a butter knife. I have heard some say this has improved, but cannot be sure. I fixed the bad edge by sharpening it. Now, it's one of my favorite cutters.
I don't have any experience with that model of Windlass so I cannot offer any thing on that. But the HT gets a big thumbs up from me.
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Post by RickDastardly on Aug 8, 2018 15:35:59 GMT
Thank you all! Nice to hear opinions for both swords, and alternatives.
I have the H/T hand and a half and like it. I'm quite happy to have something that needs a bit of work too, as long as the basics are there to work on. However...
I've just a few minutes ago made an offer on something a bit more up market. If I get it, that will take my sword budget for the foreseeable future. If not... I'm leaning a little towards the H/T.
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Post by Afoo on Aug 8, 2018 15:44:37 GMT
I have the HT EMSHS and the Windlass Type XIV. Its not directly what you are asking about, but in broad terms I like the handling of the H/T better. The taper and geometry is much more refined. The fittings are a bit plain Jane - minimalist and modern. The leather of the grips is glued rather than stitched, so that can come loose (I epoxied mine down). On the flip side.
on KoA, the peen on the H.T Normal looks kinda sad. I had the Hanwei Henry V, and the peen was similarly bad. The peen on the Windlass is neat and clean. Its not a huge issue, but something to keep in mind as well
I take it you are in the UK?
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stormmaster
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Post by stormmaster on Aug 8, 2018 15:56:47 GMT
Recommend the h/t alot but u would need someone to redo the grip, I've never had it without the original grip but ige heard it's super thin
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Post by RickDastardly on Aug 8, 2018 16:01:19 GMT
I take it you are in the UK?
Yes, so the choice tends to be a little more limited and expensive.
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Post by Afoo on Aug 8, 2018 16:08:39 GMT
Fair enough. Hopefully something works out. The blade of the H/T is good - and the fact it can be easily pulled apart means you can change the grip and fittings easily. Those bits are probably cheaper to ship to the UK
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Post by 28shadow on Aug 8, 2018 18:37:17 GMT
I once had both in my collection at the same time and compared them. The Windlass is fairly heavy and the grip was very poorly shaped. As was the H/T grip. It too was hefty but not as bad. Both are good percussive swords but not very nimble, though the H/T has a slight edge in handling. My personal bias is weighted for swords that feel and handle lightly. The H/T isn't a brick and unlike the Windlass can be modified with little difficulty. If you don't want someone to redo the grip you could just beef it up yourself using various materials. Personally when I redo a grip for something I use often I use this type of tape. Not sure if there's something similar or if it is available in the UK, but keep an eye out. It's a self adhering tape that is very comfortable to hold and from a distance resembles black leather strips. Of the two swords I'd recommend the H/T for sure.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Aug 8, 2018 20:14:21 GMT
Consider also the Battlecry Agincourt! It's a little bit shorter and more agile than the H/T and probably the better thruster. I don't cut but I suppose the H/T will cut better than the Agincourt. I have no experience with either sword you are inquiring about but would like to emphasize Andi’s statement about the Agincourt. If you just want to cut whatever in the backyard I’d say the H/T, but if you want a sword go with the Agincourt. It’s not an impotent cutter although cutting is not its best characteristic. It handles extremely well and in two hands it’s the fastest thing I have including katanas when taking advantage of the Agincourt’s false edge. It’s a great thruster if you like giving point. The Agincourt is easy to manage in one hand leaving the other free for whatever.
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