United Cutlery Honshu Broadsword Review
Jul 8, 2019 7:39:02 GMT
Post by nddave on Jul 8, 2019 7:39:02 GMT
United Cutlery Honshu Broadsword Review
David
Reviewed by, NDDave (David Burkhart) Emmett, ID
Hi everybody,
So today's review is going to be an interesting one as it's a product test. Paul posted a thread requesting a forum reviewer to take a go at reviewing the new to market United Cutlery Honshu Broadsword. I was lucky enough to be given the honors so here is the Review of the UC Honshu Broadsword!
Video Review
As promised here is a full video of this sword with deconstruction, reassembly and cutting tests! The cutting segment has also been posted below in the Test Cutting section as well.
Video Review
As promised here is a full video of this sword with deconstruction, reassembly and cutting tests! The cutting segment has also been posted below in the Test Cutting section as well.
Historical Overview
Not much to say here as this isn't technically a historical reproduction. It does have some similarities to historical bastard swords but overall this is a modern or "tactical" representation of a European bastard sword. It has the same configuration of a historical European sword, double edged blade, cross guard, grip and pommel. Though it has a few diversions in design such as it's grip material and hilt assembly.
The blade has a similar profile to a Type XII or Type XVIa but has the inclusion of a 1" riccasso. The guard is similar to a Style 2 guard but seems a little more fantasy style in its proportions. The pommel is similar to a Type T5 but like the guard seems more fantasy styled in its shape and proportions.
Honestly rather than being historical this sword seems like it would be better seen strapped to the back of a motorcycle riding post-apocalyptic warrior. Or at the hip of a marauding mercenary of a fantasy wasteland, which suits the theme and design of the sword as a tactical representation of a bastard sword.
Full Disclosure
In disclosure I am not affiliated with United Cutlery or BudK. This sword was given to me free of charge as a product test by United Cutlery through, Paul Southren of Sword Buyers Guide. I am not being paid for this review, I’m just a fellow sword loving forum member that enjoys reviewing and discussing swords here on this forum with it’s awesome community.
Initial Impressions
So I was kind of surprised by this sword upon unboxing. It's initial appearance and finish reminded me of the Hanwei European models of the Cas/Iberia line or the Cold Steel Hand and a Half Sword. A little chunky but overall a sword. It has a satin machined finish that matches many other budget Chinese production models. The TPR grip (thermal plastic rubber) has a good feel to it with a similar texture to a pistol grip. Balance felt good and overall the sword appeared well fitted and seemed solidly built. Packaging was in great shape. The sword was shipped to me by BudK. I haven't received a package from BudK in a long time but I must say their packaging was great.
Statistics
Overall Length: 43 ¾"
Blade Length: 33 ¾"
Blade Width: 2" at ricasso tapering to 1 ¾" at the midsection down to 1 ½" before the tip
Handle Dimensions: 6" grip, 9" with pommel, base circumference 4 ¾" at the guard tapering down to 3 ½" at the pommel
Guard dimensions: 8 ½" long, quillions ¼" x ¾"
Point of Balance: 3"
Center of Percussion: 20" from base of blade
Weight: 3lbs 3oz
The Blade
The blade is made of 1060 carbon steel and has a mirror polish. It has a fuller going down half of The blade as well as a 1" riccasso at the base of the blade. The sword is similar in profile to a Type XII but could pass as a Type XVI with its diamond cross section. Honestly it design reminds me of my Windlass Battlecry Baskethilt, though a little broader. There isn't much profile or distal taper but The blade isn't overly thick and The low point of balance keeps it comfortable to wield. It did come with a decent edge and passed a paper test early on.
Overall the blade seems well made and serviceable. Nothing fancy but good for the price point.
The Handle
The handle is The most unique part of the sword. It is made of TPR or Thermal Plastic Rubber. It feels good in hand and doesn't seem like it would be slippery in use. The handle seems to be one solid formed piece. I was told that it was slid onto the tang and then glued into place. There are rivets but it seems they don't hold much purpose if the grip is glued. The design and texture of the grip reminds me of a pistol grip or gun stock as they're very similar to it.
Overall the grip is serviceable and isn't as uncomfortable as I expected. Though I would have preferred it slimmer but that is more a personal preference.
The Guard
The guard is nicely formed and is made of steel with a satin finish. Its slightly bulky for a cruciform guard but is shaped well and is comfortable feeling when pressed against the forehand. The guard is very similar to a Style 2 Guard and the most historical or traditional looking part of the sword. Its fitted nicely to the tang and there is very little gap in the tang slot which is nice to see. It seems they opted to fill the tang slot with epoxy as I can see some. Kind of disappointing to see as that usually means there is play or movement in the guard but it could have been simply an extra precaution.
Overall a good looking and fitting guard.
The Pommel
The pommel, like the guard is well formed steel with a matching satin finish. It is fitted to the hilt by a compression nut. It's in the style of a Type T5 and feels good in an off hand grip, adding an extra 3" to the handle. It's fitted tight and there is no movement when handled.
Overall a nicely shaped and good feeling pommel.
The Scabbard
The scabbard of this sword is wood with a painted matte finish. It has a plastic collar with felt lining and a cast metal chape. Usually my scabbard sections are short and sweet but honestly, this scabbard is my favorite part of this package! It fits incredibly well, nice and snug with no rattle and the blade holds when held upside down. Its style fits the tactical design of the sword and it is really well made.
Overall the best production scabbard I've owned.
Handling Characteristics
This sword handles quite well. At 3lbs it's not too heavy and with the low point of balance it makes maneuvering the sword easy. It is on the thicker side and a little bulky but for its tactical or fantasy inspired design it's not too bad and has the qualities of a more beater style sword. The grip is comfortable though a tad thick for my personal tastes. Someone with larger hands will appreciate this but someone with smaller hands may find it uncomfortable.
Overall for its size and build it handles well.
Test Cutting
Well as the video shows this sword can cut and take a beating. The blade is strong and appears to have a good temper as the helmet strikes showed. Blade came sharp with a very minor secondary bevel.
Overall I was impressed with its cutting ability.
Conclusions
I was pleasantly surprised by this sword. I know a few members here were skeptical of it due to its manufacturer and product line. Overall though it is well put together, has a quality blade, the hilt assembly was well designed and the scabbard was top notch. The only flaw I really noticed was the tang has a slight curve to it as the pic shows. Deconstructing the blade was easy and reassembly was easy as well. The adhesive Paul highlighted in the request thread turned out to be nothing more than a slight coat of hot glue that easily peeled off. No Loctite on this sword.
Pros
- Well forged and heat treated blade of 1060 carbon steel.
- Scabbard is well made and has an excellent fit.
- Hilt assembly is secure and well put together.
- Grip is well shaped and durable
- Great functional representation of the tactical/fantasy design type.
Cons
- A little bulky.
- Less traditional design may not be attractive to some.
- Grip may be too thick for some.
- Fit and finish may be hit or miss due to the price point and manufacturing process.
The Bottom Line
For the price point I don't think you'll find a better sword of this design. If you have been looking for a tactical or fantasy styled European sword, this is the sword for you. If you like the modern hilt assembly or the ability to customize a blade with a great fitting scabbard this sword might be for you. If you're more into traditional or historical swords this one might not be for you. But if you wanted to try one out of your comfort zone, for the price point and build this would be a good one to try.
Thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed,
David
