Kingston Arms & Hanwei Side sword, how can we compare both?
Sept 19, 2020 0:01:10 GMT
Post by Bernhard H. on Sept 19, 2020 0:01:10 GMT
For a future project I am interested in a comparision of those two side swords. Right now, I have a custom re-hilting order for a Windlass Munich Town Guard in progress, so this one will have to wait a while, but I can still plan, and maybe already get the sword. The aim is generating a certain aesthetic combining the blade of the side sword with a slightly more complex hilt, creating something like a heavier type military rapier, and also having a sword suitable for test-cutting (and -thrusting).
(Also maybe some reenactment/customing wear, but that is not too important in the context of this question.)
I was under the impression that for what I am looking for, in aesthetics, and (presumably) handling, those two were probably the best options, but that only the Kingston Arms Side Sword (which in a way is the Hanwei's sucessor, of course) was available these days. Since, I learned that some European dealers at least seem to have the Hanwei Side Sword as NOS., at about the same price as the newer Kingston one. We'll have to see about that, but for now I am assuming that at least one of the three or so who list it as in stock actually do have one available.
Which leads to the question: Which is "better"? While I am aware that the answer to that will be mostly subjective, I would still like input from those who are more knowledgable than me, and especially those who had the chance to handle both swords.
I am only interested in the blade, obviously, differences and improvements in the grip/hilt/pommel area are of no concern to me.
I know that the Hanwei Side Sword is shorter. Both lengths would be within the parameters of what I am looking for. From the statistics published, I do have the impression that the distal taper on the Hanwei is far better, though, a taper of 4.0 mm along a 76.2 cm blade length (over 0.52 %), vs a taper of 2.9 mm over a 88.4 cm blade length on the Kingston Arms Side Sword (about 0.33 %). The Hanwei starts thicker, as well, which I like. But these are only numbers -- can someone confirm a difference, and maybe describe how it relates to the actual handling of the swords? I am also much interested in flexibility vs stiffness. A certain flexibility is necessary, of course, but I do like my blades not being whippy.
Also, if you do have suggestions for other production swords with similar blades, please do feel free to say so. Albion price range is out of the question for me theses days, though. I remember when I could buy a Jody Samson blade from them, back then, that was before they officially sold bare blades, and took me a little convincing -- but not now, anymore.
Swords I already looked at online:
- Windlass Munich town guard (using that for another project right now, and do not want two of them)
- Windlass Saxon Hilt, Windlass Rheinfelden (both can be overly flexible, depending on how you do in the Windlass lottery, it seems)
- Windlass Sword of 30 yrs War (fine sword, seemingly, but maybe slightly narrower that what I would like for this project)
- Windlass English Cut and Thrust Sword -- that seems a nice one, but with all the google-fu I could muster I was not able to find that available anymore :-(
The lack of available and viable Windlass options is just a little saddening, since they would certainly be less pricey (the Hanwei/Kingston Side Sword is pretty expensive in Europe, so it's not unlikely that some Hanweis have not sold by now), and Windlass blades can(!) be, imo, of really astonishing quality for the money. I do have a Windlass Scottish Backsword with an absolutely lovely blade.
So, waiting eagerly for your input, be it comparision between the two sideswords above, or other ideas for an appropriate blade, thank you!
BTW, thank you also for this forum. Since my interest in swords has been rekindled some months ago, I have spent many hours reading discussions, reviews etc, so kudos to the community and everybody who helped creating this great content, be it by sharing wisdom and experience, or by asking questions that start and encourage such sharing.
(Also maybe some reenactment/customing wear, but that is not too important in the context of this question.)
I was under the impression that for what I am looking for, in aesthetics, and (presumably) handling, those two were probably the best options, but that only the Kingston Arms Side Sword (which in a way is the Hanwei's sucessor, of course) was available these days. Since, I learned that some European dealers at least seem to have the Hanwei Side Sword as NOS., at about the same price as the newer Kingston one. We'll have to see about that, but for now I am assuming that at least one of the three or so who list it as in stock actually do have one available.
Which leads to the question: Which is "better"? While I am aware that the answer to that will be mostly subjective, I would still like input from those who are more knowledgable than me, and especially those who had the chance to handle both swords.
I am only interested in the blade, obviously, differences and improvements in the grip/hilt/pommel area are of no concern to me.
I know that the Hanwei Side Sword is shorter. Both lengths would be within the parameters of what I am looking for. From the statistics published, I do have the impression that the distal taper on the Hanwei is far better, though, a taper of 4.0 mm along a 76.2 cm blade length (over 0.52 %), vs a taper of 2.9 mm over a 88.4 cm blade length on the Kingston Arms Side Sword (about 0.33 %). The Hanwei starts thicker, as well, which I like. But these are only numbers -- can someone confirm a difference, and maybe describe how it relates to the actual handling of the swords? I am also much interested in flexibility vs stiffness. A certain flexibility is necessary, of course, but I do like my blades not being whippy.
Also, if you do have suggestions for other production swords with similar blades, please do feel free to say so. Albion price range is out of the question for me theses days, though. I remember when I could buy a Jody Samson blade from them, back then, that was before they officially sold bare blades, and took me a little convincing -- but not now, anymore.
Swords I already looked at online:
- Windlass Munich town guard (using that for another project right now, and do not want two of them)
- Windlass Saxon Hilt, Windlass Rheinfelden (both can be overly flexible, depending on how you do in the Windlass lottery, it seems)
- Windlass Sword of 30 yrs War (fine sword, seemingly, but maybe slightly narrower that what I would like for this project)
- Windlass English Cut and Thrust Sword -- that seems a nice one, but with all the google-fu I could muster I was not able to find that available anymore :-(
The lack of available and viable Windlass options is just a little saddening, since they would certainly be less pricey (the Hanwei/Kingston Side Sword is pretty expensive in Europe, so it's not unlikely that some Hanweis have not sold by now), and Windlass blades can(!) be, imo, of really astonishing quality for the money. I do have a Windlass Scottish Backsword with an absolutely lovely blade.
So, waiting eagerly for your input, be it comparision between the two sideswords above, or other ideas for an appropriate blade, thank you!
BTW, thank you also for this forum. Since my interest in swords has been rekindled some months ago, I have spent many hours reading discussions, reviews etc, so kudos to the community and everybody who helped creating this great content, be it by sharing wisdom and experience, or by asking questions that start and encourage such sharing.