Quick H/T Bastard sword, Longsword, and EMS comparison
Sept 1, 2021 18:59:15 GMT
Post by vfl on Sept 1, 2021 18:59:15 GMT
First sword(s) review; here goes.
So this started when I ordered my gf the H/T Early Medieval Sword for her birthday.. and we both loved it. So I consequently ordered both the H/T Longsword (sharp), and the Fullered Bastard sword (sharp). Having all 3 on hand, I figured I'd post my impressions.
First up, here are my measured specs for each:
H/T Early Medieval Sword:
Mass: 2lbs, 9.4oz
Total Length: 38.375"
Blade Length: 31.5"
PoB: 5.75" from base of blade
Blade width at base: 2.16"
Blade thickness at base: 0.244"
H/T Fullered Bastard Sword:
Mass: 2lbs, 8.4oz
Total Length: 42.5"
Blade Length: 33.125"
PoB: 3.625" from base of blade
Blade width at base: 1.50"
Total Length: 42.5"
Blade Length: 33.125"
PoB: 3.625" from base of blade
Blade width at base: 1.50"
H/T Longsword:
Mass: 2lbs, 15.2oz
Total Length: 47.25"
Blade Length: 35.3125"
PoB: 4.375" from base of blade
Blade width at base: 2.1875"
Total Length: 47.25"
Blade Length: 35.3125"
PoB: 4.375" from base of blade
Blade width at base: 2.1875"
Fit/finish/assembly: The finishes, overall quality, and manner of construction are very similar for all 3 models. I have had zero issues with the pommel nut type configuration. Nothing has worked loose, and assembly/disassembly has been simple. All of the tangs are solid and consistently shaped. The pommels and cross guards are all well polished and without noticeable deviance from their intended design. I have noticed that you can misalign the crossguard/blade/pommel if you do not take a moment to make sure they're aligned when you tighten the nut. Not a big issue, and a very easy fix once you get the knack. The handles are very simple wood with a soft leather covering. The handles would probably be my largest complaint; they are bare bones. But functional. The factory edges varied throughout; some areas were plenty sharp, some quite dull. No surprise there. The blades are obviously hand ground, and wave a bit on the edges and fullers, but overall are well shaped and there is plenty of tapering in both regards. My only complaint on the blades would be with the fullered bastard: I slightly bent the tip simply resting it tip-down as I installed the pommel nut. The bend occurred in the last 1/4" of the tip. I was able to (carefully, and with some effort) bend it back with my bare fingers. This did not give me great confidence in the stoutness of the tip, but in all fairness, it is needle sharp and thin. The tips on the EMS and Longsword are much stouter.
Handling/cutting:
Having handled all 3 now, they're remarkably different (no giant surprise).
EMS: Robust and stout. Has plenty of blade presence, but still feels fairly balanced. Myself (and a few friends) rotated through hacking up a large brush patch with pretty stout trunks (up 3" diameter). This thing handled it without damage or issue, and was a blast overall. The only damage was some slight staining on the blade. Some fine steel wool and CLP and it looked new again. Would not hesitate to strike any reasonable target with this sword without worry. Fun and confidence inspiring with a buckler for drills. I pick it up more than any of my other 1-handers.
Longsword: Solid, well balanced, precise. Its a pleasure for drills and always feels controlled. I've done some light strikes to a pell (covered in carpet), and it held up without issues/damage. Its increased length is felt over the EMS, and increased weight is definitely felt over the fullered bastard. It feels like it has the beefiness to be used in armored combat, and to parry other large weapons. I pick it up fairly often.
Fullered Bastard: Very light and fast. Very well balanced. Almost dainty feeling. This moves easier in 1 hand than most single handed swords I've handled. This feels like the choice for a duel.. where you're in unarmored combat, or just trying to draw blood, and you're all about speed. I do not handle it often. I have not tried it on any solid targets or cutting; I'll stick to something beefier. It would probably do fine.. but I don't want to find out the hard way.
Hopefully helpful to folks eyeballing these swords. Overall I love them for the money (even the bastard) and would recommend them.
w/r,
Ben