Another Windlass Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword
Sept 30, 2008 1:12:25 GMT
Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2008 1:12:25 GMT
Windlass Steelcrafts Oakeshott Type XIV Arming Sword
Review by Chad Werner, Ellettsville, IN (USA)
MRL Description:
“This medieval arming, or short sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast sword. The furniture is steel and the grip is wood covered in leather. A very effective and important sword. Includes matching scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Can be seen in E. Oakeshott's book Record of the Medieval Sword.”
Sorry for another review of this sword, but I didn’t realize it had already been reviewed until after I had already started mine. I figured I had already done the work and another perspective on the sword couldn’t hurt. I hope you all don’t mind.
This sword has caught my eye ever since the first time I had seen it while flipping the pages to a Museum Replicas Limited catalog. At first I thought the sword was going to be too short, but after thinking more and more about it, the idea of a short, one-hand sword began to appeal to me. I thought the price in MRL was a bit steep for my tastes, so I began looking around the web for the best price. After doing much price comparison, when sword price and shipping price were all factored in, Kult of Athena, once again, had the best price.
My wife knew I was interested in this sword for a while now and when my birthday rolled around, she surprised me with this beauty. Shipping for this blade only took about 3 days via FedEx.
The box was very well padded with packing paper, the sword itself was wrapped nicely in plastic and a fine coat of oil was applied to the blade.
After unwrapping the packaging, I did some dry handling. The sword handled and maneuvered like a dream! The sword is very responsive and recovery was immediate. The blade felt extremely sturdy and the wide blade provided just enough weight to deliver powerful strikes. Without having checked, I could feel that the sword had an excellent balance. This sword was so much more than I expected!
Sword Overview:
Blade Length: 26 1/8”
Blade Width: 2 ¾”
Blade Material: Hand Forged High Carbon Steel
Hilt Length: 7 1/8”
Overall Length: 33 ¼”
Point of Balance: 3 1/8”
Center of Percussion: 16 3/8” from guard
Guard Width: 7 3/8”
Pommel: 2 ¼” wide
Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Design, Fit & Finish
The Blade
The blade is sturdy, strong and well made.
Hammer marks are almost non-existent and the blade weight is very sufficient. The fuller is 5/8” wide and stops 8” from the tip of the blade. The blade is capable of taking a razor sharp edge and flexes and maneuvers extremely well.
The sword point is strong and plenty sharp enough for excellent thrusting.
The Grip
Though simple in design, the grip was very comfortable and fit the design of the sword well.
The grip was just big enough for a full, one-handed grip. The grip is made of wood and covered in black leather that is nicely stitched with a clean seam.
The Pommel
The peened, circular pommel is made of solid steel. There is a circular center piece to the pommel that could allow for an inset. One could easily put in a family crest or other design without difficulty.
The pommel appears to be weighty and brings the balance of the blade near the guard.
The Guard
The guard is nothing fancy, but provides excellent hand protection to the user. The guard is curved upwards, allowing the user to safely stop an opposing sword blade.
The Scabbard
The scabbard for this sword is very nice.
It’s constructed of mainly leather with a steel throat and chape.
The scabbard is simple yet elegant enough to know it is of excellent quality.
Testing
Cutting
I couldn’t wait to see how this sword would cut. Before I started any official test, I wanted to see how the “blunt” factory edge would do against a milk jug. I started with a few thrusts, which easily and effortlessly, penetrated the milk jug. I then drew back and cut the milk carton right in half. I couldn’t believe the clean cut it had made. I had taken a picture of the cut, but unfortunately, I’m not sure what happened to the photo.
I figured to really get a good cutting test on the blade, I needed to sharpen it. I used my Smith’s handheld knife sharpener and after only a few minutes, I had a razor, and I mean RAZOR, sharp edge on the blade.
I filled up some old milk jugs, set up my log cutting stand, and got the wife to do the filming
As you can see, I’m pleasantly surprised with how well the sword handled.
I think it’s nearly impossible to do a bad cut with this sword. The sword is easily to wield and is very maneuverable, resulting in very accurate cuts and strikes. There really is nothing like wielding a good, one-handed sword. I’m hooked!
Flex Test
As expected, being a Windlass sword, this blade can flex. There has been plenty of concern that Windlass blades are too whippy, however this blade isn’t one of them. The sword does flex rather nicely, but doesn’t suffer from being overly whippy.
I know the sword will flex more than my test showed, but I again found I was on the verge of my comfort zone, so I didn’t push any further.
Obviously, the sword returned to true after the flex testing.
Conclusion
My only other true one-handed sword I have is the Cold Steel Viking Sword. Though the CS Viking is a great sword, the Arming Sword is my new one-handed favorite. You just can’t believe how well the sword feels and performs. I can’t agree more with Brian; if you had ever wanted this sword, but were hesitant for any reason, I can confidently assure you that you will not be disappointed in this sword.
Historical Accuracy: 4.5/5
Fit and Finish: 4.5/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
Where to get:
As I said earlier, I purchased this sword from Kult of Athena. Shipping was lightning fast and excellent customer service. Before shipping, the KoA price is $189.95 as opposed to the MRL price of $245.
Review by Chad Werner, Ellettsville, IN (USA)
MRL Description:
“This medieval arming, or short sword features a blade that swells slightly at the top to put more weight in the hand to improve its cut and thrust capabilities, making for a very fast sword. The furniture is steel and the grip is wood covered in leather. A very effective and important sword. Includes matching scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Can be seen in E. Oakeshott's book Record of the Medieval Sword.”
Sorry for another review of this sword, but I didn’t realize it had already been reviewed until after I had already started mine. I figured I had already done the work and another perspective on the sword couldn’t hurt. I hope you all don’t mind.
This sword has caught my eye ever since the first time I had seen it while flipping the pages to a Museum Replicas Limited catalog. At first I thought the sword was going to be too short, but after thinking more and more about it, the idea of a short, one-hand sword began to appeal to me. I thought the price in MRL was a bit steep for my tastes, so I began looking around the web for the best price. After doing much price comparison, when sword price and shipping price were all factored in, Kult of Athena, once again, had the best price.
My wife knew I was interested in this sword for a while now and when my birthday rolled around, she surprised me with this beauty. Shipping for this blade only took about 3 days via FedEx.
The box was very well padded with packing paper, the sword itself was wrapped nicely in plastic and a fine coat of oil was applied to the blade.
After unwrapping the packaging, I did some dry handling. The sword handled and maneuvered like a dream! The sword is very responsive and recovery was immediate. The blade felt extremely sturdy and the wide blade provided just enough weight to deliver powerful strikes. Without having checked, I could feel that the sword had an excellent balance. This sword was so much more than I expected!
Sword Overview:
Blade Length: 26 1/8”
Blade Width: 2 ¾”
Blade Material: Hand Forged High Carbon Steel
Hilt Length: 7 1/8”
Overall Length: 33 ¼”
Point of Balance: 3 1/8”
Center of Percussion: 16 3/8” from guard
Guard Width: 7 3/8”
Pommel: 2 ¼” wide
Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Design, Fit & Finish
The Blade
The blade is sturdy, strong and well made.
Hammer marks are almost non-existent and the blade weight is very sufficient. The fuller is 5/8” wide and stops 8” from the tip of the blade. The blade is capable of taking a razor sharp edge and flexes and maneuvers extremely well.
The sword point is strong and plenty sharp enough for excellent thrusting.
The Grip
Though simple in design, the grip was very comfortable and fit the design of the sword well.
The grip was just big enough for a full, one-handed grip. The grip is made of wood and covered in black leather that is nicely stitched with a clean seam.
The Pommel
The peened, circular pommel is made of solid steel. There is a circular center piece to the pommel that could allow for an inset. One could easily put in a family crest or other design without difficulty.
The pommel appears to be weighty and brings the balance of the blade near the guard.
The Guard
The guard is nothing fancy, but provides excellent hand protection to the user. The guard is curved upwards, allowing the user to safely stop an opposing sword blade.
The Scabbard
The scabbard for this sword is very nice.
It’s constructed of mainly leather with a steel throat and chape.
The scabbard is simple yet elegant enough to know it is of excellent quality.
Testing
Cutting
I couldn’t wait to see how this sword would cut. Before I started any official test, I wanted to see how the “blunt” factory edge would do against a milk jug. I started with a few thrusts, which easily and effortlessly, penetrated the milk jug. I then drew back and cut the milk carton right in half. I couldn’t believe the clean cut it had made. I had taken a picture of the cut, but unfortunately, I’m not sure what happened to the photo.
I figured to really get a good cutting test on the blade, I needed to sharpen it. I used my Smith’s handheld knife sharpener and after only a few minutes, I had a razor, and I mean RAZOR, sharp edge on the blade.
I filled up some old milk jugs, set up my log cutting stand, and got the wife to do the filming
As you can see, I’m pleasantly surprised with how well the sword handled.
I think it’s nearly impossible to do a bad cut with this sword. The sword is easily to wield and is very maneuverable, resulting in very accurate cuts and strikes. There really is nothing like wielding a good, one-handed sword. I’m hooked!
Flex Test
As expected, being a Windlass sword, this blade can flex. There has been plenty of concern that Windlass blades are too whippy, however this blade isn’t one of them. The sword does flex rather nicely, but doesn’t suffer from being overly whippy.
I know the sword will flex more than my test showed, but I again found I was on the verge of my comfort zone, so I didn’t push any further.
Obviously, the sword returned to true after the flex testing.
Conclusion
My only other true one-handed sword I have is the Cold Steel Viking Sword. Though the CS Viking is a great sword, the Arming Sword is my new one-handed favorite. You just can’t believe how well the sword feels and performs. I can’t agree more with Brian; if you had ever wanted this sword, but were hesitant for any reason, I can confidently assure you that you will not be disappointed in this sword.
Historical Accuracy: 4.5/5
Fit and Finish: 4.5/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
Where to get:
As I said earlier, I purchased this sword from Kult of Athena. Shipping was lightning fast and excellent customer service. Before shipping, the KoA price is $189.95 as opposed to the MRL price of $245.
;D
