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Post by cearball on Oct 26, 2022 21:59:26 GMT
I checked my 14th C Arming Sword closely and did not see any cracks in the edge after degreasing the blade. I didn't weigh the sword, but I was checking the point of balance (a stat that MRL doesn't list) and it is ~6.5" from the guard (tip side past the TOTO circles on the blade). Although the construction is better than the standard Windlass, it is not at the same level as Squire-Line Albions. I guess the question is if it's half as good as the squire line then I suppose the price of the Windlass would be appropriate.... |
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Post by cearball on Oct 26, 2022 22:03:29 GMT
Yep. I wish them well, this is something that a sword market needs. I'm personally at a point in this hobby, where I believe that only recreations of specific historical swords done by swordsmiths with attention to detail in every aspect, are worth anything. I no longer see the appeal in a modern swordsmith cutting corners and making plenty of same'ish swords 'based on a few originals from museum catalogs'. They look good and are solidly made but often lack some important details. Based on what owners reported here, it seems that Windlass is unable to deliver a product that is close to specs. I'm ok with an ounce, maximum two ounces deviation, but no more. I also think that a few scratches, tear in the grip or slight asymmetry of the cross are minor flaws. Things like 4-5 ounces weight difference, twisted grip etc. are more major than minor flaws imo. After all, it's the grip that connects the hand with the edge. If the interface is broken, the whole system won't work properly. If the weight differs by 150 grams in a sword that is supposed to be 880g, something isn't right. The appeal of this product range is the accuracy in replicating a specific antique. If they don't deliver, why buy it. I might get the Falchion second hand sometime in the future but won't risk a purchase now. Seems like Windlass has too much experience producing budget swords and not enough with quality replicas. I hope they get better with time. I concur in general. My example (falchion) is lovely. I bought it from the Royal Armouries but after emailing about the issues I found I have had only one response essentially saying they will look into it & nothing more which is disappointing. |
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Post by curiomansion on Oct 27, 2022 0:11:56 GMT
Sorry y'all didn't have as good of an experience with your specimens as I did. I've been running mine through my standard gamut of testing, and it's been performing very well. The effective CoP is broader than on any sword I own. The hilt is tight so far and the distal taper is perfect. My enthusiasm in my earlier posts were all footnoted with something along the lines of "if Windlass can keep QC up." Unfortunately it looks like they can't.
Though, if the vendors will replace the swords with little effort, it might be worth a gamble.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2022 0:12:19 GMT
Based on what owners reported here, it seems that Windlass is unable to deliver a product that is close to specs. I'm ok with an ounce, maximum two ounces deviation, but no more. I also think that a few scratches, tear in the grip or slight asymmetry of the cross are minor flaws. Things like 4-5 ounces weight difference, twisted grip etc. are more major than minor flaws imo. After all, it's the grip that connects the hand with the edge. If the interface is broken, the whole system won't work properly. If the weight differs by 150 grams in a sword that is supposed to be 880g, something isn't right. The appeal of this product range is the accuracy in replicating a specific antique. If they don't deliver, why buy it. I received a product that is within tolerances. I would not say Windlass is unable to deliver. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2022 0:13:17 GMT
Sorry y'all didn't have as good of an experience with your specimens as I did. I've been running mine through my standard gamut of testing, and it's been performing very well. The effective CoP is broader than on any sword I own. The hilt is tight so far and the distal taper is perfect. My enthusiasm in my earlier posts were all footnoted with something along the lines of "if Windlass can keep QC up." Unfortunately it looks like they can't. Though, if the vendors will replace the swords with little effort, it might be worth a gamble. With respect, I think it's too soon to say that. But you are entitled to your opinion, of course. |
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Post by takitam on Oct 27, 2022 0:20:55 GMT
It would be awesome if more people reported here. Both positive and negative experiences. Like I said, this is a very promising project that can change the market for the better, if successful.
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Post by curiomansion on Oct 27, 2022 0:32:22 GMT
Sorry y'all didn't have as good of an experience with your specimens as I did. I've been running mine through my standard gamut of testing, and it's been performing very well. The effective CoP is broader than on any sword I own. The hilt is tight so far and the distal taper is perfect. My enthusiasm in my earlier posts were all footnoted with something along the lines of "if Windlass can keep QC up." Unfortunately it looks like they can't. Though, if the vendors will replace the swords with little effort, it might be worth a gamble. With respect, I think it's too soon to say that. But you are entitled to your opinion, of course. Hopefully! Albion's lemon rate was estimated a few years back and their QC rate is in the mid-90s from what I gather. This last batch of RA Windlass, I'm assuming, contains about 50 of each model? Based on when they said they'd deliver. 90 percent hit rate would mean 5 of the each is unacceptably bad, which we haven't verified yet. As far as my own reviewing goes, I am not a fit and finish nitpicker, but I use my stuff hard. So far mine is not only worth the money, but well worth the money. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2022 1:04:47 GMT
I'll memorialize this here to add some diversity of experience to the thread.
I cannot report any obvious constructional or aesthetic flaws. My sword appears clean.
Below are my stats. I will identify any differences between my sword and the stats reported by Museum Replicas.
Overall length: 46.5 inches Blade length: 36.5 inches Blade width: 1.75 inches at base/ricasso Weight: 3lb. 2oz (1419g) [MR states 3lb. 6oz or 1530g. Matt Easton stated "just below 1500g]
Guard Width: 10 3/16 inches [MR states 10 3/18, but I think this is given in error]
POB: 5 inches from hilt Quillons: 8.5mm (not given on MR, but thought I would include it)
Blade thickness: MR gives a range of 15/16 inch to 13/64 inch
Base of blade: 8.4mm [MR states 15/16 inch, which is approximately 8mm] End of ricasso: 7mm Middle of blade: 6.5mm Last quarter of the blade: 6.2mm Before the tip: 5.4mm [MR states 13/64 inch, which is approximately 5.1mm] Tip of blade: 3.3mm
My sword mostly mirrors what is given on Museum Replicas' listing. There are some differences. Let's talk about them below.
1. The guard width is marginally different. As I stated above, I believe Museum Replicas and Royal Armouries have given the wrong measurement of 10 3/18. I think they mean 10 3/16. Either way, I could hardly quibble about a difference like that.
2. The distal taper is different. Giving a range of 15/16 to 13/64 is not particularly helpful if I say so. Where did they take the measurements? In giving a range from one end of the blade to the other, they open the door to all sorts of tolerances between swords. Mine is within those tolerances to a degree. I don't think I would argue about my blade being 8.4mm at the base instead of 8mm. That's not too significant. But where did they take these measurements?
3. The weight is the elephant in the room here. I believe the distal taper is a factor. Here's my hypothesis. Two swords could have blades of identical length and width, identical profile taper, and measure 8mm thick at the base and 5mm thick near the tip and have differing weights within 100g. I have personally observed this myself while grinding sword blades. I have also noticed a difference of 100g can alter the point of balance somewhat. Museum Replicas does not state what the point of balance ought to be. So I would very much like to know that value.
Feel free to discuss my measurements. In terms of tolerances, I can tolerate the 100g difference for reasons I outlined above. Others may not, but that's their prerogative.
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Post by eastman on Oct 27, 2022 1:32:55 GMT
I checked my 14th C Arming Sword closely and did not see any cracks in the edge after degreasing the blade. I didn't weigh the sword, but I was checking the point of balance (a stat that MRL doesn't list) and it is ~6.5" from the guard (tip side past the TOTO circles on the blade). Although the construction is better than the standard Windlass, it is not at the same level as Squire-Line Albions. I guess the question is if it's half as good as the squire line then I suppose the price of the Windlass would be appropriate....
The price isn't that much lower than the Squire Line swords Albion makes for Viking Shield and Albion's Squire Line Type XII is $473.
Yes, the W/RA swords come with scabbards, but it isn't like these are premium scabbards.
edit to add: Overall, the W/RA 14th Century Arming sword is good. It is worth the price. The product line was hyped a little too highly. I may still buy the falchion (depending on what other things I find before that), but the next sword I pre-order will be another Albion once my Caithness is finished.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2022 1:35:41 GMT
I guess the question is if it's half as good as the squire line then I suppose the price of the Windlass would be appropriate....
The price isn't that much lower than the Squire Line swords Albion makes for Viking Shield and Albion's Squire Line Type XII is $473.
Yes, the W/RA swords come with scabbards, but it isn't like these are premium scabbards.
The Windlass blades also come with a higher level of polish than the Squire line, or most Albion swords for that matter. The scabbard I received is not premium, but it's pretty decent, and I happen to prefer having one by default if only for storage and safe transport. |
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Post by curiomansion on Oct 27, 2022 3:34:57 GMT
I find the fit higher on the squire line swords, while I find the finish higher on the RA Windlass. I also the the RA Windlass have way better aesthetics. The Squire line is very bare bones.
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Post by legacyofthesword on Oct 27, 2022 9:42:14 GMT
I'm fairly certain the Albion Squire line aren't 1:1 replicas of actually artifacts too, unless I'm mistaken. That, for me, is the single biggest selling factor of these Windlass models. You simply don't get many 1:1 medieval artifact replicas at around this price. LK Chen is the only company doing anything similar.
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Post by paristheodore on Nov 1, 2022 0:53:27 GMT
I just got my replacement ix.1106. They sent me a label immediately for the small grip tear, and I got the new one in a week. The replacement is beautiful. Museum Replicas customer service is top-notch.
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Post by curiomansion on Nov 2, 2022 22:16:47 GMT
Cutting session after sharpening. Info in the description.
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Post by cearball on Nov 5, 2022 23:14:17 GMT
Still awaiting a response on my issues with the falchion from royal Armouries.
I find the customer service a little lacking TBH
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Post by cearball on Jan 16, 2023 22:31:36 GMT
Update.
They replaced at no cost to me my slightly wonky sword falchion with a much better quality one.
Good service all round with a -1 for keeping me hanging.
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Post by eastman on Feb 10, 2023 21:40:51 GMT
noticed this week that KoA is now selling the RA collection. They do offer their sharpening service (unlike MRL).
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Post by dukeadam on Jun 13, 2023 20:47:28 GMT
Hi, I am considering buying the 15th century two-handed sword IX.1787. Does anyone have any opinions on this sword? I can't find any review other than from it's designer  Cheers |
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