Review of Windlass English War Hammer
Oct 24, 2008 6:59:20 GMT
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 24, 2008 6:59:20 GMT
Windlass English Warhammer
Review by Tom Kinder of Goose, SC USA.
Tim wanted a good war hammer so we did some looking and after a lot of searching settled on this one. The decision was made mostly for ascetic reasons. We ordered it from Kult of Athena along with two maces. Oh, there would be some smashing done for sure!
Vital Stats:
Weight: 1 lbs 9 ounces
Overall Length: 25 inches
Side-bar length: 10 inches
Head length: 6 ½ inches
Grip Length: 8 ¾ inches (with an extra half inch on the back-side of the guard)
Butt cap length 1 ¾ inches
Hammer face: 7/8 Square Inches
Pick length: 3 ½ inches
Point of Balance: 16 inches from butt cap tip, 9 inches from top of head.
First Impressions:
First thing that jumped out at me was the smallness of the head. I know it shouldn’t be huge but I didn’t expect it as small as it is. The hammer is also pretty light for a blunt weapon. The handle was a very pretty hardwood, maybe ash or something pale with a tight grain. Very pretty. Even though it was small it was beautifully done and it didn’t take long for me to start to admire it. It may be light, but it is very fast and fun to swing.
The haft:
Made of some sort of pale hardwood it is very attractive and quite solid. The metal side-bars would prevent bladed weapons like swords from doing too much damage to the haft and are cleanly cut and seated. I must admit I did not like the standard slot-head screws used to hold it together. A little bit of wrapped leather flat cord marks the beginning and end of the handle grip area. The leather covering of the main part is nicely stitched together and very attractive. I think the butt cap must be glued on, but it seems to be on there real good. I’m not worried about it coming off.
The Head:
I am very pleased by how firmly attached the head of this hammer is. It didn’t loosen up even a little after all the use it got put through over the weekend. While it may be small and the hammer end is not crowned the pick or spike is where this hammer-head really shines. The point on that thing is like a needle as the test will demonstrate.
TESTING!
I had to go outside the box to test this one. Obviously tatami and water filled soda bottles would mean nothing to this weapon, so I chose to buy a lovely bunch of coconuts from the grocery and a few random steel soup/bean cans found their way into the killing ground.
Enjoy:
sadly, the owner of this fine hammer loved it so much that he beat and abused it until it finally broke. I don't think anyone should see the breakage of this hammer as a sign it was weak or had anything wrong with it. Rather, I chalk it up to an overly enthusiastic and STRONG young man who has had no training in the use of this weapon. I think if had a new one today it would last a long time as he has greatly increased his wisdom and skill since.
this hammer came with the spike so sharp it could pop a falling baloon yet strong enough that it could pierce 14 guage steel or coconuts.
CONCLUSION:
Whack! This war hammer is a hit! What it lacks in weight it makes up in speed, handling and a super sharp point. We did knock a few small chips out of the haft near the head but I’m not worried it’s holding up great.
Ratings:
Historical Accuracy: ?/5 I don’t know. I suspect I could give it at least a 4 since it was supposed to be a copy of one they found in a personal collection but I really doubt the olden days weapon makers would have used standard slot screws (they used Phillips obviously – had to beat you smart-alec’s to the punch there) but that’s a small detail easily forgiven. on to the rest of the ratings!
Fit and Finish: 4/5 very well done piece. Even finish no flaws or blemishes anywhere.
Handling: 3.5/5 I actually marked it down a touch because I feel it is too light and quick by just a hair. My preference though.
Value for Money: 4/5 I’m impressed
OVERALL: 4/5 This is a good war hammer that successfully blends function and form. I definitely recommend it.
Review by Tom Kinder of Goose, SC USA.
Tim wanted a good war hammer so we did some looking and after a lot of searching settled on this one. The decision was made mostly for ascetic reasons. We ordered it from Kult of Athena along with two maces. Oh, there would be some smashing done for sure!
Vital Stats:
Weight: 1 lbs 9 ounces
Overall Length: 25 inches
Side-bar length: 10 inches
Head length: 6 ½ inches
Grip Length: 8 ¾ inches (with an extra half inch on the back-side of the guard)
Butt cap length 1 ¾ inches
Hammer face: 7/8 Square Inches
Pick length: 3 ½ inches
Point of Balance: 16 inches from butt cap tip, 9 inches from top of head.
First Impressions:
First thing that jumped out at me was the smallness of the head. I know it shouldn’t be huge but I didn’t expect it as small as it is. The hammer is also pretty light for a blunt weapon. The handle was a very pretty hardwood, maybe ash or something pale with a tight grain. Very pretty. Even though it was small it was beautifully done and it didn’t take long for me to start to admire it. It may be light, but it is very fast and fun to swing.
The haft:
Made of some sort of pale hardwood it is very attractive and quite solid. The metal side-bars would prevent bladed weapons like swords from doing too much damage to the haft and are cleanly cut and seated. I must admit I did not like the standard slot-head screws used to hold it together. A little bit of wrapped leather flat cord marks the beginning and end of the handle grip area. The leather covering of the main part is nicely stitched together and very attractive. I think the butt cap must be glued on, but it seems to be on there real good. I’m not worried about it coming off.
The Head:
I am very pleased by how firmly attached the head of this hammer is. It didn’t loosen up even a little after all the use it got put through over the weekend. While it may be small and the hammer end is not crowned the pick or spike is where this hammer-head really shines. The point on that thing is like a needle as the test will demonstrate.
TESTING!
I had to go outside the box to test this one. Obviously tatami and water filled soda bottles would mean nothing to this weapon, so I chose to buy a lovely bunch of coconuts from the grocery and a few random steel soup/bean cans found their way into the killing ground.
Enjoy:
sadly, the owner of this fine hammer loved it so much that he beat and abused it until it finally broke. I don't think anyone should see the breakage of this hammer as a sign it was weak or had anything wrong with it. Rather, I chalk it up to an overly enthusiastic and STRONG young man who has had no training in the use of this weapon. I think if had a new one today it would last a long time as he has greatly increased his wisdom and skill since.
this hammer came with the spike so sharp it could pop a falling baloon yet strong enough that it could pierce 14 guage steel or coconuts.
CONCLUSION:
Whack! This war hammer is a hit! What it lacks in weight it makes up in speed, handling and a super sharp point. We did knock a few small chips out of the haft near the head but I’m not worried it’s holding up great.
Ratings:
Historical Accuracy: ?/5 I don’t know. I suspect I could give it at least a 4 since it was supposed to be a copy of one they found in a personal collection but I really doubt the olden days weapon makers would have used standard slot screws (they used Phillips obviously – had to beat you smart-alec’s to the punch there) but that’s a small detail easily forgiven. on to the rest of the ratings!
Fit and Finish: 4/5 very well done piece. Even finish no flaws or blemishes anywhere.
Handling: 3.5/5 I actually marked it down a touch because I feel it is too light and quick by just a hair. My preference though.
Value for Money: 4/5 I’m impressed
OVERALL: 4/5 This is a good war hammer that successfully blends function and form. I definitely recommend it.