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Post by swordsurgeon on Jan 23, 2024 2:51:24 GMT
Which of the 3 major 1796 sabre replicas is considered the best in terms of handling and cutting performance between the windlass, cold steel, and LK chen models?
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Post by treeslicer on Jan 23, 2024 5:56:49 GMT
Which of the 3 major 1796 sabre replicas is considered the best in terms of handling and cutting performance between the windlass, cold steel, and LK chen models? It being always difficult to choose the "best of a bad lot", my advice is to save up enough money to buy one of each, then come to your senses and spend it all on the best preserved original you can find for the money.
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Post by pellius on Jan 23, 2024 12:39:53 GMT
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Post by pellius on Jan 23, 2024 12:45:35 GMT
Btw, if you do decide to look at originals, an 1811 has the same look and can typically be found for around half the cost of a 1796 in similar condition.
The 1811’s are more robust (heavier), but still handle better than the Windlass 1796 imho.
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Post by mrstabby on Jan 23, 2024 13:05:42 GMT
I have heard most people prefer the Windlass to the Cold Steel as well. Although the differences can be more or less depending on the specific example. Don't know much about the LK, besides it is a bit heavier than the Windlass (100g) and the PoB is 4cm/0,9" closer to the hilt (all according to the LK homepage, and most of their swords seem to come out heavier in the end but with the advertised PoB).
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Post by treeslicer on Jan 23, 2024 14:53:37 GMT
I stand by what I said. The overall problem with military saber reproductions is that NONE of the manufacturers provides a product which accurately or usefully reproduces period originals. For some peculiar reason, this is not true of production katana or medieval-to-Renaissance-sword production replicas. There are even repro gunto katana now offered (right here on SBG) for a bargain price, which fulfill the original IJA specifications. It just seems, IMHO, that once you say "cavalry saber", production swordmakers lose interest in providing a quality product for the (considerable) prices demanded. This is the case with the current military saber suppliers as well.
I'm not going to help someone waste their resources on what's merely least substandard in such a market (unless they're hunting one for duty wear in a military or reenactment organization).
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Jan 31, 2024 19:39:26 GMT
I got my Windlass today. I can't compare it to the other 1796 LC replicas or antiques, but to other type saber replicas. It's very good, 9 - 2 (at the yelman) mm concave distal taper, deep fullers, good handling (for a cavalry saber). False edge sharpened too.
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Post by fivesidedpixels on Feb 5, 2024 1:07:36 GMT
I stand by what I said. The overall problem with military saber reproductions is that NONE of the manufacturers provides a product which accurately or usefully reproduces period originals. For some peculiar reason, this is not true of production katana or medieval-to-Renaissance-sword production replicas. There are even repro gunto katana now offered (right here on SBG) for a bargain price, which fulfill the original IJA specifications. It just seems, IMHO, that once you say "cavalry saber", production swordmakers lose interest in providing a quality product for the (considerable) prices demanded. This is the case with the current military saber suppliers as well.
I'm not going to help someone waste their resources on what's merely least substandard in such a market (unless they're hunting one for duty wear in a military or reenactment organization).
A bit hyperbolic, no? While the market of reproduction sabers is very small, and the selection of historically accurate replicas even smaller, there's been a recent push towards creating remarkably accurate sabers as of late: the past 2 years, I'd say. Had you said this earlier, I would've been more inclined to agree. However, I don't think the efforts of Windlass and LK Chen should be discarded so readily. Currently, Windlass' 1796 LC saber has been lauded for possessing the correct weight, balance, geometry, and (the magic words!) distal taper. It suffers from a few Windlass-isms in regards to finish, but to get that many details right while being competitive with antique prices is admirable, I feel. Similarly, LK Chen has put their own ball into the game, sporting not one, but three military saber replicas. They have a 1796 LC, a US M1860 light cavalry saber, and most recently a Beiyang cavalry saber (a copy of the German M1889 cavalry sword). It seems that LK Chen is the only manufacturer with a firm intent to accurately reproduce more swords of this type. Although their specialty is Chinese weaponry, they've shown equal dedication for weapons from other cultures. Unless Albion decides to move past the 16th century, I think it's worth supporting these companies and showing them there's a real passion for military sabers beyond reenactment costume pieces. For a long time, enthusiasts in this hobby would just say "buy an antique", because none of the replicas were that close. But now we're finally seeing the tides shift. Imagine if the production of these swords takes off, and we see more recreations of uncommon or expensive patterns. Imagine if some inspired craftsman finally steps up to create an ornate non-regulation saber for the modern day. My mouth waters at the thought of a blued and gilt Mameluke sword, feeling and looking just as it might've did in the past. Again, while a grand total of three good saber models isn't much, it's a start. It's up to both the consumers and the manufacturers to keep this ball rolling.
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Post by crazyjons on Feb 5, 2024 2:23:08 GMT
I have the cold steel and the Windlass. The cold steel is a pretty decent sword on its own, a little unwieldy but it hits hard. The Windlass is a weapon! It has the speed and balance that you would want in a real fight. The grinds aren't perfect and it's a little wavy in typical Windlass fashion, but not too bad. A lot of sword for the money. I would love to have the LK Chen to compare also.
Jon
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seth
Member
Just Peachy
Posts: 977
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Post by seth on Feb 15, 2024 19:42:49 GMT
I've had the CS, and I got the Windlass too. I sold the CS. I've never handled an original, but I really like the way the Windlass handles.
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