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Post by bwaze on Jun 24, 2024 19:10:42 GMT
Yeah, pictures from vondude's sale of Tod Cutler Castillon aren't really all that good looking - they aren't best photos, but they apparently show quite uneven shape - lots of ripples, wavy central ridge, and there are some nasty rough grind marks throughout the whole blade? vondude: Sold: Tod Cutler Castillon Single Hand Sword TCS5SHBLI guess I'll see. And yes, ordering from Europe means I'll have to pay a sword with UK tax, shipping, and then I'll get slapped our 22% VAT on everything - item, UK tax and shipping, and additional customs and an extra fee for their trouble. That's why I haven't ordered much from Tod Cutler since the Brexit, but this sword was exactly what I was looking for.
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Post by mrstabby on Jun 24, 2024 19:22:30 GMT
Tod is selling his stuff through Kult of Athena in the US. I'll be honest, the two pieces of his I've handled personally have been deeply underwhelming. They're an obvious step above your average Windlass or Cold Steel but with lower quality control imo. The finish is rough and inconsistent, and you can see it in some of the pictures here in the classifieds. Also, before Kult of Athena started carrying Tod's swords you had to order directly from the UK, adding an extra $100 (depending on exchange rate) in shipping. This with no possibility of returning it unless you want to be out the return shipping as well. It made it difficult to take the chance. Tod said in a video it's a feature not a bug. He does not want to sell perfect items, but finds blemishes show it's handcrafted, a "soul". I am not sure I agree 100% though. He just likes the rough, imperfect estethics of originals. EDIT: I don't mind some ripples, I don't mind some imperfection, but these are higher in price and I would want something well worth my money.
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AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 437
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Post by AJGBlack on Jun 24, 2024 19:52:40 GMT
Tod is selling his stuff through Kult of Athena in the US. I'll be honest, the two pieces of his I've handled personally have been deeply underwhelming. They're an obvious step above your average Windlass or Cold Steel but with lower quality control imo. The finish is rough and inconsistent, and you can see it in some of the pictures here in the classifieds. Also, before Kult of Athena started carrying Tod's swords you had to order directly from the UK, adding an extra $100 (depending on exchange rate) in shipping. This with no possibility of returning it unless you want to be out the return shipping as well. It made it difficult to take the chance. Tod said in a video it's a feature not a bug. He does not want to sell perfect items, but finds blemishes show it's handcrafted, a "soul". I am not sure I agree 100% though. He just likes the rough, imperfect estethics of originals. EDIT: I don't mind some ripples, I don't mind some imperfection, but these are higher in price and I would want something well worth my money.
Yeah, I get his point, but we're not talking, "the pommel is slightly crooked" or "the guard is a little off center" which I'd have no issues with. We're talking weird, obvious machine grinder scratches under a mirror polish, unfinished cast parts that still have shrp flashing, and other things you just don't find on sub-$500 swords. I don't need perfect, I just want finished with good QC.
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Post by bwaze on Jun 24, 2024 20:08:00 GMT
I have seen and read all reasonings for more "organic, hand made looking" reproductions from Leo Todeschini, Matt Easton and many others. I have objections to that.
In general, we buyers aren't generally informed enough about how the genuine well preserved medieval weapons really look like. And it's hard to give that information through books, documentaries or internet - even with ever increasing quality of pictures and video we often don't have a good look of items that are well preserved, and sometimes even visit to a museum doesn't help much - some items are in a badly lit rooms behind very reflective glass, hard to see from various angles... And even if they are relatively well preserved, sometimes the patina or other damage really hides the shape. Showing imperfections on an item or two also doesn't show us how prevalent that was.
Also, when a reproduction has imperfections that are quite common with originals, but then also shows imperfections that are obviously result of modern processes (grind marks from rotary tools etc), or it has a combination of more organic, hand made looking parts or areas, and then areas or parts that are obviously completely perfect and machine made - then all the illusion of "hand made imperfect" kind of vanishes, it just looks modern, but badly made.
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Post by mrstabby on Jun 24, 2024 20:08:30 GMT
Just saw the pictures of the grind marks, honestly rather have these than crooked pommel. But it looks worse than Windlass, this is true. Who makes his stuff anyways?
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Post by bwaze on Jun 24, 2024 20:21:37 GMT
I don't think it was ever disclosed In more detail than this:
In the review of the „Großes Messer“-model on Unsheathed Sword Reviews channel, Tod has commented that „The swords themselves are made for me following my masters and you are correct that they are made in small batches in India“.
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Post by fester on Jun 24, 2024 20:46:27 GMT
I personally have never had an issue with any of Tod's products. Though I have not owned any of his swords yet. But have owned dozens of his daggers with no complaints.
I normally don't order any of his stuff when it first comes out since he does seem to correct any flaws based upon feedback. So I would be surprised if his products don't improve from the initial batch.
And sometimes a product slips through on quality control every once in a while. Even Albion has had some issues at times over the years as documented on this site and others.
I am sure he would appreciate any professional feedback on his products.
But most people I have known or seen reviews on his products have been pleased with them overall.
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Post by bwaze on Jun 24, 2024 20:52:59 GMT
I haven't seen any of the previous batch swords with similar issues to the ones on vondude's images. But YouTube reviewers might exchange items or get extra quality control easier than regular customers, and I haven't seen a lot of feedback and images of Tod Cutler swords outside of single review channel.
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seth
Member
Just Peachy
Posts: 993
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Post by seth on Jun 24, 2024 21:24:22 GMT
I wonder if the Castillon has the grind marks because of the hollow grind? The other swords (I have three + several daggers) haven't ever had grind marks, but none of them are hollow ground.
Tod hasn't said where exactly he sources his swords, but he has said it isn't Windlass. Most theories are an Indian forge though which perhaps uses less machining and more hand work--which of course will lead to a more "handmade" look.
I've owned a lot of Windlass swords, and I put Tod's a step above those on component fit and finish and of course the scabbards/belts. Another significant step up is the distal taper and handling. It is much improved over most Windlass. However, my two Windlass Royal Armories and the Windlass 1796 LC saber are really amazing swords in terms of fit & finish and handling.
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Post by curiomansion on Jun 24, 2024 21:47:03 GMT
I'm in the camp that loves all the flaws of the originals and wish that more swords would have them. That said, I don't value flaws that are the result of modern processes. There's a strong visual difference between waviness caused by forging a blank vs waviness cased by a blade skipping off of power tools. I am in agreement with bwaze that those flaws are undesirable.
All that said, there are swords in my collection designed for hard use, and for those weapons, I absolutely don't mind modern flaws, as they'll soon be covered by a general "used" look. I think Tod's stuff is acceptable for that use, as it's not super expensive for a complete kit.
I do think the Castillon sword was a miss visually, though. That pommel just looks wrong to me. The Castillon swords have a pretty iconic aesthetic that tod's replica fails to nail.
Looks like a good beater, though.
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Post by bwaze on Jun 25, 2024 6:23:06 GMT
I think a lot of of the single handed Castillon swords ("Group A") with iconic thick wheel pommel fall into the heavier side, with weights at about 1,4 - 1,5 kg, and Tod Cutler isn't reproducing those - the group isn't really homogenous: ![Fischer Catalog Castillon 1.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/HguAscJzAuAEEcbyI0tG.png) ![eoakeshott821-1-5-p.20_lores.jpeg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/IYblWqGykpOUGyzPwprH.png) ![Castillon All.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/qyQDbtwAapdDfmCtHdvS.png) I have no details of this sword, I don't even know if it's genuine, but it looks like a good candidate for the inspiration (although it looks like it would actually fall into XVIII type, not XV): ![Castillon.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/uJoPQVrKhiCFO0vWMZJj.png) Edit: I found out where I got the photo, this is one of the swords that were examined by the Zornhau fencing school at the collection of Jürgen H. Fricker. It's actually one of the massive Castillon one handers, at almost 1,7 kg and with the length of 938 mm! Oh, and I found Tod Cutler Castillon review on YouTube by Lake Forest Sword Academy. It focuses mainly on sharpness and cutting with it, but it does show some interesting detail - an unexpected leather decoration on the back of the scabbard, for instance! Also, it's a bit easier to visualize the dimensions of the pommel and other shapes, although it would help if video would actually stop a bit on details. It also looks like sharpened sword comes with secondary bevel, and it doesn't come very sharp: Detail on the back of the scabbard: ![Tod Cutler Castillon 2.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/ZXQpxinPrIhV0XLjvsKm.png)
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Post by bwaze on Jun 26, 2024 12:55:34 GMT
I got answers to my questions about Tod Cutler Castillon to Tod Cutler, if anyone else finds this info useful.
1. What is the dimension of the recess in the pommel? I'd like to fill them with replica coins or pilgrim badges.
A: The recess in the pommel is 23.5mm
2. Do all scabbards have decorated back side as seen in this photo from a YouTube review by Lake Forest Sword Academy? Is it possible to order the scabbard without these lines on the back?
A: Yes, all the scabbards have the incised lines on this particular model and cannot be changed. Sorry.
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AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 437
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Post by AJGBlack on Jun 26, 2024 14:05:07 GMT
I got answers to my questions about Tod Cutler Castillon to Tod Cutler, if anyone else finds this info useful. 1. What is the dimension of the recess in the pommel? I'd like to fill them with replica coins or pilgrim badges. A: The recess in the pommel is 23.5mm 2. Do all scabbards have decorated back side as seen in this photo from a YouTube review by Lake Forest Sword Academy? Is it possible to order the scabbard without these lines on the back? A: Yes, all the scabbards have the incised lines on this particular model and cannot be changed. Sorry. Thanks for the info. The leather for the scabbards probably gets tooled using a stencil press, so not surprised that it can't be changed.
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Post by bwaze on Jun 30, 2024 19:56:51 GMT
Some photos from Reddit, comparison to Tod Cutler XIV. Reddit - Tod Cutler type XV Castillon and Quillon dagger fresh out the box
![Castillon1.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/uIyGtVgjPAadpjgTOCYO.png) ![Castillon4.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/x0vZLHZTWoGyqjwuZdud.png) It still looks quite a bit rougher than other offerings from Tod Cutler in the last photo? Also, the maker's mark looks modern. Also, it seems strange that no one posts photos of the back of the scabbard? I know it's not the most visible part of the sword, but Tod Cutler really made quite unconventional design with the deep incisions all over it, and then his pictures on Tod Cutler page don't show it, his quick promo video on Facebook and Instagram doesn't show it, people that post pictures and short reviews don't show it - am I the only one that finds that quite a bold design choice?
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AJGBlack
Member
"This world will stress you like Orson Wells on the radio." -RTJ
Posts: 437
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Post by AJGBlack on Jun 30, 2024 21:20:51 GMT
Some photos from Reddit, comparison to Tod Cutler XIV. Reddit - Tod Cutler type XV Castillon and Quillon dagger fresh out the box
It still looks quite a bit rougher than other offerings from Tod Cutler in the last photo? Also, the maker's mark looks modern.
Also, it seems strange that no one posts photos of the back of the scabbard? I know it's not the most visible part of the sword, but Tod Cutler really made quite unconventional design with the deep incisions all over it, and then his pictures on Tod Cutler page don't show it, his quick promo video on Facebook and Instagram doesn't show it, people that post pictures and short reviews don't show it - am I the only one that finds that quite a bold design choice?
Thanks for the photos. That last one is pretty much a solid example of what I was talking about. That little wobble in the shape of the guard just to the left of center is fine, but the blade grind marks being all over the place just looks modern and lazy.
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Post by eastman on Jun 30, 2024 22:15:45 GMT
the angle-cut lines on the back don't bother me at all, but why did they leave the front plain?
May end up buying one since I do like Type XV blades.
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Post by bwaze on Jul 1, 2024 5:00:38 GMT
I ordered one because I always liked Tod Cutler items (but I only have smaller stuff, a dagger, kitchen knives and eating set, a mace...), I also love his YouTube channel, and I also wanted to buy a 15th century arming sword. The price is relatively cheap, when you consider you do get a scabbard that looks much better than standard Windlass / Balaur Arms / other cheap offerings, with belt fittings of Tod Cutler quality. Of course there is the import fee for us in EU. 480 pounds, 539 with shipping / 634 EUR means extra 140 EUR for our "emergency 22% VAT" (raised for financial crisis in 2008, never lowered since), 20 EUR of extra customs and 20 EUR of customs fee for their bother, so about 814 EUR. In EU you can for instance get a nice Castillon inspired sword by Arma Bohemia for 285 EUR!; ![mv98v2.jpeg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/Tio0wmGhzTRxbqAAuIOd.png) ![mv98v.jpeg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/fuTIBtCYXxBbxMsETBWf.png) The problem could also be returning, if the sword has issues that are just too big. 59 pounds / 70 EUR for shipping, plus about 180 EUR in VAT and customs would of course be lost - that's half the value of the sword... I guess I'll see.
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Post by fester on Jul 7, 2024 1:35:06 GMT
New Tod Cutler dagger for sale. Simple Rothenburg bollock dagger added to the product line
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Post by tancred on Jul 7, 2024 3:48:36 GMT
I ordered one because I always liked Tod Cutler items (but I only have smaller stuff, a dagger, kitchen knives and eating set, a mace...), I also love his YouTube channel, and I also wanted to buy a 15th century arming sword. The price is relatively cheap, when you consider you do get a scabbard that looks much better than standard Windlass / Balaur Arms / other cheap offerings, with belt fittings of Tod Cutler quality. Of course there is the import fee for us in EU. 480 pounds, 539 with shipping / 634 EUR means extra 140 EUR for our "emergency 22% VAT" (raised for financial crisis in 2008, never lowered since), 20 EUR of extra customs and 20 EUR of customs fee for their bother, so about 814 EUR. In EU you can for instance get a nice Castillon inspired sword by Arma Bohemia for 285 EUR!; The problem could also be returning, if the sword has issues that are just too big. 59 pounds / 70 EUR for shipping, plus about 180 EUR in VAT and customs would of course be lost - that's half the value of the sword... I guess I'll see. I contacted Arma Bohemia via their email/contact us button on their website about a month and a half ago, specifically to inquire about their Castillon Sword. No response at all during this month and a half. I contacted them via message on their Facebook page. Got an almost instant response. Sadly, they told me they have none in stock at the moment, and not sure when they would make more. However, they assured me they would message back if and when they did. So, I went ahead and got the Todd Cutler Castillon instead. Overall, I like the sword a lot. Yet, as one who has a strong fondness for the one-handed Castillon swords, I'd say that I would have liked the width at the base of the blade/guard to have been a little wider, and would have liked the tip to be a little wider (like in #1 in the Castillon group, rather than say #2 or 5). The hollow grind and central ridge are there, but don't seem as well pronounced as the originals seem to be. I'm no expert when it comes to suspension systems, so I must confess I'm a bit confused how I'm supposed to wear this one when it's in its scabbard. ![(rofl)](//storage.forums.net/forum/images/smiley/rofl.png) The brown leather on the hilt is a very deep, dark, and awesome looking. So, I like it, I'm keeping it, but my quest for the "perfect" Castillon sword continues. I would almost say my Windlass prototype Type XV is closer, although it's modeled after the Wallace Collection's Type XV (XV.7 in Oakeshott's "Records"). Deeppeeka makes a Castillon sword, though it strangely has a fuller. It does look really nice otherwise. Perhaps if Arma Bohemia does get one in stock, I will try for that one again.
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Post by bwaze on Jul 8, 2024 16:50:14 GMT
Could you post some more details on your Tod Cutler Castillon, Tancred? How thick is the blade at the cross, and 1" / 2,5 cm from the tip? How is the geometry of the blade and hilt, finish? Arma Bohemia / Jakub Malovany is a reseller, not a maker, and he usually doesn't know beforehand when his suppliers will deliver the items. So it works OK if you order things that are in stock, but a bit of a nightmare ordering something custom or not in stock. But right now the page still shows a Castillon sword in stock: MV98 copy of a 1-hand sword (EP55 type) France, England, XVth century total length cca. 95 cm, blade length cca. 78 cm weight: 1445 g sharp blade Provenance: Dordogne or Lidoire in the vicinity of Castillon-la-Bataille - from the Battle of Castillon 1453 www.armabohemia.cz/Novestr/handA.htmAbout wearing a belt like the one on Tod Cutler Castillon: Here's a video on making such a belt with Tod Cutler fittings yourself, so it might be useful, finished belt and wearing it is at about 15:16: And here's another video of similar belt system: And another one here:
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