American Revolution Saber by Windlass-Review?

I have one of the American Revolution Sabers and will be doing a review on it in the next month or so. All I can say now it that it appears to be reasonably decent. I've only had a chance to do a small amount of cutting with it as yet but it seems to do a fairly good job.

Hello Wambo

I had the opportunity to hold this saber in my hands almost a year ago. I held it for like 30 seconds, didn't do any swings, dry handling or cuts (it was in a shop full of people, didn't seem like a good idea, although it would have a been a sure way to be in the newspaper). I was able to hold it and do a few very slow movements with it, so please take my words with a pinch of salt.

Overall, this saber felt a bit dead in hand, although it seemed functionnal and sturdy, the handling felt a bit unpleasant. I'd say it felt a bit heavy (not blade-heavy, more like holding a very slim brick), like the blade doesn't ''want'' to be swung. The blade had very little distal taper, which probably explains that feeling in hand. Since you already have a Cheness katana, this saber will probably feel less responsive and lively compared to the other swords you have.

But, again, take my opinion and my impressions with some salt ...

Also, in my opinion, I don't think a Windlass product would be the best beater available, since that is what you are looking for. Some Windlass swords tend to start rattling after a few hard hits (I'm thinking about my Shasqa and Shootermike's falchion) and require some home-made repairs and customisations to be more resilient, especially around their hilts. Maybe this saber is one of the better, stronger Windlass blades and what I just said doesn't apply, or maybe it is like I just said ... Maybe Mr. Appel review will enlighten us on that point

First and foremost is an own person's feelings regarding what may appeal to them. For instance (and I'm sure I'll hear shrieks of dismay) If I were looking for a sword for backyard cutting , I would have to consider something like this.
csarms.com/scripts/csa_view2.asp?ID=3678

There are a large number of 20th century period swords one might choose from. IN that one linked example, not a sword I would enshrine as something irreplacable or irreverant in using to have fun with.

Secondly, none are going to handle like a fencing epee or foil, or even a sport fencing sabre. If someone is entirely unfamiliar with the genre of longer bladed sabres, what they miss may be less than relebvant as to a choice. There is/was a diffrence amongst even period examples of the same model, so where to draw the line for fun?

I have not handled the Atlanta cutlery 1840 and probably never will. Would I advise against it? Probably not. I can only judge my experience with a much different India made sabre. When I bought it, I realized it wouldn't feel the same as some period swords I have in hand here, I simply set out to be comfortanle with it myself. I'm sure my own experience with another offering would likewise become a matter of getting the best of it that I can. Basically, one person's poison might well become someone elses favorite. I often question what some relate their own experience with an item. One in particular (not associated with this thread at all) was enough feedback from a certain person's reaction to it that my feelings were enough feedback to put it on a "I like the sound of that, even in that the person was panning it as too nose heavy and a brick (not saying the AR sword mentioned here might well make it to be).

In the end, I bought my reproduction sabre specifically to my end, whatever the handling might have presented to me when I oonce had it in hand. I'm pretty handy at getting the best use of any tool.

This thread reminded me that G.G.Godwin has updated his site a bit. I'm only more likely to try the eagle pommel presented there. that's just me. I know it likely won't handle as well as my originals but hey, beats beating on a period sword I have that I do cut with.
www.gggodwin.com/

I say pick what appeals but do consider at least what differences we see that can make or break one's own happiness.

Cheers

Hotspur; There are countless WWI era swords for reasonable money that would make for wonderful bottle and mat fun

Kiltedcossack,
What say you after reading this discussion? Are you still interested in this Saber? I must admit, even with the possible shortcomings (possible feel, handling, durability) I still like the looks and still would like a try at one. Several Windlass reviews are quite good regarding the handling and durability of their swords, so perhaps it may be the particular sword-I can't say. I think if Charles' review comes out positive (hurry up Charles!! ;D), I can't see for the price to NOT buy it.

Hotspur,
Your comment about WWI sabers intrigues me. Where would you recommend looking?

Hotspur,

Thank you for the many links! I enjoyed looking at the 1906-Thanks. I'm going to email them for some more photos of the sword for overall appearance.

Regards,

Wambo

Sorry, but I have not ever held one.

Thank you Jonathan! I will check it out.

Way to go grabbing a 1906. Total production was only about 10,000, so at any price, they can be considered uncommon. Which example did you pick up? I was seriously considering one of the minty ones but they surface without scabbard or a little tired for great prices.

Nice to see the Windlass gain favor as well. I had been tempted about them as well. For a backyard cutter, they should definitely be kept in the game. Although the pommel and screw fixture are a bit anachronistic, the blade and gaurd could be an excellent base for some modifications.

Cheers

Hotspur; I've been too bad to think about grabbing one but had browsed them a bunch

Well, Wambo, the DREAD HAND OF DOOM be upon you now! (This is, of course, said with a smile, and in a friendly manner.) On the basis of various comments made here about the Revolution saber, I have ordered a pair of them, one for my use and one for a very good friend in Mississippi. I'm already watching the mailbox, although I've a fair bit more to wait.