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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 2:42:27 GMT
Hello all, I have both the Cold Steel "Special Ops" catolog which has their Shamshir and also MRL's catolog which also has the same sword which they call a Scimitar. Does anyone have any experience with both of these weapons that can give the pros and cons for each and a comparison?
The CS one has buffalo horn grips as opposed to MRL's wooden grips and a 5/16" thick blade as opposed to MRL's 3/16" thickness. The crossguard on MRL's is more ornate than the sort of plainer one on CS's. As far as balance, heft and feel goes, I have never held the Cold Steel one but I have been to MRL in Conyers, Ga and held their Scimitar. It is very well balanced in m opinion and light and extremely fast and deadly. It seems to be well made to me. And I prefer wooden grips as opposed to smooth, slippery polished buffalo horn grips. I am going to get it eventually.
The Cold Steel Shamhir, usually $399.00 is now $299.00 and the MRL Scimitar is $235.00. Their dimensions are similar other than the thickness already mentioned. The CS one weighs 30.1oz and the MRL one weighs 1lb 8oz according to their catologs.
I was just wonder what all y'all thought and if anyone had any experience with either one. Later, Freebooter Central, Alabama
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 2:48:00 GMT
i havne't handled either one but i think there are reviews for both of them on SBG
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 3:06:31 GMT
I was considering voicing a similar question regard both. I've read both reviews, but it would be great to find out if anyone has handled both to have more of a better comparison between both. It would be also nice to find out about overall quality control for both if anyone has had issues with either.
Freebooter, You may want to check out Kult of Athena (KoA) as they have both. The CS Shamshir lists for $199.95 (comes sharp) and the Windlass Scimitar is $197.95 if you ordered it sharpened.
Let us know what you end up with and gives a bit of a review!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 3:29:12 GMT
You are talking about essentially the same sword, and they handle the exact same. Both blades are made by Windlass. The only difference is that the CS version is put together here in the states (has the furniture added). I prefer the Windlass one because the horn on the CS version is actually just black plastic which cracks over time.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 3:56:06 GMT
Hello all, Thanks for the replies. Hey Wambo, I will go there because the prices are way cheaper than in the CS and MRL catologs. I wonder how they can sell them so much cheaper?
I too aim on getting the MRL one because the CS one has a 5/16th inch thick blade and the MRL one has the usual 3/16. I have handled the MRL one and it feels fantastic in my hand; lightning fast and deadly! I have handled two or three CS swords, including the Civil War cavalry sabre, and theirs are a bit too heavy for my liking. Besides, I like the ornately designed crossguard and wooden grips on the MRL one. FB
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 15:47:08 GMT
I doubt the CS handle will usually come apart. I've put it through some brutal testing and it's still tight and fine. But yeah, they are essentially the same sword. I like the look of the MRL better but by chance ended up buying the CS first. Eh, still happy.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 15:55:26 GMT
Freebooter, the general consensus (at least here on SBG) is that Cold Steel's offerings will have significant blade presence. That is nice way of saying they tend to run a bit heavier than the competition. I believe they can take significant amount of punishment and still be serviceable. If you don't have any desire to charge the lists (in SCA or otherwise) then personally, I'd go with the MRL one. It'll be easier on your wrists and joints.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 16:11:41 GMT
I could be wrong here but I was under the impression the two models shared the same blade, made by windless. I doubt one is significantly heavier than the other. In fact the CS model may be a fraction lighter due to the fact that it will comes sharpened.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 16:19:16 GMT
I don't recall saying that there'd be a significant difference in weight. Tell me though- how do you explain the differences in blade thickness? He states plainly that the CS sword is 5/16" thick while the MRL is 3/16" thick- and I AM good at math so I know that means at certain points, the blade's spine is nearly twice as thick on the CS as on the MRL. Even with significant steel removed in sharpening, you think they're gonna remove that much?
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Post by hotspur on Apr 28, 2009 16:46:25 GMT
Cold Steel lists their version as 3/16" as well. Freebooter may simply be mixing up that their cavalry sword runs thicker. I dunno. However, before I would be wont to make assertions about some of these, I'd probably run the search on a few different boards and manufacture sites. It is not such a chore to do so. What Freebooter did ask for was first hand information.
Cheers
Hotspur; I am more busy with my own interests but any could run searches
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2009 17:52:21 GMT
Ah, I went on the assumption his data was correct. If what you say is the case- then I think ncavin's argument holds water.
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Apr 28, 2009 21:33:33 GMT
I'd e-mail KoA and ask, politely, if they'd be so kind as to measure the thickness of the blades just for'ard of the guard . . . and then I'd buy one of them.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2009 0:54:25 GMT
I could be totally wrong here but I'd be willing to bet the measurements are off. It would certainly not be the first time. Everything I've heard about these swords in the past has implied that they shared the same blade.
All the stats listed at Kult of Athena imply that the swords have similar or identical blades but that their hilts have different weights. The CS version is listed as heavier but has a point of balance closer to the hilt. Maybe their stats are wrong too, who knows...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2009 0:59:01 GMT
On KoA's website, there is a brief description listed for each sword. The Cold Steel Shamshir blade width is listed as 4.4mm-3.7mm, and the Windlass Scimitar is listed as 4.3mm-3.6mm. Close enough for me. The point of balances differ by a couple of inches (7.5" vs 9" respectively), so handling may be different if that's correct.
Still, a tough call.
Whoops! I'm not as fast as you, ncavin! I just repeated pretty much what you said. ;D
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Post by stromloswordsusa on Apr 29, 2009 1:02:27 GMT
very similar to the scimitar on my site, except for wood grips at: stromloswords.com/french_swords.htmlUnfortunately not one in stock otherwise I would run out and measure it for you... Cheers all, Rob
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2009 1:18:27 GMT
Hello all, You are quite right; my mistake and I am sorry. The thickness for both CS's Shamshir and MRL's Scimitar are 3/16". The British 1796 Lt. Cav sabre is the one that is 5/16". It is right next to the Shamshir in the CS "Special Projects" catolog and it is the one that is 5/16" thick, not the Shamshir. I must have just glanced at the wrong listing as I was typing last night. Again I apologize for the mistake. But I still like the looks of MRL's. God, I bet that one is a hell of a cutter!! Freebooter
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