Windlass Steelcrafts?

Amanita · Post by **Amanita** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:21 pm

Overall, what do you guys think of windlass steelcrafts?
Is their quality good? Have they gotten better since they started up?
I've been browsing reliks.com, and they've got alot of Windlass's stuff. I'm interested in some of their peices, especially a couple of their fantasy swords.
I especially like the Eye of Balor- it looks like a chaotic rendition of a Katana or sabre. Overall, the design looks like it would be functional- the blade and handle have fairly sensible proportions, and the decorative elements don't look like they would interfere with proper usage.
Check it out here:
http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=952&step=

AllenJ · Post by **AllenJ** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 12:25 am

Windlass and CASI / Paul Chen/ Hanwei are what I consider to be the bottom entry level for somewhat acceptable blades. These are usually a starting point in most peoples collections. I have a few Windlass and Chen blades and they are ok for the money. I've said many times that you get what you pay for. You are not going to get an amazing, super durable, historically correct sword for under $200. Even under $300 for this is a stretch. I'd say for just learning to see if this sword thing is what you want to get into and dont want to bust the piggy bank on it just yet- its a good place to start. I've recently been hired by a film production company to do fight choreography for an upcoming film. There is a somewhat limited budget and I know that actors who have never used a blade before tend to destroy them. For those reasons I am mainly using practicals from the Hanwei/Paul Chen line. Some windlass pieces were also in consideration. I wouldnt use these things on any kind of hard target cutting. Very light steel sparring and soft target cutting should be ok. There is always the possibility of breakage though- no matter what sword it is. Even if its a super-dooper-kung-fu-master katana.
I really wouldnt trust the fantasy blades. Fantasy is almost always synonymous with rubbish in the sword world. They are not based on practical designs and not researched and tested the way a funtional blade would be. I dont want to discorage you from getting what you want- just beware that there is a reason swords were designed the way they were- because they worked. I've never handled the Eye of Balor sword but I personally wouldnt even swing the thing around with anything I valued within 50 feet.

Marshal · Post by **Marshal** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 5:19 am

You really have to know the individual items. For instance a lot of their swords are made with the infamous rat-tail tangs...but I am given to understand that a few aren't. Ask about this, though the sales person often does not know anything about the merchandise.

I'd echo the extra-special caution on the fantasy swords, aka wallhangers, if you intend any sort of use for them apart from mild flourishing or decoration. They might hold up to rough use for awhile ( some 25 years ago I had a Toledo wallhanger that survived some mild cutting despite its rattail tang---oh, the ignorance I suvived in my youth!

), but then again they might not, and a breaking sword is dangerous to everyone and everything, its wielder included.

There's also the issue of cost. Windlass is often dear for what you get. Take a look at their shields and clothing and ask yourself if you'd pay that much for something you could put together yourself for half the price...

You can often pick up Del Tins or better swords at prices roughly comparable to Windlass ones, especially if you're willing to check the "for sale" forums for pre-owned items. Admittedly, you aren't going to find many fantasy-type ones that way.

Amanita · Post by **Amanita** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 6:24 am

I've done a bit of reading, and the fantasy piece I like actually does have a full tang in it.

I do know a thing or two about swords- I'm just looking for a nice dress sword for sci-fi con wear. NOT SCA events or anything like that. I want a costume sword that looks cool, but can also withstand some abuse- I like to show off in the talent contests by doing sword demonstrations, so I don't want any rat tails, thank you very much.

I want some durable swords I can practice with, but I also like the more tasteful fantasy swords as art objects. Aside from a couple of nice pieces, I won't touch most of Kit Rae's stuff, and I've seen some other truly heinous pieces I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole.

I'm also helping a friend who IS new to swordsmanship find a nice piece to practice with that's:
Affordable
Looks good
And won't fall apart

As for the Hanwei swords, Another friend and I have done some sluething around the 'net. Apparently, the practical european swords are pretty much at the bottom of the barrel of what Hanwei makes- they also do some beautiful high end katanas, much better made then their knight and viking swords

Templar Bob/De Tyre · Post by **Templar Bob/De Tyre** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 6:39 am

The main issue I have with Windlass blades is their quality control can be spotty. You can get an exceptional blade in one lot, and an identical blade of poor quality temper and assembly in another. For all intents and purposes, a crap-shoot.

This is fine if all you want is something to hang on your hip, or use for the purpose of display. It's quite another matter if you demand performance from a blade.

My two sous, adjusted for inflation.

Primvs Pavlvs · Post by **Primvs Pavlvs** » Wed Jun 23, 2004 6:58 am

I only own one Windlass sword, and a Angus Trim blade. I have the Coustille short sword they produce. I am very happy with it in the fact that it holds a very good edge and it is totally handmade. The only complaint I have is the handle was a little off center from the tang. I plan on reworking this myself and having some variation from others that people may have like mine. I admit its not up to the quality of my AT sword, but from original blades I have seen (not alot) quality varied. So I personally would not place Windlass in the category that some do. I dont think they are flat out junk. Probably more authentic than some of your higher end swords since they are totally handforged and not ground blades.

Greenshield · Post by **Greenshield** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 9:14 am

I don't think much of Windlass at all. They are prone to rusting when looked at in a threatening manor and if you plan to actually use them in combat then be prepared to replace it after one or two practices. Their temper can vary from piece to piece and, as already mentioned, quality control is spotty, at best.

If you want a throw away sword or a wall hangerf, by all means, go Windlass.