Got one of these a couple of months ago. It was "sharpened" which meant someone took a few quick sweeps with a carbide type sharpener. The edges from about 15 centimeters in front of the guard up to where they start curving to the point were reasonably sharp but quite coarse. The first part of the blade was "butterknife sharp" and I left it at that for the time being as it's not used for cutting anyway. The point was completely dull, like half a millimeter wide flats where the edges should be. I used a small wet grinding wheel to shape the pointy into, well, a point and did some sharpening on the edges. Now it's kind of ok but I have ordered a belt grinder and I'm certainly going to do more sharpening on it when I get it. The wire wrap on mine started to loosen quite soon, I believe the dry inside air caused the handle to shrink, so I disassembled the sword (quite easy, the pommel unscrewed by hand and the rest of the parts just pulled off) and impregnated the wrap with epoxy which stabilized it just fine. I'm thinking of maybe using some gun blue on the guard and the pommel at some time, I have seen some pictures of actual antique ones with a blued/blackened furniture and they look quite good. Also, I may try turning a lighter pommel as someone said it makes the sword lighter and better to handle. Not sure though as it would also move the point of balance further down the blade. Anyway I already got the threading tap for the thread used on the tip of the tang (which by the way is not a bolt welded on but actually a forged part of the actual blade which is reassuring) so trying it will only cost me the time it takes to turn one on my little tabletop lathe. The scabbard is what it is, it's plain but quite serviceable and looks ok. I'll be making a leather frog to wear the sword on a belt. Tge sword is heavy, especially after playing with the "smallsword" I made by putting a 3D-printed smallsword hilt (I'm planning on making a real hilt out of wood and metal but I printed this to get the feel of the blade and to see if the dimensions are right) on a fencing epee blade which weighs next to nothing but I don't think it's too heavy with practice.
Ha ha, you finally got one! Nice! I almost bought one a while back. All the ones I have seen were shipped butter knife dull. They are very popular though. It's a rather germanic side sword with decent hand protection. I train Bolognese side sword so it probably wasted on me ;) I can't bring myself to keep any of my windlass swords in the scabbard they just aren't suited to storage IMO. But I guess we should be thankful we essentially get them for free. A decent wooden core scabbard would substantially add to the price. If you do take it apart maybe add some leather to the ricasso. It makes the finger grip (The preferred grip style in Italian sword) much more comfortable.
I've been thinking about disassembling the sword to reprofile the blade further, try to get it closer in geometry to my Chinese made Euro Swords. I was also thinking of the leather ricasso as I like it on my Kingston, which is so far my favorite Side Sword. The Windlass feels tougher, so might have good potential with more tinkering. I've been enjoying the Bolognese style.
There's actually an old thread on sbg where someone actually cut off the swept knuckle guards and main ring, it brought it down to about 3 pounds was actually a much more agile cutter. Even with just the left quillon and finger rings makes it an attractive little side sword
I saw that project. Mine has become quite agile with practice and some re-profiling of the blade (which I did to get better cutting edges). I may need to do an update video.
I just got mine the couple weeks ago. Mine arrived Sharp but of course with a strong secondary bevel. I bought it in the hopes of using it as a project sword
I've heard good things about Huawei and JKOO, but my budget is a bit restrictive until I'm either making money doing this or get known enough that companies start sending me review samples. That would be what I'm hoping for. Someday...
I'm thinking I'll take it back to the sander and profile it down to the 25 degree single-bevel of a Chinese made Euro sword. Right now it's at about 30 degrees apple seed.
This particular sword is better for thrusting and punching than for cutting, I think. Though it would still deliver a nasty cut to any opponent. It'll do what one needs it to.
I did manage to put a good edge on it, but the rapier-style grip (and fingering the guard) really does favor thrusting as compared to something like a backsword or arming sword. I should do some functional comparisons.
i have this, not to bad for windlass, not the best balanced but unweildy, sharpeness was done by koa cause india cannot export sharp blades which sucks
I've since rounded and polished all the problem corners and it's very comfortable now. I tend to avoid gloves as they completely kill all sensation for me, and very few gloves will work with my brace.
@@michaelrizzo5523 That I can totally understand I was trying to be funny but all in all it's a beautiful sword and I'm also the kind of guy who wants things to work for me and not against me so I get it 😉
@@BRASSKNUCKLE22 I intend to do an update of my Euro sword collection and whatever modifications I've made. I've really come to like this one a lot. Still working on that pair of gloves that does it for me.
Got one of these a couple of months ago. It was "sharpened" which meant someone took a few quick sweeps with a carbide type sharpener. The edges from about 15 centimeters in front of the guard up to where they start curving to the point were reasonably sharp but quite coarse. The first part of the blade was "butterknife sharp" and I left it at that for the time being as it's not used for cutting anyway. The point was completely dull, like half a millimeter wide flats where the edges should be. I used a small wet grinding wheel to shape the pointy into, well, a point and did some sharpening on the edges. Now it's kind of ok but I have ordered a belt grinder and I'm certainly going to do more sharpening on it when I get it.
The wire wrap on mine started to loosen quite soon, I believe the dry inside air caused the handle to shrink, so I disassembled the sword (quite easy, the pommel unscrewed by hand and the rest of the parts just pulled off) and impregnated the wrap with epoxy which stabilized it just fine. I'm thinking of maybe using some gun blue on the guard and the pommel at some time, I have seen some pictures of actual antique ones with a blued/blackened furniture and they look quite good. Also, I may try turning a lighter pommel as someone said it makes the sword lighter and better to handle. Not sure though as it would also move the point of balance further down the blade. Anyway I already got the threading tap for the thread used on the tip of the tang (which by the way is not a bolt welded on but actually a forged part of the actual blade which is reassuring) so trying it will only cost me the time it takes to turn one on my little tabletop lathe.
The scabbard is what it is, it's plain but quite serviceable and looks ok. I'll be making a leather frog to wear the sword on a belt.
Tge sword is heavy, especially after playing with the "smallsword" I made by putting a 3D-printed smallsword hilt (I'm planning on making a real hilt out of wood and metal but I printed this to get the feel of the blade and to see if the dimensions are right) on a fencing epee blade which weighs next to nothing but I don't think it's too heavy with practice.
I have been considering how to improve the distal taper, but the blade is pretty slim throughout. I'm still curious about LK Chen's version
@@michaelrizzo5523 The blade on the LK Chen one is obviously better but I don't like the look of the hilt. And price is of course also a factor.
@@Murgoh The finish on the hilt did put me off, looks very 3D printed
@@michaelrizzo5523 Probably investment cast so yes, the models may well be 3D-printed.
Always look forward to these reviews
Thanks! I'm still shopping my way through HEMA, and still have many more items in my arsenal to get to, so there'll be more to come.
Ha ha, you finally got one! Nice! I almost bought one a while back. All the ones I have seen were shipped butter knife dull. They are very popular though. It's a rather germanic side sword with decent hand protection. I train Bolognese side sword so it probably wasted on me ;)
I can't bring myself to keep any of my windlass swords in the scabbard they just aren't suited to storage IMO. But I guess we should be thankful we essentially get them for free. A decent wooden core scabbard would substantially add to the price. If you do take it apart maybe add some leather to the ricasso. It makes the finger grip (The preferred grip style in Italian sword) much more comfortable.
I've been thinking about disassembling the sword to reprofile the blade further, try to get it closer in geometry to my Chinese made Euro Swords. I was also thinking of the leather ricasso as I like it on my Kingston, which is so far my favorite Side Sword. The Windlass feels tougher, so might have good potential with more tinkering. I've been enjoying the Bolognese style.
There's actually an old thread on sbg where someone actually cut off the swept knuckle guards and main ring, it brought it down to about 3 pounds was actually a much more agile cutter. Even with just the left quillon and finger rings makes it an attractive little side sword
I saw that project. Mine has become quite agile with practice and some re-profiling of the blade (which I did to get better cutting edges). I may need to do an update video.
I just got mine the couple weeks ago. Mine arrived Sharp but of course with a strong secondary bevel. I bought it in the hopes of using it as a project sword
Definitely the base for a project!
all of the gripes in reviews seem like they can be sorted out with a bit of sanding.
I've actually come to like this sword a lot with a little fine tuning. Rough, but promising.
I was wondering if you would ever do a review of huawei katana. I hear they’re very good for low to medium budget swords
I've heard good things about Huawei and JKOO, but my budget is a bit restrictive until I'm either making money doing this or get known enough that companies start sending me review samples. That would be what I'm hoping for. Someday...
@@michaelrizzo5523 hopefully one day you’re channel will be that big!
Had my eye on that one for a while as well.
I'm thinking I'll take it back to the sander and profile it down to the 25 degree single-bevel of a Chinese made Euro sword. Right now it's at about 30 degrees apple seed.
@@michaelrizzo5523 nice. I own a couple windlass swords and had to do a lot of work on the edges.
@@michaelrizzo5523 gonna be doing a shout out video in the next week or so. Cool if I add you to my list?
@@erichusayn Absolutely! I appreciate it!
@@michaelrizzo5523 cool. Ill make sure and leave you a link when I do.
This particular sword is better for thrusting and punching than for cutting, I think. Though it would still deliver a nasty cut to any opponent. It'll do what one needs it to.
I did manage to put a good edge on it, but the rapier-style grip (and fingering the guard) really does favor thrusting as compared to something like a backsword or arming sword. I should do some functional comparisons.
i have this, not to bad for windlass, not the best balanced but unweildy, sharpeness was done by koa cause india cannot export sharp blades which sucks
I did completely redo the edge.
Really enjoy the reviews, pretty please take a look at Dragon King katanas (available on Amazon) they look like a good brand that won’t break the bank
Maybe use gloves 🤔 and basically every complaint seems to be solved...
I've since rounded and polished all the problem corners and it's very comfortable now. I tend to avoid gloves as they completely kill all sensation for me, and very few gloves will work with my brace.
@@michaelrizzo5523 That I can totally understand I was trying to be funny but all in all it's a beautiful sword and I'm also the kind of guy who wants things to work for me and not against me so I get it 😉
@@BRASSKNUCKLE22 I intend to do an update of my Euro sword collection and whatever modifications I've made. I've really come to like this one a lot. Still working on that pair of gloves that does it for me.