My local gun store was selling one of these a while ago for $100. This exact model. It was brought in by another customer who wanted to get rid of it, so he got the gun store folks to sell it for him.
I probably wouldn't be able to forgive myself for missing the opportunity, it fits my taste perfectly. Well, it would if it were a bit longer but the same width
"The 12 gauge autoloader... the .45 longslide with laser sighting... the Arms & Armor Town Guard Sword." "Hey, only what you see, pal." "... The Windlass Munich."
@@Gilmaris Imagine if that customer did bring in an actual Arms & Armor Town Guard sword and sold it for only $100? The sad part is, most customers that go into the gun store wouldn't even know what they were looking at. Most people would overlook the sword altogether.
It makes me so happy to hear you're working with Windlass to at least some official capacity, looks like your consulting work is making an impact in the industry! I look forward to seeing where this goes!
“Doing some things together” with Windlass sounds interesting. If “some things” included accurately weighted sabers in the budget range, that would be quite exciting.
Sherratt Pemberton I realize I perhaps wasn’t specific enough, but “accurately weighted” was intended to be a blanket term covering both overall weight (which I realize can vary and still be within historical ranges) and yes, more importantly, distribution of mass.
@@JimmyTownmouse: Yeah...sabers are a bitch to reproduce. I have a couple of vintage French 1822 Cav sabers and an 1829 artillery as well. They are superbly crafted sabers that can't be reproduced at reasonable prices...even with Chinese slave labor!!! ruclips.net/video/8EBJMoNCalk/видео.html
Been contemplating getting one of these so this review comes at the perfect time. Now based off your observations I think my mind is made up. Trusting your judgment and am going to make the purchase, thanks Matt.
@@scholagladiatoria I got one last year, but I have not been able to sharpen it more than what the dealer could do, so while it went through pumpkins without any issue, it would just lacerate a tatami mat.
I have this sword. One thing about the hand-guard on this... It adds a whole other dimension of use. If you don't want to stab someone, or are in a tight situation where you cant swing the blade, you can absolutely use it up close to beat someone into unconsciousness. Certainly has enough heft and strength to cave someones head in with a couple good blows.
I’m really thankful you’ve been reviewing some swords from Windlass. They’re not custom-made and they’re not Albion, but for people like me who have to collect on a budget, they’re absolutely fine. Some models are hit and miss, and some are really good for the price. Sword collectors like me need to see more legitimate reviewers Iike you review “economy” manufacturers. I’d love to hear your views on Kult of Athena’s “in-house” line of Balaur Arms swords.
to make you feel a little bit better, windlass is constantly going higher with their quality and Albion is nowadays not worth the price. I bought an Albion last year and first it arrived with a grip that was of center and after they repaired it it had a crackling noise in the handle constantly. At the end I refunded it because I was very dissapointet what I got for that amount of money.
I have several Windlas swords from the last decade and a half and they're great, provided you know what to expect, and are picky with the model. Some of their swords are particularly good, some not so much, but their blades won't break and the edges won't roll. Yeah, they tend towards being overly flexible, and that can suck, but it's because they have excellent modern spring-tempering, and thus won't take a set bend, snap, or roll an edge.
I think there is a misunderstanding here. This is a sword for the Munich city guard. That's a police force, really. At the time, Munich was the capital of the Duke of Bavaria. Who has a pretty big professional army, armed with muskets, cannons etc. The city guard did use the swords to keep order. Who would they fight if need be? Thieves armed with long knifes. Unruly apprentices armed with brooms or whatever. Travellers and sons of the local nobility getting drunk in a tavern and drawing their rapiers. The "townguard" is nimble and protected enough to go up against a rapier, yet stable enough to deflect a heavy club or chair or whatever else might get swung at them (facing a halbert is unlikely, though). Fighting in a war, if the city gets besieged, was a tertiary consideration for this weapon at best, though it can fulfill that function, too.
Very good points. I recall reading that the 'Munich Town Guard' was quite a prestigious volunteer force, made up of the sons of local burghers; something that was common in German cities.
Matt, your “hello, this is Matt Easton here, Scho’gl’to’...“ is getting briefer and briefer. Soon, you’ll be at “...S’g’t...”, and then you might just vanish in a puff of elision. Be careful out there!
As aside, I notice Arms & Armor still claims their town guard sword would be type advocated by George Silver. While that's true in broad terms, Silver specified a 37-40in blade & hand protection closer to basket hilt than to the swept hilt. We don't know exactly what Silver's short sword was like beyond the blade length, but there are extant 16th-century British basket-hilted swords that weigh rather less than 1470 grams. One magnificent example weighs 1220 grams with a nearly 39in blade. I suspect the sword Silver had in mind was similar. Despite the conception of Silver as an English traditionalist, I think of his short sword & fencing system as a hybrid of medieval & Renaissance elements. His detailed instructions for fighting short sword against long rapier include holding the weapon in something like a thumb-up sabre grip & to primarily (or only) employ his variable fight, which was at least heavily influenced by Italian sources.
You’ve done a couple videos on what people would carry if swords were worn today. I think this is it. Take the Windlass with the changes you mentioned. Maybe the guard out of a lighter, but still strong, material. Then a thicker blade with more distal and profile taper to keep the balance right.
Definitely agree with all of the points brought up here, as I own one myself. If Windlass manages to address these, I'd certainly be tempted to buy a newer model. Excited to see how their blades will be once made to be sharp straightaway!
That is a "sidesword" as used by angelo viggiani, and illustrated in his second and third plate. Remember that the term "spada da lato" as used by HEMAist today is directly taken from viggiani's description when Rodomonte told Conte to unsheath his "sword on his side" instead of using spada da marra / blunt sword for practicing. Well, insurance company today won't be happy
I grew up in Atlanta and I still live in Georgia. I first found out about museum replicas and dust windlass in about 1994. over the years of course I've accumulated a lot of windlass products in my collection as well as having been to their showroom and sales many many times in Conyers which is about three and a half hours from where I live. In the mid-90s when I first started dealing with windlass some of their swords were clearly thick chunky andoverly heavy. For a couple years in the late 90s some of their blades became very whippy, I own one sword that has a blade that flops like a fishing pole. But as time went on these problems were solved. windlass has been good I feel about addressing problems with their product especially since the rise of Hema. But even in their worst days I always thought in the price range their products certainly looked better than most. And for the most part over I have felt the products I purchased from them for especially good for the price I paid. I'm very glad to hear that Matt has been working with Willis to even further improve their products! Windlass is one of the largest sword manufacturers and therefore in a unique positionto be able to lead the industry in innovation and making affordable swords more historically accurate. clearly I've had a fondness for windlass over the years even when I really didn't like what they were putting out. but in the last 10 years especially I think windlass has been doing a great job and improving product quality and working with people that are experts in the field.
I've been eyeing over their shamshir and English Cutlass for months and everything I read about them just makes me feel like I could do way better but they also put out much much better quality than people with my budget deserve
@@maybeyourbaby6486 yes certainly you could do better but again winless isn't the top of the line. But generally for their price point I think they're a better value than company is say like Universal swords or Deepeeka. but in the last 10 years especially windlass has been talking to experts such as Matt and working on improving quality and functionality. Their Battlecry line was specifically meant to be used heavily. As I remember when handling their shamshir it was a nice decent feeling sword and I believe on Skallagrim's channel he did a review of it and he also liked it. Many of cold steals European sword blades are made by windlass and the major difference between The Windlass and the similar looking cold steel one is the hilt. Windlasses was probably more accurate being a wooden grip, whereas the cold steel has a faux buffalo horn hilt which looks okay in his lightweight and durable but kind of has a plastic feel to it. I honestly prefer the windless version overall, except for I've seen some where people have dropped them and the pommel having snapped off since the Tang doesn't run downward into it. I own the cold steel version because I got it at a clearance sale for $90, but I do prefer the looks and feel of The Windlass a bit better except for the pommel issue. As far as the English Cutlass I have liked that one too! I thought about it buying it on several occasions but have not yet picked up one. As a general rule shorter windless blades have tended to feel better overall than their longer blades. (Although in the last few years I felt some longer Windows blades that are much better than ones I felt in years past) And the English Cutlass certainly feels good in the hand. It may not be quite the same balance as historical ones, but the ones I've handled felt very usable and Lively. I live three and a half hours from Museum Replicas so I get there at least once a year for their clearance sale and have the opportunity to handle many of their blades both current and discontinued. Both the samshir and the English Cutlass I think are good deals for the money, yes you could spend more and get a more accurate and probably a bit better balanced weapon. To put it in car terms you can buy a Honda or you could buy a Rolls-Royce. the Honda may not have all the bills and whistles or be as nice a car as the Rolls-Royce but it is certainly a serviceable decent car.
I've still got one of their catalogues from the 90's. It was mainly used as photo reference for character designs but I still to this day want everything in it 😅
@@ZacHawkins42 I have catalogs that there's going back to the mid-nineties all the way up through present LOL I think the information about swords was better when museum replicas founder Hank Reinhart was still alive but I still like them as guides for looks of swords and sometimes the information they give
Matt: And it does have a threaded construction here so you can... Me: end them rightly. Matt: take this sword apart and modify it. Me: Yeah, totally what I had in mind.
I love the Munich Town Guard sword - such a beautiful design yet still highly practical. Hopefully Windlass makes some of these changes and turns out a truly remarkable reproduction
You can use a pencil grinder or dremel tool to reshape and lighten the guard bars to get a mass reduction in that area. Polishing can be done after, if you are willing to do the work.
I remember visiting the Bavarian national museum some years ago. There where no swords so simple as them, but rather overloaded with gold an ornaments. But importantly in German they were called "Degen" which is normally translated as smallsword or Rapier, while the English text says Sidesword.
Whoa, when we get into translations the terms get even more fuzzy. The term "Degen" in German can mean all sorts of stuff and nowadays is mostly used to refer to the épée. Rapiers are usually called "Haudegen" (Hau = strike, so a strike & thrust sword?).
@@OkurkaBinLadin I agree. Interestingly, the 'Munich Town Guard' (in common with many German cities at the time) was quite prestigious, and made up of volunteers from the sons of local burghers. The swords are elegant and practical.
I ALWAYS enjoy your videos as I learn something new on the technical aspects of sword design, manufacture and use that I didn't learn before. My fencing experience is limited to seventeen years of kendo but I've always wanted to learn European sword technique and this type of sword has always been the image of a sword I'd want to learn to use. Congratulations on another great video!!!
It never ceases to amaze me that companies that specialize in making swords just can’t get it through their heads that a sharp 90 degree angle where the blade turns into the tang is a very BAD thing! It creates a weak point that is prone to stress fracturing, that is not my opinion but a metallurgical fact. A radius is far less likely to break on an inside corner than a 90 degree corner is!
Yes... though I would only add the caveat that some historical pieces have rather sharp angles sometimes, so it's not only a modern error! But I agree 100% that rounding those 90 degree angles is very beneficial.
@@HarryMcW when the square windows were found out to be the cause of so many crashes , dehaviland stopped doing business all together. Imagine if they never went with square windows... elegant flights might be still going on today .
I own the Windlass Munich Town Guard Sword and I agree with Matt on all points - especially concerning the guard. The originals are a lot more filigree.
It's amazing to me how I've watched you and other reviewers to the point I can actually pick up on the fact that this sword was slower in your hand than others you've reviewed. It might be a trick of the light, it might have been partly seeing something only when you brought it up, but I was definitely seeing a real lack of "snap" in the direction change and pulling out of cuts. And I immediately thought "yeah, no, that'll be bad if the other guy has a lighter sword and enough protection/skill."
I experienced much the same when I practiced kendo regularly over the course of 17 years. As a novice, you don't see things the instructor are telling you for years even though you try very hard. Then one day it all "clicks" and you can't not see it. In short, you've developed an eye for the technical aspects of sword wielding.
@@wayneparker9331 Huh. Thanks. As I said, I was really unsure if it was my brain trying to imagine the "liveliness" or me actually seeing something. At least I get what they're talking about now!
Agreed, it's win-win for replica makers to take consultation and direction from experts who want their product to be as good as possible. I'd say Matt speaks very well for their customer-base and the things they are also looking for, and helps avoid simple to correct mistakes from occurring.
If you could get Windlass to start putting a proper distal taper on ALL their swords, I will love you forever. Windlass (by my experience) makes really good swords for the price point. I have several in my collection. However, I hugely appreciate you talking to them (and any replica maker that you might) about distal taper. That is the single best thing I can think that would help replicas. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for trying to make that a thing. Cheers from across the pond
I have owned and still own Wndlass rapier's, I have the cup hilt rapier from 1986 and the fluted cup hilt from 1989. The grips are amazing, just as nice as the custom cup hilt rapier from Arms & Armor in Minneapolis, MN. Their classical rapier is extremely elegant, It has a black horn grip with twisted wire in between wire that is spaced, truly gorgeous and well balanced. Matt, I have older MRL catalogs with their swords. I could shoot you some pics of some that would be great if you could talk them back into bringing them back into production. Their Arras rapier is gorgeous as well, as their Italian Side Sword. Let me know, they have had some really great offering's. Thanks Matt, I am also on MyArmoury ...it is a wonderful website, I was able to acquire many hard to find swords on the forum.
I honestly believe that this is the most versatile sword ever designed.... If I were to own a sword for self defence today... this will be it! (but perhaps I'll save for the A&A version? It does address all of these concerns and weighs almost 300g less)
Hey look, it's Grayswandir. (pretty much exactly as I'd pictured it while reading the series). If they do indeed put out a new edition incorporating your suggestions, at a not much higher price, then yep, I'll buy one.
I have this sword along with the Windlass Towton and Brandenburg. Definitely not a beginner sword, but after some practice I have become used to its unique handling. To deliver an effective cut, I had to have a fisted grip, while with an Italian grip it’s thrust abilities are excellent.
You talking about collaborating with Windlass is exciting as all hell. I was wondering what the sudden uptick in Windlass reviews was about and *hoped* that it was because they were seeking your opinion, and they were looking to improve where they reasonably could, and it seems awesome that it might be the case. Hope to see some more Wallace pieces under your guidance (dare I pray- the A479!) or other “German Bastards” like the Erbach or even reissues of the Towton, Arbedo.
My Windlass MTG has the majority of the flex in the distal 1/3(?) with considerably less flex in the proximal portion of the blade. The hilt is heavy as described. The chief thing I will be working on is that the ricasso has sharp edges that are not at all comfortable in a pistol grip (handshake). The make is presumably 2023.
If Windlass added a at minimum 7-8mm to 2mm distal taper, along with a slightly more slender guard. I would buy this in a heartbeat. Also the proper sharpening and bevels on windlass products coming is fantastic news. One issue about changing the shape of the Pommel, it's a threaded construction. If you make the pommel asymmetrical and you have to tighten the pommel with use. You might end up with a crooked Pommel. Perhaps keep it round for functionalities sake, and make it hollow? I have to report also, I bought a couple of Cold Steel products recently, not sure where they are being manufactured but in both cases, tulwar: horrible grip, great blade 9mm to 1.8mm taper, good project blade. and the newer 1796 also has a 8mm to 2mm taper. At least it seems like manufactures are starting to take distal taper more seriously, even if the distal taper is a bit too linear.
As for the weight for one of the originals, i think Kvetun Armory did a fencing replica of this sword as a custom and they checked out some originals. They have a facebook post about it from 12 June 2019 that has some weights listed, something like 1100grams
Most important question regarding this sword, would you pair this with a full sized shield or a buckler? What would a town guard of the period have used?
I sent LK Chen an email about future swords. Two swords I asked them about making specifically are the Cavalier Rapier and Smallsword. They do have plans to make these once they research them. As of right now, they do have pre orders for the Saxony Rapier.
LK Chen came out with their Munich sword a few months ago. I think it covers all the issues with the Windlass sword described in this video, except that the pommel is round, not flat. It currently costs almost twice as much as the Windlass version and is on backlog. Mine took 3 months to arrive and I am very pleased with it.
Very useful. I've always pondered it because I like the style but the reviews have always seemed contradictory. Your thoughts show why they're so contradictory and where that's good and bad. Thank you so very much.
Totally agree with everything here. I had one of these a few years ago and finally had to sell it. Just too clunky for every day use at events. Looks pretty good. But just does not perform comfortably.
Been eyeing this type of cutcutstabstab townswords for awhile. Yeah... gonna wait see the revised edition and buy two... little sis needs a sword when she turns 15 in a year xD
Awesome! My main reservation in purchasing an expensive sword is that I want an accurate and functional replica and it can be tough to gauge accuracy before you buy! :)
Has anyone acquired one of these swords recently? They seem to have been out of stock for a while, and I have found no confirmation that the changes matt spoke about here were implemented.
In German stores the sword is described as "Degen". It is a not very specific term mostly used for short(er) swords with basket hilt (and variations) from the renaissance to the 19th century. So, rapier is not really a good translation, "sidesword" or "smallsword" would rather fit it than rapier.
This is the sword that I fell in love with! And I generally prefer two-handed swords. Obviously I would prefer the A&A replica, but it costs more than a thousand dollars, so I will have to settle for the windlass one (although even this one is out of the budget for now ...)
Bit off topic question, but is there good sources on medieval sword hardness, and tempering? I only saw on some blog that there are only very little tests done or at least published. The results were interesting to me apparently often the hardness even on the same blade varies hugely along the cutting edge on the few examples the blog post listed.
I just bought this sword a month or two ago and I noticed it in the background of the video shots and have been waiting for this review, I'm interested to see how my thoughts differ... [edit after watching] The mass was definitely the thing I noticed most, as well as the hilt feeling long. Good to see I'm not daft for generally being really happy with it though.
Got one of these earlier this year. Lovely sword but I get what you mean about it’s a little slow on re directing it. Still nice. This video actually was a lot of help understanding this sword a bit better.
Sounds like a good buy since I don't have the budget to spend 1200$ USD for the Arms and Armor one. I might just wait to see if they do improvements with the edge and the distal taper in a later version!
Very nice review, been eyeing this sword for a while. Have you checked out their Christus Imperat Rapier? I've heard many people say its their overall best rapier and a super good replica of the museum piece for the price, but there's disappointingly few in depth reviews of it on youtube.
Matt, Matt, I think I can safely assume that I speak on behalf of all of us groundlings that are capable only of inexplicable dumbshows and noise, and who expend our entire lives in yearning for a chance, one chance to stick "' 'em with the pointy end", when I state that we all love you.
That's my favorite guard design. I'm designing a sword for the hero of my new writing project and I came up with a nearly identical swept hilt with a 37 inch spadroon blade. The ogres use 24" falcatas. Not as elegant.
"It could be used in a duel - although they are not supposed to be doing that!" Lol now I'm imagining guards dueling each other while, unnoticed, a brigand sneaks past their post....
Maybe the first two criticisms you made of it were connected, like they knew that the balance would be off so they changed the other as a correcting measure maybe? Like, the guard was made bulkier since no distal taper would put the CoM toward the point. Just a speculation.
I would love to see your review of the Zombie Tools The D’Capitan: Sabre. It looks like a decent budget cutter Total Length: 34 in (.86 m) Blade Length: 27 in (.69m) Handle Length: 7 in. (.18m) Grip Size: 4 in (.10m) Steel Thickness: .25 in (6.35mm) Point of Balance: 6 in. (.15m) Steel Type: 5160 Weight: 2lbs 4oz (1.02kg) Availability: 18-22 week wait Release Date: December 2015 Price: $449.95
I wish Windlass would listen to you more. It seems that with a little work, they could make this sword nearly as good as the version by Arms & Armor, which costs $1220, over four times the price.
My friend bought a super flimsy sort of foil sword. Would you do a video on them? Its almost as thin as tin foil and it flops around on the tip. It can actually twist and nearly rolls up into a ball
I bought this piece a while back to practice Meyer forms with and pretty much agree with everything you said. I think it would be a much better sword of they cut the weight just a little.
Also I've seen one in the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts) that used to be a part of the Higgins collection. I'm sure you could ask them or Jeffery Forgeng for the weight.
Hi Matt, thanks for the review. Considering both weight issues; the blade profile sending the weight towards the tip and the hilt characteristics sending it towards the pommel, does the hilt end up "winning"?
Hello Matt, could you maybe do a review on the melee combat in The Last of Us Part 2? I think it might interest you that it’s in an urban/survival setting, with axes, cudgels, daggers and swords (machetes actually)
1,470 g= 51.9 oz. That IS beefy. 1.0 cm= 0.39 (or 25/64) in. 9.0 mm= 0.35 (or 23/64) in. 7.0 mm= 0.28 (or 9/32) in. 4.0 mm= 0.16 (or 5/32) in. 8.0 mm= 0.31 (or 5/16) in. 3.0 mm= 0.12 (or 1/8) in. 3.5 mm= 0.14 (or 9/64) in. 100 g= 3.53 oz. 50.0 g= 1.76 oz. 150 g= 5.20 oz. 200 g= 7.05 oz. Some good, some bad. I'm glad to hear that they're willing to at least look at changes.
throw the term rapier out the window? this is from Munich, they throw stuff out the window in Prague
"Stuff", right...
Nay, the protestants were just very tidy people: did the big spring cleaning by throwing out the trash. 😂
OMG! A Matt Easton line by Windlass? Take my money!
A copy of a British Naval cutlass would be great.
Totally
this aged well
My local gun store was selling one of these a while ago for $100. This exact model. It was brought in by another customer who wanted to get rid of it, so he got the gun store folks to sell it for him.
$100 is a great deal for this product imo.
@@JT_Soul I know. I shouldn't have passed on it.
I probably wouldn't be able to forgive myself for missing the opportunity, it fits my taste perfectly. Well, it would if it were a bit longer but the same width
"The 12 gauge autoloader... the .45 longslide with laser sighting... the Arms & Armor Town Guard Sword."
"Hey, only what you see, pal."
"... The Windlass Munich."
@@Gilmaris Imagine if that customer did bring in an actual Arms & Armor Town Guard sword and sold it for only $100? The sad part is, most customers that go into the gun store wouldn't even know what they were looking at. Most people would overlook the sword altogether.
It makes me so happy to hear you're working with Windlass to at least some official capacity, looks like your consulting work is making an impact in the industry! I look forward to seeing where this goes!
“Doing some things together” with Windlass sounds interesting. If “some things” included accurately weighted sabers in the budget range, that would be quite exciting.
More interested with accurate mass distribution then accurate weight
Sherratt Pemberton I realize I perhaps wasn’t specific enough, but “accurately weighted” was intended to be a blanket term covering both overall weight (which I realize can vary and still be within historical ranges) and yes, more importantly, distribution of mass.
@@JimmyTownmouse: Yeah...sabers are a bitch to reproduce. I have a couple of vintage French 1822 Cav sabers and an 1829 artillery as well. They are superbly crafted sabers that can't be reproduced at reasonable prices...even with Chinese slave labor!!! ruclips.net/video/8EBJMoNCalk/видео.html
@@Master...deBater How do you define 'reasonable price'? I'd pay lot od € for accurate reproduction of 1845 infantry sabre.
@@matusfekete6503 Under five bills. Anything over and I'd rather buy an original with history and provenance!
Making Windlass better/more accurate? Matt, you are a SAINT.
Looks like L K Chen's attention to proper edge geometry has everyone taking notice.
Been contemplating getting one of these so this review comes at the perfect time. Now based off your observations I think my mind is made up. Trusting your judgment and am going to make the purchase, thanks Matt.
Just be prepared to sharpen it properly :-) But that's not difficult if you can sharpen things.
I will wait for version 2.0, if they wil get closer to the original and then i will make the purchase.
was wondering the same but came to a different conclusion. After having several antiques, blades that don't taper feel like LARP weapons
@@scholagladiatoria I got one last year, but I have not been able to sharpen it more than what the dealer could do, so while it went through pumpkins without any issue, it would just lacerate a tatami mat.
Yay, been eyeballing this sword in the background of your videos for a while hoping you'd talk about it soon.
Cheers!
I have this sword. One thing about the hand-guard on this... It adds a whole other dimension of use. If you don't want to stab someone, or are in a tight situation where you cant swing the blade, you can absolutely use it up close to beat someone into unconsciousness. Certainly has enough heft and strength to cave someones head in with a couple good blows.
Probably how the guards in German towns etc would lay out the violent drunks causing trouble.
I’m really thankful you’ve been reviewing some swords from Windlass. They’re not custom-made and they’re not Albion, but for people like me who have to collect on a budget, they’re absolutely fine. Some models are hit and miss, and some are really good for the price.
Sword collectors like me need to see more legitimate reviewers Iike you review “economy” manufacturers. I’d love to hear your views on Kult of Athena’s “in-house” line of Balaur Arms swords.
to make you feel a little bit better, windlass is constantly going higher with their quality and Albion is nowadays not worth the price. I bought an Albion last year and first it arrived with a grip that was of center and after they repaired it it had a crackling noise in the handle constantly. At the end I refunded it because I was very dissapointet what I got for that amount of money.
I have several Windlas swords from the last decade and a half and they're great, provided you know what to expect, and are picky with the model. Some of their swords are particularly good, some not so much, but their blades won't break and the edges won't roll. Yeah, they tend towards being overly flexible, and that can suck, but it's because they have excellent modern spring-tempering, and thus won't take a set bend, snap, or roll an edge.
I think there is a misunderstanding here. This is a sword for the Munich city guard. That's a police force, really. At the time, Munich was the capital of the Duke of Bavaria. Who has a pretty big professional army, armed with muskets, cannons etc.
The city guard did use the swords to keep order. Who would they fight if need be? Thieves armed with long knifes. Unruly apprentices armed with brooms or whatever. Travellers and sons of the local nobility getting drunk in a tavern and drawing their rapiers.
The "townguard" is nimble and protected enough to go up against a rapier, yet stable enough to deflect a heavy club or chair or whatever else might get swung at them (facing a halbert is unlikely, though).
Fighting in a war, if the city gets besieged, was a tertiary consideration for this weapon at best, though it can fulfill that function, too.
Very good points. I recall reading that the 'Munich Town Guard' was quite a prestigious volunteer force, made up of the sons of local burghers; something that was common in German cities.
That's very important ✨context✨!
Matt, your “hello, this is Matt Easton here, Scho’gl’to’...“ is getting briefer and briefer. Soon, you’ll be at “...S’g’t...”, and then you might just vanish in a puff of elision. Be careful out there!
As aside, I notice Arms & Armor still claims their town guard sword would be type advocated by George Silver. While that's true in broad terms, Silver specified a 37-40in blade & hand protection closer to basket hilt than to the swept hilt. We don't know exactly what Silver's short sword was like beyond the blade length, but there are extant 16th-century British basket-hilted swords that weigh rather less than 1470 grams. One magnificent example weighs 1220 grams with a nearly 39in blade. I suspect the sword Silver had in mind was similar. Despite the conception of Silver as an English traditionalist, I think of his short sword & fencing system as a hybrid of medieval & Renaissance elements. His detailed instructions for fighting short sword against long rapier include holding the weapon in something like a thumb-up sabre grip & to primarily (or only) employ his variable fight, which was at least heavily influenced by Italian sources.
43.0 oz. vs. 51.9. That's quite a difference.
I regularly drool over this style of sword, and have often wondered how the Windlass measured up. You've answered all my questions, Thanks!
I've been waiting for you to talk about Sideswords/Backswords more
You’ve done a couple videos on what people would carry if swords were worn today. I think this is it. Take the Windlass with the changes you mentioned. Maybe the guard out of a lighter, but still strong, material. Then a thicker blade with more distal and profile taper to keep the balance right.
Definitely agree with all of the points brought up here, as I own one myself. If Windlass manages to address these, I'd certainly be tempted to buy a newer model. Excited to see how their blades will be once made to be sharp straightaway!
That is a "sidesword" as used by angelo viggiani, and illustrated in his second and third plate.
Remember that the term "spada da lato" as used by HEMAist today is directly taken from viggiani's description when Rodomonte told Conte to unsheath his "sword on his side" instead of using spada da marra / blunt sword for practicing.
Well, insurance company today won't be happy
I grew up in Atlanta and I still live in Georgia. I first found out about museum replicas and dust windlass in about 1994.
over the years of course I've accumulated a lot of windlass products in my collection as well as having been to their showroom and sales many many times in Conyers which is about three and a half hours from where I live.
In the mid-90s when I first started dealing with windlass some of their swords were clearly thick chunky andoverly heavy. For a couple years in the late 90s some of their blades became very whippy, I own one sword that has a blade that flops like a fishing pole. But as time went on these problems were solved. windlass has been good I feel about addressing problems with their product especially since the rise of Hema.
But even in their worst days I always thought in the price range their products certainly looked better than most. And for the most part over I have felt the products I purchased from them for especially good for the price I paid.
I'm very glad to hear that Matt has been working with Willis to even further improve their products! Windlass is one of the largest sword manufacturers and therefore in a unique positionto be able to lead the industry in innovation and making affordable swords more historically accurate.
clearly I've had a fondness for windlass over the years even when I really didn't like what they were putting out. but in the last 10 years especially I think windlass has been doing a great job and improving product quality and working with people that are experts in the field.
I've been eyeing over their shamshir and English Cutlass for months and everything I read about them just makes me feel like I could do way better but they also put out much much better quality than people with my budget deserve
@@maybeyourbaby6486 yes certainly you could do better but again winless isn't the top of the line.
But generally for their price point I think they're a better value than company is say like Universal swords or Deepeeka.
but in the last 10 years especially windlass has been talking to experts such as Matt and working on improving quality and functionality.
Their Battlecry line was specifically meant to be used heavily.
As I remember when handling their shamshir it was a nice decent feeling sword and I believe on Skallagrim's channel he did a review of it and he also liked it.
Many of cold steals European sword blades are made by windlass and the major difference between The Windlass and the similar looking cold steel one is the hilt. Windlasses was probably more accurate being a wooden grip, whereas the cold steel has a faux buffalo horn hilt which looks okay in his lightweight and durable but kind of has a plastic feel to it.
I honestly prefer the windless version overall, except for I've seen some where people have dropped them and the pommel having snapped off since the Tang doesn't run downward into it.
I own the cold steel version because I got it at a clearance sale for $90, but I do prefer the looks and feel of The Windlass a bit better except for the pommel issue.
As far as the English Cutlass I have liked that one too! I thought about it buying it on several occasions but have not yet picked up one.
As a general rule shorter windless blades have tended to feel better overall than their longer blades. (Although in the last few years I felt some longer Windows blades that are much better than ones I felt in years past) And the English Cutlass certainly feels good in the hand. It may not be quite the same balance as historical ones, but the ones I've handled felt very usable and Lively.
I live three and a half hours from Museum Replicas so I get there at least once a year for their clearance sale and have the opportunity to handle many of their blades both current and discontinued.
Both the samshir and the English Cutlass I think are good deals for the money, yes you could spend more and get a more accurate and probably a bit better balanced weapon.
To put it in car terms you can buy a Honda or you could buy a Rolls-Royce.
the Honda may not have all the bills and whistles or be as nice a car as the Rolls-Royce but it is certainly a serviceable decent car.
I've still got one of their catalogues from the 90's. It was mainly used as photo reference for character designs but I still to this day want everything in it 😅
@@ZacHawkins42 I have catalogs that there's going back to the mid-nineties all the way up through present LOL
I think the information about swords was better when museum replicas founder Hank Reinhart was still alive but I still like them as guides for looks of swords and sometimes the information they give
In a way they're like having a picture museum of arms and armor
I haven't been on myArmoury for like 6 years, I'm really glad to hear it's still active (and can absolutely agree that it's a generally great place.)
Matt: And it does have a threaded construction here so you can...
Me: end them rightly.
Matt: take this sword apart and modify it.
Me: Yeah, totally what I had in mind.
would love to see an updated review of this sword, see if they did indeed make the improvements Matt discussed here.
I love the Munich Town Guard sword - such a beautiful design yet still highly practical. Hopefully Windlass makes some of these changes and turns out a truly remarkable reproduction
You can use a pencil grinder or dremel tool to reshape and lighten the guard bars to get a mass reduction in that area. Polishing can be done after, if you are willing to do the work.
I remember visiting the Bavarian national museum some years ago. There where no swords so simple as them, but rather overloaded with gold an ornaments.
But importantly in German they were called "Degen" which is normally translated as smallsword or Rapier, while the English text says Sidesword.
Whoa, when we get into translations the terms get even more fuzzy. The term "Degen" in German can mean all sorts of stuff and nowadays is mostly used to refer to the épée. Rapiers are usually called "Haudegen" (Hau = strike, so a strike & thrust sword?).
Average "townguard" (aka cop) likely didnt have his piece overloaded with gold.
@@OkurkaBinLadin Yes, but the shop MAtt linked claims that there are multiple ones in the Bavarian National Museum.
@@OkurkaBinLadin I agree. Interestingly, the 'Munich Town Guard' (in common with many German cities at the time) was quite prestigious, and made up of volunteers from the sons of local burghers. The swords are elegant and practical.
I ALWAYS enjoy your videos as I learn something new on the technical aspects of sword design, manufacture and use that I didn't learn before. My fencing experience is limited to seventeen years of kendo but I've always wanted to learn European sword technique and this type of sword has always been the image of a sword I'd want to learn to use. Congratulations on another great video!!!
I've always thought Windlass was on the verge of affordable greatness but never quite great. It's nice that they seem to be taking your advice.
It never ceases to amaze me that companies that specialize in making swords just can’t get it through their heads that a sharp 90 degree angle where the blade turns into the tang is a very BAD thing! It creates a weak point that is prone to stress fracturing, that is not my opinion but a metallurgical fact. A radius is far less likely to break on an inside corner than a 90 degree corner is!
Yes... though I would only add the caveat that some historical pieces have rather sharp angles sometimes, so it's not only a modern error! But I agree 100% that rounding those 90 degree angles is very beneficial.
Yes, see the De Havilland Comet and it's square windows.
But if it doesn't break you wouldn't need to buy a new one!
@@HarryMcW when the square windows were found out to be the cause of so many crashes , dehaviland stopped doing business all together.
Imagine if they never went with square windows... elegant flights might be still going on today .
I own the Windlass Munich Town Guard Sword and I agree with Matt on all points - especially concerning the guard. The originals are a lot more filigree.
The blade style and guard makes that a very distinct looking sword. I like it, I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before.
I've liked this sword for years and it's nice to finally see you review it.
It's amazing to me how I've watched you and other reviewers to the point I can actually pick up on the fact that this sword was slower in your hand than others you've reviewed. It might be a trick of the light, it might have been partly seeing something only when you brought it up, but I was definitely seeing a real lack of "snap" in the direction change and pulling out of cuts. And I immediately thought "yeah, no, that'll be bad if the other guy has a lighter sword and enough protection/skill."
I experienced much the same when I practiced kendo regularly over the course of 17 years. As a novice, you don't see things the instructor are telling you for years even though you try very hard. Then one day it all "clicks" and you can't not see it. In short, you've developed an eye for the technical aspects of sword wielding.
@@wayneparker9331 Huh. Thanks. As I said, I was really unsure if it was my brain trying to imagine the "liveliness" or me actually seeing something. At least I get what they're talking about now!
Awesome that you are working with them. With proper distil taper and edge geometry they would be much more desirable....
Agreed, it's win-win for replica makers to take consultation and direction from experts who want their product to be as good as possible. I'd say Matt speaks very well for their customer-base and the things they are also looking for, and helps avoid simple to correct mistakes from occurring.
@@kareliask for sure.
If you could get Windlass to start putting a proper distal taper on ALL their swords, I will love you forever. Windlass (by my experience) makes really good swords for the price point. I have several in my collection. However, I hugely appreciate you talking to them (and any replica maker that you might) about distal taper. That is the single best thing I can think that would help replicas. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for trying to make that a thing.
Cheers from across the pond
Lack of distal taper in a replica where the original had it is a serious fault. Deal breaker, and that's before the other faults noted. Great review!
Sounds like a nice project sword, regarding the guard and pommel, for people with a belt grinder and/or files and a bit of bravery
Many thanks for this review. Had my eye on this one but now I think I'll wait and see what kind of improvements are made.
I have owned and still own Wndlass rapier's, I have the cup hilt rapier from 1986 and the fluted cup hilt from 1989. The grips are amazing, just as nice as the custom cup hilt rapier from Arms & Armor in Minneapolis, MN. Their classical rapier is extremely elegant, It has a black horn grip with twisted wire in between wire that is spaced, truly gorgeous and well balanced. Matt, I have older MRL catalogs with their swords. I could shoot you some pics of some that would be great if you could talk them back into bringing them back into production. Their Arras rapier is gorgeous as well, as their Italian Side Sword. Let me know, they have had some really great offering's. Thanks Matt, I am also on MyArmoury ...it is a wonderful website, I was able to acquire many hard to find swords on the forum.
I honestly believe that this is the most versatile sword ever designed.... If I were to own a sword for self defence today... this will be it!
(but perhaps I'll save for the A&A version? It does address all of these concerns and weighs almost 300g less)
Excellent video. Again good comments and good news about Windless, whom I believe are underappreciated in their niche. Thank-you Matt.
Haven’t been on My Armory for years. I bought Nathan’s Gross Messer in 2004. Great site
I would realy like to see more of this category and the progress with the blade :)
Thanks for the reviews. I like the all around use of the Munich.
Hey look, it's Grayswandir.
(pretty much exactly as I'd pictured it while reading the series).
If they do indeed put out a new edition incorporating your suggestions, at a not much higher price, then yep, I'll buy one.
I have this sword along with the Windlass Towton and Brandenburg. Definitely not a beginner sword, but after some practice I have become used to its unique handling. To deliver an effective cut, I had to have a fisted grip, while with an Italian grip it’s thrust abilities are excellent.
You talking about collaborating with Windlass is exciting as all hell. I was wondering what the sudden uptick in Windlass reviews was about and *hoped* that it was because they were seeking your opinion, and they were looking to improve where they reasonably could, and it seems awesome that it might be the case.
Hope to see some more Wallace pieces under your guidance (dare I pray- the A479!) or other “German Bastards” like the Erbach or even reissues of the Towton, Arbedo.
My Windlass MTG has the majority of the flex in the distal 1/3(?) with considerably less flex in the proximal portion of the blade. The hilt is heavy as described. The chief thing I will be working on is that the ricasso has sharp edges that are not at all comfortable in a pistol grip (handshake). The make is presumably 2023.
If Windlass added a at minimum 7-8mm to 2mm distal taper, along with a slightly more slender guard. I would buy this in a heartbeat. Also the proper sharpening and bevels on windlass products coming is fantastic news. One issue about changing the shape of the Pommel, it's a threaded construction. If you make the pommel asymmetrical and you have to tighten the pommel with use. You might end up with a crooked Pommel. Perhaps keep it round for functionalities sake, and make it hollow?
I have to report also, I bought a couple of Cold Steel products recently, not sure where they are being manufactured but in both cases, tulwar: horrible grip, great blade 9mm to 1.8mm taper, good project blade. and the newer 1796 also has a 8mm to 2mm taper. At least it seems like manufactures are starting to take distal taper more seriously, even if the distal taper is a bit too linear.
I've had about a dozen windlass blades over the years and for upgrading/hobby work I've never really had a problem with them.
Wonderfully detailed review! Cheers Matt😉
As for the weight for one of the originals, i think Kvetun Armory did a fencing replica of this sword as a custom and they checked out some originals. They have a facebook post about it from 12 June 2019 that has some weights listed, something like 1100grams
Most important question regarding this sword, would you pair this with a full sized shield or a buckler? What would a town guard of the period have used?
I sent LK Chen an email about future swords. Two swords I asked them about making specifically are the Cavalier Rapier and Smallsword. They do have plans to make these once they research them.
As of right now, they do have pre orders for the Saxony Rapier.
LK Chen came out with their Munich sword a few months ago. I think it covers all the issues with the Windlass sword described in this video, except that the pommel is round, not flat. It currently costs almost twice as much as the Windlass version and is on backlog. Mine took 3 months to arrive and I am very pleased with it.
Very useful. I've always pondered it because I like the style but the reviews have always seemed contradictory. Your thoughts show why they're so contradictory and where that's good and bad. Thank you so very much.
Totally agree with everything here. I had one of these a few years ago and finally had to sell it. Just too clunky for every day use at events. Looks pretty good. But just does not perform comfortably.
Hah, this review came three days after I ordered one of these. Disappointed to hear about the lack of distal taper, but not really surprised.
Even with all of the mentioned issues, this is one of the very few modern swords that tempt me to purchase.
Been eyeing this type of cutcutstabstab townswords for awhile. Yeah... gonna wait see the revised edition and buy two... little sis needs a sword when she turns 15 in a year xD
Awesome! My main reservation in purchasing an expensive sword is that I want an accurate and functional replica and it can be tough to gauge accuracy before you buy! :)
It's a Maori wahaika!!! Finally figured out what that frickin half violin thing is!!!
In one on one duel would you pick a town guard sword or a post1845 Infantry officer sword ?
Has anyone acquired one of these swords recently? They seem to have been out of stock for a while, and I have found no confirmation that the changes matt spoke about here were implemented.
In German stores the sword is described as "Degen". It is a not very specific term mostly used for short(er) swords with basket hilt (and variations) from the renaissance to the 19th century. So, rapier is not really a good translation, "sidesword" or "smallsword" would rather fit it than rapier.
This is the sword that I fell in love with! And I generally prefer two-handed swords. Obviously I would prefer the A&A replica, but it costs more than a thousand dollars, so I will have to settle for the windlass one (although even this one is out of the budget for now ...)
where are you from,Veronica?
@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 Brazil, unfortunately...
@@Lillythu Oh it can't be that bad surely?
Bit off topic question, but is there good sources on medieval sword hardness, and tempering? I only saw on some blog that there are only very little tests done or at least published. The results were interesting to me apparently often the hardness even on the same blade varies hugely along the cutting edge on the few examples the blog post listed.
I just bought this sword a month or two ago and I noticed it in the background of the video shots and have been waiting for this review, I'm interested to see how my thoughts differ...
[edit after watching] The mass was definitely the thing I noticed most, as well as the hilt feeling long. Good to see I'm not daft for generally being really happy with it though.
I have a book with a photo of an original sword very similar to those of the Wallace group, except that its hilt furniture is all blued.
Got one of these earlier this year. Lovely sword but I get what you mean about it’s a little slow on re directing it. Still nice. This video actually was a lot of help understanding this sword a bit better.
Sounds like a good buy since I don't have the budget to spend 1200$ USD for the Arms and Armor one. I might just wait to see if they do improvements with the edge and the distal taper in a later version!
There is a Munich Town Guard Sword made by LK Chen as it seems that seems to have a better tapered blade profile.
Very nice review, been eyeing this sword for a while. Have you checked out their Christus Imperat Rapier? I've heard many people say its their overall best rapier and a super good replica of the museum piece for the price, but there's disappointingly few in depth reviews of it on youtube.
Matt, Matt, I think I can safely assume that I speak on behalf of all of us groundlings that are capable only of inexplicable dumbshows and noise, and who expend our entire lives in yearning for a chance, one chance to stick "' 'em with the pointy end", when I state that we all love you.
I'd actually love to see Matt's and Lucy's thoughts on the 'Eglinton Basket Hilt Sword' by Windlass Steelcrafts.
so, this breaks almost all of Matt's ''good replica'' rules.
I’d be interested to see you compare this to the Kingston Arms Sidesword. Seems to be a similar sword in a comparable price range.
Excellent video and review, thanks
For the utmost in stiffness, Cold Steel MAA arming sword and their Smallswords, have distal taper. They're thrusting penetrators.
That's my favorite guard design.
I'm designing a sword for the hero of my new writing project and I came up with a nearly identical swept hilt with a 37 inch spadroon blade.
The ogres use 24" falcatas. Not as elegant.
You make that look quite small, compared to how mine feels when I hold it, agreed though it feels heavy. Was actually my first sword.
"It could be used in a duel - although they are not supposed to be doing that!"
Lol now I'm imagining guards dueling each other while, unnoticed, a brigand sneaks past their post....
Was just looking at this sword and another by the same company. If major changes are coming, I think I will hold off until the new models reach us.
Maybe the first two criticisms you made of it were connected, like they knew that the balance would be off so they changed the other as a correcting measure maybe? Like, the guard was made bulkier since no distal taper would put the CoM toward the point. Just a speculation.
Good job Matt
Anyone else feel Skal poke up a bit when Matt mentioned that pommels are heavy things?
What other historical swords would you say were the most similar to the Town Guard Sword? Is it a fairly unique concept?
Please review the Windlass 1860 Naval Cutlass.
I would love to see your review of the Zombie Tools The D’Capitan: Sabre. It looks like a decent budget cutter
Total Length: 34 in (.86 m)
Blade Length: 27 in (.69m)
Handle Length: 7 in. (.18m)
Grip Size: 4 in (.10m)
Steel Thickness: .25 in (6.35mm)
Point of Balance: 6 in. (.15m)
Steel Type: 5160
Weight: 2lbs 4oz (1.02kg)
Availability: 18-22 week wait
Release Date: December 2015
Price:
$449.95
I wish Windlass would listen to you more. It seems that with a little work, they could make this sword nearly as good as the version by Arms & Armor, which costs $1220, over four times the price.
My friend bought a super flimsy sort of foil sword. Would you do a video on them? Its almost as thin as tin foil and it flops around on the tip. It can actually twist and nearly rolls up into a ball
I bought this piece a while back to practice Meyer forms with and pretty much agree with everything you said. I think it would be a much better sword of they cut the weight just a little.
Also I've seen one in the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts) that used to be a part of the Higgins collection. I'm sure you could ask them or Jeffery Forgeng for the weight.
In your talks with Windless, what is their position on building the proper distill taper into the blades?
Hi Matt, thanks for the review.
Considering both weight issues; the blade profile sending the weight towards the tip and the hilt characteristics sending it towards the pommel, does the hilt end up "winning"?
Man it really irks me how you didn't finish the Scholagladiatoria during the intro.
I'll remember that, for future trolling potential.
Thanks, now it annoys me as well
@@aronkatona8517 I'm confused. What's the problem?
scholagladiatoria I knew you'd say that. Now I'm gonna have to make some super erotic Matt Easton memes and post it on the context posting fb group.
Peter Clarke he didn't complete the word 'scholagladiatoria', he cut it short.
Hello Matt, could you maybe do a review on the melee combat in The Last of Us Part 2? I think it might interest you that it’s in an urban/survival setting, with axes, cudgels, daggers and swords (machetes actually)
The renaissance is the golden age of sword designs.
1,470 g= 51.9 oz. That IS beefy.
1.0 cm= 0.39 (or 25/64) in.
9.0 mm= 0.35 (or 23/64) in.
7.0 mm= 0.28 (or 9/32) in.
4.0 mm= 0.16 (or 5/32) in.
8.0 mm= 0.31 (or 5/16) in.
3.0 mm= 0.12 (or 1/8) in.
3.5 mm= 0.14 (or 9/64) in.
100 g= 3.53 oz.
50.0 g= 1.76 oz.
150 g= 5.20 oz.
200 g= 7.05 oz.
Some good, some bad. I'm glad to hear that they're willing to at least look at changes.
Hey Matt, do you know what kind of equipment the guards would wear with this? Did they wear armour or use a buckler, etc.?
Three years later, would you still recommend this blade? if so, did they ever fix the things you mentioned?
As a person with wide hands the longer grip is a selling point for me