Reproduction Swords

[NEPAKevin]

My wife is into genealogy and recently found a branch of my family tree where apparently I am related to a guy named Adam Neff (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bobwolfe/gen/pn/p4231.htm)? who during something called the Second War of Kappel? chopped some dude's head off with a somewhat bad ass looking sword which is displayed in the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bobwolfe/genbob/1550_Naf_Sword.jpg So, while I have no use for much less knowledge of how to use one, if I can find out what it is, this is probably the best excuse I will ever have to justify getting one and shockingly the wife even seemed to approve of the idea.

[Chance]

Hey Trooper224, someone has a sword nerd question.

[DI1]

A longsword (also spelled as long sword or long-sword) is a type of European sword characterized as having a cruciform hilt with a grip for two-handed use (around 16 to 28 cm (6 to 11 in)) and a straight double-edged blade of around 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in), [1] The "longsword" type exists in a morphological continuum with the medieval knightly sword and the Renaissance-era Zweihänder. It was prevalent during the late medieval and Renaissance periods (approximately 1350 to 1550), with early and late use reaching into the 13th and 17th centuries.

[S Jenks]

Not 100% but close.
http://www.lutel-handicraft.com/?p=productsMore&iProduct=113&sName=Hand-and-a-half-sword-15002
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170429/4b03058fb17d4599a490d0ab262e0577.jpg

[Malamute]

May find something similar here. Prices and makers seem to range widely.

http://www.kultofathena.com/swords-medieval-br.asp

[Totem Polar]

You know what? I've wanted some sort of sharp, functional sword since I was a kid. F it; this is the year. Following this thread.

[Trooper224]

If you're serious about it, I would highly recommend contacting one of the eastern european smiths such as...........

https://www.facebook.com/sulowskiswords/
and
https://www.facebook.com/swordmaking/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

Their work is excellent as is their work ethic. They really get on it and get in done in fine fashion. Their price to quality ratio absolutely blows away their american counterparts.

One of my swords by Mateusz.........
http://m6.i.pbase.com/o9/64/521964/1/161391126.TcYowarO.20150923_164017.jpg
http://m0.i.pbase.com/g9/64/521964/2/161783050.4PlfACMe.jpg

Another good one..............
http://www.todsstuff.co.uk/index.htm

[1slow]

Michael "Tinker" Pearce makes very good swords. His book, "Medeval Swords in the Modern World" is good. Center of percussion, center of balance matter. A sword is not a large knife.

There are several European sword use texts, Wallenstein Codex, DelFiore, Talhoffer.

[NEPAKevin]

Thanks all. Looks like I have some research to do. So far the closest, to my eye, this a 16th century German Two-Handed (http://www.darksword-armory.com/medieval-weapon/herald-series-medieval-weapons/two-handed-sword/) although the Sulowski Custom MUNICH Sword on the first Facebook page in Trooper224's post is pretty darn sweet. :)

[Trooper224]

Remember, with a custom smith it isn't an off the shelf kind of deal. Show him the photo you posted here, he can probably work you.

[Malamute]

Michael "Tinker" Pearce makes very good swords. His book, "Medeval Swords in the Modern World" is good. Center of percussion, center of balance matter. A sword is not a large knife.

There are several European sword use texts, Wallenstein Codex, DelFiore, Talhoffer.

He posts on THR, he messes with older small carry revolvers some.

[NEPAKevin]

Remember, with a custom smith it isn't an off the shelf kind of deal. Show him the photo you posted here, he can probably work you.

I am leaning going that rout as for the most part, the "off the rack" swords tend to have a decorative "BBQ rig" appearance where as the one pictured looks more utilitarian.

[Duces Tecum]

If you decide to learn how to use one, look up Hugh Knight's teaching books (Lulu.com).

[Zincwarrior]

My wife is into genealogy and recently found a branch of my family tree where apparently I am related to a guy named Adam Neff (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bobwolfe/gen/pn/p4231.htm)? who during something called the Second War of Kappel? chopped some dude's head off with a somewhat bad ass looking sword which is displayed in the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bobwolfe/genbob/1550_Naf_Sword.jpg So, while I have no use for much less knowledge of how to use one, if I can find out what it is, this is probably the best excuse I will ever have to justify getting one and shockingly the wife even seemed to approve of the idea.


Looks like a Zweihander (two hander). Is it a big mamma about 5 - 6 feet long?

EDIT: sorry looks like it has been asked and answered.
Now if you want a good zombie killin real world tool that you can get at any home depot?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-24-in-Steel-Blade-Clearing-Machete-385091-1001/206398488

[TheRoland]

Beware that this is also the time period that the Swiss were experimenting with single-edged long blades with similar hilts, although I think mostly with slightly more curve, in what would be called a "swiss saber" in the modern era. Nevertheless I'd probably try to get a better picture before proceeding.

Surely there exists pictures of such a famous sword that weren't taken with a potato.

EDIT: On a better screen, no way it's single edged. FYI, I guess.

[NEPAKevin]

The only other photo I have found so far is this one of a descendant posing in front of a memorial:

16217

[Totem Polar]

^^^Pretty cool.

[NEPAKevin]

Michael "Tinker" Pearce makes very good swords. His book, "Medeval Swords in the Modern World (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWDWX8C/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1)" is good.

So I figured a good first step would be to read this book and try to educate myself a little. Every page and picture is like having a voice in your ear whispering "you know you want one. Buy one you fat bastard!" This is as bad a gun porn; maybe worse. Tom should change the name of this place to Enabler-forum.com :)

[Erik]

Please don't ask me to figure out exactly how much I've spent in the last month solely because I read this forum. All I'll say is...it's a good thing I'm already divorced.

[SeriousStudent]

If someone were interested in buying a decent gladius (the sword, not the flashlight) where would you nice people suggest looking?

Thank you.

[Chuteur]

If someone were interested in buying a decent gladius (the sword, not the flashlight) where would you nice people suggest looking?

Thank you.

Ebay is full of Indian made arms and armour of the olden days. Their metal bashers are not too bad if you don't need it to 100% look like it is original and was stolen from a museum to add to your collection. I bought an Indian made Corinthian helmet as a presentation piece, for around $80 it certainly looks the business and made an impression (a good one) on the receiving unit. Or, you can spend a fortune and have one made by a custom sword fettler.

As a side note: There are more "genuine" German WW2 paratrooper helmets knocking around Germany now than were ever issued to the fallschirmjaeger.....all Indian made knock off's.

[Malamute]

If someone were interested in buying a decent gladius (the sword, not the flashlight) where would you nice people suggest looking?

Thank you.

Im not well versed on all the options but Museum Replicas and Kult of Athena would be a starting point.


Museum Replicas has a deal of the day every day, some smoking deals show up now and then.

[Poconnor]

I think a modern gladius would be the most practical of all the swords offered for real use. I would love one.

[SeriousStudent]

I think a modern gladius would be the most practical of all the swords offered for real use. I would love one.

Very similar to my own thoughts. I already have a Marine NCO sword and a katana, and a gladius would likely round out the rack on the wall.

[Malamute]

I haven't ever been a cutlass fan, but the Cold Steel one recently mentioned caught my attention as a fairly practical size and type. ....as far was large edged weapons could be termed practical today.

[EVP]

If someone were interested in buying a decent gladius (the sword, not the flashlight) where would you nice people suggest looking?

Thank you.


I don't particularly care for Busse knives but I believed they made a gladius styled sword. Obviously it would not be a period correct replica but should be a good user.

[Totem Polar]

I think a modern gladius would be the most practical of all the swords offered for real use. I would love one.

http://nebula.wsimg.com/8a1c24352c9628f4fee3ba6ddbd8633e?AccessKeyId=CB0EE 03BA3A889C1D946&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

[Drang]

I think a modern gladius would be the most practical of all the swords offered for real use. I would love one.

Switserland : Swiss M 1842/52 sawback Pioneer short sword (Faschinenmesser) (http://www.edgedweapons.nl/en/bayonets-for-sale/switserland/swiss-m-1843-sawback-short-pioneer-sword-faschinenmesser-detail)

Found one at a gun show in San Angelo, TX, for considerably less than they are charging here...

[Doug]

I think a modern gladius would be the most practical of all the swords offered for real use. I would love one.

I would buy a trainer Gladius first.

They have both wood and plastic ones. The cold steel one is only $20 and is a little longer than expected. Having it changed my thoughts of ever buying/using a real one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cold-Steel-92BKGM-Gladius-Trainer/21988824



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Poconnor]

Could you explain why you changed your mind about a real one?

[shane45]

Ill venture a guess while we wait for the actual answer. Im guessing he found that without a fair amount of dedicated training, swinging around a double bladed short sword can be pretty damn dangerous to the swinger.

[Doug]

Ill venture a guess while we wait for the actual answer. Im guessing he found that without a fair amount of dedicated training, swinging around a double bladed short sword can be pretty damn dangerous to the swinger.

Yup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BillSWPA]

The very, very limited sword training I have had included bracing the back of the blade. Double edge would eliminate this possibility. If I want to cut in the opposite direction, rotating my wrists is simple enough. I would prefer a single edged sword.

[Caballoflaco]

Trooper224

Have you checked out any of Matt Easton's Scholagladiatoria videos on YouTube? He seems pretty derp free, would you consider him a decent source for folks like myself who don't know what we don't know about swords and sword fighting?

Link: https://m.youtube.com/user/scholagladiatoria


One of his favorite words is context. The context of a gladius is it was developed to be used with a shield in formation with other soldiers. I'm personally drawn to the cutlass because it was designed to be used one handed by guys on foot in close quarters against unarmored or lightly armored opponents. I really like the hand protection they provide (gladius users had a shield for this) Also, since this is Pistol forum they (and longer sabers) were often used as a back up to a pistol.

[Trooper224]

Trooper224

Have you checked out any of Matt Easton's Scholagladiatoria videos on YouTube? He seems pretty derp free, would you consider him a decent source for folks like myself who don't know what we don't know about swords and sword fighting?

Link: https://m.youtube.com/user/scholagladiatoria


One of his favorite words is context. The context of a gladius is it was developed to be used with a shield in formation with other soldiers. I'm personally drawn to the cutlass because it was designed to be used one handed by guys on foot in close quarters against unarmored or lightly armored opponents. I really like the hand protection they provide (gladius users had a shield for this) Also, since this is Pistol forum they (and longer sabers) were often used as a back up to a pistol.

Matt's a pretty good dude and very knowledgeable. In the category of sword guys on Youtube, I'd consider him one of the best.

[Trooper224]

I've shared this one before.......
http://m7.i.pbase.com/g9/64/521964/2/160947667.BKQA5yAZ.jpg
..... but since I just had some work done on it, I thought I'd do so again.

I returned it to the manufacturer, Albion Swords, to have a half-wire wrap added to the grip. This is a feature commonly seen on swords of the late 15th-early 16th centuries, specifically on swords of German origin. Albion didn't offer this option when I bought the sword. I've always regretted that, but didn't want to pay the shipping to send this big boy back and forth. Well, I guess I just got tired of wishing it were so and finally did it. I think it really takes the sword to another level aesthetically. Kudos to Albion for turning it around in twenty four hours.
http://m0.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249610.Fr1sNuzo.jpg
http://m8.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249618.PWo2bXQ8.jpg
http://m1.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249621.5EYgDVxr.jpg
http://m3.i.pbase.com/o10/64/521964/1/166249623.lJQDvXpl.DSCN2208.JPG
http://m9.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249619.a9LwXaD4.jpg

[spelingmastir]

Were you using that sword to trim that funny looking plant behind you?

[Wondering Beard]

What's the purpose (outside of aesthetics) of the half wire wrap, if any?

P.S.: it's beautiful work on a beautiful sword.

[psalms144.1]

Wire wrap is supposed to be "grippier" than straight leather, especially when the pommel or your hands are wet (sweat/blood). That work is fabulously spectacular, I'm extremely jealous!

[Malamute]

Matt's a pretty good dude and very knowledgeable. In the category of sword guys on Youtube, I'd consider him one of the best.

I had missed this exchange earlier, but stumbled onto Matts videos in general looking around. He has several vids about basic beginner movements and exercises to get the sword muscles in shape and get a feel for basic movements. May be some good places to look for those just
starting out messing with swords. I'm finding it helps my shoulder and back rehab somewhat. More interesting and fun than colored rubber bands.

[Trooper224]

What's the purpose (outside of aesthetics) of the half wire wrap, if any?

P.S.: it's beautiful work on a beautiful sword.

There are several possibilities. The lower portion of the grip is thinner and therefore weaker, so it could have been done as a means of reinforcing that area of the grip. With any two-handed sword, be it a longsword, great sword, etc., the forward hand controls direction and the trailing hand is responsible for power. Consequently, the wire will provide a firmer gripping surface while the leather will allow the control hand to shift more easily to direct the swords motion. Finally, since weapons were considered a form of man jewelry it's entirely possible they just thought it looked cool, or a combination of all of the above.

[Trooper224]

I had missed this exchange earlier, but stumbled onto Matts videos in general looking around. He has several vids about basic beginner movements and exercises to get the sword muscles in shape and get a feel for basic movements. May be some good places to look for those just
starting out messing with swords. I'm finding it helps my shoulder and back rehab somewhat. More interesting and fun than colored rubber bands.

I've known Matt since the mid 90's, when all of us sword geeks first found each other in the early days of internet discussion forums. He's always been pretty objective and analytical in his approach. In the early days there were some pretty huge egos involved in resurrecting HEMA (historic european martial arts), Matt's never been one of those.

A couple of other good Youtube sources:
https://www.youtube.com/user/warzechas
https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonLongsword

Twenty years ago I had my right wrist smashed. After reconstructive surgery, working out with a sword was one of the things that helped speed my recovery.

[Trooper224]

Wire wrap is supposed to be "grippier" than straight leather, especially when the pommel or your hands are wet (sweat/blood). That work is fabulously spectacular, I'm extremely jealous!

Fifteen or twenty years ago, swords like this didn't exist. Production made replicas were crap and custom makers were largely knife makers who decided to make swords and simply applied what they knew of knives to sword making. The typical result was an overgrown ten pound knife. You'd look at antiques and wonder where the disconnect was in terms of handling and construction. Companies like Albion changed all that. Their partnership with Swedish sword smith Peter Johnsson forced a quantum shift in the industry. I remember standing in the Albion shop while they finished assembly on the prototype for the first Next Generation Line sword. Howard Waddell, one of the company owners, handed the sword to me and asked what I thought. I replied, "You're going to need more employees." As someone who's been making a study of the subject for forty years, I can definitely say we're now suffering from an embarrassment of riches.

[Trooper224]

Were you using that sword to trim that funny looking plant behind you?

Sometimes that bush gets more comments than the swords. :)

[Malamute]

I've known Matt since the mid 90's, when all of us sword geeks first found each other in the early days of internet discussion forums. He's always been pretty objective and analytical in his approach. In the early days there were some pretty huge egos involved in resurrecting HEMA (historic european martial arts), Matt's never been one of those.

A couple of other good Youtube sources:
https://www.youtube.com/user/warzechas
https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonLongsword

Twenty years ago I had my right wrist smashed. After reconstructive surgery, working out with a sword was one of the things that helped speed my recovery.

Thanks for the comments and the links.

Ive enjoyed looking at Matts stuff, hes quite a student of history besides his sword use information. Quite fun to watch. I'll check out the other stuff in the links.

I can see how this could become a true passion or obsession.

[Trooper224]

Thanks for the comments and the links.

Ive enjoyed looking at Matts stuff, hes quite a student of history besides his sword use information. Quite fun to watch. I'll check out the other stuff in the links.


There's a lot of derp out there on the subject, as there is with guns, but there are a few gems available.


I can see how this could become a true passion or obsession.

Obviously, it is for me and has been since I was a child. I remember being a fourteen year old kid who managed to talk his way into the back rooms at a local museum, so I could get my hands on original antiques. The curator thought I was a bit weird for being so interested in the stuff, because most people weren't back then. Thankfully he recognized the seriousness of my interest and was very indulgent. It hasn't been the same since.

[Malamute]

There's a lot of derp out there on the subject, as there is with guns, but there are a few gems available.



Obviously, it is for me and has been since I was a child. I remember being a fourteen year old kid who managed to talk his way into the back rooms at a local museum, so I could get my hands on original antiques. The curator thought I was a bit weird for being so interested in the stuff, because most people weren't back then. Thankfully he recognized the seriousness of my interest and was very indulgent. It hasn't been the same since.


Yeah, I found a lot of derp, but when I saw Matts stuff I recognized it as quite good information.

Cool on the museum guy for letting you follow your passion. Ive been that way on old guns, but swords and other historical things have also been quite interesting to me. I could get goofy interested in medieval crossbows also.

[LHS]

Mein Gott...


I've shared this one before.......
http://m7.i.pbase.com/g9/64/521964/2/160947667.BKQA5yAZ.jpg
..... but since I just had some work done on it, I thought I'd do so again.

I returned it to the manufacturer, Albion Swords, to have a half-wire wrap added to the grip. This is a feature commonly seen on swords of the late 15th-early 16th centuries, specifically on swords of German origin. Albion didn't offer this option when I bought the sword. I've always regretted that, but didn't want to pay the shipping to send this big boy back and forth. Well, I guess I just got tired of wishing it were so and finally did it. I think it really takes the sword to another level aesthetically. Kudos to Albion for turning it around in twenty four hours.
http://m0.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249610.Fr1sNuzo.jpg
http://m8.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249618.PWo2bXQ8.jpg
http://m1.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249621.5EYgDVxr.jpg
http://m3.i.pbase.com/o10/64/521964/1/166249623.lJQDvXpl.DSCN2208.JPG
http://m9.i.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/166249619.a9LwXaD4.jpg

[Erik]

Over the last few days I've been really geeking out over the Matt Easton videos mentioned in this thread and spending a ridiculous amount of time poking around looking at 19th century swords in particular. I've got an inexplicable hankering for something along the lines of either the British 1845 pattern sabre or the American m1850 Foot Officer sword. Please don't ask me why. I just want one. And I want an original, not a reproduction. Among other things, it seems that there aren't any reproductions available that are as functional as the originals. I've done a lot of looking around. Other than Matt Easton, who's in the UK, I haven't been able to get a sense of who might be a reliable dealer or otherwise good source.

Rather than start a new thread, I decided to bump this thread back up because it has some very awesome content and see about turning it in a slightly different direction - towards originals rather than reproductions. So, can anybody recommend some good sources for original swords in good condition?

[Malamute]

...Other than Matt Easton, who's in the UK, I haven't been able to get a sense of who might be a reliable dealer or otherwise good source.
...So, can anybody recommend some good sources for original swords in good condition?

Is there a particular reason you are hesitant to contact Matt Easton about original swords? I dont know what import details there would be, but Id guess its not too complicated. He could probably tell you in any event.

[Erik]

I'm not hesitant at all. He just doesn't have anything listed that I want right now. I figure it will be easier if I can find a dealer in the US also, but I wouldn't hesitate to order from him if I saw the sword I wanted at a price I could live with.

[Malamute]

Ah, right.

It may be worth sending him a note saying what youre interested in and see if he turns anything up. He may also provide referrals to some dealers.

[Erik]

That's a great idea. Thanks.

[P30]

https://m.youtube.com/user/scholagladiatoria


Matt's a pretty good dude and very knowledgeable. In the category of sword guys on Youtube, I'd consider him one of the best.
Did not know him yet. Thanks for the info, will watch his videos.

I like the YT channel Skallagrim (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA). They show some sparring fights there. This one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5w2Mh6CyXo) impressed me. Skallagrim recommends kultofathena.com.

But for the beginning, I got my old bokken (wooden replica of a Japanese sword) out of the basement and started carefully practicing some moves in the living room. Decades ago I practiced Ninjutsu and still have some moves in my muscle memory. Maybe later I'll buy a real sword and practice cutting mats with it (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tameshigiri (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tameshigiri)).

PS:
Skall's favorite sword (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmiNvjw9JU)

PPS:
Oh, Malamute recommended kultofathena.com already in post #5 (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?25476-Reproduction-Swords&p=596793&viewfull=1#post596793).

[Duces Tecum]

Erik, Try the auctions. In no particular order . . .

RockIslandAuction.com
CowanAuctions.com
MorphyAucions.com
Legacy-Collectables.com

[Erik]

Thanks! I will.

[Erik]

I did a lot of searching around and trolling different sites, and watched a lot of Matt Easton's videos, and I ended up finding a sword I wanted on his site after all. It's in rough shape but the price was right, even with shipping to the US (just around $300 total), it was a great quality sword in its prime, it should clean up and restore to good condition with a little work and attention, which I think will be fun, and it isn't so pristine that I won't want to mess with it.

https://www.antique-swords.co.uk/antique-swords-for-sale/WW1-Era-Wilkinson-Royal-Artillery-Officers-Sword-For-Restoration-p322813478

[jc000]

Trooper224 you've really inspired me with your amazing thread about your Maciej Kopciuch blade. I've wanted a Viking sword for decades but the type I'm looking for is a little past the time period he's currently working in. He does have a nicer later (late 10th / early 11thC) sword that I like.

There is an Albion blade that is exactly the style I like and I saw you mentioned some experience with them as well. For this kind of money I want something very special. Besides the obvious manufacturing differences how would you compare the Albion end product versus Maciej's?

[Trooper224]

Trooper224 you've really inspired me with your amazing thread about your Maciej Kopciuch blade. I've wanted a Viking sword for decades but the type I'm looking for is a little past the time period he's currently working in. He does have a nicer later (late 10th / early 11thC) sword that I like.

There is an Albion blade that is exactly the style I like and I saw you mentioned some experience with them as well. For this kind of money I want something very special. Besides the obvious manufacturing differences how would you compare the Albion end product versus Maciej's?

Thanks, i appreciate the kind words.

Albion quality is very good, really too good from a standpoint of authenticity. Their swords have a highly symmetrical, almost antiseptic look to them. That isn't bad mind you and if you're an anal retentive type who can't stand imperfection, then Albion's for you. Maciej on the other hand leaves slight imperfections in his work in order to illustrate their organic, handmade nature. The original antiques are far from perfect and he likes to recreate that vibe. The work is beautiful in its imperfection, very authentic.

Honestly, the folks at Albion are friends of mine, I've known the owners for years. Their work is top notch and their partnership with Peter Johnsson completely changed the landscape of modern sword making. But, their pricing has risen to the point where, if I'm going to wait that long and pay that much I'm going for a one-off custom. Maciej is also very reliable. I've dealt with several eastern European smiths in the last few years and they've become my preference. They get on it and get it done in a timely matter, something that US makers as a collective can't seem to accomplish. The work is excellent too.

I'd go with Maciej.

[jc000]

That's exactly what I needed to hear, and makes perfect sense. Thank you much!

[Borderland]

Looks like a Zweihander (two hander). Is it a big mamma about 5 - 6 feet long?

EDIT: sorry looks like it has been asked and answered.
Now if you want a good zombie killin real world tool that you can get at any home depot?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-24-in-Steel-Blade-Clearing-Machete-385091-1001/206398488

You may have missed the point. Hacking v. running someone thru is so uncivilized.

[oregon45]

Bumping this thread back up. What's the consensus on Windlass swords, specifically their medieval arming sword reproductions? I've talked myself in to ordering an Albion, but am thinking about picking up a Windlass sword to keep myself occupied during the 12-month wait that Albion appears to have.

[Jim Watson]

Forged in Fire had a dirty great zweihander last week. Extra long made for a great big wielder.
The losing blade was too flexible and springy, slo mo showed it whipping around so much the judges couldn't tell just where it was going to cut.

[Trooper224]

Bumping this thread back up. What's the consensus on Windlass swords, specifically their medieval arming sword reproductions? I've talked myself in to ordering an Albion, but am thinking about picking up a Windlass sword to keep myself occupied during the 12-month wait that Albion appears to have.

Their newest offerings that are the results of a partnership with the British Royal Armory show a lot of potential. If Windlass manages to adhere to the specs with consistency, they may represent a very good value.