newbie question: sword quality

dadarrow

dadarrow

Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
28
What a great forum!
Here is my scenario: I am working on securing a large sword for each of my sons to give them during a ceremony that welcomes them into "manhood". I don't want that to sound crazy but our western culture has no real or ceremonial "rite of passage" for boys becoming men other than things less virtuous (getting drunk, sex, etc.). I owe it to my sons to teach them what being a man truly is including chivalry, honor, truth, wisdom, valor, etc. So as a marking of this transition to manhood I would like to present each son (at the appropriate time) with a sword that commemorates the occassion.

Here's the rub, to get a good quality working sword (rather than a decorative sword) I am wondering if I need to contract with a bladesmith and have 6 custom swords made (I am sure beyond my budget) or if there are good production companies that put together a good quality sword. I am looking at a larger medieval sword (bastard sword, scottish claymore, broadsword). So my dilemma is who do I contact that might have a lead on these swords that I could purchase one now for my oldest son and ultimately pick up 6 total swords.

Can you respond to possible manufacturers or bladesmiths that would be a good direction for me to pursue.

Thanks in advance.
dadarrow
 
What is your price range?
www.swordarmory.com
www.imperialarms.com I have actually purchased a sword axe set from them, and had questions etc. I was impressed by their willingness to talk on the phone and answer questions.

http://www.angelsword.com these are more expensive. they range from $1,500 to $20,000. All types of swords. They are guaranteed, and you can trade them back in for what you bought them for on another (if you don't ruin them). they are more expensive, but for a hand made sword with a reputation, and a buyback policy it might be worth the extra.
 
Del Tin swords from Italy are good, and there's a maker named Kirby, I don't know his first name, who makes a good solid sword at a good price.
 
fudo said:
Del Tin swords from Italy are good, and there's a maker named Kirby, I don't know his first name, who makes a good solid sword at a good price.
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Del Tin swords are of decent quality for the price point. For the most part they do not handle like the swords mentioned by Bors above.

As for "Kirby" you may be talking about Kirby Wise?
 
Triton said:
Del Tin swords are of decent quality for the price point. For the most part they do not handle like the swords mentioned by Bors above.

As for "Kirby" you may be talking about Kirby Wise?
Click to expand...

Thank you Triton. Kirby Wise is who I was thinking of.
 
I greatly appreciate all the information. I could spend hours looking at the sites that you all have recommended. One follow up to my original question...
there is a company called Windlass Steelcrafts. Nobody mentioned this company so I just wanted some feedback on who they are. Anybody have good or not so good info to share? Thanks!

dadarrow
 
dadarrow said:
I greatly appreciate all the information. I could spend hours looking at the sites that you all have recommended. One follow up to my original question...
there is a company called Windlass Steelcrafts. Nobody mentioned this company so I just wanted some feedback on who they are. Anybody have good or not so good info to share? Thanks!

dadarrow
Click to expand...

Survey says they are now a decent buy for the money, but don't expect to be getting a high end production piece because you aren't spending the money to get a high end production piece. Are they serviceable? For the most part yes. Are the extraordinary or even really good? For the most part no.
 
I would like to second the Triton's opinion about Windlass Steelcraft which is selling their swords through Atlanta Cutlery and the associated companies. Many of their swords do look nice but of rather unpredictable performance.From what I heard, the swords from the Cold Steel company are generally reported as being of a better quality. I would say that one can draw a price/quality line by saying that the swords that are priced up to $500 will be of a modest quality and the ones above $1000 one would expect to be either of a unique design or to have a decent quality. If you are looking for a combat sword, stay away from the "surgical steel" advertisements: I've even seen one dealer claiming in his booklet that in the old times all swordsmen were miserable since they didn't have stainless steel swords and had to deal with the rust! :) Oh, well...
 
I sold a Cold Steel Dragonfly 88dk to a teacher of sword fighting about 6 weeks
ago. All feed back has been positive so far. He has been using it to cut dummies,etc.
 
I'd check out the Cold Steel, Hand and a Half. Mine's well made and it's reasonably priced. I wouldn't be suprised if they're contracted, Windlass productions. Shop around, you may not find too many bargains, but you don't wanna pay too much.
 
Chumpwagon said:
I'd check out the Cold Steel, Hand and a Half. Mine's well made and it's reasonably priced. I wouldn't be suprised if they're contracted, Windlass productions. Shop around, you may not find too many bargains, but you don't wanna pay too much.
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Be careful with your CS Hand and a Half. At least early ones were not all the well made. I'm not sure if they corrected this.

These pics were pulled from earlier posts there not mine. CS is at least in my mind developing a reputation for making things that look good on the surface only. While the tang is stout enough how the pommel is attached is not.


ColdSteel2.jpg


ColdSteel.jpg


ColdSteel4.jpg


ColdSteel3.jpg
 
I've just got my CS' shamshir - it feels right and well-balanced. It was made in India, so I wouldn't be much surprised if it comes from the same or the next door "kitchen" as the Windlass' shamshir - although I've heard from some people who had a chance to compare two swords that the CS' one is undoubtedly better. It came with a certificate of a traditional British test being performed on the blade and with a video which I still to watch. The cutting test is still to come :).
 
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