Opinions on Cold Steel Swords

lagarto

lagarto

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
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Okay, basically what I want to know is are they basically accurate representations of the originals, and if so are they decently sharp. Plus does anyone have any experience with their viking sword? That's the one that I'm most interested in. Thanks in advance.

Lagarto
 
Personally, I like Cold Steel products I own a lot of there knifes. However, I’m not impressed with their line of swords. I don’t personally think there all they could be. If you are looking for a historically representative working Viking sword I would look to Albion.
Now having said this have you ever handled a correct Viking Sword the grip and how you use it are not intuitive it takes a little thought and getting used to but once you do Wow!

I own the Gotland and the Vinland and they are too of the best handling Viking swords I have handled. The Gotland cuts like a dream. I have not used the Vinland yet but there are no doubts in my mind as to its ability.

I cannot say enough about Albions service and people. Their quality and service are among the best in the industry and their swords are a real honest value even at twice the price.

http://www.albion-swords.com/
 
cold steels are mostly 1050, yeah they're sharp....those albion swords sure look nice but, i couldn't find what kind of steel he uses? don't own any CS Swords but plan on buying one at their parking lot sale in May
 
Albion uses 1070, which is very close to the better quality historical swords.
The big issue with Cold Steel swords is how their put together. Their hand and a Half sword has had some catastrophic failures. The pommel is held in place by a threaded piece of rod welded to the end of the tang. For costume or wall hanging swords this method is ok but for working swords it's a bad practice.
I don't know how the Viking sword is assembled but I have my doubts.

The Cold Steel sword is ok but if you planning on cutting/using the sword then I would be beware.
 
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I own a few of their swords. I own their Viking which is ok, I have handled and seen better. Their warrior series katana which is same in quality to its Viking counter part. However, their 1917 cutlass is their best sword I have ever handled. It is very well put together and very durable. However, the only issue I have about it is its weight. Other than that :thumbup:

Sincerely,

Cutlass
 
Basically, it's kind of hit or miss with the sword line - not sure how much of my info is outdated now...
The sabers are good with good comments on the 1796 (not quite exact in the handling, but still very good) and the 1830 - this is secondhand. The Viking swords are considered good, but there are better ones (like the Kris Cutlery or Albion Squire line) for significantly less - I've not handled the Albion Squire Viking but all comments seem to be good. I've heard the baskethilts are unwieldy but have not handled them personally. The bastard sword is a tad on the heavy side and there have been a few mentions of failures with the handle construction.

Japanese line: can't comment on the new stuff. Generally in the upper weights, but still quite useable. The O-katana is ridiculous.

Chinese War Sword: meh. Not particularly great, came with a sort of convex edge that's not honed properly. Handles alright, but the handle wrap isn't particularly tight. Guard and pommel seem to be blued, and it's rubbing off just from leaning against the wall...
 
Thanks for all the info folks, and Cougar for moving this where it belonged. Looks like maybe there are better ones out there for the money. Any thoughts on the Paul Chen line? I've seen them in shops but never handled them. I don't really plan on using it if I get one, just want to be able to if I ever decided to.

Lagarto
 
Most of the Cold Steel euro swords are good value for the money, as long as you are not paying MRP. They tend to be a bit overbuilt and heavier than they should be. The hand and a half and the Grossenmesser seem to have produced the most complaints. I have 2 Scottish basket hilted swords, a 1796LC, a Smallsword and a 1917 cutlass, all have performed adequately and I have no complaints. The Hanwei swords can also be a bit of a mixed bunch but in most cases the quality and accuracy has steadily improved. Check here, Swordforums and MyArmory for comments. bear in mind these are NOT high end custom pieces, but production replicas.
Phil
 
Cold Steel swords can be found cheaply on ebay from power sellers and from Cold Steel's own ltspecpro site. They do closeouts often.
I have owned 3- the original 88K fancy katana, which was nice. I sold it because I like my Criswell one better. The Gross Messer is huge and unwieldy but looks great and is sharp as hell. The 2-handed War Sword is another sharp springy blade that is quick for its size.
I've heard some horror stories of rattling handles, but mine have all been good. Only problem was a scabbard that shrunk.
 
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