Windlass sword cane

M

Metric

Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
133
I just bought a Windlass "knob" sword cane -- the price was right to satisfy my curiosity at around $60.

I was a bit worried that the construction might be somewhat rickety, due to the price, but the cane is actually very solid. Construction is aluminum and the thing has some heft. The precision is also quite satisfying -- the sword locks into the shaft with a satisfying "click," and there is no play whatsoever.

The blade itsself is a rapier-style and 29 inches. One reason I chose this particular model was that the blade was the longest to be had -- it simply fits my idea of a "sword in a cane" better than some of the sub-20 inch types that are out there.

I do need some advice, though. The blade edges are rounded, and I'd like to sharpen them. All I have is a spyderco sharpmaker, but I can tell that simply "going to town" on this thing with the sharpmaker would take an eternity. What is a good way to get an edge started? Perhaps sandpaper or a file? Any advice is welcome -- I certainly don't want to ruin the blade in an overzealous attempt to put an edge on the thing.
 
Rapiers were only sharpened for between 4 to 10 inches near the tip. Stylistically there is no need to sharpen the entire edge as the 'fighting style' does not require it.
Also, due to the non-sword grip nature of the knob handle, if you poke something hard and your hand slips down onto the blade....
This happens commonly with non-guarded weapons such as kitchen knives.... :eek:
 
I'm glad I found this thread, I have been thinking of getting one of these but thought at that price, and that it was advertised as being created for a Batman movie, it would be a POS. Was never really interested in a sword cane till I saw this one with a rapier blade (well I like that Mantis katana that looks like a bamboo stick, but is way out of my price range). But after reading your post, on the quality construction, I think I will be purchasing one soon (need a new EDC and want a Boar Spear first). Would not be a bad thing to have around and always like new weapons to learn/train in.
 
I would encourage you to check your state and local laws. Sword canes are illegal in some states and cities and are considered to be a concealed weapon nearly everywhere.
 
I used to sell windlass stuff and I've sharpened at least 6 knob canes, How i did it is I used a diamond belted grinder to set the bevel then I would buff the wire edge off w a buffing wheel, it worked amazingly well, it wasn't shaving hair or anything, but would easily cut.
 
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