Hanwei Tinker EMSHS Blunt Review

In this review by Bill Goodwin, we take a look at the blunt steel on steel version from the point of view of evaluating this particular piece as a training tool.

Hanwei Tinker EMSHS Blunt

Overall: 38 182 inches
Blade: 31 7/16 inches
Blade Width: 2 3/6 inches to 1/2 inch at tip.
Fuller Length:11 3/4 inches
Grip: 4 5/16 inches
Cross Guard Length: 6 5/8 inches
Pommel: 2 1/8" diameter
Weight: 2lbs 6oz
POB: 5 inches
COP: 22 inches

Introduction:

The oldest Western European manuscript depicting a martial system of swordsmanship (to date) is what is known as Ms I.33 or spoken as "one-thirty-three". This name /title is taken from the Royal Armouries (Leeds England) listing in which the original manuscript is now kept. Originating from an unknown German source, it shows the use of a single handed sword in conjunction with a small hand shield also known as a buckler.

The Hanwei/Tinker EMSHS (blunt) was designed as a practical tool for the study and use of sword and buckler techniques as well as a representation of a basic Oakeshott Type XII early medieval arming sword for re- enactors.

I received this sword from Kult of Athena and, as always, it came in a timely fashion and well packaged...thanks Ryan. I did forget to take photos of the box and packaging though...sorry.

With an Oakeshott listing of Type XII, the deep, wide, 3/4 single fuller blade, with a well rounded tip for safety, is tempered very well. A good satin finish and even lines make for a great looking sword. The edges are of course unsharpened ,but this is the first feature I have a personal dislike for, in that I find the edges too thin for a practical /sparring weapon. Of the times using it , they have taken nice divets from edge to edge contact from a Hanwei /Tinker longsword blunt and also from a Hanwei practical hand and a half.

The tang with the allen screw pommel I do like. The ease of take down makes a nice feature for maintenance , plus the tang itself seems healthy.

A no frills, disc pommel crowns this sword and the milling and finish are good, except I noticed a few small rust pits starting. Again the screw on / inset fits snug and really holds it together well.

The best aesthetic part of the sword (for me) is the slightly curved guard. It truly pulls the look together, is very well made, and does its job well in protecting the hand.

Again, a no frills wooden core, leather covered grip is given to this sword. Now one of my biggest complaints (as others have made mention) is that the grip is much too thin. I don't have large hands, just long fingers and even my wife, who has small hands made a comment about the thinness of the grip. With some work, beefing it up would not take much, but I would have like to seen a little more substance there from the factory. I find it hard to control the sword comfortably when attempting to work out with it.

The scabbard is nice in that the sword fits tight, the throat and chap are also well done. The leather on it is slightly loose but no great problem.

OK bear with me on this.......

Initially, I wanted a sword in which to expand my HES (Historical European Swordsmanship) studies and branch out into I.33. After getting this sword, a GDFB 12" fluted steel buckler, and some researching I started in. Becuase I am so used to studying, practicing, and teaching German longsword, it was big adjustment to say the least. I feel very out of my realm and I am not connecting with this sword as far as handling goes. The thin grip is hindering my control, plus it seems a bit unbalanced, especially for a shorter bladed weapon, than I'm use to. I keep trying to go through the 7 wards, incorporate them into drills and plays, but I'm not feeling the flow. Yes, not every sword is going to feel the same to all who may pick it up and people have their own preferences and comfort zones. As much a I hate to say it...it's not happening with this blade for me.

Granted, others may feel totally at home with a single handed sword of this type and my review (I hope) will not disspell some from pursuing the Hanwei/Tinker EMSHS blunt for sword and buckler studies or as a re- enactment piece.

I put a video clip together just for the visual aspect of seeing this sword in action. (DISCLAIMER)......as I'm a mere infant in I.33 studies, please do not expect or except this as a spot-on representation of the system.

• Historical representation of sword type

• Well tempered and well assembled

• Excellent price point value

• Grip too thin, making control difficult

• Thin edges for practical use (IMO)

Yes, this is a well made, historically accurate, cost effective arming sword that many will enjoy owning and using in I.33 studies and adding to their collections. The Hanwei/Tinker line- up has been a big boost to the sub-$300 market and is growing in its overall offerings.

For me personally, this sword and I just didn't make that ever special bond, but that's not saying others won't.

WHERE TO BUY