Windlass Verneuil Sword Review

Windlass Steelcrafts are well known for making some of the most historically accurate budget swords on the market today. And the Verneuil is no exception…

While many of their longer swords were previously regarded as being too ‘whippy’, it would seem that the trend is finally starting to reverse…

Windlass Verneuil Sword

This is one model from Windlass I had spent time eyeing closely. So when fate took a turn in my favor (on my birthday of all days) I wasted no time in pouncing. I came across this on Ebay, practically new, never been cut with, very nicely priced ($169.00 + shipping) sword.

THE BLADE

Diamond cross section, double edged - the blade on this is near spot on in terms of tempering / flex. Not too stiff and certainly not whippy. My only dis-like is the fact that Windlass sharpened it the full length of the blade. Since it was bought second hand I hand no control over the matter. I usually prefer to sharpen my own to get them the way I like. Not hip on the polished finish, but again something I'll change in the near future.

GRIP, GUARD AND POMMEL

Really impressed by the screw on, fish-tail pommel on this. Very nicely done, no visible flaws.

The bronze finish is a grand touch to the hardware of the sword, which is carried over to the scabbard as well. The leather covered, 6' grip feels good, though it's been suggested that a cord wrapped grip would look better. The slightly flared guard ties the whole look of the sword together. All the parts are good and tight.

THE SCABBARD

Standard Windlass ill-fitting, cover, but the bronze throat and drag make for a decent looking piece.

FIT AND FINISH

Overall, this is very nice looking sword. IMO one of the most eye catching in the Windlass line up of Medieval swords.

CUTTING AND HANDLING

Impressed by its handling / feel qualities too. Does great with longsword solo drills, just a wee bit on the tip weighty side, still well done. Cutting....well let's just say it has no problem in doing what it's over all design is for. My son and I put it through a good round of milk jug slaying and it came out shining in all area's ( thrusting, single and two handed cuts).

VIDEO: 1st Target Bills Son’s first cutting session with the Verneuil

VIDEO: 2nd Target Bill takes over to show the young ones how it is done.. ;-)

CONCLUSION

A very well done, truly beautiful sword from Windlass. I consider myself lucky, that, out of the 4 Windlass swords in my collection, 3 have surpassed my expectations across the board.

And even the one I have with issues is still not a horrible piece. So I highly recommend the Windlass Verneuil to anyone looking for a sword of the this time period (1300' - 1400's - Hundred Years War) and type for their collection as a functional and/or display sword.

PROS

• Well executed design and an attractive piece

• Historically Plausible

• Great handling

• Nicely assembled - all fittings tight

• Scabbard does not fit very well

• Polished finish of the blade not to everyone's tastes

WHERE TO BUY

Bill was pretty lucky to get this one on the second hand market, as they are not regularily listed on ebay – and his $169 price tag was a one off.

Normally this sword retails for $265 – however as usual for Windlass swords – you can pick it up for much less right here at Kult of Athena where it goes out the door for $199.95. But just because it is available right now, don’t sit on it too long – Windlass are somewhat notorious for discontinuing their swords regardless of how well received they are, so if you want one – you had better act quickly while they are still in production!