"From Historically Accurate Replicas to Full on 'Tough as they Come' Beaters"
When it comes to medieval swords, there is a massive and ever growing range to choose from.
But in our sub US$300 price range (ignoring the purely decorative pieces) we can narrow down the selection to two main categories of functional replicas.
The first is what I call "entry level historical swords". In other words affordably priced replicas that approximate the overall appearance and handling characteristics of the originals.
The second category is less concerned with historical accuracy (at least as far as appearance goes) but focuses on producing a much more durable sword that's able to withstand tremendous levels of abuse. These swords are called "beaters".
So - with the differences between beaters and entry level swords established (at least, by my definition); let's take a look at some of the replica medieval swords on offer...!
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Historical Entry Level Swords
There are several companies making reasonably historically accurate (or at least historically plausible) replicas of medieval swords in our sub US$300 price bracket. However probably the best known functional replicas are made by either Windlass Steelcrafts (also known as MRL) or Paul Chen's Hanwei Forge(distributed by CAS Iberia).
Windlass Medieval Swords
Windlass Steelcrafts of India dominate the market for affordable historically accurate/plausible medieval swords and are extremely popular.
Indeed one of my favorite swords of all time is the Windlass European Sword - so much so that it used to be the sword pictured in the first generation SBG logo!
The Old SBG Logo, featuring the Windlass European Sword
Windlass Medieval Swords have some of the best heat treated blades in the business, using (to quote from their official website) “state of the art temperature controlled electric furnaces”.
Flex testing Windlass Steelcrafts Discontinued European Sword reveals its excellent tensile strength
The end result of this process is a very strong, consistent and flexible blade – though their longer swords (hand and a half and longer) tend to be just a tad too flexible and are often characterized as somewhat - er - ‘whippy’.
Due to Indian export laws, Windlass swords do not come sharp out of the box, though most sellers offer a sharpening service for a nominal additional fee and they aren’t that hard to sharpen manually.
On the positive side, Windlass sword handle quite nicely. And as they generally fall within the weight and balance parameters of the original medieval swords they are based upon, I’ve found them to be an excellent choice for economical training swords (though the 1mm thick blades are still sharp enough to cut light targets – and as such they are NOT recommended for reenactment purposes!).
While their range of medieval swords is quite mind boggling – this can also quite frustrating when it comes to evaluating their swords. Few swords are available for more than 1 or 2 runs at best, and they seem to discontinue some of their best models without any apparent reason...
Because of this, it is very difficult to present to you as many reviews of a Windlass sword that is still currently available as we can of those that have been discontinued. However, while we try to keep at least one or two currently available sword reviewed - I think you’ll also find that the archived reviews below are fairly representative of type – and give you some idea of the pros and cons of this popular brands replica medieval swords...
WINDLASS Sword Reviews
”German Bastard Sword”
Review by Jak
Manufacturer: Windlass Steelcrafts
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Semi-Sharp Historical
Price Range: US$193 to $215
Overall Rating: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
When Valiant Armoury was taken over by Sonny Suttles in 2006, he instigated a process that would revolutionize what was possible in the entry level end of the medieval swords market...
Teaming up with two of the most respected North American sword makers, Angus Trim and Christian Fletcher, they began creating two lines of swords designed to the exacting specifications of Gus and Christian, but produced by some of the best forges in mainland China. And the end result is the Practical and Signature lines – the Practical line based on basic Gus Trim blades, and the Signature line featuring the same blades but with high quality custom styled furniture designed by Christian.
While still in the early days, with many more designs yet to come, the results are very encouraging – so stay tuned, much more is yet to come from this innovative company!
VALIANT ARMOURY Sword Reviews
”Signature Series Castile”
Review by Paul Southren
The medieval swords by the Hanwei Forge (distributed by CAS Iberia) initially received a mixed reception when first released several years ago, mostly due to particularily thin tangs which caused some early breakages...
These early problems have since been fixed. However, some new ones continue to surface: mostly along the lines of being either rather blunt, having some issues with pommels falling off, etc.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of Hanwei’s swords are reasonably well made for the money – it is extremely important to buy from a seller with a good return policy and excellent reputation for customer service and after sale care as much as price, because a large part of the quality control falls to the actual vendor on their 'classic' range of swords.
But don't write them off just yet - because if you buy from the right place and get a good one, as you will see below, they can be quite an impressive piece for the money...
Hanwei's Hand and a Half Sword Review by Jean-Pierre Francoeur, Toronto, CANADA
This sword is a replica of the sword of King Ulbrecht of Austria. It is a true 1 and 1/2 hand sword. The balance on this weapon is absolutely incredible. At just 3 lbs 4oz it is light enough to be swung effectively with one hand. With both hands, it is capable of devastating cuts.
The handle is wood, covered in string, than leather for a sure grip. The oversized pommel give this sword a perfect balance. The blade is carbon steel and, once sharpened, will hold a great edge even after numerous cuts.
Even if this sword is very simple, and therefore not an immediate eye catcher, the finish is flawless, as it is the case with most European swords by Paul Chen.
Overall, this sword was a great addition to my already extensive collection and at just around $300, is an absolute must for any collector who wants a functional sword at a great price.
THE VERDICT
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
WHERE TO BUY
The Hanwei Forge Hand and a Half Sword, like most Hanwei Forge swords, has a price tag that fluctuates quite wildly on the internet - typically hovering under or over the US$300 mark (the recommended retail price is $319) though there are a few sellers who offer it for around the $250 mark.
However, I have found that the best overall deal for this sword is here at the Kult of Athena where they sell it for a ridiculously low $199.95.
Plus, as Hanwei's quality control can sometimes be a bit questionable, this site also has a 45 return policy - one of the fairest on the internet, not to mention a price matching guarantee should you somehow find it somewhere else for less (which isn't very likely.. Their nearest competitor sells it for around $40 more!).
Expanded Review and Durability Testing
After reading the above review, Mike "Shootermike" Harris made this sword his second purchase, and around 37 odd swords later (including many much higher end pieces) and a whole lot of useage, the review below shows how it has stood the test of time...
Click on the image above for the expanded review.
HANWEI/CAS Sword Reviews
”Albrecht Sword”
Review by Mike Harris
Manufacturer: Hanwei Forge
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Historical Cutter
Price Range: US$239 to 334
Overall Rating: Highly Recommended
Del Tin Armi Antiche (aka Del Tin) used to be the premier name for very strong and well made replica medieval swords since 1965, but until recently the influx of other swords on the market and the 10 month wait period was not a good sign for this well regarded Italian company...
However, respected sword sellers Kult of Athena have recently brought them into the 21st century – stocking a wide range of Del Tin Swords at their usual low mark up prices. And now a whole new generation of sword enthusiasts can see what all the fuss was about – without the wait and without the hassle of importing them direct from Italy...
Of course, it should go without saying, but not all replica medieval swords labelled as ‘battle ready’ are in fact anything of the sort.
While Deepeeka of India make some reasonably good sub US$100 medieval swords – not all of them are designed to be anything even remotely functional, even though they are sometimes labelled as such and the review below details one such horror story...
Click on the image above for the full review
But not all cheap medieval swords are horror stories…
Another slightly more expensive sword (but still under the US$150 mark) proved to be quite the value for money deal, and is still being refined and improved upon! Click on the image below for the review of the tempered Strongblade Warspike sword!
Click on the image above for the full review
More STRONGBLADE Reviews
”Knight Protector”
Review by Keith "Fatecaller" R.
Manufacturer: Strongblade
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Semi-Sharp Budget Line
Price Range: US$141 to $149
Overall Rating: 4/5 (Excellent)
In terms of "bang for your buck" good quality beaters are a great choice for a beginner, and are a heck of a lot of fun.
A decent beater is designed to be much more durable than a historical sword ever was, and can withstand just about anything you want to throw at it (actually, just about every functional modern replica sword is tougher than historical medieval swords ever were - thanks to the quality of modern steel - but good beaters are designed specifically to go well beyond what a historical sword could ever do).
For example, Bill Tsafa (pictured right) spends a lot of time weeding out the less durable beaters by slamming them repeatedly into his home made tire pell...
An act that is downright unthinkable for a truly historically accurate blade.
But the very best beaters though aren't just big and tough - they also handle more like the historical originals than the 'sharpened crowbars' made by some beater manufacturers...
GENERATION 2 MEDIEVAL SWORDS
When it comes to selecting 'built like a tank' medieval swords (that DON'T handle like one) only a couple of sword makers spring to mind. And at the top of the list would have to be: Generation 2
In the early days it’s true that Generation 2's medieval swords used to handle a lot like 'sharpened crowbars' - heavy, powerful - and about as graceful as an ox.
But not anymore...
BLAST FROM THE PAST
While it may not be as relevant today as it was when these tests were first performed, the review above showed exactly how much damage the earlier models could dish out and take...
But the more things change, the more they stay the same, and the current batch have been carefully designed to retain as much of their original reputation as ‘beaters’ as possible.
While they are still forged 'the old fashioned way' by hand in the Philippines, these medieval swords have recently been reshaped with a traditional distal taper, making them considerably faster in the hand and more manoeuvrable than ever before.
While this process was long, harrowing and subject to numerous unforseen setbacks and problems - the final result are medieval swords combining the qualities of durability and handling, making them some of the most truly functional sub US$300 medieval swords on the market.
So much so that towards the end of 2006 one of the worlds most prominent sword experts - the late Mr. Hank Reinhardt - selected Generation 2 to produce a line bearing his name based on several antique medieval swords from his own extensive collection.
An open letter from the Late Sword Historian, Mr. Hank Reinhardt..
"I have had people question me regarding the affiliation with Gen 2 swords, since I never carried any Filipino made swords at MRL.
The answer is very simple.
The swords we looked at were case hardened and not fully tempered. Case hardening is where the surface of the steel is treated with carbon. The metal is heated up and soaked, and then quenched. This leaves a hard edge, but the interior of the sword is soft. After being sharpened a few times, the hard portion is worn away, and only soft metal remains. More importantly, the body of the sword is not tempered.
However the Gen 2 swords are fully heated treated (tempered) all the way through. The swords I have looked at have all be a good quality sword, made with good steel and capable of being used. In reality they are better than the original, since the metal and the heat treating more consistent than swordmakers were able to get in the past.
So what you get are good quality swords at an affordable price.
In addition, the fit and finish that I have seen is better than a large majority of swords from other sources. The swords, and the sword prices, should speak for themselves, and they do.
- Hank Reinhardt
Hank Reinhardt Testing Generation 2 swords on chainmail covered meat. The chainmail was cut open, with only minor cosmetic damage to the blade.
GENERATION 2 Sword Reviews
”The Black Prince”
Review by Paul Southren (Editor)
Manufacturer: Generation 2
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Heavy Duty Cutter
Price Range: US$239.00
Overall Rating: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
I bought all my Gen2 medieval swords from: Arms of Valor
10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL SBG VISITORS!
Enter the coupon code SBG in the 'redeem coupon' field of their checkout, click on the button and Arms of Valor will generously take 10% off the price of their entire range of Generation 2 swords (making it the cheapest deal for these swords anywhere on the net)!
Plus you'll also be helping me out as small portion of each sale earns SBG some referral credits to help offset the costs of running my site - all while buying this sword at the lowest possible price from a GREAT vendor! Truly a Win-Win Situation if ever there was one...!
I should also mention that, apart from offering these swords to SBG visitors at the best price around – they also offer some excellent customisation options, not just on Gen2 swords, but on all the quality medieval swords they stock. From simple hilt re-wraps to full scabbard customisation, you don’t have to settle for a plain vanilla model, for a small additional cost they can turn your sword into something truly unique.
Canadian based sword makers Darksword Armory are a rare exception for sword makers in the sub US$300 price range in that they don’t have their line of medieval swords made off-shore in India, the Philippines or China – they actually hand forge them by hand in CANADA...!
This alone makes them stand out as unique. But the attractive and utilitarian design of their super tough 1060 carbon steel blades has to be experienced first hand to be believed.
Destructive Testing by one of the Darksword Armoury crew reveals just how strong the blade and assembly of these swords is!
Designed for the rigours of steel on steel, their non-sharpened medieval swords are indeed somewhat overbuilt and while most are much heavier and beefier than a historical sword of the same type might be – they make up for this with an emphasis on handling dynamics, creating beaters that are as tough as the legendary Starfire Swords and Badger Blades, but without the high price tag, molasses slow handling and modern looking appearance...
Make no mistake. These are the true durable heavyweights of their class – and while they may not be to everyone’s taste – for those who like their swords practically indestructible and massively powerful, you’ll find these swords are right up your alley.
After hearing from several people about their swords, notably our resident Darksword Armoury reviewer and fan Jason Woodard and becoming curious enough to even consider adding them to the SBG Sword Store line up - it was pretty clear that I had to push one to the limits to see if they were worthy of inclusion...
And I have to say, I am glad I did! The sword tested performed well above any other sub US$300 medieval swords currently on the market - and while it wasn't perfect, as far as sheer durability goes - all I can say is, you HAVE TOsee these tests for yourself to understand.
DARKSWORD ARMORY Sword Reviews
”Two Handed Gothic”
Review by Paul Southren (Editor)
Manufacturer: Darksword Armory
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Ultra Durable Beater
Price Range: US$275
Overall Rating: 5/5 (BUY IT NOW!)
After reading the Test to Destruction of the Darksword Armory Medieval Knightly sword, Jason Woodard, the gentleman who first introduced me to Darksword Armory, decided to push a couple of his own DSA medieval swords to the limit.
Click the image above to see the results...
A Brief Word on 'Elite' Level Medieval Swords...
For some people, the most important factor when selecting their medieval swords is strict historical accuracy: not just in appearance, but in handling and design.
And the general consensus in the sword community is if you want a sword that looks, handles and feels as close to the originals as possible (and have the money to spend) - most people in the know recommend Albion Armorers
These medieval swords are truly as close as you can get to the real thing (without going custom or buying an actual antique) and are very popular with well to do history buffs.
While the construction methods may be very modern, each of their medieval swords is the result of many countless hours of museum research and testing to produce a sword that weighs, handles and performs the same as the original antiques they are based upon.
Naturally, swords like this command quite a premium, with price tags for their next Generation medieval swords starting at around US$600 and going up to the US$1000 mark (and well beyond, even the simple, rather plain scabbards cost more than most of the swords reviewed above!).
And yes, there are often lengthy delays between ordering one and having it made and delivered. But is it worth it? Why not have a look at some reviews below and make up your own mind...
ALBION SWORD Reviews
”Ritter”
Review by Grayson C.
Manufacturer: Albion
Status: AVAILABLE
Classification: Functional Elite Level Historical
Price Range: US$752 to $777
Overall Rating: 4/5 (Excellent)
You can find a whole host of great information on mid to high level production and custom made medieval swords and armour at www.myarmoury.com including numerous cool articles, hands on reviews, wallpapers, forums and much, much more.
Highly recommended and a very nicely laid out and professional site.
It's also recommended that you check out anything written by the late great master sword Scholar, Ewart Oakeshott - in particular his signature work "Records of the Medieval Sword" (pictured right).
Some other good sites for sword reviews and testing information complimentary to SBG include the Italian based website Battlesword.com where they review and test numerous swords in our price range (and a few beyond it) with a few to blade on blade performance from a stage steel perspective.
Closer to home, Swords of Valor is a site developed by Jason from Arms of Valor and sword customizer Brian Kunz that includes some additional and complimentary sword tests and reviews. With ongoing comparative brand testing, it is an invaluable resource from a sword seller who isn't just a vendor, but a LONG time sword enthusiast like the rest of us...
A very refreshing approach, check it out below.
For discussions and further information on functional replica medieval swords, check out the SBG Sword Forum
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Even if this sword is very simple, and therefore not an immediate eye catcher, the finish is flawless, as it is the case with most European swords by Paul Chen.
