Best $150-$200 BUDGET Sharp Swords? 

An hour long video? On swords? The podcast we all needed.

Honestly I think it would be cool to see a “beginner’s guide to antique swords” as well. I have a few very nice replicas, but I’d be interested in picking up a nice antique military sabre or back sword.

At 26:06, I had a "Wait a minute" moment that prompted me to look through some old catalogs I had. The description for the saber is word-for-word copied from Cold Steel's "Lynn Thompson's Special Projects" Fall 2010 issue (which did not label the product as an officer's sword) with the exception of the short second paragraph. In the original catalog, the second paragraph reads "After examining and handling a number of original 1860 Heavy Cavalry Sabers, we decided to make our own reproduction with a few improvements. Our blade is made from 1055 carbon steel with a hard spring temper and will pass the British Proof Test."

Ah this is always a useful topic to cover, and can be updated as the market fluctuates. Kudos Matt! Thanks for showcasing so many production models in one place. Certainly a lot of common questions addressed here.

quite an enjoyable watch, interesting that theres such a selection available that arent just "wall hangers" would be very interested to see a follow up video in the same vein covering £300-£400 or so

Very useful review! Thanks, Matt!

1:45 for anybody looking for a spearhead, LK Chen has a swallowtail spearhead for $50 which is really rather nice. Matt's already done videos on a few of their swords. It's not sharpened, but the edge geometry is such that 20 minutes with a sharpening implement of your choosing and you could split hairs with it if you chose to try cutting something instead of just stabbing it. Carbon steel, so remember to keep it oiled.

Kingdom of Heaven was for me, a very enjoyable film. Had the complete directors cut dvds as a teenager.

Love these videos by Schola!!

I too wish that there were more historical tachi reproduction, I find them more interesting than the more mainstream katana, or I’d love to see some “handachi” reproductions as well, great video!

I would love to see other videos on best weapons within certain price ranges, like a video on swords from the price range of $200-500

I've dealt with southern swords a few times and always been happy, would definitely recommend them.great video thanks Matt

I was SO excited to learn that the Windlass 1906 is basically an 1860 with distal taper and almost bought one immediately! Then I pulled out my Windlass 1860 and lo! It has a clear distal taper to it too!

Video I was waiting for!

Thnx for this Matt!!!

Thank you for making this.

Thank you for this interesting vid

Matt building my Christmas list! Thank you!

Do one for good historically accurate swords under $500

Regarding The Knight Shop's own brand, Red Dragon, there are a few points I'd like to make both in favour of, and against, this applies to their steel reproduction swords only. I have experience with three Red Dragons, and the same pros and cons seem to apply to them all. Pros; They look excellent, frankly, considering the price point. They are remarkably affordable. They come with wooden cored, leather wrapped, or plain leather scabbards included in the price. Some are reasonably Historically authentic, including their method of construction. In short, they make wonderful wall hangers, and I'm sure the sharp versions are just fine for light to medium test cutting, and waving about, however this brings me onto the cons. Cons; The blade steel doesn't appear to be of ideal quality, on the examples I've handled and worked on, the blades have been rather too soft at the edges, allowing rolling, burring and large, deep, denting, though bear in mind that is in the context of hard combat and hard cutting. They have a tendency to be rather forward heavy, even if their total weight is not too much, this isn't a problem precisely, and for test cutting it can be advantageous, having such mass in the blade, however it does rather hamper their agility, and one's ability to react with the sword. The hilt fittings have something of an inclination to come loose or move, upon those which I have worked, the guards have been loose, the grips have been cracked or loose, and the pommels have been twisted on the tang. Finally for the misery section, two of the three I know have snapped at the junction between the tang and the base of the blade, when disassembled, it became clear that stress cracks had formed due to metal fatigue. Remember that these swords have been put through hard use, however, several Armour Classes and Fabri Armorums of around the same price have been through similar treatment, for far longer, without any of the faults noted above. In summary, Red Dragons are lovely items to look at, handle being waved about just fine, and can cut water bottles as well as any other. If, however, you intend to use a blunt one in full contact combat, or expect a sharp one to stand up to heavy cutting against wood for instance, then I would advise that you may be disappointed. Please understand that I can only speak from personal experience, and that I do not try to disparage Red Dragon or The Knight Shop, but am trying to best advise those who may be reading upon whether or not a Red Dragon is suitable for one's requirements.

Really worthwhile video, I don't collect anymore, and when i did it was largely 19thC, but I always dreamt of owning a medieval sword, but good replicas just weren't around 40 odd years ago, ( or if they were I was unaware) but if I were collecting again I think I'd just have replicas as I never bought because they were antiques, they were things I like the look of and could afford.

Great Video!

Great video I would love to see you do one on axes, spears, short, sword, maybe even shields

Windlass do some surprising decent stuff for the price, I got their Windlass Roven Longsword/Classic longsword and it's beautifully made for £171

Thank you, Mr. Easton, for being a wealth of information and good judgment WITHOUT being a "snob" about the topic. This makes you one of the rarest species on all of the internet. 😄

Please do more videos like this? It would be fun seeing your take on higher end swords, and HEMA gear in different price brackets Not that I can afford it anyway, I just want to see your take on it!

Can confirm the Oakeshott type XIV from Windlass is a good little sword. It's a little chonkier than it needs to be and has a secondary bevel, but otherwise feels great in the hand.

Yes yes ! Order one to review 🙏🗡

Hi Matt, I would love to see a similar video of swords between £250 and £350, please. 😊

I have wanted a weapon and I never knew exactly where to start, probably a Longsword or American Saber that is sharp, usable, and reasonably priced, this vid has been somewhat enlightening, thanks

Yes! More feature length Matt video's pleeeeease! ^_^

Matt, I own the single handed Renaissance sword featured at 58 minutes in this video. I purchased it about 10 years ago for stage combat at the southern california Renaissance faire. I purchased it through museum replicas and it was listed as a windlass steelcrafts production. I still have it. It is nice but the blade edge did not hold up well to blunt edge on edge sparring. It seems a bit soft. Was thinking about trying to clean it up and a cutting edge to it. Love the style of the hilt. Also have that windlass Longsword with ring gaurd. The blade is whippy but it looks very nice .

Talking about recommendations, I would very much enjoy a video about recommended training models sorted by weapon type.

If you're looking for a US/NA site's offerings in this video, the only one--I think--Kult of Athena starts at about 1:05:00

Can recommend the Cobra steel line from windlass, sharp out of the box, fun and definitely functional. Own 5 of them, all stainless steel but tough none the less, one of them was not straight out of the box so took it to the workshop where I work and tried to straighten it, bent it 90 degrees, and it just flexed right back, ended up buying another one which was straight. Will keep the bent one to rehilt am put some wood scales on it, and try to straighten it with a sledgehammer once I can lay it flat on my work bench For around 60 euro it didn't feel like much of an issue. The models I own are kindjal, kopis, falcata, 2 lakonia

This one was great. More like this please. Maybe in a slightly higher price category maybe £200-£500?

Thanks for making that video. Will be interesting video to watch for sure despite the fact the region which I am from ( continental Europe) is not specially mentioned.

Hello Matt. I have mentioned before, but the professional longsword from blades UK, is a pretty decent sword, ( I also have two regenyei long swords to compare it by).

Yes! That's what I've been waiting for! Can you do similar videos with different price ranges and possibly including EU?

I like "functional" because it's simply honest with no attempt to exaggerate or sugar-coat the level of quality.

I have the Greek Hoplite. It is a sweet short sword. I have had it for years. Mine feels pretty swift in the hand.

The Black Marauder is essentially the same sword as Wesley's sword from The Princess Bride. A few years after Windlass lost the license for Princess Bride they changed the pommel, blackened the hilt & blade & released it as the Black Maurader. I REALLY wanted one as I have a dagger by windlass that is a perfect match but in the US the only place 5hat sold it was Windlass's Amazon store (even MRL wasn't selling them) They have been sold out for over a year with no indication more will come 😕

I can remember looking at blades uk through a dodgy proxy website on the IT class computers when I was in secondary school and it literally hasn't changed and that was just shy of 20 years ago so saying it could do with an update is a considerable understatement lol

Thank you Matt, another informative video looks like I will be saving up for the Oakeshott type XIV at first then looking at a cutlas windless seem to do a few options you recommended the Dutch East India Co Cutlass but I'm wondering if I spent a little more maybe I'd get a better option there to. Maybe we need a video on swords £200 to £300? The Dutch East India Co Cutlass looks a right handed only weapon were all Cutlass right handed?

A couple of years ago, I got one the poshland knives bowies that Matt designed, from blades uk for £25.

You should add an extra section to your Antique Arms website selling the best non-antiques. I went to your site looking for an antique sword to use in combat and unfortunately wasn't tempted by anything, but I would've happily bought a non-antique if that had been an option and you recommended it

Regarding the 'Functional Arming Sword', a while back I got a similarly cheap 'limited stock' windlass sabre from KS. Turns out it was Frankensteined together from other parts, presumably overstock, which I think explains the cheap price. Actually a really good sword for the price. I assume the arming sword is the same story.

I have the "professional longsword", its the Ronin Katana sword Euro #7 also sold as Battle Tested in the states. No complaints at all. Used it a lot.

I've had the Greek hoplite sword since 2005 and it was used in cutting practice a few times against soft targets, it cut really well for a short sword. It has a broad but thin blade especially near the edge, and from what a friend did to his against a hard target (crow beaked it badly) it has be used against softer targets and avoid hitting steel with it. And the point on this is most likely made for stabbing through the openings in a helmet as it's hellishly long. A great sword for a sidearm, but I wouldn't destroy it in an armoured fight. Cool review!

I appreciate the correct pluralization of gladius :)

Very Nice video ! I hope for a 200-400 € version of the vidéo :)

I have the Red Dragon Temple Church sword (actually it was my first medieval sword). Since I don't do cutting, I bought it as a wallhanger and as such I think it's alright for the price point. But I will say that the blade is rather floppy, and there is a distinct click in the guard when I turn it so that the flat of the blade is aligned horizontally. Also some of the corners are very sharp. Mine has little to no distal taper.

3:25 I see that clever advertising in the top left corner! Sneaky sneaky

I have handled a couple Deepeeka swords. So far my opinion is they are crowbars shaped like swords.

Thankyou, I’ve been wondering what mr Matt Easton would say about the “affordable” sword market.

I have the Italian bastard sword in blunt and undamaged. Even blunt its a lovely sword in the hand to swing about, lovely balance. Appears to have some distal taper but my eyes could be being tricked by how its been ground. I even got it after seeing Matts video on how modern hema blades have longer grips than historical ones and hoped itd help me drill more correctly. I have small hands so the hilt works fine for me two handed. I also have the tinker pearce(pierce?) Blunt longsword and idk if its because its blunt but its a lump with awful balance.

Went in thinking I didn't need a sword . Always thought they were awesome . But now I'm thinking it could be fun for the next camping trip . But now I know what's good or bad. Thx

Hi Matt, Great video first of all. May I ask what you think of the colichemarde sword from Deepeeka? I love to have a colichemarde/smallsword and this one is very reasonable priced. But i don’t know if the quality is good for the money. That’s why i’m asking the expert 🤣.

A monumental work of sword review which will be useful for generations of sword guide seekers. I'll look out among your videos if there are any that explain stainless steel. It's a magical material albeit maybe stiff for a sword?

I have that red dadao and I love the thing.

I actually have the 1850 union staff and field saber from windlass. It was the first real sword I bought. It's decent but as far as distal taper its pretty much just a flat piece of steel. This definitely makes it feel worse in the hand than it could. Later I removed some material from the lenticular section towards the tip and it started moving much much better. It's held up very well over the years, my only other complaint would be the wire wrap on the hilt was done poorly.

Hey, I would love to see a video on budget daggers. I would love to get Tods 14c quillion dagger, but cant afford it at this time.

Great video, interesting to hear your perspectives on the subject. I try to find more about the type J pommel; many were equiped with a sunken midsection both sides to fit something in it, but can't seem to find more then 1 original example what was in there, or what looks like J type from templars with crosses enamaled in it, might have been nice colored stones, coins, maybe goldcoin to give the killed knight or soldier a proper buriel? Like fishermens gold earrings were for. Some do ad coins in replica's, anyone who knows more about it? Thanks in advance

You need a tier list for this

15:00 I have this sword, feels great, POB is around 11cm. The only two negative points are the handle is a bit bigger (wider) than the one on the XIV and feels weird to me and the sheath is very cheap. But the blade itself is great! It rings like a bell and feels very lively. I have not had time to sharpen it, but I bet its a very good cutter! If anyone has this example too I´d be interested how you like it. It seems to be an almost 1:1 copy of the Cold Steel Norman Sword (I have seen it advertised as norman, not viking). 19:04 this one has a lot of weird info out there, I have read the weight is wrong. It seems to be 1,45kg if you look on windlass homepage and I have seen a review remarking it was too heavy

The black marauder "rapier" is 1065 & its built rather decent. Its definitely blunt but will take an edge. Id say the reason they didnt want to sharpen would be b/c the blade is blackened. However I used it & its held up ok for the $ considering what i bought it for.

I've had one of the Windlass spadroons for about 20 years. It's a tough little sword. The hilt is in 2 parts so did eventually loosen a bit. But for light cutting it's a fun sword. I may even need a new one as I've cut so much with mine that in my foolish youth resharpened it too much & it may not take a good edge now without some serious reprofileing 😂 To be fair I am not great at sharpening now but back then I was horrible! I likely took too much steel off the blade over time.

I would recommend the red dragon bastard sword for the price, one of my favourite swords i own.

Id like to see a video explaining the differences between carbon steel (which is typically sharpened) and spring steel (which typically isnt) that would also help with proper sword collecting

Great video The only thing I will say if I might is that I have contacted the Knight shop On numerous occasions via email-and they have never replied which is a shame

I have an antique Btitish 1821 cavalry saber and a few of the Windlass cavalry sabers (the American Revolution and the 1906... they don't make it anymore, or at least offer it on US websites, but it's the same blade as the 1860 "Heavy". The distal taper stats you saw on that one on Southern Swords are NOT what mine have. Not saying they might not have changed, I just got mine years and years ago. Anyway, they handle quite similarly, actually. The distal taper is not quite the same as the antique obviously, but I don't personally find them drastically different. Hope that's helpful.

The "professional longsword" around 1:02:00 looks exactly like my Ronin Katana European Model #7.

The confederate cavalry saber that you don’t recognize, I believe it’s supposed to be a remake of a Nashville plow works saber, which was modeled off of some sort of American dragoon saber. If I remember correctly, this sword was popular during the Mexican American war, and also popular with the Texas rangers for some reason I’m pulling all this from memory.

For the price the Musashi silver series I feel are wonderful for the money. Usually between $120-$160 and in 1060(a lot of katana in this range are 1045), differentially hardened, suka has waisted shape, steel tsuba, real ray skin, etc. Far better at the price than any Euro at the same price point I feel.

Those weights on the red dragon swords may be shipping weights, as apposed to actual weight, I've found that to sometimes be the case on swords that seemed over weight. I m wondering if those windlass options might be new old stock, or reintroduced models they very much look like ones MRL used to carry a number of years ago, I think they referred to the as basic models.

That's a lot of Matt Eaton, even by Matt Easton standards Ps: I'm not complaining

Hey Matt Our 1595 club has a rolling thread about equipment and as a newbie, I’m having a heck of a time finding decent steel military Sabres for HEMA They tend to be too light, and usually sold out

Any chance of a part 2 to this video with slightly higher budget options between 200 and 400 maybe?

You would love it here it TX

Are there any decent replicas of the Model 1821 British Light Cavalry Trooper's (not the Officer's) saber that meet the original specifications?

Please, a version of this but for blunt ones!

Could you do a similar video on polearms ?!

Does anyone have personal experience with the Windlass Dutch Cutlass from Southern Sword at 40:07? Keen to hear a bit more about it

I'll stay right now I have six or seven Paul Chen swords, and I would buy another one without a having any questions I'm personally only nothing I can tell you that the Paul Chen practical plus, the ladybug sword, the Norman Viking sword and the Tai Chi sword that he says in this video are all the best value swords and knives I've ever bought

I have several "budget" swords that are actually incredibly durable and tough, and affordable. All of them were under $300, and the quality is comparable to that of much more expensive swords. Here's the swords I own which are all excellent quality and under $300: -United Cutlery's Honshu Single Hand Broadsword -United Cutlery's Honshu Broadsword -United Cutlery's Honshu Katana -United Cutlery's Honshu Wakizashi -Cold Steel Man-At-Arms Hand-And-A-Half Sword -Windlass Black Sword -APOC Wasteland Gladius -Condor Gladius

Depending on what you want it for why not go with a big dagger or knife? Mora Scorpion is decent but i had problems with the beltloop of the sheeth. The long one of cudeman is quite nice too. todcutler is probably good too but i haven`t tested them (bauernwehr and others). Tramontina Machetes are nice but you need to sharpen them yourself and the sheeths, well you`ll see.

I wish i could fins it... Their is a sword i been looking for. That i remember being in a video YEARS AGO... you.. or skal.. or shad maybe. I cant remember. But i think you were the one that showed it. Been looking for like 2 years

and what are your thougths on blackfencer steel generation? i think they are pretty cheap and the quality looks nice, but im kind of afraid of them being too soft for sparring (i had a marto windlass that i could only use once couse it was too soft and now it looks like a saw)

Matt! You missed the opportunity to say "I'm going to try to be brief" at the beginning 😂

If you're in the US you can order a British 1742 and 1751 infantry hanger replica from Dixie gun works for 95$ . The sword was made by windlass.

As a friend of several American blade smiths and an occasional student of weapons, most weapon grade blades in the U.S. cost more $200. Admittedly there are sword shaped steel items that are essentially stamped and sharpened low grade spring steel available and big box stores. Personally, I have paid over two hundred dollars for my manufactured chiefs Knife .

under $300 HI-POINT/Hanwei around $500 Glock/Del Tin over $1000 Kimber/Albion

Itd be great if some of the companies could contact you and send you a few of the swords you recommended or were unsure about so you can give a proper hands on verdict

I've got what must've been the last Cold Steel 1917 hybrid Cutlass on the market 😊

I've been eyeing the Tinker Pierce Hanwei swords since I saw the aftermarket options for them but it seems like the maker of the aftermarket fittings has gone out of business. Are there other sources for fittings?

The US 1840 NCO sword is *STILL* the official sword of US Army NCO's of Grade E8 & E9, and at times, ceremonially awarded to graduates of the US Army NCO Academy.

The knight shop experience: out of stock, out of stock, out of stock. Think there's a reason why I might try and put up with borderforce.

The saber at 38:19 is a Confederate Nashville Plow Works saber.

Wonder if that Red Dragon sword is still available. And is their extra shipping to get to US

What are your thoughts on red dragon by the knight shop?