Medieval Review takes a look at the Brandenburg Rapier, by Windlass. This sword is available here: www.museumreplicas.com/p-1999-... Follow us online: / medievalreview / medievalreview plus.google.com/+medievalreview
I can see how the aesthetics would appeal to many, but I just can't shake the mental image I got when I first saw that hilt: _A handful of licorice twists_. :)
I am with entertainment at a renaissance faire in California, and this is the blade I use in our stage show. The pommel is fine, and only occasionally needs tightening (once so far in the two and a half years I've been using it).
From a stage perspective I imagine this works really well as an eye catching piece. I was always disappointed with the implementation when you look at it up close, Did you end up blunting the tip a bit more than the stock version?
My high school production is doing three musketeers. And I’m playing rochefort and this is my sword!! Thank you for the review!! The sword so fun for rapier stage combat!
Not sure if blade length is all that important. The rapier fighters I know go for a length based on their own reach and height. Historically, English rapier wielders would have blades some several inches longer than normal, the rumor being in other nations that the extra length would overcome an innate lack of skill.
In regards to the blade lenght, from what I've read and seen so far, 38""is within the standard for rapiers, which vary from 37 to 45 inches, with the earlier ones being shorter and more of a cut and thrust weapon, transitioning from the sidesword, while the later ones get ever longer and more thrust centric over time until beeing superseeded by the smallsword. It's definitelly something important to notice, but I'd not say that it's "wrong" in any way. Thanks for the review!
I think slight variations of the details across different Resellers might be because the eapons might be all slightly different. At least Windlases Swords are manufactured by craftsmen and not completely by machines as far as I know.
Hi there, what would youre perfect rapier be, who would you choose to make it between hanwei and windlass and what length would you want the overall sword.
That is a beautiful Rapier and as you say the twists really do ketch the eye. It may have to go on my list of future purchases, but it is behind the Hanwei Rhinelander bastard sword which is simply my favorite blade design discounting the bulbous pommel and lack luster guard design. Have you handled one perchance?
Great video How durable is horn handle and how stiff is blade as looking to pick between this and musketeers rapier mainly for doing thrusting on light to medium targets many thanks for any help you can give
I like your reviews. May both your collection and channel grow. I'm actually going to be getting a Windlass Italian rapier. It just looks quintessentially Rapier like. But this one is a very interesting design as well. What's your opinion on peening vs bolt design for rapiers and sabers? I've seen so many which are screw in. In fact I have yet to see a peened one. Also, historically most Chinese Jian and Dao were in fact bolted. I think personally would choose preening over bolting in general but I've never had an issue with a properly done bolted design. (I have limited experience however)
+Never Wolf I'd always prefer a proper peen for European swords. The caveat to that is that the hilt assembly has to be sturdy because nothing is worse than a loose hilt with a peen. Windlass rapiers have screw assembly, but they are sturdy.
+Medieval Review Good to hear. I've actually never gone with Windlass but for the price their stuff seems quite solid. Yeah, peening would be harder to do right with manufactured swords, which is to say more costly. But from what I've seen in Albions and top tier swords it's just a way better end result in terms of durability and maintenance. That said, I know of a military saber reproduction company that uses threaded construction and these are $500+ pieces. I don't remember the name of the company though. Also traditional Chinese swords made in Longquan are all threaded, regardless of type, and forge quality (even high end pattern steel ones) I've been very interested in learning how to forge hilt bits or if there's a source for them. I almost wanna buy a blank and make a custom hilt design. (sorry if I've gone on in lengths. xD)
Heracy I tell you! You want to get a saber, get a saber! Dont try and mix two together.... It then becomes unusable and ugly hideous monster. I love Rapiers myself because of the guards are so pretty. They were not only for protecting, but also as an astethic fashion that showed what your status was in the community and how whealthy you were.
would the blade length be better suited perhaps for a shorter stancher person? I know in Katana manufacture that is a case in point as the blade length is almost tailored to the size of the user.
yes value of blade length is certainly reliant on the size of the person using it but I'd argue that with rapier is important to have the little extra length.
Thank you for the reply,And yes certainly that is a valid point,that being said, I think it depends on the type of fighting your doing, dueling verses.self defense in close quarters early European back alleys dont always lend much room. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that guard on the Brandenburg to my jaw ,as its as useful as it is attractive.(wink).
A point about like of descriptions: Windlass’ tolerances run all over the place, so any specs given must be taken with a grain of salt and used with the roughest of expectations. I have never received a Windlass sword to meet the advertised specifications. As an example, with the German Bastard Sword, KoA advertises 3lb. 14 oz., and MRL advertises 3lb. 10 oz. Mine arrived at 4.2lb. When searching for information on their 17th Century Rapier I never could get any two vendors to agree. I first blamed the vendors for sloppy measuring or simply not knowing how to take measurements. End result I did not buy, but later bought a Pilsen Rapier which of course did not match KoA’s specs.
+pgandy1 How was the Pilsen Rapier? I've been looking into a relatively cheap rapier to get into some practice, and the Pilsen appealed to me aesthetically.
+Satan the Whale pgandy1 How was the Pilsen Rapier? I've been looking into a relatively cheap rapier to get into some practice, and the Pilsen appealed to me aesthetically. To give a short answer and save a lot of reading, I am completely satisfied and have no regrets choosing this one. To give more detailed information here are two reviews, one being mine, of the Pilsen on a forum that I am a member. Unfortunately the thumbnail views do not enlarge unless you are a member. This is not a big problem and if you are a serious about swords and such things in general I encourage you to join. Keep in mind that Windlass hand makes their swords so some variation is to be expected from sword to sword.sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/43509/pilsen-rapier-windlass sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/38208/windlass-steelcrafts-pilsen-rapier-review
Blade length also had to do with social status and money didn’t it? So technically this shorter blade wouldn’t be historically incorrect, just means it was a man of a little lower status than someone with a longer one. Correct?
Really an attention grabbing sword... but what I really would like to comment in on the music used on this review... just the music makes me want to buy it. Really good choice !!
I know this is completely off topic, but I'd really appreciate your opinion. I'm considering buying the Windlass Italian Bastard Sword, but can't find any reviews or opinions on the sword. I've seen that some Windlass swords have their name engraved onto the blade and things, and basic things like that are making me doubt purchasing it..
+PatriotGR Can you provide a link to the sword in question? I know that Museum Replicas allows for people to add engravings on swords, so maybe that is what you are seeing?
+Medieval Review This is the sword in question www.theknightshop.com/italian-bastard-sword I've seen that another website based in the UK offers sharpening for the blade too, just unsure if it's sensible or worth it with a blackened blade. Thanks for responding :)
Okay, so the darkened finish can wear over time. There are ways to fix that: www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/685604-Remove-scratches-from-black-finished-DLC-blades It is also worth noting that sharpening will make the edge bevels shine through. Windlass makes entry level low cost swords, Assuming this one is made to the same quality as their others, you can look at my Windlass reviews to get a feel for it. FYI good pictures are available on the old KoA product page for it: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=500890 TLDR; Should be functional blackened finish may require some additional upkeep.
Would you recommend this for someone who's looking to actually use the sword? I should probably specify by "using" I mean cutting/thrusting tests on various materials.
If you are looking to get only one, then if suggest saving and looking for a better one. I felt the Christy's Imperat Rapier was better for roughly the same price
+Medieval Review Yeah, I saw that review last night as well, and I agree with you on the aesthetics. I'm just a little bit worried about the toughness of my first 'real sword.
A rapier *should* experience less stress than other swords based on it's usage. Windlass are not the best, but you shouldn't be overly concerned with their ability to hold up, they should be fine in that regard.
+Medieval Review I appreciate the responses! I do believe I'll get me a rapier, they're generally my favourite type of swords; and eventually move up to higher end ones as I learn more about collecting.
Hey man, I have the sword collector's curse of being a lefty. Do you know of any manufacturers that have lefty alternatives to their swords, or at least a good selection of lefty swords?
you should try out the Arms & Armor rapiers from minneapolis they are truly great. And the swords to. Why dosent Albion make rapiers,they would be fantastic.
Albion is limited by tying their designs to Peter Johnson, it's what makes them successful, but it also limits their scope. I don't know that he has ever done a Rapier.
Yes that's true I forgott.but they would probably be great . I am more of a sword gay,but have allways admired the looks of the rapier. I own several Arms & Armor rapiers and the handling/design is outstanding. Theyr swords to,but Albion is so perfect and symetrick. Just got to love those Albions, I own allmost all swords made by them,but not all the movie swords. Some of them is just ugly,I like them to be historicly correct. Yes i'am one of they'r fanboys,but hard not to become one after you bay the first sword from them.
I've been asked this before and I checked, I think it is a weird optical illusion due to the twist of the handle, because holding it in person it seems straight.
Yours is the only review on RU-vid, so there's nothing else to critique. Couple things: 1) These swords are made by a gamut of Indian artisans who probably honed their skills through years of eyeballing. These things are not CNC'd. We're lucky to even have details on metallurgy details. Be glad sites like KOA and Museum Replicas even give a ballpark measurement. First world problems. 2) This is a Rapier. Not a Small Sword. These are battlefield implements, not "gentlemen accessories" fit for walking down a dark alleyway. carrying one of these would be akin to carrying a M1 Garand when shopping at Walmart. 3) As far as Windlass goes, this is the best Rapier they make. This "shorter than desired" length gives an ideal POB compared to their other offerings which are either too whippy or tip heavy.
+Pasha Defragzor Ehh... A good 2k Katana would be much better than this rapier. But only if you are buying one worht that sticker price. Of course 2 completely different swords..
Gabe Scharf It's by design. The way the rapier is gripped, it'd be less comfortable and functional with a completely straight grip. See how the grip bends down in a way that should fit your hand?
cut? no probably not. Thrust? yes, probably so. Keep in mind that the rapier is a weapon that came about after the dissolution of medieval armour, as the gun was developed. So it is a weapon made for the purposes of a single unarmoured opponent.
Medieval Review i meant thrust. My English isn't that precise unfortunately. Thanks for the quick answer, i was simply trying to get an understanding of how well the weapon type can penetrate
Rapiers we’re made for tight spaces…… This just isn’t true. Neither is the misconception that a rapier doesn’t require strength. In fact it takes less strength to fight with an arming sword and shield or a two handed longsword. If you expect sword companies to make accurate records of specifications on their blades, you should know a little more about the swords use to avoid being a total hypocrite.
