II'm sorry for asking such an odd question, but I have been looking these past few weeks for a sword. I want a battleready sword that is good for thrusting and cutting. I looked at windlass, but i hear they aren't the best for thrusting. Note, I won't use it, i'd just like to buy something tough. I'd like to spend less than $225 if possible. I want something decent with one hand, but still good enough for two. I have about 4 I have been looking at that seem good like something interesting to me. Here they are.

http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2169
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/DSA-Norman.html
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/albrecht.html
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/strongblade.html

By the way, this is all for a Ren faire I'm attending with my fiance and she has me dressed as this guy, I have a bow and most of the clothing(need to fix my shirt like that, though. I made it all on my own:))

http://www.realmcollections.com/images/pl/_Bo...1_6935.jpg


Thanks much and I hope I'm welcome in this community:)

Brent,
Hello and welcome to myArmoury.com. :) The Marketplace forum is only for buying and selling used items. I'm moving it to the appropriate forum.

With that outfit, I'd go with an arming sword such as a type XIV and nice big dagger.
There is nothing wrong with Windlass as far as this one goes for your use.
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You might look at the Coustelle dagger also.
http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~5010...+Sword.htm
Even though it's listed as a short sword, here in Texas it's just considered a good sizes eating dagger.

In the opinion of Paul Southren, the owner of Sword Buyers Guide, Darksword Armoury makes the toughest medieval swords. Windlass' longer swords tend to be a bit too flexible, and the Strongblade Warspike was only given a 3/5 for structural integrity. But, like you said, you aren't planning on using it.

good morro
my lord -baltimore knife and steel-and heimrick armoury -are both 4/5 in all ,weight, handling,strength,edge control,and under 400$ :cool:

tim seaton

Museum Replicas Limited does not make a good sword for cutting or using, however if you are merely going to wear it or hang it then it is fine! :) they tend to hold up as long as you dont use them. :lol:
one thing I think would make your costume look a bit better would be to exchange the twine for leather boot lace, which you can buy at any shoe store in a variety of colors :)
a sword you might like is the Towton by Museum Replicas(aka. MRL)
or for a bit more money you could get a squire line longsword by Albion Swords which does make a very sturdy and durable sword for cutting or using but like I said they cost a bit more :D

By the way, the Darksword Norman is not going to be good for two hands. It's an arming (single-handed) sword.

What are tougher brands? I thought they would be the toughest, because they are made to be tougher than historical swords.

http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/darksword.html

Two, slightly more expensive, two handed swords by Darksword Armoury here.

For your kit go with Gary's recommendation and know that you will be getting a good sword. I had one and its the best Windlass I've ever seen and handled by a fair margin.

Windlass is not great for cutting out of the box because they ship blunt unless you pay somebody to sharpen them (or do it yourself). In many cases Windlass is not so great on the thrust because their longer blades are a overly flexible. However, the blade Gary posted is a nice size single hander. Its not longer and it is a very robust sword. It handles well and will cut or thrust with a great level of competency, especially if sharpened. Find it cheap from a reputable vendor and you can't go wrong.

If you must have something bigger I'd recommend the Albrecht but I have not handled one.

Please, please please. Ask anybody who tells you to get anything whether or not they have actually handled the sword in question. Many people get very enthusiastic about sharing their opinion. Even when that opinion is based solely on what a guy in a forum said he heard from another guy whose mother's, cousin's, friend's, daughter's, husband knew a guy who had one.

Well, I was looking at the Albrecht more... I don't know why, but I'm really wanting it so much.


But I do like that other one he posted.... it's really, hard to choose now between two really good looking ones.


I might get both eventually.





Also, where could I get a decent cutlass for my fiance's costume? She's a pirate wench. lol. But i'd like to surprise her with a decent sword to go along with her outfit.

that's fine. i'm still thinkin about which one i should get. it's a tough decision.


need to finish all the outfit too.