hello, i want to buy a scottish type backsword for training use but the range of price that i have seen are very high
someone could tell me vhere i can look for a sword of that type that is both handier for training and good priced?
thank you

If you are going to fence with it - look at the Hanwei Practical Backsword here - http://kultofathena.com/product~item~PC2075.htm - That is probably the lowest price you will find for this model and K of A is a good company to deal with. I can't speak for the quality and durability of this piece, but I doubt you'll do better for a sword $200.00 or less.

If you can afford to pay around $450.00, you can get something much better at www.darkwoodarmory.com

You can also think about Armour Class Mortuary sword or Early Basket, they are here: http://www.armourclass.com/Data/Pages/17Century_Main3.htm#17c14.

You may want to check this out. I have a friend who has a Hanwei Basket Hilt Backsword and he loves it.http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=CAS%20Iberia&srch=eqCATE%20CODEdatarq%3Dcas%26eqWWWCAT_2datarq%3Deuropean

I recommend you go for Armour Class rather than Hanwei. I've got one of both, and the Hanwei does leave a bit to be desired. It gets deeper nicks than the AC and the AC is usually a lot better balanced.

Cheers,
Henrik

I'll have to put in another nod towards Armour Class.....you may spend a little more, but in the end...they
are so worth it.

If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times.......my A-C Mortuary (pictured far right)is the pride of my collection (vintage pieces included).

Everyone and I do mean "everyone" that's handled my Armour Class mort has been in awe. The "Early Basket-hilt" from them would more than likely fit the bill for what you seem to be looking for.

Too, if Scott @ Darkwood is still using Del-Tin back-sword blades in his wares...that would be my 2nd choice.....great work from him as well.

Good luck on your search...and take your time to do all the research....it pays off.


Cheers,

Bill

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I opted for working with someone in the states, by going with Darkwood, and I love my basket. Scott is great to deal with, and a real nice guy to chat with.

I've held an AC mortuary in hand and it is a very nice piece, I just didn't want to deal with shipping overseas.

I have to say that I have a lot of trouble recommending a good quality, reasonably priced backsword for my students. The Hanwei swords looked alright as an entry level sword, but we found to our cost that they aren't manufactured correctly (why, oh why do people insist on "improving" on what was done historically?) and break. Armour Class are a lot better, but take an age to make.

A couple of companies are looking at making backsword trainers and I will be interested to see how these turn out.

Cheers
Stephen