Good morning everyone! I've been watching the fourm for a month or so now, and figured it was time to post a few questions.

I've had a keen interest in all things Scottish for as long as I can remember. I have almost entirely Scottish ancestory, and born and raised in an area where almost everyone else is of Scottish descent. I have been taking a deeper interest in my own geneology, as well as Scottish history in general lately. I began taking Gaelic lessons two years ago, bought a kilt this winter, and recently acquired a targe from an uncle after he moved into a home. With the kilt, targe, and increasing ability to holler Gaelic battle cries, I think it's about time I had a blade to feel complete!!

I'm looking for a Basket Hilt to (hopefully) start a collection. As with most newbies, I'm on a budget. I'm in the neighbourhood of $300-350 (cdn - $230-270 USD). I have been looking mostly at Paul Chen's and Cold Steel's on Ebay.

What advice/cautions can anyone offer? I know the old adage holds true - you get what you pay for, but I've got to start out within a limited budget.

Thanks,

Angus

Greetings, Angus !

The Chen and Cold Steel offerings are a decent starter baskethilt ..... and probably the best deal for the money, considering your budget !

Be warned, though ..... Scottish baskethilts are as addictive as any drug you'll find ;-) Mac

I've seen an awful lot of your posts Mac, you seem to be truly afflicted!!

I am quite envious of your Vince Evans - truly a beautiful piece of work.

Sorry Mac, I should have said your new Vince Evans - the diamond pattern. Although there certainly isn't anything wrong with the rest of your collection!! I'm afraid I'm a ways away from custom work like that!

show off...

::mumble mumble mumble::

;)

Yes, in your price range, Chen/Hanwei and Cold Steel are about it. And not bad choices, actually -- I still have a Cold Steel Broadsword which I purchased specifically for cutting purposes (it cuts pretty well, but the edge is overly sharp, a common feature with CS swords. This makes the edge a bit fragile for heavy duty cutting, but nothing that can't be fixed with the judicious use of a file or whetstone). The weight is pretty good for a mass-produced reproduction, balance is okay (not the greatest, but not bad for cutting). The basket seems to be modeled on the 1828-pattern basket, except with some goofy, out-of-place-looking forward gaurds. The blackened finish is neat looking and seems to be real durable.

The newer Chen/Hanwei swords (models #SH2002 and SH2003) are both very attractive, with real good weights and balances. The backsword handles better than the broadsword, but the broadsword isn't bad.

Thanks for the input David!

That's the kind on feedback I was looking for!

So, in your opinion, either would be a good starter piece?

Yes, either the Cold Steel or Hanwei would be a good place to start. I think I'd now lean more towards the Hanwei because it has a few little features (sharkskin (fake?) grip, more-historically-accurate-looking basket, and the "Andria Ferara" marking on the blade) that the CS doesn't, and handles about as well as the CS.

And speaking of starts, here's some of my BH's (can't Mac have all the fun, can we? :lol: ):

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Thanks Dave,

I was actually leaning a little more towards the Hanwei myself - because of those little things. The rayskin grip apparently isn't real (but looks accurate). And I like "Andria Ferara" marking on the blade, and the basket being more historically accurate.

With a collection like that, you certainly shouldn't let Mac have all the glory :D ! Beautiful pieces. Congrats.

Tapadh leibh,

Angus

One other place ya' may like to check out for basket-hilts is Armour Class in Scotland. Reasonably priced.
Lots of good feed-back on them here. I've got a Mortuary hilt on order from them that I'm
chomping at the bit to finally get my hands on. Go to the links hook-up found here & I think there's a review
of their Early Basket also.
Good luck on your search.

William
aka Bill

Bill,

Armour Class definitely turns out some very nice work, but even if their prices shown were in dollars, they would out of my reach at the moment! unfortunately, I've got to start at the low end and work up. Someday!

Angus

In that case, I'd would most definitely go with Hanwei. Just make sure you buy from a dealer who inspects their swords before shipping. Own a P-C/Hanwei Mortuary #2004 (sharp version) and I love it. Handles quite well. And I understand about working your way up, that's why I'm chuffed about my Armour Class due in early July.

William
aka Bill

I have an early baskethilt from Armour Class, and it costed me aprox 400 US dollars. She handles really well and I usually take har for a walk every day(!). Here's a pic.

-Henrik

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Mac, you don't happen to have an overview pic of your Vince Evans diamond hilt with both the scabbard and baldric, would you???

-Henrik

Wow........ I am dumbfounded. I never realy found basket hilts realy interesting but man are these things Beautiful! :cool:

Nice material folks. Thanks for posting :D