so im a starting sword collector and i was just wondering which one here would be the best
https://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=923
http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=1559
http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2020

Ronald,

To help answer your question, we need to know more. Best in what way? Quality? Also, you've said you are going to start collecting swords; do you intend to simply display them? Or will you cut things with them and practice with them?

The first and third sword are long swords, while the second is a single handed sword, so it's worth figuring out for yourself: "Do I want a long sword (with a grip big enough to hold with two hands) or a single handed sword?"

Third, before buying any swords, it's worth spending time doing research on antique medieval swords. If you haven't done so already, spend time reading the features section of myArmoury and looking at the various Oakeshott Types and the pictures of antique swords shown in the articles. The more you look at real medieval swords and read about them, the better informed you will be. I also recommend Ewart Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword if you don't already have it.

Depends on which one you like the looks of the best. They're all Windlass, and should be of comparable quality one to the other. Also depends on what you plan to do with it - do you plan to cut anything, or just display, handle, admire? If you're like me, you'll use your first sword to figure out what direction your interest and your collection will take. If you're unsure, this price point isn'the a bad way to answer some of those questions. One sure way to realize you want a higher quality sword is to buy and handle a lower quality sword. At the same time, if your interest moves away from the direction you initially were attracted, a lower price sword isn't a bad way to find out.

I will not scoff at Windlass - you do get what you pay for, but you also get a lot of bang for your buck, if you will. If I may offer up a few more suggestions, consider these:

http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-263-oakeshott-type-xiv.aspx

Of all the Windlass swords I've seen reviewed, this one seems to get the highest praise. The construction is traditional and solid, and thus terminates with the blade being peened into the pommel of the sword.

If you do not want to spend much at all, and would like a weapon which is of good quality and build which you can strike with, I would recommend one of the following:

http://www.atlantacutlery.com/p-1059-qama.aspx

I personally have one of these and love it. I'm not as inclined to be as rough with it against a pell / swinging target as I used to be, but considering that it cost me only $40 USD when I bought it, taking a few risks is no real concern if I ever change my mind.

My experience in buying weapons imparts to me this: it is better to know what you're getting, and if you're not getting what you want, it generally will not hurt to wait a little longer and save up for what you do want. As Craig noted, it also helps to know what you want to do with a sword. I would not strike a pell with my Arms & Armor swords, but I would have no reservations of doing so with my qama. If you need to learn about using a sword, you need a sword which can be put through some abuse. Windlass swords are good for that - just don't expect to get some sort of masterpiece when you buy one. And, if you want some sort of masterpiece, you'll have to live with the consequences if you do abuse it.

thanks all im pretty sure ill cut stuff with em and the 1st and 2nd ones seem to be one handers as they both have like 6 in hndles and the 3rd 1 is a longsword

My mistake about the first sword.

Have you considered Albion's Squire Line? http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sw...squire.htm

Aesthetically, the first one has, by far, the cleanest lines, and since they are all from the same manufacturer, I would go on aesthetics to decide. Of course, that is a matter of individual taste. De gustibus non disputandum est-old Roman proverb.

Have you considered Del tin? Some of their models has pretty decent handling. But if you can go a little higher than del tin you can get either Albion squire line or Arms and armor sword.

You should also keep an eye on Kult of Athena's Dent & Scratch and Pre-Owned categories (right now the latter has several good Del Tins that I'd say are seriously worth considering).

... For what it's worth ...

And that would be my lone point. I understand some can't afford to spend a " little more "
to " quite a lot " for quality and durability. But, as the saying goes, ... if I knew now what
I didn't know then ... I'd have saved some $$$, etc etc etc ...

Maybe not ALL $ 275 sharp things are just that, but I'd suggest erring on the side of
avoidance and take the time to save a bit more; and while doing so think and educate
yourself as well ...

Hello Ronald and welcome!

Bear in mind that I am but an Acolyte of this great forum and am not too far down the road from yourself as a new collector, yet I've learned a tremendous amount over the years here. As Craig Peters suggests, one day I hope to own an Albion Squire line sword but like you, I am poor.

I purchased a couple of Windlass swords a few years back (Classic and River Ouse) then I bought a Tinker Longsword and experienced what I consider a "real sword" for the first time. (The blade is far superior and as I understand it, features all of the aspects of a real sword including distal taper etc. that Windlass swords do not.) Consequently, I will likely never buy a Windlass again. I would urge you to consider The Hanwei/Tinker line for not much more than what you're looking at now, (plus already sharp) and at the very least, I would try to dissuade you from buying the Classic Medieval sword. IMHO It's a heavy, awkward thing to swing, and after one cutting session I deemed it too dangerous for a novice like myself. Since then I have stuck with longswords/two-handers and have become much more proficient at cutting over the past couple of years.

http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=4301
http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=4371

I second what Scott says about the Hanwei Tinkers - http://kultofathena.com/s_results.asp?search=...mit=Search - very good swords For The Money. If you want to step up to the next level, look at the swords from Valiant armory - http://www.valiant-armoury.com/ - practical, signature, and special edition lines. I know, more than you want to spend, but they are good swords with good scabbards. the practical line may be within your means. All of them are consistently much better than Windlass.

Ronald, as you can see by the replies, you have happened upon a connoisseur's website (some will deny they are- from modesty, but the collective knowledge on here is awesome-and sometimes totally above my head). So people in-the-know are always urging you to upgrade, as has happened here. I can totally empathize with your frugality however, since I also started back in the 80's with modestly priced offerings. Of course, the choices available then were very limited, compared to today. In time, I upgraded. I was helped out by inflation, since the prices I paid increased so that I broke even when I resold. My "profit" was the pleasure of ownership (mainly based on aesthetic considerations) and reading the background history (highly recommended). If you have really caught the bug, you will also upgrade in time.Only you can be the judge of your own circumstances, but the idea of getting the highest quality item you can afford is sage advice-which you are receiving here. Of course you shouldn't have to go into debt to fund your hobby, either. I don't know if that helps, any?
Henry