Now, I know that Windlass is not famous for great quality, but if my observation is correct, they may very well be guilty of fraud. I recently purchased the Windlass "Damascus Viking Sword". When it arrived, i looked at it and saw that the pattern in the steel had been pressed or etched on, not forged in. While the description offered by MRL says that it was etched, it also said that it was done so to reveal the Damascus construction of the blade.
Does anyone have any experience with this sword, or the new damascus viking sword from windlass the 'Loiton'?
I'm not entirely sure that it is normal steel, but it certainly looks that way. I feel quite ripped off right now, so I'm not sure what to do. Based on how you respond, I will likely be contacting Windlass/MRL.

Thank You.

One thing to keep in mind is that Museum Replicas is known for having a very customer friendly return policy. I have made use of that, myself. If you are unhappy with the piece, I am sure that you can send it back.

But I'm not sure whether to be disappointed. Right now, looking at the blade sides I can see signs of a grain pattern. I could have been wrong, but I still want to know if someone here knows what is up.

It might help to post a picture. I just looked at my latest MRL catalog and it is hard to tell anything from it.


Ben
_________________________________________
"Your sword is your shield!"
Christian Henry Tobler

I've never heard of Windlass being guilty of fraud in its product. Calling a blade damascus when it isn't is surely a big matter. However I came across these pictures from this website,

http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=1845&step=4

http://www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=972&step=4

Which one looks like you sword? Both are damascus steel but have different finishes. One is lighter, but etched to reveal the layers. The other appears to have the layers more naturally.

They are actually both etched. Mine is the second one. To look at it, it looks the same as any other high-carbon steel sword I've seen, even in the fuller, where an embossed pattern is present.

Reading the description,it reads to me that the fullers are etched to reveal the pattern as opposed to an etched on pattern,it also says 1065/1095 steel,rather than just one,so,if it is only etched,not good but i havent read of them not being correctly described,
Although it seems strange to label one of the swords damascus steel and label the other with the actuall steel used,

I doubt they are telling a lie, but if you have doubts, it is easy enough to check. Just find an out of the way place on the blade and etch it with acid or a weak vinegar solution. You won't have to do any serious clean up that way and if there is a pattern that appears, your answer is there....

I've handled the Windlass Damascus Viking two years ago. I didn't notice anything strange about the pattern, but then again, I didn't know too many damascus blades back then.

What I did notice, however, was the inferior heat treat. I flexed the blade just 4" or so and it took a set.. Maybe they've improved the heat treat by now, or it's just a gamble with every sword shipped out. Besides that, I'd first like to see it disassembled before trying any real cutting with it.
So well, it's a Damascus blade for under $400, but I'd put it in the category "decoration".
Same applies for the Hanwei version - also took a set after a 4" flex - or in fact any cheap damascus blade.

I agree with Chris on the heat treatment issue. I've experienced the same thing with pattern welded swords in this price range. This is an excellent example of the complexity of pattern welding, and how easy it is to botch it when done in a mass production environment.(although I consider these swords a pretty crude example of the art).

I'm sure that your sword is folded and not simply etched. It just isn't a very good example of this specific aspect of the craft. These companies don't put that much into their product as it is. There's no reason why they would make a forgery of an inferior product. It simply isn't cost effective.

It turns out that I was wrong. The blade exhibits a nice pattern after testing with vinegar (thank you Scott). I liked it enough that I carefully treated the entire blade! Before and after pictures will be coming if you are interested. This is the first time I modified a blade in any way besides sharpening, so it isn't perfect.
Thanks for your support,
David Lindberg