I’ve decided to have another clear-out of all the swords and bits and bobs I no longer use or appreciate. Hopefully someone else out there will enjoy them more than me!
All prices below include UK p+p. You can contact me by PM or e-mail: a.mercer@leeds.ac.uk. Cheque and bank transfer accepted, as well as paypal although I don’t like the charges they impose. If you fancy paying cash on collection, I’m in Leeds, and could knock a little bit off the price.
Hanwei Banshee - £100 inc p&p
A few scuffs to the scabbard, as per photos, but not very noticeable. Hasn’t been used for cutting, and the button lock is still strong. Very solid, light brush-cutter. Can be used one-handed, or turn on the power with two!
Comes with the adjustable clip-on belt.
Stats (taken from Orientalweaponry.co.uk):
Blade length: 21”
Grip length: 11.5”
Vintage Large bowie - £110 inc p&p
This is a massive Bowie! I have no idea as to the maker/ manufacturer: it could be home-made. The only markings are ‘i.w.d’ stamped into the blade, guard, and scabbard.
The blade is thick, wide, and 14” long, making it almost a shortsword. The grip is antler, and the cross is very thick brass. The cross is irregularly shaped, which makes me think this might be a home-made jobby.
Comes with a handmade leather scabbard which looks to have been made at the same time as the knife.
Windlass German Mace - £45 inc p&p
This originally came with a black painted finish to it, similar to what you find on ‘tactical’ swords, knives, tomahawks, etc. Which is not only ahistorical, but was also prone to chipping and scratching. It also had Windlass’ standard leather wrap: a strip of shiny leather, stitched up one side.
I removed all of the black paint, and cold-blued it to a nice gunmetal grey. I also removed the leather wrap which was uncomfortable and slippery, and wrapped it with leather thong instead, improving the grip. In my opinion it looks an awful lot better now!
Stats (taken from theknightshop.co.uk):
Overall length: 24”
Weight: 2lb
Windlass German Warhammer (antiqued) - £40 inc p&p
A lovely, solid piece of kit. The grip is chunky and brass-studded for extra grip. The head is cast as one piece with the langets, and pinned in place on the haft. Can’t go wrong!
Stats (taken from theknightshop.co.uk):
Overall length: 21.5”
Head: 5”
Weight: 2lb
Hanwei short bearded axe (antiqued) : £30 inc p&p
As standard, comes with a leather sheath for the blade. I’ve sanded down the haft and oiled it.
Stats (taken from theknightshop.co.uk):
Blade length: 4”
Overall length: 25.5”
Weight: 2lb 7oz
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Hanwei francisca (RRP £67) - £40 inc p&p
As standard. Again, I’ve sanded and oiled the haft. This is the later version, I think, with the curved haft. It’d make an awesome thrower, but I’ve never played about with it, so no chips or nicks to the blade.
Stats (taken from theknightshop.co.uk):
Blade length: 3.5”
Handle length: 17”
Weight: 1lb 3oz
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Windlass Scottish dirk x2 - £75 each inc p&p
Got two of these: both as new, only taken them out to wipe the grease off them and take these photos.
The carved wooden grips fit the hand nicely, and make the dirks very comfortable to use, allowing for a decent grip even without gloves. They have hammered-steel grip furniture, and a wood-core, leather-wrapped scabbard with steel throat and chape.
One fits a little loosely in its scabbard, while the other is a bit more snug. First-come-first-served will decide on who gets which!
These come with their factory edge, so butter-knife sharp, but could be sharpened easily.
Stats (taken from Southernswords.co.uk):
Total length: 53cm
Blade length: 38cm
Blade thickness at base: 5mm
Lutel Katzbalger 13007 + Scabbard - £160 inc p&p
I’ve tried selling this before, but it looks as though katzbalgers aren’t in very high demand! RRP from Lutel is £325, plus wait time and postage, so I think that this new, lower, price is a deal!
A lovely solid little sword: the blade is very sharp and, although the tip is spatulate, it’s still shaving sharp! A lenticular blade cross section and multiple fullers make it very handy, as does the massive pommel and intricately twisted and recurved cross.
Comes with a thick red leather scabbard with brass chape.
Stats:
Blade length – 26 5/8”
Blade width at cross – 1 ½”
Overall length – 32”
Weight – 3lb 0.5oz
