This has been split from another topic

Stephen Hughes wrote:

I did own a Windlass Type 2 Schiavona exactly like the one on EBay, but exchanged it the next day for the High Renaissance Sword, reasoning that the discontinued sword was more of a score. It's even a little unusual in that it has something that looks like a nickel-chrome finish instead of the blackened finish they marketed.

Stephen, I've always been intrigued by the High Renaissance Sword, as it has that neat blade with the central ridge. So many authentic blades had this feature and so few reproductions attempt to replicate it. I'm not into nickel-plating at all, however, and would have been disappointed if they had sent me something unexpected. The blade, though, the blade.. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that and, better, see some photos of your sword.

Cheers

I feel the plating doesn't actually look that good, but it is wearing off (!), leaving a rather nice steel look underneath.

The blade is interesting, and quite unlike any other sword I've handled. The photographs may not illustrate all that well, but the last five inches (c.) of the blade lacks the central ridge and would probably perform decent tip cuts against an unarmoured opponent. I do not doubt it would be good at piercing light mail in the thrust. The blade certainly is stiffer than my Shrewsbury.

The weight is supposed to be 2 lbs 10 oz., and my Shrewsbury is supposed to be 2 lbs 12 oz., but the HRS feels even lighter than that by comparison - the balance is rather nice. It feels like it wants to cut as much as thrust, though. I think the central ridge might make it an inferior cutter, and doubt one could cut through bone or dense muscle with it. The strong blade might be good for parrying many other types of swords, and I believe those times (c. 1510) saw quite a variety. As a further point of interest, I think this is more of a gentleman's sword, an early paining of Lord Robert Dudley had a sword with a pommel that reminded me of this one.

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...and here's a somewhat better look at the blade:

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Steven, hey that is really a beautiful sword in my opinion, I think I did handle it a couple weeks ago but not sure. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

In Salute to my Fellow Collectors

Bob