Hey guys, I recently came across a video that Skallagrim put up online, and in it, he was cutting bottles with a basket hilted broadsword by Hanwei. I was wondering if anyone had one of these, and if it was a good sword for the money. It's under $300, and I'm somewhat itching to start my collection, as my birthday is at the end of the month. I don't want to impulse buy this sword without at least some feedback.

Can anyone comment on Hanwei's build quality in general?

Thanks

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2002 Here is a link to the sword in question.

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I can't comment on Hanwei's built quality since I don't have any sword, including this one.
Let's ask someone who owns Hanwei basket-hilted swords.

Lin gave a great answer. I have owned quite a few basket hilts over the years including a "practical" version of one of these. I have handled this sword too. Armour class make some fine basket hilts for a decent price and are very accommodating wait times are lengthy but usually worth it. ly

I'd probably wait a bit and get a sword you'll be satisfied with for years.

As Lin has said hilts are big on most modern reproductions.

Neal gives good advice. You might want to look at Armour Class. I have one of their S hilts and it is light, well-balanced and reasonably authentic. The price is over double the Hanwei but, as always, you get what you pay for and the Armour Class sword is definitely worth the cost. I think I waited about two months for mine which was not a long time.

Good luck...I am sure you will find something to make you happy. When I first started collecting over thirty years ago there was little variety in reproduction swords unless you wanted a custom made blade. Now things have changed for the better in that department.

Armour Class S Hilt pictured below.

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Hanwei is a decent baskethilt for the money. At a higher price, I would be very tempted to save for a Danelli armouries baskethilt:
http://www.danelliarmouries.com/index.php/cus...mitstart=0

Btw, Windlass Eglinton is also supposedly a decent sword: http://www.museumreplicas.com/p-2435-eglinton...sword.aspx

I have the Hanwei double-edged broadsword, with an antiqued hilt. The blade is absolutely massive and heavy-- with the mass of the basket, it's one sizeable sword. Not impossible to use but certainly doesn't come up to snuff. The primary problem is that the blade has poor distal taper for its size, so it's very weight-forward and slightly 'floppy'. If it was thinned down considerably it would be far better. This would be an easy enough operation to do as it's a hexagonal cross-section; simply draw-file down the flat. The sharpness is quite respectable, though, and while the scabbard is cheap it's reasonable enough. Construction of the hilt is fine, although there's something of a sharp edge at the disk where it meets the screw-down pommel; I plan to round that off one of these days.

The 'Cromwell' basket-hilt is supposed to be a much better sword, with the Scottish backsword being next best.The double-edge Scottish is regrettable... but I like it anyway, 'cause it's MINE :)

My backsword weight 2lbs 9 oz. and handles much better than the broadsword. The one I have has the antique finish on the basket, which I believe Hanwei has discontinued except for the practical line of these swords. The balance point "seems" closer to the hilt than that of the broadsword. Any way, I like it also, although the light brown leather of the sheath is something of a turnoff - and the basket is too big.

I too have one of the Hanwei Basket-hilt broadswords. There's not much I can add. Definitely blade heavy, and I find the grip is much too skinny for my preference. I would not compare it to a higher-quality reproduction, let alone an original, the majority of which I've handled are very well-balanced. However, considering the price, it's not too bad. I use mine as a wall-hanger, so I can't tell you how it cuts. I also have one of the Cromwell swords, it is much better in terms of weight and handling.