Cold Steel Hand and a Half -- myArmoury.com

Derek Hand · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject: Cold Steel Hand and a Half

I'm very much looking at purchasing a Cold Steel Hand and a Half sword http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~CS88...+Sword.htm Does anyone know anything about this sword? I really like it's shape and simplicity but I don't wanna buy it and find out it's not worth it...

Any info will help

Alexander Ren · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject:

I'm told that it is a good sword for the price. I have handled one of these in a sword shop before and it felt good with one or two hands on it. Granted I didn't do any serious drills or cutting with it but it looked to have pretty decent balance, blade geometery, and distal taper. I have been told of problems with cold steel's swords when used for a lot of heavy cutting such and loosening of hilt components but it would be best to hear from someone who have more first-hand experience with these swords.

Derek Hand · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 7:28 pm Post subject:

I hadn't really intended on doing anything major with it, I just really like it's look, and I've been looking for another sword for a while...

I think I'll shop around too... that was just the first place I saw it.

Joe Fults · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 7:45 pm Post subject: Try searching at swordforum

I don't recall much discussion of this sword here, but I know that there has been discussion of it over at swordforum. Just search on Coldsteel and you will turn up some information.

BTW if all you want is looks, I would not be over worried about what you do or don't find regarding anything else. Looks nice is a simple and individual requirement. :-)

Joel Chesser · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 8:07 pm Post subject:

I seem to recall a couple discussions on this piece, as i recall it was not spoken vary highly of, could be wrong though. I have heard here that their basket hilt sword is pretty well done. I have heard some comlaints about their customer service anwering questions regaurding their sword qualitly. Nathen has also done a review of a cold steel grosse messer. that might give you a vauge idea as to what you are looking at with this piece. Just a suggestion, but if you're looking for a long sword in that price range, del tin, Albion and Atrim al have stuff. good luck with your purchase.

Derek Hand · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 8:31 pm Post subject:

Yeah, there's a few Albions I want... the Laird most especially, but I think I'm gonna get this one first lol... or maybe save up

Lancelot Chan · Industry Professional

I've customer who had purchased this sword and found it doesn't feel like any european swords I have. It was more tip heavy and slow compare to the swords of Atrim, Tinker, A&A and Albion. But then the price was different as well.

Micha Hofmann · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 9:10 pm Post subject:

Derek,

from what I remember, there have been a number of complaints about the very thin tang of the Cold Steel Hand and a half , which seems to be rather thin/weak, but that's just what I read. I was not able to locate the specific thread regarding the broken tang of said sword.

You might want to look here, though:

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s...adid=12309

and here

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s...adid=17260

William Hurst · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 10:25 pm Post subject:

Well, it seems only logical that, if you want an Albion, it would be better to take the money you were going to spend on the Cold Steel and put it towards the Laird (or whatever sword). I've wasted my money on cheaper swords before and have regretted the decision less than a week later. Just my opinion though. Happy

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Tue 09 Aug, 2005 10:59 pm Post subject:

I suggest you avoid the urge for instant gratification and save up for a higher quality sword, especially if you intend to buy one eventually anyway. If you can't do that I'd recommend buying something from Museum Replicas Ltd. instead. You'll probably spend less and you'll wind getting a better low-end sword in the bargain. A little more money will get you an Atrim of similar design but with much better construction.

Robert B. Allison · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 6:20 am Post subject:

Hey Derek, I hope I'm not violating some rule or principle of this forum, but check out The Marketplace here as there's a CS 1 1/2 for sale there that is pretty reasonably priced, although if you shop around online you ought to find a new one for not a whole lot more than that. I had this sword for a time, ended up giving it to my son. It is fairly impressive in appearance and I thought it felt good in the hand as well, but at the time had no experience with good stuff like that offered by Albion. Since I have acquired three Albion swords and have a couple more coming. There really isn't much comparison, the Albions are just vastly better, but the Cold Steel isn't bad for the money and will probably just whet your appetite for something better.

Derek Hand · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 4:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all of the info guys... I think I'm just gonna save up for the Laird... Instant gratification be damned lol

I'll give you my primary reason for wanting a good sword, Artistic refernce. all my current swords are pot metal hilts and rolled steel blades and the just don't give the proper apperance or weight you know?

I like the hand and a half 'cause it was fairly generic, but who cares, when I want generic I'll get one of these http://www.museumreplicas.com/webstore/showpr...osition=13

Anyways, thanks again... I sure know where to go when I need questions answered now.

Derek

p.s. Micha, thanks for the links... the blade doesn't look that great of quality... I think I'll wait.

Joel Chesser · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 4:54 pm Post subject:

Derek Hand · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 5:41 pm Post subject:

lol, I love that sword too, I wasn't putting it down, just saying it's not at disticnt as the Laird.

Plus, the Laird will go great with my Kilts

But can anyone reccomend a good scabbard maker... $700 seems a little steep when the sword is less than that.

Joel Chesser · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 6:20 pm Post subject:

Christian Fletcher. http://www.christianfletcher.com/ the stuff i've seen from him has been awsome, and i really can't ever remember hearing any complaints.

Lance K. · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject:

Derek Hand · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 7:30 pm Post subject:

That's what I thought... it didn't seem like

But he does sell Albion, so he can probably do ones for Albion swords.

Joel Chesser · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject:

you're right, i totally forgot about that little detail. Though you are also right on the fact that he sells Albion swords. His site says that he only makes for swords purchased through him, so i would assume that he would do a scabbard for an albion. the only way to know for sure i suppose would be to contact him and ask, or get the input of someone who has ordered a scabbard and an Albion sword from him before.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 8:50 pm Post subject:

If you want a scabbard for your Albion anytime soon the only way to get it is to have Christian make it. With Albion standing at a one year wait for even a simple campaign scabbard I really don't consider them an option anymore. You'll have to order the sword directly through Christian. All of his scabbards that I've personally handled have been very nice, and a good value for the money.

Another good choice for a scabbard is Art Elwell. Art doesn't get much press these days but he still makes a very good scabbard.

http://www.a-work-of-art.net/

Derek Hand · Posted: Wed 10 Aug, 2005 10:17 pm Post subject:

I think I'll go through Christian. His Scabbards are definitely more budget-friendly.

What about sword belts, I mean nice wrapping ones, anyone know a good maker?

[EDIT] I probably shoulda looked at Christians site bit more huh? Any other good makers though?