Quality sword makers that aren't Albion...

[Michael Kelly]

I know that Albion swords are considered the best and most accurate; but what would fall below them that would still be considered battle ready quality. Where would Hanwei, Windlass Steelcraft, and others fall? Not necissarily in perfect historical accuracy, but in terms of quality...

Just curious for those who don't have $1000+ to spend at the moment.

[Allen Johnson]

I'd consider Hanwei at the bottom of the serviceable swords. They are generally the first ones that people get when jumping into the steel. Windlass swords have dropped off in quality and have an edge that is not really sharp, but not safe enough to be a blunt. I consider them to be good costume pieces.

What other brands? Depends on what kind of sword you are looking for. Arms & Armor have a good reputation, as does Lutel, Del Tin, Armor Class, and recently Ensifer. Darkwood Armory makes some good rapiers...just depends on what you are looking for.

[Michael Kelly]

Thanks. I'd never even heard of those companies. I'll have to take a look...

What specifically is wrong with the Hanwei swords? And as for Windlass not being sharp, can't you just sharpen them?

[Kody Tench]

I like valiant armory myself

[Sal Bertucci]

sharpening them up is less of an issue than blunting them down. The Albion Maestro line has a rounded edge that has consistently proven safe without any armor at all.

Many of the other blunts have a square edge that can still leave nasty cuts. The steel is also not as good so it wears down faster, but this isn't as much of a problem if you use like vs. like.

Still, it is nice buy two swords for the price of one.

Sal

[Ian Mac Pharlaine]

Regenyei, Ensifer, and Pavel Moc Are quickly becoming some of the darlings of the European market right about now. I hear they make some amazing weapons and training tools.

[Randall Pleasant]

Windlass swords have .... an edge that is not really sharp, but not safe enough to be a blunt.

This is also true of the Albion swords from their Squire Line. One member of our study group owned the Squire Line great sword and although the sword was not an actual sharp the edge was still thin enough to be dangerous. We never did try to use it in sparring.

[John Farthing]

Unlike the Maestro line, Museum line and "Next Gen" models, the Squire line was not designed by Peter Johnsson.

[KeithFarrell]

I know that Albion swords are considered the best and most accurate; but what would fall below them that would still be considered battle ready quality. Where would Hanwei, Windlass Steelcraft, and others fall? Not necissarily in perfect historical accuracy, but in terms of quality...

Just curious for those who don't have $1000+ to spend at the moment.

Albion produce excellent tools. Of a similar quality are the swords made by Peter Regenyei - you can get them in the US from http://wildgeesefencing.com/?product_cat=steel-trainers

I think Hanwei are not particularly good, but they suffice if that's all you can get your hands on at the time. You want to trade up to a Regenyei or Albion sword as soon as possible in my opinion.