Windlass Steelcraft Ranger sword - good or rubbish?

[Mububban]

Has anyone heard anything, good or bad, about this kit? It comprises a LOTR-inspired Ranger style sword, a scabbard, and a utility knife. I can get it for USD$130 which is a steal for all that stuff, and for that money I'm not expecting the earth, but I don't want total rubbish either.

Even though they market this sword as being "battle ready" I've heard varying reports of the varying quality and reliability of Windlass stuff. Although I'd like it to be able to be fought with if I so choose, it would mainly be used as my "going out" sword, to wear to our feasts etc (I'm in a re-enacting group). But knowing it's sturdy and useable would make it much more desirable (to me) than a stainless steel display sword with a toothpick tang, which I would never fight with, and I'd be very careful if I were to wear a LOTR replica because I wouldn't want to damage my baby :-)

So to sum up, I'm interested in this sword because it's marketed as functional, it looks attractive (imo) in the photos I've seen, and the price is great.
But I'm NOT interested if it's total rubbish that looks awful up close and has hollow fittings etc.

So if anyone owns it, or has handled it, any info would be greatly appreciated. Or any other suggestions on similar items?

[Justice]

Originally Posted by Mububban

HSo to sum up, I'm interested in this sword because it's marketed as functional, it looks attractive (imo) in the photos I've seen, and the price is great.
But I'm NOT interested if it's total rubbish that looks awful up close and has hollow fittings etc.

I don't think you'd be dissapointed with this sword at that price.

My only problem is the handle. I hate that large bulge in the center. If it were smaller it would look better in my opinion. However Windlass swords are easy to customize, I imagine it would be rather simple to find someone who can fashion a new wooden handle and wrap it with leather.

You won't get a Del Tin quality blade (actually it's the tempering and fittings that make Del-Tin stand out) but you will get one much better than CAS Iberia for about the same price. I say go for it.

[Mububban]

Cheers Justice, I'm going to order the Ranger kit, what you get for the money is pretty good considering how I'm planning on using it.

For anyone interested, this is the kit:
http://gallery.fantasyvault.net/showphoto.php?photo=866

I like the Glamdring/Ranger design element combo, and I like slim blades. I'll probably order this in a month or so when some other items I want to order come in.

[Cyborg_Ninja]

This is a great sword IMO and the functionality makes it superior to the UC counterpart + you get that sweet knife.



- Hey guys im new BTW.

[Yasmar]

Maybe off-topic, but what do you think of this Boromir inspired sword from them?
http://gallery.fantasyvault.net/show...=933&nocache=1

[Justice]

Looks nice. Not quite as large as the real deal (blade on Boromir's is over 3 inches wide) but it looks decent. Even the Christian Fletcher Redeemer had to tone down the blade width because unless it were hollow ground the sword would be over 4 pounds in weight. I might even be tempted to buy one just to see what it's like, and then report back. Many of Windlass' larger bladed pieces (namely the basket hilts and schiavonas) are too large and hefty. Of course many Del-Tin blades are, but they usually are very well balanced.

[NateDogg2]

Maybe it is your scan of the pic, or the pic itself, but that Boromirs sword edge, and grind are looking a little curvy to me. Sort of ~~~ about 2/3 of the way down.... anyone else see it?

[Justice]

Originally Posted by NateDogg2

Maybe it is your scan of the pic, or the pic itself, but that Boromirs sword edge, and grind are looking a little curvy to me. Sort of ~~~ about 2/3 of the way down.... anyone else see it?

I think that was the way it was scanned, usually a sword will have an edge incorrect, or the fuller off balance, but never both at the same time (unless they were trying to make a flamberge).

[Yasmar]

It is definitely my crappy scan job! The pic in the catalog is nice and straight...

[NateDogg2]

Good to hear. I haven't gotten the most recent catalog from them yet.

[defyitall]

I know this is dragging up and old post but:

Does anyone know if windlass is still making the ranger kit?

[RenEnthusiast]

^^Not sure if it is still in production but this place has it in stock.

Here´s a link to the sword: http://www.realmcollections.com/p1208/ranger-sword.html

[Shiryu]

Seen it on ebay a couple of times, not for much cheaper then the store above has it going for. I guess these are becoming rare, not my type of sword though.