"Brass Hilted Broadsword by Strongblade"


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"Brass Hilted Broadsword by Strongblade"

by Jerry Iverson
(Duluth, MN (USA))

The first sword I purchased from Strongblade was from their "Viking" selection. As I was browsing (and drooling) I came across a medieval style broadsword that resembles MRL's "Battle Sword" but, instead of a steel gaurd & pommel it has a hammered brass gaurd & pommel. They (Strongblade) had it in the "Scratch & Dent" catagory for some minor flaws on the grip leather and I think I picked it up for around $75 U.S. I couldn't be happier. When it arrived at my house (I was lucky enough to be home when it arrived) I just about ran over the UPS driver to get to it, anyway, I got it inside and upon opening the box I was very impressed with how tightly packed both the sword & scabbard were (well done Strongblade) when I finally removed all of the packing material I gave it a good twice over. The leather over wood scabbard was flawless, no excess glue, the brass tip & throat are very secure, the frog button is well braized, no complaints. The sword itself is beautiful, the blade is relativly straight in context to the edges, the only curves are from the hammer marks, no big deal, the fuller is not ground as with many WSC blades but hammered (very cool, it's good to see someone using a "fuller" tool for blades.) The balance is as it should be for a medieval basher POB is about 6" out from the gaurd. The finish is also quite nice. The flex is quite good for an un-tempered blade, I was able to bend it around 5" out of line and it returned to true, it actually seems to be treated to a tight spring like many sabre blades. It handles very well, it's got some weight to it but it's no problem to change direction if needed. In closing I am very happy with both the service & quality of Strongblde and I look forward to ordering from them again....

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"Brass Hilted Broadsword by Strongblade"

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Nov 26, 2008

Strongblade experience
by: Steve Crawford

Hey Jerry,
First, I want to say I used to live in Duluth too! Live in Fargo now, but I used to lie awake at night listening to the arial lift bridge signaling back and forth to the ore boats. One long, two short, someone's coming to dock.
I recently purchased from Strongblade too. I got the Blackrush; their attempt at copying Windlass's original coustile. I have Windlass's original, their new coustile and Strongblade's now. Three good blades...but very different from one another. I also feel Strongblade's version is well formed, and the overall appearance is stunning. By far, Strongblade is more attractive. Finish is flawless. However, and here is the bad part. Out of the box the handle was loose. in fact the grip all but turned sideways at my first touch. No problem, I knew I could tighten it easily, but first, I disassembled it to take a look.
One: Tang is so thin it almost took my breath away. Not quite rat tail, but even Windlass daggers have a heavier tang and a 1/4 inch threading. Strongblade used a 5/32 threading. That's a number 8 screw size, the same size you use to attach the knobs to your kitchen cabinets; or in non-hardware terms, just over the size of a #2 pencil lead. If this weapon is supposed to blend between dagger and sword, it has the size, but not the guts to get the job done.
Two: Pommel is so light it makes the weapon very blade heavy. It feels like a real meat cleaver, but rember point # one, it'll never take the punishment. Also, if you need to adjust the tightness of the handle, watch out! 5/32 steel can be twisted off by hand pressure alone. Use caution.
Three: Although the outer finish of the guard was stunning, the inner surfaces, where the blade slips in, was very rough; to the point that the blade's shoulders did not sit evenly.
The scabbard however, was without a doubt the hansomest piece of work I've seen; bar none! Metal fitting finish A+, sturdiness AAA+, almost to the point of excess, leather fit and appearance A+...too bad it was so large the weapon rattled about in it like a toy.
Still, for the money, I feel like I got a reasonable buy. I'll never dare use it for sparing or for bottle cutting tests, (much too fragile in the tang) however it will make a good practice piece for dry work and katas.

Don't know if you like U.M.D. hocky, but Go Bulldogs! Nice to hear from someone from my old home town. Keep collecting the cutlery, it's a great hobby!

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