I love MRL!

by Corey Sullivan
(Port Dover Ontario)

Coustille!

I love MRL! Windlass swords are often used as the benchmark for which to judge the rest of the sub-$300 sword market.

While they may have a few problems with their hilts and blade whippyness from time to time, I've found that they have the best compromise between functionality and accuracy in this market, especially in the area of handling.

I own two Windlass pieces, the viking spear head, and the Coustille short sword, and am soon to receive the Oakeshott XIV arming sword. I have been very pleased with their quality in the past, and hope to continue to enjoy it in the future.

The sheer range of their medieval line is one of their strongest points, though they discontinue many pieces before anyone can try them out. If your looking for a somewhat different piece, then MRL probably has it, or has made it in the past.

I've also found that Windlass products make an excellent starting point for customization. The screw on pommels, while not accurate, allow different pommels and guards, even grips, to be swapped out and changed.

Their heat treatment is superb, they seem to be constantly improving their products, they have an enormous selection, and many of their pieces are on closeout, allowing you to snap them up for bargain prices. Overall, if you shop wisely, then Windlass Steelcrafts make a great choice for European swords.