Windlass is alright (mostly)
by D. Lepping
I've been practicing WMA for 7-8 years now and in that time I've owned and used around 10 Windlass pieces. Everything from a mace, horseman's flail to longswords, swords and viking swords. Windlass' pros: they produce a staggering amount of varied weapons, some unavailable from other manufacturers. Windlass hand forges their blades, which means that they are generally tough. Windlass cons: A purchaser must be suspicious of three things: 1.) historical accuracy- for a backyard cutter this isn't a big deal, but for a WMA practitioner I always check their products against known museum pieces, ALWAYS comparing their weapon against photos and descriptions of the actual museum piece. Windlass doesn't always produce something accurate or at proper dimensions, POB etc. 2.) always be suspicious of a Windlass hilt, always be willing with a Windlass purchase to dismount and check for sturdiness their wooden handles, threading of pommels, etc. Sometimes Windlass does stupid and dangerous things like NOT having any threading on a pommel, simply having the pommel slide over the tang and the whole assembly-cross, handle and pommel held on by a single feeble little pommel nut. Be prepared to use JB Weld or epoxy to rectify Windlass' bad judgement in their hilt assemblies or be prepared to have your blade come apart during handling at speed. 3.) Sometimes Windlass weapons have a soft temper. I always check temper on a new purchase by test cutting using gradually tougher medium and checking for edge-rolling, edge deformation etc. carefully after each cut. I send back weapons that show any sign of soft temper immediately and ask for a refund or exchange-who wants to be stuck with a distorted "cheese doodle" blade after 15 hours of test cutting? As a proficient swordsman I still buy Windlass occasionally, I've gotten some great deals on some things, but for the most part at this level of expertise Windlass to me is a great maker of blunts for free-play and sparring. I buy Arms & Armor products now for the most part, since I know I can rely on them for accuracy, toughness and a good bang for my buck. Windlass are great for a beginner if you get a good one. They are also a great way to become familiar with a weapon type witout spending an arm and a leg on some "sportscar" weapon. One of my favorite things still to this day is to peruse MRL's catalogue looking for new stuff that looks like it's worth the risk of purchase and inspection/modification or exchange.
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