Review of: Windlass British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Saber w/ Steel Scabbard
I was initially hesitant to purchase this sword, after reading some reviews on here and on YouTube. Every review had positive things to say in regards to the weight, shape, taper, design and overall quality of the blade. The thing that caused me to hesitant was the mention of quality of the fittings, guard and handle being loose or out of alignment. Things of this nature. I have to say that my sword is as perfect as you can expect for a hand forged sword under 400 dollars. The blade is exactly as stated, light, fast, fantastically balanced an sharp as a razor. It's so sharp its a little scary! The guard and handle are tight and perfectly aligned. As far as the quality of this blade, for the price. I have nothing to complain about! I'm very pleased. Something to keep in mind, the grip area of this sword is very small, as a big guy with big hands I wish the grip was larger but that's just me and I have to say the handle dimensions are historically accurate, I just have ogre hands!!!.
Reviewed by: George, March 13, 2023
Review of: Windlass British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Saber w/ Steel Scabbard
One of the most fun backyard cutters I've laid my hands on. Good feel to the blade - authority in the cut without feeling tip heavy. Good functional sharpness, although it could be more refined.
A lot of fun to move around, and the distal taper is executed amazingly well.
Biggest downside is that my scabbard is underweight, and has the plastic inserts typical to Windlass leather sheaths, and I don't think they belong on what is supposed to be a wood-core scabbard. Makes me wonder if the scabbard isn't actually wood-core at all!
I did a full review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yEGuzVXo_ow
Reviewed by: Kyle, February 10, 2023
Review of: Windlass British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Saber w/ Steel Scabbard
I bought one of these after seeing Matt Easton's review, where he compared it to real antiques. This replica was made to be as accurate as possible, and for the price it's just unbelievable. This is a must have for anyone into replica swords. Mine arrived in just under 3 weeks.
Thanks to the distal taper and overall quality of the blade, it's very lively and just wants to whirl through the air. It is paper cutting sharp, and the included scabbard is lovely but just like the real one, you have to be very careful when drawing and sheathing the sword to avoid harm to the edge.
Reviewed by: Jason, January 08, 2023
Review of: Guinegate Sword
I bought the 1-st edition of this sword years ago; it was unsharpened & had no scabbard; It was excellent; After a lot of use, I had to wind up filling the hollow bone grip with epoxy & that made it most satisfactory
The reissue is a superb sword that does well enough at cut & excellently at thrust. It is one of the best I’ve gotten from MR (as was the 1st)
It seems very much in line with period swords that I’ve examined & it will not disappoint
Reviewed by: Judge Joe, October 07, 2022
Review of: Guinegate Sword
This sword is truly a work of art. It is graceful in its appearance, as well in its handling. I own many swords of various styles, and by far this is the best I have held in my hand. At first, I was a little anxious about a single-handed sword being 3 pounds (as most of my other cutters are around 2 pounds)...but the moment I took it out of the box, it felt far less than 3 pounds. (I took it to my scale and it is 3lbs, 0.7oz.) The hilt fittings and nicely polished bright, the bone grip is smooth, and hilt construction is nice and tight. The blade is mirror polished and is well made. The belt and scabbard are well constructed - perfect compliments to this sword. There is not enough praise I can say about this sword. It is absolutely wonderful.
Reviewed by: Joel, September 18, 2022
Review of: Guinegate Sword
Although it took a while for them to get the order shipped in to them (not really their fault) they didn't charge me until they were sure it was in good condition and shipped out. When it was shipped out, it arrived here extremely quick in less than a week. Not to mention the quality of the sword is pristine and very well made. I'm confident I will love this every time I look at it
Reviewed by: Zephen, September 17, 2022
Review of: Guinegate Sword
I remember eyeing the catalog pictures 30 years ago and then they stopped making it. I'm so glad it's back! It is stunningly beautiful. Everything fits tightly together (no rattling) and the profile on the blade is as beautiful as I hoped for. The sheath is quite stunning as well - especially the buckles and hardware. No skimping there. Yes the sword is not well balanced - the blade is heavy but it is solid and sharp. If I were to add one improvement it would be to add brass trim at the top of the sheath if for no other reason than to give that classic "klink" sound when the sword goes into the sheath. But the bare leather is cut to fit the cross guard perfectly. I am so glad I have this sword after 30 years of waiting.
Reviewed by: Jay, May 06, 2022
Review of: Guinegate Sword
I bought this sword from your first run..... It is absolutely beautiful. The prettiest sword of my entire collection.... I am now drooling over the new scabbard and hoping that you might offer the scabbard as a stand alone item to owners of the original run of this wonderful blade. Any chances....!?
Reviewed by: Chris, July 16, 2021
Review of: Guinegate Sword
I bought this sword the first time MR created it. I have been giving talks in schools for over 40 years about the "Dark Ages" and have used MR swords. This sword has always been a great hit with my students, it has a great look, the feel is like an extension of the arm not a dead weight hanging out there. The students love the look of the hilt and the ridge down the center for armor piercing. When I pull out my book on the Wallace Collection and show them almost identical sword, they know it isn't some "Hollywood sword" but it is like the "real thing". That is what I have expected from MR from the days of Hank R. to today. I know who ever buys this sword will enjoy having in their collection as I do.
Bob H
Reviewed by: , February 11, 2021