New training blunt options

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hello All, I just saw that Christian Fletcher has put up an awesome looking training blunt on his website. It is around $540.00 if memory serves. Check it out it looks really well done- Aaron

[Brian Hunt]

Thanks for the heads up, but that is a pretty expesive blunt. I can buy one of Albions squire line for only 350. I also wonder how flexible his flexible blade is. Might be worth making a run up to Idaho to check it out in person. I would want to handle one before pluncking down that kind of money.

just some thoughts.

Brian Hunt
GFS.

[Mike Cartier]

both of those prices sound kinda steep for a training blunt, the Paul Chen practical hand and a half is pretty good from what I hear and can be found retail for about $100.

[Jake_Norwood]

I can't speak for the hand and a half, but the practical short sword (arming sword? I'm not sure how it's being advirtised) is fantastic, especially for the money.

Jake

[GaryGrzybek]

Hi guys,

First off, the Albion Squire line is a great value for an entry level or WMA training blade. One of my training partners has the Bastard Sword and it handles and performs very well. The edge is still too thin for free sparring but it's just fine for controlled drills.

A little bird tells me there's something even better coming along soon which will interest most of us so I'm going to hold off for a while... hint, hint, nudge, nudge <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Brian Hunt]

I have both the paul chen hand and a half and the arming sword, I think they are both fantastic blunts, especially for the price. I also have the sharp version of the hand and a half.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Allen Johnson]

Come on Gary! How about a hint? Or at least how soon to look for it? What blade types? I've got like 4-5 different blades I'm wanting to get made or purchased here soon.

[GaryGrzybek]

I don't know too much more to be honest. I do know that it will be based on one of the Fechtbuch swords and will probably cost no more than the Squire line. No one's sure when but it's in the works. I'd guess within the year <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[GaryGrzybek]

I was never really crazy about the Paul Chen hand and a half. I found it solid and worth the price but it just didn't have a nice feel to it. The huge pommel also felt restricting.

Again, for the money it's not too bad.

[Martin,Younger]

What do yall think of the the windlass steelcrafts swords and the generation 2 steel to steel swords.

[Brian Hunt]

Hi Gary,

the pommel has never been a problem for me, but I have heard others state the same thing. Must be a personal preference thing for whether or not you like it. One of the things I like about the Paul Chen is that If I have to replace it, it won't be a costly venture, unlike some of the other options out there, such as a lutel or the squire line.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[GaryGrzybek]

Ocassionally you can get a decent Windlass product but many that I've handled we're either too wippy in the blade or developed loose hilts due to poor construction. Once in a while you can find one that's okay but it's sort of a gamble.

I have no experience with the Generation 2 stuff but from what I've heard they can also be used as boat anchors.

[Jake_Norwood]

I can't speak for the Gen2 stuff, but I know that Windlass Quality gets worse with length. Their steel is simply softer than it should be. A shortsword or dagger from Windlass is fine (I have a pair of now discontinued Rondells I love), but their longswords are crap.

Jake

[Martin,Younger]

boat anchors <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> thats great. I have seen the paul chen hand and half on the net but it did not say how the hilt is constructed. I called the site and they did not know any thing about how the hand and half was constructed. the price on it was great though 89.99$ and it comes with a wooden scabbard. So how is the hilt constructed on the paul chens is the pommul penned on. Here is the site that i called if any one can't find it any cheaper. http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/CAS2106GT

[Jeffrey Hull]

I myself have had good luck with Windlass longswords, and would highly recommend them as modestly priced yet tough &amp; flexible training &amp; cutting swords - but with the caveat that you should expect to rebuild the stock-grip with a new tight sturdy hardwood custom-grip if you do buy one. JH