Munich Town Guard Swords & Review Comparison of Windlass vs LK Chen

[@Vonstab]

These swords have been misinterpreted for quite some time as the evidence suggests that they did not belong to the Munich town armoury despite being mixed in with that collection when sold. The examples still held by the Bavarian army museum in Ingolstadt are all marked HZ for Hauptzeughaus rather than the MZ that would have been used by the Munich zeughaus(armoury). The marking suggests that they came from the main armoury of the duke of Bavaria and were held in storage likely held in storage for use by the cavalry of the Bavarian national militia which was given a new, more firm, organisation at the same time as these swords were delivered by Stantler. Previously the militia had depended on the local authorities to arm the men and that had produced rather varied results to put things mildly. So Duke Maximilian built up large stores of weapons, armour and uniforms to ensure that the troops were properly equipped when called up for service.

[@caderly123]

What evidence is there that these were intended for cavalry use? Aren't they a little short for a cavalry sword of the period?

[@LafayetteCCurtis]

@@caderly123At the very least, they’re very similarly shaped to several other swords known to have been issued to cavalry outfits in the early 17th century. The length is also far from unusual once we take account of the ricasso.

[@daemonharper3928]

I'm a big fan of the Munich Town Guard style......an arming sword blade but with a stack of hand protection, almost a perfect design, what a great weapon....no wonder it's remained in people's minds.

[@Observer31]

It's probably not the best dueling rapier, but if you are not confined in such a narrow setting - fighting brigands or other armoured foes (or in a fantasy setting, trolls?) it's a much better blade overall.

[@RamadaArtist]

@@Observer31 For a generic, one handed "adventuring sword" in any kind of fantasy, especially high fantasy, setting, I feel like this is really the platonic ideal of a hero's sword. All of the sensibility and technological flourish of a rapier, but with a slightly more practical or utilitarian slant. Like a proper rally car built on a street racer frame; you get the idea that whoever goes on a trek with this kind of sword isn't gonna be too shy about hacking away at foliage, or getting a little dirt on the thing. Serviceable, if not ideal, in a duel, but perfectly at home in a violent tavern brawl, and compact enough to not be entirely in the way while jumping into a moving carriage or river boat or something. An Arming Sword+1, as it were, with a built-in defense bonus.

[@albertpolak786]

Not only a great review, but it's amazing to remember we're in an age where these manufacturers do actually listen to this feedback, so it's actually very likely both these makers will try to improve their products and there'll be enough swords for all of us and we're all be that much happier as a result!

[@jamesmorgan5796]

When I ordered my saxony rapier from Lk Chen I talked to them about offering a nicer polish on the guards for that and the Munich sword, and now they do on their website

[@wompa70]

You also need to consider the price difference between the two. With Kult of Athena's sharpening service added the Windlass is $344 while the LK Chen is $558. Just over $200 difference is a lot.

[@urmominabox87]

And at the same time it's not that much one could easily hold off a week or two to make up that difference and if you can't then you probably shouldn't be preoccupied with hobbies and more focused on attaining financial stability

[@nawm8]

​@@urmominabox87 It depends on where you live. In a lot of places in the world, even the more developed world, 500 US is gonna be a big, once-a-year type purchase.

[@urmominabox87]

@@nawm8 and in all circumstances the financial stability portion of my comment still stands

[@gnomersy1087]

@@urmominabox87 lol if you can't afford high end you shouldn't be preoccupied with having hobbies. Great hot take old chum. Maybe instead get your head out of your gate keeping posterior.

[@urmominabox87]

@@gnomersy1087 it's not a hot take it's sound advice. I literally live in an impoverished area of my state and the only reason I have nice things is because I buy quality products less often. It's called ✨ budgeting ✨

[@jasonhughes1035]

Thanks for still being Matt Easton, we all appreciate it.

[@Tobascodagama]

I've heard that LK Chen has indeed changed the finish on the guard to a polished look instead, but mine is from the original run with the "brushed" stainless.

[@QseftJohn]

I have one, and yes it's polished and looks great.

[@j3i2i2yl7]

I got one with the brushed finish and I don't mind the look, but it scratches pretty easily. It would be easy to polish, and I may some day.

[@j3i2i2yl7]

Update. Polishing the brushed surface isn't quite as easy as anticipated. The brush finish hides imperfections in the AM surface, the way spackle hides imperfections in drywall. Still not really hard to polish, but not a one-morning job either.

[@roberth.retallickr.n.8069]

I would rather the sand blasted look.

[@FoardenotFord]

Thanks for the review Matt. The Munich Town Guard is maybe the most beautiful western sword design I’ve ever seen. I want one so badly, but I’m a lefty and a stickler for having the “correct” guard on my swords. I may just have to have one custom made at some point. Also, I agree with you on the cast stainless steel-kind of a strange choice considering how accurate to the originals the rest of the sword is.

[@elijahoconnell]

im ambidextrious and asymmetrical guards just make my brain hurty

[@theeddorian]

Casting saves a lot of labor. The Windlass hilts may not be quite correct, but each one has to be formed and welded by a smith.

[@gorbalsboy]

It is fantastic looking ,just right in blade length,weight,guard, I could believe it to be the perfect sword(for me)all the best from sunny Troon

[@rkschell4122]

Exactly the same for me

[@winsunwong5648]

Lk chen likes that kind of finish, he likes "soldier" or "military" grade simple finishes. You can see him explaining that on a bunch of other swords. Personally I find it ugly but its his aesthetic preference and nowadays he also offers the standard mirror polish most of us like.

[@tgmickey513]

I'd trust the windlass for the mild steel guard, I've broken cast stainless several times. Thanks for the review, been very interested in these.

[@coastalsandwich]

I have a sword like this, always just referred to it as an "early side sword" or a "more utilitarian side sword". The shortness paired with the complex hilt is great for being very cutty and quick. If you're used to "regular" sized side-swords though, you will struggle with the dramatic drop in reach.

[@roberth.retallickr.n.8069]

This from LK Chen this very morning; “The sandblast treatment person retired and we now shipping all the Munich Town Guard sword with hand-polished hilt.” So the sandblasted hilt is a goner. Mine will come shiny. They also relay when asked about strength of care hilt, “Sword makers such as Albion use similar casting steel fittings and so far we have not had any report from owners that find the hilt does not offer proper protection.” They also report the steel as being GB 60Si2MnA.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I'm super happy with this review and comparison. It seems to be consistent with my testing and comparison of the LK Chen Saxony rapier and a Windlass rapier. I absolutely love everything LK Chen does with the rapier but the hilt furniture finish. I think there's a missed opportunity there to polish and blacken the fittings to make them awesome. Soon as I published the review, KK sent a letter to inform me that all recent LK Chen swords have mirror polished fittings, which is awesome and address the last bit of criticism I have about the sword. I think Windlass just need input from you to improve their swords and introduce great offerings. Maybe a Townguard sword at Royal Armouries as one for the 3rd batch of RAC? Or maybe like what they did with the excellent new 1796 sabre, they can purchase an antique (last I checked, they are expensive but not unaffordable and not super rare) to replicate it with your input.

[@winsunwong5648]

Honestly I think the only thing Lk chen needs to work hard on now is polish/finish on the fittings of their furniture. Lk is unlike most manufacturers in that he's a historical nerd himself so you rarely need to correct him on the actual dimensions and heat treatment, but he has some odd aesthetic preferences when it comes to fittings. I recall that he likes the look on the blasted hilts because its more "simple" and battle ready. and he has a tendency to use black paints instead of blackening, theres also a lack of finesse on the polish in the hilts sometimes.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@winsunwong5648 Indeed, I have observed the same tendency as well. I was informed that they have got rid of the guy in the labor force in charge of the sand-blasting finish, and will do mirror-polish on fittings moving forward. They also got rid of the contractors and expand in-house operation to make swords with better quality control. So I expect things to only improve from now on.

[@winsunwong5648]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Thats great news, to be honest I was holding off on a couple of their european swords since I didn't like the fittings but this should resolve most of them.

[@draco00]

If only its cost effective and less risks with customs, I wouldn’t mind sending Matt my Arms &Armor Townguard. This has definitely reinforced that I have made the right purchase decision years ago.

[@thomascain8747]

I like the looks of the Munich Town Guard and plan on purchasing one, but I really wish someone would start to manufacture the Spanish Bilboa. Windlass did a few years ago. It was a beautiful weapon.

[@KenoticMuse]

I appreciate this review, BECAUSE you're giving good example how how to do a critical and honest review that feels balanced and fair to the products. It's not easy, and it's often a lot easier to just tip toe around differences or things you dislike, which often makes the review rather pointless -- it might as well be an ad read at that point. Of course, it's not as simple as "let's be blunt about it it", because you want the product maker to take your feedbacks to heart and hopefully make some changes; that's how reviewers can actually "make a difference" in the market place. I don't expect your channel to be a review channel, but you've done a much better job at it than many channels that are dedicated to products review.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

This has been my favourite design of sword for a while, now.

[@1965anthony]

Excellent review. I really want one of these. Something that is not covered is price. Obviously, this will vary between suppliers. But it is worth pointing out that the Chen is significantly more expensive. The prices I found in the UK are: LK Chen £525. Windlass £270.

[@synthemagician4686]

I've been contemplating which model to buy recently, and this video could not have come out at a more perfect time, thank you!

[@dlatrexswords]

Great comparison Matt! Glad that both companies have strong offerings, as we the consumers win when everyone is stepping up their production game. As always, it looks like the perfect sword will have a little bit from each different version ;-) Speaking about the LK Chen side of things, I know that they have started to release at least some of their cast complex hilts (Saxony Rapier for example), with a polished finish. In fact the website for the Town Guard now reads "Hand guard has a satin surface finish for our latest model", so perhaps they heard your feedback! Also, I agree that the majority of these town guard swords have a bit more of a flattened type pommel. My recollection is that the specific example that LK Chen used had a perfectly cylindrical pommel, let me see if I can get the museum listing.

[@peterchristiansen9695]

As a matter of fact; a subscriber to this channel had the dialogue with LK Chen about the hilt-finish. Otherwise 👍🏻. ☺️

[@dlatrexswords]

@@peterchristiansen9695 super awesome. Glad everyone is on the same page about the hilt finishes! I tried to link the video, but YT doesn’t like hyperlinks. It looks like LK worked from a specific sword in a bravarian museum which does have a cylindrical pommel. He shows it at the start of the video introducing the Munich on LK’s own YT page.

[@gavinwelch9110]

I really appreciate how Matt truly does speak his mind in these reviews, makes them more trustworthy and frankly more interesting!

[@kylebaryonyx9478]

This has been super helpful for me. I've been going back and forth on which one to choose for a while now, having your opinion as an expert on the historicity of both designs, I think has solidified my decision. Excellent breakdown and comparison

[@VinceW187]

The Munich town guard sword was for the Munich town guard. This is truly revolutionary content :) thanks!

[@paultowl1963]

Well I actually got to see one of these in a traveling arms and armor exhibit at the local art museum which just really stoked my wanting one of these, so this was a great review. FWIW the one I saw in the museum had the slightly flattened pommel and the darkened hilt.

[@dlatrexswords]

Ooo, this should be a good showdown Matt. Let’s fire this up on the big screen!

[@lyooyiylklykyokyklky]

I have wanted one of these, very glad you have done a review comparing the two! Will be useful for adding one to the "to buy" list.

[@jamesrule1338]

Love the look of this style of sword.

[@theg0z0n]

I ended up buying rhe LK Chen Town Guard partially bases on this review, and i just absolutely love it. Its perfect for me.

[@silverjohn6037]

It would be an interesting question for an historian of the period as to whether the original pieces were intended to be low, mid or high quality for the period. We hear Town Guard and our modern minds translate that as police/working class. But the town militias of the period were often drawn from local nobility and wealthy merchants and land owners (as they didn't like the idea of arming the lower classes). The classic example is the Militia Company of District 2 of Amsterdam who were able to afford to have Rembrandt paint their members in the classic Night Watch painting (Wikipedia article linked below). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_Watch

[@Vonstab]

German town militas of the period had no problems with arming the " lower classes" as that was the very fundation of their military strength. Local nobility and landowners had usually no presence in the militia forces as they were not burghers and thus not part of the town. In fact the local nobility and landowners were usually the main group that towns and cities had quarrels with. As for the swords in the video they are good quality standard weapons intended for cavalry troopers. They were intended for the cavalry units of the Bavarian Landesdefension, essentially the organised national militia of Bavaria which was supposed to supplement the regular army made up of professional soldiers. (The later was kept very small at the time unless there was a war as it was very expensive to maintain.)

[@silverjohn6037]

@@Vonstab Thank you for the information. Understanding the context of use is important for understanding the item.

[@emergingloki]

Perfect timing Mat! I've been umming and arring over these two for a while as my first 'proper' sword. Couldn't have asked for better! 😊

[@cptsmkwgn]

Loved this! I have a Windlass from ~3-4 yrs ago & I was disappointed in its lack of distal taper. I am lusting over the LK Chen version of my favorite sword

[@chucker173]

I have the LK Chen sword, I love it but you are dead on about the finish of the swept hilt, I’ve hated it from day one, I tried to sand it with sand paper but it’s very tricky to get an even sanding through out the complex and tight design, do you have any suggestions on how to polish this guard?

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Apart from the blade geometries, I definitely like the Windlass better than the LK Chen. That said, I think the blade geometries trumps the importance of all the traits. But Matt, you were remiss in not giving , your all-important third half (second half of course going to Lucy). the sword weights. This, to me, is a rather important factor on whether I would buy a sword. Thanks for the comparison though, enjoyed that thoroughly. And if you're at a loss for subject matter, a comparison in this vein is right up my alley.

[@ThomasAndersonPhD]

Would love to see a comparison to the Arms and Armour one. What a cool sword!

[@ajwall1]

I think these two beat that one based on price alone

[@corwincaine21]

I would love to see how all 3 compare with the originals. The A&A Town Guard has been a dream sword for me, so if the LK stacks fairly similar in design and historical accuracy (For close to half the price?), I would go for the LK Chen.

[@winsunwong5648]

@@corwincaine21 more like close to 1/3rd the price as long as youre an american buyer, 485 vs 1500 or so for the arms and armor version

[@MasoTrumoi]

Maybe they went with the satin finish to make the sword less likely to patina on the hilt? Where bare hands are expected to touch a bunch? Definitely a weird choice though and not sure why they didn't darken it.

[@shovelchop81bikeralex52]

Great to get a comparison review finally of these swords! You forgot to mention the biggest difference for us humble plebs out here, price! The LK Chen is TWICE the price of the Windlass!! That's where my issues are, affordability and are you getting diminishing returns etc.. I've been going back and forth between these two for the last few months trying to convince myself one way or the other...

[@lmichael4307]

LK Chen is something else, I've bought more than ten swords from them, each and every one is a killer of a sword

[@jlan7844]

The screw-on pommel on the LK Chen is obviously the superior option, because it allows you to end your opponents rightly!

[@annalorree]

I have one of the Windlass swords. Honestly, I love it! If I had to pick a favourite in my collection, based upon balance, responsiveness, and how it feels in the hand, I would choose this sword.

[@danioshea]

As far as the hilt fitting go, the blobby bulkiness of a MIG (pretty sure it's MIG/MAG welded not TIG, Matt) compared to the thicker bars transitioning out of the join of a forge weld always draws the eye for me. You can make a weld look nice, and blend it in to fake a fire weld (we always called them fire welds at college), but it's quicker to do a real one (although admittedly way more of a pain if you cock it up!). I might even be guilty of a couple of hot-chisel marks to fake a scarf to make a dressed modern weld look like a fire weld in the past...! I agree that it's a shame that the other one is cast and a weird brushed finish, but I don't think the Windlass one is good either.

[@Murgoh]

I ordered the Windlass one as I have been lookin for a one-hand sword and I very much like this particular design. I think this is a great compromise between the cool look and hand protection of a rapier and the cutting ability of a medieval arming sword. I already have a longsword and a katana (for some reason everybody seems to get a katana for their first sword, though I have come to prefer the European style longsword after getting one), both from Böker, Germany. Both are budget priced, no bells and whistles but reasonably well made practical swords and I'm very happy with them. The LK Chen is obviously nicer in the blade department but I prefer the look of the Windlass hilt as the LK Chen looks too "modern" with it's brushed finish. Also the slightly "rustic" workmanship is ok on a replica of a mass produced "working sword". I'm a fairly big and strong guy (I work as a heavy truck mechanic so I'm used to using heavy tools like sledge hammers etc. every day) with large hands so I don't think the weight will be an issue to me and the slightly longer handle might even be an advantage. I wonder if the guard and pommel of the Windlass version are regular steel or stainless? If they are regular steel I would like to try cold bluing them (I have good experience of cold bluing on gun parts even though some seem think it does not last) as I really like the blackened ones on some of the originals.

[@dirckthedork-knight1201]

There's just something extremely charming about sideswords

[@HipposHateWater]

They're wonderful for a clandestine spice in your life when things with your main sword get a bit routine and dull

[@NotGruulButWhy]

This has long been my favorite sword design. Thanks for the review!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

This was fun. I liked describing the welds blobby. That’s just a fun word.

[@shmuckling]

The LKChan is, on paper, 8oz lighter. That's a HUGE weight difference, and from what you've shown it seems it's mostly from the blade. In fact, the Windlass hand guard looks smaller and thinner, so the LKChan blade must be WAY lighter. And I LOVE the satin finish on the hand guard!

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

That's interesting that you describe the feel of the LK Chen Munich Town Guard Sword as "light" when the website lists it as 1,419g. I assume that's a function of the balance being so close to the hand.

[@nicktrueman224]

To me these are war rapiers, I have called them this for yrs as I don't like the name sidesword, it doesn't really have a meaning? I also think swept hilt sword is a great name. These are good well designed weapons that cut and thrust whilst offering excellent hand protection to the combatant. It is a excellent sword design and ends a era of knightly swords with the arming sword idea reaching it's zenith with it being designed and given the swept hilt. From here there is no where to go, it is a excellent piece and like the armours of Maximilian, nothing more could be done to make a better weapon.

[@ronr4849]

Cheers, Matt! I can personally say that the Windlass version's pommel also screws onto the tang (or at least the one I have does; if they've changed that over the few years since I bought mine I am unaware).

[@Observer31]

Excellent video - review felt fair, strength and weaknesses of both, and you managed to keep it fairly tight.

[@sam_barris]

I have one of A&A's. Really great little sword. The best kind of jack-of-all-trades design; I can't think of anything except a bit of length that was really sacrificed.

[@tboyer344]

I purchased a LK Chen Town Guard sword a couple of weeks ago from kult of athena, and it has a polished guard. Otherwise, I'm not able to add anything to Matts review. Also considering that it has a screw down pommel the cylindrical shape makes more sense from a production standpoint, not having pommel alignment be an issue. I'm glad I purchased the sword

[@JohnGilbert-l5l]

Very fair and objective review. I hope windlass doesn’t penalize you….

[@RPcropland]

Cool these towns must have been prosperous

[@dashcammer4322]

I would hope the LK Chen is better, considering the price difference. The Windlass at about $330 USD and the LK Chen is around $560. For comparison, The Arms & Armor is about $1,500 and the Albion is about $2,000.

[@scholagladiatoria]

The LK Chen version seems to be $485, but yes it's still over a $100 difference.

[@dashcammer4322]

​@@scholagladiatoria I was looking at KoA for pricing, hence the discrepancy on the LKC for some reason. At $480, I think I'd go with the LK Chen and polish the casting as you said.

[@winsunwong5648]

@@dashcammer4322 lk chen is already offering a mirror polished version as of this review date.

[@dashcammer4322]

@@scholagladiatoria $485, does that include shipping? It looks like they add $160 for shipping to the US and $180 for other countries.

[@thumper8684]

I can imagine there have been some horrendous sparring accidents caused by screw on pommels coming loose.

[@RobertFisher1969]

OK, Arms & Armor! Time to get Matt one of yours!

[@joadams8022]

Useful review; I had been wondering about the LK Chen but seeing them side-by-side, given the cost and LK Chen's QC issues, I'd have to go Windlass. There's diminishing returns to swords; in my experience, 50% more expensive doesn't translate to 50% improved.

[@johndally7994]

How difficult would it be to have a custom hilt made, to replace the cast stainless steel?

[@HipposHateWater]

I've been wondering this as well, but for a different sidesword

[@chrisfields8077]

I think I've seen about a dozen ish of them. The art institute of Chicago has a great example of one. All of the ones I've seen gave flatten pommels. Yeah not sure why Lkchen did that guard finish. I'm not so worried about the stainless, but the finish needs to change.

[@mattakudesu]

I want a town guard so bad, loved it since the first time I saw it on your channel. Probably gonna end up getting a cold steel competition sword to scratch my itch for a western sword

[@RedHandedGod]

To anyone from LK that might be reading the comments -- I steered away because of the hilt, but if it was available blackened or nicely blued, I would absolutely need it.

[@dillonbuford]

I really like this still of sword. Like if someone said you have to arm an army with a hand weapon it's either: these, a very specific Indian sword that I've committed on before, or cast bronze mase. I like the mase for spread and cost of manufacturing.

[@clarksimon7771]

Nice review, the only thing I'd add/change is specifying the price points. The LK Chen should be a better sword as it's almost double the price, and I think that changes the context of the two swords greatly.

[@Jonahch2v9]

I wonder if more elaborate hilts were for special use. In the Bible, the temple had everyday shields for the guards but then more beautiful versions for royal visits, special occasions, etc. I noticed in one armory collection picture, about 20 gorgeous halberds but then likely 100 others, practical but somewhat crude in design (and all stacked together). So, I'd assume, those 20 were reserved for special use.

[@pathfinder7614]

Glad you did this one! I just ordered the LK Munich. Just curious, I know the LK is made out of something called maganese steel. And you kept alluding to something about the LK steel. It's kind of making me nervous. Is there something wrong with it?

[@winsunwong5648]

Theres nothing wrong with it, matt was trying to find something good about the windlass so he said it was tough, perhaps tougher than lk chen based on the fact that he has more experience with windlass. The lk chen uses the same steel as all other lk chen swords, which is a high quality tool steel with great hardness and corrosion resistance (basically it will take and hold and edge, keep sharpness, be less likely to rust) while the standard 1065 on the windlass is famous for being tough. Notice he never said the windlass is better outright, just MAYBE tougher because 1065 is renown for its toughness at the cost of some of the other qualities, and also he just knows windlass better than lk chen, which is why he gave them a point in that area for being something he knows. If you want a better understanding of what manganese steel is you can look up the steel used for world war 1 british helmets, "hadfield steel". Its a rather niche steel compared to 1065 but it has its own set of unique properties that lk chen prefers.

[@pathfinder7614]

@winsunwong5648 thank you so much for the very detailed and knowledgeable reply! That definitely puts my mind at ease and is appreciated!!

[@winsunwong5648]

@@pathfinder7614 No problem! generally complex alloys in tool steels exist because tool steels are modern steels created specifically for the purpose of being used in high impact environments (hitting a lot of things) and surviving that without deformation and thus they often have very high toughness and hardness but compromise in terms of ductility and malleability (basically they are harder to shape without specialized tools since they are so strong and tend to resist the tools you normally use to shape things). Lk chen probably decided they liked the combo of extra hardness and toughness since its a beneficial trait for swords despite the downside of being difficult to work with and more annoying to procure.

[@titanscerw]

Just today I was wondering about exactly this expose by Mr. Matt Easton! And Lord gloriously provided! (Not to say I have no yet unpurchased bladed beauties on future cold steel aquisition list, but I always like to plan ahead as far as my fiture purchases are concerned :) )

[@MG.50]

Great review as to the appearance, styling, proportions with respect to the originals. What about the functionality? You gloss over and summarily dismiss the blade material and heat treating, and I understand these are difficult topics to analyze for comparison. However, these aare SWORDS, a weapon intended for combat. If you are interested in historical accuracy, then how well would either of your review swords stand up to actual steel-on-steel combat like the originals were intended for? Modern steels are available in many more alloys (mixtures) each with peos and cons with respect to producing a really good sword blade as far as function and survivability. Spring steel alloys probably rank at the top of that list and many are probably superior to what was available in historic times. To my mind, the tool's function is as important as its form. Modern replicas should be at least as functional as the reference design. I do not have any swords from Chen, but I have several from Windlass. They make a very servicable weapon in most cases. I put it that way, because in my view the functionality is as important, if not more so, than the appearance. That means (to me) the structural appearance, the steel alloy(s) used, and the heat treating are equally important... though difficult in some respects to review without destructive analysis being required. Working with real historical examples, such destructive analysis, say for analysis of the steel structure in the blade, is not feasible.

[@AGermanFencer]

I love these. Landshut Rüstkammer just auctioned one off. An original i mean. I still have similar original fittings and a modern made XV blade lying around 😏

[@theeddorian]

I have come to think that if you visualize the unhilted blade of the Munich swords, with that taper of the tang and ricasso from the blade toward the pommel, looks as if the blade and tang were initially designed for hand-and-a-half type grip. It leaves you to wonder if the original sword was a rehilted blade, and the Munich town government asked for more "just llike this one." I have the Windlass version and like it. The blade thickness tapers from right around 5 mm immediately in front of the guard to around 2 mm above the tip about 1 cm. The balance falls about 82.5 mm (3.25 in) from where the hilt and ricasso meet. From my point of view, the grip is very well sized at 3-3/8 inches long. The detailing of the hilt could be prettier, but the welds look more "real" than a casting can appear. From looking up various offerings online, many are clearly made by Windlass, but the blade dimensions and point of balance listed vary some. My main criticism is that edge of the pommel at the end of the grip is sharpish, as are the edges of the ricasso inside the finger ring.

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the comparison video ⚔️

[@Herfa1995]

Hi Matt. Great review as always. I am also a big fan of the royal armouries swords windlass created thanks to your insight. A sword I would love to add to my collection would be a napoleonic cuirassier sword. By chance I stumbled across the new windlass 1801 french cuirassier sword by windlass today and was a bit saddened to see that there are some unaccuracies on it. The scabbard is not too big of a deal in my opinion and the pommel is a also not true to history. But the missing hatchet point and not consequent enough ricasso are a bit harder too ignore. Which might be the reason that the sword is even on the heavier side for a french cuirassier sword. I think I would not be the only one that would love to buy a good reproduction of this iconic blade. Would you consider doing another cooperation with windlass or maybe review the sword? Sorry for the long message. Greatings from the small Luxebourg from a huge fan. ❤

[@peterchristiansen9695]

FINALLY! Been waiting for this! 👍🏻☺️

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Been debating adding a Munich Town Guard and now have another brand to consider if I was to ever bite the bullet.

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

Now you "need" to get the Arms and Armor version to compare against LK Chen and Windlass! It has a flattened and peened pommel, and I believe the hilt is welded mild steel.

[@emarsk77]

I think there's a very important detail missing: the price. The LK Chen one costs about 1.5 times the Windlass one. It's a significant difference, and I think it should be taken into consideration.

[@benjaminstevens4468]

What kind of blades, are those hanging from the ceiling, in the first picture of the Gratz armory?

[@Mangowaffle]

While the opportunities may be few and far between, I think a really interesting review would be if you had an original, and the repro of said original. If there's any man for the job, Matt, it's you!

[@bobrobinson1576]

You forgot to mention the biggest advantage of the Windlass and that is that it's considerably cheaper. Nevertheless I'll be ordering the Chen.a

[@LafayetteCCurtis]

I’m mildly disappointed that there’s not more discussion of the originals, or even links to the academic articles about them. Or links to earlier videos of Matt discussing this particular sword type at the barest minimum.

[@illmade2]

One thing you forgot to mention, that us very important to people who dont get swords sent to them is the fact that the Windlass is about 200 dollars cheaper.

[@Ruinis_Gaming]

From the website: “ Hardness 52-54 HRC. Medium to Low firing and through quenching for hardness .”

[@elijahbrown9738]

I'm going with context. I do see the problem if you want to undo the pommel and end them rightly.

[@RamadaArtist]

I motion that, for the 21st century, we retire the cross-hilted long sword as the defacto "knightly sword" of popular fantasy media, and start using these guys instead.

[@SenTenshi]

What about the weight and weight distribution ? I’ve read that the windlass one is really too heavy, the pommel especially. Because the blade is also heavier, they made the pommel and guard heavier aswell, probably to keep a decent point of balance and point control, idk.

[@heavybolter6396]

I have it, due to the lack of distal taper, the windlass one has 'worse' mass distribution throughout the sword. So even if the heavier pommel balanced the sword to the correct balance point, the larger amount of blade presence makes it more unwieldy imo. I still like the sword quite a bit, and I can flow with it pretty well, but it's drawbacks are certainly noticable.

[@SenTenshi]

@@heavybolter6396 thank you for your feedback. I guess it gives authority to the cut but you might get tired faster. I know Arms & Armor made a higher end version, 1k5USD but these two still looks good. The Windlass needs more work on the edge though. Thanks.

[@culture-nature-mobility7867]

"It is too round at the top! It needs to be pointy! Pointy is scary!"

[@pauloldfield6968]

Have a go at changing the hilts over

[@matthewhale2464]

How do you blacken the Guard with chemicals Matt???

[@RabbitxRabbit]

I would be VERY interested to see a comparison between those two swords and the Arms & Armor Town Guard Sword, which costs about twice what the LK Chen sword costs. If you could get your hands on one. Is it worth the extra money?

[@thezieg]

Windlass with deficient distal taper? Quelle surprise!! 😂

[@mountainhobo]

It would be nice to know what steels were used for the blade.

[@vtheman1850]

These are gorgeous.

[@farkasmactavish]

11:00 Actually, the LK Chen one has the steel composition extremely fetailed on the listing on the LK Chen website.

[@thornescapes7707]

How hard would it be to blue or blacken the LK Chen hilt after you get it? Is that a viable option?

[@QuentinStephens]

This video is awesome! It would have been even better had you produced an actual original, which prompts an idea: how about you take a road trip visiting various museums and comparing reproductions with actual originals. I'm sure many of your French viewers would like to know which reproduction compares well with the original Joyeuse, for instance.

[@anvilbrunner.2013]

Now that's a constructive critique.

[@gorbalsboy]

"look's like something you find in a toilet tap"oh cruelty,thy name is Easton😊

[@tomhirons7475]

used to be called police Truncheon swords, after the town guard etc

[@docnightfall]

How about a test cutting comparo?

[@gnomersy1087]

Personally I'm not particularly hot on cast steel in general(it has a tendency to be very grainy and brittle) or stainless steel hilt fittings as those also tend to be more brittle. It just seems like the objectively wrong material to use for anything other than getting the shape right. That said I definitely don't have an LK Chen sword and thus I haven't wailed away at one with a sword or a hammer to see if that's the case. But it definitely is something I'd be concerned about happening based on experiences with that kind of material.

[@deadchivalry1698]

They kinda remind me of the officer swords from Dishonored.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Is it weird that I feel like the Windlass hilt looks more historical because it has flaws? Also the appearance of the bars really does look better. As a novice backyard cutter I prefer sharp on arrival, but for $200, I can probably find a sharpening service.