Windlass/Matt Easton Pattern 1796 British Light Cavalry Sabre Review & Cutting

[@williamarthur4801]

Watched Matt's review some time ago, nice to see some test cutting.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Glad to provide some entertainment.

[@TheHazmate]

Finally! A 1796 reproduction that is actually legit! Sabres deserve more attention on the repro market

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Most definitely!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@brianbabin6333 What is the weight, point of balance, distal and profile taper of your CS sword? The stats on my CS and the new Windlass has VAST differences. It's so colossal that it's like comparing a pickup truck to a coupe car. The new Windlass' handling is extremely close if not identical to many of the original 1796. The Cold Steel one, like I have showcased, is a far cry, although came closer than many other reenactment grade Sword-Like-Objects by the likes of Deepeeka and Universal Swords. There's nothing "subtle" about it, unless you want to characterize the difference between Earth and Mars as "subtle".

[@genuinelyconcerned3504]

Mine arrived last week and I like it so much I'm ordering a second.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Good for you! Is everything well fitted?

[@genuinelyconcerned3504]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold everything seems perfect with mine other than there was a slight burr on the blade which I easily sharpened out.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@genuinelyconcerned3504 Glad to hear that! Watch the section where I show the hilt on mine. 🥲

[@genuinelyconcerned3504]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold After watching that I ran upstairs to examine the hilt. Thankfully mine is straight and the fittings are as adequate as can be expected for a very reasonably priced mass produced product. I'm sorry to see yours is so crooked. If that was mine I would be sending it back.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@genuinelyconcerned3504 I thought about sending it back, but I like the way it handles so much.

[@danielflynn9141]

Outstanding review, Kane. I really enjoyed this one, and I felt like I learned a lot. It's nice to have a 1:1 replica so one can experience how these things handle without damaging antiques.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thank you, Daniel. Indeed, it's perfect in this regard. They just need to fix the QC issue and make swords of consistent qualities.

[@KF1]

Good overview of the pros and cons of this one. Can appreciate how good handling is significant, though the hilt being askew would bug the hell out of me.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks so much! Yes, it is such a shame that this most accurate reproduction cannot have a quality control of equal caliber.

[@KF1]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold well it is Windlass after all. I wonder if using another forge was an option. Hopefully they can overcome the build issues because the taper and 2mm cutting section is badass

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@KF1 Yeah LK Chen is making some European and American swords lately. He has released a US Model 1860 Cavalry Sabre and a friend who purchased told me that it is of high quality. I reviewed the LK Chen Ribaldo Milanese arming sword, also in collaboration with Matt Easton-extremely well done. Another friend purchased the German rapier (more of a sidesword) by LK Chen and it is the best rapier on the market. LK Chen is partnering up with Kult of Athena to produce new Balaur Arms models, an Alexandria type XVIIIc sword, a kriegsmesser and a type Xa/XII Templar arming sword. They will be released in March and they are on the way to me to be reviewed. From the photos and stats alone, they look simply incredible. They look like products that should be priced in the 4-digit. I have 6 swords from LK Chen, almost never had an issue with fit and finish. So I think there's no contest here.

[@1799to1815]

Great review. I've been waiting for you to review this one. Sorry to see your tang is bent... I like your closeups and background scenery. If you have a bicycle or moped, maybe you can deliver a charging blow 'light brigade' style...

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks! I have been thinking about borrowing my neighbor's horse, but I guess she would be too nervous to see me swing a razor sharp blade from the back of her dear horse.

[@r.h5550]

Got the same gap between grip an backstrap with the latter however being in line with the blade. The seller kept insisting that they contacted windlass and that they claimed it isn’t seen as a flaw. After some back and forth I got a 10% refund. The guard was also moving by 1-2 mm when pushed. Fixed it with some epoxy.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks for sharing your experience. The grip on the one I got is way worse. Good on you for holding them accountable!

[@r.h5550]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold the misaligned grip seems to be a common issue with this sword. All in all i would say that this is the windlass model with the worst qc I came across. Makes me think that they messed up a whole batch and decided to sell it anyways as there is a high demand for this model. Nonetheless I would buy any other new replica military saber they make together with Matt Easton. An 1804 cutlass or 1796 heavy cavalry would be a great addition to my collection. Did you try to cut from the wrist with this saber? When I did almost always the result was a long but somewhat superficial cut but no chopping through the tatami

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yeah there are always a tons of corporate stock responses as their excuses. Not a surprise. They've already got the narrative set on "historical people made crap swords, and had no idea what they were doing", meanwhile "it is exactly the reason that we should...copy their work??" Well however convenient it is. That said, the blade mass distribution of this model is truly well done. It cuts very well. I haven't cut any tatami mats, because it is an extremely rare commodity here in Canada now. Including the shipping, each roll would cost at least 60 dollar in 2023. I haven't used any wrist cut at the time of this review. I might try to perform some in the future. My past experience told me it would cut relatively well, but of course not nearly as powerful as cuts incorporating rotations from the elbow and shoulder as well.

[@alientude]

Excellent review, as always! You beat me by a week on this one. 😂 It's a shame that Windlass can't quite seem to put everything together reliably. If they would simply put a little more effort into QC, they could really make themselves into a force to be reckoned with. Yet they just don't seem to care.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I think the rushing of large batches especially for the holiday season really took a toll on the quality control. Consistency is the first thing thrown out of the window. Unfortunately unlike digital goods which can patched later, people will be stuck to whatever they received from the maker.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Oh about the release window, I’ve been working on this video for a while, I recorded the discussion portion right after new year, but struggled with persistent back pain and the lack of non-rainy weather to record some cutting. I’m glad that I can pull this review off finally. I do think that it would be better to space out our reviews on the same product by a few days, because maybe people’s time is limited on one given day. But it would be helpful if they watch both reviews to get a full picture. I like several topics you discussed, which I neglected. I will put a link to your video in my description once it’s available to the general public.

[@dlatrexswords]

Kane an excellent and detailed review as always! Man is it frustrating when an otherwise great sword is marred by just a few items that could be *very* easily fixed. Here is hoping enough customer feedback spurs action from windlass. We have seen other makers improve upon their designs over time.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Indeed. I think the only explanation is that they were rushing to get the first batch out before Christmas, and you know Windlass typically ship in bulks of hundred pieces, whereas makers like LK Chen ships in bulks of ten. Something has got to give.

[@listenup455]

Great to see an in depth and critical review of this sword. It's a shame to see it's still held back by QC issues in spite of the excellence in design.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Oh yeah, I was so prepared to love this sword given how close it is to the original, but something had to go wrong.

[@ianyoung6706]

Big agree on this comment; so much is forgivable if the sword handles well! 17:21

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yeah, handling is the most important factor I look at in terms of reproduction swords.

[@pedromiguel3227]

Great review. Thank you!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

My pleasure!

[@alexzandererdman2631]

I love seeing these comparative reviews. Makes everything clear.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Glad that you enjoy the review!

[@thescorpioimpact9462]

Powerful cutting! A very fast sword! Looks like the Cold Steel's saber can be decommissioned now.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Well the Cold Steel version costs half as much, so maybe having some value still for the people who could afford just that?

[@michaelklein672]

Thanks for this review! Windlass seems to be on the right track lately.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Glad to be of help.

[@hitmaninc.1446]

What a formidable slashing sword! A big wide slash from the horse is the sure way to go with such a brutal saber!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Indeed it is formidable. However, you don't need to swing a wide arc and risk hitting your horse if you cut from horseback. The speed of the galloping horse will take care of that, you just give it a slight tug and keep your arm nice and stiff to maintain the structure to hit the target and that would be enough to take care of anything.

[@arnaghadofgemmera5277]

A very, very complete review! Greetings from Poland, and hope to see some szabla reviewed on your channel in the future!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks! I would love to try out some Polish sabers as well!

[@HydraBox777]

Been wanting one of these but they're sold out everywhere

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I think Museum Replicas still had them in stock. Or they will have them re-stocked soon.

[@HydraBox777]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold I'd sign up to reserve, but it's not an option for people outside the states. Thanks for the heads up though, I'll keep my eye on them for the next drop

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I don’t know where you are located, but Reliks starts to take orders of preorder these. It’s based in Ontario, Canada. Its price isn’t as competitive as MRL, and it doesn’t have the numerous discount events every year, but if you are in Canada, you might save some money on shipping, because the shipping cost from the US to Canada is astronomical now.

[@dixiepixie1690]

“ Windlass/Matt Easton Pattern 1796 British Light Cavalry Sabre Review & Cutting” 1796 views. I must have won the lottery. 😃

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Just a happy coincidence.

[@bokkenwielderful]

A commendable review. I have a cold steel 1796 and was (am) keen to do a similar comparison, when I am able to acquire windlass' new offering. In any case, thanks for the thorough presentation, on the matter.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thank you very much for the encouraging words!

[@manatoa1]

Thanks for the review

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Glad to be of help!

[@matts9821]

Your videos are always very educational. Thanks for the history and background of this sword, and the reason it is a good replica. Sorry for the handle to come apart like that. It seems to be common for Windlass.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

It's very kind of you! And yes, fit and finish quality is always one of Windlass swords' Achilles' heels. The other being the handling. They addressed the handling and mass distribution rather well with this model, here's hoping that they can improve the fit and finish in the future, but that does require them to at least care. Oh, and do away with their useless old models.

[@ELVendedor5000]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold yeah starting with the Greek and Roman swords. Hell, even Deepeeka can make a better xiphos or gladius! 😞

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@ELVendedor5000 Sadly true. Someone sent me a Windlass gladius model and it's listed as weighing 3.2 lbs by the Museum Replica--pretty much doubling the appropriate weight. Not to mention some of the atrocious blade geometry designs, with a laughable ricasso. They really need to retire those embarrassing models and get Matt Easton to come up with legitimate designs.

[@apocalypticswordsman768]

Looks like a savage chopper! That was a good sword buy!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yes, if only they had better quality control it would have been perfect.

[@ELVendedor5000]

Now if only Windlass can work on improving the "Munich Town Guard" Sword! It's an alright sword but for me it's too dang THICK! ⚔

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yes, I have been advocating them for going back to drawing board to get accurate measurements and parameters for all of their older models. Their Munich is just far too heavy and crude, definitely need a re-design!

[@ELVendedor5000]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold lol it was one of the first European swords I used to cut with. At the time I thought all European swords were all chunky like that! 🤦

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yeah one of the advices we should give to beginners is be aware of bad reproductions and use it as a standard to measure a whole group of sword.

[@ELVendedor5000]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Haha that's so true! I later got to handle the Arbedo and the Sword of St. Michael but was unimpressed. I settled with the Mainz gladius (of all things) but I became disappointed with it when I did more research on ancient swords. Damn Windlass! I can't win with 'em! 🤦

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@ELVendedor5000 Yeah, they lack the proper cross section and distal taper, the handling is just off even when they get the weight approximately right. There are just better options in the same price category.

[@lazerblade2]

Great detail about the rippling in the fuller due to grinding. Very attentive.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Glad to be of help!

[@Marco-Les]

During the 1960s, my collection of swords included a pair of these. Back then, you could stroll into an antique store and check if they had any sword inventory. The two I owned were not in particularly mint condition-both had been used, as demonstrated by the nicks in the blades that had been ground away by a too-near stone. I have no idea what became of them. But they sure felt nice held loosely upwards and outwards en garde with a leather glove on.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Interesting story.

[@zeusdagmire6185]

Nice Review. Have one on order. Hey Kane, I have a question about ordering another sword. How hard is it to get Albions delivered in Canada?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks! I have had 8 Albions delivered to me in Canada. Not difficult at all. They would be happy to do it.

[@raphlvlogs271]

the design of Eastern European weapons were often heavily influenced by earlier periods central Asian 1s

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yes, indeed. Austro-Hungarian and Polish sabres were influenced by central Asian style of sword.

[@AXAH78]

Very nice

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks!

[@andreweden9405]

Mine came with the exact same issues with the alignment of the hilt components.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

That is sad to hear. Could have been such a great reproduction.

[@scottclydeanderson6907]

Thanks for the review. I got mine from The Knight Shop for £230, and I’m very pleased with it. Found no failure on the hilt as yours.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Good to hear!

[@Eagle-eye-pie]

How was the sharpness?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@Eagle-eye-pie it’s mediocre, although it took me 3 minutes to take it to razor sharp.

[@daemon_I_blackfyre]

Sweet cavalry saber. Would be even nicer to see it used from horseback!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I shall acquire a horse first then.

[@daemon_I_blackfyre]

I heard the price is just right to enter the market.

[@davidmao6538]

Link to purchase in the UK anyone? Can't find it

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Sorry I got it from Museum Replicas. Maybe it can ship to UK? You do run into troubles by getting a sharp curved sword through the customs, though. Probably a good place to ask is Matt Easton's scholagladiatoria channel, as a comment under his video introducing this reproduction. Or PM his Facebook account.

[@lordspamify]

Knight shop

[@DogGuy19]

I like your style dude! I imagine myself attempting this and chopping a nice table to bits 😅

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

With some practice, you will be doing just fine.

[@greggpennington966]

So, I'm curious ! What are the differences between the Cold Steel version and that of the Windlass version , if anyone cares to elaborate ?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I don't get it. I have an entire section of this video explaining that. Did you watch my review?

[@bladeoftheemperor3133]

Good god, that’s a savage-looking saber! Any plan to do some meat cutting tests?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Indeed! Hope to do some additional cutting tests in the near future with this sabre!

[@raphlvlogs271]

an iconic sword which won't make a bad dress sword its curvature makes it easier to wear

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I don’t know whether it will be a good option for dress sword. If I am to wear something at a parade or ceremony, I would go for something lighter, like a colichemarde with a wood core scabbard.

[@therecalcitrantseditionist3613]

I guess since it's a cavalry sabre, wearing it on horse would be much less of an incumberance. Wouldn't really be right doing reenactment with this sabre and being on foot

[@vorynrosethorn903]

Will you cover the L K Chen version?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

I definitely would like to, particularly when I know it handles and performs just like an original, and likely has less fit and finish issues than Windlass’ version.

[@alexalonso4200]

i just discovered your channel, nice reviews! Does it handle better than the CS shamshir?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks. This sword’s handling is so above the CS Shamshir (also made by Windlass) that you want to immediately throw away that one once you’ve handled this.

[@averageknifeguy83]

Awesome review Kane! I just got mine today. I feel the same way! It was such an amazing handling experience and the proportions so accurate (I have owned 2 originals) I didn’t even notice that the spine had some waviness right after the ricaso! Then it gets straight and remains so up into the cutting portion. Does yours have any spine waviness?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

There’s no waviness detected on the spine of my sword. Overall the blade component seems solid, it’s just the hilt and specifically the back strap that’s installed crookedly.

[@averageknifeguy83]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold well, this is tremendous step in the right direction for reproduction swords. The fact that there is a budget maker paying attention to handling characteristics, dimensions and distal taper……,what a fantastic positive thing in the mess of sh$& that humanity has presented us with as of late.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Indeed.

[@BadBoyTobinMclain]

I have trained in all forms of combat for most of my life, but I am brand new to swordsmanship. Not trying to be a smart ass, but I noticed in the slow motion replay of the cuts, that the sword retracted or “went back” before the cut strike was made. Is that what has to happen, when going offense with the sword? Or Is it like other striking arts where The wind up or backstroke should be avoided?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

If the sword does not come from a retracted location to rotate forward, it does not constitute a cut. If you just keep the blade forward with the tip pointing to your opponent, and lunge forward, it's called a thrust.

[@BadBoyTobinMclain]

Hey! Thanks so much for answering that so quickly maybe you can help with my next question How much should a guy spend on an entry level blade that will be worth keeping after mini mini, cutting drills and trips a field Any recommendations on brand style, etc.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

In general, if you do your due diligence on the research, it's possible to find swords under $500 that does everything well. Handles like a dream, performs extremely well in test cutting and thrusting, can be an excellent tool for drills, and are extremely durable. It is also possible to find a few under $300, but they are very rare for that price range. You can look at the playlist "mid-range reproduction" and "entry-level reproduction" on the home page of my channel. Almost all the ones I reviewed in the "mid-range" category I can recommend, especially the first few. You can listen to my breakdown (they are sometimes done in collaboration with other reviewers) of these swords and look at the cutting and thrusting performance of these swords.

[@BadBoyTobinMclain]

@@FortuneFavoursTheBold thank you!!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@BadBoyTobinMclain Gladly!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@BadBoyTobinMclain One more point about how and when to cut. A cut either starts from an already-retracted position, like the Vom Tag or Zornhut guard stance in German longsword fencing traditions. The foremost locations of your body (the elbow, the knee, etc) are all on the same axis, and nothing is more exposed than the other, and EVERYTHING should be at this point out of measure from your opponent. If he wants to step forward to reach you or threaten you, they also step into the reach of your weapon. A cut or a thrust instantly launched from these positions should be one serves as BOTH offense AND defense to cover your line. It should intercept your opponent's weapon to put the point offline, or redirect their cut so it moves towards an axis you step away from. The other situation is either you start from a forward position, seen more in basket-hilt sword, rapier and saber fencing because these swords have more hand protection to protect your hand and forearms from getting sniped, or because you already launched a cut or thrust and your weapon is at a bind with your opponent's. Only after you have displaced your opponent's weapon, and eliminate the threat for a brief moment, can you do a moulinet to break the weapon back and do a quick cut. There are other situations you have to consider, such as making a cut from horseback, there are other principles you have to adhere such as reaching to your side far enough to hit, and not following up the cut too much to hit your own horse.

[@fuatozturk2794]

başarılar

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks!

[@vinlandraider]

What a shame Windlass couldn't sort out the hilt. Embarrassing is what it is.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Indeed. Clearly Windlass is capable of making ordinary hilt of sound construction. Their quality control has to do a better job.

[@Lunji]

hey vancouver

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

hey buddy

[@SuperSteelBros]

Windlass can't even deal with a simple hilt like this?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Sadly it would appear to be the case. I have 6 different people independently verified this with me personally.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Awesome... Your sound just makes it very hard to understand you... Sorry man.. it's just a bad echo.. or.. something.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Yeah, audio quality outdoors is always a challenge for me. It's not the echo, though. It's a waterfall next to my home.

[@nataragini9854]

It’s curved like a talawar! Some of them have talawar blades from India.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Quite the opposite, there are instances where the 1796 blades are fitted onto tulwar hilts for Indian officers.