In the 1960s my sword collection had 2 of these. In those days you could wander into an antique shop and see if they had any swords. Neither of mine were in particularly good condition -both had been used, evidenced by the grind stone nicks in the blade. Don’t know where they’ve gone now. Felt good in the hand, especially when wearing a leather glove.
I jumped on this one instantly. I've always wanted a useable 1796 with correct weight and balance. Thanks for sending MR a worthy blade to copy, Matt. This is fantastic. 👍
@@brianbabin6333 It turned out to be excellent. I haven't owned the CS version, but based on the stats and reviews I've seen, the Windlass has much better weight and balance at 30.2 oz vs. 35.6 oz for the CS. Mine came nice and sharp, although the period-correct steel scabbard will dull it quickly if you aren't careful when drawing it. Handles great, good flex, and I'm very pleased with what Matt and Windlass did with the design overall.
I received my copy of the Windlass 1796 yesterday and I am so pleased with it! You inspired me to keep searching for a good replica. I'm from the United States and have a fascination with British swords. Thank you for covering so many wonderful blades. - Brian
@@1799to1815 it is very easy to wield. I'm partially disabled in my hands but it makes things so much easier. The grip is great. The weight and balance compliment this blade tremendously. I'm not paid or sponsored to say this but this is a masterpiece for a replica!
Truly an amazing day when 18th century sabers have a good representative on the market. Please send them other styles of saber, maybe we can start a trend!
I bought two and am very impressed. Handles just like my antique Osborn&Gunby. And very sharp. A quantum leap in the world of mass-produced repro sabers. Would love to see an 1803 infantry officer’s saber next.
It seems as if Windlass has cracked how to produce replicas, both from measurements and images, and from examining an item first hand. I can't imagine it's easy to set up for producing them to this level of accuracy in any sort of number, let alone for the price. Very impressive.
Surely it helps when aiming for items that were... not quite mass produced in the modern sense, but still churned out in numbers, in almost modern processes. Compare to the older stuff Matt worked on more directly. But... I'd lean towards not trusting my assumptions as well :)
And mine arrived in central Texas today, and I'm very happy with it. This is my first full-on saber, and I'm looking forward to putting some vegetables on posts and slicing them up. Thanks for this review.
Great to hear that they're making a quality replica. From watching your videos I think that the 1788 pattern sword would be a beauty to have them replicate
Ach! Matt, your partnership with Windlass is going to bankrupt me! 😏 (And here's an odd side note, which I'm sure Windlass could tweak from production of these blades--from someone who's done one and been very happy for it. If the tang on a good 1796 blade is extended, and it's hilted up as a kriegsmesser or Swiss saber? *Wickedly* good one. 😊)
between the royal armouries collection and this its exciting times for seeing so good affordable/midrange swords come out with accurate proportions and construction
First time I met Matt he came out into a grassy field and spent the better part of an hour and a half singing the praises of 1796s and lamenting that the original he brought out didn't have a scabbard...so I know he's gotta be happy about this. It looks really proper.
I ordered one just after you posted this review and it finally arrived today. Just unboxed it (and naturally did a side by side comparison with my antique one) and it is a lovely replica that I am very glad to have added to my collection. Thanks for working with them to produce it.
"I should mention the price" Then waffles on, not mentioning the blasted price!!! On the website it's $369.95 ( £303.97) as of 10th Dec 2022 which is pretty reasonable, I was expecting in the mid £700's Great job Matt
I have a very similar spec Windlass myself, but with an /identical/ leather scabard. I picked it up at Trapper Jon's Knives (Cutlery store) - Sierra Vista, Arizona, by swapping a couple of swords/daggers I no longer desired; approx. 2 years back. Fantastic weapons shop.
These are glorious days for passionate sword people.. thanks Mr Easton. Kudos to you and Windlass Steelcraft. Long life to this kind of collaborations where experience meets expertise. Peace and love from Italy
I didnt belive what I read in the title! Awesome collab and kuddos to Windlass guys to be literaly on cutting edge right now of affordable yet realisticaly handling sword replicas! 🗡️
Mine just came in, the point of balance is 7 3/4in from the hilt, my cold steel 1796 was 8in. The distal taper in the windlass is near perfect, but the blade is still somewhat wavy. Not as wavy as the cold steel, but still noticeable. Though the point of balance is close between them, the handling couldn’t be more different!
The point of balance is in the range of historical accuracy. Generally due to their structure these swords are weighted towards the front so they are almost historically accurate as well as the original swords differ from each other. What I wanted to ask if the weight is really at 800g and if the distal taper is that accurate at the end almost at the top. If you could have a caliper measurement I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you very much and happy new year!
What I would love to see from windlass is a redone version of their Munich cut and thrust sword with a better proportioned blade and a less chunky hand guard.
Gonna be so happy if they do a line of these into later patterns. Would be really nice to have an 1822 and/or 1845 that I can really use without worrying about breaking a real antique, and a 1788 would be an absolute dream. And if we can get a 1788, maybe imagine one scaled down for infantry while we're at it.
Always have to look back through and remind myself of all the options in British sword patterns. 1854 blade with 1827 Rifles hilt would be my first pick if we're looking at options for the next model.
It’s great to see a weapon expert work together with companies to make authentic replicas. I hope you can help windlass make more realistic weapon replicas in the future, as many as possible.
I'm convinced. This could be a landmark moment in the production of good quality replica swords and maybe more importantly a landmark moment in the reputation of Windlass as a company. I always associated them with rather bottom of the barrel swords but if they're putting products like this out going forward that will have to be reevaluated
I love this! I am going to have to get myself one of these babies... Thanks for all the good work you do and well done Windlass for stepping up their game significantly!
Extraordinary! I went to order one immediately, but they are still listed pre-ordered and wouldn't ship internationally. I bought 2 instantly, one on its way to a friend, one for myself. Finally able to get my hands on an accurate reproduction! I got a Cold Steel one who contracted Windlass to make it, already got distal taper from about 8mm down to 3mm, past the midpoint it just didn't tapered enough, and that added quite a bit of weight at the foible. This version sounds perfect. Would be a blast to cut with the new one and compare its handling to the old version of CS.
So the only way to get one is by having it sent to friends in the US, right? I'm in Europe and considering this option because of the "no international shipping" disclaimer on both links. Anyway, looking forward to your review which I'm certain will feature a lot of cutting.
It's great to see care to be taken to make an accurate replica of a famous weapon. I hope it sells well and encourages more projects like this! Even as a very casual saber dabbler, I'm only interested in proper stuff, not unwieldy sword-like objects. Much like the old adage "the only interesting rifles are accurate rifles" And now the wait begins. I guess I need a trainer 1796 now too.
I’ve been wanting an accurate reproduction 1796 ever since I got rid of my Cold Steel - this will be first on my list when I’m in the market for a new sword, thanks Matt!
Yeah, and kudos to windlass as well they have been awesome lately. I imagine these more accurate swords will cost bit more than some of their models, but im sure enthusiasts will happily pay for this level quality.
I'm in love. I normally like medieval replicas but this is gorgeous. I might have to get myself a christmas present. Looking forward to hearing about these professional sharpeners you use.
Just got mine. Very nice, for the price (a few minor issues, none noteworthy). Fairly light in the hand, but a lot of authority in the blade. I have 2 antique sabres: 1860 Italian Light Cav and 1885 British Trooper and it feels as good (if different) as either of those. Pretty sharp, both front and false edges. Won't rust - have a rag handy when you open it!
Many thanks for letting me know. Plan to get one as soon as my finances improve. As an ' old- Pro ' ESL teacher and forced to rely on earnings derived solely from Hawaiian DOE subbing until someone pays me enough from my writing to get one, it may take some time. Cheers!
OK, that accurate distal taper did it for me. And I write books with swords in them, and have some of the sword types. But my light cavalry commander needs a saber for the new book...I'd been looking through your site to find one that looks "right" for the character. Going for it.
Finally!!! I'm going to need to get another wall rack and find a way to explain to my wife why I need this when I already have the Cold Steel. Now you need to convince them to make a 1788 cavalry sword.
Superb, Matt. This is a huge service you have done for the sword weirdo community. However, both suppliers below are out of stock and won't take backorders from outside the US. Are you aware of a UK supplier yet?
Great video. This may well be one of the most impressive Windlass swords that they have produced. Museum Replicas is running a holiday special where they are taking $65 dollars off the regular price.
Such an awesome offering, I was hoping that Matt working with Windlass would result in something like this! Can we dream that Windlass would look into taking the same approach on other replicas?
had one about 35 years ago ! had a rough run of luck for a bit , and had to sell it , prices on them are out of my reach now , and I really dont want a repro , but that is rather nice !
If I may add a few suggestions of my own. While Roman swords get a lot of Love, other Swords from the same period (and slightly earlier) hardly get any Love. Consequently, I'd love to see the Xiphos get some Love aswell as and possibly more interestingly, the kopis/falcata. The Market is also lacking good (eight ball ) military spadroon options.
Hell, I'd even be happy with a FIVE-ball spadroon!😂 Seriously though, I was thinking the same thing, that it would be great if they made a good spadroon copy next!
I’d love to see some accurate French sabres, ideally a “Sabre de bataille d’Officier de Chasseur à Cheval de la Garde Impérial.” But a nice AN IX or XI would be cool too, and probably appeal to more people.
I own a Windlass 1796 light cavalry that was made sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s. They were only sold briefly through the Atlanta Cutlery catalogue. I got mine at their showroom at a discount because there was no scabbard for it. I've never handled an original for comparison but mine does have significant distal taper & I have always wondered how close it was to being correct
I'm going to have to get one of these. I am lucky enough to have acquired a real one, an officer's version, that's in really incredible condition, with the exception that the scabbard is missing one of it's suspension rings, and all the gilt and blued decoration on the blade is gone -- I am fairly certain the blade was at one time covered with the same black rust that the scabbard still is, and a previous owner cleaned it all off, carrying away the bluing and the gold inlay with it. I thought about getting the Cold Steel version, in order to have a replica I could sharpen, and then cut with without worry, but upon learning the distal taper was all wrong, and the blade didn't handle like an original, I lost interest. I'm thrilled to see a company finally offering a proper replica. I'm definitely going to pick one up.
This is such nice news, I have been looking for someone to produce these blades with proper thicknesses for so long. Hopefully this trend continues on to other 18th and 19th century swords
I might have to pick this up. I've had a 1796 replica I got from cold steel 15 years ago and it has always been a bit of a letdown due to how heavy it felt at the tip.
Yeah, they're not great... I have an original 1796 LC trooper and I've handled the CS replica, and they don't really compare very favourably. The originals seriously are paper thin towards the tip, but the previous replicas just never got that right.
Not being able to get an accurate replica was great impetus for me to get a real one in very nice condition (a nice big fat wide one), wasn't too expensive either, as well as several variations, officer example and German ones. It's the old AK-47 of sabres, the Browning 1911, the M1 Garand etc- a great representative example of a weapon used so commonly during a period in history that it became iconic and definitive.
Yeah, you're not wrong... I bought an original 1796 LC for $700 AUD 3 months ago, which is not much more at all than this replica. Mine's a pretty chunky boy too, but then again, I think they all were!
@@Theduckwebcomics Yeah, I was pretty pleased… When I bought it, the seller was under the impression that it was probably a Blücher, or even the later Dutch version, but probably not an actual British 1796. When I was inspecting it before buying it, I noticed the (very faint) but definitely present “Osborne” stamp on the spine just above the guard hiding under some dirt. Which along with the thinner guard (unlike the Bluchers or Dutch variants), and the shield shaped langets proves that it is a British 1796 after all. I just forgot to mention all that to him when I was buying it! 🙃 But they really are pretty incredible weapons…. The distal taper on mine is massive, and they don’t feel anywhere near as slow and heavy as you’d expect them to. Mine is incredibly thin towards the tip, but still very broad. I can only imagine how devastating they were on horseback when swung by a burly cavalryman. Out of interest, are yours marked?
Very nice, I hope it's available in the UK soon. I was thinking when the Royal Armouries series came out how nice it would be to have something similar for the 1796 swords - so heavy cav sword next?
@@chrisroberts1440 , I'm American, so I'm not positive... BUT, I think the fact that they're actually hand-forged might mean that they're legal there in the UK. I believe the law states that there can be no curved blades (over 18" inches I believe), EXCEPT for those that are "traditionally made." Although, I would like to hear Matt's opinion on that as well!
@@andreweden9405 they may be available here then, it is a bit of an odd distinction really, it isn't like there is going to be massive difference in functionality. A handmade custom pen knife that locks is still illegal in public even if it cost £500 for example. Then trying to find logic in these laws is just a path to madness ;)
I first fell in love with the design in Assassin's Creed 3, where it's the best sword you can buy without requiring a side quest. Not exactly period accurate, but man did I like the look.
Was fortunate to handle one of these at the royal armouries recently with my HEMA club. May need to invest in one. Would love to see the heavy cavalry sabre made by them.
Fantastic, seems like a no brainer at this price. If only we could get a similarly good, sharp rapier replica with this level of authenticity for a similar price... Or even twice the price for that matter.
I would dearly love to have an M1913 U. S. cavalry sword officer's model with the steel scabbard. Windlass's M1913 "Patton" sword enlisted model is pretty good but I'd like to see the guard strengthened (more like the originals) and a little more attention to fit and finish. And, of course, a steel scabbard like the officer swords had. Those just can't be gotten. We have a couple in the collection of the U. S. Cavalry association but otherwise I've never actually seen one "in real life." A few years ago Windlass collaborated with the USCA on a run of the M1906 cavalry saber and did a marvelous job. I'd like to see something like that happen again with the M1913.
Great work helping Windlass to finally get (especially) the distal taper right. Seeing Windlass products years ago made me write them off as clunky kitchenware, but perhaps it is time to re-evaluate. But that price for such a blade still raises eyebrows, I wonder where in the process they keep cutting the cost. Quality control?
Could you please work with windlass on more sabres? I'd love to see a good 1821 british light cavalry sabre, 1829 French artillery sabre, etc. So few good ones compared to other styles.
Hi Matt, just come across Hanbon Forge, and wondered if you had heard of them? They manke Japanese and Chinese swords mainly . You can get a fully customized weapon at a low price. I have just ordered a tango ( for display only) fully specified for 107 USD includes shipping! They do fully hand forged blades as well at much higher prices. I am not connected to them in any way
. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on an accurate replica and plan on picking one up next month if I can. I would love to see an accurate replica on an 1845 patter infantry officers sword as well as one from the American Revolutionary War area. I’m from the states and have bought two antiques from Matt previously and am still really pleased with both of them.
I was so excited up until I saw that it doesn’t come in blunt version as well. Any chance a good HEMA/Reenactment version will come out at any point? It seems all the blunt ones either look the part, or handles ok’ish, but never both at the same time.
My dad did till few years ago reenactment for our town in Germany. He got a real Sabre and a musket - no replicas. Both very heavy and you have to train with it to be able to hold it for a longer time. The Sabre wasn't sharpened, but I wouldn't want to get hit by it, what it can't cut, it would break.
This sword looks beautiful! I would love to see a good quality reproduction of any of the early 20th century Polish cavalry sabers. Preferably the Wz. 34 szabla, but I'd be very happy to see the 1921 or 1917 models available, too.
Ooh, I am so stoked! I've been wanting to get my own 1796 for years and now I will at last! Now can you get Windlass to make an authentic reproduction copy of your 1788 Heavy Cavaly Sword?
I enjoyed this a lot, My grandfather brought an officers calvary sword home when he returned from WWII. it is japanese M1899 M32 OTSU sword, It was still razor sharp when i inherited it. So naturally i gave it a shadow swing and a thrust, i noticed that it is exceptionally tip heavy. I presume your sword felt the same. My longswords and arming swords POB is near the guard, the m1899 i have is somewhat way out near center of the blade. Then again it is calvary. so... you ride a horse and let the tip weight work in conjunction horse's mass and speed. I can flat-out tell its deadly as hell.
All the different ideas for Windlass's/Matt's next sword project swimming around in my head notwithstanding, I really think the next thing they should do is make a convincing, sharp replica of a rapier. I don't even care which national style they go with: Italian, Spanish, Poppenheimer... doesn't matter! As long as it's the proper length and proportions, I'd buy it! Btw, I've already got their copy of the 1796 on the way, and will hopefully have it by the end of January!😁
In the 1960s my sword collection had 2 of these. In those days you could wander into an antique shop and see if they had any swords. Neither of mine were in particularly good condition -both had been used, evidenced by the grind stone nicks in the blade. Don’t know where they’ve gone now. Felt good in the hand, especially when wearing a leather glove.
I jumped on this one instantly. I've always wanted a useable 1796 with correct weight and balance. Thanks for sending MR a worthy blade to copy, Matt. This is fantastic. 👍
Me too. Like as soon as I saw the notification I got one
@@brianbabin6333 It turned out to be excellent. I haven't owned the CS version, but based on the stats and reviews I've seen, the Windlass has much better weight and balance at 30.2 oz vs. 35.6 oz for the CS. Mine came nice and sharp, although the period-correct steel scabbard will dull it quickly if you aren't careful when drawing it. Handles great, good flex, and I'm very pleased with what Matt and Windlass did with the design overall.
Can we get a heavy cavalry sabre in the next line please? Every Yorkshire man wants Sharpe's sword
It would be good! Finding an original in decent shape is incredibly difficult now... but we'll see what we can do.
Yes! I need one!
@@scholagladiatoria there's at least a couple at Leeds. Maybe you might be able to get access for measurements?
Every man Yorkshire or not
It seems like your wish has been answered, since I checked the MRL and ACC websites and there seems to be a heavy cavalry sabre also by Windlass.
I received my copy of the Windlass 1796 yesterday and I am so pleased with it! You inspired me to keep searching for a good replica. I'm from the United States and have a fascination with British swords. Thank you for covering so many wonderful blades. - Brian
Wonderful!
Just ordered mine, how does it feel?
@@1799to1815 it is very easy to wield. I'm partially disabled in my hands but it makes things so much easier. The grip is great. The weight and balance compliment this blade tremendously. I'm not paid or sponsored to say this but this is a masterpiece for a replica!
@@scholagladiatoria with my nerve damage this blade makes it so much easier to use. Thank you so much for the work you do Matt.
Great! Thanks for the details. I wish you good cutting.
Truly an amazing day when 18th century sabers have a good representative on the market. Please send them other styles of saber, maybe we can start a trend!
Glorious to see them produce such an accurate replica. I hope they keep working with you on projects like this.
I speak for everyone when I say that there's nothing in this world like accurate distal taper 💕💕💕
I bought two and am very impressed. Handles just like my antique Osborn&Gunby. And very sharp. A quantum leap in the world of mass-produced repro sabers. Would love to see an 1803 infantry officer’s saber next.
It seems as if Windlass has cracked how to produce replicas, both from measurements and images, and from examining an item first hand. I can't imagine it's easy to set up for producing them to this level of accuracy in any sort of number, let alone for the price. Very impressive.
Surely it helps when aiming for items that were... not quite mass produced in the modern sense, but still churned out in numbers, in almost modern processes. Compare to the older stuff Matt worked on more directly. But... I'd lean towards not trusting my assumptions as well :)
And mine arrived in central Texas today, and I'm very happy with it. This is my first full-on saber, and I'm looking forward to putting some vegetables on posts and slicing them up. Thanks for this review.
Great to hear that they're making a quality replica. From watching your videos I think that the 1788 pattern sword would be a beauty to have them replicate
That looks fantastic… Now we need Windlass to do the same for an 1803 Flank officers sabre!
and the glorious Spadroon!
I'd want to see that 1803 flank saber
Ach! Matt, your partnership with Windlass is going to bankrupt me! 😏
(And here's an odd side note, which I'm sure Windlass could tweak from production of these blades--from someone who's done one and been very happy for it. If the tang on a good 1796 blade is extended, and it's hilted up as a kriegsmesser or Swiss saber? *Wickedly* good one. 😊)
between the royal armouries collection and this its exciting times for seeing so good affordable/midrange swords come out with accurate proportions and construction
>See new windlass sword.
>Still not 1786 spadroon.
>Day ruined.
Kidding of course :)
The fact that it is very affordable is amazing, definitely putting this on my to-get list!
After always seeing antique ones on your channel, it's pretty stunning to see what a shiny new one would have looked like.
First time I met Matt he came out into a grassy field and spent the better part of an hour and a half singing the praises of 1796s and lamenting that the original he brought out didn't have a scabbard...so I know he's gotta be happy about this. It looks really proper.
The british 1788 Heavy Cavalry Sword
I mean, you did two videos about it and looks amazing
This
Your enthusiasm is palpable! If I still had a left, I would be ordering one!
I ordered one just after you posted this review and it finally arrived today. Just unboxed it (and naturally did a side by side comparison with my antique one) and it is a lovely replica that I am very glad to have added to my collection. Thanks for working with them to produce it.
Thats awesome that companies are dedicated to getting it right and working with you
"I should mention the price" Then waffles on, not mentioning the blasted price!!! On the website it's $369.95 ( £303.97) as of 10th Dec 2022 which is pretty reasonable, I was expecting in the mid £700's
Great job Matt
I have a very similar spec Windlass myself, but with an /identical/ leather scabard. I picked it up at Trapper Jon's Knives (Cutlery store) - Sierra Vista, Arizona, by swapping a couple of swords/daggers I no longer desired; approx. 2 years back. Fantastic weapons shop.
These are glorious days for passionate sword people.. thanks Mr Easton.
Kudos to you and Windlass Steelcraft.
Long life to this kind of collaborations where experience meets expertise.
Peace and love from Italy
I didnt belive what I read in the title!
Awesome collab and kuddos to Windlass guys to be literaly on cutting edge right now of affordable yet realisticaly handling sword replicas! 🗡️
Mine just came in, the point of balance is 7 3/4in from the hilt, my cold steel 1796 was 8in. The distal taper in the windlass is near perfect, but the blade is still somewhat wavy. Not as wavy as the cold steel, but still noticeable. Though the point of balance is close between them, the handling couldn’t be more different!
The point of balance is in the range of historical accuracy. Generally due to their structure these swords are weighted towards the front so they are almost historically accurate as well as the original swords differ from each other. What I wanted to ask if the weight is really at 800g and if the distal taper is that accurate at the end almost at the top. If you could have a caliper measurement I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you very much and happy new year!
What I would love to see from windlass is a redone version of their Munich cut and thrust sword with a better proportioned blade and a less chunky hand guard.
Gonna be so happy if they do a line of these into later patterns. Would be really nice to have an 1822 and/or 1845 that I can really use without worrying about breaking a real antique, and a 1788 would be an absolute dream. And if we can get a 1788, maybe imagine one scaled down for infantry while we're at it.
Yes! 100%
Always have to look back through and remind myself of all the options in British sword patterns. 1854 blade with 1827 Rifles hilt would be my first pick if we're looking at options for the next model.
Yup, I'm in on both the 1788 and 1845.
It’s great to see a weapon expert work together with companies to make authentic replicas. I hope you can help windlass make more realistic weapon replicas in the future, as many as possible.
I'm convinced. This could be a landmark moment in the production of good quality replica swords and maybe more importantly a landmark moment in the reputation of Windlass as a company. I always associated them with rather bottom of the barrel swords but if they're putting products like this out going forward that will have to be reevaluated
This is one of my favorite sabers though I love the clipped point 1796 a bit more this is awesome
I love this! I am going to have to get myself one of these babies... Thanks for all the good work you do and well done Windlass for stepping up their game significantly!
Extraordinary! I went to order one immediately, but they are still listed pre-ordered and wouldn't ship internationally. I bought 2 instantly, one on its way to a friend, one for myself. Finally able to get my hands on an accurate reproduction! I got a Cold Steel one who contracted Windlass to make it, already got distal taper from about 8mm down to 3mm, past the midpoint it just didn't tapered enough, and that added quite a bit of weight at the foible. This version sounds perfect. Would be a blast to cut with the new one and compare its handling to the old version of CS.
So the only way to get one is by having it sent to friends in the US, right? I'm in Europe and considering this option because of the "no international shipping" disclaimer on both links. Anyway, looking forward to your review which I'm certain will feature a lot of cutting.
@@heirihunziker aye. That's the only way as of today, until it official comes in stock.
It's great to see care to be taken to make an accurate replica of a famous weapon. I hope it sells well and encourages more projects like this! Even as a very casual saber dabbler, I'm only interested in proper stuff, not unwieldy sword-like objects. Much like the old adage "the only interesting rifles are accurate rifles"
And now the wait begins. I guess I need a trainer 1796 now too.
I think Matt did a video on a synthetic that looked similar
You've done the world a service sir!
Got one based on your comments and review and I absolutely love it. Thanks Matt!
I’ve been wanting an accurate reproduction 1796 ever since I got rid of my Cold Steel - this will be first on my list when I’m in the market for a new sword, thanks Matt!
I hope it comes to the knight shop for the UK customer
Well, the market has been asking for this for a while. Nice to see it come to bear! Kudos Matt.
Yeah, and kudos to windlass as well they have been awesome lately. I imagine these more accurate swords will cost bit more than some of their models, but im sure enthusiasts will happily pay for this level quality.
@@lalli8152 they certainly have stepped up their game. If they went back and made v2.0 of their old models we would really be in a sword Renaissance!
its under 400, very reasonable
I'm in love. I normally like medieval replicas but this is gorgeous. I might have to get myself a christmas present. Looking forward to hearing about these professional sharpeners you use.
Just got mine. Very nice, for the price (a few minor issues, none noteworthy).
Fairly light in the hand, but a lot of authority in the blade. I have 2 antique sabres: 1860 Italian Light Cav and 1885 British Trooper and it feels as good (if different) as either of those.
Pretty sharp, both front and false edges.
Won't rust - have a rag handy when you open it!
Many thanks for letting me know. Plan to get one as soon as my finances improve. As an ' old- Pro ' ESL teacher and forced to rely on earnings derived solely from Hawaiian DOE subbing until someone pays me enough from my writing to get one, it may take some time. Cheers!
I have never bought a sword so fast and I bought two of these. The Atlanta Cutlery is fairly close and has a Xmas discount too.
OK, that accurate distal taper did it for me. And I write books with swords in them, and have some of the sword types. But my light cavalry commander needs a saber for the new book...I'd been looking through your site to find one that looks "right" for the character. Going for it.
Finally!!! I'm going to need to get another wall rack and find a way to explain to my wife why I need this when I already have the Cold Steel. Now you need to convince them to make a 1788 cavalry sword.
Just sell the Cold Steel one
@TheHazmate nah. Hate selling things and I'll probably blunt it for training and reenactment use.
Superb, Matt. This is a huge service you have done for the sword weirdo community. However, both suppliers below are out of stock and won't take backorders from outside the US. Are you aware of a UK supplier yet?
Well done Matt! And congrats to Windlass on putting the effort into such a high quality replica!
I recently picked up an 1804 Cutlass from Kult of Athena, it to has a surprising distal tapper ! I’m very impress
I ordered one on the day of your video release and they were already sold out. Must be a lot of interest. Back-ordered, very excited!
Great video. This may well be one of the most impressive Windlass swords that they have produced. Museum Replicas is running a holiday special where they are taking $65 dollars off the regular price.
LK Chen made a US 1860 light cavalry saber based on an original in their own collection. I'd love to get your opinion on it.
Such an awesome offering, I was hoping that Matt working with Windlass would result in something like this! Can we dream that Windlass would look into taking the same approach on other replicas?
had one about 35 years ago ! had a rough run of luck for a bit , and had to sell it , prices on them are out of my reach now , and I really dont want a repro , but that is rather nice !
If I may add a few suggestions of my own.
While Roman swords get a lot of Love, other Swords from the same period (and slightly earlier) hardly get any Love.
Consequently, I'd love to see the Xiphos get some Love aswell as and possibly more interestingly, the kopis/falcata.
The Market is also lacking good (eight ball ) military spadroon options.
Hell, I'd even be happy with a FIVE-ball spadroon!😂 Seriously though, I was thinking the same thing, that it would be great if they made a good spadroon copy next!
We need to see a windlass 1803 flank officer saber!! It would look so good with your help! Would love to see windlass and you partner up!
Thank you for helping them replicate this beautiful sword!
I’d love to see some accurate French sabres, ideally a “Sabre de bataille d’Officier de Chasseur à Cheval de la Garde Impérial.” But a nice AN IX or XI would be cool too, and probably appeal to more people.
I too would love some French sabres reproduced at a high level of quality
I actually really like the look of the handle on that prototype
I just got mine today! its amazing. How do I install the leather jammy in there?
Congratulations! If you have the possibility, can you measure where the point of balance is?
Thank you for this video, at last a good replica of a 19thC sword, and perhaps the most iconic at that.
Did anyone else get excited when Matt pulled out the calipers?
Just the thing to see pop up in the feed after binging the entire Sharpe series.
Oh man I thought I was done buying swords years ago, but with this!!!!!
I own a Windlass 1796 light cavalry that was made sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s. They were only sold briefly through the Atlanta Cutlery catalogue. I got mine at their showroom at a discount because there was no scabbard for it.
I've never handled an original for comparison but mine does have significant distal taper & I have always wondered how close it was to being correct
I've got an original 1796 LC, and I can tell you that they are paper-thin for the last 6" or so. I guess that's why they cut so well.
I'm going to have to get one of these. I am lucky enough to have acquired a real one, an officer's version, that's in really incredible condition, with the exception that the scabbard is missing one of it's suspension rings, and all the gilt and blued decoration on the blade is gone -- I am fairly certain the blade was at one time covered with the same black rust that the scabbard still is, and a previous owner cleaned it all off, carrying away the bluing and the gold inlay with it. I thought about getting the Cold Steel version, in order to have a replica I could sharpen, and then cut with without worry, but upon learning the distal taper was all wrong, and the blade didn't handle like an original, I lost interest. I'm thrilled to see a company finally offering a proper replica. I'm definitely going to pick one up.
This is such nice news, I have been looking for someone to produce these blades with proper thicknesses for so long.
Hopefully this trend continues on to other 18th and 19th century swords
I might have to pick this up. I've had a 1796 replica I got from cold steel 15 years ago and it has always been a bit of a letdown due to how heavy it felt at the tip.
Yeah, they're not great... I have an original 1796 LC trooper and I've handled the CS replica, and they don't really compare very favourably. The originals seriously are paper thin towards the tip, but the previous replicas just never got that right.
Amazing, next do the 1796 Heavy Cav, with options for period-style modifications.
Not being able to get an accurate replica was great impetus for me to get a real one in very nice condition (a nice big fat wide one), wasn't too expensive either, as well as several variations, officer example and German ones.
It's the old AK-47 of sabres, the Browning 1911, the M1 Garand etc- a great representative example of a weapon used so commonly during a period in history that it became iconic and definitive.
Yeah, you're not wrong... I bought an original 1796 LC for $700 AUD 3 months ago, which is not much more at all than this replica. Mine's a pretty chunky boy too, but then again, I think they all were!
@@alfrede.neuman9082 That's good value. Mine was a similar price. It's wide but not heavy.
@@Theduckwebcomics Yeah, I was pretty pleased… When I bought it, the seller was under the impression that it was probably a Blücher, or even the later Dutch version, but probably not an actual British 1796. When I was inspecting it before buying it, I noticed the (very faint) but definitely present “Osborne” stamp on the spine just above the guard hiding under some dirt. Which along with the thinner guard (unlike the Bluchers or Dutch variants), and the shield shaped langets proves that it is a British 1796 after all. I just forgot to mention all that to him when I was buying it! 🙃
But they really are pretty incredible weapons…. The distal taper on mine is massive, and they don’t feel anywhere near as slow and heavy as you’d expect them to. Mine is incredibly thin towards the tip, but still very broad. I can only imagine how devastating they were on horseback when swung by a burly cavalryman. Out of interest, are yours marked?
Very nice, I hope it's available in the UK soon. I was thinking when the Royal Armouries series came out how nice it would be to have something similar for the 1796 swords - so heavy cav sword next?
Will we be able to buy these in the UK, they appear like they would fall foul of the curved sword law?
@@chrisroberts1440 , I'm American, so I'm not positive... BUT, I think the fact that they're actually hand-forged might mean that they're legal there in the UK. I believe the law states that there can be no curved blades (over 18" inches I believe), EXCEPT for those that are "traditionally made." Although, I would like to hear Matt's opinion on that as well!
@@andreweden9405 they may be available here then, it is a bit of an odd distinction really, it isn't like there is going to be massive difference in functionality. A handmade custom pen knife that locks is still illegal in public even if it cost £500 for example. Then trying to find logic in these laws is just a path to madness ;)
This is absolutely brilliant, Matt! Any hope of a brass guard version in future? Would love to make a nice naval fighting sword of one.
I first fell in love with the design in Assassin's Creed 3, where it's the best sword you can buy without requiring a side quest. Not exactly period accurate, but man did I like the look.
Was fortunate to handle one of these at the royal armouries recently with my HEMA club. May need to invest in one. Would love to see the heavy cavalry sabre made by them.
Fantastic, seems like a no brainer at this price. If only we could get a similarly good, sharp rapier replica with this level of authenticity for a similar price... Or even twice the price for that matter.
I still really love my cold steel 1796 which I believe was made by Windlass. It definitely has a nice distal taper despite being ~15+ years old…
Now we'll start asking you for Wilkinson's!
Any UK sellers planned?.....Cheers.
The force is strong with this one...
If it was an 1845 Infantry sword I'd have one inbound now... a 1796 is tempting though.
Wow! Didn't think I would ever see a saber made in India with REAL distal taper! 😮
I would dearly love to have an M1913 U. S. cavalry sword officer's model with the steel scabbard. Windlass's M1913 "Patton" sword enlisted model is pretty good but I'd like to see the guard strengthened (more like the originals) and a little more attention to fit and finish. And, of course, a steel scabbard like the officer swords had. Those just can't be gotten. We have a couple in the collection of the U. S. Cavalry association but otherwise I've never actually seen one "in real life." A few years ago Windlass collaborated with the USCA on a run of the M1906 cavalry saber and did a marvelous job. I'd like to see something like that happen again with the M1913.
Great work helping Windlass to finally get (especially) the distal taper right. Seeing Windlass products years ago made me write them off as clunky kitchenware, but perhaps it is time to re-evaluate. But that price for such a blade still raises eyebrows, I wonder where in the process they keep cutting the cost. Quality control?
Could you please work with windlass on more sabres? I'd love to see a good 1821 british light cavalry sabre, 1829 French artillery sabre, etc. So few good ones compared to other styles.
Hi Matt, just come across Hanbon Forge, and wondered if you had heard of them? They manke Japanese and Chinese swords mainly . You can get a fully customized weapon at a low price. I have just ordered a tango ( for display only) fully specified for 107 USD includes shipping! They do fully hand forged blades as well at much higher prices. I am not connected to them in any way
. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on an accurate replica and plan on picking one up next month if I can. I would love to see an accurate replica on an 1845 patter infantry officers sword as well as one from the American Revolutionary War area. I’m from the states and have bought two antiques from Matt previously and am still really pleased with both of them.
I was so excited up until I saw that it doesn’t come in blunt version as well.
Any chance a good HEMA/Reenactment version will come out at any point? It seems all the blunt ones either look the part, or handles ok’ish, but never both at the same time.
Have you done a cutting update video yet?
My dad did till few years ago reenactment for our town in Germany. He got a real Sabre and a musket - no replicas. Both very heavy and you have to train with it to be able to hold it for a longer time. The Sabre wasn't sharpened, but I wouldn't want to get hit by it, what it can't cut, it would break.
This sword looks beautiful!
I would love to see a good quality reproduction of any of the early 20th century Polish cavalry sabers. Preferably the Wz. 34 szabla, but I'd be very happy to see the 1921 or 1917 models available, too.
Another excellent video! Thanks Matt!
Ooh, I am so stoked! I've been wanting to get my own 1796 for years and now I will at last!
Now can you get Windlass to make an authentic reproduction copy of your 1788 Heavy Cavaly Sword?
Its really nice. There are so many swords i would like a replica of though. So many good ones that have never been reproduced though.
Such a beautiful sword
Absolutely beautiful, I need one. Hope they deliver to Romania.
Do you have a video of these being manufactured??😊
I enjoyed this a lot, My grandfather brought an officers calvary sword home when he returned from WWII. it is japanese M1899 M32 OTSU sword, It was still razor sharp when i inherited it. So naturally i gave it a shadow swing and a thrust, i noticed that it is exceptionally tip heavy. I presume your sword felt the same. My longswords and arming swords POB is near the guard, the m1899 i have is somewhat way out near center of the blade. Then again it is calvary. so... you ride a horse and let the tip weight work in conjunction horse's mass and speed. I can flat-out tell its deadly as hell.
I would REALLY love to see a replica 1845 french infantry officer sabre
All the different ideas for Windlass's/Matt's next sword project swimming around in my head notwithstanding, I really think the next thing they should do is make a convincing, sharp replica of a rapier. I don't even care which national style they go with: Italian, Spanish, Poppenheimer... doesn't matter! As long as it's the proper length and proportions, I'd buy it! Btw, I've already got their copy of the 1796 on the way, and will hopefully have it by the end of January!😁
Just ordered mine. At 325usd it's a steal. Thanks