Windlass Historical Tactical Hunting Military D-Guard Hand Forged Steel Bowie Knife with Leather Scabbard

This is a small sword as far as I'm concerned. It is relatively light, and solid. The grip is a bit small but I don't have large hands to begin with. The blade is strong with a good finish. The Scabbard looks good and is solid also, but lacking any attachment for a belt. I'm sure that can be remedied by a little work with some leather strapping. The fastenings are tight and very tidy in appearance. It is also quite Sharp though I would not look for it to be a razor being what it is. I am very satisfied. If I were of a mind to, I would purchase one for a number of friends. This weapon is a pleasure to own. I am a former infantryman, and while I would have looked rather awkward carrying this around in a modern fatigues, I would have liked to have it when I was serving in the South Pacific.

perfection, this thing is good for costumes, historical reenactment, damn near durable enough for camping trips.Perfect size for both Bowie, knife or short sword drills.If you had to own one sword, make it this one!

I was literally astonished when I opened the package, this is exactly what I was looking for. As a Pirate reenactor / educator, I have been looking for something more than what is being offered as pirate cutlasses. Everything offered is far too long for shipboard close-in battles, a true pirate's weapon would be specialized for exactly that purpose. This weapon is exactly what I believe a pirate of the golden age would be using. A shortened Cutlass built for slashing and stabbing. I will be removing the edge from this weapon and dulling the point for educational safety reasons.Fabulous!

Very small. Disappointed.

On first impression I'll say that it's very well done. The polishing and stain is great (not a light brown but a darker antiqued look) and there is no rust. The scabbard is nicely fitted, the seam is well done, and is also not too snug or loose. I have yet to test the stain's staying power or the knife itself. The blade is well in line with the handle although is ever so slightly bent, which you'll notice makes it slightly snug when you start to sheath it.

I go to Renaissance Faires every year and dress as a pirate. This was an awesome addition to my costume! Looks great, not as long or heavy as most cutlass swords I have seen. Blade was VERY sharp, but I dulled it for my use.

This is one of my favorite knife/sword purchases so far. The length is about as short as you can go and still call it a sword. It's probably more long dagger than sword with the blade measuring just over 17 1/2 inches. It is not as wide or as thick as what I would consider normal for a Bowie so the weight is comparable to a Bowie that is half the length. The handle is comfortable and the guard is tight with no wobble. Overall balance is nice. I tested it on a piece of wood and I would be comfortable chopping soft wood or brush with it, but it is designed to be more of a slashing or thrusting weapon than a chopper.

This is a great (and authentic) knife for Civil War reenactments.It's rather cumbersome as a camp knife.