Jack Sword & can be Sharpened! What do you think?

[LongJonSparrow]

Not a bad price and looks pretty close...lol I cant post links yet as a member but here are some pics of it..
It goes for about $150 to $200

Here is the description from Museum Replicas
The Pirate Captain's Hanger is made of beautiful antiqued brass and has a steel hilt. The fully tempered high carbon steel blade is worth its salt against any sea beast or while swarming the side of a galley. Your pirate captain’s costume is incomplete without this hanger. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Can be sharpened for additional fee.


I'm going to try an get the money for it.

[Captain McCool]

Yeah, I've seen this one before. It's quite nice really. Not perfect for Jack by any means, but it'll definitely pass if you want something a little higher caliber than just the stainless steel replica version (and also less expensive). This one's carbon steel, and would probably stand up to light stage combat. I have a Windlass Steelcrafts blade from Museum Replicas (it was the model just before the pictured sword, and it had an all-brass handle. Several of the Jacks who were just starting back in '04 and '05 had them, but I just never upgraded), and it has stood up to quite a bit of abuse.

[Capt Jag]

It's not a bad sword at all, having handled one, however the guard is much larger in person than it appears in the pic. I personally prefer the Paul Chen/Cas Iberia Revolutionary War hangar, as the guard is much closer in appearance to Jack's. Being carbon steel, it can be sharpened as well. And the blade has been "antiqued" so it looks more authentic. The only drawback is it has a more pronounced curve than Jack's sword. And it will hold up to stage combat. In addition I have both the MR version and the Musuem Replicas hangar that Capt. McC was talking about, and the Cas sword is the one that I always carry now as Jack. And it's held up quite nicely for all the fighting shows I've done. But again, this one is a fairly nice piece. For pics of the Chen/Cas sword in comparison to the MR version and the plastic Disguise toy and an overall review of it check out this thread.

[LongJonSparrow]

It's not a bad sword at all, having handled one, however the guard is much larger in person than it appears in the pic. I personally prefer the Paul Chen/Cas Iberia Revolutionary War hangar, as the guard is much closer in appearance to Jack's. Being carbon steel, it can be sharpened as well. And the blade has been "antiqued" so it looks more authentic. The only drawback is it has a more pronounced curve than Jack's sword. And it will hold up to stage combat. In addition I have both the MR version and the Musuem Replicas hangar that Capt. McC was talking about, and the Cas sword is the one that I always carry now as Jack. And it's held up quite nicely for all the fighting shows I've done. But again, this one is a fairly nice piece. For pics of the Chen/Cas sword in comparison to the MR version and the plastic Disguise toy and an overall review of it check out this thread.

Thanks I just saw that thread and was looking at that sword as well, Where are the days when you could purchase a sword for a shilling!

[adenry]

I remember seeing a photo of this sword and from a certain angle the guard really looke hugeish and totally flat. I prefer my cheap $40 sword guard.
Remember, most of the time the sword will simply stay in your scabbard so the hilt will be the only visible part.

[Capt Jag]

I remember seeing a photo of this sword and from a certain angle the guard really looke hugeish and totally flat. I prefer my cheap $40 sword guard.
Remember, most of the time the sword will simply stay in your scabbard so the hilt will be the only visible part.

Yes - it is large and flat. A $40 sword is good, if you NEVER plan on doing ANY form of swordplay - even swinging it is risky. Here's why - lesser expensive swords are generally made of stainless steel with a "rat tail" tang. SS has NO flex to it, and therefore all the stress from hitting or even swinging the blade goes directly into the tang. Being SS and being too thin anyway, the tang snaps. And the blade is free... Even if this has NEVER happened before with any similar piece it is a constant threat.

Now, on the other hand, just because a sword is made from high carbon steel doesn't mean it's functional either. Quality costs. A well made sword is properly tempered, esepcially the tang. It will absorb shock and flex. Of course, ANY sword will break if abused, and even those made specifically for stage combat may break after a while. But they can take a LOT of abuse. I check my weapons for stage figthing before and after every gig for wear and tear and to check the mounting. If the hilt is removable I also check the tang.

Bottom line, you get what you pay for. If you buy a $40 sword, realize it's a $40 sword and should do nothing more than be worn, shown, or hung on a wall. If that's all you need, perfect. If you plan on doing any form of swordplay, you need to invest in a decent piece.

It's kind of like buying a $5 motorcycle helmet. Don't know about you, but I don't think I would trust it to protect me, but if I were buying it for a costume then it's perfect. Make sense?

[Captain McCool]

Yep, Jag has the right of it, hands down. That being said, I have used Windlass Steelcrafts swords (the ones sold through Museum Replicas) for stage fighting, and they've held up fine. Although it should be noted that the one time I used my Windlass cutlass against a similar sword from Baltimore Knife and Sword Co. (http://baltimoreknife.com/) it chewed the snot out of my Windlass blade. Clearly there is a pretty big difference in the hardness and temper of the steel there. The moral of the story being always try to match the swords you're fighting with as much as possible.

And yeah, I agree, the Paul Chen one is probably my favorite of the lot. The Windlass sword really does have way too big of a hilt, and the hand guard is indeed completely flat - like a big plate, not dished at all. I too wish the blade were a bit straighter on the Paul Chen sword, but the hilt is more the correct shape (and so is the pommel, if only a bit small), and the antiquing on the blade is really, really nice. It's also being sold for a very similar price, so if you're trying to choose between the two, I'd say the choice is pretty clear.

[adenry]

Yeah, definitely don't try to use cheap swords for actual fighting! I'm sure it'll break right away. Actually I can hardly even swing mine cause the balance is so bad - naturally, because the blade is steel. I've seen a few swords from that price range used in stage combat - they all ended badly after the first or second strike.

So I was simply saying the hilt of this one kind of looks bad. I wouldn't recommand my sword, I just thought its hilt looks better

Cheers!

[LongJonSparrow]

I remember seeing a photo of this sword and from a certain angle the guard really looke hugeish and totally flat. I prefer my cheap $40 sword guard.
Remember, most of the time the sword will simply stay in your scabbard so the hilt will be the only visible part.

Do you have a link for you sword? Because its true, my sword stays in the scabbard 90% of the time. And when I go to bar events I have to bring my plastic one. Other events its "peace" tied.
As much as I would like a real fully functional non stage sword I'm looking up past $600 probably.

I just haven't found a jack looking one for under a $100 so far :/

[Captain McCool]

Well, the Paul Chen sword and the Museum Replicas sword are both around $150. So ultimately they're not all that expensive for a "battle ready" sword. Personally I think they look a lot better than the $50 replicas out there too.

[adenry]

Do you have a link for you sword? Because its true, my sword stays in the scabbard 90% of the time. And when I go to bar events I have to bring my plastic one. Other events its "peace" tied.
As much as I would like a real fully functional non stage sword I'm looking up past $600 probably.

I just haven't found a jack looking one for under a $100 so far :/

I got mine in a local store. Heck, I don't even know what brand it is, it doesn's say anywhere. This is what it looked like when I bought it:
https://2img.net/h/i402.photobucket.com/albums/pp104/jedi_vader/Jack%20Sparrow%20Costume/sword.jpg
According to this photo on Mojo's wiki it's called "Legendary pirate cutlass".
http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/file/view/POTCJS7swords.jpg

This sword needs modding in order to look more like Jack's as you can see and that's what I'm currently doing. I had the blade shortened, sharpened and weathered. I also removed the stupid skulls at the base of the blade. Currently modding the handle - I removed the silverish thing on the grip and now I'll try to cover it in resin, shape it and paint it. I'm also making a leather scabbard for it as the black wooden one the sword comes with is totally ugly, heavy, not-SA... yeah you can see the nice skulls and pistols on it, great, aye?

This is what's available on the net, $56:
http://budk.com/Swords/Pirate-Cutlass-Sword

Edit: added arrbay links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/35-Classic-Caribbean-Pirate-Cutlass-Sword-Bow-Guard-/200643873533?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2eb74e8afd
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pirate-Cutlass-Boarding-Blade-Sword-38-w-Scabbard-/280403440991?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414958f55f

This one's actually better than mine, it has those grooves on the blade and this black weathered finish. It has the same handle and almost the same scabbard as mine. BUT it's longer than mine, a 29 1/4" blade where the correct length is about 25" as far a s I know. Mine was like 27 before I got it shortened... I think.

So if you can somehow get the $150 I recommend to go for the real swords! If you don't, go for this one, I think that's the closest cheap sword to Jack's there is. If you're into modding you can make it look much more better and closer to SA. I'll post pics of my modded sword when I finish it. Still, bear in mind, you can't do anything practical with this one, even swinging is hard because it's unbalanced and heavy and it's easily breakable if you make the wrong move...

You might want to check these links if you haven't already:
http://jacksparrowcostuming.wikispaces.com/Weapons
http://cjskttccostumewiki.pbworks.com/w/page/5132469/A%20Tale%20of%20Three%20Swords

[Mrs. Captain Jack Sparrow]

I have fun doing this......go to ebay and type in Vintage sword. I came across a sword that looked exactly....AND I MEAN EXACTLY like Captain Jack's!! It was a real thing....sword I mean. Thought that was pretty cool and I kept checking up on it since I was watching it. The guy wanted $800 for it + shipping. It looks very cool and was in great shape considering how old it was.

[liarr]

I carry a windlass. I like it. It's been through a lot and takes quite a beating.

[Capt Jag]

Yep, Jag has the right of it, hands down. That being said, I have used Windlass Steelcrafts swords (the ones sold through Museum Replicas) for stage fighting, and they've held up fine. Although it should be noted that the one time I used my Windlass cutlass against a similar sword from Baltimore Knife and Sword Co. (http://baltimoreknife.com/) it chewed the snot out of my Windlass blade. Clearly there is a pretty big difference in the hardness and temper of the steel there. The moral of the story being always try to match the swords you're fighting with as much as possible.

And yeah, I agree, the Paul Chen one is probably my favorite of the lot. The Windlass sword really does have way too big of a hilt, and the hand guard is indeed completely flat - like a big plate, not dished at all. I too wish the blade were a bit straighter on the Paul Chen sword, but the hilt is more the correct shape (and so is the pommel, if only a bit small), and the antiquing on the blade is really, really nice. It's also being sold for a very similar price, so if you're trying to choose between the two, I'd say the choice is pretty clear.

Yeah, the BK&S blades do tear up other blades... They tend to make their swords thick and heavy, with rounded edges. They will stand up to a LOT of abuse. A bit heavier than historical counterparts, but perfect for stage combat.

LongJon - if you pick up the one with the blackened blade, and it is too black, taking some fine sandpaper or steel wool to it and lightly sanding it off will leave the sword looking perfectly aged. I did that with the MR Barbossa sword, and it came out having a nice weathered look to it.
If all you need is one that looks and feels real for show, I think these would be your best option. Although, the Hanwei/Cas and MRL pieces are technically "real" swords, and searching around on the net can probably score the Hanwei for around $150. One place to check is Kultofathena.com they usyally have decent prices.

You know, it is really good to be back on the forum again and engaging in conversation... (Singing) I love this bar...er...forum...

[Capt Jag]

Wow - the Bud K sword is going for $25! I may pick one up for the pirates that join me from time to time but don't do any fighting. Some modification and you've got a good looking sword there...

[LongJonSparrow]

Ah ok yea I have seen that sword, lol my buddy just got it for his random pirate outfit, it's in my living room.
But yea I might get it or another cheap one for now. But yea I would like one I can put a little more into. I can't expect much from a $24 sword. "I half expected it to be made of wood"

[Captain McCool]

Actually, wood might be better than some of those uber-cheapo swords. Seriously, a friend of mine got one of those "Jack Sparrow" ones with the black blade, and pretty much never took it out of the scabbard. One day she was just walking along, and the hilt just busted right off in her hand. The blade was still in the scabbard, she went to put her hand on the hilt, and SNAP. So yeah, something to bear in mind. Although admittedly I've known other people with those who never had that problem.

[LongJonSparrow]

Actually, wood might be better than some of those uber-cheapo swords. Seriously, a friend of mine got one of those "Jack Sparrow" ones with the black blade, and pretty much never took it out of the scabbard. One day she was just walking along, and the hilt just busted right off in her hand. The blade was still in the scabbard, she went to put her hand on the hilt, and SNAP. So yeah, something to bear in mind. Although admittedly I've known other people with those who never had that problem.

lol but sucks at the same time,
I got my sword in the mail from BUDK and will be modifying it over the next few weeks. Will take some pics, working between my costume and a Babydoll costume for a friend.

[Captain McCool]

Well luckily with Babydoll there's not a lot of actual costume to make
...not complaining, mind you.

[capt.J.j.sparrow]

Well luckily with Babydoll there's not a lot of actual costume to make
...not complaining, mind you.

haha I had to make a babydoll for my fiance... cute costume.....

[LongJonSparrow]

Very true it will look good I will post pics when she is wearing it on RPF.

[adenry]

Just finished modding mine. I'll try to get some pics up soon.

[LongJonSparrow]

Just finished modding mine. I'll try to get some pics up soon.

Look forward to seeing it.

[adenry]

I posted pics of my modded sword in my thread:
https://brethrencourt.rpg-board.net/t391-captain-jack-in-bulgaria#7116

[Major Captain Jack]

For what it's worth I have the Windlass cutlass. Not a bad sword, but certainly not able to withstand stage combat. Its already separating from the hilt after a few rounds. I'm investing in a Spack Jarrow and an aluminum Angelica sword for my stage partner.

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