Battlecry Acre Crusader Broadsword

Love every Battlecry blade I own this makes 6. Sharp balanced and functional with peened pommels.

This was my first sword from Windlass, and I'm impressed with the quality, handling, fit and finish. The sword and sheath came individually wrapped in a secure manner that took a couple minutes to remove. There was a coating of protective oil on the blade, but without noticeable odor unlike the smelly grease that was slathered on the blade of my more expensive 1815 French Officer's Saber from Cold Steel (also pictured). It also arrived in a timely manner within Amazon's estimated delivery date, unlike the 1815.But what really impressed me was the quality of the sword itself. When I first held it in my hand, I was pleasantly surprised to feel that it was lighter than I had expected, as the listed weight was 3 lbs. 6 oz which made me hesitant to buy it at first, as that would be quite overweight for a historical one-handed arming sword! (Side note: This isn't technically a "broadsword," but more like an Oakeshott Type X arming sword in form; although colloquially it wouldn't be blasphemous to call it one). The specified weight in the included "proof" letter was 2 lbs. 15 oz, which is much better as it falls under the 3 lb. general maximum.Fit and finish: ZERO rattling of the crossguard or hilt, unlike my even-more-expensive Cold Steel 1815 which suffered from that exact problem. The blade, crossguard, and pommel are straight and centered. The peen on the pommel is noticeable and slightly raised with sharp corners, but solid as a rock so it doesn't matter. I understand that this "Battlecry" line was intended for performance over pure appearance - a rare and much-appreciated sentiment among the myriad of useless wall-hangers and SLO (sword-like objects) that oversaturate the sword market today. I also just love the off-black, stonewashed finish on the blade, crossguard, and pommel because it just screams "business" while still looking classy and rustic.Handling: This is where the Crusader REALLY delivers. At 2 lbs. 12 oz, it somehow feels even lighter and better-balanced than my 1815 which weighs 2 lbs. 2 oz and has the same POB (point of balance) - about 6.5 inches from the guard. And despite having blade presence, it feels like an extension of my hand and also leaves my hand with zero hot spots or cramps with use, even after several minutes of constant test cutting. Only a slight leather smell remains on my palm after prolonged use, which is much more subtle than the strong brass odor, the hot spots, and the thumb cramp I was normally left with after doing drills with my 1815 saber. The handle on this one is secure AND comfortable, whereas on the 1815 it is only secure, and I feel like I have to grip that one much harder for it to stay that way.Also, the pommel is in contact with the heel of my hand during use, but the steel is smooth and the edges are filleted, so no problems there.Performance: While I don't intend to libel Cold Steel or their product, I will report the results of my rough cutting tests with my new Crusader versus the 1815 I've also tested (just for a frame of reference). And while I have already disposed of the mangled test mediums (thick cardboard shipping boxes) and can't take pictures, I will attempt to qualitatively report the results.Constants: Both blades were very sharp out of the box and had edges that would slice paper without problems. Box used was a 24" x 16" x 6" shipping box with 1/4" thick cardboard faces.1815 cutting test: A "snap cut" using only wrist and elbow motion lacerated an 8-9 inch, full-depth slash through the front of a thick cardboard shipping box. Edges of the cut were "dented," "pushed," "sucked" inward."Chopping" the outside edge/corners of the box only resulted in a 1-inch long x 1-inch deep, very crushed-looking cut in the corner alone.Crusader cutting test: A "snap cut" using only wrist and elbow motion lacerated an 11-12 inch, full-depth slash through the front of the same cardboard shipping box (different face and location). Edges of the cut were clean and crisp without any of that denting, as if someone had poked in a razor blade and sliced straight through for 11-12 inches."Chopping" the outside edge/corners of the box resulted in a 1-inch deep laceration that spanned the entire width of the box (about 6 inches). The edges were slightly pushed inward in a manner that resembled the time I lacerated my pinky finger while being stupid with a Bowie knife when I was 12.Thrusting test: This was the only application I would consider my 1815 superior to my Crusader. Given the same (or at least similar) effort on my part, I was able to penetrate both sides of the box (completely run through) with the 1815, whereas only one side was penetrated with the Crusader. This is most likely due to the thicker, narrower, stiffer cross-section of the 1815 versus the wider, thinner, more flexible cross-section of the Crusader.Cons: The ONLY flaw I have a problem with is that the sword is very tight in the scabbard and takes significant effort to put in and out. This should wear in with time and use, however.The scabbard also leaves a strange white powder on the blade when you draw it (which I hear is common for Windlass swords).Conclusion: This is definitely a "real" sword, and one of the best in its price range, at least compared to more popular offerings from Cold Steel (I also have a 1908 British Cavalry Sword from them). And while there exists better out there, you'd have to pay well over double for them. But if you're looking for a badass, functional arming sword for less than four Benjamin Franklin's, then it would be hard to go wrong with this one.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE AUGUST 8, 2022:I have experienced a few issues.1) After further light test cutting on the previously mentioned cardboard boxes, the blade has developed two small stress fractures on one side, spaced about two inches apart. No hard objects (such as wood or tougher) were ever contacted, and I never struck with the flat of the blade nor too reasonably far "off angle" from the edge for this to happen with normal use. Pictures are underway. (I also JUST ordered and tested a battle axe from the same company, with no such structural failures after similar cutting practices. This is definitely a heat-treat lemon!)2) A strand of wire wrap near the middle of the grip has come loose, and interferes with ergonomics. No such problem so far with the Cold Steel (that also has a wire-wrapped leather handle).It's honestly a shame, since I really liked this sword both in the way it looks and the way it handles. Oh well, time to relegate it to "display" status.

Great sword