Medieval Review - Windlass Suontaka Viking Sword
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- čas přidán 18. 12. 2015
- Medieval Review takes a look at the Suontaka viking sword by Windlass.
This sword can be found here:
www.museumreplicas.com/p-2761-...
kultofathena.com/product.asp?i...
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Did you know, "Suontaka" basicly means "bog's backside." Just wondering. Finland. Yay!
Good review!
I'm so happy this channel exists. I'm only sad because you don't have a larger following. You definitely deserve it due to the professionalism your videos have!
+Puglord99 It happens slowly over time...
+Medieval Review Indeed. Just found this channel myself. (Great videos btw!) Skallagrim for example didn't have thousands of subscribers when he started.
@@medievalreview you hit the nail on the head! But you still deserve more friend! Take care ❤️
This sword appeals to me especially because it was discovered from a tomb in Finland (I am Finnish). Many Finnish swords from the period were really beautiful with both Viking and more "exotic" (Russian) influences. Too bad that there are so few replicas of those.
i'm pretty sure the "viking" swords were actual viking swords not influenced by them.
@@meginna8354 Deepends on what you mean by a Viking. We had our own language not the least related to other Nordics. And our own gods. But made and used similar weapons.
Finno-Ugrians originally inhabited Finland and Scandinavia if you ask a history and prehistory researcher. Do not ask a Swede unless he/she is an expert or has been studying the subject. Let's just say Varangian. Includes us both.
@@Joonavainio We all know what Viking means, Norse raiders. Finns are not Norse and were the victims of vikings.
Yes, Sami inhabited northern Scandinavia.
There were no Finnic Varangians. Are you hypothesising that Finnics tagged along with the Rus?
@@meginna8354 Not a hypothesis. But I won't start arguing over that. And I wasn't questioning what Viking means, just curious about the etymology.
Sami or Saame were and are a branch uf Uralic people like Finns and Estonians (gene tests language, some culture). Just migrated to the then empty north and south Finland via different routes around neolithic.
@Joonavainio
It is well documented archeologically and often overlooked about the Baltic Vikings. Coastlines of what is modern Finland, Estonia and Latvia were Finnic tribes that were also seafaring warriors of the north. Many of the archeological finds of these areas have lots of influences of what is middle Sweden.
It's obvious these chieftains had close relations with each other and shared a lot of commonalities. Unfortunately, these Finnic people had oral traditions through songs and stories and didn't write much down as far as we know.
hello Mr. Medieval Reviews. i Actually just received this sword as a gift for Christmas from my parents. they know i love the dark and middle ages history and sword design, and i've started teaching my self blacksmithing and metal working, as well as wood and leather working. they decided after having seen me watch this review a great many times as well as having researched the original pice from photographs and books, that i must really like the sword as a whole. I have to say, this review really nails every point about this replica on the nose. i know Windlass isn't the "high-end" producer that Albion is, but i do really believe that they made this as true to the original as windlass has ever done. down to the cross guard, pommel and handle inlays. Sure, there are a few flaws that as you said might get passed quality control, but nothing detrimental to the form or function. in my opinion it really just makes it look like a sword thats seen some battles in the days of old, or used by ones ancestors. i feel this keeps each unique and beautiful. ( mine is just one imperfection on one of the inlays, and the peen could have been smoother.) to me, this is the sword i Imagine the Hero Beowulf using in his quest to vanquish the evil monsters Grendel and his Mother the water hag, that haunted Hrothgar and his kingdom, and later the Dragon that threatened his own. even though its a 10th-11th century design.
point being, I love your reviews, and this one helped me decide what migration era sword (viking sword) i was really going to start looking into and research first. and i am absolutely 100% pleased with the sword as a whole. hell, even the handle is useable one or two handed, due to the more rounded and forgiving shape of the pommel. truly a beauty to behold. i've named mine Brynhildr. (Broom-hill-da) :v
Windlass should pay you for doing this review cuz now I'm actually gonna go buy it
if rather be in Albion's pocket. but this is good one.
+Medieval Review Fair enough but their reputation is already bulletproof
its fricking nuke proof
everythings bulletproof nowadays
I literally bought this sword because of this review. Thank you for the extent of detail when doing your reviews. And the historical context in every review makes your channel much more authentic to me. Thank you
I have been wanting to buy this sword for my wedding but they ran out of stock on the website I had it saved on. I tried looking on Kult of Athena, and was thrilled to find it! That's where I found this video linked, and it really sealed the deal for me. I really appreciate your content, and I am excited to be ordering this sword now, in part thanks to this video!
nevermind, just found out it's backordered :')
@@alisonwright299 www.museumreplicas.com/the-suontaka-viking-sword is the primary reseller and they say it is in stock.
@@medievalreview Thanks! I found it there, ordered it, and received it recently. It's such a beautiful sword and the blade is sharper than I even expected. I can't wait to use this for my wedding :)
@@alisonwright299 Awesome, glad I could help! Congratulations on getting married!
Just picked mine up today! Your review is spot on! Odin did not appear when I drew the blade, so only 4/5. Guess I wasn't Viking enough.
But were you able to unscrew the pommel? That's the important part.
In Finnish mythos it would be Ukko, or the Tavastian god of war, Turisas.
@@thrownswordpommel7393 if a sword's pommel cannot unscrew it is a bad sword, there isn't more to it.
How am I going to stun the enemy if I can't unscrew the pommel?
Fantastic review. I'd been eyeing this one for a long time. I'm sure I'll pick it this year.
Love your painting in the background - “The Accolade," by Edmund Leighton. I've a copy of that one myself, and his, “God Speed!” here at home as well. ❤
I just ordered this sword. Very excited to await it's arrival!
@@garrett4115 I’ve bought one! It’s amazing!
I'm definitely buying this. Thanks for your detailed and honest review.
How is it??
This went on sale on Friday for MRL’s deal of the day. Ordered it for my Norse costume.
I have like the looks of this sword from Windlass. This sword has been replicated by a few custom makers, favorite is Jeffrey Robinson's. Windlass impressed me with their Conan swords. For their price point they are very hard to beat. Also another 4 swords for windlass, two in a row.
+John Alexander i agree this sword looks like they have improved on the finish of theyr swords i have the conan swords tho i do love them i just hope they apply the same finish and quality to them as they have with this suontaka looks like proper bronze if they do i will have to get them again
Hi David, While it would be great I doubt they will ever go with real bronze.I think it would increase price beyond their market niche.
+John Alexander real bronze plating would be better than the stuff it comes coated in i painted mine with metallic bronze tamiya x33 bronze rewrapped the grip looks and feels way better plus if they did a deluxe version at a slightly higher price would still buy one albion version way out of my budget and i think they gave up the licence anyway
That's gorgeous. Thanks for doing this review
this review got you my sub. also how would you compare this magnificent blade to your einar sword?
It's ridiculously addictive to look at lol
Hi.. The orginal has Finnish war-god symbols and text NIOIN on the blade. Finns used all so bone on the handle and wood on the sheet a lot. They have founded 40 viking age swords in last 2 years in Finland. Search song "Suurin" its war song of this pagan age.
Good point. But the viper was not of the war god, but Ukko, ruler of skies and thunder (ukkonen) lightning. Viper associated with him, as the nordic viper has a lightning bolt pattern in its back.
I have purchased this exact sword from windlass…it is amazing!!
Damn, i bought it... Can't wait for the delivery :D
@@garrett4115 just bought it myself, I’ll let you know
I definitely agree with other commentators here, this channel is not getting the attention it so rightfully deserves. Nowhere near it. Regardless of the topic, be it review or reflections, your videos are always extremely well planned, professional, pedagogical and highly personal.
One of the finest sword/medieval/history community contributions on the entire Tube!
Wow, thank you! I've been greatly encouraged by the support of my viewers thus far. My primary goal is not to have the most subscribers or become CZcams famous. But to add value to the community. I hope I can continue to do that.
+Medieval Review you are... Im addicited to your channel do to its great content and they awesome way you deliver it, keep up the fantastic work :)
Good review brother, what do you think about the Ronin Katana Viking sword ?
All of their Viking swords are good. It's the one thing they've been doing well and for some time.
Not Viking, Finnish.
Finnic Patriot Ye but still it was originally from the viking era so you could esentially any sword from that era is a viking sword. But yes you are correct!
@@elliot157 the so called viking sword was used by most of the West n northern Europe following the roman sword. It was an adaptation used by many.
Carolingion sword just dubbed the viking sword
@@finnicpatriot6399 has Scandinavian artwork on it though so either made by or owned by Scandinavian alternately made by a finnish smith who took artistic inspiration from Scandinavian knotwork art. Scandinavians have been present on the Finnish peninsula for a long time and historically had contact with both sami and Finns. There had been centuries of cultural crossover long before Sweden incorporated Finalnd into it's territory officially
Thank you for this review!! What’s your opinion of Darksword Armory? I just ordered their medieval knight sword.
Thank you for this video I now own same sword. But why is it full tang but cross guard is hollow. Will not hold up very long. Best to place on wall as looks good but not as strong as made to be. Guess people don't know when they lie
Very nice. I may need to add that to my collection soon. I'm actually anxious to see Ronin Katana's new European line in January. They look like a vast improvement over the last line they did.
Also, me one of the best things they can do to improve the quality of their blades is to pressure fit the guard and pommel. To be honest I think more companies need to do that as well. Even Dark Sword Armory is guilty of this. Sure they use a combination of nut and peening as well as hard wood and thick leather for their grips. However, for the price their guards have some big gaps that can lead to a wiggle in the cross guard.
Additionally, if pressure fitting is too expensive they could also tack weld them on as well. Just like Wulflund. I mean they use modern technology and steel on the blades themselves. Why not just go the distance with the hilt. As long as they don't mess up the heat treatment and clean up the welds afterword they would be rock solid.
Furthermore, they could use some more distal taper as well as better scabbards too, but that's par for the course.
+James Whitworth I think your points are well founded.
I have a minor gripe with the handle: comparing it to the picture you displayed (and viking swords in general), it seems about 1" too long, and I'm worried that might have a negative impact on its performance.
Also, can I ask what its crossection is? It looks lenticular, but I'm not sure.
Love the channel. You really talked me into this one, partially due to my viking bloodline.. Though I do prefer more classic straight-guard designs with lobed or similar pommels... keep up the good work man!
#You fail, this sword is Finnish :DD
Where are windlass products forged?
the handle is too long, you're supposed to use part of the pommel as part of the grip, thats why the handle should only be 2-3 inches long
WANT
Does the sword fall out of the scabbard?
Very nice. I need a good Viking sword for my collection. Actually my collection is a little thin as far as European swords are concerned. I have a Gladius but thats the Cold Steel machete version, I need a real Gladi, and Id like to get a Viking era Sword, a Falcion or Messer, and a Cutlass. All things I can get from Windlass hoepefully. Never been a fan of Crusader style cross-guarded, double bladed Longswords or Rapiers for that matter.
I gave my wife the Albion valkyria,and she really like it alot..Thats a nice sword.
It's like the high-end version of this sword. Really wish it wasn't sold out
Albion is a high end sword smithery. And Ring of the Niebelungs is one of my favourite movies with the Valkyrie Brünnhilde played by the lousy actor but a gorgeous woman Christianne Löken. If I was a woman, I would envy you for your great gift of true love.
But remember, Siegfried bested her in battle. And by fate, she was obliged to submit and love him. Read; Forced to fuck, as she met a man better in battle.
Pre-investment question here : I've seen some other Windlass swords have "made in India" engraved on the base of the blade. Is it also engraved on this one? Because, It seems there is something, but that side of the blade can barely be seen.
Hope it doesn't. That would destroy the historical accuracy. What kind of idiot would even think about doing so?
Can you review your thoughts on the valyrian steel game of thrones replicas? Especially the Damascus versions
+PitsPenguins87 Sure, I'd almost certainly review the majority of them at 1/5 or 2/5 (at best) because they are not really swords.Most are stainless steel wall hangers, including some of the "damascus" ones. A very few of them are high carbon steel blades with a full tang, but I don't trust a prop replica company to know what they are doing, it is almost certain that it will be too heavy (partly due to a lack of distal taper), poorly fitted at the hilt, and ultimately unusable. The one that springs to mind is this one: www.valyriansteel.com/shop/swords/robb-stark/prod_21.html
At the priced they ask for the replicas these will only be good purchases for people who are fans of ASoIaF and more specifically the HBO TV show.
If you want a real sword, then stay far far away from these. Taking a look at that Rob Stark sword, you can pretty much re-create is with the Make your own sword from Museum Replicas: www.museumreplicas.com/c-135-create-your-own-sword.aspx
i'd love to see a viking sword with japanese tamahagane steel
@@medievalreview Before Viking era proper and at the start of it, swords were not damascus. The bladesmiths used forging together entwined different qualities of iron and steel strips. Resulting in more or less even hardness and toughness, and a pattern that LOOKED like damascus. Hence 'pattern weld'. Once suitably high quality metals were more readily available, they (we) didn't need that.
But it was not crucible steel like wooz fom India via Damascus trade routes. Most cheaper 'damascus' blades sold these days aren't even pattern welded. But have a fake pattern etched into them.
As trivia, what is now Finland had plenty of lakes and fens, we had access to relatively pure iron in them. The withdrawing ice age glacier had scraped many places to bedrock, unveiling ores there just for picking and smelting.
In Finnish mythology, a great wolf ran across the fens of Kaleva (South Finland and Karelia and Estonia). And in its footsteps iron was revealed. Now you know the riddle of steel, young warrior.
Finland!!
Fantastic review! What are your thoughts about windlass viking swords compared to the DSA? I have fallen in love with this one, but if Einar is of better quality I would reconsider.
+Plaschke18 Einar is better quality (at least my second one seems to be), but that comes at the price increase.
+Medieval Review thanx a lot ;)
+Medieval Review "Viking sword, Viking viking.."
It was found in Häme(tavastia), Finland.
It was dated to 1100AD.
Viking age ended basically at 1066.
Also, Finnish people fought both Novgorodians and Vikings.
We even killed a viking Jarl to our forests.
As we have always done..
Come to us with criminal thoughts and we cut you open and either ditch you into our thousands lakes or leave you in to the marshes.
Okay, poetry aside, this sword is not a viking sword.
"Viking Sword" is a common shorthand term for "Viking Era Sword". And this falls into the style common of the Viking Era, regardless of geographic location.
Medieval Review Does not fall.
Simple as pie.
This was found after when the viking age had already clearly ended.
Is there a gap between the sword blade and the hand guard? Is it the usual like other Windlass swords? Also, how does this compare to the Dark Sword Einar Viking Sword?
+Mark Bernal Yes it has the gap. It feels a little lighter than the Einar. Is there something specific you want compared?
+Medieval Review Nothing in particular I wanted compared , was just curious which sword you would recommend more seeing how they are both good looking swords.
It's now even cheaper, at $292.50
this is coolest viking sword
have you any thoughts on coldsteel swords?
+bmxriderforlife1234 also just forgot to say your reviews are so professional and well done you deserve way more subscribers and i love how you point out flaws on anything you see ive seen a few reviews of certain companies where people ignore things that at the price i wouldnt
+bmxriderforlife1234 Thanks! Here are my thoughts on cold steel limited that they may be. Their older line of swords had many many flaws, bad weigth balance and construction. More recently (starting with the Italian Longsword) They seemed to have rectified many of these issues, but not all. Generally the Italian longsword is accepted as being one of the first good Cold Steel European Swords. I'm holding hope for some of their newer swords, specifically the 2016 Polish Saber. Cold Steel's swords are generally a gamble, but even if they are good, they are not going to be the best out there by any stretch of the imagination.
In my mind there is one thing that works against Cold Steel's ability to make quality weapons, and that is how they market themselves. They generate a lot of hype, encourage fanboyism, and tout themselves as the best available product. This leads me to think that as a company they lack introspection, which may hold them back from doing anything truly exceptional.
I hope to continue growing my subscriber base, but I am at the mercy of the internet, and she is a fickle beast. Feel free to share my videos, the only way I get exposure is when my videos are shared.
Thanks!
+Medieval Review I've seen three brand new cold steel products brand new all with loose hilts a katana a basket halted broad sword and the Messer but I have heard the quality has increased I still really wouldn't but any unless I could see it hands on before purchase which sucks I kinda like the look of the messer
and I will most definitely share your channel btw i believe in the kultur of athena grab bag video you said you had a sword buyers guide custom katana do you have a review of it I've been interested in them
+bmxriderforlife1234 I'm no Katana expert, and it is a modern Katana, made from a single high carbon steel, nice construction, very nice blade. perfectly functional and hopefully fairly unique since I got to choose the fittings and colors. I think it is worth the purchase price. my basic, non review, thoughts on it.
+Medieval Review fair but anyone can give a fair judgment of handle wrap quality if it's tight or not basically and speak to any malformations such as unevenness
I got one and my hilt seems pretty straight but my pommel if looking down on it you can tell its just slightly off in alignment when they pinned it, counter clockwise like 1/4 inch. It is blade heavy and a Viking sword design by default can be blade heavy but I think its also a problem with the blade blanks windlass uses. I think its a few inches too long and too round of a tip because the fuller isn't quit right. I also feel the sharpening services is a waste on this sword. On mine you have to pull it out the sheath slow or the edge will rub the metal on the scabbard dulling it and its too hulk smashy to do much water bottle cutting,... and its so pretty I don't want to use it. I feel this sword is a better display peace. Yes its " BATTLE READY" and made well enough of well enough materials for the price but I wouldn't want to fight with this.. Id end up dead. Its too slow, blade heavy, the balance is way off, this is strictly a display peace. In fact I hate the blade but love the handgaurd hilt and pommel, I love the scabbard and belt, its the actual killing part that is the downfall. I say this is a great sword for a collector but if you want something to cut with and swing around shadow fighting? move along, this doesn't even come close to functional in my mind and relies mostly on being pretty... Its not a waste of money, but it is important to know why you are buying it and what you want to do with it or you may be let down. This is not for light sparing in hema or cutting tests, this isn't for shadow fighting, straight up for display only, even if its heat-treated pinned and made of a good steel, the blade design is soooooo bad your arm will give out 10 swings latter and even a noob would block or parry or dodge your 1st swing counter and kill you cause its just so slow, I can swing it 2 handed but its not a 2 handed sword.. keep this in mind cause as much as I love these videos and this channel and respect this guy, he missed that crucial point in this review.. hope you guys trust me and don't buy this with the intentions of water bottle cutting unless you are 6ft5 280lb of fitness buffed out like the terminator.. its a tough swing for short, skinny or fatties.. just keeping it real with you guys.
+Coolnicknameguy Wow, I'm sorry you don't like how it performs. In general I certainly agree with your points about the blade. 3lbs for a sword is on the heavy side, but for a lot of viking style swords in is about average. This is one of the problems with reviews so very little of it can truly be objective. I will also agree that I do not like Windlass' sharpening service.
This kind of comment is helpful because it gives people a second opinion and they can be more informed.
Cheers mate!
Medieval Review don't get me wrong I still love the sword its just seeing it online and then holding it in your hands I got a different perspective.. once I held it and took it in and out the scabbard this peace became purely display for me or ideal for costume play. It just doesn't look or feel like a water bottle or mat cutter.. Im glad you didn't take my comment the wrong way I just wanted to let others know its not the best cutter and looks so pretty at least I don't want to use it.. a kind of heads up to anyone thinking they are gonna get this have it sharpened and start cutting away cause in my experience that wasn't the case, it hulk smashed lol
Really appreciate your effort of sharing pros and cons. It certainly helps.
The grip looks too long. Not much, but still too long.
Max length on archeological findings has been 11cm. This one's 10cm, so I'd say it's within "specs" :-)
Finns, unlike Vikigs tended to have slightly longer hilts, as they were stronger than pussy Vikings and had heavier swords. And could use heavier weapons. Stand up and FIGHT!
czcams.com/video/7woW7DmnR0E/video.html
In English its Finland, in Finnish It Suomi and Suomaalainen is one Finnish person and its straight translation in English is Marshlander so Suontaka is "the backyard of Marshland" make any sense? Vikings called it wetlands... and viik is a old word for person how is living at the sea coast. Greetings from Suomi :)
Beg to differ. It is easy to get mixed up in etymologies just because some words sound the same. The current prevailing linguistic consensus among scholars is the proto Uralic word zeme. It means "we / the People" (of not the United States of...) :P
Sword man choromose xxy. That is new facts.😊
So its not even bronze?? if so i give it 1 out of 5.. very good video though
Nice review. I have the Suontaka and I like it as well. Considering the price of the other similar replicas out there it really is a great deal.
czcams.com/video/y5RCuCSdsvE/video.html
I think Windlass has been putting out some good products lately, especially considering the price. I also have their Damascus and Ulfberht in my collection and I really like both and the Ulfberht is under $200. The Damascus is a little more pricey than the Suontaka but the pattern welded blade is lovely and the hardware is good.
"metal"... argh! which metal?!
not a criticism of your review, I just hate that windlass won't even bother to say which cheap alloy they use.
So its not even real bronze??? That makes it a piece of shit to me.. Disappointing...
Tavastia is in Finland, this is not a viking sword.
This is Finnish sword.
And considering our military history, there is no reason to deglorify it as viking. Finns were highly succesful in the art of warfare.
This was found in a woman's grave, which tells how equal the Finnish were and how rich we were.
First, there were plenty of Vikings from Sweden in Finland and North-Western Russia who left a lot of artefacts there.
Second, it has all the characteristics of a Viking sword (EDIT: A Viking era Scandinavian sword. Yes, it does have the characteristic Suomi pattern, but the Suomi art was influenced by the "Vikings" a lot).
There are no runestones in Finland indicating that it was never settled by vikings. There are some runestones that tell of vikings that have died fighting in Finland, most famous viking to attempt to plunder Finland was Olaf II, later king of Norway but he got beaten. Finnish tribes had it's own culture, language and mythology(you can still read about them, if you like) which makes them different from vikings. Swords of this period are generally called "viking swords" because of the viking age. It wasn't uncommon during the viking age that the blade was made in western Europe and it ended up in north as spoils of war or by trading. The hilts were sometimes made locally.
Justify.
@@chainoad And the other way. A lot. What is now Sweden was mostly populated by Finnic people, or tribes if you will up to the age of Charlemange. About 8th century. Of Germanic tribes who are now Swedes or Scandinavians, only the southern Götaland was their turf.
I am myself a Tavastian Finn although born, bred, and living in Helsinki. Judging by the fact that Mikael Agricola wrote about the 'Horrible pagan barbarians' that stuck to the Old Ways and were the last Finns forcibly converted, I'd say that is a pagan Finnish sword. With Ukko's vipers.
That is not a Viking sword. It is a Finnish sword. Ethnically we are Uralic. And made better swords. Of course were friends with our western neigbours. The slavic ones are a whole different story.
That sword is WAY over weight.
It looks really cheap...
Not Viking, Finnish.
Finnish viking... baltic viking
look at that terrible secondary bevel....
Vikings pffffffffft!!
What a piece of scrapmetal. Unsharpened and with a fuller so broad that compromises the entire integrity of the blade. Better throw it in the old iron bin, where it belongs.
Is it that bad ?
Don't listen to that dude. There's plenty of swords with wide fullers (Oakshott X). Not to mention that he's apparently incapable of sharpening a sword.
It's a good sword for the money (the last three words are the key here). I got mine unsharpened a while ago and it rattled - sharpened and fixed in about an hour. It's a good "chopper".