Cold Steel German Long Sword

The Cold Steel German Longsword that I received is top notched in quality, appearance, and handling! The pommel is unique in terms of balance between form and function, because it can greatly assist with thrusts in accordance to Meyer and Fiore Longsword Manuals. The leather grip wrapping is superior to Cold Steel's Hand and Half & Italian Longsword because of the ridges that provide extra support when manuveuring it. The guard took a little time for me to adjust, but I was able to become comfortable practicing forms and drills with it. The side ring is firmly mounted to the guard, and it provides decent protection for the lead right hand. Furthermore, it reminds me of the MAA Grossemesser that I own because of the side ring. The scabbard is the best one that I have own or come across during my swordsmanship journey. Additionally, I appreciate that it comes with two belt attachments to give myself a variety of options in terms of carrying it. The fit is excellent when it comes to sheathing and drawing out the Longsword. Most of the sword has been rust resistant so far, but there is some of it where the base of the blade and the guard meet. Therefore, I took the liberty to apply Renaissance Wax to the blade to prevent further rusting. The tip must be extensively cared for, or it will become bent or curled. I plan to use my work sharp to adjust it. Overall, it is an excellent value for the money when it comes to mid range swords.

Ok so I just got my German longsword, I own quite a few other cold steel products all of which, are top quality in every way you could hope an edged weapon to be. This German longsword is the only exception. I’ll start with the good since if I’m being honest I’m a bit of a cold steel fanboy and I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and chock this up to QC issues as I hope this is not the new standard I can expect from the company. First impressions it’s a beautiful sword, elegant yet rugged. Scabbard is sturdy with a nice snug fit, good quality leather. Pommel is secured nicely, handle is wrapped in same tight, good quality leather. Here’s where things start to go left. There is a huge gap between the guard and the blade, I’m talking like a quarter inch on both sides. Inside the gap on both sides is hot glue that is visible! It looks like someone just shot it in there right before shipping, there was little strands and strings of glue all hanging out when I took it out of the box. Next up, the blade was DULL. Now leading up to the purchase I watched cold steel down video review of the sword on YouTube where they are slicing mailing tubes, tatami mats, ropes and such and they say in the video, it’s “razor sharp”. I’m still in the process of getting a working edge on this thing, it was not sharp at all. Well you might say oh it’s primarily a thrusting sword anyhow. This is true and it does thrust quite well. But after only MILD testing I’m talking two or three thrusts into an old punching bag, so a bit of old leather and some stuffing. The gaurd is loose! And now has an incredibly annoying rickety wobble. Oh and the side ring is not part of the guard assembly that can be removed, it’s tack welded onto the side, looks rather cheap. Overall this is more of a display piece rather than a battle ready sword. I’m pretty disappointed as I’ve never had an experience like this with cold steel as I’ve said I own many other of their products this one just wasn’t up to par.