Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
A "get more than what you pay for" item...
This is a Cold Steel product, and that means it's real, (no pot metal or poorly heat treated unknown steel). That said, it's best use is as a collectable display item that will not only make a great conversation piece for your domain, but something that will make you smile every time you see or handle it. My specimen was very well executed, and for the price range it is being sold at, one can honestly not expect more out of a truly hand made product. The hand hammer forged carbon steel blade is very pleasing to the eye, having it's many fullers nicely done. The rosewood handle, (with it's decorative pins), decorated guard and pommel, and the leather sheath, all match the craftsmanship that was done on the blade. Again, these are hand made, not pumped out using cnc machinery. While not an exact reproduction of any particular antique Cinquedea, it does a great job of representing the genre, while being a unique piece in it's own right. Simply a beautiful large dagger/short sword that is an incredible have in the price range they are in. Because these require so much hand work, but still obviously considered factory production items, (not custom made), they will likely have deviations. This means that not every one will be as nice as my particular specimen. Each may vary in oh so many ways. Because of this, I believe that ordering one should be with that understanding. And, if you decide to pull the trigger on getting one, expect to possibly be happy, or not, with what you receive. If the one you get does not make you smile, send it back for a replacement or refund. I know that may not be something you may want to have to deal with, and it's understandable if you simply do not order one to avoid that possible return situation hassle. But, if you like the idea of owning one of these Cold Steel Cinquedea', then the possible hassle of having to return one is well worth it if what you wind up owning is as nice as the specimen that I received.
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