First Impressions of Cold Steel Six Flange Mace
The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace isn’t your everyday piece of gear; it’s a throwback to a brutal, simpler time, reimagined for the modern collector or historical enthusiast. Manufactured by Cold Steel, this mace isn’t just a wall-hanger, it’s a fully functional impact weapon that demands respect and a certain level of… apprehension. My initial reaction was a mix of awe and a primal urge to swing it – carefully, of course.
I’ve always been drawn to historical weaponry, particularly impact weapons. I wanted something that was both visually striking and representative of a weapon that actually saw use on the battlefield. I considered a few other options, including a ball-and-chain flail replica and a spiked war hammer, but the Six Flange Mace seemed to strike the perfect balance between historical accuracy, intimidating presence, and potential for… well, you know.
Unboxing the Cold Steel Six Flange Mace was a visceral experience. The weight was immediately apparent; it’s a solid object, far from a flimsy replica. The black-coated steel head gleamed ominously, and the wooden handle felt surprisingly comfortable in my hand. The build quality appeared excellent, with no immediately obvious flaws or imperfections.
Compared to other mace replicas I’ve handled in the past, the Cold Steel offering felt more substantial and better balanced. Cheaper replicas often feel like toys, lacking the weight and heft of a real weapon, and Cold Steel has clearly avoided that pitfall. It felt like a serious tool, albeit a historically violent one. My initial excitement was definitely justified.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Six Flange Mace to the Test
First Use Experience
Now, “real-world testing” with a mace is a bit different than with, say, a knife or a firearm. My primary testing ground was a controlled environment – a heavily padded, open area in a private training space. I certainly wasn’t going to swing it at anything living or easily damaged.
The first few swings were… enlightening. The weight distribution takes some getting used to; it’s not a baseball bat, and the impact force is concentrated at the head. It required a deliberate and controlled swing to avoid losing balance or overextending. The grip on the wooden handle proved to be secure, even with sweaty hands, and I felt confident in my ability to maintain control of the weapon.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of careful practice and controlled swings, the Cold Steel Six Flange Mace has held up remarkably well. The black coating on the steel head shows no signs of chipping or scratching, despite repeated impacts on padded surfaces. The wooden handle remains solid and secure, with no loosening or cracking.
Maintenance is relatively simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a light coat of oil on the steel head is all that’s required. Given the robust construction, I anticipate this mace lasting for many years with proper care. My previous experiences with Cold Steel products have always been positive in terms of durability, and the Six Flange Mace seems to be following that trend.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Six Flange Mace
Specifications
- The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace boasts a 6-inch black-coated steel head. This provides a concentrated impact area designed to inflict maximum damage.
- Its overall length is 21 inches, offering a reasonable reach while remaining manageable in close quarters. This length strikes a good balance between leverage and maneuverability.
- The mace weighs 2.88 lbs, making it heavy enough to deliver a powerful blow, but not so heavy as to be unwieldy. This weight requires strength and control, enhancing its effectiveness.
- It features a wood handle for a comfortable and secure grip. The wooden handle offers a natural feel and absorbs some of the impact shock.
Performance & Functionality
The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace is designed for one primary function: delivering devastating blows. In that regard, it excels. The six flanges concentrate force, making each strike incredibly effective.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and brutal effectiveness. The main weakness is the user’s skill and conditioning; improper use could lead to injury. It definitely meets expectations, provided those expectations are aligned with its historical purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is brutally functional. The black-coated steel head is both intimidating and durable. The wooden handle is comfortable to grip, though a textured or wrapped handle might improve grip further.
The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace has a slight learning curve due to its weight and balance. However, anyone with a decent level of physical fitness should be able to master it with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used – steel and wood – are inherently durable. The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace should last a lifetime with reasonable care.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling are all that’s required to keep it in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace doesn’t really lend itself to accessories in the traditional sense. There are no optics mounts or rails.
The only real customization option would be altering the handle – perhaps wrapping it with leather or paracord for a more secure grip. However, given the historical design, extensive modifications would be somewhat sacrilegious.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Six Flange Mace
Pros
- Brutal effectiveness: The Six Flange Mace is a highly effective impact weapon, capable of delivering devastating blows.
- Durable construction: Built from robust materials, this mace is designed to withstand heavy use.
- Historically accurate: A faithful reproduction of a classic medieval weapon.
- Intimidating presence: Its imposing appearance makes it a striking display piece.
- Relatively low maintenance: Easy to clean and care for.
Cons
- Requires significant strength and skill to use effectively.
- Limited practical applications in modern society.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel Six Flange Mace?
Perfect for: Historical weapon collectors, martial arts enthusiasts interested in historical combat techniques, and anyone seeking a truly unique and intimidating display piece.
Who should skip this product? Anyone looking for a practical self-defense weapon for everyday carry, or those who are easily offended by historical violence.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A sturdy display stand and perhaps a leather grip wrap for improved handling.
Conclusion on Cold Steel Six Flange Mace
The Cold Steel Six Flange Mace is not for everyone. It’s a niche product that appeals to a specific type of collector or enthusiast.
Its value proposition lies in its historical accuracy, brutal effectiveness, and sheer intimidation factor. The price is reasonable for a well-made and historically accurate replica of this type.
I would absolutely recommend the Cold Steel Six Flange Mace to anyone who appreciates historical weaponry and is looking for a unique and imposing addition to their collection. Just remember to handle it with respect and, perhaps more importantly, keep it away from anything you don’t want to see smashed to pieces.