China Made Pirate Sword Review

Let’s Dive into China Made Pirate Sword

The China Made Pirate Sword promises a swashbuckling experience with its traditional design and affordable price. This sword, crafted by China Made, features a 22.25-inch 440 stainless steel blade, rope-wrapped hilt, and decorative guard, attempting to capture the essence of a classic pirate weapon. What drew me to this particular sword was the promise of a tangible connection to history, a display piece that wouldn’t break the bank.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Golden Age of Piracy and sought a replica that felt authentic, even if purely for decorative purposes. Upon unboxing the China Made Pirate Sword, my initial reaction was mixed. The sword felt surprisingly light, but the overall aesthetic, particularly the rope-wrapped hilt, was appealing.

Compared to higher-end replicas I’ve seen (and drooled over) from Windlass Steelcrafts or Cold Steel, this was clearly a budget option. I also considered a couple of similar-priced swords from smaller online retailers, but opted for the China Made Pirate Sword due to its readily available specifications and included scabbard. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the blade held up to closer inspection despite my price concerns.

Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Pirate Sword to the Test

First Use Experience

My first interaction with the China Made Pirate Sword involved less plundering and more backyard examination. I took it outside on a clear, cool day to assess its balance and feel. The blade, while visually passable, immediately revealed its limitations upon attempting light cutting.

It struggled with even thick cardboard, and the edge showed signs of rolling after minimal use. I wouldn’t even think about taking this to sea.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of occasional handling and display, the China Made Pirate Sword began to show some wear. The “blacksmith’s mark” on the blade started to fade, and the rope hilt loosened slightly. Cleaning the blade was relatively easy with a standard steel cleaner, but I suspect the stainless steel is of lower quality.

Compared to my experience with higher-quality blades made of, say, 1095 carbon steel, this felt like a significant step down in terms of long-term durability. This sword will not be joining me on any expeditions.

Breaking Down the Features of China Made Pirate Sword

Specifications

• The China Made Pirate Sword features a 22.25-inch blade made from 440 stainless steel. This blade length is intended to be evocative of historical cutlasses.
• The overall length is 28.13 inches, with a plain (non-serrated) edge. The 28.13 inch length is adequate, but slightly short for my taste.
• The handle has a brass finish, and the hilt is wrapped in black cord to simulate a traditional rope hilt. The use of brass finish is acceptable for an economy piece.
• It includes a scabbard and is categorized as a fixed blade knife. A scabbard is essential for safely storing the blade.

Performance & Functionality

The China Made Pirate Sword performs adequately as a display piece, but falls short as a functional weapon. Its edge retention is poor, making it unsuitable for any serious cutting tasks. The light weight also detracts from its feel.

Its strength lies in its appearance, though the authenticity is questionable upon close inspection. It meets the minimum expectations for a budget replica, but don’t expect superior performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design aims for a pirate aesthetic, but the execution lacks refinement. The materials feel cheap, and the balance is off, making it unwieldy in hand. The rope hilt, while visually appealing, is not particularly comfortable for extended use.

There is a noticeable learning curve if you expect to use it as anything more than decoration. It’s not user-friendly for those accustomed to higher-quality blades.

Durability & Maintenance

The China Made Pirate Sword’s long-term durability is questionable. The blade is prone to scratching, and the hilt may require periodic tightening. Maintenance involves regular cleaning to prevent rust, but the 440 stainless steel may not be as resistant as higher grades.

It is likely this sword will be a display piece only, as it’s simply not designed to take any real wear and tear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The China Made Pirate Sword comes with a multifunctional scabbard. The scabbard seems designed for basic protection of the blade. Beyond that, there are limited customization options available.

Given the construction, modifications are not recommended. You would be better off purchasing a higher-quality sword that has greater availability for customization.

Pros and Cons of China Made Pirate Sword

Who Should Buy China Made Pirate Sword?

The China Made Pirate Sword is perfect for: budget-conscious collectors, casual pirate enthusiasts, or individuals seeking a low-cost display piece. This is a good piece for someone who wants a prop for cosplay or a child’s costume, but not something that will be used often.

Who should skip this product? Those seeking a functional sword for cutting, historical reenactment, or any kind of serious use should avoid this product. A must-have accessory would be a good metal cleaner.

Conclusion on China Made Pirate Sword

The China Made Pirate Sword offers a taste of swashbuckling style at an accessible price. However, its performance and durability limitations make it more suitable as a decorative item than a functional weapon. The low price point can be justified for pure display purposes, but don’t expect high-quality performance.

I would personally recommend it with the significant caveat that it’s only for display or very light use. If you’re looking to actually use a sword, spend more for a better-quality product. If you are an adult cosplayer who needs a prop sword, then this is your piece. Otherwise, save up and buy something with more quality.