Image: Brigadier M.J. Moon, DSC, AM Commandant RMC Duntroon (2009-2010) inspecting ceremonial swords
When buying a sword, for uniform or collection, there can only be one rule - buy the best you can afford. A quality sword has a “feel” that lesser products just cannot match.
Two top names in military ceremonial swords for the Australian Defence Force are ‘Windlass’ and ‘Crisp & Sons’. Both provide crisp detailed blade etching and both manufacture to the detail and design specifications set out by the British Ministry of Defence (and ADF). And they are both exceptional sword makers.
So how do you choose? Again, it is what you can afford. The Indian-made Windlass is the less expensive. The company has its roots in 1941 when its founder created the famous 'khukris' blades for the British Gurkha Regiment. Its swords are forged in German Steel – carbon or stainless – to an exacting standard.
The British made Crisp & Sons (1975) swords on the other hand are hand-manufactured only in the traditional carbon steel. The quality is a reflection of the exceptional manufacturer Wilkinson Swords, which led the market till its closure in 2005. C&S inherited many of Wilkinson’s staff and equipment and its blades are now found in several Royal households.
We've compared the price of an Infantry Sword with leather scabbard, C&S RRP $1,900 versus Windlass at RRP $995. Both will last through generations and each is a quality sword with fine detail in the grip, guard and on the blade. Both look and feel superb but the C&S has that little extra that distinguishes it from the Windlass. Yet the Windlass is not left wanting. Ultimately either is a safe selection.
We often have graduation specials and package deals. We are a recognised supplier to the graduating classes at ADFA, RMC Duntroon, HMAS Creswell, OTS RAAF East Sale Victoria.
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