Ahoy Calimacil-fans!

Another Engelus review, this time we look at the Pirate Cutlass Sword from the Squire/Pirate Collection.

Recieved this simple beauty this morning and am not disappointed.

I put off purchasing the Pirate for some time as to be honest I was unsure if I would like it. I like a Good longsword however I'm a fan of having extra grip to put that extra blow into. However the Pirate obviously does not have that. At a Whopping 37" in total length it's got fantastic reach. Into Fencing but too eager to wait for the coming Rapier? this may be a possible path for you. The Tip is the same as the two handed Pole-arm Naginata, and the blade is the same as the Malchus the Falchion (a personal favourite) It is a slashing/thursting blade (though the design test video for the coming soon Rapier puts all thursting blades to shame)

Personally, I admit I should have gone with the Bratel-La-Grande's Saber, if only because it is 5" shorter and would allow me to duel weild with the matching Dagger so much easier. But If you are playing a Gentleman or a Honorable fellow who would not resort to a dagger in his opposite hand or simply prefer a longer blade, This sword is for you.

Incredibly customizable, the handle has a wood grain detail (the handle is a nice black but easily plaintable with metal model paint like in warhammer 40K figures, ask a local hobby shopteller for more info on these paints) and Bolt marks. The Bottom has what appears to be a Bolt/nut holding the handle on which leaves it open to a more Steam-punk'ish concept if you like.

Lets get to the mechanics though and away from design.

The balance in this one is surprising. I own several Calimacil swords and have had the pleasure to try friend's. Most blades keep to a 3/4 towards the handle which gives you more control over the slash/thurst as the weight is above your hand. But the Pirate acts just like a real saber! A Standard Calvary Saber from the 1800's had almost it's entire weight in it's tip, (you wouldn't guess considerng the heavy looking handles) but this allowed the weilder to let the blade carry through the slash and not tire the "gentleman rider" upon his horse.
Or so I assume. I've always noted Sabers have a tendancy to have their weight in the blade tip.

The Calimacil Pirate has it's weight almost at 45% from the handle. Much further then the Malchus or other blades I've tested. I was greatly surprised at this and after picking it up and doing some test runs, I found you can really notice it. The blade carries itself and you can't help but want to get carried with it. (Not that it's an issue to pull "punches" or control, but it feels far more realistic in my opinion.) The Foam is naturally soft and safe, the handle is firm and the guard is oddly a mixture of both, firm to block but if I had to pummel someone I wouldn't be too concerned...though as a safety measure I'm not saying go out and do it. But if someone hits you they won't be hitting fingers.

As I said, I prefer to play Bandits, NPC's who are pirates or simply other characters, I enjoy a simple weapon for these roles, the Squire series fits it perfectly as abit of leather, paint, fur and it's a whole new weapon. I personally prefer to have a dagger in my off hand, and would have loved a shorter sword, but thats what the Bratel-La-Grande is for.

Overall, a great buy, I highly recommend for anyone who is curious about Calimacil, not sure what to buy and if you'll like it. For 99.00 It's a borderline steal. Yaar. (Posted on 1/18/11)