Customer Reviews

OFFICIAL Wheel of Time Heron Mark Sword - Sword of Rand al'Thor

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this sword directly from Windless Cutlery several years ago. As a great fan of Robert Jordan's WOT series, I had a nearly immeasurable amount of anticipation and anxiety upon receiving my sword. First off, you get what you pay for: What you get is a plain katana blade that does not resemble a great work of art. Meaning: the blade is rather thin, extremely springy, and my "version has a "heron mark" on one side and a, ahem, made in "India" engraving on the other. Up on the wall, away from close inspection the shiny sword is a bit impressive, with a nice unique brass hilt/tsuba and pommell. This blade should have definitely been made with a damascus technique or a dull, traditionally forged katana-look and perhaps a blood groove along the (broader) spine. Then compliment it with a lazered heron-mark, if-you-will. Is it worth mentioning that you get a marginal stiff leather sheith (sword rattles around in it loosely), without metal accents or hardware (you will need a frog)? No, it isn't.

My blade has a slight, however distinct bend to the left, and I was instructed to pound it out with a rubber mallet by the Windless staff. Very difficult without removing the pummel, handle and hilt, which I was advised with caution. I tried to clarify whether the sword was a full-tang "combat ready" sword, as any discerning Warder would like to know, and I never got a clear "Yes" or "No". Apparently this design is open to interpretation. The sword I received certainly has the subtle broad ping marks of a "hand forged" sword, and does hold up very, very well to oxidation. Oh yes, did I mention that I got a copied certificate of authenticity with Robert Jordan's signature on oiled looking parchment paper, similar to the type you use for Curriculum Vitae?

I must close with the assertion that I believe myself or anyone other Dedicate fan would spend one or two, three hundred, or more.. $$ for a more refined version of a blade-masters heron-marked-sword.

Wasn't the heron on the hilt? I seem to remember it branding some hands...why would he be holding the blade?

I find that I am in agreement with Mr. Crandall. There was a bronze-like metal heron on the hilt that branded the palm of Rand's hands, one at a time on 2 separate occasions. The missing Heron on the hilt of this "Official WOT" sword makes this item a No-Sale for me. This is a crucial detail to leave out, what non-fan bureaucrat authorized this item?

As a cruised around Amazon checking when the new WOT book 'The Gathering Storm' would be available to order (October 27th!) I saw that Amazon had this available now (what don't they sell?) and couldn't resist checking on what other people's impressions were since I've owned this blade for some time. I was surprised their was only one review.

While I agree with most of what Ivanhoe (good name choice) had to say it seems I have a much greater appreciation for mine (which I named Talon). I also found the made in India mark on the one side very disappointing. The 'Heron Mark' should either have been repeated on both sides (can't remember how it was in WOT) and/or moved or made the Indian mark less glaring. However, the overall quality of the sword seems very good. For instance mine is completely straight and very well made. Visually it's a gorgeous, real sword. Not a fake display piece and right or wrong was told it was a full-tang blade (impossible to tell without disassembling). Lastly, the sheath or scabbard for mine is very well made and fits the blade like a glove (i.e. It doesn't rattle) and it accented in brass at the tip and the top of the neck where the sword enters. As previously stated by Ivanhoe the sword holds up excepionally well to oxidation. I've had mine for eight or more years with absolutely no oxidation with very little upkeep on my part. While a tad on the pricey side I do feel I got my money's worth.

They should have done their research. This sword barely resembles any description of the sword in the WoT series. The only aspect of this sword (other than they etched a bird on it)is that the blade is curved.
I feel as if the manufacturers of this product used the pieces left over from other projects.
Over all, I feel this is a very lazy attempt at producing a fantasy blade.

In case you missed my opinion, this sword is amazing. I thought long and hard before deciding to order this. I have loved wheel of time since I read the Wheel of Time in 1989, I've been in love ever since. I only recently discovered this sword existed. I can see it on Rand's hip. To make things easier I'll do a pro/con review.
First however I must address the ignorant 1 star reviews; the Herons that burnt Rand's hands were from Tam al' Thor's sword. The sword this one is modeled after, was given to him by Avehinda. It is the tree killers sword. He had gems and Jewels removed, and a black scabard crafted for it.

Pros: very well made, this is a carbon steel blade, its longer than a Katana blade, also the curve is more dramatic than, the curve in a traditional katana(in response to the idiots claiming its a cheap Katana blade), blade is very light weight, going through a couple routines I was shocked how fast and graceful it is, very, very well balanced.

Cons: One nit picky thing, a plaque for wall mounting would have been nice.

I am incredibly pleased with not only the quality of the sword i recieved 10-30-09 but with the maker it seems they have listened to and understand the people like yourselves who have spoken of their product.They have made the changes u suggested. The heron mark is now on both sides and af excellent quality etching and the Windlass India insignia is pretty small concidering the size of the heron mark...

Overall i am very pleased and will enjoy her for a long time to come....

Thia sword ia well crafted and a tribute to Robert Jordan's work. It is missing a few Heron marks, so it can't be Rand's sword exactly. His sword had a Heron on the scabbard as well as on the Pommel, hence the marks on his hands. But this is still a good representation of a blademaster's sword!