Windlass

From humble beginnings in 1943 as a supplier of Gurkha kukris to the British armed forces, Windlass Steelcrafts has come a long way with its products now being available in every part of the world. The company was founded in 1943 by Mr. Ved Prakash Windlass and remains a family-owned business. Windlass currently has over 500 employees and manufacturing facilities in Dehradun (India), and warehouses and offices in Atlanta (USA).

Today, Windlass Steelcrafts works with governments on six continents, providing military supplies such as kukris, combat knives, dress sabers, personal regalia, and army-grade textiles. (Our military swords and sabers are as good as any in the market.) Also, we offer props, clothing, and accessories to studios and popular TV productions and shows. Here, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities have helped us partner with artists, design studios, and companies to bring to life iconic pieces, such as the Helmet of Spaniard from Gladiator and Heath Ledger’s helmet from A Knight’s Tale. Our clothing section offers contemporary and period wear, while we also supply military spec fabric to armies around the world. Further, we are extremely proud of our weapons and armor, which are expertly crafted by a skilled workforce with 60 plus years of experience in the industry. Besides, we have a unique and exclusive service – the Sword Refurbishment facility, where we restore old, seemingly irreparable swords to their original state.

 


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81 Years of Excellence

Founded in 1943, Windlass is today the premier supplier of military dress and sabers and accouterments, motion picture props, and a whole lot more. We are proud of our military contracts with governments in six continents and the excellent replica props we deliver to Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

 

 

 

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1941

Mr. Ved Prakash Windlass

The seeds of Windlass Steelcrafts are sown by a young motivated Indian named Ved Prakash Windlass in 1941 when he starts a small undertaking to supply “Kukris” to the British Gurkha Regiments in pre-Independent India.

 

 

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1943

Windlass Steelcrafts

A firm is officially registered under the name “Windlass Steelcrafts” which is the flagship company of the Windlass Group. Also, this year, Windlass is awarded its first British government contract to build the critical and unique combat knife, the “Kukri,” for the famed British Gurkha Regiments. This contract has continued uninterrupted for many years, a record which grows with each passing year.

 

 

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1943–79

The next generation

Mr. Windlass’ sons are groomed to manage and expand the business. Sudhir, Vinay, Ashok, and Pradeep introduce the company to the world. Windlass receives many awards and certifications during these decades for excellence, timely delivery, and quality.

 

 

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Post-1947

The early days

After India’s Independence in 1947, the firm keeps on supplying to the British in Malaya and Singapore. In 1965, the Indian Army places orders on the firm through Directorate General of Supplies and Disposal (DGS&D), which Windlass successfully executes (and continues to do so) and the firm also supplies to merchant exporters of Delhi and Mumbai.

 

 

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The 1970s and 80s

Across the Atlantic!!

The company makes its mark in the U.S.A. Windlass forms an alliance with Atlanta Cutlery Corp., a small and relatively unknown firm that has been approaching the U.S. military for the same purpose. Over time and through this alliance, Atlanta Cutlery Corp. becomes a major U.S. Marine Corps supplier of dress swords and sabers.

 

 

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Post-1979

Across the world

The focus is to introduce the products in markets all over the world. During the 1980s and 90s, Windlass becomes a major player in the international markets and its products begin to be recognized as top-of-the-line items.

 

 

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1995

Atlanta Cutlery Corp. and Museum Replicas Ltd.

The firm’s footprint in the U.S. solidifies with the full ownership of the Atlanta Cutlery Corp. and Museum Replicas Ltd. companies. Additionally, a textile branch is begun, R.S. Windlass & Sons to provide historical, military and contemporary apparel to the commercial industry.

 

 

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1998

Foray into TV and movies

Atlanta Cutlery Corp. and Windlass Steelcrafts manufacturing are selected by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency to provide NCO sabers for the Marine Corps. With a strong foothold in the U.S. market, Windlass also starts manufacturing products for motion pictures and Television props. With products such as the Helmet of the Spaniard from the movie Gladiator, Windlass starts gaining recognition as a quality supplier and designer for medieval swords, armor, shields, and other such products.

 

 

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1998

A family affair

Even though the small undertaking started by Mr. V.P. Windlass in 1943 now has presence in all the major markets in the world, the firm is still among the members of the Windlass family.