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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Ved Prakash Windlass
Windlass Steelcrafts
The next generation
The early days
Across the Atlantic!!
Across the world
Atlanta Cutlery Corp. and Museum Replicas Ltd.
Foray into TV and movies
A family affair
