DSA 10th Century Viking Sword Review
Mar 11, 2008 20:03:16 GMT
Post by septofclansinclair on Mar 11, 2008 20:03:16 GMT
The Darksword Armory 10th Century Viking Sword
Reviewed by Daniel D. of Manitoba, Canada
Recently on the SBG forums, though, there have been a few people asking if swords made by Darksword Armory (DSA) are not too heavy, or too unbalanced to be used as actual weapons. Some make comparisons to the “sharpened crowbars” of earlier swordmakers. DSA swords do have a reputation for being very solid, very powerful, and very heavy. I have confirmed this reputation myself – while certainly not badly balanced or necessarily uncomfortable, they certainly are on the heavier end of the spectrum when it comes to medieval swords. The DSA Norman, which I own, is an extremely attractive and historically accurate piece, and it handles quite well – better than a few windlasses I own of lesser weight.
This sword, however, blows all those criticisms out of the water.
The DSA 10 Century Viking sword is one of two Viking swords that DSA sells, not including their Saxon designs. Their other model, the Oslo Viking, has a beautifully sculpted guard and pommel, while this sword that looks plain by comparison has waited in the Oslo’s shadow. I think that a lot of people have probably passed over this sword to pick up the Oslo instead. But I can tell you that as I wrote this review, I came to know this sword pretty well – and it is an amazingly competitive piece.
According to Eyal Azerad, owner of DSA – “This model is actually based on the original found on page 83 of Oakeshott's "record of the Medieval Sword" (plate #XII.14). The sword's date is still controversial, some dating at about 1000 A.D. others dating it between 1100 and 1250 AD. Oakeshott argues that 1250 AD is a century too late. H.R. Elllis Davidson dates the sword to about 1060 A.D.” Since it is based on an original that Oakeshott himself examined, it marks a great effort in historical accuracy.
There’s a lot more to tell about this sword, but first some numbers:
Overall Length: 34 1/2”
Blade Length: 28 5/8”
Blade width: 2 3/4”
Handle: 4 1/8”
Guard: 3 7/8”
Pommel: 3 1/8”
Weight: 2.2 lbs
POB: 6” from guard
COP: 19” from guard
The Blade
The blade looks somewhat different from other Viking swords on the market in that the fuller is thinner, and the blade overall is thinner as well. However, this is consistent with the design of the original. Unsharpened, this blade seems to be thinner than the DSA Norman – there is much more flex. It has an excellent temper, though, and springs back to true. The taper of the blade is very well executed, and plays into the handling which will be discussed later. As with all DSA swords, slight hammer marks and imperfections can be seen in the finish of the blade, which when taken into the context of the sword and its production adds to the authentic “feel” – like the Norman, it looks like it could have been made by a smith in the far past.
The Guard
The guard is flat and plain, like many Viking swords of types I – IV on Wheeler’s typology. No complaints here.
The Handle
The plain wood handle was very comfortable to my hands. A person with larger hands might not like it as much, but the simplicity here really adds to the authentic feel – no leather or suede, just plain wood as many warriors would have had I’m sure. It is comfortable to hold in a hammer or handshake grip.
The Pommel
Looks like it is closest to Wheeler’s type VI. Very attractive and simple, and balances the sword out nicely. Its thin profile allows for a good grip to be taken without the pommel biting into the wrist, as can often happen with this type of sword.
The Scabbard
DSA’s scabbard crew must have been working overtime, because the scabbard on this one is the best yet. It has great stitching, good quality and simple metal fittings, and fits snugly with the sword. Other DSA scabbards I’ve seen have just been a simple carrying case, but this scabbard is at least the equal of the average scabbard on the market, and fits fairly well with this piece. DSA has informed me that as much as things have improved, they are looking into some potential alterations to this scabbard, so stay tuned.
The Handling
Up until now this sword has sounded like any other sword being reviewed – it has a blade, handle, etc., and looks sword-shaped. Fantastic. But where this sword really shines, and what makes it stick out so much in the crowd, is the handling.
Viking swords were exclusively one-handers, because the Viking fighting style usually had a sword in one hand and an axe or other weapon in the other hand. Up until now I have always thought of that as highly impractical, because any Viking sword I held had a balance point of 6” or so, which is pretty standard for a heavy chopping sword. With this sword, though, it feels like it could be a possibility.
The balance point is still at 6”, but the sword’s lower weight – at 2.2lbs – and well executed taper make it come alive in the hand. Fast cuts and thrusts can be quickly recovered, and despite how fast it feels in the hand you can tell it really wants to chop. This would be a savage cutter in the hand of any Viking, and is more than comfortable enough to wield one-handed for long periods of time. I can honestly say this is the best handling of any one-handed longsword that I’ve ever held. The only problem now is wondering where to find a decent axe to go with it…
Conclusion
When every sword maker is trying to up the “bling” factor on their swords – and doing very well in many cases – this piece is attractive for its simplicity. It stands out in the crowd because it is not clamoring for attention. As mentioned before, the handling really has to be experienced to be believed. In truth, this is a really great piece, and would look at home in a collection housing much more expensive swords. If sharpened I’m certain it would make a capable cutter as well. I really don’t know what else to say, except that this is a sword that will not disappoint.
The Darksword Armory 10th Century Viking – Highly Recommended
Historical Accuracy: N/A
Fit and Finish: 3.5/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall: 4.125/5
Reviewed by Daniel D. of Manitoba, Canada
Recently on the SBG forums, though, there have been a few people asking if swords made by Darksword Armory (DSA) are not too heavy, or too unbalanced to be used as actual weapons. Some make comparisons to the “sharpened crowbars” of earlier swordmakers. DSA swords do have a reputation for being very solid, very powerful, and very heavy. I have confirmed this reputation myself – while certainly not badly balanced or necessarily uncomfortable, they certainly are on the heavier end of the spectrum when it comes to medieval swords. The DSA Norman, which I own, is an extremely attractive and historically accurate piece, and it handles quite well – better than a few windlasses I own of lesser weight.
This sword, however, blows all those criticisms out of the water.
The DSA 10 Century Viking sword is one of two Viking swords that DSA sells, not including their Saxon designs. Their other model, the Oslo Viking, has a beautifully sculpted guard and pommel, while this sword that looks plain by comparison has waited in the Oslo’s shadow. I think that a lot of people have probably passed over this sword to pick up the Oslo instead. But I can tell you that as I wrote this review, I came to know this sword pretty well – and it is an amazingly competitive piece.
According to Eyal Azerad, owner of DSA – “This model is actually based on the original found on page 83 of Oakeshott's "record of the Medieval Sword" (plate #XII.14). The sword's date is still controversial, some dating at about 1000 A.D. others dating it between 1100 and 1250 AD. Oakeshott argues that 1250 AD is a century too late. H.R. Elllis Davidson dates the sword to about 1060 A.D.” Since it is based on an original that Oakeshott himself examined, it marks a great effort in historical accuracy.
There’s a lot more to tell about this sword, but first some numbers:
Overall Length: 34 1/2”
Blade Length: 28 5/8”
Blade width: 2 3/4”
Handle: 4 1/8”
Guard: 3 7/8”
Pommel: 3 1/8”
Weight: 2.2 lbs
POB: 6” from guard
COP: 19” from guard
The Blade
The blade looks somewhat different from other Viking swords on the market in that the fuller is thinner, and the blade overall is thinner as well. However, this is consistent with the design of the original. Unsharpened, this blade seems to be thinner than the DSA Norman – there is much more flex. It has an excellent temper, though, and springs back to true. The taper of the blade is very well executed, and plays into the handling which will be discussed later. As with all DSA swords, slight hammer marks and imperfections can be seen in the finish of the blade, which when taken into the context of the sword and its production adds to the authentic “feel” – like the Norman, it looks like it could have been made by a smith in the far past.
The Guard
The guard is flat and plain, like many Viking swords of types I – IV on Wheeler’s typology. No complaints here.
The Handle
The plain wood handle was very comfortable to my hands. A person with larger hands might not like it as much, but the simplicity here really adds to the authentic feel – no leather or suede, just plain wood as many warriors would have had I’m sure. It is comfortable to hold in a hammer or handshake grip.
The Pommel
Looks like it is closest to Wheeler’s type VI. Very attractive and simple, and balances the sword out nicely. Its thin profile allows for a good grip to be taken without the pommel biting into the wrist, as can often happen with this type of sword.
The Scabbard
DSA’s scabbard crew must have been working overtime, because the scabbard on this one is the best yet. It has great stitching, good quality and simple metal fittings, and fits snugly with the sword. Other DSA scabbards I’ve seen have just been a simple carrying case, but this scabbard is at least the equal of the average scabbard on the market, and fits fairly well with this piece. DSA has informed me that as much as things have improved, they are looking into some potential alterations to this scabbard, so stay tuned.
The Handling
Up until now this sword has sounded like any other sword being reviewed – it has a blade, handle, etc., and looks sword-shaped. Fantastic. But where this sword really shines, and what makes it stick out so much in the crowd, is the handling.
Viking swords were exclusively one-handers, because the Viking fighting style usually had a sword in one hand and an axe or other weapon in the other hand. Up until now I have always thought of that as highly impractical, because any Viking sword I held had a balance point of 6” or so, which is pretty standard for a heavy chopping sword. With this sword, though, it feels like it could be a possibility.
The balance point is still at 6”, but the sword’s lower weight – at 2.2lbs – and well executed taper make it come alive in the hand. Fast cuts and thrusts can be quickly recovered, and despite how fast it feels in the hand you can tell it really wants to chop. This would be a savage cutter in the hand of any Viking, and is more than comfortable enough to wield one-handed for long periods of time. I can honestly say this is the best handling of any one-handed longsword that I’ve ever held. The only problem now is wondering where to find a decent axe to go with it…
Conclusion
When every sword maker is trying to up the “bling” factor on their swords – and doing very well in many cases – this piece is attractive for its simplicity. It stands out in the crowd because it is not clamoring for attention. As mentioned before, the handling really has to be experienced to be believed. In truth, this is a really great piece, and would look at home in a collection housing much more expensive swords. If sharpened I’m certain it would make a capable cutter as well. I really don’t know what else to say, except that this is a sword that will not disappoint.
The Darksword Armory 10th Century Viking – Highly Recommended
Historical Accuracy: N/A
Fit and Finish: 3.5/5
Handling: 5/5
Structural Integrity: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall: 4.125/5