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Post by musicalpoo on Feb 26, 2009 23:15:27 GMT
hi Alright, I've had this sword since about mid-December, but I figured I should review it because I keep going on about how awesome it is. Darksword has a reputation of being giant-bulky heavy swords, and for the most part it's true This sword only partially fits along those lines, it is big, but by no means is it un-weildy. The Monster of a pommel on this sword helps with it's balance a ton, and without it, this sword would indeed be awkward. The pommel's fish-tail shape also makes a comfy grip, I usually hold right below the guard, and right at the top of the pommel (also keeps your hand from slipping). So all in all, this sword handles beyond well. Now, handling usually isn't DSA's strong suit, what they are best known for, is durability and toughness. This sword excels in this area as well, and though I have not done anything personally to push it, Paul sure has, and I'll take his word for it that this sword is battle ready. Many people (including me) were pleased to see that these newer models are peened, which means it could upstand even more in the new models. Furthermore, it's a sword, it's kinda hard to make a sword not freaking awesome. Stats! blade length:...........39 inches hilt length:...............11.2 inches blade width hilt:......2 inches taper:......................steady yet dramatic taper throughout pics! Sword in sexy scabbard Hilt sword!!! sword in my hand! DSA makers seal...if that's what it's called, I'm really not sure if you look at the sword from a certain angle, you can see the hammer blows, beautiful in my opinion. sword on the tree-hooks (my tree's name is weatherthorp, he makes walnuts and feeds two squirrels living inside of him named Chip and Dale) this is not from weatherthorp! it's a giant branch that fell from our neighbor's tree that I chopped up. peen! hilt and the fire-proof lizzards Sword outside of scabbard Okay, so I see a lot of bad pics of DSA scabbards, but perhaps I got lucky with this one. It was boring yes, but I changed that with ease. the tip beautiful sword indeed Pros! -light for it's size -well balanced -shiny (once I take the dirt off) -pretty -big Cons! -doesn't fit great in scabbard, no matter how much i decorate the outside -I can tell that the edge geometry is off, but I'm not sharpening it, so no big deal to me. -the last 1/4 of a centimeter on the tip can sometimes bend for $275, this sword is unbeatable! where to buy: Sorry Paul, but it seems as though your already sold out of these, so here's the DSA spot. www.darksword-armory.com/swords3.htmlfirst sword on the page, to get more info on it, click the pic. highly recommended
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 0:07:31 GMT
Great pics! Seems like you really like the sword! Have you done any cutting with it or anything like that? Thanks
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Post by musicalpoo on Feb 27, 2009 0:31:55 GMT
No, no cutting Unfortunately, I am a youngin, and my parents won't let me get it sharpened, which to be honest, I'm not that upset over. BTW, review addition: weight......3 pounds 10 ounces (on my scale)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 1:47:00 GMT
The historical accuracy rating isn't very accurate. This isn't a perfect example of a sword of it's type. DSA still has no distal tapering for one. And it's a type XVIIIa blade which is like the misc catchall of blade types really for the later era swords...even still, a ricasso is really pushing it. And speaking of which, it's profile tapers more like a XVIa blade to me then an XVIIIa anyways. And that really beefy pommel you mentioned along with the cross isn't very historical at all either. And giving a score above a 5 on an out of 5 rating system makes no sense. 6/5 structural integrity means it's stronger then physics would allow. A 6/5 sword means it's magic. Same with the value for the money. Yes I STILL care...I don't mind new people getting excited about their new swords, but reviews should be done with some level of knoweldge and honesty here and not giving out magic numbers. Edit: Very nice pictures though. Your very good at it .
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 27, 2009 2:12:37 GMT
Yes I STILL care...I don't mind new people getting excited about their new swords, but reviews should be done with some level of knoweldge and honesty here and not giving out magic numbers. Agree 100%. I've tried to bring this point up a few times... but have had little effect so I sort of gave up. However, everytime someone posts a review like this... with 4's and 5's across the board (and in this case, a 6!) and very little hands on experinces with swords of any type OTHER then the one in that evry review... my hackles go up a little bit. It's just NOT very helpfull to the community at large. BTW, I have a DSA two handed gothic sword that has a slight set in it from cutting.... so structural integrity a 6? No... because of the very narrow end of the sword, I'd say it's a bit weaker over all then most DSA swords. Edit: Very nice pictures though. Your very good at it . Very true, great pics which ARE very helpfull for people thinking about getting this sword.
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SlayerofDarkness
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Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Feb 27, 2009 2:29:45 GMT
ARGH!!! I agree with the above posts, but you know what really irks me? That horrible rust on the tip! Keep your blades oiled, mate! Also, such high ratings really just make people think that you don't know what you're talking about , so please do something a little more realistic. For example, I (although I've never handled it, so handling is going on hearsay) would give this sword something along these lines: historical accuracy:............3/5 fit and finish:.....................4.5/5 handling:...........................4/5 Structural integrity:...........4/5 value for money:...............4.5/5 OVERALL:..........................4/5 I hope this helps, and please understand that we aren't attacking you, just trying to help. -Slayer
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 3:35:12 GMT
I've been looking at this sword for awhile, I'm glad to see that the newer models are peened.
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 27, 2009 4:30:36 GMT
I've been looking at this sword for awhile, I'm glad to see that the newer models are peened. Yeh... mine is an older version, before they started peening them. The peening is a huge bonus for me... I look forward to picking up one of their peened swords in the future.
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 27, 2009 4:33:32 GMT
but you know what really irks me? That horrible rust on the tip! Keep your blades oiled, mate! I'm not sure thats rust, Slayer. Could just be dirt... it's laying on the ground in that pic, and it looks like it was stuck in the dirt for the pic where its standing up... so that could just be some dirt on the sword.
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Post by musicalpoo on Feb 27, 2009 4:44:10 GMT
it was dirt, I had yet to clean it off after the pic of it in the wood pile. and Napalm, I'm sure your coming from a good place, but you really are a kill-joy.
Also keep in mind that this is my FIRST sword, I have no other swords to compare it to.
P.S. I do keep my swords oiled, and I have a shining wax that works very well.
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 27, 2009 5:18:58 GMT
it was dirt, I had yet to clean it off after the pic of it in the wood pile. and Napalm, I'm sure your coming from a good place, but you really are a kill-joy. See, I thought it was just dirt. You can chill out now Slayer... heh. As for Cold Napalm, he may be a bit of a 'Buzzkill' but he has a good point. It's GOOD that your excited and happy about your first sword... but you have to keep it in perspective. The Reviews are to help people figure out of certain swords are for them... and the more realistic and unbiased a review is, the more useful the information is to everyone who might rely on it to make a choice. With all the swords out there on the market... you really think your only sword is the best or BETTER then the best in all those categories? 6/5 for Structural integrity? Really? 5/5 for handling? It's a long, somewhat heavy sword... you think it handles THAT much better then so many swords out there? Enthusiasm is great... but temper it with objectivity... or it will break. ;D See, that was a little sword pun... about tempering...
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Post by musicalpoo on Feb 27, 2009 6:32:48 GMT
Napalm, this is what DSA said,"The sword is a reproduction of the Effigy of Ulrich von Hohenrechburg (c. 1458). ". I'm sorry if I took their word for it.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 7:04:15 GMT
Well I for one knew exactly what was meant with a 6/5 rating for structural integrity- Sword is like a tiger tank ;D. As for the high scores? I'm sure with sub $300 dollar (US) swords (more than the high end ones) everyone has their own individual opinion. I think we should respect musicalpoos judgements even if some of us do believe they may be wrong for whatever reason. If you really don't like it perhaps you should get your hands on one and write another review? The more opinions we have on swords the better!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 7:07:31 GMT
Well it can be a reproduction of an existing sword...but if it lacks things like a distal taper, proper blade type, proper weight, etc etc, then it's not an accurate reproduction now is it? I suggest you look at this link here to get started. It'll help you figure out the historical accuracy of your future swords...with a lot of interesting history tidbits. www.myarmoury.com/features.htmlAnd just because a marketing blurb says it's historical, doesn't make it true.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Feb 27, 2009 7:07:53 GMT
I have been toying with a "Pros/Cons" style of review that eliminates the numbers... check out my recent Samwise sword review for what I mean. I;d appreciate some feedback on that actually.
And agreed, nice pictures!
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 27, 2009 7:14:18 GMT
I have been toying with a "Pros/Cons" style of review that eliminates the numbers... check out my recent Samwise sword review for what I mean. I;d appreciate some feedback on that actually. And agreed, nice pictures! I saw that Dan... and I think it's a great idea. The number system has issues... because everyones experience with swords is different. For someone reviewing their first sword... and having never had hands on another sword really... it must be very, VERY hard to judge anything with much accuracy. The pro's/con's are more intentionally subjective and would lead to less confusion, I think.
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Post by musicalpoo on Feb 27, 2009 7:29:00 GMT
I agree, less opportunity for people to say "Well, 6/5 isn't physically possible". I think I'll change that now.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 11:40:18 GMT
Back to the sword itself......do like the looks of this sword. Was wondering..... Since DSA is "known" for their sturdiness, I wonder what a sword of this design, fitted with a practical blade similar to the Hanwei practical h&h would be like or perform. I have not handled a DSA before , one reason for my enquiry. Would the flex of these be similar to, more or less. A little more flex than the practical h&h's and these may make decent HES- longsword trainers. Just thinking out loud.....it's 6:30 am , I'm at work alone, it's Friday, i don't get off until 5pm (as with every day's schedule 6:30 to 5 M-F). nice review musicalpoo cheers, Bill
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Feb 27, 2009 12:01:08 GMT
First review, first sword, nice pictures..................nice review Poo........+1!
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Post by YlliwCir on Feb 27, 2009 21:48:21 GMT
Good review, Poo! ( I did it again). I'm glad you like your sword. That's really what matters the most, no? +1
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