DSA 11th CENTURY VIKING
Oct 4, 2010 22:09:34 GMT
Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2010 22:09:34 GMT
Let me first start off by saying that im overwhelmingly happy with the customer service i've recieved from Mr. Azerad and the folks down at DSA. There was a little mix-up with the shipping through Paul as he did not know Mr. Azerad would be out of town when I made my purchase. Being that I was very exicted to recieve my new sword, and not having any patience, I made a bit of a pest out of myself e-mailing both Paul and Mr. Azerad. In true professional fashion Mr. Azerad was not only not annoyed (or at least did not let on he was) he sharpend my blade AND included a FREE, yes FREE, sword belt for my trouble!! I have to say that if anyone doubts the professionalism or general desire to make their customers happy just refer them to me! That being said, ON TO THE SWORD!!!
HISTORICAL REVIEW:
This sword is based on an actual find from a musem in Finland from around the 11th century. Most of the info I have came straight from the DSA sight so If anyone knows more about it please let me know. As far as I can tell it is a historically accurate replica in both form and function.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
Immeadeatly upon grabbing the un-opend box I noticed how light weight it was. I was actuall wondering if there was a sword in there at all! Once opend the sword,belt,scabbard,and complimentary DSA t-shirt were neatly wrapped in plastic. After ripping off the wrapping like a kid on x-mas, I couldn't believe how light it was! My only other euro is the Windlass Late Spanish, and by comparison this slicer is a feather weight. Everything felt tight and well put together. The polish seemed a little on the rushed side, as did the sharpenings apearance. Im not a big fan of a secondary bevil, and it has a prominent one. All in all it's a very attractive package and I was extatic.
STATS:
BLADE LEGENTH: 29 1/2 in
HANDLE LEGENTH: 5 in
O.A.L.: 36 3/4 in
GUARD WIDTH: 4 in
P.O.B.: 6 in from guard
C.O.P. about 16 in
WEIGHT: LIGHT!
THE BLADE:
Im not sure what type this blade falls under.(though im sure one of you can tell me) It has a wide fuller running from the guard to about 2 1/2 in from the tip. It's 2 in wide at the base and tapers nicely to a spear like point. Though quite light, it's not whippy at all, and feels very stout. The polish leaves a little to be desired in my oppinion, but it has been polished so thats good.
THE HANDLE:
The handle seems like it was made for me. It's possibly a little big for my "girl hands" but It is perfectly rounded, and the extra room means i'm not smashed in on the guard when swinging. The black leather is wrapped over thin cord, and provides a solid hold.
THE GUARD:
This is one of the nicest things about this sword. It truly makes it look like a viking kings blade of distinction. I'm not sure how functional it would have been in battle, but it looks good! Slightly upswept at the bottom and curving in toward the blade at the ends, with a deep plunge into the center, it looks like it belongs in the "13th warrior" film. The knot work is elaborite, and matches the pommel.
THE POMMEL:
The DSA sight states this is the Peterson type AE. It has sweet looking knot work and a little snakey/dragon looking dude on it. It's nicely peend and is well done. I believe it's a casting but you'd have to ask them.
THE SCABBARD:
Im' quite impressed with this scabbard. It has light wood core, but feels strong. The leather is wrapped tight,and sewen up the back, and at the mouth of the opening. The belt attaches neatly at the top,and is cleanly done. There is also a nice polished cap at the bottom. All in all it's the nicest set up i've got!
HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS:
MAN THIS SWORD IS LIGHT! It feels like you could slay all day, and have enough energy to drink mead and go wenching all night! Everthing fits tight and is stoutly built, which is why is can't understand why it dosent feel like a steel gurder. After playing in the yard for an hour I felt like I could go another hour. It is soo much more balanced than my Windlass.
TEST CUTTING:
What fun! I cut everything I had at the house. All the light plastic was sliced like butter. My form isn't good enough to be really effective against the heavier stuff, but I batted it around the yard anyway! I'll just put it like this, I ren out of stuff to cutt, but I'd still be out there cutting if I had'ent. Check out the vid to see the stuff I threw at it.
CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion; I LOVE IT! It took forever to get here,(CANPAR's fault not DSA) but it was worth the wait. If I can come up with more cash you'd better believe im giving Mr Azerad an the boys down at Darksword a call. This sword handles like a dream and looks like fine art. It has taken a key position in my collection.
PROS:
Super light and great handling
Looks great
Well made and strong
Affordable
CONS:
polishing could be better
Sharpening service leaves unsightly bevel
BOTTOM LINE:
The bottom line is I live this sword and you cant have mine! This is one of thoes blades that you keep in you collection forever. If you have the chance, I recomend DSA to everyone for your sword needs. There freindy, attentive, and make a damn fine sword! Thanks DSA!
HISTORICAL REVIEW:
This sword is based on an actual find from a musem in Finland from around the 11th century. Most of the info I have came straight from the DSA sight so If anyone knows more about it please let me know. As far as I can tell it is a historically accurate replica in both form and function.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
Immeadeatly upon grabbing the un-opend box I noticed how light weight it was. I was actuall wondering if there was a sword in there at all! Once opend the sword,belt,scabbard,and complimentary DSA t-shirt were neatly wrapped in plastic. After ripping off the wrapping like a kid on x-mas, I couldn't believe how light it was! My only other euro is the Windlass Late Spanish, and by comparison this slicer is a feather weight. Everything felt tight and well put together. The polish seemed a little on the rushed side, as did the sharpenings apearance. Im not a big fan of a secondary bevil, and it has a prominent one. All in all it's a very attractive package and I was extatic.
STATS:
BLADE LEGENTH: 29 1/2 in
HANDLE LEGENTH: 5 in
O.A.L.: 36 3/4 in
GUARD WIDTH: 4 in
P.O.B.: 6 in from guard
C.O.P. about 16 in
WEIGHT: LIGHT!
THE BLADE:
Im not sure what type this blade falls under.(though im sure one of you can tell me) It has a wide fuller running from the guard to about 2 1/2 in from the tip. It's 2 in wide at the base and tapers nicely to a spear like point. Though quite light, it's not whippy at all, and feels very stout. The polish leaves a little to be desired in my oppinion, but it has been polished so thats good.
THE HANDLE:
The handle seems like it was made for me. It's possibly a little big for my "girl hands" but It is perfectly rounded, and the extra room means i'm not smashed in on the guard when swinging. The black leather is wrapped over thin cord, and provides a solid hold.
THE GUARD:
This is one of the nicest things about this sword. It truly makes it look like a viking kings blade of distinction. I'm not sure how functional it would have been in battle, but it looks good! Slightly upswept at the bottom and curving in toward the blade at the ends, with a deep plunge into the center, it looks like it belongs in the "13th warrior" film. The knot work is elaborite, and matches the pommel.
THE POMMEL:
The DSA sight states this is the Peterson type AE. It has sweet looking knot work and a little snakey/dragon looking dude on it. It's nicely peend and is well done. I believe it's a casting but you'd have to ask them.
THE SCABBARD:
Im' quite impressed with this scabbard. It has light wood core, but feels strong. The leather is wrapped tight,and sewen up the back, and at the mouth of the opening. The belt attaches neatly at the top,and is cleanly done. There is also a nice polished cap at the bottom. All in all it's the nicest set up i've got!
HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS:
MAN THIS SWORD IS LIGHT! It feels like you could slay all day, and have enough energy to drink mead and go wenching all night! Everthing fits tight and is stoutly built, which is why is can't understand why it dosent feel like a steel gurder. After playing in the yard for an hour I felt like I could go another hour. It is soo much more balanced than my Windlass.
TEST CUTTING:
What fun! I cut everything I had at the house. All the light plastic was sliced like butter. My form isn't good enough to be really effective against the heavier stuff, but I batted it around the yard anyway! I'll just put it like this, I ren out of stuff to cutt, but I'd still be out there cutting if I had'ent. Check out the vid to see the stuff I threw at it.
CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion; I LOVE IT! It took forever to get here,(CANPAR's fault not DSA) but it was worth the wait. If I can come up with more cash you'd better believe im giving Mr Azerad an the boys down at Darksword a call. This sword handles like a dream and looks like fine art. It has taken a key position in my collection.
PROS:
Super light and great handling
Looks great
Well made and strong
Affordable
CONS:
polishing could be better
Sharpening service leaves unsightly bevel
BOTTOM LINE:
The bottom line is I live this sword and you cant have mine! This is one of thoes blades that you keep in you collection forever. If you have the chance, I recomend DSA to everyone for your sword needs. There freindy, attentive, and make a damn fine sword! Thanks DSA!