Review: Dagesse Single Hander
Oct 2, 2007 21:51:33 GMT
Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2007 21:51:33 GMT
Review of the Dagesse by Armaduras, Toledo by Keith R. (Fatecaller)
I do not remember the exact amount I paid for this sword because I bought it about 4 years ago, but it was in the price range of about $150 US. I purchased this piece as the first sword to my collection and picked it up in California at Medieval Times dinner Theater (which btw is awesome and u should all go ) The biggest reason I picked this one was because I could nicely fit it under my trunk’s false floor as to not impede in my border crossings on my way home. It came dull, ready for stage combat with a 1 mm blunt edge.
Once home, I proceeded immediately to my back yard where I could swing this “Excalibur” of mine to see how she really felt. I was shocked and amazed at the way it sang. A bulky solid wood grip fit perfectly into my hand and the balance and weight distribution was in perfect unison. I knew right away that this would be a real power house. I would have to say though that this might not be a great sword for anyone with small hands due to the very robust grip. The one thing that still makes me sad though is it never came with a scabbard. But fortunately I can make my own.
After the initial novelty of my very first sword wore off (due in part to it being blunt) I put it in my glass display case at home and left it there. Until just recently joining the SBG and getting back into swords, I didn’t realize I could put my own edge on this bad boy. So I began my research on the origin of this piece and what it was made of to make sure it was safe to do so. Sure enough, its tempered carbon spring steel
I began with a rough flat bastard file to begin stock removal. After about 5 minutes on all the edges I switched to my fine grade flat file. A few minutes just finishing off the rough filing job and it was good to go…and mighty sharp I must say. I was able to cut paper with ease on my first few strokes. Impressed I must admit.
Blade
The blade was perfect right out of the box. Not a dent or a scratch was to be seen even after thorough inspection. Not the biggest sword out there but hefty enough to do damage while maintaining a high level of agility. Far from whippy it is a very sturdy blade. A semi fantasy style fuller ran about ¾ the length of the blade though stopping just short of the cross guard.
Cross Guard and Pommel
The simplicity of hilt is a key feature in my eyes, part of what made it stand out to me. It’s not flashy or detailed. It serves the purpose it was intended for along with adding balance to the sword. The pommel (despite being a screw on) has yet to come lose through all the cutting i've done with this sword. Even after hitting sum heavy duty targets and making other bad cuts, it is still as solid as it was when I first bought it. Both being polished brasses add a real nice contrast to the absolutely stunning blade.
Handle
The handle is a very thick set piece of black wood (sorry don’t know what kind) and made for a meat hook of a hand…kinda like mine. I find it a comfortable grip and easy for me to hold and swing while neither pommel nor hilt got in the way.
Cutting
Yes…is pretty much all I need to say. It cuts anything and everything with ease. I used everything I could think of and then sum and it still surpassed. I guess I could cut down a tree or sumthin just for fun lol. From paper shavings to cutting plastic ribbons off of milk jugs it did it all with precision. The handling characteristics are phenomenal and it’s incredibly wieldable. I absolutely love this Sword.
Video
And now u can all see how much fun I had and what an awesome sword this thing really is. (If a pictures worth a thousand words….well…just watch the video)
What more can I say...what a great start to my sword collections. An awesome awesome sword.
Here are the specs
Blade - 26"
Handle - 4 ½" (6 ¾" with pommel)
Overall - 33 ¼"
Hilt - 8"
POB - 3 ½" from hilt
Weight - apprx. 2.5LBS
Historical Accuracy - 3
Fit and Finish - 4.5
Handling – 4.5
Structural Integrity – 4
Value for Money - 5
Overall - 4 / 5
Recommended for Medium to Heavy duty cutting.
STATUS - Discontinued.
I do not remember the exact amount I paid for this sword because I bought it about 4 years ago, but it was in the price range of about $150 US. I purchased this piece as the first sword to my collection and picked it up in California at Medieval Times dinner Theater (which btw is awesome and u should all go ) The biggest reason I picked this one was because I could nicely fit it under my trunk’s false floor as to not impede in my border crossings on my way home. It came dull, ready for stage combat with a 1 mm blunt edge.
Once home, I proceeded immediately to my back yard where I could swing this “Excalibur” of mine to see how she really felt. I was shocked and amazed at the way it sang. A bulky solid wood grip fit perfectly into my hand and the balance and weight distribution was in perfect unison. I knew right away that this would be a real power house. I would have to say though that this might not be a great sword for anyone with small hands due to the very robust grip. The one thing that still makes me sad though is it never came with a scabbard. But fortunately I can make my own.
After the initial novelty of my very first sword wore off (due in part to it being blunt) I put it in my glass display case at home and left it there. Until just recently joining the SBG and getting back into swords, I didn’t realize I could put my own edge on this bad boy. So I began my research on the origin of this piece and what it was made of to make sure it was safe to do so. Sure enough, its tempered carbon spring steel
I began with a rough flat bastard file to begin stock removal. After about 5 minutes on all the edges I switched to my fine grade flat file. A few minutes just finishing off the rough filing job and it was good to go…and mighty sharp I must say. I was able to cut paper with ease on my first few strokes. Impressed I must admit.
Blade
The blade was perfect right out of the box. Not a dent or a scratch was to be seen even after thorough inspection. Not the biggest sword out there but hefty enough to do damage while maintaining a high level of agility. Far from whippy it is a very sturdy blade. A semi fantasy style fuller ran about ¾ the length of the blade though stopping just short of the cross guard.
Cross Guard and Pommel
The simplicity of hilt is a key feature in my eyes, part of what made it stand out to me. It’s not flashy or detailed. It serves the purpose it was intended for along with adding balance to the sword. The pommel (despite being a screw on) has yet to come lose through all the cutting i've done with this sword. Even after hitting sum heavy duty targets and making other bad cuts, it is still as solid as it was when I first bought it. Both being polished brasses add a real nice contrast to the absolutely stunning blade.
Handle
The handle is a very thick set piece of black wood (sorry don’t know what kind) and made for a meat hook of a hand…kinda like mine. I find it a comfortable grip and easy for me to hold and swing while neither pommel nor hilt got in the way.
Cutting
Yes…is pretty much all I need to say. It cuts anything and everything with ease. I used everything I could think of and then sum and it still surpassed. I guess I could cut down a tree or sumthin just for fun lol. From paper shavings to cutting plastic ribbons off of milk jugs it did it all with precision. The handling characteristics are phenomenal and it’s incredibly wieldable. I absolutely love this Sword.
Video
And now u can all see how much fun I had and what an awesome sword this thing really is. (If a pictures worth a thousand words….well…just watch the video)
What more can I say...what a great start to my sword collections. An awesome awesome sword.
Here are the specs
Blade - 26"
Handle - 4 ½" (6 ¾" with pommel)
Overall - 33 ¼"
Hilt - 8"
POB - 3 ½" from hilt
Weight - apprx. 2.5LBS
Historical Accuracy - 3
Fit and Finish - 4.5
Handling – 4.5
Structural Integrity – 4
Value for Money - 5
Overall - 4 / 5
Recommended for Medium to Heavy duty cutting.
STATUS - Discontinued.