Strongblade "Dark Recourse" Archer's Short Sword--1st Review
Mar 28, 2012 17:13:42 GMT
Post by Voltan on Mar 28, 2012 17:13:42 GMT
Strongblade "Dark Recourse" Archer's Short Sword
by Voltan
Introduction
This being my first review, I thought I'd review my first sword. I was interested in buying a short sword, in the LOW $100 range. After purchasing a Coustille Dagger from Strongblade, and being very happy with it, I took a look at their "Dark Recourse" archer's sword. I was especially drawn to the grip, which is wrapped in copper wire. The specs seemed like what I was after, so I went for it. However, Strongblade offers both tempered and non-tempered models of their swords, so I had to be sure to order the tempered/sharpened model. The price was $120 plus $13 for freight, for a total of $133. After 1 week of anticipation and me being glued to the UPS tracking site, the sword arrived. I named the sword "Agkistrodon Contortrix", the scientific name for the Copperhead snake--named after the copper wire-wrapped grip.
Historical overview
My impression from what I read on Strongblade's site suggests that this sword was inspired by a Longbowman's melee weapon, but styled to suit a nobleman as a small arming-type sword. Strongblade describes the sword as "a fantastic piece of historical artwork." I could see this sword as more artistic than historically accurate, keeping in mind my lack of knowlegde on blade typology, etc.
Full Disclosure
This is my first review, and I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to swords. I have no connection or affiliation with the manufacturer of this sword. I heard about Strongblade from reading the SBG main website.
Initial impressions
The packaging job was superb. There was no way possible for the sword or scabbard to be damaged in transit. Upon opening, much to my delight, the grip was not at all the standard red color as shown on Strongblade's site. It was a much more rich, darker, copper color. The blade and fittings were polished and gleaming. Dry handling was ok, but it felt heavy for a smaller sword such as this. I was still very excited to hold it that first time...
Statistics
Blade length: 26.75" (24" advertised)
Grip length: 4.25"
Total hilt length: 6.25"
Overall length: 33" (30" advertised)
POB: 5" from guard
Weight: 3lbs (as listed in product info)
Pommel: Threaded
The Blade
I'm not very familiar with blade typology, but my best guess is similar to a type XIV..? The blade was buffed and polished to a beautiful shine, as Strongblade advertises doing so to all of their swords prior to shipping. The blade was almost 3" longer than advertised, which I considered an unexpected bonus. The edge had a secondary bevel, but not drastically steep, and moderately sharp. The tang seemed a bit on the narrow side compared to what I've seen so far, but still seemed capable of handling some light cutting. Hand forged, and when held at the right angle hammer impressions can be seen.
Hilt Components
The Guard
The first issue I had with this sword, yet my inexperience delayed my noticing it for some time. The blade shoulders were wider than the cutout in the guard, making the guard sit slightly off-center. However, this is where Strongblade shined--their customer service. They were happy to send me a replacement guard, at my request, free of charge. The new guard fit much better.
The Grip
My favorite part of the sword. Tightly wrapped in a twist pattern out of copper wire, no pic can really do it justice. The rounded grip could make edge alignment a bit tricky though, and I would recommend gloves when handling.
The Pommel
The pommel, a simple but mirror polished ball fit perfectly. But after a while, and a lot more sword-browsing, it started to just not look right. After a month of pondering and watching my pommel thread here on the forum, I contacted Strongblade to see if I could get a different pommel. The one I wanted was a lobed pommel from one of their other models. They were again eager to help, and I think the results speak for themselves.
The Scabbard
The scabbard was impressive. Well made, tightly wrapped, with excellent stitching and nicely polished accents. However, the sword fits loose, to where it will easily slide out of the scabbard if tipped, and if not worn at an angle the blade rattles a little.
Handling
The sword handled a little slower than I expected for a sword of this size. It feels good in the hand for the most part, but a bit on the heavy side--I'm 6'1", 166 lbs, a bit on the skinny side. Fellow forum member Razor handled the sword at his recent SBG meet-up, and commented that it was a little heavy.
Cutting
I made a few cuts with it at Razor's meet-up, and I was pleased with it's ability. It did ok against milk jugs as well as small water bottles, especially considering this was my first time cutting with swords! There was a lot going on, but I thought I heard Razor say it seemed to tear through the targets more than slicing through them, even when he used it.
Conclusion
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. This was a good first sword for me, for the budget I had at the time. The new pommel makes me admire it even more. It's just a bit too heavy, and I will possibly retire it from cutting, just to preserve the asthetics of it. Overall, for my first sword, I suppose it was worth the money spent. The minor issues were swiftly handled by Strongblade's customer service.
Pros
Beautifully polished
Elegant wire wrapped grip
Customizable
Good customer service
Cons
A tad on the heavy side
Came with defective guard (replaced at no cost, however)
Tang is too narrow
Sword fits loose in scabbard
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a sword with this particular styling, it's a decent buy for the price. It is capable of LIGHT cutting, and is an attractive sword, especially with the new pommel. However, if you're after something with a heavier emphasis on functionality, historical accuracy, etc, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Best Regards, --Voltan
EDIT:
After owning three H/T line swords with extremely sharp edges, and a little more experience now, I would have to downgrade the edge quality of this sword from "quite sharp" to "moderately sharp." Also, I would not cut anything heavier than a milk jug with this sword, due to the narrow tang. OP edited.
FINAL EDIT:
Two and a half years later, after owning more swords from various makers, I would suggest saving a little more money and considering Windlass Steelcrafts swords for the entry-level tier.
by Voltan
Introduction
This being my first review, I thought I'd review my first sword. I was interested in buying a short sword, in the LOW $100 range. After purchasing a Coustille Dagger from Strongblade, and being very happy with it, I took a look at their "Dark Recourse" archer's sword. I was especially drawn to the grip, which is wrapped in copper wire. The specs seemed like what I was after, so I went for it. However, Strongblade offers both tempered and non-tempered models of their swords, so I had to be sure to order the tempered/sharpened model. The price was $120 plus $13 for freight, for a total of $133. After 1 week of anticipation and me being glued to the UPS tracking site, the sword arrived. I named the sword "Agkistrodon Contortrix", the scientific name for the Copperhead snake--named after the copper wire-wrapped grip.
Historical overview
My impression from what I read on Strongblade's site suggests that this sword was inspired by a Longbowman's melee weapon, but styled to suit a nobleman as a small arming-type sword. Strongblade describes the sword as "a fantastic piece of historical artwork." I could see this sword as more artistic than historically accurate, keeping in mind my lack of knowlegde on blade typology, etc.
Full Disclosure
This is my first review, and I am not the most knowledgable person when it comes to swords. I have no connection or affiliation with the manufacturer of this sword. I heard about Strongblade from reading the SBG main website.
Initial impressions
The packaging job was superb. There was no way possible for the sword or scabbard to be damaged in transit. Upon opening, much to my delight, the grip was not at all the standard red color as shown on Strongblade's site. It was a much more rich, darker, copper color. The blade and fittings were polished and gleaming. Dry handling was ok, but it felt heavy for a smaller sword such as this. I was still very excited to hold it that first time...
Statistics
Blade length: 26.75" (24" advertised)
Grip length: 4.25"
Total hilt length: 6.25"
Overall length: 33" (30" advertised)
POB: 5" from guard
Weight: 3lbs (as listed in product info)
Pommel: Threaded
The Blade
I'm not very familiar with blade typology, but my best guess is similar to a type XIV..? The blade was buffed and polished to a beautiful shine, as Strongblade advertises doing so to all of their swords prior to shipping. The blade was almost 3" longer than advertised, which I considered an unexpected bonus. The edge had a secondary bevel, but not drastically steep, and moderately sharp. The tang seemed a bit on the narrow side compared to what I've seen so far, but still seemed capable of handling some light cutting. Hand forged, and when held at the right angle hammer impressions can be seen.
Hilt Components
The Guard
The first issue I had with this sword, yet my inexperience delayed my noticing it for some time. The blade shoulders were wider than the cutout in the guard, making the guard sit slightly off-center. However, this is where Strongblade shined--their customer service. They were happy to send me a replacement guard, at my request, free of charge. The new guard fit much better.
The Grip
My favorite part of the sword. Tightly wrapped in a twist pattern out of copper wire, no pic can really do it justice. The rounded grip could make edge alignment a bit tricky though, and I would recommend gloves when handling.
The Pommel
The pommel, a simple but mirror polished ball fit perfectly. But after a while, and a lot more sword-browsing, it started to just not look right. After a month of pondering and watching my pommel thread here on the forum, I contacted Strongblade to see if I could get a different pommel. The one I wanted was a lobed pommel from one of their other models. They were again eager to help, and I think the results speak for themselves.
The Scabbard
The scabbard was impressive. Well made, tightly wrapped, with excellent stitching and nicely polished accents. However, the sword fits loose, to where it will easily slide out of the scabbard if tipped, and if not worn at an angle the blade rattles a little.
Handling
The sword handled a little slower than I expected for a sword of this size. It feels good in the hand for the most part, but a bit on the heavy side--I'm 6'1", 166 lbs, a bit on the skinny side. Fellow forum member Razor handled the sword at his recent SBG meet-up, and commented that it was a little heavy.
Cutting
I made a few cuts with it at Razor's meet-up, and I was pleased with it's ability. It did ok against milk jugs as well as small water bottles, especially considering this was my first time cutting with swords! There was a lot going on, but I thought I heard Razor say it seemed to tear through the targets more than slicing through them, even when he used it.
Conclusion
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. This was a good first sword for me, for the budget I had at the time. The new pommel makes me admire it even more. It's just a bit too heavy, and I will possibly retire it from cutting, just to preserve the asthetics of it. Overall, for my first sword, I suppose it was worth the money spent. The minor issues were swiftly handled by Strongblade's customer service.
Pros
Beautifully polished
Elegant wire wrapped grip
Customizable
Good customer service
Cons
A tad on the heavy side
Came with defective guard (replaced at no cost, however)
Tang is too narrow
Sword fits loose in scabbard
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a sword with this particular styling, it's a decent buy for the price. It is capable of LIGHT cutting, and is an attractive sword, especially with the new pommel. However, if you're after something with a heavier emphasis on functionality, historical accuracy, etc, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Best Regards, --Voltan
EDIT:
After owning three H/T line swords with extremely sharp edges, and a little more experience now, I would have to downgrade the edge quality of this sword from "quite sharp" to "moderately sharp." Also, I would not cut anything heavier than a milk jug with this sword, due to the narrow tang. OP edited.
FINAL EDIT:
Two and a half years later, after owning more swords from various makers, I would suggest saving a little more money and considering Windlass Steelcrafts swords for the entry-level tier.