Darksword Armory Alexandra Sword
Apr 7, 2020 18:06:10 GMT
Post by Matthew.Jensen on Apr 7, 2020 18:06:10 GMT
Hello there!
This is a review for the DSA Alexandra sword. I am posting this here in the hope that it will be helpful but also to solicit some community feedback. I may have an opportunity to interview/chat with Eyal at DSA. I understand that DSA is a brand that brings up some very charged topics and feelings. The goal is not to change hearts and minds, it is to create useful content. What questions would you have me ask?
The current plan, if it pans out, will be to have a chat about the content inside the review. I would like to have DSA respond to what has happened in the review. What they think is fair and unfair. What they think I missed. That kind of thing. That said, it is a chance to ask other questions.
Disclaimers -
This sword was a review sample from DSA. It was sent to me for free.
I don't study HEMA, and I don't know how this is supposed to feel in the hand.
This is a prototype and may not be representative of a new item.
Hollow Ground - Steel type not disclosed.
Metal fittings on sword and scabbard.
Wood core leather wrapped sheath and belt.
$610 ($505-$610) depending on configuration)
Blade
33.25”
Grip
9.13” or 11.33” (with Pommel)
Pommel
2.25”
Weight
3lb 7oz
Total Length
45.13”
POB
3.5”
Width
3.24”
Thickness
.266”
Width At 26”
1.23”
Thickness At 26”
.13”
Weapon Dynamics Link HERE
If you are interested in the sword you can find it on the DSA Website HERE
If you would like to see a deeper comparison to other XVIIIc swords look here-
Quick Look -
Quick review -
Full review -
The good:
Dynamics are top of the list. This sword feels great in the hand given its size. This is my favorite part of the sword.
Fit and Finish were good for the price. I don't think it was as the same level as competitors like A&A or Albion but it was good for the price.
The scabbards I can compare to are Windlass, Musahsi, Ronin, and Hanwei. This scabbard was nicer than the examples I have seen from other companies in aesthetics. That said, it could have fit better. I will call it a good thing given the price point.
The sword took a lot of punishment and held an edge well through the process.
The leather on the scabbard felt like a better quality than most production blades.
I did not see residue/epoxy on the cross or pommel
The bad:
The sword was not sufficiently sharp to cut the targets I was cutting. It had a profile that I could work with but I don't think I should need to work on a sword fresh out of the box. In fairness, no one does this well.. With the exception of custom blades and Hanwei.. sometimes..
Most Euro swords I get are not really razor sharp.
The leather at the end of the grip near the cross and pommel were not completely flat.
The fittings showed tool marks under the shiny surface. There was also some left over polishing compound in spots. At least I think that is what it was.
The scabbard rattles.
The chape has a ledge that could catch on things easily.
The quillons were not very durable
There is a larger than needed gap in the cross guard for the blade
Bottom line:
I think the sword is worth the asking price for some folks. I am one of those folks. I like the dynamics, the look is pleasing, and the budget is reasonable. If you want something a little cheaper or something a little closer aesthetically to the original then the Roinin Warsword #3 is a good option but it does not feel as nimble in the hand. If you have the money, the Albion is very nice but at double the price and without a scabbard it does not feel very fair to compare. If the budget allows, spend the 4k on a sword from Lukas.. The main point being, I feel this sword has its place in the market. It has pros and cons, but I like the look, it lasted through the testing, and it felt good in the hand.
EDIT -
This is the post interview with DSA.
This is a review for the DSA Alexandra sword. I am posting this here in the hope that it will be helpful but also to solicit some community feedback. I may have an opportunity to interview/chat with Eyal at DSA. I understand that DSA is a brand that brings up some very charged topics and feelings. The goal is not to change hearts and minds, it is to create useful content. What questions would you have me ask?
The current plan, if it pans out, will be to have a chat about the content inside the review. I would like to have DSA respond to what has happened in the review. What they think is fair and unfair. What they think I missed. That kind of thing. That said, it is a chance to ask other questions.
Disclaimers -
This sword was a review sample from DSA. It was sent to me for free.
I don't study HEMA, and I don't know how this is supposed to feel in the hand.
This is a prototype and may not be representative of a new item.
Hollow Ground - Steel type not disclosed.
Metal fittings on sword and scabbard.
Wood core leather wrapped sheath and belt.
$610 ($505-$610) depending on configuration)
Blade
33.25”
Grip
9.13” or 11.33” (with Pommel)
Pommel
2.25”
Weight
3lb 7oz
Total Length
45.13”
POB
3.5”
Width
3.24”
Thickness
.266”
Width At 26”
1.23”
Thickness At 26”
.13”
Weapon Dynamics Link HERE
If you are interested in the sword you can find it on the DSA Website HERE
If you would like to see a deeper comparison to other XVIIIc swords look here-
Quick Look -
Quick review -
Full review -
The good:
Dynamics are top of the list. This sword feels great in the hand given its size. This is my favorite part of the sword.
Fit and Finish were good for the price. I don't think it was as the same level as competitors like A&A or Albion but it was good for the price.
The scabbards I can compare to are Windlass, Musahsi, Ronin, and Hanwei. This scabbard was nicer than the examples I have seen from other companies in aesthetics. That said, it could have fit better. I will call it a good thing given the price point.
The sword took a lot of punishment and held an edge well through the process.
The leather on the scabbard felt like a better quality than most production blades.
I did not see residue/epoxy on the cross or pommel
The bad:
The sword was not sufficiently sharp to cut the targets I was cutting. It had a profile that I could work with but I don't think I should need to work on a sword fresh out of the box. In fairness, no one does this well.. With the exception of custom blades and Hanwei.. sometimes..
Most Euro swords I get are not really razor sharp.
The leather at the end of the grip near the cross and pommel were not completely flat.
The fittings showed tool marks under the shiny surface. There was also some left over polishing compound in spots. At least I think that is what it was.
The scabbard rattles.
The chape has a ledge that could catch on things easily.
The quillons were not very durable
There is a larger than needed gap in the cross guard for the blade
Bottom line:
I think the sword is worth the asking price for some folks. I am one of those folks. I like the dynamics, the look is pleasing, and the budget is reasonable. If you want something a little cheaper or something a little closer aesthetically to the original then the Roinin Warsword #3 is a good option but it does not feel as nimble in the hand. If you have the money, the Albion is very nice but at double the price and without a scabbard it does not feel very fair to compare. If the budget allows, spend the 4k on a sword from Lukas.. The main point being, I feel this sword has its place in the market. It has pros and cons, but I like the look, it lasted through the testing, and it felt good in the hand.
EDIT -
This is the post interview with DSA.