$200 VS $800 Lord of the Rings Swords - Battle Ready or FAKE?

#darkswordarmory #lotr #katana
Today we're taking a look at two iconic fantasy longswords. Strider's Ranger sword from Dark Sword Armory and Anduril from United Cutlery. Is this "Battle Ready" Ranger sword the real deal or are they both just wallhangers? Let's find out.
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[@stryrmunich]

Mate you are brutally honest with your reviews. I mean damn, you blew up your pwn sponsor. Never witnessed any other KZbinrs having that courage. Keep it up ❤️

[@qpeormtvjr]

😂 I was thinking the same thing. That's pretty respectable and shame on that company. What were they thinking haha

[@orkinho1]

It was shocking to say the least. I admire the integrity.

[@VTSfilms]

Not a sponsor. They gave the sword for revieuw, but not money for the video, that is a very important distinction

[@Stalltt]

That Anduril was actually really nice for only $200. Quality wall piece.

[@Cerberusarms]

Best $200 I've ever spent

[@brunorenno7493]

@@Cerberusarms Where can I find one today?

[@TheGamingKing-gg5dh]

Just me or would want to carry a sword around for fun

[@Tobias5036]

I agree.

[@kafir1mw2quick]

@@TheGamingKing-gg5dh I think that's legal in most states in the US. they have crazy knife laws, but close to no sword laws.

[@Rocky-oq9cy]

I REALLY need to say this to the individuals who have been saying it is cruel to give any product a relatively low rating. Reviews are NOT just videos to look at something. They are videos designed to rate the product. To find the pros and cons of a sword (In this case) and if you think it's cruel to rate something a 2/5 you're missing the point entirely. If this manufacturer watches this video and sees the flaws being mentioned, that is AMAZING for them. They (should) want to make the best product possible. They watch the review, see what people say and then USE that information to make it better. They shouldn't just cry about it. ESPECIALLY when they GAVE the sword to D for this exact thing. Lastly; if you rate everything highly, a high rating begins to lose it's value.

[@RanOutOfSpac]

This.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Yup, this video will sell swords to the right customers. Sell this sword to the wrong person and they can absolutely destroy your reputation. If I was in the market for a prop or wall hanger this is an excellent buy. If I want to cut water bottles and dress up like an elf I definitely wouldn’t. But dressing up as an elf doing cosplay again this is an item I might want. I’m not a customer in any of these cases, but I do have nieces, nephews and even children who may get something like this for Christmas. I also have a girlfriend of my oldest who is getting into sword smithing and is currently looking for a donor blade for a hilt she’s making. Clearly this isn’t for her, and we’d both be butt hurt if I spent that kind of money for such an unwieldy sword.

[@SnailHatan]

The only cruel thing about this is that they sell that piece of garbage for $800 to people who don’t know any better. Horrible business practice.

[@Red80008]

Word

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@john-paulsilke893 DSA already has a reputation...for being a company that produces shit products and steals IP of other sword makers and lying.

[@michshellabell4587]

Once again threw me off guard with that hilarious panning out of you swinging the longsword in the bushes on your own, loved it!

[@aaroniousairlines9949]

Yes that was great! Run Frodo!

[@sohinki]

Your sword videos are my favorite thing on the internet.

[@Cerberusarms]

Ah shucks!

[@IntrovertedGoober]

I agree, i want him to upload more of katana videos

[@sojumc]

Same

[@ViewOfAria]

Same my guy

[@BruhMoment-fr4zr]

Same, always nice to see well produced deadly stick content 👌

[@garyheighway7635]

I like the fact the man who made the swords for the original trilogy was self taught. His elven blades were absolutely beautiful.

[@superguy7044]

That guy had a huge impact on the cutlery industry in the early 2000s. I got kitchen knives in 2002 and the blades had a certain Elvish curve to them. Never seen that on consumer knives before.

[@silver3178]

What's the name of the guy? Id love to check him out

[@bknwuzheer1]

I'll never get over how self-aware these sword reviews are; never gets old

[@aaronsmith4940]

Never seen suck a positive bad review, good job brother.

[@AirsoftAlfonse]

You won't 1v1 me at Helms Deep 🤨

[@FrostyyPenguin]

why no replies

[@Swisso_]

@@FrostyyPenguin idk

[@devinphillips9704]

The interesting thing about the United Cutlery replicas is they're still making them. In fact, they've just reissued several of the swords that had been out of production for several years: Boromir's sword, Eowyn's sword, Theoden's sword, Sam's sword, Gimli's "bearded" axe, and as of 2021, they've released Eomer's sword, Gúthwinë, for the first time ever, as well as a replica of the Horn of Gondor. So if you're a collector like I am, now is really the best time ever.

[@ASCENDER]

D: "So how much production quality for this video?" Also D: "Yes."

[@Cerberusarms]

😆

[@Antares41]

It honestly looks really disappointing close up, if I paid $800+ for that sword I’d be returning it and putting the money into something better made.

[@fatbleachaddict3239]

tbf 800 for a forged high carbon steel sword is closer to the cheaper end, depending on who made the sword, the type of sword etc alot forged swords by blacksmiths usually go into the 1000s for a higher qaulity sword

[@Antares41]

@@fatbleachaddict3239 but for a what is essentially a wall hanger, you could do much better with something cheaper and put the excess money into a better useable sword, meaning buy a more expensive sword that is better quality

[@fatbleachaddict3239]

@@Antares41 true, the cheaper replica looks alot nicer

[@AlyssMa7rin]

Remember, the 'Ranger Sword' is not Anduril. It's a replica of the Longsword Aragorn carried until ROTK

[@magic1wizard]

For that price you can get a high quality sword from Albion.

[@Wolf88888]

As a long-time sword collector, before I even reached the point in your video where you mentioned the crossguard/blade fit, I was already thinking of how that gap (or lack thereof) is one of the single greatest determinants of blade quality and craftsmanship. A wide gap means the blade is certain to become loose and start to rattle with repeated heavy striking. I am glad I saw your video, as I have been considering purchasing a LOTR sword from Darksword. I won't, until I know they have properly addressed that gap issue. They know better!

[@ColdNapalm42]

That gap issue sadly is one of the more MINOR problems with DSA swords. Rat-tail tangs on 5 lb blades makes for helicopter of death swords. This is an issue on most of their fantasy blades. Their fitting is cast mystery alloy metal in many cases and not mild steel they claim since steel is magnetic and their mystery metal is not. The wood in many of the swords are not stabilized so they will crack if not come cracked to begin with. Oh yeah and the owner admitted to STEALING other swordsmiths IP. Just don't all around.

[@sanoichiro]

Legacy Arms makes a ranger sword. It's not quite as attractive and they have a reputation for some quality control issues (like most modern sword companies below the $1,000 range). I haven't handled it personally, but I have handled some of their other swords and own their Irish Bastard Sword. Uncomfortable pommel but otherwise a solid purchase. Their blades are also around $300 - $400. Currently waiting for their Black Prince to come back in stock. Might be a worthy alternative to check out.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@sanoichiro main thing with Legacy Arms is that their temper is too soft. Enough so that Kult of Athena took off the "battle ready" tag off those swords. It's fine for light cutting honestly...but bends easily on tatami or pumpkins on flubbed cuts.

[@sanoichiro]

@@ColdNapalm42 I know. I'm sure that it varies from sword to sword as well. I can only speak from experience and it is true that I would avoid heavy cutting. I have not had too much trouble with tatami. It performs better than my Tinker long sword (granted, a more thrust focused sword). Not quite on par with my Ronin Long sword but close. I would argue that most production blades are under tempered but they're so thick that it compensates. Either way, LA swords are properly peened, made with quality materials. I'd take them over anything DSA makes. As you said, KOA does not list LA swords as battle ready. Given the safety issues we've both noted, I'm surprised DSA swords still are.

[@sanoichiro]

@@ColdNapalm42 Also, glad to see another pumpkin cutter. Great all around choice. 😄

[@ZelosDomingo]

2 dislikes from Funco pop collectors.

[@LaSerpentDEden]

"Five and a half pounds?? Jeezus Christ" 😂😂❤️

[@CliveBurr4]

In kilos?

[@13374me]

@@CliveBurr4 roughly 2.5 kg

[@kevinneighbour3458]

Yeah that's pretty much a whole kilo too heavy for a functional longsword plus the mass distribution looked quite bad..

[@JohnDoe-zh6cp]

A real longsword should be about 2.5 lbs up to a little over 3 lbs. They were not heavy.

[@13374me]

@@JohnDoe-zh6cp yeah, which would be between 1 and 1.5 kg which oddly enough is the rough range for Katana's as well, though they are shorter in length, so they're actually heavier for their size and due to no pommel were more blade heavy. Though that was offset a little by the longer hilt.

[@Hostile_Design]

Haha, that's some nostalgia right there. I remember drooling over these wall prop swords as a kid. I had completely forgotten about them, now I have to go see if they are still availalable.

[@Callsign_Bear]

Oi, D. Love your work. I've been an aspiring swordsman for the last few years, and you help keep me going with these types of videos

[@713_samuel7]

D could be a movie actor. He looks like an absolute badass with the medieval outfit and long sword

[@juniversevi5890]

😐 Should I tell him?

[@713_samuel7]

@@juniversevi5890 you do you? I don't get your point

[@max5851]

This guy is the coolest version of a man who likes video games & swords. He’s this close to being a neck beard.

[@EuanM1912]

True

[@riggidynail7228]

He lookin fly tho

[@elijahtsai6499]

@@riggidynail7228 Ong

[@elijahmercader9466]

The difference is he showers, exercises and has a social life lmao

[@MrVivisexy]

He's also been a model for a magic the gathering card haha

[@lawsonbromley4208]

A few hours in a grinding room would solve most of the issues with the blade. I am guessing that it doesn't have distal taper and give it a proper edge profile and sharpening. It would reduce the weight issue some as well 😂 😂. But for what you are paying for it I would expect that would already be done 🤷‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️. First video I have come across of yours 👍

[@Cerberusarms]

I wish, but I don’t have a grinder or the time to reshape the blade. Basically zero distill tapering but the main issue is the fittings are way too heavy. But that’s because they are trying to match the movie sword, just wish they used lighter metal for the hilt/pommel

[@wormadr]

@@Cerberusarms where is that shirt from man looks awesome

[@Michael-dj6pd]

not to mention that horrible fitting of the crossguard

[@proudtitanicdenier4300]

Good luck trying to give it a distal taper without screwing up the heat treatment

[@p0st_human852]

This channel is now becoming one of my favorites of all time now that hes switching to sword content

[@narakarrarr6191]

So much respect for being honest about the blade.

[@crozraven]

I prefer actual cheaper high quality wall hanger $200 instead of the so called "battle ready" not sharpened poorly tight longsword. You can get a decent very functional sharpened longsword below $800 regardless LOTR design stuffs. Hell, I would argue, sharpening that $200 stainless steel Andruil probably results much better LOL

[@VegetaLF7]

Agreed. I have a $200 Ranger sword myself and it's my favorite sword in my collection. I've genuinely considered sharpening it up myself at some point.

[@iamtheteapot7405]

Great honest review. Pretty disappointing that it's so poorly made.

[@eliluttrell7637]

When the blade bit into the mat and didn't cut clean, I cringed a bit. Pre-sharpened... Like a butter knife. Form wasn't bad though and the video was entertaining as always, hope this turns into a series, maybe collab later on with Skallagrim, Shadiversity and/or Joerg Sprave.

[@iwasadeum]

I've been wanting to buy some LotR swords... but I'd prefer to have usable, forged sword than a cheap, molded stainless steel sword. I want a sword I can play with from time to time, vs a purely display piece. Excellent video!!! For the longest time, I've wanted to start a sword collection, starting with LotR swords. But I feared the officially licensed swords were completely useless in actual use. I want the swords for their legendary fictional appearances, but when I buy a large, expensive edged weapon, I expect it to have decent performance, not just showability.

[@ralfhtg1056]

Thank you for the elaborate insight. It prevented me from buying one. If i am going to spend a lot of money, then i want top notch quality. And the crossguard and the dullness is just an absolute no-go.

[@DRSTCMSUR]

This video was so good I watched 3 versions 😍

[@Cerberusarms]

This is the homie right here

[@Nyarlathotep_Flagg]

Seeing Aragorn with the strider sword, I can actually clearly tell that the handle of your replica is off... Look att the middle of the grossguard, there should be an extension there, probably supposed to create extra stabilization for the blade, allegedly. While in reality it's just cosmetics. That would however fill in the gap between the grossguard and the blade. Apparently, they just skipped that part.

[@tqesylverne9757]

my martial arts teacher and I would do this after class. years of looking at shitty sword catalogs and having these very conversations. Thanks for the memories man.

[@kimboyojimbo579]

"RUN FRODO!!" LMAO you had me dying, that definitely caught me off guard

[@zenkuu_]

Imo you're the only KZbinr that makes high quality videos of swords 👍

[@suoman82]

You should also check Skallagrim, different style but a lot of history alongside the revievs.

[@AeolethNionian]

All 3 of the darksword swords I've had all ended up having the fittings break. The fittings are white metal making it brittle and soft. Blades are great quality but it's basically just a wallhanger that you can chop bottles with.

[@LeilaFoxNation]

My goodness those swords are beautiful 😍 This was fun to watch!

[@KhronosStudios]

It's so appreciated that you review honestly.

[@sorsbandeam8843]

For $200 I wouldn't expect anything more than a nice looking wall piece

[@IamSeñorStorm]

These are just awesomely done sword videos I really enjoy watching them. I also love your honesty with the swords quality always good to see an unbiased opinion.

[@cheddar_boss]

Just 28year old me swinging a sword in the woods pretending I'm in lotr

[@RanOutOfSpac]

Couple things I wanna point out for the Stryder sword replica that I personally don’t like. 1. The fact that it weighs 5.5 lbs with such a short blade is nutty. I don’t know the proportions of the sword in the movie, but that blade seems a good 1-2 inches shorter than an actual Longsword. Plus, historically, freaking Greatswords were in the 5-7 lb range I believe. What the heck happened there. Then that horrible balance on top of that. 2. The handle is circular. Again, I don’t remember if the handle is circular in the movie, but I just personally hate round handles. Give me oval or a rounded rectangle so I can feel that edge bbyyyy. Not very interested in that sword in the end lol. Great video as usual D!

[@dekusprout4007]

great video but i need to know where you bought the Boromir Gondor Gauntlets and leather gloves!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Love the reaction to the weight. It is a heavy sword.

[@Skybro88]

He just looks like an even hotter and younger Witcher.

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

Just a thing to note. You don’t need an edge at all to pass the cutting test. It just comes down to power and technique over letting a sharp edge do the work for you.

[@tequilawhiskey]

Wouldnt that be a kind of faux test then? There should be a standard test using the same force and angle if you wanted test the blades "cut". Because any extreme power and technique applicstions would only be that much better applied tona sharper edge, no?

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

@@tequilawhiskey it’s all kinda relative I think. I was mainly pointing out that a sword doesn’t necessarily need an edge to cut. But yeah standardized power and angle would then make a difference on edge condition.

[@tequilawhiskey]

@@Beer-can_full_of_toes i work in QA so standardized tests are an OCD of mine at this point lol

[@nintyminja]

I like how painfully honest you are 😂 great videos!

[@michaelmorey7544]

Love your sword videos. I bought 3 katanas after watching them and got grass mats. I even got my coworkers into it and we all have katanas and cut mats on break at work. 😆 Can u do a video on how to sharpen katanas and long swords? We are looking for the best technique.

[@Cerberusarms]

That’s awesome, sounds like a badass place to work! What I use are the hand sharpeners that have the 2 ceramic rods, this is only good for honing the edge to keep it sharp tho. Hope that helps!

[@vandacarneiro980]

😅😅😮

[@krimson5701]

Is this the third time this video has been uploaded or am I just tripping?

[@DannyBoulogne]

Nahh you're good xD

[@trikalabris]

It was. Iam sad as it won't be good for the views but this looks like a final version.

[@rascoehunter3608]

@@trikalabris I assumed KZbin kept taking it down.

[@bentennyson3764]

@@rascoehunter3608 he uploaded it two times on accident then deleted the original one by accident

[@rascoehunter3608]

@@bentennyson3764 ok. I thought it was KZbin's alogorithim being stupid again

[@leopluerodong4244]

I love how ridiculous and over-the-top your intros are! Love the vids, music choice. Just great man!

[@r.i.p.jassyy]

I cant believe how underrated you are.

[@outsidestuff5283]

Big oof when you send someone a product for review, and they show everyone how shoddy it is

[@conanthedestroyer7123]

If you want a real sword with proper quality control and the best metal, be prepared to pay over 10K.

[@davidhenderson3988]

4:07 His cats like, "my teeth is sharper then that blade."

[@ieatcaribou7852]

You do a very good job producing your videos, I look forward to watching many more. 5160 is my favorite steel for swords when you want to beat stuff up and aren't to concerned about damaging your blade. 5160 is some seriously tough spring steel.

[@4NDREW100]

Daaaam I'm guessing they're regretting giving you the sword for a review :') "shit he's being honest 😱"

[@maxwellsimon4538]

Always sucks when you mess up an upload. Loved the video the first time, so no glad to watch again

[@allthenamesiwantedweretaken]

Damn this was just an elaborate Dark Sword Armory roast. Love it.

[@johnmecca9008]

When he said, “RUN FRODO!!” I DIIIIIEEED!! Love ur vids bro. Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ video my friend.👍🏽

[@breadpirateoverhere]

That "run frodo!" is the funniest thing

[@GarrettMusic1]

First video I've ever seen from you, I was looking for some videos about weapons and this is awesome!

[@austinmiller2486]

Omg when the marblelympics music kikked in! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great video dude!

[@persephone2706]

I used to be so obsessed with the catalogs that would come in the mail that had all the LOTR replicas and memorabilia. I have the Ring inscription tattooed on my back and one of the Leaves of Lorien on my wrist. But I've always so badly wanted a sword. I would personally love to have Arwen's but if I could only ever get one, it would probably Aragorn's or Gandalf's so that I could give it to my father. Edit: Hahah, yesss, you spoke about the catalogs! Such a major reminder of my childhood and preteen years.

[@Cerberusarms]

Those catalogs were my favorite part of flying when I was little.

[@lookatmyprofilepictue8289]

@@Cerberusarms can you do this with thranduil sword?

[@Cerberusarms]

@@lookatmyprofilepictue8289 The Anduril is made of stainless steel and is completely flat edged. It would break in half if I tired to cut something with it. Meant purely for display.

[@lookatmyprofilepictue8289]

@@Cerberusarms oh! I did see just a bit thicker versions that were fully funkcionable, but ok

[@williammallon133]

So wicked to see you guys talk about LoTR! Keep up the wicked content!

[@Aurich88]

Really nailed the semi-self-conscious tone with these videos.

[@manuelnamuth9441]

Can you make a video on properly resharpening the swords, please? Maybe in general about how to maintain (katana) swords sharpness and protect it properly

[@Man_Emperor_of_Mankind]

Look up some videos for sharpening kitchen knives. I know, kitchen knives seem like they would be different than swords, but when it comes to sharpening, it is the exact same. I'd also recommend focusing on sharpening videos that address edge geometry. You can sharpen any piece of steel without understanding edge geometry, but if you do understand edge geometry there are a lot of options that open up for you.

[@red_eye_yokai]

This channel is absolutely incredible man, love your work!

[@SSJSoujiro]

When the camera panned down and homie had the bracers on too!!!!!!!

[@arkham7033]

Me, a dnd player, fan of fantasy and lord of the rings, and the first video you do since I’ve been a subscriber and actually go notified about is ofc a lord of the rings one. Perfect

[@mastergwaha]

“That thing was too big to be called Anduril . Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of prop.”

[@GreenskinHolland]

That sword title :'D "Andruil flame of the west, sword of kings, and the handsomest goddamn sword ever to be put on film"

[@vandacarneiro980]

Yeeeeeeeeeeesss.

[@Hayden-li7if]

This intro is sick lol, I've now started a sword collection, just hope my parents don't find out

[@williammacgregor7788]

I really enjoy how brutally honest his reviews are

[@LoganLawrence]

Damn I love these videos so much. You got me more into swords than I ever was and I now own some pretty badass katanas. Keep making awesome content.

[@wildkatz84]

Well Darksword Armory may never speaks to you again... however hundreds of thousands of viewers just learned you can be trusted to give honest reviews. Nice work.

[@Marcfelton1]

Can you review the Witcher Swords from Kaermorhenforge? I would love to see what you think of them!

[@splintershield]

Quality review. I liked the points where you accurately educated viewers on proper historical sword metrics. Plus: BAD ASS flourishing montage! Respect.

[@VegetaLF7]

I have that Ranger sword myself. I actually prefer it over Anduril. Easily my favorite sword in my collection, to the point my latest modded Skyrim run has it as my character's main sword.

[@joeh858]

nerd

[@artwork2201]

Hey, There are a couple of things you could do to improve the balance: #1 Lengthen the hilt. Its probably a threaded rod that could be extended with a weld, then a dowel wrapped in black leather, or a drilled piece of aluminum or steel as a spacer. #2 go to a machine shop and have the blood groove deepened, and or widened. They would get a kick out of working on a sword and probably wouldn't charge much. Its your sword. You can change it, rework it, make it a pleasure to wield.

[@Cerberusarms]

That’s a lot of work that could easily render the sword no longer safe to wield. You shouldn’t have to do all of that if you’re paying that much already.

[@TempusViator]

Great review. Some good insights and love the appreciation for Andúril 😍

[@ahmadkhan6536]

No one : Absolutely no one : Me : i like his cat

[@autronic9306]

loving these videos dude, idk if you read comments but if read this, then keep it up, especially with the katanas. Video idea: try find a good replica of the Murasama, Samuel rodrigues' blade that was given by his father, according to metal gear rising's lore.

[@nipplewizard9147]

Really good honest review. I'm glad you don't try to bullshit just coz they gave you a sword to review.

[@matthewembrey1766]

The quality of the steel doesn't dissipate the best videos you make.

[@thebenforever]

Gonna put a mini-speaker in the scabbard, so it makes a divine choir sound whenever the sword is unsheathed. Lol

[@TheBeelzboss]

You really should have done your review on what they sent you, it's telling of their quality and quality control and the fragility of the construction

[@Moeeee_786]

some parts i completely ignored u and focused on the cat XD

[@QuirrelSquad]

Cerberusarms: starts recording The flooring mats(I forgot what they're called): please, spare me

[@NorwegianKnifeDude]

Dark Sword Armory watching this video after sponsoring their sword for review: 👁👄👁

[@jackchaop8837]

I remember being a kid on an airplane and grabbing that sky mall magazine just to look at the LOTR merch

[@Cerberusarms]

Same

[@Carl-cx1dm]

My guy is now a medieval movies fan

[@max5851]

Idk why, but sword reviews give me old KZbin vibes. And I love it 🤝

[@IrnFox]

2:30 That is very harsh statement, but I approve.

[@GambinoTheGoat]

Cerberusarms more like swording 😎

[@LongTermTitanKillingBootyCall]

As an eldest sibling, D is the older brother I always wished I had.

[@cooperwhite2732]

He really layer into those dark sword guys in the beginning, understandably

[@nehemiahberkeley2806]

dude keep doing these sword videos. I'm addicted

[@Twist52]

If you want another vr video to make, play ironlights. It’s a very fun swordfighting game with good graphics, they have 8-10 different weapons to use, including a katana.

[@ShadowByNine]

I just keep hearing the voice from that guy from forged in fire, "This blade will Keeeeel" *nod head downwards and to the right

[@ghr8184]

Most damning is that this is the (2nd) sword they sent in for *review*. They knew this would be reviewed and they still sent it with that fitting gap.

[@jhilal2385]

Part of the weight and balance problem is that it has almost no distal taper, going from over 5mm at the hilt to just over 4mm at the tip. If it was re-profiled to taper to about 2mm and change the edge to have a single bevel instead of a double bevel, that would probably take off 1.5 lbs - 2 lbs and make it much livelier.

[@Jaroneko]

Who's the camera person? Really love how well these are shot! Compliment your attention to detail on the script and the subject matter really well!

[@bdoeden64]

This was one of the best analysis videos of products I have seen.