Darksword Armory Squire Sword Review

[@andreweden9405]

Matt, no matter how these swords come to you for review, I trust you to be fair and impartial. Having subbed your channel for many years now, I know that your primary goal truly is to help these makers produce a better sword. And I trust you to place more importance on that than any perceived obligation to flatter the maker for having gifted you the weapon in question. Regarding this particular sword: in addition to what you covered, the one thing I will say about the blade is that the point isn't quite right. That's not to say that it's not a perfectly serviceable point. But, this appears to be a reproduction of a Type XVIII blade, and most originals have a much more tapered, and frankly, "pointier" point. They may have been cut-and-thrust swords, but they were primarily thrust-centric, as armor had reached its absolute zenith of protection, and basically rendered the cut obsolete as a mode of attack against the wearer. Just have a look at the "Henry V" sword that lives in Westminster Cathedral, which Matt mentioned, or the Wallace Collection No. 466, or the Albion "Burgundian" or their "Kingmaker", which share the same blade.

[@nullifye7816]

Can't unsee it now that I've looked it up. It does look like a discount Albion kingmaker. Which is fine. The deviations aren't ridiculously deviant, sword vary. But the Albion just makes my aesthetic sensors buzz and go "Mmhmmmm".

[@nullifye7816]

In performance it would be quite different I imagine, its 2/3rds the weight, and shorter. So it's different.

[@andreweden9405]

@@nullifye7816 , Yeah, it's really not that bad. In fact, I don't think that design on the cross/"écousson" bothers me nearly as much as it does Matt! Also, there is an original Type XVIII with more parallel edges like that (i.e. less profile taper), but it's also narrower overall. To your point about weight: yeah, I think, at least in the case of the Burgundian, they're modeling it off a heftier class of arming sword. For example: the Wallace A466 actually weighs a whisker over 3 lbs., and the Burgundian weighs 2 lbs. 11 oz. I think these were hefty, but well-balanced swords, designed to be able to stand up to armored combat. The balance allows them to still be relatively quick and maneuverable for their weight.

[@andreweden9405]

@@nullifye7816 , I happen to own the Burgundian, by the way.😁

[@LeapinVenetian]

I ordered one of these a couple months back, despite a lot of the negativity around darksword, and I have to say it's quite nice. There are some minor fit and finish issues it has, but nothing that impedes function or handling. It's definitely not the sharpest, but if I have to have a flaw in a sword dull is definitely a better one to deal with. Ridiculously fun to handle btw.

[@duelist1954]

Good review. I have Dark Sword’s Type X model, and it is very good.

[@Mista_Notice]

Hello Matt, good to see a full review of this sword. I would also like to see you do one on the Darksword Armory Gothic Sword you received. I really like the styling on that one especially the fishtail pommel

[@jasondclark]

I'm always interested in companies that are new to me. Unfortunately I had a dog of a time trying to get onto their website and wasn't able to see what else they may have. Thanks for the review as always!

[@GhostbustersXX13]

Hey Matt, now that you mentioned newer scabbard for an older period sword. How common are scabbards of a newer period design are discovered with older period swords vs scabbards that upgraded or repaired for a later period use?

[@ariochiv]

I don't know the answer, but I would suspect that it would be a lot. I'd expect that scabbards wear out a lot faster than swords.

[@MrJakedog104]

No, what he said was the scabbard was using an older style of belt. In the 15th century we find sword belts using metal buckles and fittings, instead of the belt being threaded through the leather on the scabbard like on this example.

[@charlesmartin1121]

Late medieval arming swords are super cool-looking.

[@SooperCherry94]

I've got the Darksword norman, and I love it. Might be a little heavy in the pommel, but otherwise feels great and cuts nicely

[@BillyBlaze7]

I just ordered one of these, cant wait to get it in and build my own sheath and back harness

[@alientude]

Thanks for an excellent review, as always. I'm always skeptical of Darksword Armory reviews (not the reviewer, though) where they provide the sword to the reviewer. There's so many reports out of there of really shoddy QC and fit and finish work by them, yet the review samples are always great. Seems very likely to me that DSA puts extra effort into the swords they know will be reviewed by the big names.

[@nosferatuvonsmugan]

If it's worth, I own a Squire just like the one reviewed and I can say it came in a perfect way to me. All the details and finishing are just like the ones Matt explains in his great video. I definitely recommend this sword and brand.

[@grunztiertransmutator770]

They absolutely DO! I received two replacement swords over the years, which is a nice deed for the customer. And those were quite neatly done. Nevertheless i encountered SEVEN heavily flawed swords over the last 10 years of which 5 failed catastrophically during light cutting.

[@mr.excalibur1455]

I am a reviewer. I've owned now nine DSA swords. I've bought them all. Out of the nine (... that number has a nice RING to it ... LOTR reference btw ... wa wa) I have kept five. Ok ... so ... what happened to the other four you may ask. Easy ... they either didn't fit in my collection or I didn't really like 'em from a subjective aesthetic standpoint and I sold them off. Which ones did I buy? The Anduril, Excalibur, Two Handed Norman, 15th Century Hand & A Half, Two Handed Templar, Knight Medieval Bastard, Baron, Black Prince, and the Alexandria. Which ones did I keep? The Anduril, Excalibur, 15th Century Hand & A Half, Two Handed Templar, & The Black Prince. What didn't I like about the other four? The Two Handed Norman: I, in fact did not like how it was weighted ... was not a well balanced sword. Ironically the very similar in design Two Handed Templar I love!! The Knight Medieval Bastard: Got it primarily because it had been so UNIVERSALLY well reviewed I thought I would give it a go ... wicked fast and manageable sword, well made. It was a bit short for me and the thing kinda looked like one of the animal mix-n-match books only they used historically inspired elements ... just didn't like the way the thing looked. The Baron: Similar issues as the previous model PLUS simply would not cut all that well. The Alexandria: Bought this because apparently everybody is getting one these days ... especially DSA's version. I HATE Type 18C blades ... hate 'em!! Over popularized garbage design ... I don't care who makes 'em!! This one was well balanced though and handled remarkably well. I just ... well ... I already said that part teehee!! I do not believe that what I've EVER received have been some kind of ubber versions of what other customers may get. I am a small time reviewer compared with these other guys ... DSA would profit very little by sending me some kind of special up-graded version of these swords. That all being said ... DSA Pros (IMHO): Well built durable hand forged blades. This has been well documented in several reviews. Great consistent aesthetic ... those shinny swords do have a nice look to them. Upgraded handles, handle leather, and scabbards. Good design ... contrary to some opinions out of the nine DSA swords I've owned I can only REALLY say that 2 of them were very weighty ... one of those balanced that out with a very balanced design. They were all, for the most part, well balanced designes. Ok ... Cons (IMHO): Sharpness of the blades ... the sharpness of DSA swords has been inconsistent at best. To be fair though ... this is a problem that has haunted ALL the major manufacturers of European swords. Why? Everybody wants that out of the box razor competition (thank you HEMA) cutting edge which can cut through tatami mats like a hot knife through butter. That being said there are those brands that are somewhat less expensive then DSA that are at least slightly more consistent about their blade sharpening ... ie Ronin Katana's Euro models. Issue number #2 - Hilt aperture gap. There are those where this is a red flag all the way to those that couldn't care less. I care simply because, again, there some less expensive brands, RK Euros AGAIN, that seem to be able to get this consistently better more often then DSA does. Lastly ... hilt materials. This is a personal gripe I have with DSA ... and this coming from a owner of nine of them!! DSA is TERRIBLY inconsistent about giving accurate and consistent data on what material their hilts and pommels are made of. Some ARE cast ... and yet are stated as being mild steel. Others ARE mild steel and there is no mention at all as to what the hilts are made of. I think DSA should make their hilts out of mild steel ... ALL of them. This would actually put them a leg up on some of their more expensive competition which have made it no secret at all that their hilt/handle furniture is made of cast material. As the Emperor in the movie Amadeus said ... "Well ... there it 'tis".

[@wendigo1619]

Love the shape of that guard, i've used a similar guard on a prop sword i made for a small production still in the works

[@steveperks7054]

Thanks Matt! This going onto this year's wish list.

[@curranegan5512]

I'm really pleased to here there's a solid Canadian sword maker. Will definitely follow them closely and would be interested to see more reviews of Darksword products!

[@ravenhill_down_yonder-1968]

i would love this sword.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Wait.. is this the one I have been loving since I first seen it... Yes .. yes it is... I wondered if u ever reviewed it... I couldn't find it... And now I finally know why... I love love love it

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the review 👍🏻

[@nilo70]

Thank you for making this !

[@Mythicalmage]

I would love to see a review of a more "fantasy" styled sword from you. I know they're probably not to your taste, but that's all part of the fun. :)

[@jaroslavgiertl1557]

There are channels that review them.

[@joshuafair5599]

Darksword seems to specialize in hollow ground blades. I have their Black Prince, which is a XVa, which unlike the original they also do in a hollow grind. It seems sturdy enough, though I imagine due to the profile, it's never going to be better than an average cutting blade at best. It looks to be a beast of a stabber, though.

[@mr.excalibur1455]

Recently I bought the Black Prince ... for me it is a great cutter. Surprisingly light and well balanced sword for such a long blade. I am really enjoying ... it is quickly becoming one of my favorite DSA swords ... and I've owned nine of them.

[@joshuafair5599]

@@mr.excalibur1455 Heh, I'll have to set myself up some cutting tests, then. For all of Darksword's mixed reputation, I don't think I've seen anyone who owned their Black Prince who regretted the purchase. That certainly was a big reason I decided to get one, anyway.

[@shmuckling]

Damn, this one is beautiful. Light, nimble, not too long. The "add to card" is really strong right now. :D

[@Manco65]

Sounds nice but the sharpening but I could handle that myself if I ordered one. I always do my own and take at least one small whetstone into the field with me.

[@haldorasgirson9463]

How was the hand feel when chopping that tree? Impressive sword. Wonder if Dark Sword is listening to your comments. The cross-guard not being fitted to the blade profile is a fail in my opinion.

[@rab7034]

I've often wondered if, with a "large" cross guard opening, that you could possibly "fill" the space with epoxy or "JB Weld", filled by way of a syringe of some type. The same with the epoxy, just to keep dirt and moisture out of the opening. I've not done it myself, but have thought about it. Not to increase strength at all, but just as a filler, given that the construction quality is there to start with, that is.

[@stcredzero]

Is there a kind of pitch-like caulk that comes in a metal tube with a narrow tip? One could heat something like that up, then squeeze it into the gaps of low and mid-priced swords to make sure nothing got into those gaps. Lots of Tulwars were held together with something like a stiff tar or pitch.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

That music during the test cutting sequence sounds like the intro music in an 80s ninja film! 😂

[@Likexner]

Beautiful.

[@frankharr9466]

That seems intreaguing. I'll have to come back for unit conversions. Or I might not bother.

[@zenhydra]

...this definitely doesn't seem like a cheaper knockoff of the Albion Kingmaker.

[@inspirality]

I like the blade I like the hilt but the fit and design of the guard would put me off buying one And Is it just me or is it out of proportion to the sword ?

[@ycplum7062]

What is teh pommel made out of? Depending on the metal, and if made in large quantities, I think it could be hot drop forged and then machined (like a lathe). The pommel can be machined differently for different swords.

[@QuentinStephens]

How would you fill the gap between the guard and the blade so it doesn't fill with dirt? Could you wrap some leather around the blade? Historically, who would have used this sword? Would archers and crossbowmen have been likely wielders? Or would this have been an 'about town' sword?

[@marcburkett9834]

Archers commonly did not wear or even own swords historically. They couldn't afford them. Most of them were serfs who had been trained with a bow prior to deployment. Believe it or not, archers were the at the lower echelon of the medieval ranks, as devastating as role their arrows played or not. Swords were reserved for about half of the infantry (the others brandishing axes, maces, spears...even sharpened wood pikes), cavalry, and nobility only. Most "archers" swords were shorter arming swords worn, by those who could afford one, while hunting...typically deer, and hopefully not one of the kings deer. They were shortened so that the sword, while being worn, would not impede the lower end of the longbow during draw. Thus....archers sword. That's not to say that during the battles such as Agincourt or Crecy, that a smart bowman didn't pickup the sword and scabbard of a fallen comrade or opponent, "scratch the serial #'s, and start donning it and others followed suit. A style of sword will generally get its designation via its intended use.

[@Vaessen13]

What a super sexy sword! I'm 5'7" so prob perfect for me. I live in Canada too, what luck!

[@RagPlaysGames]

Swordmakers really need to start taking better care to sharpen the end product properly. They go the whole nine yards on balance and taper, fit and finish and then fumble it in the end. If you spend a good amount of money for a functional piece it needs to perform out of the wrapping.

[@VideoMask93]

There may be legal concerns with this, though. I know that LK Chen can't ship their swords sharp for that reason, though it may not apply within the States.

[@Shaftronics]

Indeed. The issue would be the legality of these swords, as something just not sharp enough or even blunt can be exported/imported as decorative swords instead of being outright weapons. The important thing is if they have a proper edge geometry so they're easy to sharpen out of the box instead of having to do it yourself.

[@ollimoore]

@@Shaftronics I know that in some countries sharps are banned but blunts are legal, but what countries have sharpened-but-not-quite-to-perfection=legal, but a slightly better sharpening job=illegal? I don’t see how that could even be tested/regulated?

[@marcburkett9834]

Guys...Darksword does nothing with the blades. The purchase them, hilt them and ship em. As far a legality of shipping...if you're in the continental U.S., they're is NO reason you should have received ANYTHING but a sharpened....and I mean razor sharp blade from them for what they charge! And as far as RagPlaysGames' comment, Darksword? Go the whole nine yards?!? Buddy, they didn't even snap the ball!! It amazes me they even took the field!! Balance...pick up the Einar I have sitting here...like a elephant on a tightrope! Taper....it's there because darksword has nothing to do with the production of the blades themselves. FIT AND FINISH?!?!?! They're hilt components are mass produced and ready made to fit every blade they receive. The Waylander and Medieval Knight have the EXACT same blade and pommel. The Oath Seeker and the Waylander have the EXACT same guard. Darksword slaps these things together like your momma used to do with your PB&J's. Quick and sloppy. Fumble it in the end....No comment!!!! The blade should be sharpened and polished before the final assembly. I know this thread was posted over a year ago...hope you know that by now.

[@RagPlaysGames]

​@@marcburkett9834 Guy...what does this novella of a reply have to do with what I said? I was commenting on *all* Swordmakers who have the issue of shipping a dull product, of which there are many. This is the most grievous sin when buying something advertised as "battle ready" and whatever other qualities the weapon has fall by the wayside when it can't even do the thing it's designed to do.

[@Cr1spo4]

Im debating between this one or the arming sword

[@lifigrugru6396]

2 question. Would work as a training sword for a 14-16 year old squier, maybe as 1,5 hand sword? The guard has gap, its is a problem if i would fill it white wax, or beewax? Close the gap easy to remove if needed.

[@RVM451]

Bo one would ever suspect YOU of being biased Matt. When it comes to swords: "Matt said it. I believe Matt. That is the end of the discussion!" A question though: Is it Concievable-in theory, at least-that a few Smiths and/or knights favored "Retro" gear-like the anachronistic sheath-for one reason or another?

[@m.s.79]

Hey Matt, since you did that one video with Zac, do you mind if i make request for you to do a similar video on the Norwegian 13th century Kings Mirror (Konungs skuggsjá). It has some intersting stuff on 13th century weapons, armor, combat, naval warfare and siege weapons. Pretty cool stuff that might be worth a video. I know of a free translation if you google Kings Mirror gutenberg. The relevant bits are between THE DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, AND AMUSEMENTS OF THE ROYAL GUARDSMEN and MILITARY ENGINES if i remember correctly.

[@joesimpson5288]

Cold Steel MAA arming swords aren't bad for around $225. Only improvements it could use are more distal taper, more pommel and more cowbell.

[@Anenome5]

I think it's the best sword design DSA makes.

[@NotoriousScrat]

Do people in HEMA or historically ever actually use swords like this two handed? I have pretty small hands myself and always find that arming swords are hand and a half swords for me. Between that and the fact that I'm overall pretty physically weak, I tend to prefer using my arming sword (Ronin Katana Italian Arming Sword, if it matters) as a longsword when doing backyard cutting.

[@janrobertbos]

nice review!!!

[@michaelsheridan6177]

The hilt design seems like it may have been heavily inspired by the Valiant Armoury Bristol, particularly the guard and grip.

[@vedymin1]

Have you watched the latest Dune movie ? Your thoughts about their fighting system and its adaptation ?

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Darn... I was hoping ur mind would change... About the cross guard... I like the look of the GAURD... I would fill the holes.. around the hilt and blade... With something

[@Xirque666]

I'm curious Matt, how are the viking swords from Darksword Armory?

[@scholagladiatoria]

I haven't handled any yet.

[@zenhydra]

That sword has a shorter blade than my Albion Sovereign (an Oakeshott type XIV). Edit: corrected Oakeshott typology

[@andreweden9405]

I think you mean Oakeshott Type XIV.😁 I love the Albion Sovereign though! That's Roland Warczecha's sword!

[@5Dworld]

What does 15th century scabbards look like?

[@robjus1601]

For the money who are the best sword makers? Thank you

[@AnthusFrostwolf]

Do you know if they still cast their guards?

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I can't quite tell... But u have an other one that looks JUST LIKE THIS ONE... I can't tell which it is... But one of them I love with a passion and must have one similar... I think it's the other one... I believe it has a much Thicker pommel.

[@raphlvlogs271]

a very classic blade type.

[@raphlvlogs271]

were there 2 handed swords that have blades that long?

[@ethanblinkhorn8396]

I like dark sword armoury . And there Canadian.

[@timothycampbell495]

Just how historically common were hollow grind main bevels on this type if sword?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Quite common in the 15th century

[@timothycampbell495]

@@scholagladiatoria Fascinating. I presume in the period it was forged in with a die hammer, rather than ground in on a wheel.

[@Staroy]

Finally a sword with the right amount of "floppiness"

[@ilejovcevski79]

Very good video, for a sword i really like from an aesthetical POV. I apologize i can no longer like or dislike a video, but the recent KZbin policy of partially hiding the reactions has made such activities useless and meaningless IMO. Cheers and keep making great videos!

[@LangstonDev]

It still helps with "engagement" scores and thus helps THE ALGORITHM know what to promote. I drop a thumbs up on a video from creators I like even if I didn't watch the video.

[@ilejovcevski79]

@@LangstonDev i just can't. This to me serves more to promote sub-par creators then anything worthy of mention. If KZbin wants to play that way, so be it

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Anyone have favorite affordable swords in the shorter lengths? Say this size max trending towards 24 inches/61cm? I'm tall, but my training is all in shorter blades and I want my 14 year old to be able to use the sword as well.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Matt... U said the taper was in centimeters... Lol. I hope u mis spoke there...

[@lukerope1906]

Why can't all of Darksword armoury's swords be as nice as the review pieces they send out? I'm always seeing people talk about poor blade and overweight swords on Facebook, coming from Darksword.

[@justinlasalle2517]

I recently received the same sword but am concerned about the peen. I’d like to send you a picture if I can.

[@MrPlainsflyer]

Disgustingly sexy sword

[@Theduckwebcomics]

19th century infantry officer swords around 900 grams? Really? Maybe I'm too used to the Napoleonic sabres, but 900 would be a pretty robust sword for a infantry officer then 😅

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I love it sooooo much... I wish u didn't like it at all. And would sell it...

[@TheScotsmen1]

You can use a can of air to clean

[@FellsApprentice]

So have darksword's QC issues been fixed?

[@iamhop]

That's the million dollar question. I'm sure the one they gave Matt didn't have the issues. My hand and half SLO broke the tang on the second hit on a coke bottle. I wasn't even swinging that hard. I think they're beautiful things but I will probably never buy another one of their products.

[@ColdNapalm42]

No

[@LangstonDev]

@@iamhop How long ago did you buy it (in other words, how recent was the production)?

[@williambeningfield8087]

YES I have 5, I'm hard on them.. haven't had ANY issues.

[@iamhop]

@@LangstonDev 2018 I believe. Maybe 2017. Actually it was my second one as the first one I got sent had a warped blade. To their credit they offered to have me send the product back after the tang broke but I was pretty much done at that point. I don't like talking bad about them. Maybe I was an exception and just was unfortunate. I can only relay my experience with what I got. If they figured out the QC then they've got a really beautiful product.

[@hhiimmddoo]

And they’re charging a ridiculous price for their swords now with very mediocre swords for the money

[@PaulDeFitter]

Hi Mat, nit picking moment ! the pommel has been turned on a lathe, its been turned not lathed !

[@livingghost7975]

It’s good but it’s no spadroon.

[@jamiecoe3503]

Friggin awesome channel ! I absolutely love your videos. So nice to see someone who isn't full of shit, although you do have a lot of wankers watching your videos . I would absolutely love to see another unboxing with your lovely wife Lucy ? Oh and be a good husband and let her have a new talwar for xmas ? Thanks again. Peace James

[@haldorasgirson9463]

They copied your "broad" sword! I have been lusting after that sword for years. Waiting till the end of the vid to decide if I am buying one. $600 is reasonable if it is a quality sword.

[@werftv4580]

this blade seems super nimble.. oh damn.. enemies beware...

[@lordvito3395]

There’s swords are too shiny for me

[@alphabravo3304]

Why are you cutting plastic bottles full of water? Wouldn’t you use the bamboo mats the Japanese use?

[@genghiskhan6809]

If only Darksword armory would make a version of the the Dark Souls dark sword, so we can have the Darksword armory dark sword.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Not nearly sharp enough... For the blade it is

[@MAZEMIND]

100th

[@ariochiv]

Hobbit longsword.

[@Ve-suvius]

I have no use for swords. You cannot carry them concealed. Nice for on the wall. Have a look at the Sfarziglia..