Reviewing my Sword from Darksword Armory

[@scottfumc]

HEMA Practitioner... We do cutting class about once a quarter. In the Fall we use pumpkins... super fun. If you're right handed, start with a right overhand cut with the front edge at about a 45-60 degree angle (Right Oberhau). Do it with one passing step. So make sure your distance is figured out before taking the cut. Edge alignment is absolutely critical. Also, make sure you are hitting as close to the center of percussion on the blade as you can. If the target cuts and the bottom stays still, it was a really good cut. Sound will also tell you if it was a good cut. The quieter, the better. Try placing the bottle on the left edge of the stump from you. Technique>speed>power. In that order.

[@scottfumc]

All factory edges could stand with some adjusting once you get them. Probably could use a touch up.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks for the advice on the cuts! I'll keep practicing, and see if that changes the results! It's also an excuse to drink more root beer and V8 haha!

[@ZeroSalvator]

Well spoken sir. Precise, simple instruction that speaks with the authority of your experience. "Technique>speed> power. In that order." Learn how to do it right, then learn how to do it faster. I can't tell how many kids that teaching method worked on as a Tae Kwon Do instructor (previously).

[@ThePageTurnerPT]

I feel like this is the most informal video you have ever done, and it seems like you're having more fun with it on camera. I am SO HERE for it broski

[@WARobertsonMMII]

Commenting for the algorithm.

[@igneseternes5695]

Same

[@LivingAnachronism]

Replying for the algorithm

[@LivingAnachronism]

Twice.

[@chivania4469]

@@LivingAnachronism Thats a genius move!

[@casey1441]

Replying to a reply to a comment for the algorithm

[@VosperCDN]

I've been looking at Darksword for a while, as they've got some very nice looking pieces. Good to have a recent real-world review of one, thank you.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Glad I could help out!

[@BarokaiRein]

You hear mixed things about Darksword all the time but personally I've had nothing but good experiences with them. That said I've used it for armoured combat practice, not cutting practice. I've had the arming sword variant simply called Knight's sword for about 13 years now and even though I've used it for steel on steel training the whole time it's still perfectly fine, only damage it has on it comes from hitting a solid rock. That was a bizarre accident involving the rock being so well camouflaged as a pile of hay that we didn't pay it enough attention to avoid training near it. I must say it's weirdly impressive how the bastard sword looks exactly the same, but scaled to be a bastard sword. Like you can recognise it at a glance.

[@old_fritz]

Hard/Rigid plastic containers that are heavy should be easier to cut, than soft (and small light) ones. Soft ones will bend and wobble, so the energy of the cut won't be transferred completley.

[@amirhosseinmaghsoodi388]

We can see the excitement in your face. Very interesting review. The handle is a little long for my taste but quite amazing still. Also I really like how the machete matches your getup.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I got that machete with the goal of turning it into a ranger short sword. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but I think it really has the right look.

[@DH-xw6jp]

I found your channel last night, I think the first video was the one where you turned a machete into a "sword" (sanded the paint off it and gave it a new handle to make it fit your theme better). And then I binged for about two hours and ended on your first "Defense of Tolkien" video (fantastic vid by the way). Today this popped up in my feed, and I immediately recognized the thumbnail style and clicked without my usual hesitation. Long story short... I like what you are doing. Subscribed.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks so my D H, very encouraging to hear I am on the right track! Welcome to the Channel!

[@Kuromori116]

I had the same issue of batting off soda bottles for a while when i first started practicing cutting with my own sword, since then i both improved my technique but also took the sword to a sharpening stone and although i ruined the polish in the process i did manage to get a decent enough edge on it. Those soda bottles won't be an issue for long! Though one thing i'd be wary of is that the harder plastic is more likely to scratch your blade and also if the edge is fine enough, the plastic near the cap and also the cap itself is capable of nicking the edge. When you get the edge fixed up i'd suggest foam "pool noodles" as a possible cutting target and also newspaper rolls for lack of tatami cutting mats. Also, not sure how viable this is for your wood cored scabbard but what i do to tighten my own wooden scabbard (it's a katana style one) is to just shave thin pieces of wood and glue them to the inside of the opening to tighten it. Been following you for a while and i love your content so keep going! Your adventures help inspire my own.

[@susand8816]

A "sharp" sword is not like other sharp knives. If it were only for cutting flesh and never in any danger of hitting bone or armor, the sword could be made much sharper without danger of major damage to the blade when in use. I know people who have had super sharp swords that cut bottles very cleanly, but those edges would fold easily by hitting armor or bone.

[@phoenixkingtheo]

I have 2 swords from them. An arming sword and a replica of Aragorn’s sword. Paid for sharpened swords for both and I admittedly use them both for wall hangers but they look damn good

[@LivingAnachronism]

Very pretty swords

[@crisis53142]

an easy fix for a rattling scabbard is to line the throat/ opening with some leather with a good fur or grit on the back. this will give a little grip to the blade while inside the scabbard so it will stay put a little better. windlass swords are notoriously large for the blades so thats how i fix it.

[@eightness888]

I just ordered a sword off a dark sword armory and your video gave me a chuckle as to the sharpness test, I'm going to have to sit down and sharpen this bad boy and actually learn how to do so. I appreciate your humor you have injected into this and I appreciate the honesty. Thank you. You have me supporting you from now on.

[@karrde5566]

looks nice. and thats the best customer support ive ever heard of!

[@grbdevnull5611]

Interesting that you and Skallagrim released more or less the same video at the same time for two different swords.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Oh that's pretty interesting. Haven't had the pleasure of speaking with him yet, but it would be really cool. Gonna check out his video now, I'm sure it's great

[@jonanderson3050]

To fix the problem with the sword sliding out, add a peace knot to the scabbard opening. Not a perfect solution, but at least it won't slide out

[@LivingAnachronism]

I lined the scabbard with bubble gum, instructions unclear XD

[@jonanderson3050]

@@LivingAnachronism 🤣🤣🤣

[@DH-xw6jp]

Are peace knots similar to the thumb straps on old west revolver holsters?

[@jonanderson3050]

@@DH-xw6jp they can be, or they can be straps that you tie into a knot as well. Really, anything that prevents a sword from being drawn in anger.

[@DH-xw6jp]

@@jonanderson3050 ah, makes sense. A leather cord tied around the guard would definitely look more historical than a holster style thumb strap.

[@zekeolopwi6642]

Oh dern. That is a beaut. Would prefer a longer blade but it is what it is.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I'm sure they have a sword with a similar style and a longer blade, they have a huge catalogue!

[@zekeolopwi6642]

@@LivingAnachronism Yeh, I bought a used Albion Gallowglass off of a friend. Favorite blade in my collection.

[@bootsthecat6718]

I thought the title was RETRIEVING my sword from Darksword Armory and I was very curious what type of video it was going to be

[@LivingAnachronism]

I'll keep that title in mind, maybe it can still happen haha!

[@pRahvi0]

"I sent it back to be repaired but upon closer examination they decided I'd have to pay extra. So, the adventurer I am, now I'm pulling off a bit of a heist to try get it without the extra fees."

[@poozlius]

"You hung the sword with what, now?" -- Damocles

[@LivingAnachronism]

Hope and dreams

[@CreepyMF]

At the very least i was entertained throughout and that is indeed a beautiful sword, hope you can get it sharpened well enough.

[@nslater1388]

Very grateful for your honest review! This is the kind of information I need before committing to such a large purchase.

[@vashvalentine4991]

What a fantastic thing to wake up to

[@jonanderson3050]

"I'm sure a couple of toothpicks and some bubblegum will keep this up on the wall just fine!" 😁

[@LivingAnachronism]

HAHA! Literally me

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Wait.. darn. Brother... you should have made a mark on it.. somewhere on it to see if you got the same sword back. Or a different one... it definitely matters to me

[@LivingAnachronism]

Sorry mate! I didn't think to do that at the time. It was also way before I knew I would be doing a review of it. :)

[@tobytoxd]

Thank you much for showing and testing!

[@texasbeast239]

0:02-0:06, 2:54-3:31, 6:27-6:31 Yeah, it be like that sometimes! 😁 My dream is a custom battleaxe. Still figuring out what features I want it to have.

[@TheMadPoetHimself]

A comment for the algorithm, and a like for the splendid sword!

[@sirzorg5728]

I was recommended your channel by a friend, and it's pretty awesome.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you Sir Zorg! Welcome! Hope you stick around for a bit!

[@sirzorg5728]

@@LivingAnachronism I hope to. I'm going for a master's degree, so I won't be spending a lot of time binging KZbin, but I will enjoy this stuff when I do.

[@cmpiepho]

Always happy to see a new video from this channel on my feed. Love the V8 bottle cameo, good to see you're still drinking those health potions! xD

[@epicsage16]

If you get another sword, I’d love to see a review on that one too.

[@forevercatholic243]

Very nice demonstration. I love the adventure immersion from all of your videos, it just transports me. I have not purchased any stage combat or otherwise steel-blade swords, but I have made many LARP swords that I find to be while not actually functional, very good for the look and feel.

[@pRahvi0]

That opening was hilarious. ^^

[@FaceEatingOwl]

Great review, man. Thank you. I look forward to more 😊👍 Ahh man, one day! One day I'll have a blade to play with. The Community of the Sword make it look so much fun. I'm more of an archer, but have always been interested in blades. Since I could only ever afford one, it's going to have to be a goodun. 😋

[@LivingAnachronism]

That was my thinking with this one. Though hopefully I can afford more one day

[@FaceEatingOwl]

@@LivingAnachronism I hope you get them free for review 😉

[@LivingAnachronism]

@@FaceEatingOwl Same honestly

[@thebenforever]

I thought I was going to pick up a DS Alexandria, but this sword's dimensions are really engaging.

[@fishdude666ify]

I've got that one, for the same reason. It's weird, but I do like it. It's lively; i usually think of a bastard sword as having a longer blade and a little longer hilt, but it's got a relatively short blade and a full two handed hilt. Weird that i found this without looking for it considering how many swords Darksword offers. Have the Sage also, basically a no frills Glamdring. Wish I'd gotten the Italian rapier before they discontinued it. Their sharpening does leave something to be desired.

[@Philxia66]

You're not alone man. Sharpness issues happen across the board, even with trusted brands like Windlass, Darksword, Hanwei, etc. Even the famed Albion swords come not fully sharp sometimes.

[@seanpope1890]

looks nice and glad you were able to get it fixed/replaced for free looks great with your outfit

[@SuperBuilder7]

I enjoyed your video, I am new to your channel. I like that you dressed up for the video, instead of wearing modern clothes. I purchased the Crusader dagger from Dark Sword Armory (D.S.A). The dagger came sharpened, I am not completely satisfied with the edge. I guess for a dagger; a parrying and thrusting weapon the edge is adequate. I am planning on purchasing the D.S.A Crusader sword(s) one and two handed sword unsharpened. I have a enough swords, were I believe, I know the exact angle of the bevel I want on my blades.

[@rockinHurley777]

I feel you on those command strips lol I use them all the time

[@ludusferocia8696]

Great review and subscribed! We reviewed two of DSA's swords as well and has some similar experiences with their sharpening but overall, really well made swords. The bastard seems so lively and I like the POB is further back. The Gothic and Sovereign have ones that are a little more forward.

[@dougsinthailand7176]

The first cut with the V8 bottle was a tip cut. You weren’t cutting with the center of percussion. Well done, withall.

[@abstragento0087]

Great review

[@LivingAnachronism]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@oneofthelast1408]

Very pretty sword I almost lost November.

[@InterpretingYou]

Yeeeeeeah! One of my fav ppl uloaded new vid!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Let's GOOOO

[@benjaminblack4345]

I do like how maneuverable that sword seems! Might want to have a good pedal powered grindstone with some kind of a guide for sharpening though.

[@DrLaserz]

I've been drooling over darksword blades lately. Torn between the knochenbrecher or this.

[@medievaltexan]

Really like the look of it. Going to have to go check out their shop myself.😯

[@tonystoops7802]

I have read that only the first 6 inches of the blade truly sharp, the remaining being more of a blunt edge. At least for a combat sword. Good video.👍

[@V4N6U4RD]

6:10 Brass Polishing oil or wax 'might' fix corrosion but IDK the properties of your steel or atmosphere 9:47 So you don't know what's corroding your steel? 6:15 Lining the scabbard with cloth or linen may improve the rattle a 'la Shad's Back Scabbard 6:27 More layers of cloth at the Forte of the blade and fewer layers at the foible will not prevent a smooth blade draw, but still lock out moisture 8:05 Depending on fighting style only sharpen the top 1/2 or top 1/3 of the blade, the lower section of the blade is to guard, parry, absorb shock, & avoid snapping/shattering the blade * not a knife, not an axe, & not a pair of scissors - not everything needs to be razor sharp

[@LivingAnachronism]

It's definitely from humidity and from handling without wiping and reoiling, shouldn't take long to polish back up, I just have to sit down and do it

[@August_Mannaz]

Great vid, and Sir you are absolutely drippin 🔥 🔥 🔥 Also do you know the layer count of your gambeson, I like width of the fabric

[@Aarzu]

something that I think may be worth investigating with your bottle test, specifically the bottle after the V8 bottle, is that I'm familiar with some of the cheaper water bottles, and I've noticed that the plastic bottles are...squishy? I don't know why, though I've been told it's because they use recycled plastic. But I think when enough force hits it, the plastic will warp and displace the water, causing the bottle to rupture and break at other points instead of the point of impact.

[@MrMaxBoivin]

Darksword Armoury is local to me, I own a few sowrds but not one of them. I should go visit them and maybe get a new sword.

[@sabertoothanimations2912]

I don't know if the sword is worth the price as I am no Expert in this area or even familiar, It seems like a very lovely sword though and I shall consider and take into account what you mentioned, thank you and keep up the excellent work.

[@harbl99]

Five seconds in. "Literally unusable!" 10/10 deadpan. 😆

[@_XR40_]

As someone that started collecting swords around 1970 (When you had to find them at flea-markets because no one was making/selling replicas), I'd be a little dubious about the idea that "all swords eventually break". I acquired a Type 32 Japanese Cavalry saber and a Confederate 1840 NCO sword and fenced with them for literally years - Yet they are still in just as good condition as when I got them. Admittedly, I didn't try to cut into concrete walls, but they _were_ used, and not delicately. Still, that does look like a very nice well-made blade that will serve reliably for a lifetime if used properly. You shouldn't worry too much about the sharpness either. There are stories of Japanese swordsmiths sharpening blades to such perfection that a silk handkerchief dropped on an upturned blade would slice itself by it's own weight. That's wonderful, but a sword doesn't need to be razor-sharp. It doesn't even truly need to be as sharp as your machete. The machete is a tool that has to cut through heavy growth for extended periods. Pretty sure you'd never try to use your sword that way. A sword would only be used for a few minutes at a time, then maintained and re-sharpened where needed (If you happen to win the fight).

[@LivingAnachronism]

That's a good point. And even the the edge geometry doesn't feel very sharp, I imagine that blade to blade it is far less likely to chip. And I suppose to expect swords and knives to have the same edge is not reasonable on my part because they have different purposes entirely.

[@_XR40_]

@@LivingAnachronism Not so much on your part. It's very common to feel that any edge should be as sharp as possible but a razor-edge gets dull much faster, and is more fragile, than a utility-edge. Thus why a paring knife is sharpened at a different angle than a meat cleaver. And, let's face it, a sword is a meat cleaver - Unless it's a 17th-century smallsword, in which case it's an embroidery needle....

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

The sharpening was propably done with some cheap 300 grit belt.

[@xoso599]

4:00 I feel like an opportunity to be the bend tip swordsman was lost.

[@Matsudai]

It does seem milk jugs cut the best, they can almost be ripped by hand with a starting cut. Some bottles won't even cut with my sharpest knives. Lol

[@LivingAnachronism]

That is good to hear from another's experience. I was very perplexed.

[@ZeroSalvator]

Yeah I own one of their "Sage" swords, it came sharp enough to cut only warm butter. It's still beautiful but I'm looking over a lot of Burrfection 's channel to find a really good sharpening stone. 5160 can be difficult to sharpen, my Nepalese Kukri can testify to that.

[@animationoverload5552]

Hey there Kramer, Hope you're doing well.

[@Haruckio]

Fun review!

[@LuxisAlukard]

6:40 That's great feature, if you want to be Eomer =)

[@ulvapyren978]

I've heard if it cuts paper cleanly and straight it is sharp, if it cleanly cuts human hair off your arm without knicking or catching skin it is sharp. My grandpa was a avid hunter always kept his skinning and filet knives very sharp. His quote is always. "I rather be cut with a sharp knife rather than a dull one. Wound will heal better because it's not jagged."

[@murderyoutubeworkersandceos]

Your grandpa is an old fart. Cuts done with sharp blades heal slower. Surgical scalpels r blunter than u think, precisely for that reason. Military advocates for sharp blades cuz theyve been cut with them and saw how they heal. Just look it up.

[@ulvapyren978]

@@murderyoutubeworkersandceos no reason to be rude and name call. All you had to say was that you disagreed. :/

[@murderyoutubeworkersandceos]

@@ulvapyren978 the reality disagrees, cuz your grandpa is wrong and u take his words as gospel by the virtue of him being old. U r naive.

[@ulvapyren978]

@@murderyoutubeworkersandceos okay man seeing as how you don't know me at all and automatically assume I take his word as gospel, clearly you're the smart one. ALL HAIL THIS GUY, BECUZ HE DA SMARTZT PERSUN

[@murderyoutubeworkersandceos]

@@ulvapyren978 u r transparent

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

That sword is quite a bit too expensive for me, but awesome video anyway :)

[@Mikshvert]

Would make a comment about form, but you seem to be aware. Great content tho!

[@MarieCrossbow]

Thanks for the great review

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Nice sword. I prefer side sword & dagger/buckler or other single hand options personally but pretty nice just the same.

[@MarkAVP]

Great video!

[@theromancatapult2922]

Funny this video came just as i got a Cold Steel Competitive Cutter sword. First sword i bought that wasnt purely decorative to my shame. Makes you wonder why theres such a despairity of price between blades, from Balavar to Albion.

[@cinderpsycho1985]

Impressive blade there really beautiful sword

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks Cinder! I like it too!

[@IGathron]

What is your opinion on the DSA Gothic two handed sword, I trust your advice. I'm thinking of purchasing because it looks awesome.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

I think they're wrong with that being a type XIV sword. Type XIV are very short one handed swords, not two handed. That's probably more a type XVIa

[@Adamant1993]

Whenever i need a good laugh, i come back to this video and watch the first 5 seconds, just to see your, "you saw nothing." Expression on your face 😂 Edit: bro! Even the crows are laughing thats savage 😂

[@crunchydragontreats6692]

-How sharp was your sword when you got it? -It was only milk carton sharp. 😂 Grab your ketchup and crunch away my friends.

[@chrismiksworld]

I want one.

[@joedan5366]

thanks for this

[@AOWGroundBeef]

I'm pretty sure that blade would be described as ahistorical. It is not, I don't think, a type XIV (not wide enough at the base, the fuller doesn't taper enough, the central ridge seems too prominent to truly be a lenticular shape, and it is too long for a XIV). More like riffing on a XIIa with a more diamond shaped profile on the tip. Still, it is a nice looking blade. Debating purchase of a Darksword one hander (Type X or the Crusader) and just looking at DS reviews. Thanks for the work.

[@VyseRogue13]

Well I guess you're good if a mad wizard sends a milk jug golem after you.

[@theeightbithero]

It’s a nice sword.

[@AttackCop]

Time to use a Baldric

[@billyguthrie6935]

"MILK BANE"

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Oh & btw if your sword isnt super sharp then your edge alignment has to be dead on when cutting the thicker plastic or the thinner water bottles.

[@synthsupreme]

Epic sword

[@TheHylianBogatyr]

I guess I need to save up $760

[@kdolo1887]

horizontal cuts are difficult

[@mansfieldtime]

How much does it cost to mail a sword? Nobody mentions that.

[@mansfieldtime]

Also I never looked into this but there might be laws about shipping "Deadly" blades or how sharp they can be.

[@Blondie42]

11:30 lid stuck? 🗡 No prob, cut it off. 😉 Easier to take a swig, too. All jokes aside, I thought you had hit it in more in the middle than the top.

[@TheMadPoetHimself]

I've actually read about 18th century pirates doing that with their rum bottles 🤣

[@ryldauril6379]

the Darksword Armorys swords..The ones with thinnest blades cut the best. Alot of them are just Big wall Hangers Unfortunately.

[@judahmann9494]

can you tell me what kinda lether i need for armor

[@LivingAnachronism]

For costume armor: 6-9 oz veg tan should be enough. If you want to harden it properly and have it actually offer some protection, 12-15 oz veg tan. You could also layer thinner leather to get to that thicker range.

[@jamesedmison2768]

A comment for the algorithm

[@LivingAnachronism]

A reply for the algorithm

[@longshot9757]

That intro xD

[@adejulistyo5542]

Maybe the problem is your edge alignment? But what do i know 😂

[@jonanderson3050]

🤣

[@coltenlester9426]

51 60

[@FinalJesse]

Da

[@brynf4377]

"my sword is only sharp for milk cartons"

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

You really shouldn't swing so sideways... like.. ever. More like a 45 degree.. you know this. I dont mean that in a rude way.. I mean I seem what you study and what you know.. enough to know. And no you wouldnt hit the stump... I know it's a worrying thing, But. Just to make it cut you need a downward action

[@Ravenick]

Is 600 bucks a lot for a real sword or no?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Real swords can be incredibly, incredibly expensive. 600$ is a reasonable price. There are some good swords for cheaper, but the really high end stuff is 1000s of dollars at least.

[@Ravenick]

@@LivingAnachronism Gotcha, Thanks! I'm trying to get into having real swords I can swing around and the few that I've looked at or bought that were around the 100-200 dollar do not seem built for that purpose lol. Very new to this hobby :)

[@thurismundbotheric7598]

I don't remember the name of the video off hand, but Skallagrim has a video talking about the verious tiers of budgets for swords, or at least his interpritation of it, and I believe $600 was upper midrange from what I recall.

[@stevekatz4372]

IMO, I think you did Not Get your Money's Worth! Having said this , I know Nothing about Swords but I do know a little something a bought knives and I sharpen my own!

[@bullockwagon5994]

So who used the one time discount code for $25 off 🤣🤣

[@JoshSweet]

Sharpen it