Darksword Armory Baron Longsword Review & DESTRUCTION! With Matthew Jensen

[@polishFantasyEN]

My poor scarred ceiling really supports the concept of a shorter blade.

[@JCAB_Bodilsen]

I wonder if the shorter blade length might be an advantage during bording actions at sea, where a longer blade might easily get caught in the rigging or be difficult to use inside the cramped areas below deck.

[@edi9892]

Same. Comrade.

[@jeffreyenglish1815]

That’s why I refuse to move out of my top floor house apartment. A 24 x 26 living room (dojo) with 10 foot ceilings.

[@A.J.K87]

In the totally historically accurate documentary films about Middle Earth by Peter Jackson, both king Theoden and prince Eomer are shown to have swords with double fullers. So there is historical precedence.

[@Intranetusa]

Double the fullers so you can have the blood of two different victims flow down the sword at the same time.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

I fell off my chair laughing at that! You may guess I am no fan of Jackson, or of fantasy swords in general.

[@ChicagoDB]

Just to be “that guy”… Eomer wasn’t a “prince”.

[@allopez8563]

@@ChicagoDB Actually he became the crowned prince since he was nephew to the king and the king's heir got killed.

[@ChicagoDB]

@@allopez8563 - incorrect…and he was never referred to as Prince in the LOTR.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Thanks for the review. It's always good to listen to your opinion about the handling characteristics. I still believe the blade type of this sword (bi-fuller extend almost all the way to the tip) is found on some Oakeshott type XX and XXI. The type XX.4 example in Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword features this blade almost identical (I do believe it's the inspiration the this DSA sword), with a long grip. The blade is, however, 35" long according to Oakeshott. Example type XXI.1 (the Borgia sword in Rome) and XXI.3 both feature bi-fuller extending almost to the tip, however these two are single-handed swords. The distal taper or lack thereof on the DSA sword is almost certainly different from those examples, though. Therefore, this sword is thin at the base and thick near the tip, which results not only in the sluggish feeling, but also the thick edge geometry on the upper portion of the blade, leading in bad performance.

[@Brigadier9]

Double fullered to the tip... hmmm *chuckles in French cuirassier*

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Bloody hell - I have learnt so much in just 14 minutes about words and terms I didn't know existed! Matt - you are a power house plus a knowledgeable person too; thank you for blowing my mind.

[@kurtbogle2973]

I like Todd's approach to weapons. He makes period weapons, and that gives him a chance to ad his own thoughts to the engineering. I have started making my own swords, My first one was the picture of a cutlass I had in my head. It's got a bowl hilt with a flare. It's probably not from any period, but it is a expression of my mind. I find this very satisfying.

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

What do you think about a Han jian with a complex hilt or other quality handguard?

[@dezzdinn]

That swords durability left me extremely impressed.

[@HankCarver]

I appreciate that Matthew Jensen made it into a witcher sword for a little while there

[@townwitchdoctor5538]

Perhaps the reason we don't see double fullers extending the full length of the blade is because it doesn't leave enough space to bring the edge down for good geometry. I've seen them on plenty of single edge swords because they can be offset to the blunt side and still allow for a thin edge whilst reducing weight in the spine.

[@FatherEli]

And if you do get the thin edge, well congrats, you just have a hollow ground blade now

[@Uruz2012]

It does leave enough space, they just chose to have a 2 stage sharpening process for whatever reason. Having one worker shape the blade and another step for the final bevel is probably cheaper in some way.

[@EGraf]

damm, you weren't joking about the destruction part :P... that's even more aggressive than Skal's testings...

[@timporsch2669]

Nice review.........But I'd really like to know about that early medieval sword beside your round shield😅

[@brianknezevich9894]

Same.

[@AngloSaxonElf]

Looks like a replica of the Suontaka sword, a really nice hilt design. Reminds me of Rohan.

[@jenssylvesterwesemann7980]

At first, I wondered if that was one of Deepeeka's new line of swords. The grip is shorter than on theirs, though.

[@scholagladiatoria]

It's the new Langeid from Windlass, which I helped them a bit with.

[@timporsch2669]

@@scholagladiatoria Thank you, looks quite nice

[@augiedad54]

This is a merger between tow of my favorite channels. Very thorough. Matt’s portion is hard to watch; yet hard to turn away as well. Nice work.

[@ernesterz]

Appreciate the consistency of the uploads💪👏

[@alexanderguesthistorical7842]

That's one for me I think. At 5'1" it's just right for me for a 2 handed sword, although I would take the hilt off and take about 2 inches off the length of the grip and remake it to something nicer. At least I know the crossguard will bend fairly easily into a nicer shape (I hate straight crossguards). In terms of the edge geometry, it didn't look too far off an unsharpened 1821 light cav to me, although it perhaps is a bit fatter half way up the apple-seed primary grind. slimming that down with a re-grind will also bring the weight of the blade down a tad, and make it respond quicker in the hand. I like it! The double fullers are nice, and seem well done. In terms of the broken blade - Cinquedea anyone???

[@Blaisem]

The blade is so wide and doesn't have much distal taper, that the longer handle may be to balance it better. I'd be careful about shortening the hilt by as much as 2 inches, unless you make the shorter replacement thicker or otherwise heavier.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thinking of chaining my name to Matt Weston.

[@texasbeast239]

He would look awfully daft with a nameplate bearing your name dangling behind him on a chain.

[@stephanwatson7902]

As a musician, I can tell you seeing him do all that to that sword, is exactly how we feel seeing a nice guitar get smashed...

[@captainflint89]

the way the sword ends up after destruction is perfect if sauron happens to invade the driveway .. custom design for all your middle England needs

[@GameDevNerd]

I'm encouraged by the fact it took considerable effort to destroy it. I'm looking for a legit Viking sword and I'm impressed by reviews of Darksword Armory's weapons. Even real combat swords in the Dark Ages and Middle Ages would get damaged or broken in war, and what was important is that it stayed together and could still hurt someone throughout a battle.

[@GGolden219]

Wow, a Matt & Matt collaboration video! What a balance - yin and yang - fantastic!

[@aynulith9240]

Honestly, this sword would be damn perfect for me.... if it had a longer blade. The overall shape and design is gorgeous, but just the proportions kinda let it down for me

[@inferno1217]

You can always contact them directly and see if you can get a custom order made.

[@darkdork1012]

The older Darksword productions had thin/narrow tangs that were prone to snapping. This was a very redeeming video for them. Very impressed.

[@ducthman4737]

I don't think a lot of swords would look better after a day in battle in the old days. But then they just replaced it with a new one.

[@holyknightthatpwns]

I doubt a single day of battle would really destroy most swords. Keep in mind, something like a 10% loss is often considered a devastating defeat, which leads me to think that majority of kit goes largely undamaged in an average battle.

[@gushlergushler]

Seeing you get Matthew on board I have to watch this video.

[@jellekastelein7316]

That flex test with the point in the trunk makes my toes curl. It's like watching forged in fire. :oP

[@olivertremayne9985]

Amazing review. Thank you for the information on this exceptional sword. I think it would be fantastic if you could do a review on Darksword Armory's The Black Prince sword.

[@spinelessmoderate8715]

I bought "Irish Sword" (#1375) from Darksword Armory. Overall I've enjoyed it very much. It was a little duller than I would have preferred. But it could cut bottles and pool noodles fairly well. But after I gave it a real quick sharpening (only 10 passes per side on both edges) and it significantly increased the cutting power. My biggest gripe, is a common gripe, the fit with the guard and the blade is not terribly flush. There is a bit of a gap that has been filled with epoxy or something. But everything is tight and looks really good. The sword is also quite well balanced. I will probably purchase from them again, based on my sword.

[@markwuahlbuargg4780]

My guess would be it would take a whole lot of work to bring this to proper sharpness, giving that the edge is pretty fat with a secondary bevel, you would need to grind off a lot of material.

[@jahrn6]

7:20 You can see a similar fullering on some cinquedea daggers You can see both a sword and a cinquedea (among many others) in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London Item Nr.: 11-1955 (sword, late XVI. century) and 478-1901(cinquedea, late XV. century) The sword has 3 fullers > narrow-broad-narrow < The sword is almost a rapier in my eyes, with a blade lenght of 91,5cm / 36 inches and a a total hilt lenght of 18cm / 7 inches The cinquedea has 2 wide but shallow fullers + what seems to be a 3rd, narrow and short fuller in the middle So both are only similar, and ofc none of them is a longsword / batard sword

[@jasonrogers5822]

That cable knit sweater is as cool as any other part of the video! Who is it made by please?

[@robertgross1655]

🎩Hi I would say that is a pretty cool sword especially as I’m only5”6.

[@domtest2460]

I noticed some of the swords from The Witcher tv series seem to be double handed with a shorter blade length (Obviously for wardrobe and functional purposes to be drawn from a back scabbard) than most historical two handed swords. I was wondering if some of those design elements have eked into this swords design?

[@FaceJP24]

I imagine another reason for shorter swords is so they can fit the sword into the camera frame without having to zoom out from the actors.

[@wenlocke]

if you look at the grandaddy of film fantasy swords, the Atlantean sword from Conan, that's also long in the hilt for its blade length. It does indeed seem to be a thing.

[@VeridianHerald]

Thank you for the review. While I haven't seen a double fuller as reliably on older European blades... It certainly shows up in Chu-Han contention period swords. As it was noted that the proportions are more common in Asia blades, perhaps the double fullers also came from that portion of the world.

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you both for doing this video 👍🏻

[@Brigadier9]

Matt, a video subject request: the Monasterevin Sword. I know that Vince Evans made a repro, but it's a unique sword of which I know of no similar pieces.

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Peened pommel with peened pins machete knife handle style. Most durable design.

[@Mote.]

Its beautiful. Everything about it looks nice, the handle color, the pommel, the blade, the cross guard.

[@samuelhope6817]

Sounds like it would be a very good sword for armored combat. Sturdy for thrusting, able to be used with a shield or two handed for a lot of control

[@EsotericAwakenings]

I can't believe that you didn't mention distal taper??? :O

[@John-hf1ig]

Great informative video as usual Matt, what do you think of the Windlass uleberht sword Matt ?

[@QuentinStephens]

At your very first presentation of the sword, I immediately thought that it was a longer sword that had had the end broken off (much as happened in the destructive testing) and had been remade, just shorter. Just as you have related how katanas get cut down. If you were to go with that, would the sword then fit better in Oakeshott's typology? Are there historical European swords that have been cut down / reworked?

[@Gorebashed]

Nice to see Mathew Jensen being mentioned, has a great channel and shockingly few views.

[@dezzdinn]

Well done both thank you Matthew Jenson.

[@gizmonomono]

It looks gorgeous in my opinion. Really liking this short longsword design. And Matthew goes above and beyond, it's fun to watch 😂

[@edi9892]

I've seen a bunch of similar blades in the game The Witcher 3. The Kaer Morhen forge makes some amazing reproductions. They got wonderful fittings, but I dislike the pointy pommels.

[@leemcgann6470]

Excellent review Matt! The abuse test was very well done & informative. Great job guys!

[@NinjaHikage]

I like the extra long handle! :)

[@fishdude666ify]

I've got the original DSA "bastard" sword and was a little weirded out by it's proportions at first but it's actually quite lively in the hand because of the big round pommel; feels like how I would imagine a light-saber would feel if they were real. Like the blade is so counter-balanced that it feels like there isn't a blade there at all. I've got that one and the Sage (simplified Glamdring) and while I love them you are absolutely right about DSA's edge geometry, I paid extra on both to get them "sharp" and they were anything but.

[@stevendepauw3742]

I love destruction video's, its the best way to prove faults or cutbacks. They keep you from buying a "bad" sword :)

[@cam-inf-4w5]

Long grip shorter blade is my favorite. Not to necessarily compete with a longsword but if youre going to have an arming sword why not have more weight in your hand and the option to have more leverage without having a super long scabbard.

[@nilocnaughton]

a particular Baron wanted a little shorter sword. that's why it's the Baron!!!! it's a model of an old custom length sword?!??? not unheard of.

[@HobieH3]

Don't like the double fullers. Hexagonal transitioning to flattened diamond might be nice. Or a single fuller to keep the weight down a bit. I actually like the overall shape.

[@kurtbogle2973]

My perception of people who like swords is they like them for many different reasons. I enjoy the restiveness of sword making. High carbon steel is a new to me material Someone else might like the history, yet still others like the martial aspect of the swords. I believe most are some combination of the above.

[@jeremiahkrouse9827]

It also kind of looks similar proportions to the hand and a half swords that Geralt uses in The Witcher TV show .

[@McHaven07]

Mr. Jensen has got himself a buttery-smooth voice!

[@Joeseph113]

How many actual medieval battles (war of the roses, hundred years war) would you (anyone) say this level of testing represents for a blade? 1 battle? 3 battles? I have read several times in different sources that a good sword would last about 10 battles before needing to be replaced.

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

Surely it would entirely depend upon the content of each battle, and therefore your question cannot be answered, even by the most sage of soothsayers?

[@t3hd0n]

it looks like they did a redesign/rebrand of their hand and a half sword, the pommel is near identical to that one i have. the hilt is even longer but otherwise looks almost the same, besides the double fullering and the straighter crossguard

[@TimParker-Chambers]

Might this sword be catagorized as 'a wall-hanger which *could* be used if the situation arose'? My preference has always been for katana, rather than swords of this type, but, I must admit, this looks to be a really nice sword, which I would definitely like at add to my collection 👍 Thankyou for the fantastic reviews, gentlemen 👍👍

[@RagPlaysGames]

Considering how easy it was for Matt to bend the guard, Darksword armory should have curved the quillons upward to begin with. Would have improved the look at least.

[@valandil7454]

It reminds me of that stunted one they picked for Henry Cavell in the Witcher series, it looks a little ridiculous used in both hands. Definately a compromise to make it easier to wield with a shield I think

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

Bloody bleedin' 'ell! Review the Windlass Homildon Hill. Handles SO well and looks even better. Please?

[@javaman2022]

MOAR colabs with Matt Jen!

[@lyndonmarquis414]

How sharp were sword edges historically? A lot tatami mats and pool noodles and plastic bottles get destroyed on KZbin but presumably in the 15th C, armourers were sharpening swords with gambesons, shields, mail in mind and possibly favoured robustness edges over shaving edges?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Basically, if you can't cut through tatami (which is not a tough target), then you're going to have trouble cutting through clothes and flesh.

[@edi9892]

You can make a beeswax knife with an insanely sharp edge. It will still cut nothing... Hardness is more important. You can always hone the edge...

[@lextalionis0]

Finally a Mattx2 collab!

[@kentallard8852]

I often hear though that medieval smelting and metalurgy was very very crude, so how sharp would these have really been, it often sounds like they'd have been as sharp as a cast iron frypan

[@JoshuaCairns]

This sword reminds me of a more functional version of the Lockley family sword from Robinhood Prince of Thieves...

[@Ragesauce]

Ty for the review.

[@lachy1709]

Reminds me of Brisingr from Eragon with those proportions

[@jancello]

How's the maker of that Langeid viking sword replica behind you and are going to make a review of it?

[@Mythicalmage]

I love the DIY S shaped guard mod!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

It's always gonna be wierd to me... This thing about comparing swords and weapons.... To others... Like, one is the correct way. And one isn't... But I guess I get it..

[@edi9892]

I would have preferred it if the fullers gradually disappeared by becoming flatter, thus morphing into a hollow ground diamond cross section. IMHO, this would look better and make a better blade.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

Do you think there is usually a tradeoff in cutting ability vs. robustness? Or could this be redesigned so it cuts well but is still very robust?

[@ricwalker6600]

"We look his footage in a second..." goes on to talk for another 8 minutes. Me: "Well, that certainly was one of the longest seconds in my life."

[@raharuko]

in proportion and silhouette, it looks like a sword straight from dragon quest lol

[@hunterwolfe6295]

i love Matt

[@ni8shadow]

Any word on the Alexandria review?

[@justiciar1964]

Matthew Jensen turned it into a Dark Souls weapon.

[@markwuahlbuargg4780]

I think the sword would perform better if the double fuller would transition into either a single fuller or a diamond cross section from the halfway or 1/3 point of the blade.

[@stevenaubin74]

My Darksword Armory Two Handed Templar Sword weighs 1,953 grams. I love it.

[@mr.excalibur1455]

If you're interested I did a review of this sword here ... enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5K5imOseZ2Sb8U

[@Odin029]

The proportions don't look weird to me at all. It looks like a sword I just might have made in Mount & Blade Bannerlord

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

The Barotana!!!

[@frankharr9466]

That sounds mostly good. What price range is it? 1.47 kg= 3.24 lb. or 51.9 oz. or 51 oz. 14 dr., not that drams are very useful.

[@ohioman4646]

How many stone, (babylonian) shekels, and grains is it?

[@benjaminstevens4468]

Pretty impressive level of punishment that beast absorbed, I think.

[@КолаРашаЛукашук]

I've wonder why anty-armour swords have fullers and not that bulges along the blade like some ancient swords have. Wouldn't it be more practical, more endure and better at penetrating mail or brigandine. Is fullers more practical for that kind of swords or is just fashion of that time make that look of a sword.

[@Ranstone]

They do have bulges like swords from the classical era... it just depends on how you look at it. Imagine the ridges of the fullers as two parallel bulges, rather than thinking of the fuller as a hole. (Or in this case, three ridges, and two fullers.) Also, don't forget a lot of anti armor swords were so thick, they lost their cutting ability all together, like the estoc.

[@Helltanz98]

People talk about swords on the internet? Never have I seen such a thing. More seriously I don't go looking for arguments so I must have missed such discussions regarding Dark Sword armory particularly any regarding politics. I have to say, I own the Viscount its a good sword, it cuts very well, though I think I'd prefer the Baron's simpler cross guard than the prongs of mine. Actually, really my only complaint about Darksword is their scabbards.

[@Greenmahn333]

I received a sword from dsa. The tip had been turned blue from getting to hot during grinding. You can't tell me that didn't effect the heat treatment. Who ever prepared it to ship should definitely have seen that its very obvious and disappointing. My last sword from dsa.

[@joebrown1726]

That's a very good thing that it's not that long

[@lightningandodinify]

The weird proportions reminds me of the longsword in the Dark Souls trilogy

[@WarriorCicada]

As a Souls fan that's what I was saying in my head, and being the weeb I am...I have only fooled around with "real" katana so the small size appeals to me also I'm kinda short so I think this sword is fantastic.

[@kurtbogle2973]

What is the correct balance for a sword? It stands to reason if the blade is too light won't it tilt and fall out of the scabard?

[@VishnuZutaten]

There are many types of medieval swords. They have diff pionts of balance, mass distribution, points of rotation and p. Of percussion. Google the terms, it's a long story.

[@woodsonpayne8378]

Darksword Armory's video alludes to forge welded folded layers on their web site, but a carefull examination of their manufacturing video shows the swordmakers pounding out tips on bar stock. Are they just grinding fullers on BAR STOCK, or do they really make a proper sword?

[@moonshadow5382]

"You can sort of manage" says he whilst making it look easy to do...

[@pedromiguel3227]

Note to self: Save up for a better sword.

[@laksivrak2203]

In case you didn’t catch the first time, Mr. Easton likes and dislikes the sword for different reasons😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@spellenberg]

What could the Danish national museum do to find out if the sword is a replica or not? It seems to me that they would have no interest in having a mislabled sword on show.

[@EvilMerlin]

Some day Matt, we need to hit each other in armour... Been too long since seeing you at Longpoint all those years ago.

[@tsmspace]

imo forgery is a bit harsh. Just because someone made a very historical looking sword, doesn't mean they meant "forgery". there are lots of reasons someone might want to create a historically accurate sword and then put it in a museum or other personal collection. Just because they then later died, and everyone basically didn't know it was a well intended recreation, doesn't mean it's some kind of fake. It's just what someone thought was the best way to get the right sword so that people could experience it.

[@Brandon_Johnson04]

Love your sword 😍

[@Wraste1]

You mention that this sword works well two handed but not one handed. Is there a bastard sword that you feel in, your opinion, works well both one or two handed?

[@Frank-il3kt]

Yikes. Wouldn’t have wanted that in battle.

[@biteme263]

I guess it all depends on how much this sword costs. And how it compares to other swords in its price range. If it performs as you would expect for its price or better then fine. I guess from your descriptions it has some flaws in fit and finish and the edge but is it less than you would expect for a sword of that price? I have no idea since I don't know what it costs. Nor am I that familiar with swords in general and what you would expect at vairous price ranges. I really don't own any swords. Other than some cheap flea market Katana sets made for hanging on the wall or display. So for someone like me I would say if this thing was maybe 2 or 3 hundred bucks it seems like a deal. If it costs a thousand or more then probably not. Again though I would just be guessing since I don't know what you should expect out of swords in different price ranges. The edge really doesn't bother me too much because personally I wouldn't be using it to actually fight with to defend myself. That is why I own firearms. Seems like it would be sturdy enough to practic with though if you were actually trying to learn to use it or something. And its plenty pretty enough to hang on a wall.

[@biteme263]

I just looked it up. Its a 600-800 dollar US sword. That seems like a lot of money to me for a display piece so yes I guess I might expect a better edge on it. Then again that might be cheap for a sword. I really don't know enough about them to be honest. What I do know is I can really nice 9mm for that kind of money lol.

[@notanotherswordreviewchann4901]

Gee, why do all DSA sword profiles look remarkably like baulur arms or even windlass swords? Hmmmmmm....

[@mr.excalibur1455]

Uh ... they don't. Both those brands are made in India. DSA's are made in Canada ... and whole lot sturdier then the India makes. The tang is a beefly thing. Show me a European sword TODAY that has a larger tang with this kind of lighter design. You have absolutely 100% no credible evidence that they are made in India. That is just your normal DSA-hater propaganda. Both Matt J. and Matt E. gave good reviews here of a good offering from DSA. But I forget you aren't actually interested in REAL evidence. After all this is a "reviewer sample" and therefore is an invalid example of what a real person would get. WRONG! I bought one ... and lo and behold it didn't come twisted into a bow-tie like yours apparently did ... BTW ... how many did you get? 1? 2? 3? 4? 5? Anyways .... Also ... India blades are hella thinner (aka Ballur Arms ... I know ... I've handled them!) and the quality of the workmanship is quite the step down. Know the territory dude ... know the territory.