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Main => The Armoury => Topic started by: Sir William on 2016-07-07, 17:41:36

Title: Elite Series Swords from Darksword Armory (DSA)
Post by: Sir William on 2016-07-07, 17:41:36
Most of us have heard of this company at some point- from its mostly humble origins via SFI, to the brou-ha-ha that occurred when accusations of theft of design ran rampant; love them or hate them, they're still around.  I'd gotten one of their swords some twelve or so years ago; I'll never forget it as it was the most money I'd ever spent on a sword at that time.  The DSA Ranger, an homage to the sword Aragorn used in the LOTR movies (which was never in the book, by the way- he used the larger upper portion of the sword Narsil [a foot length of steel missing from where it would run to the tip] before it was reforged into Anduril, but I digress) had just been released to the market and I was hot for one.  I Paypal'd my $370 or so and waited anxiously. 

I had it shipped to the job; that was how bad I wanted it.  When it arrived I hurried down to the car garage to get a good look at it and put it in the trunk when I'd finished drooling.  Imagine that anticipation...I'd waited what felt like months (it was weeks) and it was finally here!  Imagine my utter dissatisfaction as I noted several inconsistencies on the item that pictures did not show.  From rough leather-work on grip and scabbard (no belts at the time), chape and locket had pits and grind marks- the shape of the lower part of the cross had a corresponding shape that fit the locket only it didn't- they did not align at all.  The blade itself looked decent enough, and heavy enough to crush thin plate, and trees and whatever else you put under it.  It weighed in at over 4lbs (closer to 5), the sharpening service was uneven and amateurish at best.  I immediately sent it back for a full refund; it was a tank but a tank was not what I wanted.  I would "look in on" on them from time to time but never ventured back.

Then I happened to see this- and am somewhat flabbergasted that they've gone this route and command such a price:

http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/p-27052-the-medieval-knight-elite-series-sword.aspx

Thoughts, good gentlemen?
Title: Re: Elite Series Swords from Darksword Armory (DSA)
Post by: Thorsteinn on 2016-07-07, 19:01:31
There are so very many warning signals here.

From a lack of detail regarding size (listed but not right up front), to the use of "damascus" steel, to no listing of the weight, to the website design, to the drop down menu for "size" being used to ask if you want it sharpened. Then you add on the price which is obscene for a company mired so often in controversy.

There is this- http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/p-21385-european-bec-de-courbin.aspx

And this, which is rather more expensive that anyone else for not good kit- http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/c-772-synthetic-sparring-swords.aspx
Title: Re: Elite Series Swords from Darksword Armory (DSA)
Post by: Sir Rodney on 2016-07-08, 05:22:03
Yes, I want one gift wrapped for Halloween!?   ::)

It better be good to demand $1,600.  Based on the past history of this outfit, I think not.  A quick glace at the header will tell you who they are marketing to.   :D
Title: Re: Elite Series Swords from Darksword Armory (DSA)
Post by: Jon Blair on 2016-07-08, 13:04:54
Did they hire John Clements to write that description for them?