300 Spartan Sword Review

by Jason Woodard (USA)
(Sword from Darksword Armory - Canada)

The new Sparta sword design from Darksword-armory (DSA) is very different and unlike any they have made before. Like many of you I'm sure after seeing the movie "300" the idea of having a TRULY battle ready sword like the one used in the film is very appealing.

I could just see myself Back in that time as a "Spartan" fighting off all those invaders. Anyway, I was very happy to have the chance to review one from DSAs first batch.

As with every DSA I've ordered before. This one came very well packed and and the blade covered in a thick oil.

Note this one came with 'somewhat' of a edge on it but it needed some work (their sharpening service is a little rough sometimes). So I spend around 15 or so putting an edge on it to my taste.

After sharping I gave DSAs Sparta a good going over. It feels more than solid in the hand, it is not too heavy but has a good presence to it.

It has a very nice spiral wrapped leather grip and a pinned pommel and comes with a nice leather wrapped sheath that fits very snug and tight.

Now this sword is by no means historically based but still managed to become an extremely popular model in reproduction. The sword is short and single edged, narrow at the shoulder and widening towards the tapered and curved tip. The unique looking curved guard and pommel provide partial hand protection.

I would say holding this sword is kind of like holding the toughest machete you will ever own.

Ok, time for testing.

I started off with testing the Sparta on a older white grand AM car.. I was able to go through the trunk and roof of the car with ease.

It was harder to stab through the car with a one handed sword because you can't get as much weight behind your thrust or swing. But I was able to stab through the steel at those places in the car. I did get some good pics of the after math on the car.

For my next test I set up a orange construction barrel I just so happen to come across ;) I just know you all love seeing those things on the roads. I nailed the barrel down so it would not move. They are surprising made from a think hard plastic. I was able to stab the Sparta right through it with not much effort though the top was a little hard to cut into.



For the next few tests I set up some one gallon jugs filled with colored water to show the sharpness of this sword. All the cuts I made came out clean.



I was also able to sink the Sparta deep into a seasoned hardwood tree stump. For the last test I hacked and slashed at what was left of the orange barrel and a galvanized steel trash can. I made hard thrusts and downward cuts into the can.



After all the tests I made on this sword. It held up very well. No real damage or edge rolling, just scratches that I was able to buff right out. The fitting remain tight after all that shock and stress.

CONCLUSION

This is a great battle ready version of the film "300" Sparta sword from Darksword-armory..

PROS

* Well tempered blade with tight fitting after more than hard abuse by me.

* Very nice spiral leather wrapped grip which really helps make the sword feel tight and snug in your hand.

CONS

* Having large hands can make the shape of the guards of this sword feel a bit tight and constrained across the knuckles.

Overall a great one handed sword.

STATS: Made from 1060 High Carbon Steel. Tempered to a Rockwell of 53. The guard and pommel are made from mild steel.

Total length:27", Blade length:21", Blade width at base:1 1/2-2.5" mid blade, Weight:2 lbs.11oz

---

EDITORS NOTE AND WHERE TO BUY

This is definitely the toughest '300 Spartan Sword' replica on the market and I am proud to offer this extremely tough sword right here at the SBG Sword Store where it sells for US$295 with free shipping in the USA and Canada.

- Paul Southren