DSA Medieval Squire Sword Review
Released late in 2007, the Squire by Canadian sword makers – Darksword Armoury – has generated quite a bit of interest from the medieval sword enthusiast community. As you may know - Darksword have a reputation for producing extremely TOUGH swords made from excellent quality and beautifully tempered 1060 carbon steel. However, this new blade is not just tough, but also very attractive and easy to wield (indeed, the raw stats would suggest that it is quite close to several high end swords costing several times as much)...
In this review by the gentleman who brought Darksword to SBG’s attention, Jason Woodard, we get a hands on experience of this new blade after sharpening at the local knife store, and find that it seems DSA is on another winner...
Darksword Armoury Squire Sword
Specs and Properties:
Blade length: 31.0” Total length: 37.0” Blade width at base: 2.0” Total weight: 2 lbs. – 8 oz. Physical properties of blade: SAE 1060 high carbon oil hardened steel. Tempered and normalized to a Rockwell Hardness of 53.
Notations: Price: $275.00 USD + approx $37 shipping (USA)/Shipping and Taxes (Canada). US$259.99 shipped free in North Amercia from the SBG Sword Store... It is completed by a matching leather wrapped wood scabbard. The sword is nicely balanced six inches from the hilt Blade maintains configuration and springs back true.
Background and Field Testing:
Squire is an English word derived from the original French noun, escvier. Escvier is written as e’cuyer in the current French form. Its Latin source bears the connotation of “Shield Bearer” (scutarius). Originating from the Classical Latin word for arms bearer (armiger). In medieval times a Squire was a young man of strength and character aspiring to acquire the rank and privilege of Knighthood. The SQUIRE is my third sword review for DARKSWORD ARMORY. The “Boromir” and the “Templar” precede this. I found both of these to be excellent swords that performed best with two handed use. I have been looking to find a sword of equal quality; one that could be as effective as the large heavy pieces but could be handled with one hand, if necessary while delivering sufficient force as well. Following is what I found the DARKSWORD ARMORY SQUIRE to be with hands on testing in the field.
The SQUIRE was packed well. The blade was covered by a thick and even coat of protection. I removed the protective covering and looked the sword over in the light where I could see all of the detail work. I acquired a feel for it, found how it balances and handles. I found the SQUIRE to be lighter in weight than my others and I found it to be equally effective using one hand or two handed techniques.
The SQUIRE delivers perfect balance and focus of force. This is a sword that self-teaches technique. You are able to intuitively feel how to best use it. I found that to be remarkable.
Personally, I prefer a very sharp edge that holds. The SQUIRE when sharpened does in fact hold its edge when used. This also would be an excellent candidate for use in full contact stage fighting. The appearance and finish, even before I sharpened it looks like a keen edged weapon. The fittings are firmly in place. Nothing loosens with use.
All in all this is a very desirable and functional sword. Pleasing to the eye and delivers power to the target. The SQUIRE is NO wall decoration. It delivers! It is very well crafted and very well designed. SQUIRE is a fully functional sword.
I started with the basics. First, one liter, water filled bottles. Then up to two liter water filled bottles. The Squire cut through both of them clean and cool. All you could see were droplets of water and all you could hear was the sound of sharpened steel moving through the air. There was no burr left on the test bottles, just a sharp clean cut, straight through the center. I kicked it up a notch with a one gallon, water filled heavy duty plastic milk jug. The results and effort required were the same as the first test with the thin walled and smaller bottles.
I decided to see how the SQUIRE would hold up to power thrusting moves. I acquired a very thick walled, five gallon Crystal Springs water bottle, filled to the brim with H2O. The material was plastic but it was quite thick and manufactured to withstand impacts of all kinds. Over and over the SQUIRE pierced through it just like I had expected it to do. It made the water bottle look like a water fountain.
Now - On to a heavy duty challenge: A well seasoned Hickory stump. I delivered some very heavy blows and the SQUIRE cut well and went deep into the hickory.
The SQUIRE held up extremely well through all of my testing. No nicks or abrasions on the blade. The shape and edge remained true. All of the fittings remained tight.
All that was required was a little cleaning of the blade to remove some residue left over from piercing through the thick walled five gallon jug. Overall a great sword at a very reasonable price. A very good investment to add to your personal collection. Another fine sword produced by the skilled Designers and Craftsmen at DARKSWORD ARMORY. Thank you all again for your time - Jason Woodard
As Jason mentioned in the review, the DSA Squire sword retails for US$275 from Darksword. However, when you add shipping to the US (which is around US$37) or in Canada (around US$30 + 6% sales tax), the real price is around US$305. Still a good deal for a sword of this quality – but as these swords have proved themselves to be some of the toughest and most well made sub US$300 swords on the market – you can find them for US$259.99 with FREE SHIPPING in the US and Canada right here at the SBG Sword Store!
POST SCRIPT: I'd also like to mention something on the handling. While this sword is of a decent weight, it's handling is somewhat tip heavy in my opinion. This does not make it a bad sword, as it can generate some tremendous force and makes a good cutter when sharpened (a sharpening service is available for an additional $25 when ordering for those interested) it is something that I feel is slightly different than Jason's synopsis of this blade that everyone who is considering one should know.
I hope this review of the Squire sword has been helpful. To return to Affordable Replicas of Medieval Swords from DSA Medieval Squire Sword Review, click here
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The DARKSWORD ARMORY “DSA” logo etching is nicely placed. I was impressed with the royal blue leather handle and its single wire wrap. It let me know where my hand placement was even if it were out of my field of vision. Additionally the wire wrap translates the position of the sword and the force of your grip.
I put the SQUIRE through much more vigorous testing than normal this time around. I wanted to see and know for sure if it performed as well as it looked.
