Hello, everyone:

This is my first post on your forum, and was directed here by a sword collector on another forum, specializing in Lord of the Rings props. I'm looking to purchase the Darksword Anduril, and was wondering about your opinions? I've been reading a lot of negative posts about DSA, but most seem older (or more geared towards battle use), and was looking for more input, if possible about this sword in particular.

To give some background, I'm not a sword collector, and only have the UC Glamdring and MC Sting (Xmas gift), which is quite nice. I'm not a fan of the UC stainless steel wallhangers, even though some are very pretty (I kind'a stumbled into buying Glamdring a couple years ago, and it really is an attractive product), and DSA is the only option outside WETA's crazy prices for a carbon steel sword.

So you know where I'm coming from, I'm a Latin and ancient history teacher, and a long-time fan of Tolkien's works and the movies (not vice versa). I'm not looking to use this sword, except for maybe killing a few Orc vegetables and hanging it over my desk. But as nice as the UC version of Anduril looks, I really don't want to go down the "it's pretty, but essentially a car without an engine" road, and would like it to be a real carbon sword--hence why I'm looking at DSA.

All thoughts and opinions are most welcome.

Cheers,

Guy

DSA has been making some attempts lately to improve their product, but in general they are overbuilt, weigh too much, are badly balanced, with inferior blade geometry. I also think that many of them are rather ugly.

There are other companies that can give you better value for your money From your LOTR slant, I'm assuming that you want a medieval design, or perhaps a Viking sword. If you let us know what you're looking for, and also how much money you are willing to spend, we can better help you.

If I were you, I would buy a UC Anduril and have a good smith put the mounts on a Hanwei/Tinker longsword blade. Plenty of good steel in that leftover blade for a nice project Or, if you,re handy....do it your self . Send pics either way!......McM

It all comes down to what you want to spend to get a functional version of the sword. If you don't want to spend much on this purchase and just want a steel blade version, the DSA would be fine. The sword will be heavy and not handle like a proper sword but will be functional. If you want a sharp one, have it sharpened when you buy it as DSA swords are blunt unless you ask for it to be sharpened. The sharpened ones usually have a pretty rough edge due to the edges the swords come with.