[Tomas B]

I am lookng for opinions on any of the three Darkwood Armory longswords. We are currently doing German longsword HEMA.

Basic training longsword
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/index.php?main_...r2mveguhs2

German Federschewrt (practice longsword)
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/index.php?main_...r2mveguhs2

Italian Scrimiator (practice longsword)
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/index.php?main_...r2mveguhs2

[Mark T]

Hi Thomas,

I haven't handled Darkwoods, so can't comment on them directly. However, Darkwood are better known for their rapiers and sabres. It's rare to see their longswords at events, or much online discussion. Most groups tend to use longswords from Regenyei, Ensifer, and A&A.

You might also want to check out discussions at The HEMA Alliance forum: http://hemaalliance.com/discussion/index.php

Here's a starting point: http://hemaalliance.com/discussion/viewtopic....+longsword

[Kel Rekuta]

I have handled all three of these products. I really didn't like the practice sword first mentioned, its way too light. I suppose it was designed for SCA C&T as Scott is deeply invested in the SCA and its oddities.

The latter two, OTOH are well made and comfortably balanced products for their respective markets. Since you are practicing in the German tradition, you might be better served by that product. The schild seems to be beneficial for those whom thumb the flat of their blades. Both have lighter presence in the foible so are safe in the thrust compared to many popular models from other makers.

I understand the Regenyii and Ensifer feders have each gained a large following. Both are quite nice to play with although I am a Fiorist and don't care for such long grips. I do admire such lovely products at very reasonable prices.

A quick search on the HEMA Alliance forum should yield several reviews. Most longsword students on that forum are devoted to some variant of the German traditions. Hope that helps..

[Johannes Zenker]

I haven't handled a DWA longsword or Feder yet, but I've been using a DWA sidesword blade recently.

Judging from that I'd assume that it's fairly decent, the steel is tough enough, but definitely takes some nicks from stronger blows here and there. The edges are very thin and, especially near the point, the Scrimiator and Basic Training Longsword seem to have the same feature. The pronounced distal taper, while excellent for handling, kind of exacerbates this "weakness".
The German Federschwert looks a bit more substantial in terms of thickness.

My recommendation, however, would be to look into Regenyei's Feders (http://www.regenyei.com/en_index.html ; US seller is Scott Brown at https://www.facebook.com/HEMASupplies). He offers them in different configurations, most notably the more flexible "standard" version and a much stiffer version. The "standard" versions are really flexible, leading to a slightly increased likelihood of breakage in addition to less control in the bind. It is, however, very safe in the thrust, which is why many groups prefer it. The stiffer version, which I've been using for two years now, is atypically stiff for a feder, but still safe enough in the thrust due to the properly rolled tip and still viable flex. It also takes much fewer nicks and notches. I haven't filed down the edges on mine for quite a while now and can still easily run my naked hand up and down the blade without fear of scratches or cuts.

I strongly recommend getting crossguards with rings. Your thumbs will thank you.

Weight is about 1300-1400g on them, prices (within Europe) are affordable.