Darksword Armory: Guardian vs. Carpathian Sword, The Purchase

Two weapons, both alike in design and construction: full tang, incredibly strong, expertly made. So much so, choosing between the two has been the subject of my internal debate for many months now. I have come to the conclusion that when I purchase one of these two magnificent weapons it will have to be due to the excellent advice of my peers, yourselves, my brothers and sisters of the sword.

Ladies and gentlemen, the choice is before us:

GUARDIAN OR CARPATHIAN?

The Guardian

The Carpathian

Normally, when making a decision about a sword purchase, it is very simple. You see which sword catches your eye, appeals most to your honed sense of aesthetics, is constructed by the most reputable armorers for the best price and then pull the trigger. However, in the last half a year, I have been doing much more eBay selling and money saving than making any purchases.

I am getting married in July!

Anyone want to buy me one as a wedding present? LOL

Though ecstatic that another human being (my exquisite fiance) has chosen to spend their life with me (a fact that thrills me to the marrow), I have been charged with saving a nearly insurmountable cash reserve of $12,000 to pay my share of the wedding. Savings plans like that don't exactly leave inexhaustible pockets of $350 for swords.

But, once again the good Lord sees me out of the corner of his eye and watches out for my sword-buying habits. I have recently, as of November of 2011, switched jobs from a low-earning copywriter for a small-time Concierge company to commission-banking sales shark for a multinational travel conglomerate. This change in lifestyle provides me with certain perks and is exactly the reason why, my devoted readers, I have not posted in over 3 months. Also, this new gig is how I WILL be able to save the money I need. It feels good to be writing again, and even better that it is about swords.

SO LET'S GET DOWN TO IT!

The Guardian:

Jason Woodard's original design, married with Darksword Armory's meticulous creative steel innovations, inspires strong feelings of honor, righteousness, strength and mystical heroism. This amazing, full-tang fantasy sword would undoubtedly be carried, over the shoulder, by some ranger general in defiance of great evil. It is a sword every fan of the genre should own.

The breakdown:

• Overall Length: 43 inches Blade length: 31 3/8 inches
• Blade Material: Tempered 1060 carbon steel
• Weight: 5 lb 1.6 oz
• Point of Balance: 4 inches
• Grip Length: 8 1/4 inches
• Pommel: Peened

LET'S SEE IT IN ACTION:







Initial Impressions: Though a pound heavier than its Eastern European counterpart, this sword radiates strength and durability. It is truly a warrior's blade; less finesse (though not totally devoid of it) but much more stopping power. ALSO (ADDED BONUS) the sword can have a custom green handle wrap!

VERY TEMPTING!

THE CARPATHIAN:

Again, Jason Woodard comes through with a totally original, awe-inspiring design. The Carpathian resembles the Guardian in hilt construction but has some particularly unique differences. It is a sleek, stylish, steel individual. The pommel, for instance, resembles that of a more Norse construction, with leaf-lobed shape. This could be more useful in not losing grip on the sword.

The Breakdown:

• Overall Length: 42 3/4'' Blade: 31 1/2''
• Blade Material: Tempered 1060 carbon steel
• Weight: 4 lb 2 oz
• Point of Balance: 2 and 3/8 inches
• Grip Length: 8 inches
• Pommel: Peened

Initial Impressions: The Carpathian is incredibly appealing due its long, leaf-bladed, streamlined construction. Whereas the Guardian almost fails to taper down into the tang and handle; potentially making it vulnerable at the intersections between handle and blade, the Carpathian is thinner, lighter and quite tapered. This makes me believe that none of these dangerous intersections exist.

LETS SEE THIS BAD BOY IN ACTION:





FINAL (NOT REALLY) VERDICT: I believe the Guardian will be my initial purchase.

Though slightly more expensive, I believe this sword is built for the heaviest cutting and steel-on-steel combat. The tang is a small concern, but I have no doubts that Eyal and the rest of the master craftsmen at Darksword have compensated for this with the hardness potential hazard with overall durability for the blade and furniture.

The Carpathian is a beautiful finesse blade for sure and I love it. And, because it comes from the same designers, Darksword Armory, I have no doubt of its quality and durability. The only discounting factors are that the sword is a little lighter and I was never really into the whole "vampire inspired" design for my weapons. I don't know that Vlad the Impaler would carry such a weapon (though he should have) against the Turks.

LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS! THANKS ALL!

(IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY ONE FOR ME AS A WEDDING GIFT. BECAUSE YOU ARE AWESOME, YOU CAN SEND IT TO MIKE TERRY, 80 MEDITERRANEAN DRIVE, WEYMOUTH, MA 02188)