The story of King Arthur is one of the most frequently retold stories in the English language. Films, television series, book series, and stage productions all exist of the tale, each giving their own interpretation of the story. And with good reason – if anything can be said to be a mythological history of England, it’s the story of Arthur, the kingdom of Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table – and the mighty sword Excalibur.
Tales of Arthur have existed for centuries, though most modern visitors to our website will be familiar with a few of the more recent classics – The Once and Future King by T.H White, for most, which was published in 1958. What few people realize is that this book – and most of the modern retellings of the story – are actually based on a volume written over five centuries ago. Le Morte d’Arthur (“The Death of Arthur”) is a 15th-century Middle English epic written by Sir Thomas Malory, and gathers together various tales and folklore involving Arthur into a comprehensive and cohesive story. Le Morte d’Arthur is the origin of all modern retellings of the tale, no matter how far from the source material they depart, and nowhere is this more clear than in the 1981 movie masterpiece – Excalibur.
The 1981 film is directly based on the most recognizable portions of Sir Thomas Malory’s collection, and is a modern classic. Picking up the story even before Arthur was born with the tyrant Uther Pendragon, the film covers the entirety of Arthur’s life in tragic detail. The drawing of the titular sword from the stone, Arthur’s rise to the throne, the betrayal of Lancelot and Guinevere, and Arthur’s death at the hands of Mordred all play out under the artful direction of John Boorman. The film featured famous actors like Sir Patrick Stewart, launched the film careers of Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson, and was the breakout role for Helen Mirren, arguably one of the most talented (and definitely the most beautiful) women in Hollywood history. The true star of the film, though, was the sword at the center of it all.
Even in a film with exquisite set design, costumes, and period armor (designed by Terry English), the prop Excalibur stands out. Every time it is on screen it steals the scene – shining bright like the sword of legend. When characters react to the sword with awe, the audience believes it. The film and the sword launched many young men and women into a lifetime of obsession with swords – us here at Darksword included. The original prop from the film resides in John Boorman’s home in Ireland, but as fans of the film and as swordmakers ourselves, we felt compelled to make our own attempt to pay homage to the sword that so entranced us when we were young.
In the words of Darksword Armory founder Eyal Azerad:
“As a collector and bladesmith, the making of Excalibur sword was a deeply personal project. As for many, John Boorman’s 1981 Epic Film was not only my favorite movie but, as a child, my introduction to the ‘Middle Ages.’ This introduction, crystalized ‘The Excalibur’ at the core of my passion and a romanticized vision of the ‘Middle Ages.’ Hence, forging the Excalibur sword, was a passion project for myself and the staff alike. We felt we owed this sword our utmost attention. Making yet another ‘decorative’ Excalibur was not an option. Our recreation had to be classically elegant, vibrant, and faithfully crafted from the original prop. Our goal was not only to produce a finely hand forged sword, but to replicate the lasting legacy of the film.”
The Excalibur is a unique reproduction. A sturdy, double-edged blade suitable for cut and thrust techniques is balanced by a long handle and hefty pommel. The high polish brass guard and pommel is strikingly beautiful, making it sure to stand out in any collection.
Customer Feedback:
I purchased one of your Excaliburs a few weeks ago, and it is a true work of art. It was worth every penny. The Darksword Armory staff deserves a pat on the back. for thier excellent workmanship, and attention to detail. I’m extremely satisfied with it. That medieval sword is a real beauty. You and your staff should be very proud. of the very high quality of your products. Keep up the good work : 🙂
-Blaine, A.
Hi Eyal, I have taken delivery of my Excalibur sword & i would firstly like to say how surprised i was by the speedy shipping….it arrived here in the uk by saturday night!!, now for the sword itself…the only thing i could say was WOW!!, you guys have done a fantastic job of recreating this classic sword from my all time favourite movie, well balanced. I have many swords in my collection…but right away i could tell just by handling this piece of art, that this was not any run of the mill, mass produced, machined cut sword…this far exceeds anything i have in my current collection & at such a reasonable price, this has been accurately described…”HAND FORGED”, this is now taking pride of place on my wall, thankyou very much for making my christmas & the free gift of the stilletto dagger is an added bonus
~ Barry., H. – UK
Hey Darksword … I just received my Excalibur, #207, … fabulous! I’m
almost afraid to touch it for fear the Lady of the Lake might ask for it
back. :-O I had to wait a year to order and when it finally arrived I
took my sweet time unwrapping this beautiful piece of art and
craftsmanship. Beautiful scabbard… couldn’t be
happier with it all. I’m going to smile every time I look at it or give
it a few swings. Thank-you for such a gorgeous, functional, and just
damn cool, sword of power – Excalibur.
Rob S.
5160 High Carbon Steel
Dual hardened
Total length: 41.5″
Blade length: 34″
Grip length: 6″
Blade width at base: 2″
Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
Erik (verified owner) –
I just received my limited edition Excalibur, #216 of 500. It was my second real sword, and my first darksword armory purchase. Wow! Just, wow! This is my new favorite sword. It feels awesome in two hands. It’s fast, agile, and could do some real damage to Mordred’s forces! I ordered it on the 12th, it shipped on the 14th, and it arrived on the 21st. Not bad coming from Canada to Texas. The free stiletto and shirt are also really nice. Darksword Armory has earned a new fan. I look forward to making my next purchase.
Iain –
since seeing Boorman’s Excalibur for the first time, I have wanted this sword. DSA did not disappoint. it’s everything I expected in appearance. the scabbard is just right in it’s simplicity and easily fitted and secured. fit/finish, it feels quite solid. tried to loosen the pommel, but looks like no one will be ended rightly with it. there is a gap on one side of the blade, not being centered, but it’s not something that’ll take anything away from it, although it should’ve benn caught on inspection. the peen is rather nice, in that it’s squared off, unlike being rounded as I’ve seen in some pix, with four facets to it, so I suspect it’s not crewed on then peened, but it’s possible. quite nice, the peen is in appearance. the wire wrapping is very tight and I’ve had no movement, although granted I havn’t swung it about. too low a ceiling, and the neighbors just wouldn’t get it. also can’t say much to handling as I don’t see Excalibur as a sword to have the crap beaten out of it. there are vid clips where that happens so this sword can take it. there are absolutely no regrets in acquiring Excalibur, despite DSA should be able to do a better job on sharpening. the work they have done on this is impressive all the same. #325
David (verified owner) –
The charm of making must have been utilized during the forging process on my Excalibur #318 of 500. The fit and finish is immaculate and is a superbly rendered replica of the 1981 movie Excalibur, with one detailed exception. It is extremely sharp from the tip to the guard on both edges producing clean razor like cuts on paper wherever I cut along the length of the blade. POB is right at 5.5 inches from the guard. The scabbard fits like a tight glove, just perfect and requires a bit of strength to draw it free. The sword does not budge when turned upside down even when shaking it, great scabbard and of course the most important part as Merlin well knew. The wire wrap is even and clean the entire length and has not one flaw or bulge as I have seen in the past with other companies wire wraps. The pommel is wrought with exceptional attention to detail and is along with the guard polished to a mirror finish. I am extremely happy with this purchase and would advise anyone on the fence to get theirs while they are still available. I certainly am glad I received mine and I highly recommend this Excalibur one of eight DSA blades I now own and consider very highly indeed amongst blades I have collected that cost me six times as much that came without a scabbard. This is an amazing sword at their cost that comes with a perfect tight fitting very high quality scabbard. Thank you DSA!! You made my day today, Excalibur is indeed very sharp, you did it!! I now must go review the other fantastic uber sharp sword I received with the Excalibur ….The Crusader!
Terry Wilson (verified owner) –
Excellent sword. I checked out some YouTube reviews and read a few reviews prior to buying, as well as looked at some of the other offerings from competitors. The wire wrap was my first goal to get as close to the reproduction of the sword in the Boorman film, which is still one of my favorites of the legend since childhood. I was very impressed with the quality, aesthetics, and appreciated the hand forged aspect as well. Quite impressed with the quality and representation of the film sword. Of course the Lindsey sword would have been ideal, but that was out of my price range. Great job Darksword and thank you.
Chris Trounson (verified owner) –
Do you have the Lady of the Lake working there at Darksword Armory? I think you must, because my Excalibur feels like the real thing to me. Not a beautifully made reproduction, but Arthur’s actual sword.
I saw the movie “Excalibur” when it came out in 1981. I was 14, and it made a huge impression on me. When I hold this sword in my hand, I can hear my 14 year old self crying out in an agony of envy and awe. I wish I could travel back in time and give it to him.
Eyal Azerad –
hahhaa Thank you Chris. Glad you like it.
Steven,
Darksword
Leonard Duffy –
Like others, I saw Boorman’s “Excalibur” in the theater with my Father….in 81 I think. He was into the Arthurian legends. I remember the second Excalibur breached the lake.
I was enthralled. The beauty of the sword lies in its simplicity. No unnecessary carvings, runes or any of that jazz. To this day I still believe this is the most beautiful swords i’ve ever seen!
This DSA Excalibur is beautiful. Well balanced, SHARP and they upgraded the scabbard for me! I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from DSA again. This is a SOLID, well forged Sword. Beautiful job guys!
Arthur (verified owner) –
I just recovered my limited edition Excalibur, and with some misshapes with delivery believing my Excalibur was stolen. And with darksword excellent customer service, and the help of the police My sword is in the rightful hands. I don’t need to cut or chop, this sword is not meant to hack.
It is to to unite all people, thas this sword and stunning beauty could unite all people. It doesn’t shake or rattle, the fittings are fully pinged this sword as many as I have held said there battle ready but one slash and they barke.. Just by holding Excalibur, and I can tell that this sword is fully battle ready. And I want to thank Darksword for this well deserved review they out did themselves, Sword lovers know what other sword lovers want in a sword.
Mine also too a little longer do to on Disability, I can’t buy out right so payments and this is also were you can stop buying wall hangers and buy a real sword. For now on I am getting my swords from here, and some other Items that my eye and heart is set. upon.
Andrew M (verified owner) –
Ever since seeing the original movie Excalibur by John Boorman in 81, I’ve wanted this sword. By chance I learned about Darksword Armory, did my homework on the company and contacted their support.
I asked a lot of questions and Chris over with support was responsive, professional, knowledgeable and patient. On a personal note he couldn’t have been nicer.
I ordered the sword and it was swiftly shipped to me. The protective packaging was very well done and after unwrapping I got a good look. This sword is amazing, the fit and finish is really something to see in person. Everything shines and reflects light. Truly a beautiful specimen, I couldn’t be happier. I plan to purchase more from Darksword in the future. A very good company to do business with! Happy Customer!
Edwin George (verified owner) –
It’s just beautiful.
Seen many reviews, but it looks to me exactly like the sword in the Boorman film.
I’m 54, wanted this since I was 10.
There are enough reviews out there to give specs and such, but pictures and videos for some reason fail to truly capture the elegant shape of the blade.
You have to hold it.
It’s really quite remarkable, or maybe I’m just overwhelmed by fulfilling a childhood fantasy.
Regardless it’s a spectacular piece and one that I am very happy to own.
Thank you DSA