In historical European nobility, many positions of privilege were inherited. Dukes, Barons, and of course monarchs were hereditary positions, coming into power as a result of their birth. Other positions, though, were created by the monarch and entrusted to individuals of character. These were, at least not at first, positions that could pass down from father to son – they required individuals who were of sufficient honestly and integrity who could act in the capacity needed by the monarch.
The Viscount is one such title. A member of European nobility, who ranks above Baron but below Duke and Earl, the Viscount was basically a deputy, a trusted appointee. Individuals granted the title of Viscount were often responsible for collecting taxes and dispensing justice across the realm. This necessitated the Viscount, who acted under the seal of the Crown, carry considerable political and judicial clout – not precisely a position the Crown would want passed down in a family. King Henry VI appointed John Beaumont as the first Viscount of England’s history in 1440 AD. While the position was originally an appointed one, by the Renaissance it had transitioned into a hereditary position with less power an authority – more of a symbolic role, as were many similar titles created during those days.
The Darksword Armory Viscount is a sword inspired by the individuals who were entrusted with the power and authority of the Crown during those late Medieval, early Renaissance days. The Viscount is a Hand-and-a-half battle ready sword that is conceptualized from various swords of the 14th and 15th century. The Viscount sword is forged with a type XX blade, the latest category in Oakeshott’s typology. Type XX blades are long, broad, and sharply tapered as were many swords of the late Medieval period. The octagonal tapered pommel, based on Renaissance sources, is equally historical. For the hilt, we chose to take some creative liberty and fit the Viscount with an inspirational guard. The combination of these components produces a beautifully balanced battle-ready sword which offers exceptional handling capabilities wielded with one or two hands.
Type XX blades exist right at the junction of Medieval and Renaissance design. The character of these blades are broad and gracefully tapering to a sharp point. The Viscount Medieval Sword could have easily fit in the wars of the 15th Century, when armor had advanced to a level where regular melee weapons were of limited efficacy – the tapered points of late Medieval/Renaissance longsword would be able to neatly slip in between the plates at joints and other vulnerable points.
Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 60
48-50 at the core
Guard and pommel: mild steel
Total length: 42″
Blade length: 31″
Blade width at base: 2 1/2″
Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz.
paul (verified owner) –
This is my first darksword armory sword and im very impressed!
I wish i found out about dsa sooner..the viscount is a awesome sword and it handles great and feels amazing.
Morgan –
Craftsmanship is beautiful. This is the sword I always wanted and now it is mine. Great balance and feel, and I love the hooked cross guard. On the plus side, it is such a well made sword that I won’t be wasting any more money on “battle ready” blades that come from inferior producers (will not mention names). My questions were answered promptly and the folks at Darksword even upgraded my package. Worth it.
Brian (verified owner) –
Had been anxiously waiting for my Viscount to come for two weeks. Had high expectations and Darksword Armory did not disappoint. I’ve bought a few “battle ready” swords in the past and none can hold a candle to Darksword. This was my first Darksword purchase and won’t be the last. This is what a REAL sword is supposed to feel/look/function like.
Brian B –
I just received my Viscount from the sale page. I’m impressed with how it feels in the hands. Can’t wait to get some cutting tests in. The two handed norman blade it was fitted with makes more of a long sword. Looking forward to ordering more DSA blades soon.
Seimei Mio –
Got this sword of Touch of Modern App for a great deal (Saved about 150 USD). Unfortunately the one I received has a nice chip in the side of the blade. It’s still a beautiful blade and worth every penny, but I wish the craftsman took a bit more time to simply look over the blade before putting it up for sale (The mentioned defect is very noticable, and would have probably been fixed with a quick check and 5 minutes of touch up work).
All in all, I got what I paid for. Hopefully if you spend the money for a full price piece they will not overlook the details.
allan (verified owner) –
weight and balance of the blade are good but that’s about it for this one. the steel used for this sword is much softer than the other DSA swords I own even though they are all advertised as using the same materials. the point rolled over and the blade notched with the lightest use.
Eyal Azerad –
Hi Allen,
Terribly sorry about that. We can replace it. Can you please email us at [email protected] with pictures of the rolled tip. I am just curious to see how the steel rolled. Don’t worry however, we will correct this.
Thank you.
O./T,. Darksword