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Holy shit, Pino, did they really? Hope it was good and sharp. Oof. Thanks for the watch!

It was. Really dont realize how monstrous this thing is until you put it through its paces. Camp knife? Yes. Butcher's cleaver? Also yes. LOL Thanks for the watch Darling!

I don't blame you at all. She had a ton of work done by a master smith and even then the geometry was off just from the original construction of the blade. I recently purchased the Irish Long Leaf Blade from Valiant Armory (VA) and it is a master work - succeeding in every way that DSA doesnt. That review is coming soon. VA and Albion are worth the price and the wait, to be sure. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

MT, thanks for the watch, brother. I have strapped it to my leg to explore the mountains, yes. And you're 100% right. I did one of two things: drew it across my body from right to left like a sword (bc it is the length of a short sword) like Billy in the Predator scene. I dont find lifting ot vertically works well with something of this length. You're not getting the quick draw with the Felon. That being said, I do like it for bushcraft. I would baton it without fear bc of the thickness of the spine to split logs and trust it not to chip, bend, or break when working with it. It is chunky, heavy, and strong - like the ZT offerings - but out in the bush, you need something dependable, IMHO. ZT is definitely ahistorical in the extreme, but that' their thing and I dig it. Keep an eye out for more ZT content from yours truly. Thanks again.

Can be. Two Bit Betty, traumahawk, and definitely the one bit Bjorn are one handlers for sure. The Kraken is 27 inches long so it can be used two handed or more one handed . I chose the latter for fun. Thanks for the watch!

Hey SpaceMarine. Thanks for the watch. I am sure the great axes you have are devastating cutters. And in some ways, I do agree, the Kraken is not a stand in for those axes. Because they are different axes in terms of design and historical accuracy (the Kraken has none) entirely. The comparison here was the common wood axe and the maul and their respective utilitarian cutting powers vs. something like a compact battle axe - even a large camp axe TBH, like the Kraken. It held up and provided dependable service even with the thinner linear blade, and I also think that was the point of the exercise. I dont particularly like the shortness of the haft on the Kraken. I do wish the lever was longer to give it more momentum and stopping power. However, if you know ZT and their MO, it is to produce fantasy-style weapons designed for a post-apocalyptic landscape where users would have to be on the move with light weapons and unencumbered when navigating their ruinous surrounds. In that regard, the Kraken succeeds. I'd love to see how your weapons operate and how the longer hafts add to their abilities. You should make those. Until then, thanks again for the watch!

@@Greenmick6982 I was thinking to branch out a bit more and make cut tests vids. To this point I've only done vids on how I think is best to wield certain weapons, which go against most of the dogma we're taught by the "experts".

You should man - especially with axes. There are so few videos out there about axesmanship and how they're wielded comfortrtably and effectively. I always want to know more, as they were so prominent in so many cultures throughout history. I'd give it a watch. @@a_fuckin_spacemarine7514

Hey Kitty, youre right. Despite my flawed axemanship (working on it), there was no chipping, rolling, or edge damage to the blade (as may be common with 80CRV2 steel. I would love to see a longer haft on ZTs axes in the future, but I think they go for durability, portability, and toughness in an apocalyptic aftermaths. Thanks for the watch!

Youre 100% right. ZT definitely focuses on smaller blades now - a lot of one-handed knives and axes and I get why. Maybe they'll come out with more fantasy 2-handers soon enough. DSA has fantastic fantasy designs but the QC is very shaky and they havent done a ton to correct it over the past few years. As an alternative, I am LOVING the stuff coming from Valiant Armory lately, especially their Irish Long Leaf Blade. I am sure you've seen them, but if you havent you should definitely check them out. 5/5 stars, would recommend. Thanks for the watch! Means a lot.

Very good Silva, thanks! Still a great steel. Holds up well. Thanks for the watch!

I have an original 5160 deuce 2 that I mirror polished. I love her

I dig the satin finishes and the mirror polish on ZT blades. My next Diphos will be of such design. You would think, for "apocalypse/survival blades, ZT would keep the 5160. Ah well, still stunning and strong. Thanks for the watch!@@KaleSchlegel

Hey Dawn, The wood seemed stout enough for the test and offered decent resistance - at least the hardness and durability of a standard pine shield where an axe would have been prevalent as of old. Oak would have been a different story. With the sometimes described "overbuilt" construction of all ZT weapons, I would hazard the Kraken against almost any destructive test you'd care to throw it against, save something like ice, stone, or another unyielding, uncommon surface that would chip the blade's edge. Though where you would find ice or stone on a battlefield, I couldn't say (iron helm, maybe). The thinness of the neck could be a cause for concern if the heat treatment and grain structure were off. Still, I stand by it. The maul? That thing is from Husky and absolutely monstrous. Heavy and THE tool for removing stump roots. Thanks for the watch!

@@Greenmick6982 It is 2024... no one is using pine shields! does it cut Kevlar? will it hold up against a riot shield (gorilla glass)? Wood chopping is a low bar. Every axe/hatchet/tomahawk in home depot or from Cold Steel can do the same business!

What a great idea for future videos Dem! Thanks! Perhaps I'll grab some riot gear and mock something up for the next video. For this one, I wanted to see what would happen more to the blade than the target. Make sure there was no edge damage under "real world" situations (wood is as hard as I wanted to go) and to see how she handles. Thanks for the watch! @@demunbell

​@@demunbellalmost all bladed weapons will get through kevlar, unless it's graded to stop them. Riot shields don't matter, as axes were never intended to go through shields (it's incredibly difficult to do that) instead, they were used as weapons of necessity, and then to cause blunt trauma to armoured targets. The axes were also useful in pulling shields out of the way so you could then strike opponents in the face, using the axe as a spear.

@@a_fuckin_spacemarine7514 good points. In my imagination... a $500 axe/tool should be superior to all other axes &or tomahawks for that cost. My intended use is for a do all breaching tool and weapon. But in reality this axe doesn't out perform a generic fireman's axe. Thats my just my own disappointment. Zombie tools is still awesome

Oh verily lol

Hey Marilyn. Thanks for the view! I have handled the Estwing camp axe, double axe, etc. High quality tools for sure and they'll get the job done on something like this without much difficulty. That being said, the Kraken handles very closely to camp axe (minus the wedge), but with the longer haft suitable for two hands. I also think it demands the price tag for the beatifully shaped beareded design. I can confidently say, after putting the Kraken through its paces, it shows and tells. Thanks again!

Thanks Ozram. This sword is an absolute joy to swing and I love that my littles get a kick out of the backyard cutting sessions. Conducted another little demonstration of my collection with my old man today. Gotta share what you love with the world, right? Thanks so much for the view! Let me know what else you'd love to see.

I didnt want to take it to the lengths say Matt Jensen takes his katanas and swords, but I wanted to put it through its paces well enough. ZT has always emphasized their durability and having hit tougher targets with it now, I can happily say its true and very much worth the purchase price. Thanks for the watch!

Oh, I have one. Lol Thanks for the watch!

A helpful suggestion. Thanks for the watch!

Hey Casual. You can swing it around 1 handed, but it is designed - and you get the most effective cutting power from it - two handed. The Xiphos is the single-handed version of this sword. It has since been discontinued, but you can often find it for sale on Facebook groups dedicated to ZT. Thanks for the watch!

Morning Jeremiah. Couple of things: 1) Thank you for the view. If you watched the whole thing, I appreciate it. I know 8 minutes can be a length of time to sit and listen so thanks again 2) Isnt Matt Jensen the best? Ive watched so many of his videos and they’re all terrific. He goes so in depth into all of them. I really appreciate all of the information. And the destruction tests? (Chefs kiss) Concerning your comments, I am also psyched that you got two swords from DSA that you really liked and gave you no issues. That is a rare thing for them, as their quality control is way off, and their overpriced swords are always so hit or miss. And you’re right. I didn’t mention the edge geometry and that was a miss. I should have. The Gaurdlan is a fantasy viking-era sword with a broad fullered blade (have you handled it?) and a lenticular/convex grind. The edge was factory when it was purchased, and not very sharp out of the box. This is why I sent it to my forge master in Ohio to put proper edge on there (20-25 degrees perhaps, I’d have to check with him) and a new wrap. But that’s the point isn’t it? Paying Albion prices for Windlass QC? Sound right to you? In terms of the peening, DSA is NOTORIOUS for advertising hot-peened swords and, when you get under the hood, it is nothing but epoxy and a threaded tang holding it on there. It was the same with this sword until, again, I sent it to Wes and he repaired everything. Sound right in a $600+ sword? In terms of the nodes of percussion, they’re not all the terrible, but the sword is unbalanced. Perhaps that is just a matter of preference, but I like my blades a bit stiffer and I don’t want to feel the reverberations overmuch when I cut with them. It lessens my confidence in the blade, especially if there are weak spots at the minimized tang or the shoulders on the blade are squared (like almost all of DSAs). As far as the Big Bad Wolf from Zombie Tools, have you handled it personally? Excellent balance, better blade stiffness yet still flex and there is tang construction I know I can absolutely count on. DSA’s designs are amazing and their steel quality is exceptional (at least it was at 5160, don’t know if they use 1060 now or whatever their overseas forge likes). I can tell you, the BBW is the superior sword for me. It’s lighter, faster, and stronger for what I am paying for and cost less when I bought it. And, you’re right. All this - my former experiences with DSA and sword comparisons from handling hundreds of other swords - should accompany these videos in my blog - Savage Steel. You can search it out if you like. You’ll get some context. TL; DR: The sword isn’t built to my liking for the price I paid for it. I want to like DSA, but they don’t care about the obvious and real feedback they are getting from their customers. For that reason, sadly, it is a no for me. If you get one and want to debate it, please do. I’ll watch and comment. In the meantime, there are better options and better value - Valiant, Albion, ATrim, and others - where I know I am getting what I pay for. Again, appreciate the watch and please trust that I will incorporate your (albeit aggressive suggestions) in my videos going forward. Thanks for supporting swords! Keep on swinging.

100%. The common soldier used what they had lying around - forks, axes, even knives if their lords werent particularly generous. I think the thesis here is "does a battle axe, with no wedge, have the same cutting or splitting power, cause as much damage, as one with a wedge?" Using a battle axe in this context - hitting harder targets - I would say the wedge is negligible. Thanks for the watch!

Terrific man! Thanks for the sub! Love the Dividend Bull. Teaches me how to get more dividends/distributions so I can get more swords! Lol

The sword is solid, IMO. The edge on this one isn’t sharpened enough beyond super light plastic bottles, but if she did have an edge, she’d be an efficient and effective cutter. Thanks for the watch!

@@Greenmick6982 Thanks im pondering getting one

Yes with a "but..." Appreciate your love for all things LOTR brother.

TL;DR: Real elven blades could have curves. ;) I can see where, from Nasmith, John Howe, Alan Lee, and others, you could say that elven blades should be straight, leaf shaped, or use other designs outside of curved. Hell, Eol made Gurthang and it is described as more of a long, straight, bastard sword to be sure. Additionally, there are also the descriptions of specifically curved swords and scimitars of the enemy - from the goblins to the Urukai to the Corsairs of Umbar. But there is also little reference to the specific design of elvish weaponry in all of Tolkien's writings from the man himself. I 100% agree that the flowing curved blades of modern reproductions come from the minds of Peter Lyons and the master smiths at WETA workshop. But curved elvish blades are possible.... There is a passage from the "Fall of Gondolin" that says: "But they of the Heavenly Arch being a folk of uncounted wealth were arrayed in a glory of colours, and their arms were set with jewels...but an opal of great size was set in their helms. Egalmoth was their chieftain, and his sword was bent -- now none else of the Noldoli bore curved swords -- yet he trusted rather to the bow." Curved sword for Eglamoth? Leaves designs open to interrpretation - though again, largely, the literary references call their swords straight and not curved, I agree. When making these kinds of interrpretations, we also have to consider the overall design styles of the elves throughout Middle Earth. Whether woodlands, caves, or great walled cities, they wanted their architecture to be one with nature. Their style largely reflects a more modern art nouveau style, which... "is characterized by the predominance of curves, instead of straight lines, and very dynamic, organic and rich decorations, usually stylized, graceful and elegant..." Might that not apply to their weapons, armor, and art as well? I think it might. So, while you are right in saying and inferring that almost all the swords of the elves were straight, double bladed, not curved, etc., we cant rule out a curved influence in the soul of elvish swords, which would allow for such a forging for modern interrpretations. Thanks for the watch! I appreciate your time and your LOTR fandom!

Thanks Cody! Yeah, ZT needs to produce some kind of western sword again like the FW. I traded my Diphos for this bad boy and I plant to get that one back as well. Appreciate the watch!

Thanks Cody! Thing is a monster - more of a short sword than a Bowie knife in truth. But, so...much...power. lol

I ordered one so I can’t wait to hold this monster blade and to skin a fucking dinosaur. Lol

Thanks King! The Wolf makes it so easy, but she is HEAVY for a Viking-era inspired blade. As far as the trees go, all pines and a few oaks in the Northeast where I live. Thanks for the watch!

Morning Esau! Thanks for the watch. I dig that sword as well for its durability and cutting power. Nothing shakes loose or rattles after some tough cuts and I would trust it to stand up to attack. Light, fast, and sharp, it is among my favorites for single handers in my collection. Cheers.

Thanks! Yeah, the sword is a beast. If you can, grab one second hand. I traded a Diphos for it and will be replacing the Diphos during the holidays. Appreciate the view!

Absolutely! The elven swords from LOTR seem like graceful, powerful cutters with all of the right aesthetics to be heirlooms for sure. Now I just need Wes to make me a high elven warrior sword and my collection will be complete. Thanks for the watch!

Thanks Eric! The real badassery is in the knife. Im just the wielder. LOL Thing is a monster and a must have. Thanks for the watch!

The great news is, if you can get the $650 + shipping together, it really is the only sword you're going to need from here on in. I have had discussions concerning the Big Bad Wolf vs the Diphos, and for raw cutting and stabbing power, and durability, there really isnt a better sword. The satin finish from ZT (though more expensive) looks GORGEOUS as well. My recommendation is that there are a lot of Facebook groups that love ZTs and someone may have one second hand. Happy hunting and thanks for the watch!

@@Greenmick6982 Very nice. Thx for the info. Will be on a watch for one for sure. Hopefully down the road something comes up.

That's awesome man! It is a WICKED cutter and a blade I would trust my life to in any fight. Enjoy!

Oh what a sweet summer child I was. LOL. I dont know that I have cut with that thing since this video. Even after doing all the repairs Wes literally said "I wouldnt trust this thing to cut. I mean, I fixed it, but watch out."

Wes Beem at Lonely Wolf Forge. He makes a mean weapon! www.lonelywolfforge.com/ Thanks for the watch!

Thanks! The keen, single bevel edge from Wes Beem and Lonely Wolf does all the work. You can send him your swords and he'll sharpen them like a razor. Thanks for the watch!

You know. I do think you would have some advantages in a duel with the diphos. The handle is long, enough for two hands, but the blade isnt overlong, so you have some great recovery. Also, it is double bladed so you have any number of options as far as true and false edge and a wicked stabbing point. Finally, the construction is built like a tank so nodes of percussion and vibrations are just where you want them to be - minimal flex and it sings when you get it up to speed. You do sacrifice a bit of range when compared to other longswords and the lack of flexibility means it could snap if jammed into something with too much force. Its an interesting thought.

So, I had never researched leaf blade vs. straight blade functionality before I saw your comment, I just always loved it as a fantasy design. I will say that after reading up a bit, I can see how a leaf blade would have a better concentration of mass at the tip, allowing for more powerful hacks and slices than a straight bladed sword. Having cut with the Diphos and the Big Bad Wolf (a straight-bladed sword), I can see that if I needed to go through a heavier target, I would want the Diphos on my hip. The BBW is of course my go-to, but it has more of an elegant almost Jian-like slicing and cutting power. Read more on the Blade forum and let me know what you think!: www.bladeforums.com/threads/leaf-blade-vs-straight-blade.850124/

@@Greenmick6982 right, but it's not a saber or a heavy scimitar. I have a leaf-blade just for leaf-blade lust.

@@Greenmick6982 the leaf is more than just top heavy, if you relax your wrists when you swing, the natural angle of the sword will hit the target with an amount of blade angle if you strike just above the belly.

@@tsmspace Oh, no of course not. Slicing power? No. I believe the leaf blade uses the geometry of its edge and the power of its shape to do the necessary cutting. But there is no comparison for slicing power to a shamshir, scimitar, or saber. Their natural curvature makes for the smoothest slicing surface area there is.

@@tsmspace Indeed. I wasnt precisely using Fiore or Talhoffer or any designed system in my strikes here. Almost swinging it like a baseball bat to put some power behind it to ensure a decent cut. Rest assured, in my newer videos, I try to incorporate some manuscripted strikes.

That is a laundry detergent bottle. It's thick enough to offer very good resistance, but its not too stiff that the bottle doesnt have some give to it when an edge hits it. Recommended.

@@Greenmick6982 that's what i thought it was. Must be a good cutter to go thru that. Wes made me a spear that should be here next week.👍

@@jarenkiser8050 He does really amazing work. Great choice. Thanks for watching!

@@Greenmick6982 yea i have one of his tac-tanto.

Nice man. I love the look of the War Sword (and the Trojan too). I find that blades made in the Philippines, Ritter & Traditional Filipino Weapons (TFW), by and large, have a great constructions. Swords from other Asian countries - China, Pakistan, and some others - can be hit or miss, sometimes a bit scammy. But I find that Ph. has a reputation for producing solid blades for centuries. As for sharpening, I send all my stuff to Wes Beem and Lonely Wolf Forge in Ohio, www.lonelywolfforge.com/. $20 shipping from Mass., and the cost of the edge, and he makes it to more than shaving sharp-single bevel too. Stunning work. Any plans for other purchases in 2020? Check out Kaer Morhen Forge for swords from the Witcher series! Also, yep. Living around the Carver area these days. Nice spot. Cheers man. Thanks for the watch!

@@Greenmick6982 Thank you so much for your response. I will inquire about Lonely Wolf. I'm sorry. It sounds like I misheard when you spoke of Carver Ma as I was under the impression you had work done there. Thx again. Best Wishes.

@@Greenmick6982 Well, I just bought a Sabresmith Short Sword that feels like it would hew stone. What a sword that thing is. Definitely a heirloom piece. My next purchase might be either an Albion Ringekt, or for modesty sake, the Ritter Steel Crusader Sword. I'd be willing to bet though that the Crusader is heavy as hell, as most RS weaponry tends.

@@azforu29 I did get the sharpening done in Carver, but Peter since closed down and stopped sharpening blades. :(

No arguments here, man. Wes does amazing work - especially with elven-designed blades: lonelywolfforge.weebly.com/past-works.html Thanks for the watch!

It does, man. They're tough to find now, even on the secondary market. Hopefully, ZT will come out with some more Euro-style blades down the road. I have been petitioning them to do a claymore for years.

@@Greenmick6982 a Claymore would be nice but i really want them to make a Sword Breaker

If you email them and ask they sometimes will make you a discontinued blade. Was able to get the original Vakra by emailing them and asking. Had to pay the original price but it was well worth worth it.

Thanks, man. Thing is an amazing sword, if a little heavy. I feel like ZT is getting better with their balance, every year.

Hey Stone, I know that you can get it on KOA (Kult of Athena) sharp, but I wouldnt recommend TOO much heavy cutting with it. The pommel snapped off of mine going through a thin branch. And, for the high price, you want to get your value out of it. I know Hanwei makes a great Viking sword (by all accounts). If you're looking for something that will last a lifetime, talk to Wes Beem at Lonely Wolf Forge. He did some amazing work with this sword especially: lonelywolfforge.weebly.com/uploads/1/8/7/8/18786508/27971955-10208416538410997-868340876502742444-n_orig.jpg Cheers!

@@Greenmick6982 Cheers for taking the time to reply! I'll take the recommendation!

Hey Mason. As of right now, both are retired and exceptionally rare (which I am sure you knew), and I am not QUITE ready to give them up. There are people out there who have them on Sword Buyer's Guide Forums and Zombie Tools Groups (Zombie Tools for Life & Zombie Tools Fan Page) who would be willing to part with them however. That's your best route. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/55834/viking-era-swords-axes-shields Thanks for watching!