What I think About the Katana and Japanese Swords in General
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ม.ค. 2017
- A detailed video to talk about my point of view on Japanese swords particularly if compared with Western swords.
The first use of "katana" as a word to describe a long sword that was different from a tachi occurs as early as the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). These references to "uchigatana" and "tsubagatana" seem to indicate a different style of sword. The evolution of the tachi into the katana seems to have started during the early Muromachi period (1337 to 1573). Starting around the year 1400, long swords signed with the "katana" signature were made. This was in response to samurai wearing their tachi in what is now called "katana style" (cutting edge up). Japanese swords are traditionally worn with the signature facing away from the wearer. When a tachi was worn in the style of a katana, the tachi's signature would be facing the wrong way. The fact that swordsmiths started signing swords with a katana signature shows that some samurai of that time period had started wearing their swords in a different manner.
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Music:
intro ES_Knights Templar 1 - Johannes Bornlöf
outro ES_Knights Templar 2 - Johannes Bornlöf
All of us here are simple creatures, we see swords, we like.
Apparently not most people seem to jump on the Katana hate train. It's dumb because most people don't understand how the Japanese fought.
sonnypally6 barely anybody is on the hate train... people are just sick of weebs treating Katana like they are some magical superweapon that is far superior to all others in any way. Japanese effectiveness with those swords can be more attributed to the long hours of practice and discipline that Samurai had more than any superiority of the weapon itself.
I'm a simple creature, that is why i Like pointy sticks.
Because SWORDS!
Alex Barn the katana is in some ways superior to any sword. I have German roots so I grew up thinking of longswords and still perfer them because they have better guards and more reach. However the katana is still the sharpest sword in the world.
The Japanese swords weren't some superweapon, but it seems the youtube commentary on these weapons have gone too far in the other direction. In the Japanese invasion of Korea during 1592-1598, there are some records of the effectiveness of Japanese swords from the Korean and Chinese perspective, which provide a more objective view of what it was like to go against the katana or nodachi. The arquebus had a larger effect in the war, but both Japanese swordsmanship and Japanese swords still made a very lasting impression. Please note that the Koreans and Chinese were not katana worshippers.
From the Jixiao Xinshu (my translation of the Korea translation of original Chinese manuscript):
This(the long sword) existed since the Japanese pirates had started to raid China. When they swing these swords and jump out, our soldiers have already lost their courage. The Japanese pirates jump well so when they jump it is over one zhang (=3meters), the sword is five chi(=5*30cm), so when added it is one zhand and five chi. The short weapons of our soldiers do not reach them so they could not win, and when they were struck they were split in half since the weapon was sharp and the strength was strong due to the use of both hands.
此自倭犯中國始有之. 彼以此跳舞, 光閃而前, 我兵已奪氣 矣. 倭善躍, 一많足則丈餘, 刀長五尺, 則丈五尺矣. 我兵短器 難接長器, 不捷, 遭之者 身多兩斷, 緣器利而雙手使, 用力重 故也.
From Jingbirok’s description of the battle of Byeokjegwan (my translation):
The admiral’s army consisted entirely of Northern cavalry, so they did not possess firearms and only had short swords. The enemy infantry used sharp long swords that were 3 to 4 chi long (3-4*30 cm ), and slew both man and horse alike. They could not be defeated. The battle was extremely disadvantageous, and the admiral called for the rear army. However before they could arrive many died or were injured. Fortunately, the enemy withdrew their forces and did not pursue. When the day came to a close the army retreated to Paju.
From Wikipedia:
The King asked him [Shi-eon Lee], "You have already told me about the low accuracy of Japanese muskets. Why, then, are Korean armies having great problem with defeating them?"
[Shi-eon Lee] then answered, "The Korean soldiers cower before the enemy and flee for their lives even before they have engaged the enemy. As for the commanders, they seldom leave their positions because they fear that they might be executed for deserting. However, there is a limit to executing deserting soldiers since there are so many of them. Truly, the Japanese aren't good musketeers, but they advance so rapidly that they appear right in front of the Koreans in the time Koreans can shoot only two arrows. It is said that Koreans are good archers, but they seldom hit the targets when the enemy is too far away, and are too scared to shoot when the enemy is near because they fear Japanese swords. Archery often becomes useless because Koreans, fearing the Japanese arme blanche, can barely shoot. The Japanese are reputed to be good swordsmen, but it is possible for Koreans to draw swords and hold their ground. However, the Koreans seldom do this and merely run for their lives."[119]
From the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (my translation):
The King said. “There is no one that can match the swordsmanship of the Japanese. In the past, when there were many Japanese who surrendered, many with exceedingly good swordsmanship, I asked that appropriate individuals be given generalship to train a special force. But this was never enacted, instead, they were dispersed. Now the minister of the interior is in charge of the central army, it is appropriate for him to do this work. Select a special general and some soldiers to create a force. If they train in the Japanese swordsmanship night and day, then the enemy’s techniques will be ours. Tell the central army.”
I agree that the documents that I cited show the non-Japanese being impressed by the Japanese swordsman, but I think that it also shows respect for the sword. There are other historical documents of katanas being given as valued presents to emissaries and there are reported records of generals scouring the battlefield of dead Japanese looking for katanas. Also, the Korean swords after the Japanese invasion started to copy the form(length etc) of the Japanese. I don't have the time to go look for the source material on this, so I didn't mention it initially.
While the skill of the warrior is important. I think that it is possible to rank the effectiveness of weapons, particularly in war. At least, I think the Japanese swords like the katana and the nodachi were among the best in East Asia.
Nice music, btw.
Yeah, if the katana was inferior, in actual war it would definitely show. I actually like the japanese design alot, both esteticaly and for sparing. To me its definitely better looking than sabers, falchions, single-edged european swords and the fact its two handed and quite short is an amazing idea for a backup/dueling weapon.
But I still think the current comentary is not an overkill. TV and layman still hardly know what a katana is or think its lighter and sharper then western swords and is made from amazing steel...
Truth be told, when I first held a katana in my hand, I was 16 and already very interested in swords... and STILL I was very surprised how heavy and thick it is. I had my longsword on me as well and the katana was about the same weight and its spine was thicker... and I was surprised, because there is so much misinformation out there.
Thanks btw., old stuff, dont really feel its worth it to upload new stuff :D
Great quotes. I totally agree. It seems like nowadays there's just as much misinformation brewing AGAINST Japanese swords as there is in support of them. And I find that stuff even more annoying because 1.) It comes from people who consider themselves "educated" on the topic, but who only learned exactly enough to satisfy their own prejudices, and 2.) A lot of their criticism has a definite "far-right European nationalist" vibe that's kinda disturbing.
Gintoki: I actually just started kenjutsu classes a few weeks ago. I got a bokken from SeidoShop, and I'm very pleased with the quality. If you want my instructor's advice: get one without a groove carved in it - they give you false feedback with the "whooshing" noise (plus, it's heavier without the groove, so it'll do more damage :D)
Yeah, I hear you. No point shelling out big bucks if you're just using it for cosplay. But if you do get one for training, you should be ready to spend at least $40 or so. Wood is a risky purchase online. Going cheap can mean knots, warps and bends, subpar varnish, etc. Better to spend a little more for a quality product. Good luck!
I love leaf shaped blades when talking purely about aesthetics.
Lupis Corvus care to elaborate about what leaf shape your talking about as there are many different leaves
Maple leaf is from Canada. Cherry blossom leaf is from Japan.
There are maple trees in Japan
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_palmatum
The hibiscus leaf is from Hawaii. Mexico has the cactus. They eat tacos and burritos also.
Rick Grimes
We have kudzu in Mississippi and we eat possum!
I absolutely love Japanese history and tradition, from the samurai and the bushido to their architecture and shinto, and I intend to one day speak fluent Japanese and live in Japan...
With that said, I think European weapons are vastly superior in almost every way, which is more than likely due to the fact that Europe has historically always been made up of dozens of different peoples constantly waging war at each other; competition brings advancement.
And no, I don't watch anime.
I've seen a couple a few years back, but I've never been able to get into it.
letterboxd.com/DawnLi/films/
Honestly. You cant really compare Japanese swords to Western because they are in completely different continents, let alone countries. The Japanese created weapons that could counter other Japanese (Samurai). So the weapons itself that the Japanese used are very practical. Because the samurai and westerners (other than Portuguese) never came into contact, it's hard to imagine a world where Samurai fought knights. As is falsely described in the new Ubisoft title; For Honor. Therefore it's unfair to say Knights would win against Samurai in terms of weapons alone as it never happened so there's no real point thinking about it.
But who am I to talk, I want to see Knights vs Samurai (historically) as much as the next guy.
Superior in every way? No that's just wrong. European swords were excellent in versatility, I think the best even. It could cut, it had a long guard, had two sides, and it's hilt could be used as a hammer even. But things like saber, katana, tulwars, and scimitars were superior in cutting. Rapiers, speasrs, arrows, and knives were better at stabbing. Warhammers were better at... well... warhamering. It had a good guard, but things like basket hilt and even gauntlets which both the samurai and the knights had made it redundant. It had great length, but then there were spears.The Euorpean sword could do all these things, but other things do it better so no it was not superior in every way.
Too bad the katana and the like outlived it both in fame and in use.
thats not what I said
I'd love to hear more about Chinese weapons and armour. No one talks about that.
China had a huge variety of weapons and armour given that china consists of many people and is essential the size of non russian europe with a recorded history going back thousands of years. One thing that figured highly in china was mass production. Because of all the man power it had available it need to develop an effective means of mass production. Chinese weapons some times could be of very low quality but the more effective dynasties did at least standardize equipment (ie as shown by the terra cotta warriors). Chinese weapon were used mixed together in units and included forms of glaive, halberd, trident, pike.Their were several types of sword including heavy curved ones and small striaght two edged ones. Maces and axes existed but were not prevalent weapons. Crossbows were very dominant in earlier times but the bow, ever present become more popular in later dynasties.
The most common chinese armor was quilted cloth stuffed with silk floss. Leather, lamellar, scale and brigidine armours were also used. Helmets were more frequently leather than metal and shield were wicker or very rarely wood.
so much history, is a shame that so little information is available from youtube, or even in occidental education, everybody ignores that part of history here in this part of the hemisphere
Well when you can master of 居合 the you can quick draw all type of sword, the sword you love the most it the best choice not the weapon the science said it best for quick draw.
dude fucking hook swords bro fuck....
Hook swords are never standard issue army weapon, and are designed for duel or self defense against bandits. Standard army uses pole-arm hooks that resemble a long scythe, and are derived from the dagger-axe.
I've always found it kind of unfair to compare Japanese swords with western/European swords. Just as you said in this video, Europe has a large variety of different people and cultures, so to me, it would seem more reasonable to compare European weapons with Asian weapons, especially those from East Asia, namely Japan, Korea, China and Mongolia.
Europe is, by definition, a continent, although physiographically, it is a part of Eurasia. But that's not the point I'm making, I'm saying people shouldn't use ONE single country to compare with Europe, when there're 50 counties in Europe.
Comparisons like "Italian Weapons VS Japanese weapons", and "European weapons VS East Asian weapons" simply make more sense to me.
@@franklee9597 Thats a good Point
there was nothing special about japanese swords. for instance the katanas are almost identical to swords used in Korea, Hwando. Which are also just regular swords used by everyone. it's just that katanas god like status was achieved through old samurai movies creating demand for japanese swords in USA followed by japanese people making countless number of swords adding bullshit premiums cuz some westerners are half braindeads willing to pay thousands for them
Oh god. Estoc. DSIII PTSD.
zicziczicziczic YOU AHVE BEEN VANQUIISHED
marcianito 100% real ayy if you think it was bad in DaS3 you should've played DaS1 back in the day...
R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1 R1
I do remember, it's just that the pain and salt are more recent with DS3.
#EstocisBestoc
You know what the most badass sword on the planet is? Flame-bladed zweihander.
Anything flamberge looks utterly ridiculous.
lakshen47 Ridiculous in a good way, yes? They look sick. Probably a bitch to sharpen though, but idk.
I just, for the life of me, can't see the practicality in it. It uses much steel, thus also making it heavier, it looks weird but just imagine how the scabbard would look, it's much easier to trap and much harder to half sword without cutting yourself and I imagine I've forgotten tons of other reasons :)
Flamberges are large duty-only weapons though. You don't run around with in a scabbard, you have them slung over the shoulder, and you basically only bring them out for duty.
You don't half sword with it, as far as I know, regard it as a more elegant polearm or heavier spear.
The flames would help with cutting, with such a relatively cumbersome weapon (in a cutting perspective).
Also the flames are streamlined. It's not particularly easy to trap and I mean you don't even get the chance to just casually lock the enemy's weapon in any real combat - and I particularly don't recommend trying with big hardhitters like this. Imagine trying to stop a halberd with your hands. Ouch. Swords don't stick together in general, they slide off each other, steel on steel.
I never handled one so I can't say anything for sure. I read somewhere that their saw-like geometry made them more effective at destroying polearms, but it might've been bullshit for all I know. Regardless of practicality, they look really badass.
Katana: "BANZAI!!!!!!"
Longsword: "DEUS VULT!!"
Long swords were not really in crusades
@@assumjongkey1383 looked it up because I never really thought about it and yeah you’re right.
@@pauliverson6005 always be curious and search for answers if I never tell u abut it will u be able to know it ?
I actually find rapiers really cool but that's just my opinion
i find rapiers cool to but they are pretty useless man (consdering from the the fact they have 0 to no defensive capability and to strike you put urself right in the firing line of your oppenents rapier so i imagne most rapier fights would just end in two people dieing a very shit slow death) i think some form of dual wielded saber cross rapier like the ones lord wrath boner uses in shanghai noon(?)(jackie chan and owen wilson movie) would possibly be amoung the very best weapon(s) to use however with that said all swords had their place and time and i am a fan of all of them and yeah fencing and kendo should be thrown into the sea (rant incoming) sorry but how fucking stupid a sport where who ever hits first wins i mean seriously if i hit u in the arm first and u land the thing square in my face second i win WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!!!! (with that said i am open to being corrected)
@@happycatssuck most rapiar have a lot of protection
@@happycatssuck Fucking weeb
Rapiers catch a lot of heat because they're so poorly understood as just some "soy drinkers girly sword". Rapiers actually are really cool.
@@happycatssuck What're you talking about, man? "Well, rapiers suck because they go up against other rapiers"? Well guess what happens when you go up against a rapier with any other sword? You're oftentimes fucked because they have so much reach. That's not a point against rapiers, that's a point *for* rapiers.
Rapiers have poor defence? As opposed to what sword? Rapiers have a huge ass reach, much larger than any katana, which in itself makes it defensive, and they often have some of the best hand protection of any sword.
Rapiers are the ultimate duellist weapon in an experienced hand, but they also made good battlefield weapons, too. Personally, I believe the Longsword is better for newbies in sparring, simply because Longswords are just really good newbie swords that can do almost anything.
really love the channel man, glad i found it
I would just like to say that I appreciate your content, particularly your honesty and evenness. A tendency to like all weaponry leads to more balanced criticism, so your perspective is appreciated!
"Katana, it means Japanese sword" -Samurai Cop
"katana" does refer to any nihonto in common speech
it's not technically correct, but it's hard to fault him for using it that way
My friend managed to block a pommel thrown at him with a katana. Can't do that with any other type of sword.
Why would you even try and block it with a sword?
Bonfire-Chan Obviously the only thing that can block or parry a pommel is another pommel.
+Bonfire-Chan Have you seen the massive explosion that occurs if you don't stop it's momentum?
Wow, so katanas can protect you from being ended rightly!
And then he died anyway.
Quickly grew to be one of my favorite channels, thanks for the content.
So you could say that the most compelling thing about katanas is the lore that surrounds them. I would definitively agree with that.
I'm a big China history nerd. I feel like the Chinese get seriously overlooked by the historical weapons youtube community, or at least the guys I have seen. They were so interesting, a massive length of history, a diversity of weapons, they even had siege weapons. I'd love to see the Chinese get more attention on TH-cam.
I agree with you. I recommand you to learn about history during and before Ming Dynasty
. Qing Dynasty
ban all weapon and science development in China which makes China fall behind the world. As one said, 「崖山之後無中國」, the ancient China we praise had already ended after Ming Dynasty.
Also history before Ming Dynasty doesn't involve much political issue nowadays so they're more believable than Mordern History of China.
So....are there any youtube Channel introducing Chinese weapons?
i am Megatron
The Video Crook No dude, seriously.😒
I love your videos man , they are very educational and fun.Keep up the great work !
Thank you, I mostly listen to youtube videos while doing other things. Your videos are excellent for this, so thank you.
you do realize you are comparing the swords of a country to the swords of a continent right...of course there is more variety
Japanophiles like to claim that the Japanese katana is somehow the greatest sword ever.
Also, for a proper comparison, one would have to consider geographic location and the degree of isolation/contact (physical, political, cultural). It would be interesting to compare Japan with Great Britain, or with Ireland.
Ireland is too small to make an apt comparison, though. As for GB, it actually had most Western sword variants: arming sword, longsword, greatsword, rapier, basket-hilted swords (e.g. the latter, rather than the original, Scottish claymore), cutlass, smallsword, sabre, and a couple others at least.
Its about culture contact though. You can not really, well you can but in this case it wouldn't quite work, to separate out a Japan size portion of Europe, because such a portion would still have a massive amount of influence flowing through it from all around it, where a Japan sized portion of Japan (lol) would have less variation of influence impacting it. So it doesn't overly matter and you can draw from a continent because even if you look at say Spain or Italy you'd still see a lot of development and variation.
dont forget that unlike spain or italy there was much less foreign influence. Most of europe is connected to one another either via royalty or having been part of a larger nation. In case of spain, it used to be part of an arabic nation and before that part of rome. In case of england, its royalty is from all over the place and has been invaded by the vikings and romans. very few contries have had such succesful isolation as Japan.
I still say the original Bushido Blade had the most realistic fighting system. No health meter. No power bar. If your sword makes a fatal cut, your opponent drops dead, period.
Wrong.
@@dimielgo2267 Did you play it? There was nothing else like it at the time.
@@dimielgo2267
You know you can't just say wrong without actually backing it up with explainations?
It's so nice to see a popular sword enthusiast TH-camr mention Quick Draw, I try to mention it on all of these comparison videos where they completely disregard that aspect of the Katana. I love the katana and I found this video to be very good, and well informed.
That is one of the best comparisons of Japanese swords versus European swords I have seen on TH-cam and I am quite pleased. I am also happy that you clearly point out that while you long the Katana (and similar Japanese swords) that you prefer that particular sword largely due to that design being your earliest exposure to what a sword should look like and embody. I have also grasped that you prefer the overall symmetry of European double edged swords to the asymmetrical design of single edge swords (regardless of their point of origin). I find your honesty and admiration for the swords refreshing. I want you to know that I respect your opinion and I enjoyed this video.
I love the Katana because of the intricate means Japanese swordsmiths use in making them.
As well as the spiritual believe that when forging it. A portion of the Samurai's spirit (metaphorically speaking) resides within it
I love the Oakeshott type XVIIIb, personally.
Makes sense, this just popped up on my feed and I was curious. Good video and honest opinion on the subject. The vid on skullgrim's channel is also an honest opinion. Some people just don't like other people's opinions and they don't know how to be good listeners. Keep up the good vids you got a new sub man.
I love that there are youtubers doing these videos. All of you (of the trustworthy ones that I know of) are so damn sword specific. I'm an axe man. I never get to hear about them. (I'm sure there are people out there that are hammer, mace, spear, polearm specific types as well) We'd appreciate the content. For me, and the way I think, the Danish great axe is the ultimate melee weapon.....for ME. I can't be the only one that thinks of weapons in this way. (I know how the weapon is weak, I understand the issues with using it in so many situations) For me it is THE weapon for me.
things I like about metatron videos
1) intro music
2) hello noble ones
3)video length
4) interesting videos subjects
5) the occasional non English speaking
things I don't like
1) cant get anything done cause I binge watch atleast 5 a day
2) envy when I look at his swords and armour and hair and beard
It's kinda interesting how the katana is a two handed sword even though it doesn't have to be one (a part from the long handle forcing you to) I also like how the slight curve affects the aesthetic
You are right, but of course you can use a Katana single-handed in combination with a Wakisashi in the other Hand. If i´m not wrong, M. Musashi was known for his two bladed fighting style. 😉
amazing video. love your channel
i really enjoy your channel, no matter what the subject of the day is
Katana is a slashy slashy not so much stabby stabby sword.
I do really love the aesthetics and the funcionality of the Kriegsmesser, the one Skalla has looks pretty bad ass. To me it's the pinacle of medieval European swords (very late medieval :) )
Kreigmesser IMO is basically a sword that does everything the katana does but better. extremely similar blade geometry, better range, decent hand protection.
You can stab just as well with the katana just as you can slash just as well with a longsword. It's just stupid movies and modern folklore that makes the samurai sword slice armored demons in half. Just like the samurai's "fair battle honor". The curved sword is mean for the quick draw and there's a whole art behind it. Since it's more circular...like your swing...you can achieve a split second advantage to surprise your target and kill him before he knows it. That's pretty honorable, isn't it? ;)
It can't be a coincidence that Europe used more straight double edge swords while these other places mostly favored single edge, often curved, swords. I think Europeans had more armor. So if you're most likely to meet little to no armor, you might as well carry a curved single edge sword and hope to quickdraw him to death. If you're most likely to try to kill an armored person, you fare better with a straight, pointy double edge sword to injure and kill him in between gaps from any angle of insertion. Many Chinese dynasties had Euro-like Gims. And they wore brigandines, even fake ones with no plates for style in the gun era. And even their Doas were like axes-sword hybrids and armor cleaving pole arms. It's a matter of how much steel mines you control perhaps. And even to this date, most steel comes from China I read.
@rasmasyean: You are correct.. A curved edge makes cuts easier and faster(but have the disdvantage of having less range on the same ammount of mass as a equivalent straight sword) though "better" is really more of a matter of personal preference as a typicl arming sword can cut excellently and quickly itself but lack the ability to do the fast draw-cuts katanas and such were famous for. European countries as you may have noticed also developed more curved swords such as the saber and cutlass once plate armour became less common as well.
Dude, that's just the movies. When a navy seal meets a mujahedeen, do they both take 20 paces back and wait for each other to take cover behind rocks in the Afghan desert for an honorable fight? No, they try to shoot each other in the back from 100 yards away hiding in the mountains. Even when times change, ppl are still the same. That's their life and war is still the same. You don't fight fair...you fight to win, preferably when the enemy doesn't even know you're about to kill him.
Hey Metatron, what thoughts about the egyptian Khopesh? They are my favorite design so far
seeing you geek out over swords is whole reason i come to your channel xD
This video has totally increased my respect for you. Well done
My favourite 2 handed sword (aesthetically and the feeling of holding it) is the katana, however for 1 handed I'd choose a falchion any day. Just love the shape and cutting potential of that sword
Wow, I guess I should try a curved intervention for faster quick scoping then.
I think because the weight is distributed more through the handle and a more balanced weight in general it gives the blade a more smoother feel, that and the fact that the sheeth is so smooth to draw. That's what gives you that quick draw ability.
watched this video. Wasn't different than any of your other videos... majestically beautiful ;)
Would choose a 1796 light cavalry sabre over any katana every time
Liam H the blade is probably sharper on the katana but even if it is the sabre would have better hand protection and it would be more affordable and probably easier to obtain a quality one in its time
Oh, yes, indeed.. a design classic deserving of utmost reverence and devotion.
Keep in mind that katanas were used wearing full armour, sabres aren't. I'd rather have the katana and armour.
Light cavalry sabres are probably not any more durable than a katana. In fact, it's probably less durable than a katana. While katana's aren't very long nor light, they are rather thick.
The sabre would probably hold the edge longer, but the katana could withstand quite a lot of punishment.
if on no armour situation then okay,you would have edge but if armour fight you are in disadvantage
Totaly unrelated but you look very good in the video, very classy and the beard is looking good :)
Just subscribed...Unfortunatly its not often to feel proud to be italian._. But after seeing a bit of your videos you really made me feel that way!!Great content and awesome language skills...In Italy we need more metatrons XD Ottimo continua così !!
I am from Europe living in Canada 🇨🇦 I always wanted Katana and I got one..Now my dream is fulfilled... I watched whole video,,it make sense..Good job..
I guess it's thanks to my childhood that now i have an irreplaceable love for katana, since i never find any other western based appealing to me.
Analyzing it further, i guess the thing that makes katana my favorite is the flair and the shape ratio. Unlike other swords, katana is all on the flairs and details, starting from the base to the tip. The buttcap sometimes have engravings, or even in a different shape, the handle often have emblems, and i generally love the braiding and the rayskin, the tsuba definitely is the one that often shows the most flair, and the blade itself have the hamon. I don't really find enough flair on other western swords, so that's probably why is still love the katana. Granted, flair is useless in combat, but i see it as something to collect, not something to use, so the usage rarely have any impact on my preferences.
Then there's the shape ratio, in which the length of the armguard affects the most. I know that the armguard is very useful in contesting, but again, it doesn't give the same beauty to me as the overall slim build of a katana. I love slim swords in general, and most western type sword just isn't slim enough for my liking. Heck even the majority of eastern sword isn't as slim either.
On quick draw: As a student of Iaido I'm capable of drawing my Iaito at a decent speed, but I've seen an impersonator of Roman legionary doing the trick fairly well, though he used a completely different technique. Iaido most of the time uses both hands, pushing the scabbard backwards while drawing the sword. The Gladius or the Spata is worn in a straight scabbard and drawn vertically while the second hand is holding the shield. And by the way - which combat situation requires quick draw?
In Japan drawing your blade meant starting a fight, so being able to quickly draw your blade was important. In battle, when you're using a bow and someone's getting too close for comfort obviously.
Che bello sentire un italiano parlare così bene inglese e così velocemente, è raro che non metta almeno ad 1.25 la velocità.. e che bello che sia così appassionato di spade. Mi sto informando ultimamente ed è un argomento davvero ricco e interessante soprattutto i vari tipi e la cultura storica che ci sono dietro. Grazie per quello che fai!
Another interesting video :)!!!
Thank you!
Katana has no pommel
Paweł Andonis Gawralidis Dobrzański herbu Leliwa they use to have ring pommels when they followed the designs from Gaya, but the metal mounting at the end can be considered a pommel.
No pommel= Can't be ended rightly
Therefore it cannot win against a sword with a pommel
@@hansf.3436 I don't folliw
My self personally share the same opinion on Katana's that Skallagrim has. Don't get me wrong, its an alright sword and I have one of my own(A reproduction that is from the movie Highlander and sharp as hell) but I find the Nagamaki or Odachi being more....interesting to me. Out of European swords I prefer the longsword or an ancient Khopesh from Egypt
As always, an entertaining video :)
The curve does help, because it goes along with the natural sweep that your arm makes as you bring it out of the sheath
I'm not saying the curve was on purpose, I'm saying it's a fortunate biproduct
Metatron - check the video titled "Szabla KARABELA - laserowy pomiar prędkości / Sabre KARABELA - laser quickness meter". They do quickdraw and cut and it takes two-three eyeblinks. Literally. I have never seen katanas being drawn so quick.
Shashka is probably even faster.
That Szabla Karabela is seriously pretty! My fav is still the same as Metatron's, but this one would be a very honourable second. For actual combat I'd choose the KNIL klewang however
You don't need a big guard if you are cutting off a P O W's head.
Jesus
As always, great video. What do you think about Polish sabre and style of fighting?
I personaly love and adrore all weapones but tachi have a special place in my heart since i was a little kid
Do you play protoss, Metatron? :3
Of course, platinum league, for AIUR!
Metatron And here I am, struggling to stay in gold ... *sigh*
Played Paradox games (EU, CK, Hoi, Victoria)? I think those game series would appeal greatly to you since you are interested in history and like gaming. Just saying. (No telegraphed sword slash guarantee).
or maybe Shogun 2 TW, i've been playing it recently, it has no-dachi samurai in it actually, observing the charge attacks is awesome
Darkyne LP protoss like in starcraft? I love playing as protoss in starcraft. but even playing of the other; terren or alien, I liked the way it all plays.
Are there any indications that ancient samurai were aware of European swords? And if yes, what did they think of them?
Breeg2011 Ancient samurai? No, but after European sailors made first contact, they had seen straight swords, and cavalry sabres first hand. Even before that, by the 1400's they were aware of the existence of Europe. But it's only speculation whether this influenced any of the weapons they developed aside from their prodigious use of the firearm, which they advanced a great deal before abandoning the invention.
I think stories of European knights or of Byzantine cataphracts might have influenced the Takeda Clan in their decision to have larger horses smuggled from the west and breed a horse that could bear the weight of a heavily armored rider. . . but again, that's only speculation on my part.
The typical period of samurai was the sengoku period, and they were aware of western weapons. Though designed by the portugese, the Japanese were the first recorded country to make use of the matchlock in combat. This proved itself very effective, and gave Oda the edge in most engagements.
During this time the equipment used by samurai was arguably the best in the world. After this set of wars, japan stagnated militarily, with a large period of peace and isolation.
They used the most effective weapons at the time, the spear and recurved long bows (about 5% more effective than longbows at worst, which are bendy sticks) both of which used two hands, hence the lack of shields, which is something that the rest of the world took longer to drop.
The sword was a backup weapon, hence why it can be used in two hands, as both were going spare. It was designed to draw quickly, hence it's length and shape, with two hands available. No western sword really fits that specification that is not similar to the katana. It is iconic because all samurai wore it, whether they were bow samurai, yari samurai, naginata samurai, matchlock samurai, etc. It is an everyman's backup weapon.
Also, because it was a reserve weapon, it's main purpose is outside of armour penetration. It is there to look good, and to behead people. It fits it's niche perfectly.
@Caramel Johnson pretty sure the Chinese used them before the Japanese as well but I could be wrong
Creds to you for actually trying both. Creds to you for pointing out the distinctiveness and direction in each blade. Both were incredible for the battles to be fought. But the reality comes down to battle tactics. So put that in your Game Theory
good video, can't wait for the knights Templar, cheers meta-man :)
I like anime but most shows when portraying western swords, has the main characters swinging them as if they are katanas.
I like claymores but I'd rather have a shield. So perhaps a bastard sword or a glaive.
Hendrik Heineking Glaives aka javelins/ spears were used with Shields by hoplites. I think the word glaive is just lost in translation.
ye already thought that could be in that case since i understood the weapon beeing topic in that case was a kind of hellbard or polaxe and noobody would intend them for shield use ^^
what about the bastard sword tho? as far as i know it isn't inteded for shield use either but the video i have seen that one wasn't that well researched (i would guess) and i think i might be wrong on that so?
One big reason that the katana is easier to quickdraw is the scabbard. Normally on katanas its made out of wood and the fit is pretty lose. you just have to pull it out a few cm then it is lose. it would fall out of the scabbard if you would hold it upside down so to say.
While on most european sword the scabbard have a tighter fit all along the sword blade there will be a bit more resistance when drawing it. Not that it is hard to draw an european sword, but still
With European swords, once they are pulled out a little bit. the profile taper and distil taper on the blade gets small enough that it isn't tight anymore. At that point it doesn't matter what blade you have.
When your Katana falls out of the scabbard from being held upside down, that's a problem. The habaki (brass piece at the base of the blade) should go into the scabbard tightly, ensuring a secure fit.
I agree with your opinion on aethetics. Simple beauty. Sort of like modern interior design.
Hi, Metatron. I'm a fan of your contents and I have been watching your videos for a while. I was just wondering what is your opinion on korean weapons or korea in general. Maybe about how much you know about either or how much you don't know? Thanks and hope you have a great day
The Japanese fought the Mongols? I thought they just watched their ships sink. :P
Maybe they speared drowning mongols in water.
algi That's a common misconception. Its okay though most people seem to assume this.
Plenty of katana cultists around but few people who care about the historical truth of far eastern warfare.
Legal alien, that's true, although I'd say the typhoons were the killing blows to the Mongols during both invasion attempts.
algi The typhoons finished off their failed invasion attempts. Look up hakata bay fortifications,rise of the yari, how it lead to katanas, hownit changed tactics of formations, japanese long range advantages,dysentary from horses on ships,and chinese sabotage of their ships based on recent archeological evidence. Also,it was a chinese,korean,mongol invasion.
No the yari wasn't commonly used until the Onin war 1467 - 1477 long after the mongol invasions.
Intersting. For my eyes a katana is more pleasing. But I would hide my hand behind the biggest crossguard I can find if I had to fight. :D
Hi metatron, thank you for sharing. Would you record and upload some footage showing you drawing the different sword types in comparasion?
Metatron, love your intro music as well as your videos. Only found you recently. Wish you lived in the states, would be awesome to meet and spar with you. My friends and I meet weekly as a medieval combat group and put on local shows occasionally and we follow your videos.
at least estelicaly japanese are my favourite swords
Dungeons and Dragons in Italy???? That is interesting. How did you guys stumble on it?
It's quite popular here actually and all the manuals have been translated into Italian in the 80s
I can only speak for the western world, but DnD is played all around Europe and America (all America, not only the US)
every beatiful thing arrives to Italy soon or later
It's Italy, not Liberia.
Then there are those who been playing RPG games for more than 25 years without touching D&D xD
The roman gladius (or short swords like it) is my favorite sword, my favorite type of armor is northern italian armor.
From a mathematical standpoint the curvature of the blade would definitely effect the ease of draw on a sword, especially if the arc of your arm movement closely matched the curvature of the blade/scabbard. This is basically due to friction produced by the blade contacting the scabbard edges. If you draw the sword at an angle not in line with the blade profile the upper/inner edge of the sword will contact the lip of the scabbard and the sword tip will contact the inner wall of the scabbard. This results in a vise like effect; with an inward pressure at the top of the scabbard an inward pressure at the tip of the sword; this force will increased the more out of line your draw is with the angle of the sword profile. Therefore mathematically the easiest (ie least amount of friction) way to draw a strait sword would be to extend your arm strait out from the line of the scabbard/sword until the sword is completely unsheathed and then pull it back in to what ever position is desired. All things being equal, a curved blade profile will allow you to pull a blade out in line with the scabbard will also moving the sword across you body (to varying degrees depending on the angle of the curve); resulting in having to extend your arm less to fully unsheathe the blade and equally less to pull the sword back to the desired position, ie faster. This effect will become more pronounced the longer the blades in the comparison become. In simple way to think of it would be like a right triangle. With point A the starting position, point B the 90 degree vertex, and point C the ending position. With a strait blade the hilt must be moved from A - representing the sheathed to position to B - the blade fully unsheathed, and the across to the ready position at C. This results in a draw distance (D) that is the sum of the length of line AB (the length of the blade) and the line BC (the distance to the desired position); or D=AB+BC. A curved blade which would allow you to draw the blade along the diagonal across the body could go strait from point A to point C without having to stop at point B first; or D=AC. And regardless of the how the variables are manipulated AC will always be less than AB+BC; or AC
Well, the heterogeneity of Europe (in food, weapons, language, culture) is honestly bullshit. The feeling is simply due to the fact that you notice more heterogeneity the more you know something. Inuit populations have more than 100 words to say "white", because they can distinguish many more types of white. Not surprisingly, it is not due to the fact that there are more kinds of white in Groenland, but simply because it is more relevant for them!
I notice two swords as completely different and I can not distinguish two pair of woman's shoes that are, apparently, completely different. My wife instead describes my swords by color ("the one with the golden and red thing")
Now, if you compare Europe and Japan in particular, I do not have data. However, there are plenty of studies with other countries in the pacific and south east. Of course Europe, controlling for size, is much less heterogeneous than India or Philippines for example.
But, to use a less obvious example, you can compare Europe and China. In terms of language, Europe of course is more heterogeneous. But if for example you compare European food and Chinese food, that one could have the impression of being more homogeneous, you can actually check it by looking at the diversification in demand. How much rice a local area consume? how much pork meat? how much black pepper? how much... how different is the pattern from the next local area, after controlling for different income and the number of ingredients?
The result is that considering similar areas of China and Europe, China is as heterogeneous or more in food patterns (depending on the area chosen, the cost of China being more heterogeneous than the inside). Two near towns in China, have vastly different food habits.
What I am saying is that often the excess in heterogeneity we think to observe in Europe (and in Italy with respect to Europe, and in Sicily with respect to Italy, and in Palermo with respect to Sicily, and in your building with respect to the next one, and in you with respect to your brother) is mostly due to personal experience. I can ensure you, everyone but people from San Marino thinks that their own country is more heterogeneous in food than the world average!
PS: the heterogeneity of Europe in particular is also over perceived outside Europe. This is because of the relevance of European history in World history, that makes it more relevant for everyone. Since everyone studies European history, since everyone watches movies about European history, while few people studies the story of the Travancore house in southern India, everyone knows more about Europe than any other country but their own, and therefore it perceive more heterogeneity in it than any other country but their own.
PPS: sono Italiano, di Roma, e chiaramente la cucina Romana è più varia di quella Palermitana!
Coro da stadio: Pane e panelle! C'avete solo pane e panelle!
Azz, ora ho fame, dove le trovo le panelle a Roma? Sigh.
bobon123 Also, because people tend to think in categories of (nation-)states. So, for them China=1 area, culture etc, same with India and Japan, but Europe=40-ish areas.
9:00 Metatron is Leafy confirmed!!
WaVe_SHiFTS I was spelling it the way leafy says it.
+George A. Sorry then
Non credo centri molto con il tema del video ma ricordo di aver visto in qualche film, probabilmente di Kurosawa, che "tamburellavano" sulla lama di una katana con una sorta di palletta di cotone (?) infilzata da uno stecco di legno ...a che diamine serve?
Grazie!
Could you do a review of the movie 13 Assassins (Jûsan-nin no shikaku) by Takashi Miike...?
There is definitively a bias though in comparing Europe at large to Japan. There is a huge variety in people and culture in Eastern Asia that is difficult for us in the West to perceive, the same way that for a Japanese all European lore will look more or less the same. So it isn't fair to say European culture is richer.
That being said, it seems fair to me to say that there was more competition in Europe which led to more rnd, so to speak. After all, this is the area of the world that reached industrialization first.
You can't compare Japan to Europe as a whole. That's like comparing Britain and Ireland to all of East Asia
matt n Exactly, comparing a country to a continent makes no sense
His point is that there is greater diversity in a collection of countries as compared to a single island country. That's a perfectly fair point. He's not trying to say one is inherently better or worse, just making an observation on how isolation from or exposure to other nations affects technology and innovation. Nothing wrong with that.
That's a much worse comparison. East Asia for the most part consists of China, Korea and Japan, and that's more or less about it. Oh, and Ryukyu.
The thing is, after the First Emperor of China, East Asia took on a totally different historic path compare to Europe. Say if Rome somehow was able to consolidate their control and culture, and pretty much stem out all other languages systems except Latin, then Japan might be comparable to Britain, in terms of both geography and relations to the continental mainland.
La canzone che hai come introduzione è qualcosa ti fa fantastico! è ottenibile in qualche modo?
edit: oh, è in descrizione ._.
Complimenti per tutti i tuoi video comunque, migliori ogni giorno!
bushido blade!! and bushido blade 2!! nice games! would like to see Raf do a video analysis of it some day
The katana is nothing but a glorified Tang Dao made with the shitiest steel known to man. Unlike the Tang Dao which was laminated, the Japanese used a single piece of steel which when differentially hardened resulted in the signature curve of the blade.
I like the aesthetics of the katana and have a big respect for Japanse arts, but people thinking katana is the best type of sword ever made are just wrong, its just the most popular mostly due to the movies.
Ashengard Excellent point. Why everyone compares European swords with the Katana is perplexing; they should be comparing them the Chinese blades instead.
Also, this why I would want a Katana made with modern steel if I decided to purchase one. A pommel would be nice too.
Sanic teh last ang3l A real tamahagane steel is not only inferior to the modern one, but is also ridiculously expensive. Tamahagane katana will cost you somewhere in the range of 10-20k USD.
The reason is that traditional sword making is considered national treasure in Japan and only a strict number of smiths are permitted practicing it. This is made so the market is not over flooded with traditional swords which would lead to lowering the price of them and forcing the smiths to simplify the production process so they can make more swords.
You can buy a quality Chinese made katana on eBay for like 200-300 usd. I'm considering for the same price buying myself a Chinese jian from Longquan China where the smiths are doing them since the first dinasty. You can order a quality katana there also. Hope this helps
Tamahagane is expensive because only 3 smiths produce it.
The Japanese didn't use a single piece of steel, it was composed of both hard and soft steels.
Well, if I am correct original katanas were made with iron as apposed to steel and the steel that they originally used was poor quality which is why it has the hamon/differential hardening. The actual original katanas were most certainly made with sub par metals however the way that the Japanese compensated for that was really good. With a proper steel the hardening allows for a really hard edge but it is still prone to bending. I like the style of the katana as I just like it but I know everyone has a different opinion on it (^.^)
Actually, when the Tachi was in use, the average soldier was rather heavily armoured. Those O-Yoroi types of armour were also used in the Sengoku Jidai, and they could stop a Tanegashima bullet.
Awesome vid! Bushido Blade was the absolute bomb back in the day (and still today to be honest). I loved how you could do a sword throw at the start of the round and win in the first second of a duel if it got your opponent. If it missed though... well you were a dead man :) stay gold
Is the pommel on your arming sword rusted or is it just the camera quality? It has a weird shade of brown on the video. Or is it just not steel?
I didn't start doing martial arts until I was in my mid-forties, so I'm sort of playing catch-up. I'm hoping that by the time I'm in my sixties I'll be good enough to teach.
My personal favorite type of sword is the Turkish Kilij. I really like any saber type sword. If you could do a comparison of the weapons of the crusaders and Muslims in general. (doesn't have to be a certain crusade). That would be cool!
Hey metatron, I have a question. I have a replica roman helmet. It's a historically accurate replica. Where my fingers have touched it the oil had slightly rusted or put a patina on it. I have a polishing rag but the slight rust is hard to get off. Any suggestions?
I like the way you did the comparison, I appreciate how you respected the Katana even if it isn't your personal favorite, and you did well to justify the reasoning behind your preference. Even if I personally prefer Katanas more, your video makes me see the European swords in a new light.
I love how the Nagamaki looks.
What would you recommend for a iaito i would appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction
Hello Metatron! One question, ¿what is that animation at 8:32? The samurai one. I think the same game or film is at the end of the video.
Amazing channel you have =)
Thanks!
I love thrust-centric longswords that heavily taper towards the point. There's something really elegant about those narrow blades, long handles and developed cross guards. On the other hand, I also like central European sabres, Polish and Tatar ones in particular. It's got to be that Sarmatian blood running through my veins. :D
excellent stuff
@Metatron, have you tried Legend of the Five Rings Rpg or Card Game?
Ciao Metatron, ho un piccola curiosità, ma una spada europea, venisse forgiata con il metodo giapponese del folding se ne trarrebbe un vantaggio o non cambierebbe nulla nell'utilizzo della spada? Buon Anno!!
having learned a Smattering of both European Armed Martial arts, and a Small bit of Japanese Swordmanship (not going to pretend I know which form I was taught, wasn't mentioned because it was a very short lesson), that Slight Curve on the Katana is all it takes to ease the Draw-Cut and the Slashing / Draw Cutting Style of traditional Japanese Swordmanship. having looked into it, and practiced with the basic Gamit of Arms, (Sword & Board, Polearm Technique, Club, Longsword, etc.) in addition to receiving a short lesson in the use of the Katana, it's that Curve.
What were those samurai clips from? It looked very interesting.
I love the giant Japanese blades such as the Odachi, and the Chinese Dao short and medium length swords, they are just like a heavier version of a common tool I use, the machete. Most of my collection are however Western weapons, shields, helmets, etc
You actually summed up quite well why I find european history so interesting - because there is so much variety in the tactics and equipment. You look at medieval England, you see stupidly powerful bows and men at arms fighting on foot in heavy armor, you move to France and you've got heavy cavalry out the ass, you move down the Italy and you see people just chilling on top of castle walls, casually twanging crossbow bolts at the enemy. Each region had it's own thing and even the things that were found in all regions, such as plate armor came in different styles and focused on different things to suit the fighting style of the people. There is just so much variety. And while Japan and especially samurai are cool as hell, there just isn't much to look at and study.
Hi! Can you recommend a shop (with reasonable shipping prices to Europe) for high quality Japanese weapons (especially Yari)?
Hello, I own several edged weapons(no katana's) and I've found that my scimitar draws faster than my swords aswell.
Just seems like its a combination of shape and the flat back of the blade that makes the difference.