I have to echo what the others have said: I love that you just keep reaching down and coming back up with swords, alcohol, and guns. Keep up the great work and fantastic information. This was a great way to bring things we may not come into contact with regularly to a more tangible item for comparison. Thanks for doing what you do!
This was very enjoyable and educational! Thank you. Beautiful swords and great presentation as always.^^ Lots of misconceptions out there. I've only practiced HEMA for about 6 months and that was more than a couple of years ago. Surprised that you didn't mention the falchion and/or messer, as these seems among the more misunderstood ones, if I'm not mistaken. Bladed and nonbladed weapons of most kinds is a lifelong interest but I'm still very frustrated about myths and factoids regarding arms and armor. It is worst when they slip by the web of knowledge logic and reasoning that is supposed to protect ones brain, there they latch on and one begin spreading them like a plague. I own a stage combat reproduction of a German falchion. Not a very expensive sword at around 150 dollars. 80 cm in total length, a rather thick 60 cm blade with a spine of 3,5 mm. The blunt edge is around 2,5 mm. No distal taper. Point of balance 11,5 cm. As for the exact weight, a little bit unsure, it is advertised as a 1,5 kilogram sword but mine seems to be just shy of 1,4. Would this make it 300-500 grams heavier than originals? Been thinking about shortening it or adding a fuller. The p.o.b makes this sword feel really top heavy which to me encourages circular fluid motions during cutting and chopping. It did fuel the misconception I had about these type of swords being the lovechild between arming sword and war axe. As English isn't my first language please bear with me if there are mistakes made.
Thanks! Reason I did not include a messer or falchion - well I couldn't include everything. Also I have not handled or seen the data on enough of these weapons. Being the rather simple war swords that most were, few have survived. I think I have handled maybe three original falchions, and only one messer. They really are quite rare. With this lack of data it is hard to be so accurate as I am with the other weapon categories. Yes I very much believe that the falchion is often a halfway measure between arming sword and axe. A way of getting most of the cutting power of the axe, but a little more finesse and agility from the sword. As for your sword, at 80cm, 1.4kg sure does seem heavy, even for the type of weapon. I would expect it to be more like 1-1.2kg. I wouldn't be inclined to shorten it though. Your English is great, don't worry about it. It is us Brits who are terrible with languages!
Have you seen the videos from I Am Shad's channel (shadiversity)? he's making a series on the falchion and the messer in colaboration with James Elmslie.
Americans are watching, so I will relate the size to guns... LOL. Fair. I'm from a Knoxville TN group and we do infact use pistols regularly at HEMA. We have "pistols" that fire medical tubing for early weapons and the airsoft "smoke wagon" model is good for single action black powder revolvers. Note: When using airsoft in Hema, wear some plastic safety glasses under your mask because a shattered BB splinter makes in though on rare occasions.
I always thought of the roman Gladius as a extremely well balanced weapon(because of the big plummel), added with reasonably light weight, resulting in great mobility for close quarters combat. Is that the case?
I have never quite thought about it like that. Typically we look at the measures, in terms of width and depth of a blade to understand it's handling, using tape measure and callipers. I am sure there is a calculation that could be made based on those measurements, but considering the taper, and distal taper of a blade, it would not be simple or quick.
I understand, you need to know the materials used and the exact dimensions of every part to get an accurate measure of that. I whish there was a simple way to tell someone over the internet how heavy or light a sword feels without actually having your hands on it. Just knowing the point of balance is definitely not enough.
Indeed it is difficult. A 3d model with weight and balance will give a pretty good picture for those familiar with handling swords. But overall, I don't have the answer for explaining how a sword feels in an accurate manner. I will talk more about this in another video though, as this video is just an overview.
After watching the last Medieval Review video I started to measure the weight of my swords by holding them horizontally and by the very tip of the blade or pommel and weighing them each 10cm. Then a friend plotted the following graphs: Cheap functional katana: i.imgur.com/dGDn1S3.png Cup hilt rapier: i.imgur.com/HhoPu6S.png Police hanger: i.imgur.com/BzxBq8W.png
Thinking about getting a zombie tools d'capitan. Its a sabre with a 27 inch blade, weighs 2lbs 4 ounces and has a 6 inch point of balance. Does that sound like it would be quick,slow, in between?
It's on the heavy side for its size and guard type. Balance is about typical though. Not quite slow, about medium level, maybe edging slightly slower than centre.
I wouldn't say so. It's cutlass length, which isn't necessarily a problem as they were taught using the same system, but I think it will be generally heavy and bulky compared to the agile weapons generally used.
the most extream thing i own is a copy of a USMC 1942 Machete. It´s not a thing for small moves with precision, but when it hits somthing... it´s brutal. I don´t have the numbers on it now. but it might get them later.
I have an 1898 argentine artillery machete i.imgur.com/dBjIf9A.jpg (the one on the left) it weighs 890gr, the momentum it has can almost break my wrist, if the 1942 machete is anywhere near this then I can confirm what you say.
Nice. WW2 militaria is another hobby of mine, so that definitely appeals to me. I have a 44 Willys MB and '44 Dodge WC52, and therefore I have an awful lot of kit that fits and is associated with them. Admittedly I don't have a USMC machete, as my collection if focused on the British (who of course used a lot of American vehicles, but not something like a machete). I do have the British equivalent, and I will weigh it when I am home later. Machetes are often very heavy for their size compared to swords, and that is simply because they are designed first and foremost as a tool, and not as a fighting weapon. That isn't to say they aren't vicious as a fighting weapon, only they can lack the reach and speed of many swords.
My USMC machete: Weight 643 gram, Length 57,5 cm, bladelength 45cm Point of balance 14cm for those who don´t do metric system. 1,4 Pounds, 22,6 inch length, Point of balance 5,5 inch.
Hello sir, can i please get a clarification on the 1803 infantry saber? A full bottle of Henry weston cider is 500ml, yes? 500ml of water is 500grams if i remember. You mentioned 1 pint.. a pint is 473 ml. Is it really that light sir? I look at some stats in the web swordscollection.blogspot.com/2012/02/1803-english-infantry-officer-saber.html It says there .785kg?
A UK pint is 568ml, unlike the US pint (473), plus the bottle weight. An 1803 pattern sabre typically varies from 750-810, so about the same as a UK bottled pint.
Well firstly I think context is everything, which is why I was saying the purpose that the sword is intended is so vitally important. So the 1796 heavy cav has seemingly appalling balance, and yet it hits like a train, as if in many ways well suited for it's intended purpose. Other swords that I have handled that I think were terrible - I think plenty of them were intended more for show than use. Some elaborate rapiers, and cavalry swords etc. I think the Japanese sabre, the type 32 handles poorly, and I think that is because it is a hybrid, or a compromise between two sword styles. A compromise or hybrid can often lead to bad handling. Like some renaissance bastard swords that try to be all things to all men, providing a one handed sword, a two handed sword, and a lot of hand protection all at once. Swords that have pistols built in often feel like dogs too. I wouldn't say shoddy manufacture is often the cause, but a poor design or concept.
You have a lot of booze in this video. Didn't learn anything new, I just come here to look at ll the nice swords you own. Have you ever had the idea of doing a playlist of your weapons? I mainly own French edged weapons myself so it would be nice to see how you feel about the ones you own seeing that you bring up a lot of British swords.
Yeah, a video could cover a bit about each sword you own and maybe an idea of how and where it was used. You kinda did this when talking about the sabres and how they followed on from one another. I have seen no many well kept old sword on the channel and it would get great to here the history behind them.
This is why I keep telling people that swords were sharpened for combat- swords are too damned light to make decent blunt weapons and the balance is too close to the grip.
Thank you for these observations and the share, its both thought provoking and gives me a much better idea of how to consider scenes when writing fantasy and stuff :-) im a pretty dire writer :-D but i enjoy it you know :-p hmm i do have a replica hand and a half sword here, i thinks its stainless steel but i could have swore it weighed in at a few kg, say 2.5kg or something :-) its give me a lot to think on :-D thanks again
Academy of Historical Fencing dude literally dont quit your day job :-p couldnt resist :-) You do have me doubting the facts i must admit, im inclined to think you are right at about 1.5kg now :-) I dont have a scales to confirm atm either way i must admit :-) Hmm could you perhaps gauge me the weight of a double headed butterfly axe out of curiosity :-D I would love to check your writing to, be it historic or fantasy based. You would be able to describe stuff well from your observations while giving a realism to historic contexts and things i would imagine judging from your vids :-)
Can't help you on axe weight, not my subject area. Though I can tell you that double headed axes were quite a rare thing in Europe, though more so in other parts of the world. It is their popularity in fantasy that has people believing otherwise.I mostly write Sci-fi actually -www.amazon.com/Nick-S.-Thomas/e/B0034AE9D2
Academy of Historical Fencing they look pretty cool, your book one blurb sounds good :-) I have only read a couple of sci-fi's, 'Tad williams - Otherworld saga' and a few Rob grant books, i have 'mote in gods eye' i need to read on the agenda but ive not really come across much thats caught my eye, your style of adventure aspect appeals to me there :-p over the next week or so i will pick a copy up to add to the kobo to have a read when i get chance :-) Totally on the butterfly axe, like rarely used in historic context, i imagine you would need to be a pretty big russian to get the best out of that thing on the battlefield :-D and even then... I have only seen the butterfly axe done in fantasy by David Gemmell, but yeah i can imagine it has a lot of appeal as a fantasy weapon for the tough no nonsense speaking woodsman who;'s family have been horribly...murdered... :-p and he now wants revenge... im sure there will be tales of saving maidens to tell while on the way to the 'possy' that took from him...Bronson style :-) In my writing (a bit better than my daily slap-dash) im tending towards a fantasy world with old black powders in, swords and a blend of tech and magic :-) It will likely be pretty dire once its done, but if someone enjoys it out there i will be buzzing :-) english language i would say is my worst skill :-D ...well barr cooking perhaps :-p
I have to echo what the others have said: I love that you just keep reaching down and coming back up with swords, alcohol, and guns. Keep up the great work and fantastic information. This was a great way to bring things we may not come into contact with regularly to a more tangible item for comparison. Thanks for doing what you do!
Your videos are always so thorough. Thanks to you and your team for making them!
Beer, swords and guns? Best video ever.
Loving the booze measuring system!
This was very enjoyable and educational! Thank you. Beautiful swords and great presentation as always.^^
Lots of misconceptions out there. I've only practiced HEMA for about 6 months and that was more than a couple of years ago. Surprised that you didn't mention the falchion and/or messer, as these seems among the more misunderstood ones, if I'm not mistaken.
Bladed and nonbladed weapons of most kinds is a lifelong interest but I'm still very frustrated about myths and factoids regarding arms and armor. It is worst when they slip by the web of knowledge logic and reasoning that is supposed to protect ones brain, there they latch on and one begin spreading them like a plague.
I own a stage combat reproduction of a German falchion. Not a very expensive sword at around 150 dollars. 80 cm in total length, a rather thick 60 cm blade with a spine of 3,5 mm. The blunt edge is around 2,5 mm. No distal taper. Point of balance 11,5 cm. As for the exact weight, a little bit unsure, it is advertised as a 1,5 kilogram sword but mine seems to be just shy of 1,4.
Would this make it 300-500 grams heavier than originals? Been thinking about shortening it or adding a fuller. The p.o.b makes this sword feel really top heavy which to me encourages circular fluid motions during cutting and chopping. It did fuel the misconception I had about these type of swords being the lovechild between arming sword and war axe.
As English isn't my first language please bear with me if there are mistakes made.
Thanks!
Reason I did not include a messer or falchion - well I couldn't include everything. Also I have not handled or seen the data on enough of these weapons. Being the rather simple war swords that most were, few have survived. I think I have handled maybe three original falchions, and only one messer. They really are quite rare. With this lack of data it is hard to be so accurate as I am with the other weapon categories.
Yes I very much believe that the falchion is often a halfway measure between arming sword and axe. A way of getting most of the cutting power of the axe, but a little more finesse and agility from the sword.
As for your sword, at 80cm, 1.4kg sure does seem heavy, even for the type of weapon. I would expect it to be more like 1-1.2kg. I wouldn't be inclined to shorten it though.
Your English is great, don't worry about it. It is us Brits who are terrible with languages!
Have you seen the videos from I Am Shad's channel (shadiversity)? he's
making a series on the falchion and the messer in colaboration with
James Elmslie.
I haven't no, but I will check them out.
Those are indeed great videos.^^
Can' wait until he uploads part 4. I'm really excited.^^
Americans are watching, so I will relate the size to guns... LOL. Fair. I'm from a Knoxville TN group and we do infact use pistols regularly at HEMA. We have "pistols" that fire medical tubing for early weapons and the airsoft "smoke wagon" model is good for single action black powder revolvers.
Note: When using airsoft in Hema, wear some plastic safety glasses under your mask because a shattered BB splinter makes in though on rare occasions.
your channel is amazing, thank you soooooo much
I approve your choice of cider sir, to be commended.
You should do a video on where to get the different kinds of swords, and which are better quality.
I always thought of the roman Gladius as a extremely well balanced weapon(because of the big plummel), added with reasonably light weight, resulting in great mobility for close quarters combat. Is that the case?
Is there a way to measure or aproximate the weight distribution?
I have never quite thought about it like that. Typically we look at the measures, in terms of width and depth of a blade to understand it's handling, using tape measure and callipers. I am sure there is a calculation that could be made based on those measurements, but considering the taper, and distal taper of a blade, it would not be simple or quick.
I understand, you need to know the materials used and the exact dimensions of every part to get an accurate measure of that. I whish there was a simple way to tell someone over the internet how heavy or light a sword feels without actually having your hands on it. Just knowing the point of balance is definitely not enough.
Indeed it is difficult. A 3d model with weight and balance will give a pretty good picture for those familiar with handling swords. But overall, I don't have the answer for explaining how a sword feels in an accurate manner. I will talk more about this in another video though, as this video is just an overview.
After watching the last Medieval Review video I started to measure the weight of my swords by holding them horizontally and by the very tip of the blade or pommel and weighing them each 10cm. Then a friend plotted the following graphs:
Cheap functional katana: i.imgur.com/dGDn1S3.png
Cup hilt rapier: i.imgur.com/HhoPu6S.png
Police hanger: i.imgur.com/BzxBq8W.png
My Munich Guard weight is 3lb 6oz.
Thinking about getting a zombie tools d'capitan. Its a sabre with a 27 inch blade, weighs 2lbs 4 ounces and has a 6 inch point of balance. Does that sound like it would be quick,slow, in between?
It's on the heavy side for its size and guard type. Balance is about typical though. Not quite slow, about medium level, maybe edging slightly slower than centre.
Academy of Historical Fencing, ok thanks. Would it be a good sword for a beginner in sabre fencing?
I wouldn't say so. It's cutlass length, which isn't necessarily a problem as they were taught using the same system, but I think it will be generally heavy and bulky compared to the agile weapons generally used.
Academy of Historical Fencing, ok thank you.
Academy of Historical Fencing, so its not necessarily quick compared to other sabers but its quick for a sword in general?
How heavy were Scottish claymores and greatswords
the most extream thing i own is a copy of a USMC 1942 Machete. It´s not a thing for small moves with precision, but when it hits somthing... it´s brutal. I don´t have the numbers on it now. but it might get them later.
I have an 1898 argentine artillery machete i.imgur.com/dBjIf9A.jpg (the one on the left) it weighs 890gr, the momentum it has can almost break my wrist, if the 1942 machete is anywhere near this then I can confirm what you say.
Nice. WW2 militaria is another hobby of mine, so that definitely appeals to me. I have a 44 Willys MB and '44 Dodge WC52, and therefore I have an awful lot of kit that fits and is associated with them. Admittedly I don't have a USMC machete, as my collection if focused on the British (who of course used a lot of American vehicles, but not something like a machete). I do have the British equivalent, and I will weigh it when I am home later.
Machetes are often very heavy for their size compared to swords, and that is simply because they are designed first and foremost as a tool, and not as a fighting weapon. That isn't to say they aren't vicious as a fighting weapon, only they can lack the reach and speed of many swords.
My USMC machete:
Weight 643 gram, Length 57,5 cm, bladelength 45cm Point of balance 14cm
for those who don´t do metric system.
1,4 Pounds, 22,6 inch length, Point of balance 5,5 inch.
Nice! That's quite a beast. Very similar to a lot of hangers and cutlass.
you have a nice collection, i really like the colt navy but a 1911 is nice too.
Hello sir, can i please get a clarification on the 1803 infantry saber? A full bottle of Henry weston cider is 500ml, yes? 500ml of water is 500grams if i remember. You mentioned 1 pint.. a pint is 473 ml. Is it really that light sir? I look at some stats in the web swordscollection.blogspot.com/2012/02/1803-english-infantry-officer-saber.html
It says there .785kg?
A UK pint is 568ml, unlike the US pint (473), plus the bottle weight. An 1803 pattern sabre typically varies from 750-810, so about the same as a UK bottled pint.
Oh right, the weight of the bottle.. Sir thanks alot.sir!
Those original swords you've handled with appalling balance, was that down to being shoddily made or being built to a specific purpose?
Well firstly I think context is everything, which is why I was saying the purpose that the sword is intended is so vitally important. So the 1796 heavy cav has seemingly appalling balance, and yet it hits like a train, as if in many ways well suited for it's intended purpose.
Other swords that I have handled that I think were terrible - I think plenty of them were intended more for show than use. Some elaborate rapiers, and cavalry swords etc.
I think the Japanese sabre, the type 32 handles poorly, and I think that is because it is a hybrid, or a compromise between two sword styles.
A compromise or hybrid can often lead to bad handling. Like some renaissance bastard swords that try to be all things to all men, providing a one handed sword, a two handed sword, and a lot of hand protection all at once. Swords that have pistols built in often feel like dogs too.
I wouldn't say shoddy manufacture is often the cause, but a poor design or concept.
My real take away from all this is that you have a lot of alcohol.
Wow... I didn't know the gun is that heavy :D
You have a lot of booze in this video. Didn't learn anything new, I just come here to look at ll the nice swords you own. Have you ever had the idea of doing a playlist of your weapons? I mainly own French edged weapons myself so it would be nice to see how you feel about the ones you own seeing that you bring up a lot of British swords.
Thats a perfectly good reason!
By a playlist for the weapons I have, do you mean an individual video looking at each sword? That could certainly work.
Yeah, a video could cover a bit about each sword you own and maybe an idea of how and where it was used. You kinda did this when talking about the sabres and how they followed on from one another. I have seen no many well kept old sword on the channel and it would get great to here the history behind them.
That's sn interesting one and yes I think it could work well. Will add it to the list of videos to make.
This is why I keep telling people that swords were sharpened for combat- swords are too damned light to make decent blunt weapons and the balance is too close to the grip.
The "small" beer you compared to the small sword is considered to be normal sized in America. We're all a bunch of light weights over here!
Thank you for these observations and the share, its both thought provoking and gives me a much better idea of how to consider scenes when writing fantasy and stuff :-) im a pretty dire writer :-D but i enjoy it you know :-p hmm i do have a replica hand and a half sword here, i thinks its stainless steel but i could have swore it weighed in at a few kg, say 2.5kg or something :-) its give me a lot to think on :-D thanks again
No problem, I am a novelist by day :-) 2.5kg would be heavy for a hand and a half, which are normally closer to 1.5kg.
Academy of Historical Fencing
dude literally dont quit your day job :-p couldnt resist :-) You do have me doubting the facts i must admit, im inclined to think you are right at about 1.5kg now :-) I dont have a scales to confirm atm either way i must admit :-)
Hmm could you perhaps gauge me the weight of a double headed butterfly axe out of curiosity :-D
I would love to check your writing to, be it historic or fantasy based. You would be able to describe stuff well from your observations while giving a realism to historic contexts and things i would imagine judging from your vids :-)
Can't help you on axe weight, not my subject area. Though I can tell you that double headed axes were quite a rare thing in Europe, though more so in other parts of the world. It is their popularity in fantasy that has people believing otherwise.I mostly write Sci-fi actually -www.amazon.com/Nick-S.-Thomas/e/B0034AE9D2
Academy of Historical Fencing
they look pretty cool, your book one blurb sounds good :-) I have only read a couple of sci-fi's, 'Tad williams - Otherworld saga' and a few Rob grant books, i have 'mote in gods eye' i need to read on the agenda but ive not really come across much thats caught my eye, your style of adventure aspect appeals to me there :-p over the next week or so i will pick a copy up to add to the kobo to have a read when i get chance :-)
Totally on the butterfly axe, like rarely used in historic context, i imagine you would need to be a pretty big russian to get the best out of that thing on the battlefield :-D and even then...
I have only seen the butterfly axe done in fantasy by David Gemmell, but yeah i can imagine it has a lot of appeal as a fantasy weapon for the tough no nonsense speaking woodsman who;'s family have been horribly...murdered... :-p and he now wants revenge... im sure there will be tales of saving maidens to tell while on the way to the 'possy' that took from him...Bronson style :-)
In my writing (a bit better than my daily slap-dash) im tending towards a fantasy world with old black powders in, swords and a blend of tech and magic :-)
It will likely be pretty dire once its done, but if someone enjoys it out there i will be buzzing :-) english language i would say is my worst skill :-D ...well barr cooking perhaps :-p
This video made me very thirsty. Luckily its friday! :)
don't take it to guns! take gun discussions to swords!
A really good website for this topic is sword site
It's hilarious to see you produce weapons and alcohol seemingly from nowhere. And people talk about America being dangerous! ;)
And has posh cider
That's actually Esther's. I am more a beer drinker, but stocks are low :-)
Ounce for ounce, I don't think an 1803 infantry officers sabre is anywhere near as lethal as a bottle of Henry Westons
Now I'm thirsty. ;P
Finally Britain abandoned the Imperial system for the international Booze-system. Huzzah!