Thatz way too small a' choppa fer us proppa boyz! Bring mei summin' at dizlokait a 'ummies arm, THEN itz fittin' fer a Nob loik meself! 'Scuze mei, I az biznezz to tend to... *WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!*
As someone who uses one as an adventuring blade, (think Machete/Hatchet/Fighting knife usage), these things are more axe than sword. They are more knife than sword as well, given the control you have over the blade, and the speed at which you can move them. In fact, a "Sword" is really the one thing that it isn't, oddly enough. It's a hatchet that got tired of seeing sickles get all the brush clearing action. It's a knife that decided it was sick of light armor. It's a hatchet with aspirations of war.
@@private_ventures2592 well you're kind of right. The Khopesh definitely was more axe than sword. And that had a lot to do with the limitations of the material it was made from. Khopesh were egyptian/lavantine weapons made primarily of copper and later, bronze. When they were made of copper, the metal was softer and less durable, so the design was made to be more like an axe, than a sword because the metal wouldn't hold up as well otherwise.
@@alexanderrahl7034 Absolutely. On top of that, though, the design still WAYYY outperforms most machete designs. Especially when modern steel is part of the equation. It's hard to make something so light and still give it enough heft for splitting force, but I have no complaints as of yet
@@private_ventures2592 I saw a steel one at a ren fair a couple years ago with some friends. Had I not bought all the other crap I had, I could have gotten it. 685 bucks, with a leather bound grip and engraved stylized design on the blade. Absolutely fucking gorgeous. Kicking myself even now remembering it lol. I'll get one some day
With a blade that thick, made of 1095, as long as it has been tempered back down properly after hardening, it should be practically indestructible. If it was not tempered down enough, it could potentially be brittle, but, other than that, it should last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
I think the main issue with its construction is the devil's edge was made like a machete (with its widely varied ergonomics) rather than an ax. The Khopesh is a full tang axe in a sense so as opposed to having a sword shaped hilt (greater bulk towards the front to better fit the hand during thrusts) which this does... kind of... a more ax like approach (where the bulk is towards the back to mitigate slippage as the axe tries to pull out of your hand to due to the resistance generated during the cut) would be better suited. ESPECIALLY with that much blade going on.
We still use it in Egypt. I am Egyptian. My grandfathers on both sides were farmers. We use it to harvest crops in the field. I used to go with them to the field all the time and I know how to use it.
Nice to see more budget weapon reviews, especially for broke af college kids. You've really built an amazing channel, I love your stuff and I wish all the best of luck.
Skallagrim, I am playing Assasins Creed Origins atm and I recognise a lot of blades such as the Khopesh, because of your videos. Thanks to you I know so much more about those weapons you reviewed. Thanks for that! Cheers
The placement of the bottom portion of the edge bothers me. If you let the blade slip far enough, it would come down right on top of your fingers, which is a horrifying prospect given how sharp the blade is, how steep the curve is, and the weight that would obviously be behind it. The bronze khopesh you showed, by comparison, had a guard, as well as a reasonably sized notch that pushed the start of the edge farther out and away from the projected path of any unfortunate digits.
The Kaiser Fair point, but handguards exist for a reason. Notice how Skall let it slide down in his hand during the videos? Sweaty palms lead to accidents, and in this situation an accident could mean the loss of a few fingers instead of just a deep scratch or gash. Not much of a concern for someone as experienced as Skall, but for someone just getting their start? Whoo boy...
I am now copyrighting this awesome idea for my character and franchise. I would advise nobody else take this idea d I will of course compensate mr.Louis Attenborough for the rights to said idea.
Imagine someone tried to rob Stalgrims house, and he just hears the changing of metal as Stalgrim appears at the top of the stairs with every weapon in his possession
QUESTION: Considering how poorly thought out a lot of movie and TV Show sword fights are, have you ever thought about choreographing and filming a fight sequence using Real historical techniques? I think it would be interesting to see a fight sequence using all real techniques rather than ridiculous sword twirls and exposing you back etc. So how about it? (I know to make it 'exciting you may have widen some cuts etc for dramatic effect or to accomodate a camera, but it ould be cool!)
I know you personally wanna see Skall do this, however there are some youtube videos that are reallly good that already do this by the Adorea Olomouc channel.
Because I would like to see HIS interpretation of how you could use HEMA techniques to make a scene and I imagine he'd also make a fun video. Who knows? Maybe he could get some of his instructor friends in on it. Basically, I just thought it would be cool
Again, I would like to see what Skall would come up with, that is sort of the point. I'm a subscriber on Skall's channel and thought of something, so I asked. He has mentioned several times his critique of many on-screen sword fights, so I just thought it would be interesting to see him do it and have some fun.
Or staging fights from tv shows and movies using proper fighting techniques. First an overview of the original with commentary and then a remake, in costume and makeup, done correctly. Like the one between Brien of Tarth and Sandor Clagain from GOT.
Now I might be wrong but i think the curve on the handle was low because the designer thought to use the weight of the blade for better downward cuts like a machete. The handle really needs to be fixed and I'd add a cutless type hand guard to it. The sheath needs to be better designed for quick draw, all in all the chinese broadsword or an actual cutless would be better.
Yeah it does but if Neil gave his Khopesh a mirror polish in my opinion it would be the best looking sword ever in my opinion I mean it already looks amazing but it could look even better in my opinion
I scored the "tactical" version on KoA discounted to just $25 because it was flawed. The flaw wasn't even on the sword, it was the buckle on the long scabbard straps not working, which doesn't really matter since it still has a built in belt loop. Fantastic value!
...because any civilization can collapse if a more mobile/dynamic one makes a point of causing it. 1177 bce proved that static power structures are vulnerable, and other empires have failed to learn that lesson for millennia. As one modern general put it, "a structure cannot overcome a network."
Sure, spread it around :) From viking raids to wind-tunnel tests to civil rights activism to economic development, reality can be changed more effectively by understanding fluid dynamics on a system-wide basis. As Laotse put it: "The softest substance flows through the hardest."
I purchased one as well, however, for my hand size, the grip felt fine for me. As well, my blade was straight and did not have the off setting at the tip compared to the handle, as yours did. I see a lot of hate for this version of the khopesh, but I quite enjoy it. And, in your editors note that it could slip when wet did not hold water (pun intended) when I purposely drenched the handle to test the theory. I do want to mention, however, that I do not enjoy the sharp point that faces the handle without a guard. I was very sceptical about that, but it happened to never be an issue in my case. I have a more historically accurate version of the khopesh, but I have to admit that the heft of the sword using steal over bronze, and the overall sharpness that the blade comes with, definitely makes it a worthwhile addition for the cost.
The wonky bevel and handle really bugs me. I'd say that it is an ugly blade but as you showed us it performs great. But it seems quality and price meets in this product. Thanks for the excelent video Skall, once again.
Eero Kovanen I agree, it looks a little crude because of the grind and the handle shape. But with the really good fit and finish, materials, and performance I think it is definitely worth 115 dollars.
Love your vids Skallagrim. I have to give you props on your fitness gains. I know how much work, both in fitness & nutrition, it takes to lose weight & get in shape.
I´ve just saw the last video of parrying and my god I love the kinda videos you do. keep it up; and if you have time, I practice a sport called jugger, it comes from germany, and it reminds me the parrying video, just wanna say it to an expert of contact combat in reality. Hi from spain man!
Just looked on Kult of Athena and the "tactical Egyptian kopesh" is on sale for $79 USD and has a much better handle. One thing I do for knives that have slick handles is glue jute twine to it, then either spray it with spray glue and let it dry to a slightly tacky finish or dip it in deck sealant and file off any too rough areas. Do that and the blade won't be going anywhere. Effect is (especially with the deck sealant) is like sharkskin. Very rough and not likely to slip.
Good review, I have their tactical khopesh the handle on it also is the least impressive part, but for the price point you really cant complain as you said a little reshaping can be done. The sheath is also more of a blade cover than a actual sheath.
The Kopesh is one of my favorite swords, would be nice to own the original style but in the 1095 HC steel, the Handle design on this one looks a little to rounded probably why in the mat cutting preview it swerved a bit but still that's a damn good weapon In my opinion would defininetly use if in Anceint times
The handle is very strange, as it's also not similar to historical examples. I mean fine make a weird handle if you're sticking to historical design, but why make a weird handle for its own sake? Odd choice.
6 6 6 The number of the beast! Loved the Iron Maiden cameo (?) Haha. Cool blade too. I currently collect antique firearms might start looking into collecting swords (probably newer productions).
I have one. It feels like the standard location to grip should be on the bottom, like you showed. The upper part of the handle only seems to work for placement of the second hand.
I've got a handmade knife by a maker who knew what he was doing and it's grip is different on both sides. Similar to yours and I've found that it's for right or left hand. It has a classic Coke bottle shape, too. From watching your video I'd say that the extra length is for a two-hand grip ... ???
i think the handle might be shaped like that possibly because the blade might be prone to getting stuck or shifting when winging and the curviture of that handle would prevent the hand from sliding around.
That handle is basically identical to a bunch of the machetes I've used. The shape seems odd if you're used to swords but much like the bottom of an axe handle it's meant to be choked down on and held near the bottom, the shape of the top is meant to be uncomfortable so that when you grab it quickly without looking you can feel your way into the proper hand placement.
see what common things between japan and egypt both have feared weapon like katana that sword can do reverse blocking, this one can split your head open simultaneously being a shield, as realistically done on video games bayek's kopesh does same thing in irl. this blade is so versatile its ahead of its time truly awesome.
Best suggestion for the handle? Break out the rasp and sand paper and get to work! One of my favorite mass produced knives is the Buck 119. However, from factory condition I have to file and sand the handle extensively as it is much too thick under my index finger. A few ... well many hours later ... it fits my hand like a custom piece. I've owned two in my life. My first was stolen as the Buck 119 is the kind of knife you do not get rid of... ever. Thanks to my son who gave me the one I own now.
I've only found poor quality ones myself, which is a pity since they're my favorite type of bladed weapon. Though I'll give the one Skall reviewed a try soon.
Sriously, with a proper ergonomic grip, I'd consider this for use in my back-garden to clear away Salix-saplings from the local stream and generally pruning off branches and tree-sprouts. It's far superior to the sharpened machete, common Wood-axe and chainsaw I got to choose between now for getting the work done! They might for that price, with a modern grip and simpler cover, get a niche on the market for professional and semi-professional Wood-farmers...
Nice review...Impressive chopper! I'm gonna buy one, that's how impressed I am w/ this one... Usually I stay away from cheap swords, unless they have some attribute such as this one does! I wonder how much money you've made for Cult Of Athena so far; they should be giving you free swords to test...!
0:28 that small relief where the blade hangs down slightly farther needs to be slightly curvier...if it ever breaks that would be the place it will start!
hey Skall, Valiant Armory has 'upgraded' it's lineup with an all-american-made line of swords. Do you have any plans of reviewing another Valiant Armory sword? The last time you showed one was quite a while ago.
The Khopesh has some really unique fighting styles, including using the curved blade to disarm an opponent. It's possible the unique handle shape is meant to improve the handling for specific techniques. Just speculation mostly.
Been wanting a Kophesh for some time, but not enough to pay for a proper cast sword. I ordered one and will probably rebuild the grip to something closer to the original.
To be fair with a side opening sheath this may be one of the few swords you can actually draw from the back. Assuming the buttons pop open when pulled against that is.
My answer to the Khopesh is the Kukri. I have the Windlass Steel reproduction of the Assam Rifle Company design. It is just slightly longer than the standard issue kukri with a 13" blade instead of 12". And while it lacks some of the reach of the Khopesh, my kukri will hack and chop as well as any axe, slash like a broadsword and still stab and thrust like a dagger. Also I'm not getting any younger. The kukri is about as heavy a blade as I can manage now with all my ailments. It's also less than half the price :)
All that being said, I did enjoy this video. Both the Devil's Edge AND the historic Khopesh are AWESOME weapons and I thank you sincerely for showcasing them. I love learning about historical weapons. Do you have any experience with the Katar of India?
That niche above the handle and before the curve strikes me as an integrity foil. I just foresee that as the area most likely to crack under strenuous use. And I use kopesh the same way I use machetes: strenuously.
At first glance I´m unhappy with that notch between ricasso and blade. But all in all I find it kinda nice. Though I definitely like the bronze original more.
That bronze kopesh was absolutely beautiful. Bronze is a work of art even if it’s not 100% practical anymore.
That high carbon steel khopesh on the other hand... is like a freakin battle axe
“Not gonna slay Mesopotamians or defend against the Sea people with this!” My man Skall, slipping in them historical references
Historical mysteries always make me interested. And the topic of the sea people makes my brain salivate. Lol
@Aden hui Italian vikings I suppose
@Aden hui early Phoenician peoples
Hittites can't forget them!
They are the people that became known as the phillistines
Missed opportunity:
The blades from devils edge are always sharp as hell!
TwisteD not as sharp as katana as you can see in the paper test
@@spacez3814 ew
@@spacez3814 ew
@@spacez3814 ew
ew
I find myself liking the proper Khopesh more in terms of appearance. Something about the slender form and the bright bronze colour appeals to me.
Kapuchuz, I'm not a huge fan of the khopesh design, but I *much* prefer the original to this clumsy thing. Also, bronze can be gorgeous.
Gaaaaaay
Generalmajor Trull that’s very brave if you to come out online. I applaud your bravery
@@jasondoe2596 bronze is, relative to steel, very weak
The original one is better off as a display piece than a weapon to hack at filthy invaders
Lord Habitaxe of Prydonia, the original is perfectly adequate if neither side has access to steel, and in any case my post was about the aesthetics :)
Bayek of Siwa would approve!
Lwosveld fun fact: By the time Bayek was born the khopesh had been retired 1000 years
@@ojutay8375 And yet there's so many khopeshes you can get in game...
Rhysand -High Lord of the Night Court hahaha
@@NghtDtryr *yet there's so many khopeshes in the game..*
Got dammit Ubisoft!
No. He is the hidden one.
Nay, that be a Gentleman Orc's fruit-peeling knife!
Joshua Madoc thanks for cheering me up
Joshua Madoc , a gentleorc's fruit knife you say?
Hello lady friend. You like fruit? I peel for you!
Thatz way too small a' choppa fer us proppa boyz! Bring mei summin' at dizlokait a 'ummies arm, THEN itz fittin' fer a Nob loik meself! 'Scuze mei, I az biznezz to tend to...
*WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!*
C.L. Sandridge , thou knowst not of what you speak of! The mango is the greatest delicacy of orckind!
It looks like it combines the slashing style of a sword with the mass that an axe packs. Like a hybrid.
Love the Khopesh
That is exactly what the khopesh was meant to do.
As someone who uses one as an adventuring blade, (think Machete/Hatchet/Fighting knife usage), these things are more axe than sword. They are more knife than sword as well, given the control you have over the blade, and the speed at which you can move them.
In fact, a "Sword" is really the one thing that it isn't, oddly enough. It's a hatchet that got tired of seeing sickles get all the brush clearing action. It's a knife that decided it was sick of light armor. It's a hatchet with aspirations of war.
@@private_ventures2592 well you're kind of right.
The Khopesh definitely was more axe than sword. And that had a lot to do with the limitations of the material it was made from.
Khopesh were egyptian/lavantine weapons made primarily of copper and later, bronze. When they were made of copper, the metal was softer and less durable, so the design was made to be more like an axe, than a sword because the metal wouldn't hold up as well otherwise.
@@alexanderrahl7034 Absolutely.
On top of that, though, the design still WAYYY outperforms most machete designs. Especially when modern steel is part of the equation. It's hard to make something so light and still give it enough heft for splitting force, but I have no complaints as of yet
@@private_ventures2592 I saw a steel one at a ren fair a couple years ago with some friends. Had I not bought all the other crap I had, I could have gotten it. 685 bucks, with a leather bound grip and engraved stylized design on the blade. Absolutely fucking gorgeous. Kicking myself even now remembering it lol. I'll get one some day
My man Skall going in with them ＤＥＥＰ ＣＵＴＳ
With a blade that thick, made of 1095, as long as it has been tempered back down properly after hardening, it should be practically indestructible. If it was not tempered down enough, it could potentially be brittle, but, other than that, it should last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
“Obviously you’re not going to be slaying Mesopotamians or anything” Hey Skall, you don’t know me!
Dalevisor So are you Persian, Assyrian, Kurdish, Turk or US army?
I don’t have a problem with Mesopotamians, but those sea people are real dicks.
John Francis Doe Actually, ancient Egyptian time traveler. Love the eyeliner the ladies are wearing nowadays.
Have always loved the Khopesh, and this looks absolutely beautiful
I think the main issue with its construction is the devil's edge was made like a machete (with its widely varied ergonomics) rather than an ax. The Khopesh is a full tang axe in a sense so as opposed to having a sword shaped hilt (greater bulk towards the front to better fit the hand during thrusts) which this does... kind of... a more ax like approach (where the bulk is towards the back to mitigate slippage as the axe tries to pull out of your hand to due to the resistance generated during the cut) would be better suited. ESPECIALLY with that much blade going on.
We still use it in Egypt. I am Egyptian. My grandfathers on both sides were farmers. We use it to harvest crops in the field. I used to go with them to the field all the time and I know how to use it.
Nice to see more budget weapon reviews, especially for broke af college kids. You've really built an amazing channel, I love your stuff and I wish all the best of luck.
Skallagrim, I am playing Assasins Creed Origins atm and I recognise a lot of blades such as the Khopesh, because of your videos. Thanks to you I know so much more about those weapons you reviewed. Thanks for that!
Cheers
Joseph Sosa true. Took me some time to recognise them as Romans. xD
@Joseph Sosa Wait. There was Romans in that game?
La Hire yeah in Cyrene and Sinai
Love your vids man
The placement of the bottom portion of the edge bothers me. If you let the blade slip far enough, it would come down right on top of your fingers, which is a horrifying prospect given how sharp the blade is, how steep the curve is, and the weight that would obviously be behind it.
The bronze khopesh you showed, by comparison, had a guard, as well as a reasonably sized notch that pushed the start of the edge farther out and away from the projected path of any unfortunate digits.
Yeah but if you're clumsy enough or weak(ill) enough to let that happen you probably shouldn't be handling a blade.
The Kaiser Fair point, but handguards exist for a reason. Notice how Skall let it slide down in his hand during the videos? Sweaty palms lead to accidents, and in this situation an accident could mean the loss of a few fingers instead of just a deep scratch or gash. Not much of a concern for someone as experienced as Skall, but for someone just getting their start? Whoo boy...
That would happen if you thrusted. But if your slashing the blade will slip in the other direction. Especially if you have sweaty hands
Danny Hussain Very true, but the point still stands.
Why would your hand ever move in that direction? There's no way you can thrust with it, it's strictly for slashing.
9:20 It's almost like the manufacturer had made a deal with the devil...
Machiel RG This explains everything...
:0
100% agree as soon as you pulled it out my first thought was "god i hate that handle"
All you need is hammer. Then you have stronk soviet duel wield! Dispense communism upon your enemies.
Louis Attenborough hammer and kopesh/sickle is a decent idea for duel wielding because hammer for armor kopesh for unarmored
Please step into the queue for the free helicopter ride sir
Monday's insanity you never know. Maybe this is what functional duel wielding is.
I am now copyrighting this awesome idea for my character and franchise. I would advise nobody else take this idea d I will of course compensate mr.Louis Attenborough for the rights to said idea.
Alexane Rose you will have to gogulag my friend. Very sorry.
Those cuts are looking *EXTRA D E E P*
This could seriously be used as an orcish weapon in a fantasy flick. It would be both realistic and look cool at the same time.
Imagine someone tried to rob Stalgrims house, and he just hears the changing of metal as Stalgrim appears at the top of the stairs with every weapon in his possession
QUESTION: Considering how poorly thought out a lot of movie and TV Show sword fights are, have you ever thought about choreographing and filming a fight sequence using Real historical techniques? I think it would be interesting to see a fight sequence using all real techniques rather than ridiculous sword twirls and exposing you back etc. So how about it? (I know to make it 'exciting you may have widen some cuts etc for dramatic effect or to accomodate a camera, but it ould be cool!)
I know you personally wanna see Skall do this, however there are some youtube videos that are reallly good that already do this by the Adorea Olomouc channel.
Because I would like to see HIS interpretation of how you could use HEMA techniques to make a scene and I imagine he'd also make a fun video. Who knows? Maybe he could get some of his instructor friends in on it. Basically, I just thought it would be cool
oh really? I will check that out ;)
Again, I would like to see what Skall would come up with, that is sort of the point. I'm a subscriber on Skall's channel and thought of something, so I asked. He has mentioned several times his critique of many on-screen sword fights, so I just thought it would be interesting to see him do it and have some fun.
Or staging fights from tv shows and movies using proper fighting techniques. First an overview of the original with commentary and then a remake, in costume and makeup, done correctly. Like the one between Brien of Tarth and Sandor Clagain from GOT.
I fear no man but that thing... It scares me. No really that is scary awesome
Now I might be wrong but i think the curve on the handle was low because the designer thought to use the weight of the blade for better downward cuts like a machete. The handle really needs to be fixed and I'd add a cutless type hand guard to it. The sheath needs to be better designed for quick draw, all in all the chinese broadsword or an actual cutless would be better.
The bronze one looks better than the steel one
It is, in terms of craftsmanship and historical accuracy. It's quite a bit more expensive though.
yeah for the most part I agree unless you engrave the blade and use a dark metal inlay
Yeah it does but if Neil gave his Khopesh a mirror polish in my opinion it would be the best looking sword ever in my opinion I mean it already looks amazing but it could look even better in my opinion
@@essenkillerthezombiektz5026 Whose opinion is this?
I scored the "tactical" version on KoA discounted to just $25 because it was flawed. The flaw wasn't even on the sword, it was the buckle on the long scabbard straps not working, which doesn't really matter since it still has a built in belt loop. Fantastic value!
Loved the shout-out to the Sea Peoples.
...because any civilization can collapse if a more mobile/dynamic one makes a point of causing it. 1177 bce proved that static power structures are vulnerable, and other empires have failed to learn that lesson for millennia. As one modern general put it, "a structure cannot overcome a network."
Consider that last phrase as stolen.
Sure, spread it around :) From viking raids to wind-tunnel tests to civil rights activism to economic development, reality can be changed more effectively by understanding fluid dynamics on a system-wide basis. As Laotse put it: "The softest substance flows through the hardest."
I've always thought of Khopeshes as like the halfway point between a sword and an ax. so it makes since to me they'd be heavy for their size.
I purchased one as well, however, for my hand size, the grip felt fine for me.
As well, my blade was straight and did not have the off setting at the tip compared to the handle, as yours did.
I see a lot of hate for this version of the khopesh, but I quite enjoy it. And, in your editors note that it could slip when wet did not hold water (pun intended) when I purposely drenched the handle to test the theory. I do want to mention, however, that I do not enjoy the sharp point that faces the handle without a guard. I was very sceptical about that, but it happened to never be an issue in my case. I have a more historically accurate version of the khopesh, but I have to admit that the heft of the sword using steal over bronze, and the overall sharpness that the blade comes with, definitely makes it a worthwhile addition for the cost.
Idk why but you got a good giggle from me when you said "splitting rocks"
Egyptian Orcs confirmed!
The wonky bevel and handle really bugs me. I'd say that it is an ugly blade but as you showed us it performs great. But it seems quality and price meets in this product. Thanks for the excelent video Skall, once again.
Eero Kovanen I agree, it looks a little crude because of the grind and the handle shape. But with the really good fit and finish, materials, and performance I think it is definitely worth 115 dollars.
May handle good, but is still devilish ugly. Maybee in the zombie apocalypse...
Love your vids Skallagrim. I have to give you props on your fitness gains. I know how much work, both in fitness & nutrition, it takes to lose weight & get in shape.
That handle being wide up to is useful only for static poses so the hand doesn't slip up towards the blade. Not a handle for active use.
I´ve just saw the last video of parrying and my god I love the kinda videos you do. keep it up; and if you have time, I practice a sport called jugger, it comes from germany, and it reminds me the parrying video, just wanna say it to an expert of contact combat in reality. Hi from spain man!
I just find the kopesh design of the sword beautiful and elegant
Modern humans should probably use a khopesh larger than the ones used by the Egyptians because the Egyptians were short (I believe).
Egyptians were not short
Not a finesse weapon? Damn I can't use my dex mod
More like an axe than sword.. Meant to be weilded duel though. The upper hook to pull away a sheild and cleave them with another weapon..
Just looked on Kult of Athena and the "tactical Egyptian kopesh" is on sale for $79 USD and has a much better handle.
One thing I do for knives that have slick handles is glue jute twine to it, then either spray it with spray glue and let it dry to a slightly tacky finish or dip it in deck sealant and file off any too rough areas. Do that and the blade won't be going anywhere. Effect is (especially with the deck sealant) is like sharkskin. Very rough and not likely to slip.
I'm a huge fan of blades from all eras.
Good review, I have their tactical khopesh the handle on it also is the least impressive part, but for the price point you really cant complain as you said a little reshaping can be done. The sheath is also more of a blade cover than a actual sheath.
The Kopesh is one of my favorite swords, would be nice to own the original style but in the 1095 HC steel, the Handle design on this one looks a little to rounded probably why in the mat cutting preview it swerved a bit but still that's a damn good weapon In my opinion would defininetly use if in Anceint times
I would much prefer a longer, thinner khopesh.
did you find any? want really one like you said :)
i got a cheaper munitions grade khopesh from KOA and even with a slight warp it’s a CRAZY blade
It's friggin beautiful
I love ancient egypt gods
The handle is very strange, as it's also not similar to historical examples.
I mean fine make a weird handle if you're sticking to historical design, but why make a weird handle for its own sake? Odd choice.
6 6 6 The number of the beast! Loved the Iron Maiden cameo (?) Haha. Cool blade too. I currently collect antique firearms might start looking into collecting swords (probably newer productions).
I would love to see skall analyze and make a subjective as possible review of an Indian whip sword.
Gonna get it!
I like that reference to the people of the time at the end, there. (8:55)
I wonder how Kult of Athena gets their Devil's Edge line so low cost with such high quality..
Wow. Ian from forgotten weapons has another channel!!
Send that rain to my country, Portugal... damn, we need it BADLY!
Devil's Edge really surprises me with their Quality/price ratio
The shield hook is nice and efficient.
It's a good starting point. I'd have to modify it to my liking. That would be half the fun!
Yes
The handle looks like it can be greatly improved
I have one. It feels like the standard location to grip should be on the bottom, like you showed. The upper part of the handle only seems to work for placement of the second hand.
Can't wait to see the Damascus kopesh that Alec Steele and Hoffman are making
I've got a handmade knife by a maker who knew what he was doing and it's grip is different on both sides. Similar to yours and I've found that it's for right or left hand. It has a classic Coke bottle shape, too. From watching your video I'd say that the extra length is for a two-hand grip ... ???
Please do a video on the most beautiful shields you've ever seen... I said please...
your form is improving
i think the handle might be shaped like that possibly because the blade might be prone to getting stuck or shifting when winging and the curviture of that handle would prevent the hand from sliding around.
Props to the guy wearing an Iron Maiden T shirt at 1:08 😁🤘🤘
for the price, the devil's edge products seems very worthy.. i had my eyes on their boar tusk's fighting bowie
I like the idea of calling the Devil's Edge a Orcish Khopesh
That handle is basically identical to a bunch of the machetes I've used. The shape seems odd if you're used to swords but much like the bottom of an axe handle it's meant to be choked down on and held near the bottom, the shape of the top is meant to be uncomfortable so that when you grab it quickly without looking you can feel your way into the proper hand placement.
I think that would look really nice with a horse leg bone handle, personal preference there, but at least some kind of nice bone handle.
see what common things between japan and egypt both have feared weapon like katana that sword can do reverse blocking, this one can split your head open simultaneously being a shield, as realistically done on video games bayek's kopesh does same thing in irl. this blade is so versatile its ahead of its time truly awesome.
Damn.....that's a really thicc blade.
Perhaps you could do a video on Handles. The Good, The Bad and just plain Weird
Best suggestion for the handle? Break out the rasp and sand paper and get to work! One of my favorite mass produced knives is the Buck 119. However, from factory condition I have to file and sand the handle extensively as it is much too thick under my index finger. A few ... well many hours later ... it fits my hand like a custom piece. I've owned two in my life. My first was stolen as the Buck 119 is the kind of knife you do not get rid of... ever. Thanks to my son who gave me the one I own now.
For a design that's at least 5000 years old I'd say it's pretty good.
Finally a steel khopesh!
Maître Yusaki there are several on the internet. I can't speak for their quality ias I'm poor and can only drool at them.
I've only found poor quality ones myself, which is a pity since they're my favorite type of bladed weapon. Though I'll give the one Skall reviewed a try soon.
I feel you about the rain... You must be getting what's been going on in Boston.
Sriously, with a proper ergonomic grip, I'd consider this for use in my back-garden to clear away Salix-saplings from the local stream and generally pruning off branches and tree-sprouts. It's far superior to the sharpened machete, common Wood-axe and chainsaw I got to choose between now for getting the work done! They might for that price, with a modern grip and simpler cover, get a niche on the market for professional and semi-professional Wood-farmers...
Should consider checking out the crkt ignitor, very interesting lock
Nice review...Impressive chopper! I'm gonna buy one, that's how impressed I am w/ this one...
Usually I stay away from cheap swords, unless they have some attribute such as this one does!
I wonder how much money you've made for Cult Of Athena so far; they should be giving you free swords to test...!
Man! That looks like a pretty efficient head lopper, or, splitter.
0:28 that small relief where the blade hangs down slightly farther needs to be slightly curvier...if it ever breaks that would be the place it will start!
That weird cut thingy😀💢😭 I see it
oh hell yeah was hoping you would review this
hey Skall,
Valiant Armory has 'upgraded' it's lineup with an all-american-made line of swords. Do you have any plans of reviewing another Valiant Armory sword? The last time you showed one was quite a while ago.
Sareth
I would appreciate his opinion on valiant arms
Sareth "American made."
Kek.
The Khopesh has some really unique fighting styles, including using the curved blade to disarm an opponent. It's possible the unique handle shape is meant to improve the handling for specific techniques. Just speculation mostly.
That's a real big boy khopesh
Mine just came in the other day, I love it!
Been wanting a Kophesh for some time, but not enough to pay for a proper cast sword. I ordered one and will probably rebuild the grip to something closer to the original.
To be fair with a side opening sheath this may be one of the few swords you can actually draw from the back. Assuming the buttons pop open when pulled against that is.
Skall: there's nothing that can go wrong
J Nielson: hold my beer
My answer to the Khopesh is the Kukri. I have the Windlass Steel reproduction of the Assam Rifle Company design. It is just slightly longer than the standard issue kukri with a 13" blade instead of 12". And while it lacks some of the reach of the Khopesh, my kukri will hack and chop as well as any axe, slash like a broadsword and still stab and thrust like a dagger. Also I'm not getting any younger. The kukri is about as heavy a blade as I can manage now with all my ailments. It's also less than half the price :)
All that being said, I did enjoy this video. Both the Devil's Edge AND the historic Khopesh are AWESOME weapons and I thank you sincerely for showcasing them. I love learning about historical weapons. Do you have any experience with the Katar of India?
That niche above the handle and before the curve strikes me as an integrity foil. I just foresee that as the area most likely to crack under strenuous use. And I use kopesh the same way I use machetes: strenuously.
Just got it on special for 70...omg I can't wait to clean up some branches :D
At first glance I´m unhappy with that notch between ricasso and blade. But all in all I find it kinda nice. Though I definitely like the bronze original more.
good video love your channel
I do see an issue with the notch at the base of the curve near the handle, that could be a failure point as stresses might concentrate at that point.
Dude. An ad for Shadiversitys new movie played before this video
Some things I've seen and heard, with the historical bronze Khopesh do you think it could actually hook the back someone's ankle with the curved back?
Nice review. I think that you can use these kinds of swords in Assassin's Creed Origins.