Thanks for the support, folks! The more of you sign up the more I'm able to do (and the less I have to worry about how well individual videos perform). www.patreon.com/skallagrim th-cam.com/channels/3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA.htmljoin Also, there are some more swords I need to sell to cover costs: docs.google.com/document/d/13qtVMFE0YdN2r04OjiYcw_u0D5ZGTQ6mJODqcj58yFo
I like most of your content.. do what make you happy and I'll likely watch it. I do like that there is a variety of content though - if it was nothing but say sparing that would get pretty dull pretty quick - but that you mix it up is one of the main appeals of the channel to me.
Dude, you are in a category that has bad advertising pull so TH-cam doesn't push the content and the advert money sucks. Take sponsors Promote your patreon Sell merch You are running a business and that means sales and marketing. It isn't a hobby and you need to grow to the point where you can outsource the low value tasks or you will burn out hard. The point of the grind is to get to the goal, not to grind away your soul. - Someone famous, probably
I want SPARRRRRIIIIINNNG. Your sparring videos have always been my favorites on the TH-cam Sword community. Good cameras, different angles, music and slow motion replay make your sparring footage some of the most enjoyable videos on youtube.
I for one like your gaming videos. You bring a delightful charm and humor to it. Also in depth reviews of some of histories more "creative" weapons and tactics. Also cutting videos with your friends is always enjoyable, just... Don't ruin your elbow. One more thing! Collaborations are always a win.
@@iantheduellist I'd love to do more, although my current state of health is a hindrance. And sadly sparring videos have never done well, except odd weapons like sickles.
I come here for "how would I use this weapon?" finding utility in fictional or eccentric weapons and armor. The series in The Wallace Collection have been great!
I think in general engaging with museums and private collections can be quite cool, travel is obviously an issue but maybe you can get footage. The Royal Armories videos with Ferguson are great and I'm sure you could pull something of like that Skal but for the middle ages. Also use your location as a way to engage with Indigenous cultures, they are brutally underapreciated.
@@tobin9575 Yeah, I'd love to see some preserved pieces being documented in video form, that otherwise probably most of us would never get to see. Most interesting would be vendel and viking age weaponry and armor. Although I don't know how much potential there is in Canada without traveling across any ocean.
@@Skallagrim There's probably a divide in your viewers, with one group being more interested in the weapons of fantasy/fiction, and the other being more interested in real historical stuff. My suggestion would be to try branching out a bit--maybe make some more gun videos here and there and see how people react. Personally, I'd love to see something about fighting with a sword & pistol. I _think_ that was done somewhat in history, but I'd also be interested in speculation of how it might be done using fictional or alternative weapon combinations.
I agree with these as the videos I've most enjoyed. What I would like to see more of is you talking about the arms and armor that would be common for peasants vs nobility in various time periods.
Straight to the point: 1. weapon mechanics. (Sharpness, blunt damage vs a different types of armor, different types of edges on blades and how they differ, stopping power vs kill power) I know you've already done much of this, but hey, that's my answer. I watch you almost every night Skal. I love history, and the nuances of the weapons used in history always intrigues me. Some of my favorite most recent videos for example are the cross guard and curved blade analysis videos
One of my favorite videos of yours in the last year or so was the smallsword video. Good combination of historical context and witty commentary that grabs attention with a clever title and subject. More like that. History, tactics, use, and context.
I would love to see more tests on obscure weapons from history; any of your videos featuring weird or rare historical weapons always fascinate me. I like the inclusion of the history side of things alongside the actual demonstrations.
I was slightly afraid of typing this out myself, since I know it's really difficult to do that sort of content for various reasons. Though, I would absolutely love to see it.
I like the old school sword reviews, your discussions on the practicality of fantasy swords and the tests against armor and such. I think the algorithm has become a monster for many channels. I hope I could help and I look forward to anything you post in the future.
As a long time viewer of your channel I can say your videos have definitely gotten better. You've improved on a technical level quite a bit. I generally love watching reviews and comparisons more than anything. Though I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I don't think it's anything you're doing wrong or need to improve on. The algorithm gods are fickle, and their desires seem to change on a whim. Keep the great content coming. Cheers!
Hello! Apologies for using your comment to get a bit more attention out of our favorite swordtoober. I entirely agree that Skallagrim as a channel has drastically improved in a technical way, as well as that the algorithm can be very tricky at times. Personally I feel like the reason why swordtoobers aren't doing as well as they used to could be chucked up to (mostly medieval, but I count more modern time periods too) fantasy fatigue. A lot of more exciting and unique elements of fantasy which got people really excited have already been analyzed. Once you're through with the "fantasy" part, you're left with the "medieval" which frankly wasn't a particularly fun time to live in, so there's not much left to analyze by itself. I know it's more of a personal opinion thing than an objective analysis, but to a person who sadly doesn't get to actually do HEMA it feels like a lot of what could be covered without being physically involved has been covered, which means that the content creator needs to look for more and more obscure topics to cover to keep it exciting. It's also important to point out that Skallagrim and other swordtoobers have done an excellent job on pointing out flaws in fantasy arms, armors and behaviors, which has been very educational and helpful, not to mention easily accessible on top of being actually fun to learn. Unfortunately, a majority of potential viewers are now familiar with how this works and for them the novelty of such content has passed. Honestly it's difficult to recommend something besides "just do what you enjoy" because of all of that, but also because I enjoy watching this channel for the creator, not really what he makes at this point.
yeah, TH-cam is like a picky woman. You never know what she'll want, because she never knows what she wants. I can see how low effort posts can be confusingly popular
@@SwordScience Thank you! Hanging out with your friends, having a beer, and talking swords is exactly what we're going for. Glad you're enjoying our videos. Cheers! 🍻
I'm a writer. I first found your channel when looking for info on sword fighting. I strive for authenticity even in fantasy. Your videos really helped and I plan to continue to watch even as I shift to more bronze age settings.
Your criticisms of fantasy weapons are always fun, but I also enjoy your historical walkthroughs of treatises and sparring. Weapon diagnosis is fun, too. Understanding how weapons are made and their various parts and features is important to understanding how to use them.
Probably in the minority, but I love the videos where you apply your HEMA background to other arts in other cultures. For example, the samurai with a longsword video / ask Seki Sensei. Collaborations / commentary like that is really interesting.
Personally. I want more sword reviews and theoreticals. I know you can't always go out and cut, and you can't get new swords too often, but I really loved those. The theoretical questions "what would works best for/against a kobold" were always fun. The videos I loved the most were HEMA sparring and technique breakdowns, but I know you don't have a club there and it's even harder now than then
Sword reviews of popular mid range and budget swords. I've made good purchases based on your videos, i.e. Windlass Shamshir- still love it - never would have considered purchasing it if you'd not made that review video.
@Skallagrim that's such a shame because u r the reason that I picked up meyer and actually tried to learn historical techniques. It seems most people have stopped doing indepth tutorials on TH-cam. Blood and iron and a few other comes to mind. I wish hema is closer to other martial arts on here w in depth breakdowns of techniques. Or even sparring reviews.
I don't know if my metric will help you much because I watch every video you post. However if I gotta talk about why I subbed and which videos I tend to enjoy most are: -Dispeling misinformation and myths -Analysing and redesigning fantasy -Showcasing oddities and interesting weapons/armors not so mainstream Some of my favourite videos of yours are the ones Dispeling some viking myths and inaccurate things, discussing how practical Lord of the Rings weapons are, redesigning Skyrim stuff, and showcasing weird stuff like gunblades, lantern shields, weird helmets, and some traditional tribal weapons around the world and stuff, interesting maces, mahuacitl, shark "blades" and stuff.
I always love the videos that help me be a better artist. Eg. Reviewing strange historical armors, discussions on why certain poses and guards are good in certain situations, critiquing fantasy media and tropes
The kinds of videos I like the most are reviews on pop culture swords and the practicality of them, and how they could be redesigned to be more practical. :)
Some of the earliest videos of yours I watched were reviewing Skyrim and other fantasy weapons with regards to practicality/historical accuracy. You haven't done very of that sort of thing recently, but there's plenty of silly weapons to take the micky out of still, and so i would enjoy more of them. I also miss the group cutting videos too, where your local hema group would gather with some blades to keep the local plastic water bottle population under control. But circumstances and location have changed, so let's not worry about that one too much. Glad you're still here and still doing what you love.
Hey Skall, i think your videos are great but seems like Algorythm REALLY switched and they promote brand new channels that upload short videos all the time and give them insane amount of views and subscribers, i have seen this trend multiple times in my niche and some channels got to 1mil sub like almost in 1 year (crazy) but when they upload normal video it gets like few thousands of views....i have same problem on my channel - No matter what i upload as a full video it almost dont get even to my subscribers feed but short videos can make millions that i can make literally in few seconds....it makes no sense and it feels like they forgot about OG creators and how this platform was build....either way there is always some ways for improvement so i am sure you will get trough this with your awesome and loyal fanbase :)) All the best in 2025 my friend A.C.
Don't know all the particulars but don't videos have to be a certain length for the creator to get money from ads? They are probably pushing shorter videos so that YT gets the ad revenue from the ads shown before and after the video but then don't have to share the money with the creator. I might not be totally correct but I guarantee that it's about the money, it;s always about the money.
@@robo5013 Not anymore, people wouldn't bother making shorts professionally if TH-cam didn't pay them for it. You're right that it's all about the money, but they get their money from people mindlessly scrolling through shorts, this isn't an elaborate scheme to trick people into making content for free.
Cool, one of my top favorite youtubers commenting on the channel of another top favorite... 😊... Keep up the good work, both Skal and Adam! (Off topic, but Adam: Your Top Dog and Vengeance are still and have been for a long time now my top favorites when it comes to throwing knives...)
@ I didn't suggest that is was a conspiracy to get people to make content for free, I said that the longer videos get more ads run in the middle of them which they get a percent of the revenue from. They are also still getting money for the viewing time, with or without ads. The companies that pay YT to have ads run are paying for a certain number of them per month. If YT can get creators to make shorter videos then they get all the ad revenue and don't have to share any of that if the there are fewer ads run during the middle of longer videos, letting them keep a larger share of the ad revenue for themselves. Only videos of a certain length have ads run during the middle of them, so encouraging shorter videos will allow YT to make more money from advertisers. The creators will still get paid per minute their videos are viewed.
Honestly another thing I really enjoy about your content is well, you. You have a nice vibe about you, and I enjoy how passionately you talk about things.
Personaly i really loved the "what weapons and armor make sense for x fantasy race" videos, aswell as the ones exploring applications of more unorthodox weapon concepts (wrist blades, sickle sparring etc, tho i dont expect you to worsen your injuries by forcing cut tests and sparring, thatd be nuts). Besides that i'll admit, you usaly manage to make any video you make at least interesting to watch, your editing got better thats true, but overall, its just fun to hearin you share your passions mate, even if TH-cam likes to mess up the numbers. Wishin you the best in 2025, your work Is always a nice surprise that makes a day more fun
My absolute favorite videos are deep dives into specific historical weapons and sparrinng videos covering specific situations, one weapon vs another weapon :>
Hi, Skal! I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. I can relate to that. Honestly, you're one of my very favorite swords youtuber. You're chill, objective, charismatic and true to yourself. It would be a true shame if we lost your content. I wish I could help you more directly, but, if it is of any use, my favorite videos are when you analyze curious historical weapons, and, obviously, sparring. Just as an idea, maybe you could start a series where you train with your left hand and try to get really good with it. Anyways, keep it up! We love you.
What could be very interesting would be collabs with other creators, RL meetups are expensive and inconvinient but maybe remote stuff like Jonathan Ferguson with Gamespot
I really enjoy when you cover weapons and armor from cultures that are less well known in the western world. I loved the video on non metal weapons, the head hunters ax, and I am still obsessed with that incredible vietnamese war sword.
Would love to see an updated top 5 budget swords and maybe another "which sword should you buy" list from low to high end, I feel like there have been a lot of new entries in the market since your last videos. Always enjoy sword reviews as well, but I know those are much more time consuming. Thanks for all the content!
Heh, I've been watching your channel for around 12 years at this point, YT subscribed for over 4 and I really enjoy your rambling about martial arts in video games. A lot of new ones came up that have good and bad melee weapon animations so you could comment on that as well. Maybe do some other stuff related to gaming and/or fiction in general (there might've been videos like this made a long time ago, my memory has been getting worse lately) - a list of underappreciated weapons and/or armor in games/movies/anime/whatever. To be fair, I loved sparring videos and ones showcasing some techniques, but since you're still healing from your injury, it's not a good idea to do such stuff. Maybe, if you feel like it and want to document this, the transitioning to becoming lefthanded swordsman could be an interesting topic. I recently have made peace with the fact that I got to drop the longsword and pick up a saber since I lack a piece of bone in my left shoulder, making it very prone to dislocating. And just so you know - I witnessed your channel going through all the stages of growth and you're pretty much my favourite youtuber, the only one I decided to support. Take care there Skall!
Some things I'd like to see: -Skall wearing silly costumes as an opening into a serious discussion. -Spears. Just a bunch of different spear types and how they were used. -Are the tamahagane swords from Z-sey any good? How do they compare to a fancy Albion? -A silly bit that shows clips of you "training" with LARP in secret while at a physical rehab. facility and then, once fully recovered, using your larp weapons to break out, then do some sparring longsword against rapier. -A multi-part series on a historic battle you personally find interesting: -An intro to the series, then a basic overview of the political situation then a look around the battlefield setup and approach -Some information about the tactics and equipment on each side. -How things went down. -Speculation on how things could have gone differently if Wonderwaffle X, whatever ended up being seen as the next evolutionary step in warfare technology, had been widely available.
I love watching reviews and cutting tests (either testing the weapon or experimenting with a certain idea, like the rapier vs chainmail). Also I like your duel analysis, like the one from "The Deiluge". But in all honesty, I'd probably watch whatever you put out, doesn't matter what it is.
As a gamedev I LOVE the gamification of historical arms and armor. For example, how do we balance armor so its believable and on par with reality, but also making it a valid option to wear less of it for variety and elevating free choice in customisation? One of the few ways I could think of was to make characters more resistant like them being undead for example. Where wounds aren't as dangerous, and this armour just isn't as necessary even if it makes you superimpervious. Not losing an arm is better than losing it, but being able to reattach it after a fight makes up for it.
I enjoyed your Trip to meet Matt Easton and Tod Cutler a lot. The Colab and the different views on a centerpiece or a Group of thematic Centerpieces maybe.
I will be honest the main reason I watch your videos has been your friendly and humble vibes. Idk how that really helps determine what kind of content you should do. The only thing I can think of is maybe there is some community stuff you can do? Maybe have a community weapon design review thing? (definitely not a contest)
Personally I always like the theoretical “what would work best against a zombie” videos for example. Those videos seemed to do the best recently. You could also discuss historical battles, or specific types of warriors.
Your saber sparring videos sent me down a nerdy rabbit hole that I fear I shall never escape from due to the sheer awesomeness of the videos! Your video talking about the deluge movie introduced me to a love of polish saber and got me to buy my own sword (an arming sword) whatever you come up with will be awesome but I particularly like breaking down movie fights ( the more historically accurate the better in my opinion) and sparring videos! Thanks for years of amazing content!
I enjoy seeing beautiful swords, both historical and modern, along with insights into their history, making and usage. It would be great to learn more about what we know of their techniques and applications. Demonstrations of basic techniques would also be fascinating, perhaps even with a sparring partner, if that's feasible (and not damaging to the weapon).
I think collabs would be kinda cool. I do enjoy the historical side of things but that can run out of topics. What if you do a bit of a series on how you learn to fence left handed?
What the algorithm seems to want is daily, low-effort uploads. I don't care for those myself, but a number of channels in our circle have switched to that recently and seen their revenue stabilize. It sucks, but that's TH-cam for you.
@@jennoscura2381I agree, I think that might be the best way. Both Shad & Metatron have been doing that and I didn't know about Shad, but combined with daily uploads it serves to have helped Raff. All in all, it's probably going to require a bit of researching and a bit of restructuring to figure out how to work the algorithm. It seems that TH-cam is always tinkering with the way the algorithm works and what kind of videos it recommends. One thing that might help is to do shorts, not a lot of them but a handful every month to hopefully to drive more views of your long form videos.
Thats not a bad idea. A little overview of the most popular weapons and a bit of knowledge how or when they are used. Could start even earlier, i know you dud a video about the atlatl once. (Hope thats how its spelled, i mean the spear throwing stick.)
I must say, you were one of the people that really got me into HEMA & historical weaponry in general, all the way back when I was in my early teens and vaguely interested in history and fantasy. It's been over a decade now and as I've grown, my interests in this field have become more 'sophisticated‘ - Having started doing living history myself long ago, also thanks to your influence, I now really enjoy watching Matt Easton's videos on stuff like 'how shields work with 15th-century plate armor‘, Tod's videos on Crossbows vs helmets and Knyght Errant's age-old videos on Bascinets and sallets. You've always been the more practical type, doing experiments instead of just doing abstract theorising (which I love about your videos, you're a great entertainer, even compared to the other amazing creators I just mentioned). I guess my point is that at some point I just felt like I knew enough about some of the more rudimentary topics (such as 'this fantasy weapon is not very practical') that I didn’t really bother watching them anymore, despite loving the way you present things. On the other hand, I still really appreciate some older videos of yours, such as where you tested shields and helmets, as they still give amazing scientific insight to this day. This practical stuff is of course more expensive resource-, and time-wise, but that's something I always thought you were an absolute master at, both providing entertainment-, and educational value. At the same time, you provide practical insight to many of us with a limited budget, who could never afford to conduct tests like that themselves. I'm thinking weapon durability tests- what damage is actually done by edge-on-edge parrying; or what actual damage could parrying with a steel buckler or buckle of a shield do to a weapon; all the way to some more armor or practicality tests (really, Matt's talk about how shields and plate arm armour don’t work together too well really sparked my thought on both reenactment and fantasy movies and I immediately thought of you doing some practicality tests). Also, many of your testing-videos were made surprisingly long ago, so maybe some updated versions could pay off. I appreciate this is my very niche-opinion as a long time viewer and probably won't reflect the perspective of the newer audience, but there you go, for what it's worth. Anyway, hope that helps.
The stuff I like from your Channel: - Weapon testing - Discussion about history and hypothetical scenarios - Reaction about other creators takes on medieval stuff (fails or Wins) Stuff like that.
I like watching your fantasy review content, reviewing weapons from games, or if something is realistic, and I also like watching your HEMA content. Those two things brought me to your channel and made me subscribe.
Sorry to hear it Skallagrim, a lot of old channels I follow seems to have this issue (LifeOfBoris looks equally egregious). I think the loyal fans are always here but the casuals were swept away by the cursed algorithm.
Been here for 10 years, now, and every time there's a video on unique historical weapons (whenever youtube decides to remember im subscribed w the bell rung), i click and watch no matter where i am. You've been one of my top youtubers since i was a kid, i love the content you bring. If you're looking for future steps, one possible approach is exploring lesser-known armed martial arts and weapons across the world. I feel like there's a shifting in the proverbial sands in armed combat youtube, its been stirring for a bit, and i feel like all we need is for channels to start finding all of these different arts and showcasing them
I found your channel all these years ago on stuff like: Half-Swording (how it works, and is realistic), More realistic version of Skyrim's swords, and then later on teaching how to swing swords with proper form, or how to test cut. I also really appreciated you for teaching me about "Battle Ready" weapons, and recommended on price points for weapons.
Hey Skall, some ideas that probably already crossed your mind: 1. Weapon tier lists -For duel -For battlefield -For everyday carry(civillian self deffence) -Most versatile tools that can work as improvised weapon 2. Arms and armor in each century. How it upgraded over time. 3. Most wierd weapons braked down to each century and/or countries. 4. Traditional weapons over the world. 5. Videos about battlefield tactics,like roman shield turtle, russian moving fortresses or how horses were used.( I just can imagine how horses were practical, big target for bow and arrow or one smack on its legs and it will fall over, I know they were effective but just can’t imagine it how.) 6. Different weapon martial arts, how similar they are and what is the main differences in them -rapier styles, -saber styles, -Asian styles -long sword styles etc… 7. Try to make colabs with near by museums, show us the interesting pieces there. 8. Litle bit of game play video with a brake down in the end, how good the armor and weapons represent the reality. (like in mordhau, Chivarrly2, Kingdom come deliverance etc.)
Good ideas. But its not *that* easy to break the leg of a horse. If the horse is healthy their leg bones are thicker than our leg bones, and even those are not easy to break.
@@maxmisterman785 The bone might not break, but a solid blow to the legs with most hand weapons _would_ be likely to make a horse fall. However, like the other issues raised by the OP, that's really only important in situations that are more Hollywood than historical. Horses are indeed worthless when run face-first into waiting infantry with no armor and no way to disengage, which is why most _real_ cavalry either avoided frontal charges and muddled melees like the plague, or rode horses with protected with a spectacular amount of armor. In general, light cavalry was used as flankers, harassers, and pursuers (ie, to hunt down fleeing combatants), and heavy cavalry was used to exploit gaps and weak points in the enemy formation. Also, the reward for smacking a charging horse in the leg was likely to be half a ton of equine going airborne and "falling" into the frontline at thirty miles an hour.
One of your recent videos that I really liked, was the ones in the museum and that sword store. I really liked how you took a look at obscure bits of history, and had some fun with other people nerding about fantasy weapons.
I love the weapon testing videos, both from more normal historical weapons and the fantasy and or weird/obscure weapons. I haven't seen anything of yours recently since the algorithm hasn't shown alerts that you've released anything. I had to search your channel because I thought "I always loved watching him but he seems to not have done anything recently" and wanted to make sure. Found out the algorithm had decided that even though I have the bell turned on I apparently didn't need to see your videos :(
Its a truly tragic environment. I'm truly sorry it's such a struggle. Theres also covid view inflation that really taints the view of everything. Honestly i love your stuff, from the personal to theoretical to historical. Im absolutely terrible at coming up with creative ideas, which is why i unfortunately cannot have the creative career id love to have. But i wish you the best of luck. Much love man.
Im here originally from your time with HEMA. I loved your reviews and your demonstrations, and i especially liked seeing you in the competition videos (bagpipes be darned. XD) I asked you once before why youd stopped doing them during one of your live q&a and your answer was because it stopped performing and i fully understand that. It was a disheartening to hear because youre the reason I actually picked up and began practicing in the first place, but i was and still am understanding of the reason. With that said, i still also enjoy pretty much all of the content you make blade oriented. The blackpowder&flintlock content is also enjoyable, but im more into medieval content personally.
I'm afraid I don't have a suggestion, but I do appreciate that you apply an integrity filter to your sponsorships. Too many good channels have swallowed the BetterHelp dollar, for example.
@@PoppySquidJryeah i can see that, but to be honest my approach now is simply to say: if its a YT sponsor then thats a redflag, espezially if there are nowhere else adds for it, or there are suddenly many sponsorships for a "new" thing. Cause that would mean they are trying to grow fast, and not trough word of mouth. (Also i thought BetterHelp sounded sus from the beginning, but im often saying that. (Also often right, but might also damn a few good ones on the way.))
*nowhere else apart from the internet i should say, and im from europe and there are different rules regulating YT adds versus other places like billboards etc. in germany.
I usually binge your channel every few months, you are also one of the few channels i tell other people about, because your dedication is clearly visible. I'm mostly here for the historical stuff, and if i ever get into the physical side of HEMA it's because of you. All i need is money.. and we all know how that goes. So for me it's the historical part, including all your analysis and practical testing.
Honestly Skall, I have watched every video you have made since I subscribed (about 5 years if memory serves correctly) and when I can afford to support you on patreon I absolutely will. Until then I will watch, like and occasionally comment.
I like your weird, fancy and fantasy weapon content. Other than that I can only suggest to look at recent pop culture trends to catch extra views. For example the recent Nosferatu movie could have been an opportunity to talk about what weapons/ armor such a count would have used.
I like swords and watching swords. Pop-culture sword takes are fun ones usually. What I'd like to see more. is sword design methods. like actual measurements and design choices. the theory of weapon making, maybe discussions with Peter Johnsson?
Cool weapon tests with ballistic dummies are always interesting. Especially when you add twists to it such as armoring the dummy or testing fantasy video game/tv show logic in a real-world setting.
The OG! Thank you for posting the question in the beginning of the video. I’ll watch the whole thing through to secure that sweet watch time. I’ve a question that might make for a fun series to make and watch, and it begs the all-popular question: What would an adventurer wear in medieval times, say if they were strong enough to handle those mundane tasks and COULD raid a small camp of bandits? Perhaps test some camping/adventuring gear yourself to see if you believe your hypothesis before and after testing. Then what about for forest adventures? Desert? Ocean beach? Thoughts? Thanks!
You should do a collab with Ironmouse You can teach her the ways of the sword, and you get yourself out there too other V tuber will follow react and more eyes on you.
I've started watching your videos again recently (I come and go when it comes to your channel, been the case for a few years), and what I've been most interested in were the videos analysing designs, techniques, and the physics of weapons. For example, I've *really* enjoyed the crossguard video, I've learned a lot about their uses and different kinds, and I quite love that! I'd be interested in something similar about polearms, be it a singular polearm and how it's good or bad for certain uses, or how certain polearm components work. The video with your new custom sword (a junction of a Messer and a kopeth I think?) was also very nice when it came to explaining how the edge profile makes a difference. The extending rapier was good, the one about one handed sword design too... But then again, this is just what *I* prefer. So basically, I'd like more design analysis, the physics that influence them, and more learning about interesting aspects of weapon components (guards, blade profile, types of handles and pommels...). Also not a native speaker, apologies if there are any typos
I think the video about what weapons fantasy creatures would use, that was really interesting (teh dwarves video). Maybe you can do that with other races and even monsters. It would interest both medieval weapons and armors enthusiast and fantasy fans. edit: typo
Honestly, what really drew me to the channel initially and what I am still interested in is your "advice" for current collectors/enthusiasts at different experience/price levels. Just looking back over your videos recently, the ones that I had actually clicked on to watch were either testing videos or sword reviews. There's something extremely valuable in being able to hear you bring your experience to the table and talk about a new sword or the quality of a reproduction. I haven't even bought my first sword yet, but I know that I (and many others) almost live vicariously through constantly trying to get ideas about what I *might* someday buy, based on your reviews and advice. Also, please -- by all means encourage Patreon signups as a way to fund sword purchases for reviews! Good luck out there!
A lot of creators are experiencing this "problem". Some try to adapt and seriously think about how they could do better, while "some" just curse the algorithm and cry how they're being censored because they're conservatives and Christians and what not. Needless to say, I appreciate your approach much more. I'd say my favorite videos have been the armor tests and crossbow videos.
yes i really appreciate how this wasn't a video complaining about "the algorithm". it feels like certain creators make a video crying about it every 6 weeks.
Your recent video philosophing and chilling with your pipe like Bilbo Baggins was very soothing to listen to. I enjoy listening your mind go wandering.
Using a sword left handed may help with hema/fencing as lefties are so rare. I love your channel. I like the theatrical stuff like what weapons suit what race.
I like the reviews of martial arts YTers and their take on how weapons would be used. (1) Historically innacurate or fictional weapons and how they whould be used. (2) Maybe try some collabs. I'd love it if you partnered with some wushu swordsman and raved about chinese martial arts if you could (3) Been a subscriber since your Sora's keyblade review in 2015. That's 10 years of Hema content unbroken for nostolgia purposes. Thanks for the good work keep on keeping on.
I have always enjoyed your sword reviews, weapon tests, and when you and your friend (name escapes me) get out in the yard and whack at each other with swords. Probably not the most helpful thing to hear but that's what i like personally!
Maybe collabs could be a boon. I think specifically collabs with creators who might not be completely in your wheelhouse of medieval arms and history (though who could be a perfect place to teach an audience about!) I know with how the algorithm is and there are so many sides of TH-cam that are essentially silo'd off from one another - I've had friends mention channels with millions of subs I've never heard of for instance. Collabs could be a useful way of connecting with a completely different audience that might not have had a chance to be exposed to you and also boost presence on those algorithms as well!
Knowing that reality doesn't solve the problem unless you use it to bend the algorithm in your favor. He's got to make content the algorithm thinks will trend.
That's a you problem. Click bell > filled bell (show all) > bookmark the My Subscriptions page and then use it! You don't see everything because you choose to not use the site properly.
I'd love to see more detailed stuff on historical fencing masters! I bet there's a lot of stuff on Fiore, Lichtenauer, Carranza, Pacheco, Thibault that hasn't been tackled yet
My opinion will be probably useless to you, but I'm pretty much here for you 🤷 I enjoy hearing someone talk about the interests that they are passionate about, so if its cutting tests, breakdowns of tv/miovies or museum tours al be here 🤷 that being said I did really enjoy the latest tour of the Wallace collection or when you were hanging out with the lassy in her sword store talking about designs (sorry i cant remember her name), but yeah 🤷👍
My favorite video of yours was the one where you re-evaluated your thoughts on the kusarigama. You were very honest in that one, and it gave me an appreciation for an otherwise kinda silly weapon without overhyping it. I wouldn't mind a few more of those, especially if you can get ahold of a weapon of that type and test out your thoughts on their use!
I really enjoy all your various approaches to new formats. The Hallowe'en Special was great, your trip to the UK yielded some really awesome material with Tod and Matt. Maybe more TH-cam collaborations? That could be good. In general, I would like more "authentic" and fewer fantasy videos. The Middle Ages, fencing, sword reviews, fencing tips. I hope you will get well soon.
One thing that is obvious to me is how relentless the algorithm has become. I sometimes dont even get notifications for when a skalla video drops (aswel as other many historical yt'ers). I sometimes think "hey skalla hassent uploaded in a while" only to then realize in 2 weeks he dropped 4 videos but YT did not posted them in my feed. In theory thats good for me because i can binge the whole thing. In practice its bad for Skalla because he relies on the early views as much as possible to see his content pushed up. But if YT doesnt even dump it on my or others homepage feeds and YT fails from time to time to even get me a notification.....
My assumption is that you're leaning too much into the niche. I mean, take the examples you gave. The title "How to Get Into Practicing Historical Martial Arts" is more immediately appealing to someone who knows nothing about HEMA than the title "The Best Swords for Beginners: Cheap / Easy / Safe / Effective." The former feels like an introduction, a gateway, whereas the latter, though tailored to "beginners," appeals to people who actually commit to buying a sword. Do you get what I mean? The first title's commitment is just "ooh, this looks interesting," whereas the second is "I want to buy a sword, what should I get?" which is way more "in it" than a passing interest. So, no, your content probably isn't getting worse, you're just pushing more into your niche. If that's what interests you, and interest takes priority, you're doing great. But, if you want to be more practical, maybe you should try to make it seem like your videos could and *should* be watched by anyone. Or maybe the healthy option is to do a bit of both. I don't know.
I have enjoyed your videos since the start, thank you. I think you have improved every single aspect, over time! I particularly like your cadense and topics the last year, it sounds more relaxed and real. Youtbe viewers grow up, get less time to watch and 16 years ago, the landscape was different fewer people in your segment: many more options now. I would love to watch rehashes of your own earliest videos, idk what the narrative would be, reevaluating ideas? Meta comments on your own work, new angles on old ideas? I also enjoyed Hellish quart, would love to see some kind of series/gaming while musing, there. All the best!
my favorit videos are those that where you actully try the gear out and test them. like your rattan shield test, Fantasy Mail Coifs are Stupid, and This is Why... video. i would like to see more test
I said this on one of your streams once. I'm pretty sure the TH-cam algorithm has a kind of "inertia." That is, if one video does badly, then the algorithm will act against subsequent videos.
Absolutely. That's exactly why I have to worry so much about the performance of individual videos. Wish I could just experiment and move on if an idea doesn't work out, without dragging future uploads down.
Honestly love seeing practical tests the most. I know the materials don’t come cheap but videos like the igorot head hunting axe vs ballistic gel dummy is one of my favs.
Hey Skal - I got into your videos a long time ago because of your EDC videos. It would be nice to see more of those comparison videos of consumer friendly blades, there's so many out there now that an expert eye and hardcore testing is invaluable. Love you lots 🖤
I'm shocked more people aren't saying this before all else: GET HEALTHIER FIRST! I may be a newer viewer, but come on guys... If he's anything like most of us, he's NOT prioritizing recuperation and may need more support from US to tell him just how important it is! If his aches and pains are lessened then wouldn't he be capable of making better content? I'm right there with ya; my anxiety/depression finally bodied me and my physical health went with it, injuries that used to be easier to manage, when I was healthier, hit harder and last even longer, exacerbating the entire process. What he needs to do is prioritize himself and get his sports injuries taken care of properly; the content will make itself when he's more mentally and physically fit to do so. Also, the first step: getting your sleep checked out while you're at it, has been life-changing for everyone who looks into it, including myself; how does anyone expect to heal when you can't get a proper night's rest? And while you're at it use it for content, your journey to getting back into 'fighting shape' again; hell, hook up with a physical/sports med trainer to make the content, proper techniques to avoid injury, giving back to the community and hopefully influencing your audience to do similarly. Either way, take care of yourself and I'll be happy.
The problem is that he needs a stable income as well. Which likely relies on making videos. He didn't ask for health advice and even said do what makes him happy is unhelpful so I believe saying get healthy is also unhelpful. But I appreciate the sentiment.
I think you simply hit a natural barrier. It's not you or your content, it's simply the community... I remember I subscribed to you back in like 2011 or 2012 when the community was growing. There was a growing segment of people interested in a niche subject matter that gradually become more and more popular but never truly blew up. Most of those people who were there originally grew with the channel and the content. Life simply got in the way for most of them... My case at least. I didn't have that much time to devote to watching youtube, or I would be very selective with what I watched. Nowadays basically I only have time to watch 1 or two videos when I get lunch or dinner and to put on something soothing when I fall asleep... And youtube itself has changed drastically, couple that with the newer generation's attention span of 10 seconds, it's hard to build a larger community in a "nerdy boomer" niche like this.
@@jankarieben1071 I never said he is a boomer lol... I said the niche is "nerdy boomer" which is associable with Nerds who have more of a boomer mentality, not necessarily that they are in their 60's
I’ve been watching your channel since you worked at that sword shop before you moved to Canada and if I had to think of what the problem is, I think it’s one of attention span. Shad and Metatron seem to be running up against the same problem. As for what I would like to see, I always liked the sword beat downs you used to do. Also, I really think you should take sponsorships. It wasn’t socially acceptable back in the day but now it’s just the norm and if it allows you to do your job better, I don’t think any of us would blame you.
I've always enjoyed the videos that put a lot of focus on the history and functionality of weapons, specifically as it pertains to something like worldbuilding. There are a lot of people out there like myself who are writers or enjoyers of tabletop games that place great value on authenticity in how a world is presented. As most stories in those genres typically involve a lot of combat, details about why certain weapons came to be adopted and how the specific and sometimes seemingly counter-intuitive design choices help serve that function. Such resources are hard to come across for the average modern layman, especially with how much misinformation surrounds any historic field. A recent video of yours in this vein was the video on Crossguards on swords. As always, love your content.
Thanks for the support, folks! The more of you sign up the more I'm able to do (and the less I have to worry about how well individual videos perform).
www.patreon.com/skallagrim
th-cam.com/channels/3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA.htmljoin
Also, there are some more swords I need to sell to cover costs:
docs.google.com/document/d/13qtVMFE0YdN2r04OjiYcw_u0D5ZGTQ6mJODqcj58yFo
I like most of your content.. do what make you happy and I'll likely watch it.
I do like that there is a variety of content though - if it was nothing but say sparing that would get pretty dull pretty quick - but that you mix it up is one of the main appeals of the channel to me.
Dude, you are in a category that has bad advertising pull so TH-cam doesn't push the content and the advert money sucks.
Take sponsors
Promote your patreon
Sell merch
You are running a business and that means sales and marketing. It isn't a hobby and you need to grow to the point where you can outsource the low value tasks or you will burn out hard.
The point of the grind is to get to the goal, not to grind away your soul. - Someone famous, probably
I want SPARRRRRIIIIINNNG. Your sparring videos have always been my favorites on the TH-cam Sword community. Good cameras, different angles, music and slow motion replay make your sparring footage some of the most enjoyable videos on youtube.
I for one like your gaming videos. You bring a delightful charm and humor to it. Also in depth reviews of some of histories more "creative" weapons and tactics. Also cutting videos with your friends is always enjoyable, just... Don't ruin your elbow. One more thing! Collaborations are always a win.
@@iantheduellist I'd love to do more, although my current state of health is a hindrance. And sadly sparring videos have never done well, except odd weapons like sickles.
I like the historical stuff, covering how they were made, used and their overall desgin. Hope this helps Skallagrim!
This is what initially drew me in as well. Love cominghere to learn
Upvoted!
Something like "Tasting History with Max Miller" but for weapons
@@DanVanKampen Yeah, I often use it to better my worldbuilding and writing
I would love dissamblies and 360 degree views as well has how they were made and used. I use swordtuber videos to make 3d models.
I come here for "how would I use this weapon?" finding utility in fictional or eccentric weapons and armor.
The series in The Wallace Collection have been great!
I think in general engaging with museums and private collections can be quite cool, travel is obviously an issue but maybe you can get footage. The Royal Armories videos with Ferguson are great and I'm sure you could pull something of like that Skal but for the middle ages.
Also use your location as a way to engage with Indigenous cultures, they are brutally underapreciated.
@@tobin9575 Yeah, I'd love to see some preserved pieces being documented in video form, that otherwise probably most of us would never get to see.
Most interesting would be vendel and viking age weaponry and armor.
Although I don't know how much potential there is in Canada without traveling across any ocean.
Oddly enough those haven't done well. That's why I'm a little perplexed.
@@Skallagrim There's probably a divide in your viewers, with one group being more interested in the weapons of fantasy/fiction, and the other being more interested in real historical stuff.
My suggestion would be to try branching out a bit--maybe make some more gun videos here and there and see how people react. Personally, I'd love to see something about fighting with a sword & pistol. I _think_ that was done somewhat in history, but I'd also be interested in speculation of how it might be done using fictional or alternative weapon combinations.
+1
I think my favorite videos of yours are
1. Obscure and underrated historical weapons
2. Media reviews and fantasy weapon design/logic
3. Reviews
Absolutely. Also the "How to kill a [insert fantasy creature]". Very good.
👆
I agree with these as the videos I've most enjoyed. What I would like to see more of is you talking about the arms and armor that would be common for peasants vs nobility in various time periods.
big ups
I also loved his best weapons for (insert thing or scenario here)
Straight to the point:
1. weapon mechanics. (Sharpness, blunt damage vs a different types of armor, different types of edges on blades and how they differ, stopping power vs kill power) I know you've already done much of this, but hey, that's my answer.
I watch you almost every night Skal. I love history, and the nuances of the weapons used in history always intrigues me.
Some of my favorite most recent videos for example are the cross guard and curved blade analysis videos
One of my favorite videos of yours in the last year or so was the smallsword video. Good combination of historical context and witty commentary that grabs attention with a clever title and subject. More like that. History, tactics, use, and context.
I would love to see more tests on obscure weapons from history; any of your videos featuring weird or rare historical weapons always fascinate me. I like the inclusion of the history side of things alongside the actual demonstrations.
I second this idea. Obscure, outside-the-box weaponry is interesting!
Yes! Also tests on weapons from fantasy like the batleth.
thats just even more money tho
I was slightly afraid of typing this out myself, since I know it's really difficult to do that sort of content for various reasons. Though, I would absolutely love to see it.
@@BalefulRavenwith me kicking around we can definitely do a Matt Easton / Tod collaboration style of weapon tests.
I like the old school sword reviews, your discussions on the practicality of fantasy swords and the tests against armor and such. I think the algorithm has become a monster for many channels. I hope I could help and I look forward to anything you post in the future.
Upvoted
As a long time viewer of your channel I can say your videos have definitely gotten better. You've improved on a technical level quite a bit. I generally love watching reviews and comparisons more than anything. Though I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I don't think it's anything you're doing wrong or need to improve on. The algorithm gods are fickle, and their desires seem to change on a whim.
Keep the great content coming. Cheers!
Hello! Apologies for using your comment to get a bit more attention out of our favorite swordtoober.
I entirely agree that Skallagrim as a channel has drastically improved in a technical way, as well as that the algorithm can be very tricky at times.
Personally I feel like the reason why swordtoobers aren't doing as well as they used to could be chucked up to (mostly medieval, but I count more modern time periods too) fantasy fatigue. A lot of more exciting and unique elements of fantasy which got people really excited have already been analyzed. Once you're through with the "fantasy" part, you're left with the "medieval" which frankly wasn't a particularly fun time to live in, so there's not much left to analyze by itself.
I know it's more of a personal opinion thing than an objective analysis, but to a person who sadly doesn't get to actually do HEMA it feels like a lot of what could be covered without being physically involved has been covered, which means that the content creator needs to look for more and more obscure topics to cover to keep it exciting.
It's also important to point out that Skallagrim and other swordtoobers have done an excellent job on pointing out flaws in fantasy arms, armors and behaviors, which has been very educational and helpful, not to mention easily accessible on top of being actually fun to learn.
Unfortunately, a majority of potential viewers are now familiar with how this works and for them the novelty of such content has passed.
Honestly it's difficult to recommend something besides "just do what you enjoy" because of all of that, but also because I enjoy watching this channel for the creator, not really what he makes at this point.
yeah, TH-cam is like a picky woman. You never know what she'll want, because she never knows what she wants. I can see how low effort posts can be confusingly popular
@@UnsheathedSwordReviews gotta say, your reviews are also pretty great. I watch your videos and feel like I’m right there having a beer with you.
@@SwordScience Thank you! Hanging out with your friends, having a beer, and talking swords is exactly what we're going for. Glad you're enjoying our videos. Cheers! 🍻
I'm a writer. I first found your channel when looking for info on sword fighting. I strive for authenticity even in fantasy. Your videos really helped and I plan to continue to watch even as I shift to more bronze age settings.
Your criticisms of fantasy weapons are always fun, but I also enjoy your historical walkthroughs of treatises and sparring. Weapon diagnosis is fun, too. Understanding how weapons are made and their various parts and features is important to understanding how to use them.
I like the videos that covered the history of weapons, weapon tests, and sparing. Sparing was always my favorite.
Same. Tests and sparring. I enjoy seeing different techniques used with different weapons.
You like it when he spares his opponent? He doesn't fight to the death! I suspect you meant sparring.
Probably in the minority, but I love the videos where you apply your HEMA background to other arts in other cultures. For example, the samurai with a longsword video / ask Seki Sensei. Collaborations / commentary like that is really interesting.
Personally.
I want more sword reviews and theoreticals. I know you can't always go out and cut, and you can't get new swords too often, but I really loved those.
The theoretical questions "what would works best for/against a kobold" were always fun.
The videos I loved the most were HEMA sparring and technique breakdowns, but I know you don't have a club there and it's even harder now than then
For some reason those videos don't do that well anymore, and sparring / technique videos never really have.
@Skallagrim a shame.
@ Sure is.
Sword reviews of popular mid range and budget swords. I've made good purchases based on your videos, i.e. Windlass Shamshir- still love it - never would have considered purchasing it if you'd not made that review video.
@Skallagrim that's such a shame because u r the reason that I picked up meyer and actually tried to learn historical techniques. It seems most people have stopped doing indepth tutorials on TH-cam. Blood and iron and a few other comes to mind. I wish hema is closer to other martial arts on here w in depth breakdowns of techniques. Or even sparring reviews.
I don't know if my metric will help you much because I watch every video you post. However if I gotta talk about why I subbed and which videos I tend to enjoy most are:
-Dispeling misinformation and myths
-Analysing and redesigning fantasy
-Showcasing oddities and interesting weapons/armors not so mainstream
Some of my favourite videos of yours are the ones Dispeling some viking myths and inaccurate things, discussing how practical Lord of the Rings weapons are, redesigning Skyrim stuff, and showcasing weird stuff like gunblades, lantern shields, weird helmets, and some traditional tribal weapons around the world and stuff, interesting maces, mahuacitl, shark "blades" and stuff.
I always love the videos that help me be a better artist. Eg. Reviewing strange historical armors, discussions on why certain poses and guards are good in certain situations, critiquing fantasy media and tropes
The kinds of videos I like the most are reviews on pop culture swords and the practicality of them, and how they could be redesigned to be more practical. :)
Some of the earliest videos of yours I watched were reviewing Skyrim and other fantasy weapons with regards to practicality/historical accuracy. You haven't done very of that sort of thing recently, but there's plenty of silly weapons to take the micky out of still, and so i would enjoy more of them.
I also miss the group cutting videos too, where your local hema group would gather with some blades to keep the local plastic water bottle population under control. But circumstances and location have changed, so let's not worry about that one too much.
Glad you're still here and still doing what you love.
Hey Skall, i think your videos are great but seems like Algorythm REALLY switched and they promote brand new channels that upload short videos all the time and give them insane amount of views and subscribers, i have seen this trend multiple times in my niche and some channels got to 1mil sub like almost in 1 year (crazy) but when they upload normal video it gets like few thousands of views....i have same problem on my channel - No matter what i upload as a full video it almost dont get even to my subscribers feed but short videos can make millions that i can make literally in few seconds....it makes no sense and it feels like they forgot about OG creators and how this platform was build....either way there is always some ways for improvement so i am sure you will get trough this with your awesome and loyal fanbase :)) All the best in 2025 my friend
A.C.
Don't know all the particulars but don't videos have to be a certain length for the creator to get money from ads? They are probably pushing shorter videos so that YT gets the ad revenue from the ads shown before and after the video but then don't have to share the money with the creator. I might not be totally correct but I guarantee that it's about the money, it;s always about the money.
@@robo5013 Not anymore, people wouldn't bother making shorts professionally if TH-cam didn't pay them for it. You're right that it's all about the money, but they get their money from people mindlessly scrolling through shorts, this isn't an elaborate scheme to trick people into making content for free.
Cool, one of my top favorite youtubers commenting on the channel of another top favorite... 😊... Keep up the good work, both Skal and Adam! (Off topic, but Adam: Your Top Dog and Vengeance are still and have been for a long time now my top favorites when it comes to throwing knives...)
Yep!!!!-
I hardly get Skall’s stuff recommended. It’s a bummer
@ I didn't suggest that is was a conspiracy to get people to make content for free, I said that the longer videos get more ads run in the middle of them which they get a percent of the revenue from. They are also still getting money for the viewing time, with or without ads. The companies that pay YT to have ads run are paying for a certain number of them per month. If YT can get creators to make shorter videos then they get all the ad revenue and don't have to share any of that if the there are fewer ads run during the middle of longer videos, letting them keep a larger share of the ad revenue for themselves. Only videos of a certain length have ads run during the middle of them, so encouraging shorter videos will allow YT to make more money from advertisers. The creators will still get paid per minute their videos are viewed.
Honestly another thing I really enjoy about your content is well, you. You have a nice vibe about you, and I enjoy how passionately you talk about things.
I'm a big fan of the historical background of the weapons and the unusual weapons.
Personaly i really loved the "what weapons and armor make sense for x fantasy race" videos, aswell as the ones exploring applications of more unorthodox weapon concepts (wrist blades, sickle sparring etc, tho i dont expect you to worsen your injuries by forcing cut tests and sparring, thatd be nuts).
Besides that i'll admit, you usaly manage to make any video you make at least interesting to watch, your editing got better thats true, but overall, its just fun to hearin you share your passions mate, even if TH-cam likes to mess up the numbers.
Wishin you the best in 2025, your work Is always a nice surprise that makes a day more fun
My absolute favorite videos are deep dives into specific historical weapons and sparrinng videos covering specific situations, one weapon vs another weapon :>
Hi, Skal! I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. I can relate to that. Honestly, you're one of my very favorite swords youtuber. You're chill, objective, charismatic and true to yourself. It would be a true shame if we lost your content. I wish I could help you more directly, but, if it is of any use, my favorite videos are when you analyze curious historical weapons, and, obviously, sparring. Just as an idea, maybe you could start a series where you train with your left hand and try to get really good with it. Anyways, keep it up! We love you.
What could be very interesting would be collabs with other creators, RL meetups are expensive and inconvinient but maybe remote stuff like Jonathan Ferguson with Gamespot
I really enjoy when you cover weapons and armor from cultures that are less well known in the western world. I loved the video on non metal weapons, the head hunters ax, and I am still obsessed with that incredible vietnamese war sword.
Would love to see an updated top 5 budget swords and maybe another "which sword should you buy" list from low to high end, I feel like there have been a lot of new entries in the market since your last videos. Always enjoy sword reviews as well, but I know those are much more time consuming. Thanks for all the content!
Yes! I want budget sword videos.
Heh, I've been watching your channel for around 12 years at this point, YT subscribed for over 4 and I really enjoy your rambling about martial arts in video games. A lot of new ones came up that have good and bad melee weapon animations so you could comment on that as well.
Maybe do some other stuff related to gaming and/or fiction in general (there might've been videos like this made a long time ago, my memory has been getting worse lately) - a list of underappreciated weapons and/or armor in games/movies/anime/whatever.
To be fair, I loved sparring videos and ones showcasing some techniques, but since you're still healing from your injury, it's not a good idea to do such stuff.
Maybe, if you feel like it and want to document this, the transitioning to becoming lefthanded swordsman could be an interesting topic.
I recently have made peace with the fact that I got to drop the longsword and pick up a saber since I lack a piece of bone in my left shoulder, making it very prone to dislocating.
And just so you know - I witnessed your channel going through all the stages of growth and you're pretty much my favourite youtuber, the only one I decided to support. Take care there Skall!
Some things I'd like to see:
-Skall wearing silly costumes as an opening into a serious discussion.
-Spears. Just a bunch of different spear types and how they were used.
-Are the tamahagane swords from Z-sey any good? How do they compare to a fancy Albion?
-A silly bit that shows clips of you "training" with LARP in secret while at a physical rehab. facility and then, once fully recovered, using your larp weapons to break out, then do some sparring longsword against rapier.
-A multi-part series on a historic battle you personally find interesting:
-An intro to the series, then a basic overview of the political situation then a look around the battlefield setup and approach
-Some information about the tactics and equipment on each side.
-How things went down.
-Speculation on how things could have gone differently if Wonderwaffle X, whatever ended up being seen as the next evolutionary step in warfare technology, had been widely available.
Oh yeah, and if you want more views, never underestimate the power of a dirndl.
I love watching reviews and cutting tests (either testing the weapon or experimenting with a certain idea, like the rapier vs chainmail). Also I like your duel analysis, like the one from "The Deiluge". But in all honesty, I'd probably watch whatever you put out, doesn't matter what it is.
As a gamedev I LOVE the gamification of historical arms and armor.
For example, how do we balance armor so its believable and on par with reality, but also making it a valid option to wear less of it for variety and elevating free choice in customisation?
One of the few ways I could think of was to make characters more resistant like them being undead for example. Where wounds aren't as dangerous, and this armour just isn't as necessary even if it makes you superimpervious.
Not losing an arm is better than losing it, but being able to reattach it after a fight makes up for it.
I like that.
I enjoyed your Trip to meet Matt Easton and Tod Cutler a lot. The Colab and the different views on a centerpiece or a Group of thematic Centerpieces maybe.
I will be honest the main reason I watch your videos has been your friendly and humble vibes. Idk how that really helps determine what kind of content you should do. The only thing I can think of is maybe there is some community stuff you can do? Maybe have a community weapon design review thing? (definitely not a contest)
Personally I always like the theoretical “what would work best against a zombie” videos for example. Those videos seemed to do the best recently. You could also discuss historical battles, or specific types of warriors.
Your saber sparring videos sent me down a nerdy rabbit hole that I fear I shall never escape from due to the sheer awesomeness of the videos! Your video talking about the deluge movie introduced me to a love of polish saber and got me to buy my own sword (an arming sword) whatever you come up with will be awesome but I particularly like breaking down movie fights ( the more historically accurate the better in my opinion) and sparring videos! Thanks for years of amazing content!
I really enjoy the movie fight breakdowns.
I enjoy seeing beautiful swords, both historical and modern, along with insights into their history, making and usage. It would be great to learn more about what we know of their techniques and applications. Demonstrations of basic techniques would also be fascinating, perhaps even with a sparring partner, if that's feasible (and not damaging to the weapon).
I think collabs would be kinda cool.
I do enjoy the historical side of things but that can run out of topics.
What if you do a bit of a series on how you learn to fence left handed?
I mean that would be working with what you have for sure. I also liked the videos where you explained firearms or media scenes pertaining to them
What the algorithm seems to want is daily, low-effort uploads. I don't care for those myself, but a number of channels in our circle have switched to that recently and seen their revenue stabilize. It sucks, but that's TH-cam for you.
Maybe have a combination of low effort videos and more in depth videos.
Facts !!!
@@jennoscura2381I agree, I think that might be the best way. Both Shad & Metatron have been doing that and I didn't know about Shad, but combined with daily uploads it serves to have helped Raff.
All in all, it's probably going to require a bit of researching and a bit of restructuring to figure out how to work the algorithm. It seems that TH-cam is always tinkering with the way the algorithm works and what kind of videos it recommends. One thing that might help is to do shorts, not a lot of them but a handful every month to hopefully to drive more views of your long form videos.
Yeah, many low-effort videos seem to work better, especially shorts. Which is not my style at all.
TH-cam's probably trying to get more people from TikTok over to TH-cam.
I would like a century by century discussion of the weapons and reviews. Starting with 1st century.
Maybe a month of Vikings, Romans, fantasy etc .
Thats not a bad idea. A little overview of the most popular weapons and a bit of knowledge how or when they are used. Could start even earlier, i know you dud a video about the atlatl once. (Hope thats how its spelled, i mean the spear throwing stick.)
@maxmisterman785 Love the atlatl. So simple but effective.
I must say, you were one of the people that really got me into HEMA & historical weaponry in general, all the way back when I was in my early teens and vaguely interested in history and fantasy. It's been over a decade now and as I've grown, my interests in this field have become more 'sophisticated‘ - Having started doing living history myself long ago, also thanks to your influence, I now really enjoy watching Matt Easton's videos on stuff like 'how shields work with 15th-century plate armor‘, Tod's videos on Crossbows vs helmets and Knyght Errant's age-old videos on Bascinets and sallets. You've always been the more practical type, doing experiments instead of just doing abstract theorising (which I love about your videos, you're a great entertainer, even compared to the other amazing creators I just mentioned).
I guess my point is that at some point I just felt like I knew enough about some of the more rudimentary topics (such as 'this fantasy weapon is not very practical') that I didn’t really bother watching them anymore, despite loving the way you present things. On the other hand, I still really appreciate some older videos of yours, such as where you tested shields and helmets, as they still give amazing scientific insight to this day.
This practical stuff is of course more expensive resource-, and time-wise, but that's something I always thought you were an absolute master at, both providing entertainment-, and educational value. At the same time, you provide practical insight to many of us with a limited budget, who could never afford to conduct tests like that themselves. I'm thinking weapon durability tests- what damage is actually done by edge-on-edge parrying; or what actual damage could parrying with a steel buckler or buckle of a shield do to a weapon; all the way to some more armor or practicality tests (really, Matt's talk about how shields and plate arm armour don’t work together too well really sparked my thought on both reenactment and fantasy movies and I immediately thought of you doing some practicality tests). Also, many of your testing-videos were made surprisingly long ago, so maybe some updated versions could pay off.
I appreciate this is my very niche-opinion as a long time viewer and probably won't reflect the perspective of the newer audience, but there you go, for what it's worth.
Anyway, hope that helps.
I like test cutting, historical analysis, historical techniques, Sparring, movie analysis, live gameplays Q&A... Hope that helps, Skall. Cheers.
The stuff I like from your Channel:
- Weapon testing
- Discussion about history and hypothetical scenarios
- Reaction about other creators takes on medieval stuff (fails or Wins)
Stuff like that.
I like watching your fantasy review content, reviewing weapons from games, or if something is realistic, and I also like watching your HEMA content. Those two things brought me to your channel and made me subscribe.
Sorry to hear it Skallagrim, a lot of old channels I follow seems to have this issue (LifeOfBoris looks equally egregious). I think the loyal fans are always here but the casuals were swept away by the cursed algorithm.
Life of Boris is no surprise. He lost almost all of his russian viewers in 1 Video. Me included.
@@Vladd0r doesnt help that he quit at one point too
@@Vladd0r out of sheer curiosity - what was that one video?
@@wojciechskoczek3622 Couldn't find it. The one where he condemned Russia.
@@Vladd0r Oh, so he tuned out to be a reasonable being. No wonder russians rejected him
Been here for 10 years, now, and every time there's a video on unique historical weapons (whenever youtube decides to remember im subscribed w the bell rung), i click and watch no matter where i am. You've been one of my top youtubers since i was a kid, i love the content you bring.
If you're looking for future steps, one possible approach is exploring lesser-known armed martial arts and weapons across the world. I feel like there's a shifting in the proverbial sands in armed combat youtube, its been stirring for a bit, and i feel like all we need is for channels to start finding all of these different arts and showcasing them
I found your channel all these years ago on stuff like: Half-Swording (how it works, and is realistic), More realistic version of Skyrim's swords, and then later on teaching how to swing swords with proper form, or how to test cut. I also really appreciated you for teaching me about "Battle Ready" weapons, and recommended on price points for weapons.
Hey Skall, some ideas that probably already crossed your mind:
1. Weapon tier lists
-For duel
-For battlefield
-For everyday carry(civillian self deffence)
-Most versatile tools that can work as improvised weapon
2. Arms and armor in each century. How it upgraded over time.
3. Most wierd weapons braked down to each century and/or countries.
4. Traditional weapons over the world.
5. Videos about battlefield tactics,like roman shield turtle, russian moving fortresses or how horses were used.( I just can imagine how horses were practical, big target for bow and arrow or one smack on its legs and it will fall over, I know they were effective but just can’t imagine it how.)
6. Different weapon martial arts, how similar they are and what is the main differences in them
-rapier styles,
-saber styles,
-Asian styles
-long sword styles etc…
7. Try to make colabs with near by museums, show us the interesting pieces there.
8. Litle bit of game play video with a brake down in the end, how good the armor and weapons represent the reality. (like in mordhau, Chivarrly2, Kingdom come deliverance etc.)
Good ideas. But its not *that* easy to break the leg of a horse. If the horse is healthy their leg bones are thicker than our leg bones, and even those are not easy to break.
@@maxmisterman785 The bone might not break, but a solid blow to the legs with most hand weapons _would_ be likely to make a horse fall.
However, like the other issues raised by the OP, that's really only important in situations that are more Hollywood than historical. Horses are indeed worthless when run face-first into waiting infantry with no armor and no way to disengage, which is why most _real_ cavalry either avoided frontal charges and muddled melees like the plague, or rode horses with protected with a spectacular amount of armor. In general, light cavalry was used as flankers, harassers, and pursuers (ie, to hunt down fleeing combatants), and heavy cavalry was used to exploit gaps and weak points in the enemy formation.
Also, the reward for smacking a charging horse in the leg was likely to be half a ton of equine going airborne and "falling" into the frontline at thirty miles an hour.
One of your recent videos that I really liked, was the ones in the museum and that sword store. I really liked how you took a look at obscure bits of history, and had some fun with other people nerding about fantasy weapons.
I love the weapon testing videos, both from more normal historical weapons and the fantasy and or weird/obscure weapons. I haven't seen anything of yours recently since the algorithm hasn't shown alerts that you've released anything. I had to search your channel because I thought "I always loved watching him but he seems to not have done anything recently" and wanted to make sure. Found out the algorithm had decided that even though I have the bell turned on I apparently didn't need to see your videos :(
Skal has gotten better and better and TH-cam had gotten worse and worse. This isn't the platform it used to be unfortunately.
Its a truly tragic environment. I'm truly sorry it's such a struggle. Theres also covid view inflation that really taints the view of everything. Honestly i love your stuff, from the personal to theoretical to historical. Im absolutely terrible at coming up with creative ideas, which is why i unfortunately cannot have the creative career id love to have. But i wish you the best of luck. Much love man.
Im here originally from your time with HEMA. I loved your reviews and your demonstrations, and i especially liked seeing you in the competition videos (bagpipes be darned. XD) I asked you once before why youd stopped doing them during one of your live q&a and your answer was because it stopped performing and i fully understand that. It was a disheartening to hear because youre the reason I actually picked up and began practicing in the first place, but i was and still am understanding of the reason.
With that said, i still also enjoy pretty much all of the content you make blade oriented. The blackpowder&flintlock content is also enjoyable, but im more into medieval content personally.
I'm afraid I don't have a suggestion, but I do appreciate that you apply an integrity filter to your sponsorships. Too many good channels have swallowed the BetterHelp dollar, for example.
It's hard to blame the ones who promoted it early. I can easily see someone thinking it's a good idea/good thing before the news broke out about it.
@@PoppySquidJryeah i can see that, but to be honest my approach now is simply to say: if its a YT sponsor then thats a redflag, espezially if there are nowhere else adds for it, or there are suddenly many sponsorships for a "new" thing. Cause that would mean they are trying to grow fast, and not trough word of mouth.
(Also i thought BetterHelp sounded sus from the beginning, but im often saying that. (Also often right, but might also damn a few good ones on the way.))
*nowhere else apart from the internet i should say, and im from europe and there are different rules regulating YT adds versus other places like billboards etc. in germany.
I always like your hands on practice to weaponry and explore there function in real testing ❤
Collaborations are great. Lots of fun possibilities.
I usually binge your channel every few months, you are also one of the few channels i tell other people about, because your dedication is clearly visible. I'm mostly here for the historical stuff, and if i ever get into the physical side of HEMA it's because of you. All i need is money.. and we all know how that goes. So for me it's the historical part, including all your analysis and practical testing.
Honestly Skall, I have watched every video you have made since I subscribed (about 5 years if memory serves correctly) and when I can afford to support you on patreon I absolutely will. Until then I will watch, like and occasionally comment.
Hey Skall, long time luker. Some of my favorite videos are your collaborations. Keep up the great work dude!!
I like your weird, fancy and fantasy weapon content. Other than that I can only suggest to look at recent pop culture trends to catch extra views. For example the recent Nosferatu movie could have been an opportunity to talk about what weapons/ armor such a count would have used.
I LISTEN to most of my videos while driving at work, so ones that still work without totally requiring you to see the visuals are nice for me.
Same here, the better video works as just audio the better.
I also listen to a lot of TH-cam, it's boring to sit in silence while delivering mail and learning about stuff helps keep me sane out there
I find any video I've seen before can be that way
I like swords and watching swords.
Pop-culture sword takes are fun ones usually.
What I'd like to see more. is sword design methods. like actual measurements and design choices.
the theory of weapon making, maybe discussions with Peter Johnsson?
Cool weapon tests with ballistic dummies are always interesting. Especially when you add twists to it such as armoring the dummy or testing fantasy video game/tv show logic in a real-world setting.
The OG! Thank you for posting the question in the beginning of the video. I’ll watch the whole thing through to secure that sweet watch time.
I’ve a question that might make for a fun series to make and watch, and it begs the all-popular question:
What would an adventurer wear in medieval times, say if they were strong enough to handle those mundane tasks and COULD raid a small camp of bandits? Perhaps test some camping/adventuring gear yourself to see if you believe your hypothesis before and after testing.
Then what about for forest adventures? Desert? Ocean beach?
Thoughts? Thanks!
What is your avatar?
@@Neioten.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-headed_eagle
@@jennoscura2381 Ahh, okay. Thank you.
Videos of tatami cutting with swords or weapons made by contemporary makers,new blacksmiths that make new designs,or your own designs.
Actually, that's a damn good concept. Don't know how feasible and practical it is, but yeah good idea.
That's where the budget is a limiting factor. I would love to that but tatami is not cheap (neither are swords of course).
You should do a collab with Ironmouse
You can teach her the ways of the sword, and you get yourself out there too other V tuber will follow react and more eyes on you.
I've started watching your videos again recently (I come and go when it comes to your channel, been the case for a few years), and what I've been most interested in were the videos analysing designs, techniques, and the physics of weapons. For example, I've *really* enjoyed the crossguard video, I've learned a lot about their uses and different kinds, and I quite love that! I'd be interested in something similar about polearms, be it a singular polearm and how it's good or bad for certain uses, or how certain polearm components work. The video with your new custom sword (a junction of a Messer and a kopeth I think?) was also very nice when it came to explaining how the edge profile makes a difference. The extending rapier was good, the one about one handed sword design too... But then again, this is just what *I* prefer. So basically, I'd like more design analysis, the physics that influence them, and more learning about interesting aspects of weapon components (guards, blade profile, types of handles and pommels...). Also not a native speaker, apologies if there are any typos
Get on more platforms, Skal!
I personally really like the obscure weapons videos
Battles! Your videos tend to center around what amounts to duels. I am interested in how these weapons were used on the battlefield.
I approve!
this would be great
I've always really enjoyed your React videos because I haven't been able to find anything else like!
I think the video about what weapons fantasy creatures would use, that was really interesting (teh dwarves video). Maybe you can do that with other races and even monsters. It would interest both medieval weapons and armors enthusiast and fantasy fans.
edit: typo
Honestly, what really drew me to the channel initially and what I am still interested in is your "advice" for current collectors/enthusiasts at different experience/price levels. Just looking back over your videos recently, the ones that I had actually clicked on to watch were either testing videos or sword reviews. There's something extremely valuable in being able to hear you bring your experience to the table and talk about a new sword or the quality of a reproduction. I haven't even bought my first sword yet, but I know that I (and many others) almost live vicariously through constantly trying to get ideas about what I *might* someday buy, based on your reviews and advice. Also, please -- by all means encourage Patreon signups as a way to fund sword purchases for reviews! Good luck out there!
I found you talking and showing how to take care of swords/weapons quite fascinating. I loved that edge grinding video.
A lot of creators are experiencing this "problem". Some try to adapt and seriously think about how they could do better, while "some" just curse the algorithm and cry how they're being censored because they're conservatives and Christians and what not. Needless to say, I appreciate your approach much more.
I'd say my favorite videos have been the armor tests and crossbow videos.
yes i really appreciate how this wasn't a video complaining about "the algorithm". it feels like certain creators make a video crying about it every 6 weeks.
Your recent video philosophing and chilling with your pipe like Bilbo Baggins was very soothing to listen to. I enjoy listening your mind go wandering.
Using a sword left handed may help with hema/fencing as lefties are so rare. I love your channel. I like the theatrical stuff like what weapons suit what race.
I like the reviews of martial arts YTers and their take on how weapons would be used. (1)
Historically innacurate or fictional weapons and how they whould be used. (2)
Maybe try some collabs. I'd love it if you partnered with some wushu swordsman and raved about chinese martial arts if you could (3)
Been a subscriber since your Sora's keyblade review in 2015. That's 10 years of Hema content unbroken for nostolgia purposes. Thanks for the good work keep on keeping on.
I have always enjoyed your sword reviews, weapon tests, and when you and your friend (name escapes me) get out in the yard and whack at each other with swords. Probably not the most helpful thing to hear but that's what i like personally!
Maybe collabs could be a boon. I think specifically collabs with creators who might not be completely in your wheelhouse of medieval arms and history (though who could be a perfect place to teach an audience about!) I know with how the algorithm is and there are so many sides of TH-cam that are essentially silo'd off from one another - I've had friends mention channels with millions of subs I've never heard of for instance. Collabs could be a useful way of connecting with a completely different audience that might not have had a chance to be exposed to you and also boost presence on those algorithms as well!
A Skallagrim & Sabaton Sword Special could be fun, but it should have beer involved even if it has to be simulated beer for safety.
Its not you. it's the algorithm you do not pop up in my feed as often as you once did
Knowing that reality doesn't solve the problem unless you use it to bend the algorithm in your favor. He's got to make content the algorithm thinks will trend.
@@Talos_The_King he needs to watch spiffing brit on how to manipulate the algo and break reality
can barely see you. Don't even know it is you from thumb. VISIBILITY
That's a you problem. Click bell > filled bell (show all) > bookmark the My Subscriptions page and then use it! You don't see everything because you choose to not use the site properly.
Channels that are good at handling algorithm are usually making something i hate. My favourite youtubers make most of their income outside of youtube
Maybe do some videos on HEMA. Maybe some videos on early firearms like the Arquebus that was paired with polearms.
I watch essentially every one of your vids.
Eventually.
When I've worked through my 3k+ watch later list and it finally appears in line.
>.
I'd love to see more detailed stuff on historical fencing masters! I bet there's a lot of stuff on Fiore, Lichtenauer, Carranza, Pacheco, Thibault that hasn't been tackled yet
I like your cutting videos. Moreso, anything that has you going to the backyard and doing stuff with swords. Be it sparring or just cutting
I would like to see more in-depth videos on forgotten weapons
My opinion will be probably useless to you, but I'm pretty much here for you 🤷 I enjoy hearing someone talk about the interests that they are passionate about, so if its cutting tests, breakdowns of tv/miovies or museum tours al be here 🤷 that being said I did really enjoy the latest tour of the Wallace collection or when you were hanging out with the lassy in her sword store talking about designs (sorry i cant remember her name), but yeah 🤷👍
My favorite video of yours was the one where you re-evaluated your thoughts on the kusarigama.
You were very honest in that one, and it gave me an appreciation for an otherwise kinda silly weapon without overhyping it.
I wouldn't mind a few more of those, especially if you can get ahold of a weapon of that type and test out your thoughts on their use!
I really enjoy all your various approaches to new formats. The Hallowe'en Special was great, your trip to the UK yielded some really awesome material with Tod and Matt. Maybe more TH-cam collaborations? That could be good. In general, I would like more "authentic" and fewer fantasy videos. The Middle Ages, fencing, sword reviews, fencing tips. I hope you will get well soon.
One thing that is obvious to me is how relentless the algorithm has become. I sometimes dont even get notifications for when a skalla video drops (aswel as other many historical yt'ers). I sometimes think "hey skalla hassent uploaded in a while" only to then realize in 2 weeks he dropped 4 videos but YT did not posted them in my feed.
In theory thats good for me because i can binge the whole thing. In practice its bad for Skalla because he relies on the early views as much as possible to see his content pushed up.
But if YT doesnt even dump it on my or others homepage feeds and YT fails from time to time to even get me a notification.....
Thats it....algorythm sucks !!!
Look in your Subscription feed, not your homepage feed.
My assumption is that you're leaning too much into the niche. I mean, take the examples you gave. The title "How to Get Into Practicing Historical Martial Arts" is more immediately appealing to someone who knows nothing about HEMA than the title "The Best Swords for Beginners: Cheap / Easy / Safe / Effective." The former feels like an introduction, a gateway, whereas the latter, though tailored to "beginners," appeals to people who actually commit to buying a sword. Do you get what I mean? The first title's commitment is just "ooh, this looks interesting," whereas the second is "I want to buy a sword, what should I get?" which is way more "in it" than a passing interest.
So, no, your content probably isn't getting worse, you're just pushing more into your niche. If that's what interests you, and interest takes priority, you're doing great. But, if you want to be more practical, maybe you should try to make it seem like your videos could and *should* be watched by anyone. Or maybe the healthy option is to do a bit of both. I don't know.
I have enjoyed your videos since the start, thank you. I think you have improved every single aspect, over time! I particularly like your cadense and topics the last year, it sounds more relaxed and real. Youtbe viewers grow up, get less time to watch and 16 years ago, the landscape was different fewer people in your segment: many more options now.
I would love to watch rehashes of your own earliest videos, idk what the narrative would be, reevaluating ideas? Meta comments on your own work, new angles on old ideas? I also enjoyed Hellish quart, would love to see some kind of series/gaming while musing, there. All the best!
Welll done on not selling your soul and I'd love to see more historical weapon especially the weird ones.
my favorit videos are those that where you actully try the gear out and test them. like your rattan shield test, Fantasy Mail Coifs are Stupid, and This is Why... video. i would like to see more test
Yes, I'd love to do more of that. The limiting factor has been the budget.
I said this on one of your streams once. I'm pretty sure the TH-cam algorithm has a kind of "inertia." That is, if one video does badly, then the algorithm will act against subsequent videos.
Absolutely. That's exactly why I have to worry so much about the performance of individual videos. Wish I could just experiment and move on if an idea doesn't work out, without dragging future uploads down.
I like the testing videos
Honestly love seeing practical tests the most. I know the materials don’t come cheap but videos like the igorot head hunting axe vs ballistic gel dummy is one of my favs.
Hey Skal - I got into your videos a long time ago because of your EDC videos. It would be nice to see more of those comparison videos of consumer friendly blades, there's so many out there now that an expert eye and hardcore testing is invaluable. Love you lots 🖤
I'm shocked more people aren't saying this before all else: GET HEALTHIER FIRST! I may be a newer viewer, but come on guys... If he's anything like most of us, he's NOT prioritizing recuperation and may need more support from US to tell him just how important it is! If his aches and pains are lessened then wouldn't he be capable of making better content? I'm right there with ya; my anxiety/depression finally bodied me and my physical health went with it, injuries that used to be easier to manage, when I was healthier, hit harder and last even longer, exacerbating the entire process. What he needs to do is prioritize himself and get his sports injuries taken care of properly; the content will make itself when he's more mentally and physically fit to do so. Also, the first step: getting your sleep checked out while you're at it, has been life-changing for everyone who looks into it, including myself; how does anyone expect to heal when you can't get a proper night's rest? And while you're at it use it for content, your journey to getting back into 'fighting shape' again; hell, hook up with a physical/sports med trainer to make the content, proper techniques to avoid injury, giving back to the community and hopefully influencing your audience to do similarly. Either way, take care of yourself and I'll be happy.
The problem is that he needs a stable income as well. Which likely relies on making videos. He didn't ask for health advice and even said do what makes him happy is unhelpful so I believe saying get healthy is also unhelpful. But I appreciate the sentiment.
The goat uploads
I think you simply hit a natural barrier. It's not you or your content, it's simply the community... I remember I subscribed to you back in like 2011 or 2012 when the community was growing. There was a growing segment of people interested in a niche subject matter that gradually become more and more popular but never truly blew up. Most of those people who were there originally grew with the channel and the content. Life simply got in the way for most of them... My case at least. I didn't have that much time to devote to watching youtube, or I would be very selective with what I watched. Nowadays basically I only have time to watch 1 or two videos when I get lunch or dinner and to put on something soothing when I fall asleep... And youtube itself has changed drastically, couple that with the newer generation's attention span of 10 seconds, it's hard to build a larger community in a "nerdy boomer" niche like this.
Skall is a millennial
@@jankarieben1071 I never said he is a boomer lol... I said the niche is "nerdy boomer" which is associable with Nerds who have more of a boomer mentality, not necessarily that they are in their 60's
I’ve been watching your channel since you worked at that sword shop before you moved to Canada and if I had to think of what the problem is, I think it’s one of attention span. Shad and Metatron seem to be running up against the same problem. As for what I would like to see, I always liked the sword beat downs you used to do. Also, I really think you should take sponsorships. It wasn’t socially acceptable back in the day but now it’s just the norm and if it allows you to do your job better, I don’t think any of us would blame you.
I've always enjoyed the videos that put a lot of focus on the history and functionality of weapons, specifically as it pertains to something like worldbuilding. There are a lot of people out there like myself who are writers or enjoyers of tabletop games that place great value on authenticity in how a world is presented. As most stories in those genres typically involve a lot of combat, details about why certain weapons came to be adopted and how the specific and sometimes seemingly counter-intuitive design choices help serve that function. Such resources are hard to come across for the average modern layman, especially with how much misinformation surrounds any historic field. A recent video of yours in this vein was the video on Crossguards on swords.
As always, love your content.