8:29 "Who doesn't want more stiffness? If your main objective is to penetrate a target with your tip, then you really want as much stiffness as you can possibly get". I really wonder if this channel is about history and weapons or just a cover for sexual education. I needed to laugh for a change. Exams, essays... Thanks Matt!
You've really been building my interest in smallswords lately! While I'm currently trying to learn military sabre and found a place that at least cover Polish sabre (as well as longsword & sport fencing), I've mainly foil fenced in the past, so adding a smallsword to my collection makes sense. I'm contemplating making it a build project, however, and therefore modify a French handle epee into a smallsword. Not that I have much experience in such, but seems like decent place to start.
The double fuller on that earlier period smallsword is actually a double blood groove in case you run through two opponents at the same time and have extra blood flow. Those early smallsword designers were very well versed in double penetration. : P Seriously though- great video Matt!
I have a broad smallsword with cutting capacity too, but it still has its ridge centered on the blade, unlike your example. Stupidly stiff, and not actually hollow ground - it's edges are flat.
@@kroottastic I also have one of these broad smallswords. It is quite heavy for its type (630 grams) and it is sharp and also very stiff but the angle is a little wider towards the tip. But i think if you hit someone with the upper middle of the blade it might be able to deliver a nasty cut. Here is a picture image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=1820x1280:format=jpg/path/s0de44b5cc93f486a/image/i97a3931ab5d5e15a/version/1529754598/image.jpg
Yeah, that was my thought as well - that SPECIFICALLY in duels to first blood, where the duelists both stripped down to essentially vests (and left their arms covered at best with a light layer of cotton, or something), then it would probably be worth it, if only for the technicality. I'm guessing some folks did do this - but that the general consensus was that such moves weren't worth the risk/reward, as well as the training necessary to get good at them.
I have 3 smallswords/courtswords, 2 with triangular hollowground blades, and one doubleedged flattened diamond type blade. The doubleedged is surprisingly sharp still, and should be able to give at least superficial cuts on exposed parts. It`s fairly stiff as well, with a 18mm wide blade at the ricasso. the hilt is a simple knucklebow with a single clamshell type guard.
Could you talk about pinning hands in duels? I know it from some blade-fighting systems, but I don't know any European style that takes advantage of it. Pinning is essentially slowing down your opponent by holding your point in such a manner that he can't attack without impaling his own hand. Thus, you would need to give up your guard position and swat that blade away, which in turn creates an opening for the opponent to close in and land a serious hit... It's useful against Opponents with good defense, but requires being out of range (and awareness of not getting hit on the hand yourself)
edi generally I would think that either you have a complex guard, and mostly don't have to worry about that, or you're fighting from a retracted position, and you don't have to worry about that. I certainly see this in epee, but landing the point on someone thrusting with constrainment, or cutting, is very difficult and dangerous. It likely does exist in some smallsword systems, but even then I'd like to see examples haha.
Connor Wiebe I know it for instance from Sanatan Shastarvidyia, where it is done with knives, daggers and even sabres. They don't fight with the hand extended that far, since the weapons offer only minimal protection. I tried it in sparring in a different Martial arts and I would say it's a bit more efficient than baiting (which is BTW something quite common in that art too).
Please write a book on the history and evolution of European/U.K swords. I've had a great time learning a hell of a lot from your videos, and would love a reference book containing such information and illustrations. A spiral bound, multi volume series would be ideal.
here's Matt saying "Talking for smallswords about a minuet or two" - looks at video length - let's out a sigh of relieve that the video is actually longer :D
I really enjoyed both videos but the last 30 seconds of Part 2 is all you really need to watch to know "why small swords are really really cool." Seriously great info and comparisons of the various types of "small" swords in both videos. With all these small sword and even spadroon videos I now know why someone would use one instead of something which I used to consider "better." (There is no "best" sword only different swords used in different contexts!)
In rapier fighting (Schlager or Heidelberg Schlager blades - non-edged) I have inadvertently split open skin (and had my own skin split open) through fabric on a snap cut. Even a non-edged blade acts like a steel whip when used in the snap and a semi-edged triangular cross sectional blade, if used against thinly protected or exposed skin could cause a sizable but superficial wound. As you mentioned, that may be more of a distraction in an actual combat scenario, but since the nerves are also superficial in the skin, it could be quite painful. I would expect that a snap across the face, forearm or neck would be an excellent set up blow for follow up with a thrusting attack. I personally became quite adept at using a combination of doublet or triplet attacks and wouldn't hesitate to use even a rounded profile sword (or broom handle for that matter) in that manner, as a smack to the forehead is a wonderful way of getting someone else to shift defense of the wrong body part, setting me up for an instant thrust follow on. Nice to see such great examples in your collection.
Recently, on the T.V. show ‘’Forged in Steel,’’ the contestants made ‘’small-swords.’’ As part of the testing of each sword was the ‘’kill-test’’ in which the sword was tested by cutting through a pig-carcass. This perplexed me because ‘’small-swords’’ are thrusters, not cutters. None of the small-swords I’ve ever owned would cut through a carcass.
Maybe if the triangular edge was either serrated, or carbidized, it would have some capacity for draw cuts or light slashes to exposed skin, but that would be more of a tearing or abrading than actual cuts. I suppose it could be useful, but if you wanted a mix of cut and thrust, just get a side-sword or a rapier with a stiffer blade and have it over with. I do love the smallsword, and I do love the idea of trying to design one that could do draw cuts or harassing slashes, but it's all about the stab, really.
I have a question for you, let's say someone challenge you to a duel or you challenge someone to a duel. It's a unarmored arena fights and these are your options of swords. A Zweihander, a longsword, a Bastard Sword, Arming sword, a Katana, a chinese Dao, Broadsword, Side sword, Back sword, Rapier, Saber, smallsword, and dueling epee. Which sword would you choose?
Very detailed and good video.Thank you very much for uploading the hardworked video about Smallswords which can cut (Part 2) I have a question out of the main subject if you excuse me. I am curious about Pictish tools and weapons.There is only a few information about Pictish choice of tools. It would be great if you have any information you can share at youtube in the future. I appreciate the time for reading my humble comment.
Welcome to another “how much can I miss off the end of ‘Scholar Gladiat...’ and get away with it” masterclass. I wonder how many years it’s been since Matt has said “...oria”? :-)
So.. "first aid" and medical care had evolved to the level where, in a street-grade confrontation, someone injured by a small-sword thrust would be less likely to survive than someone getting a "equivalent" cut from a different sword?
What do you think about stiffness for cutting blades? I know that a 1.5mm whippy sword can kill someone in a blink of an eye, but it can't really cut through bone, nor parry well. Many European swords taper to 3mm, which is about as thick as a machete. This is a bit too flexible IMHO for stabbing and it does make cutting a bit harder, if your target is tough, or your angle is off. I got a sabre with 5mm spine at the cutting section and that thing is stiff and hits quite hard, but lacks a bit in agility. My Katana is easily 10mm at the spine and feels like a freaking crowbar...
I think also the act of drawing blood has its usefulness in combat for instance in a mauy thai fight slipping in a elbow above the brow can very effectively disrupt vision
Very nice video like always. Does anyone know what oakeshott type blades would have been used in in Germany during the 1340s. I would like to use an type XVIIIa on albion they date this blade to mid 14th century to early 15th century while on myarmoury they say this blade type was used from about 1410 to 1510 does anyone know which od these facts is correct? Thanks in advance:).
For the 1340s you would be much better served with a Type XIV or a Type XVI, especially in Germany which tend to be more conservative than other parts of Western Europe at the time.
Callum Tostevin-Hall thanks for the answer would a type XVIa also work since i am looking for a sword that could be used with two hands and the two blade types you mentioned seem to mostly be used with a one handed grip
Considering that smallswords is the self defence weapon of the gentleman. I guess that putting an edge is more for hurt an attacker who try to grab with his hands the blade. Something like "Rob Roy" style, but that kind of criminals always have had oriented to the max gain with the minimal loss. And that's is a huge difference with a duelist (remember Rob Roy), a laceration on his hand is nothing compared with his proud and honor at stake.
Context, if you carry a smallsword all day as a symbol of your rank, and if you encounter some unsavoury creatures with knives, even a little cutting capacity might come very handy... Today officers in the military carry a handgun as a symbol of their authority and as a real weapon, soldiers are only armed when on duty. If you slice a blade (any blade) with nicks (not even really sharpened) over your arm you would start to bleed. A LOT. Cheers. Peter
Matt... I’m interested in the sword shown in the video thumbnail... what is it? Would a sword with the straightness, weight, and size of a small sword but a small but very curved tip to it for cutting be useful in a duel? I imagine it would only be good against a like sword but would be an interesting weapon for delivering small but rapid and numerous cuts.
I have a pair of them and they only took a few minutes to belt sand very sharp cutting edges along the front quarter of blade. Hollow grinds, eliminate friction from the faces and direct it into two of three cutting edges, almost like a trocar or bowhunters broadhead.
When you say, "cutting," do you mean "chopping" or "slicing" ? My question is because wouldn't a highly-sharpened triangular blade be capable of slicing open someone's airway or the carotid artery ?
Smallswords should be legal to carry. Think about it! Small wounds are easier to treat by doctors. They cant be hidden as easily as a gun or a knife so you would know who is carrying a weapon. They were made exactly for that purpose. A civilian sword Not a war sword.
It's a musketless-bayonet for noble people who don't carry a lot of weight. The trocar wound is something like a bowhunters broadhead and bleeds out internally by the depth of three internal slices at the point in a very short time. Doctors won't treat in time before you can fill out the forms to get seen.
Yes, though in Spain they were still using cup-hilted rapiers throughout the 18th century and even just into the 19th. When they did use French-style smallswords they seem to have retained their own methods.
I must be a worthy representative of my country. I use cuts a lot when rapier fencing, especially transversal cuts to the thigh, which added to my left-handedness tend to catch the opponent off-guard.
Even the 19th century sabre fencing is highly influenced by Destreza, which ironically in this case means using the point more than is usual for sabres in other countries.
Funny that the small swords that can only thrust have knuckle bows and the small sword that can cut lack a knuckle bow. A would think that if all you are doing is giving point that knuckle bow wouldn't matter near as because you shouldn't be presenting you knuckles to get hit.
While i was watching the video i was thinking about that there are many animals who evolved a spike as a weapon, but i dont know one that cuts. Maybe it is an indicator that stabbing ist more effectiv :D
Halberdier But claws are also little spikes and it is more riping then cutting. Also arent they using them more to hold on to the victim to bring it down and bite it?
But isnt it a difference because a claw comes to a sharp point witch scraches over the surface, while a blade has a sharp edge and its more slicing. Maybe im wrong dont want to be dogmatic about it :D But do you know something in nature like a blade?
Mika Luostarinen Matt has other videos on his site that cover grabbing of blades. Can't think of their titles right now, but I think you should be able to find them easily. Surprising conclusions!
Every small sword I own can cut, my gladius, my wakizashi, my machete and to some extent my sons Power Rangers master sword with motor activated spinning discs. You laugh good sir? have you ever been bashed in the face with the Power Rangers master sword by your freakishly strong 2 year old son? I think not. Seriously though, if I had a smallsword back then, i'd want one that can cut, so I would probably be one of the people who had one of these double edged smallswords. Small annoying cuts can win a fight, one cut above the eye can defeat them, the sweat and blood will go in their eye causing partial blindness for a second, which gives you the opening to run them through
8:38 Actually, i learned in my psychology of sexuality class that a huge amount of stiffness is not mandatory for penetration, you can penetrate even with less stifness. AH, ops, wrong video. My bad, got confused 8-)
"And that's why smallswords are kind of cool". You know, if you added a little bit more innuendo about scabbards, stabbing, knife-tips and tracing on people's faces, this presentation would be a massive hit in the boy scouts club back home. But it's a little bit too tame as it is: the process demands that you need a sort of careful ascent of increasingly obvious dick-jokes till the point of total embarrassment - and then escalate it massively to drive the nail all the way through. Dick-jokes is a science, sir, and they should not be dealt with lightly, or without discipline and method.
Exactly. And what did he cut with? The tip? Been thinking about that tip cut for some time now actually, and it is interesting the reference is in a Spanish document.
"Zorro is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega (originally Don Diego Vega), a young man who is the only son of Don Alejandro de la Vega (originally Don Alejandro Vega), the richest landowner in California, while Diego's mother is dead. In most versions, Diego learned his swordsmanship while at university in Spain, and created his masked alter ego after he was unexpectedly summoned home by his father because California had fallen into the hand of an oppressing dictator."
8:29 "Who doesn't want more stiffness? If your main objective is to penetrate a target with your tip, then you really want as much stiffness as you can possibly get". I really wonder if this channel is about history and weapons or just a cover for sexual education. I needed to laugh for a change. Exams, essays... Thanks Matt!
You've really been building my interest in smallswords lately! While I'm currently trying to learn military sabre and found a place that at least cover Polish sabre (as well as longsword & sport fencing), I've mainly foil fenced in the past, so adding a smallsword to my collection makes sense.
I'm contemplating making it a build project, however, and therefore modify a French handle epee into a smallsword. Not that I have much experience in such, but seems like decent place to start.
"For a minute of two", 10 minutes later. Admittedly I still watch Mats videos to the end.
i was having innuendo withdrawal but you did not disappoint
The double fuller on that earlier period smallsword is actually a double blood groove in case you run through two opponents at the same time and have extra blood flow. Those early smallsword designers were very well versed in double penetration.
: P Seriously though- great video Matt!
I have a broad smallsword with cutting capacity too, but it still has its ridge centered on the blade, unlike your example. Stupidly stiff, and not actually hollow ground - it's edges are flat.
Imagine if the full lenght colichemarde and the sidesword inspired smallsword merged in one single vintage style smallsword
kali mali not really. Spadroons aren't stiff.
Do you have an image of that some where?
@@kroottastic I also have one of these broad smallswords. It is quite heavy for its type (630 grams) and it is sharp and also very stiff but the angle is a little wider towards the tip. But i think if you hit someone with the upper middle of the blade it might be able to deliver a nasty cut. Here is a picture image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=1820x1280:format=jpg/path/s0de44b5cc93f486a/image/i97a3931ab5d5e15a/version/1529754598/image.jpg
A better cutting smallsword would be better for duels to first blood. It cuts better through clothing to the flesh. Just a thought.
Yeah, that was my thought as well - that SPECIFICALLY in duels to first blood, where the duelists both stripped down to essentially vests (and left their arms covered at best with a light layer of cotton, or something), then it would probably be worth it, if only for the technicality.
I'm guessing some folks did do this - but that the general consensus was that such moves weren't worth the risk/reward, as well as the training necessary to get good at them.
I wonder if cutting with small swords is related to the "mensur" scars of the German students fencing for honor, or do the dates not line up.
who doesn't want stiffness, eh?
especially for penetration with the tip.
To be honest I'd rather my opponent have a flaccid blade as I'd rather not be penetrated at all. Even if it's just the tip.
Just the tip is fine~
Again... And agian... You are really not tied of that?
You can tie me up if you want~
Fucking keyboard... "Tired"... "Tired" is what i meant
I have 3 smallswords/courtswords, 2 with triangular hollowground blades, and one doubleedged flattened diamond type blade. The doubleedged is surprisingly sharp still, and should be able to give at least superficial cuts on exposed parts. It`s fairly stiff as well, with a 18mm wide blade at the ricasso. the hilt is a simple knucklebow with a single clamshell type guard.
Could you talk about pinning hands in duels?
I know it from some blade-fighting systems, but I don't know any European style that takes advantage of it.
Pinning is essentially slowing down your opponent by holding your point in such a manner that he can't attack without impaling his own hand. Thus, you would need to give up your guard position and swat that blade away, which in turn creates an opening for the opponent to close in and land a serious hit...
It's useful against Opponents with good defense, but requires being out of range (and awareness of not getting hit on the hand yourself)
edi generally I would think that either you have a complex guard, and mostly don't have to worry about that, or you're fighting from a retracted position, and you don't have to worry about that.
I certainly see this in epee, but landing the point on someone thrusting with constrainment, or cutting, is very difficult and dangerous.
It likely does exist in some smallsword systems, but even then I'd like to see examples haha.
Connor Wiebe I know it for instance from Sanatan Shastarvidyia, where it is done with knives, daggers and even sabres. They don't fight with the hand extended that far, since the weapons offer only minimal protection.
I tried it in sparring in a different Martial arts and I would say it's a bit more efficient than baiting (which is BTW something quite common in that art too).
Please write a book on the history and evolution of European/U.K swords. I've had a great time learning a hell of a lot from your videos, and would love a reference book containing such information and illustrations. A spiral bound, multi volume series would be ideal.
Yeah expecially on the 1700-1900 swords,when general types disappeared and the pattern started to appear
Spinish smallswords had flat blades which could cut. There are also some 19th century small swords with modified rapier blades which can also cut.
here's Matt saying "Talking for smallswords about a minuet or two" - looks at video length - let's out a sigh of relieve that the video is actually longer :D
MPPRODUCTIONSger "or ten." ♥️
The innuendos in this one make me super happy.
The best part of this video is when you say "Really, who doesn't want more stiffness" with a completely straight face.
Love your content Matt! Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed both videos but the last 30 seconds of Part 2 is all you really need to watch to know "why small swords are really really cool." Seriously great info and comparisons of the various types of "small" swords in both videos. With all these small sword and even spadroon videos I now know why someone would use one instead of something which I used to consider "better." (There is no "best" sword only different swords used in different contexts!)
Off topic question : what's your opinion on 19th century Highlander cross hilted sword ? Were they ever used on battles ?
so beeing triangular is viagra for sword blades...
In rapier fighting (Schlager or Heidelberg Schlager blades - non-edged) I have inadvertently split open skin (and had my own skin split open) through fabric on a snap cut. Even a non-edged blade acts like a steel whip when used in the snap and a semi-edged triangular cross sectional blade, if used against thinly protected or exposed skin could cause a sizable but superficial wound. As you mentioned, that may be more of a distraction in an actual combat scenario, but since the nerves are also superficial in the skin, it could be quite painful. I would expect that a snap across the face, forearm or neck would be an excellent set up blow for follow up with a thrusting attack. I personally became quite adept at using a combination of doublet or triplet attacks and wouldn't hesitate to use even a rounded profile sword (or broom handle for that matter) in that manner, as a smack to the forehead is a wonderful way of getting someone else to shift defense of the wrong body part, setting me up for an instant thrust follow on. Nice to see such great examples in your collection.
I was thinking small sword were thrust oreinted but not sure about similar swords this was very informative for me
Recently, on the T.V. show ‘’Forged in Steel,’’ the contestants made ‘’small-swords.’’ As part of the testing of each sword was the ‘’kill-test’’ in which the sword was tested by cutting through a pig-carcass. This perplexed me because ‘’small-swords’’ are thrusters, not cutters. None of the small-swords I’ve ever owned would cut through a carcass.
Do you get some kind of side bonus for innuendo?
It's Just Me It's so he can post the same videos on punhub.
This video is yet another dig against spadroons. I love it.
Talk about transitional rapiers! Historical context videos you make are the best.
Maybe if the triangular edge was either serrated, or carbidized, it would have some capacity for draw cuts or light slashes to exposed skin, but that would be more of a tearing or abrading than actual cuts. I suppose it could be useful, but if you wanted a mix of cut and thrust, just get a side-sword or a rapier with a stiffer blade and have it over with.
I do love the smallsword, and I do love the idea of trying to design one that could do draw cuts or harassing slashes, but it's all about the stab, really.
This is a very interesting video. Again. Kudos, sir.
I have a question for you, let's say someone challenge you to a duel or you challenge someone to a duel. It's a unarmored arena fights and these are your options of swords. A Zweihander, a longsword, a Bastard Sword, Arming sword, a Katana, a chinese Dao, Broadsword, Side sword, Back sword, Rapier, Saber, smallsword, and dueling epee. Which sword would you choose?
Who doesn’t want more stiffness? Lmao Matt you are such comedian!
Really cool video! So much to learn °_°
Very detailed and good video.Thank you very much for uploading the hardworked video about Smallswords which can cut (Part 2)
I have a question out of the main subject if you excuse me.
I am curious about Pictish tools and weapons.There is only a few information about Pictish choice of tools. It would be great if you have any information you can share at youtube in the future.
I appreciate the time for reading my humble comment.
“Really, who doesn’t want more stiffness? If your main objective is to penetrate a target with your tip...” out of context but lmfao.
Welcome to another “how much can I miss off the end of ‘Scholar Gladiat...’ and get away with it” masterclass. I wonder how many years it’s been since Matt has said “...oria”? :-)
"Really, who doesn't want more stiffness?"
"In conclusion, it's all about penetration"
And the triangular cross-section
So.. "first aid" and medical care had evolved to the level where, in a street-grade confrontation, someone injured by a small-sword thrust would be less likely to survive than someone getting a "equivalent" cut from a different sword?
*Minute or two*
in the imperial system 2 minutes are about 10 mintunes
Never heard about the Easton Minute?
What do you think about stiffness for cutting blades?
I know that a 1.5mm whippy sword can kill someone in a blink of an eye, but it can't really cut through bone, nor parry well.
Many European swords taper to 3mm, which is about as thick as a machete. This is a bit too flexible IMHO for stabbing and it does make cutting a bit harder, if your target is tough, or your angle is off.
I got a sabre with 5mm spine at the cutting section and that thing is stiff and hits quite hard, but lacks a bit in agility.
My Katana is easily 10mm at the spine and feels like a freaking crowbar...
I think also the act of drawing blood has its usefulness in combat for instance in a mauy thai fight slipping in a elbow above the brow can very effectively disrupt vision
The bloody innuendos! I can't deal with it! I'm an idiot, I'm dying. x,D
"Giggity".
-Entire audience every time he mentions penetration.
Lol, love the innuendo for all of this. Little blue pills can help with stiffness and increase your ability to penetrate.
Very nice video like always. Does anyone know what oakeshott type blades would have been used in in Germany during the 1340s. I would like to use an type XVIIIa on albion they date this blade to mid 14th century to early 15th century while on myarmoury they say this blade type was used from about 1410 to 1510 does anyone know which od these facts is correct? Thanks in advance:).
For the 1340s you would be much better served with a Type XIV or a Type XVI, especially in Germany which tend to be more conservative than other parts of Western Europe at the time.
Callum Tostevin-Hall thanks for the answer would a type XVIa also work since i am looking for a sword that could be used with two hands and the two blade types you mentioned seem to mostly be used with a one handed grip
The only hard-and-fast rule, in regards to sword types, is that there are no hard-and-fast rules.
Many years ago I saw a smallsword with a blade that was lenticular, and very sharp for the first few inches of blade.
Weeeeee neeeed that Swordchestra *bliiing*
Nice video btw.
Now Matt's just trolling us with these innuendos, right?
Considering that smallswords is the self defence weapon of the gentleman. I guess that putting an edge is more for hurt an attacker who try to grab with his hands the blade. Something like "Rob Roy" style, but that kind of criminals always have had oriented to the max gain with the minimal loss. And that's is a huge difference with a duelist (remember Rob Roy), a laceration on his hand is nothing compared with his proud and honor at stake.
Were there any with like a T or V cross section, or a hollowed out V? Something with a hefty spine that still tapers to an edge?
Context, if you carry a smallsword all day as a symbol of your rank, and if you encounter some unsavoury creatures with knives, even a little cutting capacity might come very handy... Today officers in the military carry a handgun as a symbol of their authority and as a real weapon, soldiers are only armed when on duty. If you slice a blade (any blade) with nicks (not even really sharpened) over your arm you would start to bleed. A LOT. Cheers. Peter
Matt... I’m interested in the sword shown in the video thumbnail... what is it? Would a sword with the straightness, weight, and size of a small sword but a small but very curved tip to it for cutting be useful in a duel? I imagine it would only be good against a like sword but would be an interesting weapon for delivering small but rapid and numerous cuts.
That smallsword looks like Spanish examples sold on Fagan Arms website.
I’d rather have a backsword, than a small sword
I once saw a bayonet with a T shaped cross section. Were their any smallswords like that?
The sexual innuendos are getting out of control. 😂
hence why cold steel has a hard time selling small swords too many people want to cut stuff up
I have a pair of them and they only took a few minutes to belt sand very sharp cutting edges along the front quarter of blade. Hollow grinds, eliminate friction from the faces and direct it into two of three cutting edges, almost like a trocar or bowhunters broadhead.
When you say, "cutting," do you mean "chopping" or "slicing" ? My question is because wouldn't a highly-sharpened triangular blade be capable of slicing open someone's airway or the carotid artery ?
Can't believe he didn't even snicker!!
Smallswords should be legal to carry. Think about it! Small wounds are easier to treat by doctors. They cant be hidden as easily as a gun or a knife so you would know who is carrying a weapon. They were made exactly for that purpose. A civilian sword Not a war sword.
It's a musketless-bayonet for noble people who don't carry a lot of weight. The trocar wound is something like a bowhunters broadhead and bleeds out internally by the depth of three internal slices at the point in a very short time. Doctors won't treat in time before you can fill out the forms to get seen.
Is there any sword that if purely capable of thrusting and totally incapable of cutting? Would it just be a big sewing needle?
Cutting needles are a thing. Their points are sharp and tri edged.
Who doesn't want more stiffness?--Matt Easton
Wasn't cutting an integral part of the Destreza system in Spain?
Yes, though in Spain they were still using cup-hilted rapiers throughout the 18th century and even just into the 19th. When they did use French-style smallswords they seem to have retained their own methods.
Spaniards love to cut, it seems
I must be a worthy representative of my country. I use cuts a lot when rapier fencing, especially transversal cuts to the thigh, which added to my left-handedness tend to catch the opponent off-guard.
Even the 19th century sabre fencing is highly influenced by Destreza, which ironically in this case means using the point more than is usual for sabres in other countries.
Are you referring to the duelling sabre or military sabre? I thought military sabre was more influenced by Polish and Hungarian styles.
he should do a video on free mason swords
Spanish cutting smallsword techniques / treatises.
2:35 Matt looking jacked
Matt Easton, native of the village of Doubleentendre. :p
Funny that the small swords that can only thrust have knuckle bows and the small sword that can cut lack a knuckle bow. A would think that if all you are doing is giving point that knuckle bow wouldn't matter near as because you shouldn't be presenting you knuckles to get hit.
Oh. It's a spadroon that only looks like a small sword.
I think from 8:30-8:45 Matt just gave up and went full double entendre ("I'll double your entendre")
So, can it cut, yah know, cheese?
Getting through pantaloons could be rewarding.
8:40 Are we still talking about swords... metal swords?
Smallswords - when you absolutely, positively have to stab one motherfucker really quickly except no substitutes.
Matt, I don't see the smallsword yet on your site. What are you asking for it?
"Who doesn't want more stiffness".
Matt Easton -2018
What the fuck is that intro noise? Is it a grindstone inside a sword sheath?
While i was watching the video i was thinking about that there are many animals who evolved a spike as a weapon, but i dont know one that cuts. Maybe it is an indicator that stabbing ist more effectiv :D
Halberdier But claws are also little spikes and it is more riping then cutting. Also arent they using them more to hold on to the victim to bring it down and bite it?
But isnt it a difference because a claw comes to a sharp point witch scraches over the surface, while a blade has a sharp edge and its more slicing. Maybe im wrong dont want to be dogmatic about it :D
But do you know something in nature like a blade?
Did you speed up the video?
"a minute or two"
-Matt about a 10 minutes video
Cutting the air come on Matt it's not a katana 😋😂😆
‘Deep penetration is what smallsword is all about’ ;) love you Matt
If a blade cannot cut, the opponent could grab it firmly without damaging his hand. Not so easy, I know, but was that a real risk anyway?
Mika Luostarinen Matt has other videos on his site that cover grabbing of blades. Can't think of their titles right now, but I think you should be able to find them easily. Surprising conclusions!
2nd?
Wow. 1600s? Is that the oldest sword you've owned?
That phat triangular blade sword looks like what the 1796 should have been.
Erm, yeah, I'd definitely want more stiffness, ideally... :|
Every small sword I own can cut, my gladius, my wakizashi, my machete and to some extent my sons Power Rangers master sword with motor activated spinning discs. You laugh good sir? have you ever been bashed in the face with the Power Rangers master sword by your freakishly strong 2 year old son? I think not.
Seriously though, if I had a smallsword back then, i'd want one that can cut, so I would probably be one of the people who had one of these double edged smallswords. Small annoying cuts can win a fight, one cut above the eye can defeat them, the sweat and blood will go in their eye causing partial blindness for a second, which gives you the opening to run them through
Oh, come now, that was on purpose
The pun police are coming...
8:38
Actually, i learned in my psychology of sexuality class that a huge amount of stiffness is not mandatory for penetration, you can penetrate even with less stifness.
AH, ops, wrong video. My bad, got confused 8-)
Please go back to the old intro sound. The new one is like nails on a chalkboard.
"And that's why smallswords are kind of cool". You know, if you added a little bit more innuendo about scabbards, stabbing, knife-tips and tracing on people's faces, this presentation would be a massive hit in the boy scouts club back home. But it's a little bit too tame as it is: the process demands that you need a sort of careful ascent of increasingly obvious dick-jokes till the point of total embarrassment - and then escalate it massively to drive the nail all the way through. Dick-jokes is a science, sir, and they should not be dealt with lightly, or without discipline and method.
when he said "spanish ones".. i thought - ZORRO! .. am i a rasist now...
Zorro is not spanish
Exactly. And what did he cut with? The tip? Been thinking about that tip cut for some time now actually, and it is interesting the reference is in a Spanish document.
"Zorro is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega (originally Don Diego Vega), a young man who is the only son of Don Alejandro de la Vega (originally Don Alejandro Vega), the richest landowner in California, while Diego's mother is dead. In most versions, Diego learned his swordsmanship while at university in Spain, and created his masked alter ego after he was unexpectedly summoned home by his father because California had fallen into the hand of an oppressing dictator."
wendel.f16 what do Mexicans speak,