The Best Sub-$500 Longsword?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- So far I wasn't terribly impressed with most budget priced and even mid-range longswords... "you get what you pay for" seems to be particularly true for European sword reproductions. This one though... I mean... how is that even possible?? :D
By far the best cutting performance I've ever tested in this price range. Under $500 USD for something that can compete even with some Albion blades? Madness, I tell you.
It's based on an Oakeshott Type XVIIIc hand-and-a-half sword from the arsenal of Alexandria, dating to the early 15th century (1414-1419).
** Balaur Arms Type XVIIIc Alexandria - Specifications **
Overall length: 114.5 cm (45'')
Blade length: 88 cm (34.64'')
Blade thickness: 7mm (≈ 1/4'') at guard, 2 mm (1/16'') at tip (now that's an aggressive distal taper!)
Point of balance: 7 cm (2-3/4'')
Weight: 1.52 kg (3 lbs 5.6 oz)
Blade material: GB 60Si2MnA spring steel
Guard & pommel: Stainless steel
Hilt construction: Full tang, peened
** Pros / Cons **
Exceptional value for the price
Excellent cutting blade
Light & nimble
Rock-solid fit
Comparatively fragile edge (like the original)
Scabbard fitting can scrape the blade (UPDATE: Fixed in the current version)
** Where to buy it **
www.kultofathe...
** Sources **
www.metmuseum....
www.christies.c...
** Music credits **
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
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Used with artist's permission
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#skallagrim #sword #review
Quick but important update: I didn't realize when I finished the review, but they've already fixed the problem with the scabbard. No more scraping steel. Glad to see that Balaur Arms is willing to make improvements!
Yeah that's great to hear
Any chance you will be reviewing the Balor Arms Kreigsmesser? I t looks wonderful but I am worried about the quality for the price. I know its no Albion but it looks amazing and hoping it handles well.
Hey have you ever heard that Hellish Quart update now has a new character that uses a Shepherd Axe?
Don't know if he fights like a Viking
May be better to edit this in the video or make it an annotation, since not everyone is going to read this.
@@MH-yp6wg Unfortunately I can't add anything to the video now, and annotations have been disabled for years.
I will never get tired of seeing gorgeous swords cut things, this is peak content.
If only the algorithm agreed...
@@Skallagrim I mean you could do some clickbaity vids and still sneak in your standard quality and nerdiness.
Might work might not. How much of your soul you wish to sell is up to you :)
Great vid ! Wonder how quickly it will go outta stock 😂
@@Skallagrim
If we reply to this comment a lot of times, do you think it might help?
@@frankharr9466 Generally all kinds of engagement helps, as far as the algorithms are concerned.
@@Skallagrim
Then engage we SAHALL!!!!!!!
I read somewhere that The Alexandria 18C types were made in bulk in Italy and exported. Thin blades with absurd edges, they were meant to wear out quickly in battle. On the flip side though its like they had a crystal ball and could see our modern tatami cutting tournaments. The very characteristics that were intended to make them wear out quickly in battle make 18c's beastly tatami cutters.
My conspiracy theory is owners of the original sword 600 years ago ground it down to be this thin so that future nerds trying to replicate it end up with easy to deform edges.
Those damn temporal trolls really are the worst.
@@drops2cents260 i told my family to bury me with one od my bows and some flint arrowheads when I die. Hopefully one day the grave will be discovered
@@Sk0lzky
Nothing wrong with taking the piss out of future archaelogists for some lulz. 🙂
Seems like a rich guy's sword for killing unarmored foreigners, right? Would be expensive to go through these.
They actually removed the steel locket on the new version of this sword, now the scabbard is just peaked into a rain guard, which doesnt look as nice but at least it won't dull your edge
That's great! Glad to see that they improved it.
Looks like I'm getting a new Blade.
Thanks Skall!!!
Rather than the sword in the Met museum, I believe this one is based on the Alexandria arsenal sword in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Balaur Arms's blade profile is closer to that one (although somewhat different). I discuss that in my own review of this sword.
Also, it should be noted that Kult of Athena has done a second run of these swords and the scabbard now features rain flaps instead of the steel collar.
Yep! I was going to add this
I've had my eye on this sword for a while and have been hoping for a review before purchasing!
Well, there you go. :)
I do quite like that sword (the original). I also prefer a scent-stopper because I like to grip the pommel in my palm and "roll" it as I transition between cuts... But it's still a very nice sword, it's _choppy!_
Scent stopper? Are they called that because they were used for breaking noses?
@@devinm.6149 Nice. 😆
@@dmgroberts5471 your compliment was sufficient lewis
Besides this sword Balaur Arm sells a 15th century German longsword that’s a fantastic cutter as well. I picked it up for about 400$ USD and as an absolute beginner cut through tatami mats with no issue on any cuts
Yeah. Balaur Arms makes a really nice Kriegsmesser too that I've been eyeing. Also for a good price. Seems to be a pretty good company.
Best sword channel on youtube bc you know what you're talking about without acting super cereal about everything.
Probably never going to buy swords, but I stay for the videos, which speaks to your quality even more perhaps.
Ooh, this is a nice looking sword. Definitely going to be my first sword purchase, it's so affordable. Especially with you and Shad singing it's praises.
Even historical, original swords have edge damage. It's part of being used in actual combat. A sword is a tool to be used for a very specific purpose and this it to inflict mortal wounds. I fully expect a sword edge to take some damage. They weren't made to last forever. This looks to be a very good replica and I wouldn't mind putting it through it's paces.
Of course. But this is an especially fragile edge.
I really liked the background and lighting at the blade on blade test. Even without the slow-mo you could immeditely see that something happened to the blade.
Quite a few people have been reviewing this here on YT - seems like its a great cutter if you get one with a good edge (or touch it up yourself).
I love XVIIIc swords. They're about my favorite longswords. LK Chen continues to punch well above its price
I 100% agree. Lk Chen slaps for it's price. And honestly if it doesn't come sharp out the box, touching it up is fairly easy, and likely a skill anyone using a sword regularly should know how to do. No matter how sharp it starts, after a while it will get dull and need a touch up anyways right? Also the XVIIIc swords look incredible and is on my list to get for sure, it would be a shame to see one of these beauties rated low just because it doesn't come sharp. I honestly don't have single sword I didn't touch the edge up on right away, and sometimes all it takes is running an angle sharpener over it. Something anyone can do, super easy, they cost like 10-20 dollars, they last forever. I wish reviews didn't focus so heavily on the out of the box sharpness (unless it's completely blunt) it's so incredibly easy to take a meh edge, to a really good edge.
@@synthemagician4686 Personally, I agree with your stance on sharpening. Its something I do myself whenever I get a sharp reproduction sword entering the collection, and I think its a skill every sword enthusiast should cultivate and use.
But there are people out there who think differently, and for them a bad factory edge can be a dealbreaker
@@synthemagician4686 Yeah my first sword was from LK Chen and i still love it. the scabbard broke but i wasn't expecting a really high quality scabbard from a sword that cost something like $400
0:28 i dont know how to say this but you are so energetic. your cuts are so vivid and full of life. i am a musician and i can just tell how well practiced you are. i wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of your sword. your legs and your body don't even move but your arms, elbows, wrists, and fingers are so Deft.
Thanks Skall, this is the kind of content I subbed for. Love the review
Well done sir. Glad to see this one was a hit. I thought their Messer was also quite good but it seemed to miss a few more things than this one.
Always love learning about these historical weapons. Great job as always.
I'm starting to reconsider calling the blade profile of this sword and the DSA Alexandria an XVIII C. Type XVIII blades are characterized by an edge that curves to the point over the length of the blade. This sword and the DSA seem to be a straight taper to the point, or maybe even a concave curve vs a convex curve. Kinda like a very wide type XV
The oakshott types are archetypes, not model names after all.
@allengordon6929 I'm aware. But the defining feature of type XVIII blades is the convex curvature of the edge. So if you're gonna use this classification, calling an XVIII doesn't seem correct
Thanks!
@Skallagrim Hello. What would be the best sword for no more than $300 that has decent fit and finish, has a shorter total length around 36 inches and comes sharp? Thank you for your response
Ever since I started watching sword videos, I never had one particular favorite, until Skal presented Principe. Now that's my favorite for sure.
Great video and the new(?) background looks awesome. It's a cool display of the classics
I miss these reviews! Just purchased this. Thanks dude!
Wow, Sir! You got some beautiful Sword-Movements! Congrats there! That is one beautiful sword!
Came back to to your channel after i got recomened this video. And i gotta say ypur content is still top amongst the historical yputubers. ❤
Dear god this weapon is huge af, kinda reminds me of bastard swords. Love ur channel and the history part I like
I bought a blemished version of this sword a few months ago - sadly I don't have anywhere to to practice cutting with it. Big fan of your channel!
I've been looking at the original in the MET since I was a kid. This looks like an amazing reproduction!
Use only for tatami mats or lite cutting
As soon as I heard it was made in collaboration with LK Chen that explained it. I am 99% certain he uses dark magic to make swords because that's the only possible explanation.
New background looks sharp man.
... That was not a pun, but now that I saw it, I'm leaving it as it is...
great looking sword ( and Skallagrim thanks for continuing to put out great content )
One of my favorite blade types, nice to see more representation and the price is amazing. Purpleheart Armoury and Ronin Katana also have similar swords for a bit more money. I own the Ronin one and adore it. Resembles the original more closely but also they beefed up the blade a bit. Bit more durable.
Ha, as soon as I saw that inscription on the blade, it was instantly recognizable. Lovely.
Also you explained how to fix this scabbard issue faster than I thought of asking the question about it. Though I guess it is very logical and expected
you can take a needle file on an angle to the inside corners of the metal on the scabbard and create a notch, or create enough room to glue in a thin piece of wood
My G! I love your sword reviews 🎉
The rack behind you is looking stacked and packed Skall. Nice
Just ordered this sword a couple days ago. Can’t wait to get it in hand
Always a good video when Skall shows us his big sword
Not gonna lie the katanga plonker joke got me LMAO!
Great review, very in-depth!
The Alexandria is one of my favorite swords. I mush add this to my collection.
I love it. Gorgeous sword and the leather grip and scabbard look absolutely beautiful. Shame the scabbard nerfs the edge.
3:00 According to Oakeshott, _all_ Type XVIIIc swords have wheel pommels, so the Principe is not a Type XVIIIc.
Also, Ronin Katana makes a historically-accurate Alexandria replica for around $400-$450. I actually thought from the title that this video was going to be about that one. I've been dying to see a review of that sword by someone who has also reviewed the Principe or another Alexandria.
Ronin actually makes two versions of this sword - one with the inscription and one without - the Euro Model #3 and #3-2. Matthew Jensen's TH-cam has actually reviewed and compared the Ronin, Dark Sword Armory, and Albion varieties of this Alexandria style sword. I personally own the Ronin #3 and like other Ronin blades, I think it's a great value - excellent cutter, sturdy, comfortable in the hand. Their particular version of this sword is a bit blade heavy, but not uncomfortably so - though it looks like the Balaur version that Skal is reviewing is probably lighter to move around due to it's slightly slimmer width and more aggressive taper.
@@rhombusx Cool, good to know, I knew about the limited engraved version, but I'll check out that review.
You missed the opportunity to use the green screen to make it look like you're slaying neck-beards on mars.
As usual, great review!
Yes finally a proper sword and a classic Skal review yes yes yes
FWIW, the current pictures on KoA show the scabbard minus that steel bolster.
Great episode brother.
All around good video. This was an interesting review.
I like the hold my wheel pommel in my palm while wearing the spez gauntlets, it allows me to twist the sword a little bit better if needed
Thanks for the review.
Hell yeah new review!
My favorite sword throughout all of history is probably the side sword, but for some bizarre reason its criminally underrated. Care to make any videos on sideswords? I just wanna see more sidesword content. I have a ONE of a kind sidesword myself made by a craftsmen at a ren faire. Made out of some incredible spring steel. The only thing I don't like about it is that it wasn't hand sharpened, lol, but I can't complain and I have an entire massive kit of whetstones to do that myself.
Please do a video about Guan Dao! I love your videos and weapon reviews
Swords are cool. Not as cool as axes and tomahawks but still pretty cool... 🤣 im not there yet but you are slowly talking me around. Great show and thanks mate 👍
I know you don't like them but for me it's the ColdSteel Ver.2 longsword. Paid $250 for mine. Hasn't had any issues and I love everything about it.
adds getting smart! nice looking sword
The original and the Principe are so absurd looking that they're like something straight out of anime tho xD
Love my Balaur sword. Great value blades
Also, let's not forget it comes with a scabbard. I just dropped _four times_ the price for an Albion Alexandria+Scabbard.
I have been planning to get an Alexandria myself, may I ask who you decided to go through for the scabbard?
@@LurkerDaBerzerker
I tried to respond with a link, but my comment got removed by filters. (Understandable, links are often spam) so I'll re-comment to say I went with Tod from Tod's workshop for my scabbard. Very pleased. Be aware, the scabbard is not tight, by design, and while there is no rattle, the sword will fall out of the scabbard is turned upsidedown.
He just did a video on why you want it somewhat loose, if you wonder why that is.
I've never found the wide blades aesthetically pleasing.
I bought one and love it. ‘Nuff said. My only complaint is the scabbard’s metal throat is inconvenient.
The sword’s a beast, all while being lively in the hand. I recommend it without hesitation to anyone who loves swords.
That Guile perfect boom really caught me off guard
I know. :)
Now we just need to tie the sword to the leg and do a flash kick
I'd love one... looks amazing.
Have you seen Tod Cutler’s recent announcement on his channel? Toe’s Workshop is now doing reproduction arming swords, messers and falchions. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to review them!
What a gorgeous sword.😍
Theres also a theory that the Alexandria swords blade is older than the remnants of its hilt.
Swords generally being such very valuable objects even back then that older swords, if their blades were of good quality and still serviceable?
Might be rehilted several times during their life cycle.
This could, in theory, account for the Alexandrias blade geometry.
The blade itself hailing from an older time when plate armor was less common, and thus there was less need for a stiffer and more diamond cross section.
Could you do this video for even more categories? I'm looking into getting a full setup consisting of Spear, Buckler, Short Sword, Gambeson, Gauntlets, and so on and so forth. For the not so popular categories (like the armor categories in general) you could do these videos in shorts form.
Thinking about this post-posting... IDK if a manufacturer is going to be willing to essentially send you one of everything to test this whole content theory out. But worth a shot at least lol
at last some balaur by skallagrim 😄, i love them, they are beautiful and cheap
please do a video about the 13-14th century longsword
8:53 bro almost lopped his own face with off with that lightsaber 😂
I just ordered the Italian longsword because I am not a fan of the very broad blade on this and I usually go for the Italian techniques anyways. I really hope it lives up to my expectations since it is my first sharp longsword lol
And with just I don't mean only I mean i just ordered it 5 min ago
Could you make a video about the most perfect sword science can make today following what you think the best sword should be and could be?
Have you heard of Bladesong? Its a game that lets you design your own swords. It's in open playtesting atm. Seems like something you'd be into.
Beastly cutting sword. And at a reasonable price? This is quite rare
That's it, I'm stopping saving up for a Principe!
I have a seax from the company. Highly recommend!
Those blades are so good at cutting and so fragile in a fight that I sometimes ask myself if they weren't in fact executioner swords
That's exactly what I was thinking
no they arent. Executioner swords tend to be exceptionally heavy and rather durable to be reused, many of them not even having a tip (as it would reduce durability over long term use). Remember that executioner swords are meant to CHOP, not slash so the absolute finest edge is not required. Furthermore you have to get through bone and other connective tissue in a single blow, which this lighter sword specialized against soft targets cannot do.
think cleaver instead of a chefs knife for example. the chefs knife might slice through meat with ease and less effort, but the cleaver goes through bone.
@@winsunwong5648 You're talking about the swords of the 16th to 18th century, which were used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries of the germanic area. Before that, according to the iconography, they used standard swords, sometimes clearly with type XVIII or XV blades. In addition, with a cleaver you must cut on a plank or a block, it is quite impossible to cut a bone with that without a support. The sentenced to death by decapitation were always shown in kneeling position, you'll definitely need a sharp blade to do that - that's why I think of an executioner sword. Also, those swords having an extremely strong symbolic value, I could understand why they would be offered as a gift to a king, like some of the Alexandria swords... but we will probably never know in the end, and all is theories.
@@tatache5971 But werent most people who got beheaded put on a block? if I remember correctly which would let you cleave their heads off.
The perfect sonic boom cracked me up 😂
This sword is so sharp that it cuts better than the others even with the scabbard on.
I think Balaur Arms took a feather out of Solingens cap by making quality swords at more affordable prices, they were after all one of the top sword makers of their time, maybe it will be so for Balaur Arms as well
Alright, so is it a better cutter than the SL1019b? It seems quite good. Love the new background, by the way.
"nobody will buy katana anymore" got me
Give it a scent stopper, and a more durable edge and it would be close to perfect. Still, very good for sub $500.
Yeah, I understand the armored combat painting. Wouldn't really be an issue in armored combat with how sharply tapered it is. Only need to penetrate what, five or six inches to kill? Especially in the armpit or inner thigh.
You're the Syrio Florel of TH-cam!
I've seen this sword before. A review of it, I mean. Well.. actually the sword as well.
The bias of gifted items is in that you get the hand-picked best sword they made that month, to show off. That doesn't necessarily reflect the average product fit&finish.
I guess with the right purse historically, they were a disposable item - one duel or battle and have a new one brought up.
Goes to show that the devil really is in the quality control Alientude's review pointed out extremely inconsistent sharpening while here it seems to be perfectly fine. As always with budged swords, it's a gamble. But it seems like a gamble well worth the money, considering sharpening is something that's relatively easy to fix.
I'd be tempted to get one of these and swap the pommel for a fishtail.
Balaur Arms is quickly becoming the Kia of swords
Great review as always.. I've bought sword based on your reviews and I do own this sword and a Ronin kantan alexandria which I feel the blade is more historically correct the pommel is horrible which in turn the p.o.b is too... I've had mine changed to more historically correct bringing the p.o.b back to just under 5 inches with is acceptable...have you handle the ronin XVIIIc or have an opinion on it?
Looks identical to the Darksword Armory Alexandria Sword. I recently handled one and they extremely nimble for their weight
Dude! You still got the moves! Also notice you're losing weight! You training for a competition?
I got one with the updated sheath(has the rain flaps). No longer a poblem if people get them now.
Nice. Now katana meme balance is restored. Thank you
i believe adam savage actually got to handle the original one of these at the met museum, could be another one but they look similar and are both from the arsenal of alexandria