I think I read somewhere that the icepick grip was so popular back then because people generally wore more layers of clothing than now (even a thick modern peacoat is surprisingly good protection against a knife slash), and also because more people practiced wrestling than today, meaning that they would've been more comfortable bringing an opponent in close than trying to keep enough distance to effectively punch or stab. Could be wrong but it made sense at the time.
You may be right. Period knife fighting treatises put a big emphasis on wrestling and arm breaking. They definitely preferred close in knife fighting. The school I attended many years ago concentrated on disabling your opponent at arms length, if possible, by taking out his wrist, or slashing the veins on his forearm or cutting the femoral artery...pretty different from the 14th ce manuals.
The reverse grip is a good extreme close quarters grip style that also protects the wrist and forearm depending on the length of the blade. Still very useful.
Very interesting video! Sad to hear that the eating knife segment had to be scrapped. It would be interesting to hear about medieval dining. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for all you do Mike!
Tod does excellent work and has great CS. I have several of his pieces and am yet to be disappointed: Studded rondel Scottish dirk Landsknecht 'S' quillon dagger Chefs set large/small Chefs cleaver Fire striker
It’s great you picked Todd’s dagger to review. I have it on my list of knives to purchase. Like so many folks I have and interest in pointed sharp things as well as things that go bang. Thanks for that snowy video.
I recently received a very similar Todd Cutler dagger to the Duelist's but mine has downturned quillons and a wheel pommel with raised centre. Other than that very much alike. I think it is fantastic and the workmanship is of a very high standard. A beautiful object.
They often used the dagger point down (= "ice-pick grip") in the medieval treatises because in a context of armour combat, reach is not very important, and the strategy used was to wrestle the opponent to the ground and trust the dagger in a gap or opening of the armour. In a very close quarter / grappling range in armour, the ice-pick grip is better, and it provides more strength for trusting if ever the gap is protected by mail and one needs to puncture through it. But in a context of unarmoured knife fight, I think point forward, as tough in many modern systems, is better. Nice video. Nice medieval pictures. I like the backgroung, it adds to the mood, so does the music. Merry Christmas !!!
That snow had no mercy over here we got lucky some looks to have melted with the rain I'm hopeful it will not rain throughout late season. I like this arch of content that dagger definitely looks like an ancestor of the fairbairn Sykes I've looked into owning one from fox cutlery several times their made in Italy imported.
I've always liked knives and swords. As a kid I'd make swords out of wood and have sword fights. Zorro (Guy Williams) was big in those days. When I saw this video notice pop up, I was browsing a site for daggers. Thanks for the video Mike. Z
Merry Christmas! Got a few of Tod's blades. They are awesomely made as are the scabbards. Always wanted that quillion dagger, that was gonna be my next purchase before I ran outa money lol.
I always enjoy the contact Mike. Just pumps me for wanting a ulfberht and I know you know what that is The Crucible Steel sword that was way beyond the times
At least you got the snow for kids for Christmas 👍 Here it just got humid & cold (teens at night and just almost reaching above freezing for about an hour in the afternoon 🙁) On the other hand that's perfect weather to grab some decaf and head to the reloading bench 😉
Oh yeah, Todd is the guy does those medieval weapons videos. Great practical and historic vid. Mike, you could have a wine, "Chateau Bellaveau." BTW, you have Utz potato chip ads, a PA staple. If you hold the knife backhanded it is safer in case you fall down, so you don't fall on it. Merry Xmas from western NC.
Mike, enjoyed the video, The snow made for a nice seasonal background regardless of location. I would like to hear your thoughts on proper medieval eating, so a reshoot would be appreciated or maybe just a B quality video channel ? Enjoy those dogs, Gods creatures, their adorable.
Any possibility of doing a reshoot of the eating segment? Very curious about that! I understand that the knife was used as we now use the fork and all the way into the American Civil War.
Nice video. I actually use the medieval eating knife in place of a modern sgian dubh. Most sgian dubhs you see nowadays are far too much the 19th century romanticised idea of a sgian dubh as this tiny little 3 inch blade. Whereas a true sgian dubh isn’t much different from the medieval eating knife Tod sells, a single edged leaf shaped blade with a wooden handle, blade length around 4 inches. A useable everyday knife for eating and other small tasks. And when that’s not enough you’ve got your sgian achlais, something more like a modern hunting knife, worn under the arm (hence armpit knife, it’s not meant to be “concealed”), and when you need to fight you’ve got your dirk. And I think it’s far more reasonable that the sgian dubh grew out of basic necessity for a useable tool and so has more in common with Tod’s medieval eating knife than it does with the ridiculously ceremonial knives that are dubbed sgian dubhs today, with excessive Celtic knot work handles and tiny guards etc. Worn Tod’s medieval eating knife (fully sharpened) to 2 weddings tucked into my sock. Hell I’ve worn it tucked into my sock whilst wearing my casual kilt (here in the UK it’s illegal to carry a knife in public that is greater than 3 inches or has a locking blade- the exception being a sgian dubh provided you are wearing the appropriate attire eg traditional ethnic dress aka a kilt).
Holy fuck medieval art is brutal. Headshots galore. Shows you they knew the only way to turn someone off right now. In that close of an entanglement you see the guys taking body shots with their daggers are BOTH getting stabbed.
As armor became stronger and more sophisticated, the sword was little more than a club. Still effective in that vein, especially against chain as I recall, but not so much for cutting. It's also amazing how effective a war hammer can be. Enjoy feasting on the flesh of your enemy, Mike! ;) (Oh, and no snow here, east of Phoenix!)
dangerous times than dangerous times now really not a whole lot has changes except people in the western world are more comfortable and have an easier life, generally, than in that period
Merry Christmas everybody!
Merry Christmas from France.
Merry Christmas to you too.
I think I read somewhere that the icepick grip was so popular back then because people generally wore more layers of clothing than now (even a thick modern peacoat is surprisingly good protection against a knife slash), and also because more people practiced wrestling than today, meaning that they would've been more comfortable bringing an opponent in close than trying to keep enough distance to effectively punch or stab. Could be wrong but it made sense at the time.
You may be right. Period knife fighting treatises put a big emphasis on wrestling and arm breaking. They definitely preferred close in knife fighting. The school I attended many years ago concentrated on disabling your opponent at arms length, if possible, by taking out his wrist, or slashing the veins on his forearm or cutting the femoral artery...pretty different from the 14th ce manuals.
The reverse grip is a good extreme close quarters grip style that also protects the wrist and forearm depending on the length of the blade. Still very useful.
Very interesting video! Sad to hear that the eating knife segment had to be scrapped. It would be interesting to hear about medieval dining. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks for all you do Mike!
Merry Christmas, to everyone- and especially Evil Roy!
Perhaps he's turning over a new leaf.
I have one of Tod’s knives great quality and fantastic craftsmanship...
Very appropriate last name for Todd.
His last name is actually Todeschini, hence 'Tod'.
Snow! It’s build time. Merry Christmas!
Tod does excellent work and has great CS. I have several of his pieces and am yet to be disappointed:
Studded rondel
Scottish dirk
Landsknecht 'S' quillon dagger
Chefs set large/small
Chefs cleaver
Fire striker
I love tod's videos
It’s great you picked Todd’s dagger to review. I have it on my list of knives to purchase. Like so many folks I have and interest in pointed sharp things as well as things that go bang. Thanks for that snowy video.
I recently received a very similar Todd Cutler dagger to the Duelist's but mine has downturned quillons and a wheel pommel with raised centre. Other than that very much alike. I think it is fantastic and the workmanship is of a very high standard. A beautiful object.
Great outfit! There should be more Renaissance Fair gatherings in cold weather.
I didn't know Cutler had products. Thanks Mike.
I have a fondness for fixed blade knives. Thanks for showing a couple of his knives. I'll have to check Tod's sites.
Merry CHRISTmas, Mike!
If mike wants to review medieval knives, we should get him a messer!
A merry Christmas to you from North Carolina Mike.
They often used the dagger point down (= "ice-pick grip") in the medieval treatises because in a context of armour combat, reach is not very important, and the strategy used was to wrestle the opponent to the ground and trust the dagger in a gap or opening of the armour. In a very close quarter / grappling range in armour, the ice-pick grip is better, and it provides more strength for trusting if ever the gap is protected by mail and one needs to puncture through it.
But in a context of unarmoured knife fight, I think point forward, as tough in many modern systems, is better.
Nice video. Nice medieval pictures. I like the backgroung, it adds to the mood, so does the music.
Merry Christmas !!!
I’m up in State College and we got 17. With this rain today (24th) it’s going to be a real mess! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I asked for one his bollock daggers for Christmas. We'll see if I get my wish!
That snow had no mercy over here we got lucky some looks to have melted with the rain I'm hopeful it will not rain throughout late season. I like this arch of content that dagger definitely looks like an ancestor of the fairbairn Sykes I've looked into owning one from fox cutlery several times their made in Italy imported.
I've always liked knives and swords. As a kid I'd make swords out of wood and have sword fights. Zorro (Guy Williams) was big in those days. When I saw this video notice pop up, I was browsing a site for daggers. Thanks for the video Mike. Z
Merry Christmas and happy new year everyone
Have a great Christmas Mike.
Well here's a combo I wasn't expecting.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas Mike.
Merry Christmas to you Mike
Enjoyable presentation, thanks. Merry Christmas and a Victorious New Year!
Merry Christmas Mike!!! Thank you for your videos they all are treats to me!!! Our kind are dwindling away!!
Me: *Looking for wholesome medieval cook's knives
Internet: "Here's how to jab someone in the eye"
OH, look at Tod's website, he does beautiful eating, utility and cooking knives
Marry Christmas thanks for video keep up the good work
Interesting video...Merry Christmas to you and your family...👍
Thank you for a great video! Merry Christmas!!
Hey Mr. Mike, thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!!
Merry Christmas! )
Merry Christmas!
Got a few of Tod's blades. They are awesomely made as are the scabbards.
Always wanted that quillion dagger, that was gonna be my next purchase before I ran outa money lol.
Merry Christmas Mike! I love the Carolina Ren-Fest so you know I like your outfit, very cool! Great vid!
I always enjoy the contact Mike. Just pumps me for wanting a ulfberht and I know you know what that is The Crucible Steel sword that was way beyond the times
At least you got the snow for kids for Christmas 👍 Here it just got humid & cold (teens at night and just almost reaching above freezing for about an hour in the afternoon 🙁)
On the other hand that's perfect weather to grab some decaf and head to the reloading bench 😉
Oh yeah, Todd is the guy does those medieval weapons videos.
Great practical and historic vid. Mike, you could have a wine, "Chateau Bellaveau."
BTW, you have Utz potato chip ads, a PA staple.
If you hold the knife backhanded it is safer in case you fall down, so you don't fall on it.
Merry Xmas from western NC.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Mike!
Merry Christmas:)
Nice video Mike I'm going to check out Todd's site hope you have a merry Christmas and happy New year
ciao, Mike !!! Buon Natale ...
You have a way of makeing feel so at home with you.
See where the fairbairn Sykes got it’s looks from lol love the quillion dagger
Mike, enjoyed the video, The snow made for a nice seasonal background regardless of location.
I would like to hear your thoughts on proper medieval eating, so a reshoot would be appreciated or maybe just a B quality video channel ? Enjoy those dogs, Gods creatures, their adorable.
200 likes and zero dislikes - Mike, maybe this is the one! Fingers crossed.
So close...
@@duelist1954 Oh well - Maybe next time. Geez people - I bet you guys own knives - check the kitchen.
Disappointed in ya Mike. Leaving Evil Roy and the Water Bottle gang in charge of The Den?
Merry Christmas to you and the gang! Happy New Year!
That's pretty high-end stuff. I didn't know you were into these.
Nice affordable eating knife. Hope the steel is better than th replica knives commonly available. Happy New Year
"I'm no Earl, just a Mike"
LOL
Any possibility of doing a reshoot of the eating segment? Very curious about that! I understand that the knife was used as we now use the fork and all the way into the American Civil War.
I may try a re-shoot
Have you ever done knives of the old west? Merry Christmas
Do not drink and drive this holiday season. Have your wife drive instead. Or stay home and binge watch Mike
Love the outfit!
Nice video. I actually use the medieval eating knife in place of a modern sgian dubh. Most sgian dubhs you see nowadays are far too much the 19th century romanticised idea of a sgian dubh as this tiny little 3 inch blade. Whereas a true sgian dubh isn’t much different from the medieval eating knife Tod sells, a single edged leaf shaped blade with a wooden handle, blade length around 4 inches. A useable everyday knife for eating and other small tasks. And when that’s not enough you’ve got your sgian achlais, something more like a modern hunting knife, worn under the arm (hence armpit knife, it’s not meant to be “concealed”), and when you need to fight you’ve got your dirk.
And I think it’s far more reasonable that the sgian dubh grew out of basic necessity for a useable tool and so has more in common with Tod’s medieval eating knife than it does with the ridiculously ceremonial knives that are dubbed sgian dubhs today, with excessive Celtic knot work handles and tiny guards etc.
Worn Tod’s medieval eating knife (fully sharpened) to 2 weddings tucked into my sock. Hell I’ve worn it tucked into my sock whilst wearing my casual kilt (here in the UK it’s illegal to carry a knife in public that is greater than 3 inches or has a locking blade- the exception being a sgian dubh provided you are wearing the appropriate attire eg traditional ethnic dress aka a kilt).
Holy fuck medieval art is brutal. Headshots galore. Shows you they knew the only way to turn someone off right now. In that close of an entanglement you see the guys taking body shots with their daggers are BOTH getting stabbed.
All right all right all right
I thought that rather than using the ice pick grip for plain slashing you would do quick hook slashes and jabs.
Where do you find your cloths?
As armor became stronger and more sophisticated, the sword was little more than a club. Still effective in that vein, especially against chain as I recall, but not so much for cutting. It's also amazing how effective a war hammer can be. Enjoy feasting on the flesh of your enemy, Mike! ;) (Oh, and no snow here, east of Phoenix!)
Add the footage of the eating knife !
dangerous times than dangerous times now really not a whole lot has changes except people in the western world are more
comfortable and have an easier life, generally, than in that period
Very nice knives thsnk you. Now get bck and finish that rifle.
Why is your right eye more closed than your left one?
Even though it was a bit overcast, the glare from the snow and the clouds was really affecting my vision.
A dagger and a knife
nice something different
Did you poke your eye out with that knife? I noticed you have your right eye closed the whole video.
No. The glare off the fresh snow was blinding me...made me squint...this whole video was a bit of a mess.
Your better suited in cowboy, and 18th century gear! Can’t get used to you in that catch me, screw me cap 😬😬😬😂
Your chutzpah in donning that outfit takes my breath away, Mike. :)
Don't feed the dog, you sound like my wife. :}