I found this channel a few years ago for his critiquing/"reviews" of fantasy swords, stayed for his amazing knowledge of historical swords and HEMA combat. I try to avoid when he starts going on political rants though.....but thankfully I haven't seen one of those pop up in awhile, So I think Skall even knows those aren't exactly what most folks want to see from his channel.
@@blackjacka.5097 Tbh he has mentioned it a few times, about gun laws etc but nothing particularly absurd or extreme, just like “yeah this is ineffective and stupid”, for example he talked about England’s ban on “zombie knives”, which are basically any knife that is bright green and has any mention of zombies or violence in the name. If a Swiss Army knife has a sedated, black blade or is bright green with a fake blood splatter or a zombie or something on it, then it’s illegal. Since most of the knife crimes are committed with kitchen knives and the like, it is absurd, unnecessary, misguided and frankly, stupid.
@@notforsaletoday1895 Yea, that's stupid. Well I don't mind if it's not something too extreme. He makes sense, not going on a dumb rant without knowing what he is talking about like most poeple do.
"Practice swinging slowly" Exactly, these things are dangerous to flesh and bone afterall. When I picked up Machete/Axe fighting I started practice not just at a moderate pace, but with the sheaths on, got to speed soon. Once those sheathes came off, I again started with slow movements, but was up to speed in just a couple months.
I'm a newer sub but have seen quite a few videos. Your genuine and knowledgeable about these subjects and it makes it easy to enjoy your videos and learn about these things. Plus the sprinkles of humor catch me off gaurd sometimes haha.
I've been with him a long time and he has come quite a bit since way back when, especially after he started hema practicing at Blood & Iron. He has made his fair share of mistakes through the years, BUT he has not hesitated to point this out while correcting himeself and us viewers as he himself improved and learnt more.
Hey! Just a quick thank you for making videos like this that not only verbally explain what to and not to do, but also physically show what to and not to do! Not only is it great for safty of those who are intrested in weapons such as these, but also has been really helpful for me as an artist and writer! A few years back I had previously received a fair bit of criticism on some fiction writting I had made a while back on how poorly I described weaponry, but you were a serious help and I've improved a LOT since then!! So thanks a million!!
@@nikmenn2751 nah you’re lying. I played assassins creed 3 multiple times and it taught me how to perfectly spin in a circle while holding a rifle stock and knock out 3 people with one swing.
You should walk in the woods in Alabama. 😂 Mace Mondays Tank Tuesdays Wakasashi Wednesdays Turret Thursdays Flamethrower Fridays Saber Saturdays Church is on Sunday ⛪
This is really interesting Skall, you make it very clear and easy to understand, even for someone who has no martial experience - thanks for taking the time, pal! Take care and stay safe ;-)
Thanks for still putting out content even while being open about what you're dealing with. It's informative and entertaining, but also inspiring and comforting.
Recovery speed is important for full hits as well as glancing and misses. It allows you to keep assailing the opponent until he’s down or to move onto the next quickly. Essentially, you never want to stop controlling the weapon. One mistake beginners make is weakening on a hit because they overly relax their grip. Consistent control, awareness, and energy management are the keys to winning fights.
I remember when I trained in Kali/Eskrima and we were often told to control our strikes where we would abruptly stop inches from hitting our sparring partner. When I switched to Ironwood sticks, it's particularly the same as your demonstration on tensing up at the latter part of the swing.
Got the Windlass Leuterit Sword and it's a fair old weight...really like the style and design, but the weight is proving to be a problem to my old untrained hands. Very fortuitous that you have uploaded this particular video. Cheers !
No you didn’t and no it wasn’t. You’re just pointing out a background anomaly because it’s low hanging fruit for dumb people to think you’re clever and you want attention. Textbook irrelevant narcissistic comment. Thanks for wasting all of our time.
I don't know what it is, but whatever mood I may be in, watching your videos always makes me happy. You're one of a handful of comfort channels for me. Thanks for all the great content you bring to the internet!
Off topic, but: Looking good today, Skall. No matter the weight. Thanks for yet another entertaining and informative video, you’re helping out so many people with this, one way or the other. I was wondering about exactly this topic an hour ago since I was trying to properly sharpen an overly heavy early medieval blade.
@@irishbeermarine I am absolutely not lying. Being overweight is unhealthy and he is very much aware of this and trying to get rid of it, just watch the videos he uploaded about this topic. Nevertheless I think he’s looking healthy and content and although there is space for improvement, I would argue that it is appropriate to once in a while compliment someone who is working hard. That is what I’ve been doing.
@@irishbeermarine Seriously, why are you so obsessed with his weight? Just a constant refrain throughout the comments, why? Are you that worried for him, or do you just need an outlet to dig at someone? At this point it's just factual that you're being rude, and if you deny it, you're lying, even if just to yourself.
I love the 13th warrior bit thrown in it's my favorite movie of all time I've been trying to find it on dvd but I just can't find it I haven't seen it in almost 2 years
Stop depreciating yourself Skall (I'm talking about the video thumbnail). You might think it's just a joke but this will sink into your self-esteem and that always go wrong at some point. You kno, the human psyche and all that. Great video man. Stay safe.
What helped me with developing power and speed is my instructor taught us to stay as loose as we could then at about the last third of the swing engage the muscles so its almost like a second swing. Its very difficult to explain but once you get the hang of it it makes longer matches easier bc you have alot less wasted effort and it usually takes people off guard how hard your strikes land
Skal, stop with the self directed insults. You will start to believe them. We are all here because we enjoy your content. Not to judge. Those who may judge you, are really just projecting their own issues onto you. Much love from Alberta.
@@Skallagrim shaming yourself won't help. Thanks for all your hard work. I wouldn't judge too harshly, I think half our country has gained weight from being forced to stay home, and worry
@@simonkhsonne He is everywhere, he is nowhere; he is everything, he is nothing. I used to kind of hate him, now I'm just kind of in awe. Still, never going to check out his channel; it would ruin the mystique.
Everything you say about balance and overpowering attacks is true for stand-up fighting like boxing as well. I guess a heavy sword swing doesn't make your sword any sharper. A well timed fist can knock-out without a lot of throwing power. timing always wins over power. beginners oven mistake reached attacks that make them loose their balance for powerful ons but in fact they are weaker and make them exploitable for counter attacks.
just imagin you go trough the woods and just see a guy flailing a hammer around wile explaning sword fighting to a person that isn´t there XD , love your vids dude keep up the good work
You know what's the weirdest place i found historically accurate medieval german stuff? From armor, to weapons and all the way to architecture and customs. In a manhwa called "Liebling!". Yes, it's adult only, but the story is absolutely incredible. Even the fighting stances were taken directly from the manuscripts. I haven't seen as much attention to detail ever before. It even has commentaries for when the writer took some liberties and combined a few customs to make his their own imaginary, but rooted in realty, traditions. And you'll totally need some tissues for the ending. The story is that good. Totally recommend it if you want something that had a lot of attention to medieval detail and a well written story. It's a tasteful mix of medieval, fantasy and time travel. When i saw the sword and the stance i was like "Damn, they really took their time to properly do their research.". The sword is composed of two archeological finds from the same time period, so it's pretty much something that could have existed at some point.
A good supplementary thing to do regarding being safe with your weapons for beginners is to try hitting a solid thing e.g. a tree stump, with something blunted that won't kill you. If you do this a bit it will give you a good sense of how to re-direct a rebounding weapon away from your body. So later when you are drilling or whatever, and someone puts up a surprisingly solid block/hard parry, you don't bounce your weapon into your face.
A good example of a blunted weapon is a polypropylene practice sword. I usually go to Cold Steel for mine. Currently practicing with a hand and a half longsword.
Thanks for this Skall - I have a custom hand-and-a-half sword built by Rob Miller at Castle Keep; it’s one of the most beautiful swords I’ve ever owned, but it’s a bit on the heavy side for a primarily one-handed sword. I had some trouble cutting all the way through a tatami mat when I last cut with it, but I’m a very newbie cutter, so this video will help refine my technique!
With the hammer type weapon its also about keeping a good grip with all fingers thus make sure you are using wrist flexibility and not being lazy by letting the fingers loosen on the shaft as its swung or it could be knocked out of your hand by an opponent.
1. If it's too tip heavy, it needs a heavier pommel. Being a cutter, you want a little tip weight, but not excessive weight. 2. Never lock your elbow, you will hyperextend 3. Probably combine it with a buckler or shield 4. Keep your technique tight and close with a cutter like that. Parries and mullinets, let the mass of the blade do the work for you and let it do the cutting.
I have a heavy as Hell falcata and this is what seems to work. I can’t imagine using it effectively without a shield. However, historical falcatas were much lighter than my modern India-made “falcata.”
Yeah I have noticed that with heavier blades. (I have an Nodachi which is around 5lbs spread across 4 feet of blade.) Its much much much easier to let the blade's mass and momentum to swing for you. Much easier to control, much easier to conserve stamina, and easier to reset your stance for the next action.
@@sebastianriz4703 5 lbs??? That sword had too many cheeseburgers. I mean, greatswords could be 4.4-7.1 lbs, but they could also be 84 inches long rather than just 48. 43 inch longsword blades only weighed 4 lbs. My overweight falcata is 2 lbs, 14 oz for a 29 inch blade. It probably should be a little under 2 lbs.
@@QualityPen yeah its a big boy. Thats just Japanese sryled blades though. Its also partially my fault due to how I designed it for these guys. I wanted only a foot of handle space and the rest to be blade which would have ruined a lot of things on the blade so they had to shorten it and beef it up so the sword would be wieldable and functional
@@sebastianriz4703 ah yep you're working in all circles, 2 handed with a foot of handle for leverage. It's not a terrible style. How is the curve, or is it near straight and basically a longsword with a tsuba and 1 edge?
Nice way to talk about body mechanics. I like that you mentioned that you should start slowly and watch where verything is, I don'tk now if I'd have done that on my own. However the video is handling fast movements helps too. That really helps following what's happening and lets you believe in what's going on. 1.0 kg= 35 oz. 1.8 kg= 63 oz. Keep in mind that some of the material was lost to rust.
bruh this video is amaizing, ive been watching a long ass time now, I love all the content, but more exactly like this would be a huge light on my life I tell you w'hut.
There needs to be a second part for two-handed weapons... I was forced to handle a 10kg Greatsword because my teacher was fed up with me using only my arms instead of my body for swinging my sword. Even the heavy one I managed to swing fast, but again it was all from the arms and they got very tired and my shoulder hurt for weeks!
@@davidresetarits5616 the heaviest one that was allegedly used in combat was like 12kg and was welded by an absolute giant for his time (about my size, but I'm close to 7ft tall). I agree however that most were between 2-5kg. 2 is a bit flimsy, especially if you want to retain some thrusting capability at full length. Everything above 5kg doesn't really make sense IMHO as it just tires you out needlessly. The only advantage is that you can overpower other weapons, but I'd rather have a 5kg polearms than a 10kg sword...
+1 on sheathing swords. Specifically, knives, and so forth aren't as much of a problem, but when you're Wearing the scabbard. Fighting with it strapped to, or hanging from your belt is another thing you just don't see on these channels. It's almost like the video games, as if nobody actually Wore a sword, and had to fight with the scabbard still attached to their hip. They just appear in their hands, then back on their belt with a quick cut.
@@parryhotter4283 Also, we were talking about putting the sword back. Dropping your belt, without your pants, doesn't actually help with that. Pretty much the only footage you can get on the subject is Iaido.
@@Psiberzerker nah i Just mean that you can quickly get rid of the scabbard in a combat situation. After the fight is over you have enough time to pick it back up and carefully sheath the sword. Otherwise just put your non dominant hand on the scabbard and kind of guide the blade in (no jokes please) like they do with katanas. Has always worked for me
I think its really cool how the principles and practice of hand to hand martial arts can also apply to martial arts involving a weapon like a sword and vice versa. Biomechanics and principles such as power starting from the feet, wrist alignment, overswing, telegraphing, tensing on impact etc etc. The foundations are very much the same and I think are easily transferable. Mastering one can lead to mastering many to a certain extent. Understanding ones own body and how to move it to create optimal force and efficiency. As a matter of fact, its something that can translate to many aspects in life. Martial arts are truly something to be passionate about.
I tried some movements with my Viking style axe and the leather decoration came lose. I guessed it's not battle-ready but that's still a bit underwhelming. However, the head seems to be mounted firmly (kind of important; even purely decorative iron is fairly hard and heavy) and the rest can be fixed. I will never look like a warrior waving that thing around but whatever makes me move even a little bit helps. And I am thankful for videos like this showing me how to do things in a way which does not endanger my health more than it can improve it. After all an Indian club or even a broomstick should be kept away from your head when moving it quickly.
Nice advice man I have had a go with a sword what weighed just over 4 pound, I found it was really hard to control but I had a go at a sword what was just under 2 pounds and I found it was a lot easy to control and I found I had more confidence when handling it And I have found over the years of doing sword duels or demonstrations the quality of the build and where the center of the weight is makes a big difference
Huh. OK, this understanding of how guards fit into the system and how cuts fit within those is interesting, I hadn't come to that conclusion yet. So, once you're "in a functional position from which you can effectively (and to some extent ergonomically) perform offensive and defensive actions", you're in a guard, yeah? That really contextualises the meaning of phrases like "on your guard" or "caught off-guard". I knew what they meant, just not where they came from, and getting that gap filled in was very cathartic, thank you.
This was a key point for me to learn, as I moved from fighting with an early medieval viking sword, to an early magyar saber (quite top heavy and long, mine weighs 1,3 kilograms). You judst have to get used to that instead of stopping after a miss or a feint you procceed with a mill.
Been making steel cable swords, they hit like a mace with the control of a sword. And they don't get stuck. this video gave me ideas on basic forms with them thanks!
As someone who counts the sledgehammer as a daily tool in my job, I can relate. Always gives me a laugh when people fail to collect the recoil energy after a hit for use for the next hit...
This is, why most martial arts (if not all) stress breathing techniques so much for beginners. You want to exhale sharply at the impact moment. This helps the "tensing" part Skall talks about.
Great video as always Skall! I would love to see you more showing us and analyzing how to use weapons properly. It's very important and valuable for me because I want to be an animator. :^)
I'm always curious about how experienced Hema practitioners might find later Irish "ringswords" like the one Skall has, (although more the one-handed versions) to handle as compared to other, more commonly studied/practised weapons. My area of study focuses way more on the cultural end of things, but I know that Irish swords were somewhat distinct compared to other European traditions, and a bit of experimental archeology into how they might've been used would be amazing.
Interesting points here. In most epics of Oguz Turks (and in contemporary Turkish ), the phrase "strength of wrist " (make it wrist strength if you like) is used to mean a warrior 's prowess and differentiates from raw power. The strength of the wrist connects to archery using the thumb draw as well of course, which is why I hadn't made the connection to swordplay and over-swinging.
Change of scenery much appreciated and I'm sure your ceiling, walls ad furniture appreciate it too. Weather and... uh... beer permitting you should make a habit of this. An episode on heavy two-handed weapon handling for instance will go far better in the woods than in your studio.
Great video content as per usual . . . . However, I will admit I'm concerned about your health as to how much weight you've put on. I like your content and hope you will keep it up for a long time.
I really *Really* liked the backdrop here Very idyllic And your swordsmanship was entertaining and educational as always =) always engaged in your words
i like that you can look so objectively at other cultures so many creators in your area of youtube are super Eurocentric or they downright downplay innovation outside of the west. it’s refreshing to see a western youtuber being so charitable to the east, thanks so much ^ - ^
i startet training with a blunt saber that was very havy now other swords and sabers feel light and i am more confortable in theyre use since i alredy leard how to "swing around" and having a good feel for the reach of a wappon
When I was young, I laughed whenever I see a fat knight in any media. But as I grow older, I realize they're the human equivalent of the "fool's guard". Is he just a lazy snob rich enough to afford armor? Or is he a veteran warrior surviving long enough to have a dad bod? Do I take my chances against Sir Alber?
as someone with a 1.7kg beater sword (admittedly cheap) a large, solid shield is VERY appealing to compensate for leaving yourself open to counters. mine is 30" diameter round shield.
i like how this isn’t even my hobby the lad’s just that entertaining
I found this channel a few years ago for his critiquing/"reviews" of fantasy swords, stayed for his amazing knowledge of historical swords and HEMA combat. I try to avoid when he starts going on political rants though.....but thankfully I haven't seen one of those pop up in awhile, So I think Skall even knows those aren't exactly what most folks want to see from his channel.
@@Huanchee this is me exactly ^.^
@@Huanchee Skal goes on political rants...?
@@blackjacka.5097 Tbh he has mentioned it a few times, about gun laws etc but nothing particularly absurd or extreme, just like “yeah this is ineffective and stupid”, for example he talked about England’s ban on “zombie knives”, which are basically any knife that is bright green and has any mention of zombies or violence in the name.
If a Swiss Army knife has a sedated, black blade or is bright green with a fake blood splatter or a zombie or something on it, then it’s illegal.
Since most of the knife crimes are committed with kitchen knives and the like, it is absurd, unnecessary, misguided and frankly, stupid.
@@notforsaletoday1895 Yea, that's stupid.
Well I don't mind if it's not something too extreme.
He makes sense, not going on a dumb rant without knowing what he is talking about like most poeple do.
"the hammer might hit yourself" small me wacked myself often enough with a stick while playing knights to respect the warhammer
Same
Small me? I mean big me still does it sometimes...
lot of blood was spilled back in the day (mine). goddamn sticks lol
so much fun though hahaha
Boss battles would be a lot harder if the bad guys watched this video
Especially the Nioh demons, the first mini boss in the game smacks his Spiked Kanabo everywhere unresponsibly making it easy to counter him.
If literally any sword/hammer using boss in ds3 suddenly becomes impossible, I will now know who to blame
Nice to see that again! I like how it is getting a natural patina
Front lines rated!
Moth Monma Poppa Bobba Fett Mane III :-)
Love that the weapon in the tree changes direction after 1:56 and suddenly a chunk of the tree is missing
"Practice swinging slowly" Exactly, these things are dangerous to flesh and bone afterall. When I picked up Machete/Axe fighting I started practice not just at a moderate pace, but with the sheaths on, got to speed soon. Once those sheathes came off, I again started with slow movements, but was up to speed in just a couple months.
I really wanted to see Skal hit that fallen tree with the skalchion to see how much damage it would've done, but alas, it never happened.
To the blade :^)
@@stoopedhooy88 Some metal might bend, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. :^)
I'm a newer sub but have seen quite a few videos. Your genuine and knowledgeable about these subjects and it makes it easy to enjoy your videos and learn about these things. Plus the sprinkles of humor catch me off gaurd sometimes haha.
I've been with him a long time and he has come quite a bit since way back when, especially after he started hema practicing at Blood & Iron. He has made his fair share of mistakes through the years, BUT he has not hesitated to point this out while correcting himeself and us viewers as he himself improved and learnt more.
@@DominusCypher
The hallmarks of a good teacher.
Yes, he is entertaining.
I just subbed today, but I thought I was subbed for a few years, so in spirit I've been subbed for a few years.
He use to be 350 pound lighter too...
I just got the Albion Maximilian and im so happy right now
Congrats! Have fun
It’s real mercenary hours!
Time to Sack Rome!
Still prefer watching the Albion Principe
I tried to recreate it once lol 🤣
The 13th Warrior! One of my favorite under-rated movies!
For real! A gem that really should have more attention. One of the lesser known Antonio Banderas movie.
"Grow stronger" reference was perfect. Thank you!
"When you die, can I give that to me daughter".
Hey! Just a quick thank you for making videos like this that not only verbally explain what to and not to do, but also physically show what to and not to do! Not only is it great for safty of those who are intrested in weapons such as these, but also has been really helpful for me as an artist and writer! A few years back I had previously received a fair bit of criticism on some fiction writting I had made a while back on how poorly I described weaponry, but you were a serious help and I've improved a LOT since then!! So thanks a million!!
"If I swing full force, I have no chance to stop it"
movies: I'll try spinning, that's a good trick
Video games taught me that’s the best way to take out multiple people at one time tho?
@@jassom1270 In fact playing windmill only makes it easier to disarm you
@@nikmenn2751 nah you’re lying. I played assassins creed 3 multiple times and it taught me how to perfectly spin in a circle while holding a rifle stock and knock out 3 people with one swing.
Random person:
Walks in forest and see that weird guy who is swinging his sword
"(chuckles) I'm in danger"
You should walk in the woods in Alabama. 😂
Mace Mondays
Tank Tuesdays
Wakasashi Wednesdays
Turret Thursdays
Flamethrower Fridays
Saber Saturdays
Church is on Sunday ⛪
Not to mention talking to himself if they cant see the camera
@@alienhybrid7891 in Poland we have Saber and vodka week
@@alienhybrid7891 what the actual hell is wrong with Alabama: “tank Tuesday’s”
You mean the dangling fleshsaber?
This is really interesting Skall, you make it very clear and easy to understand, even for someone who has no martial experience - thanks for taking the time, pal!
Take care and stay safe ;-)
Thanks for still putting out content even while being open about what you're dealing with. It's informative and entertaining, but also inspiring and comforting.
Loved the 13th warrior reference, one of my favorite movies growing up
Recovery speed is important for full hits as well as glancing and misses. It allows you to keep assailing the opponent until he’s down or to move onto the next quickly. Essentially, you never want to stop controlling the weapon. One mistake beginners make is weakening on a hit because they overly relax their grip. Consistent control, awareness, and energy management are the keys to winning fights.
I remember when I trained in Kali/Eskrima and we were often told to control our strikes where we would abruptly stop inches from hitting our sparring partner. When I switched to Ironwood sticks, it's particularly the same as your demonstration on tensing up at the latter part of the swing.
Finally getting to see the Skallchion in use makes me incredibly happy.
Got the Windlass Leuterit Sword and it's a fair old weight...really like the style and design, but the weight is proving to be a problem to my old untrained hands. Very fortuitous that you have uploaded this particular video. Cheers !
I love how the weapons stuck into the log in the background kept moving. That was almost as good as the actual content, which was quite informative.
No you didn’t and no it wasn’t. You’re just pointing out a background anomaly because it’s low hanging fruit for dumb people to think you’re clever and you want attention. Textbook irrelevant narcissistic comment. Thanks for wasting all of our time.
@@snorgonofborkkad chill out dude!
I don't know what it is, but whatever mood I may be in, watching your videos always makes me happy. You're one of a handful of comfort channels for me. Thanks for all the great content you bring to the internet!
love what you have to say and the scenic background is stunning.
It's so good to see him in the woods again
He would make for a great nature documentary.
Off topic, but: Looking good today, Skall. No matter the weight. Thanks for yet another entertaining and informative video, you’re helping out so many people with this, one way or the other. I was wondering about exactly this topic an hour ago since I was trying to properly sharpen an overly heavy early medieval blade.
@@irishbeermarine I am absolutely not lying. Being overweight is unhealthy and he is very much aware of this and trying to get rid of it, just watch the videos he uploaded about this topic. Nevertheless I think he’s looking healthy and content and although there is space for improvement, I would argue that it is appropriate to once in a while compliment someone who is working hard. That is what I’ve been doing.
@@irishbeermarine you're being unnecessarily rude.
(Or as a less geneorus person might say "you're being a dick".)
Yes, he’s overweight and you’re a dick.
@@irishbeermarine Seriously, why are you so obsessed with his weight? Just a constant refrain throughout the comments, why? Are you that worried for him, or do you just need an outlet to dig at someone? At this point it's just factual that you're being rude, and if you deny it, you're lying, even if just to yourself.
Thats such a nice looking sword.
I love the 13th warrior bit thrown in it's my favorite movie of all time I've been trying to find it on dvd but I just can't find it I haven't seen it in almost 2 years
Wow, this camera is EPIC! The details of everything on screen are so sharp...
Beautiful!
Stop depreciating yourself Skall (I'm talking about the video thumbnail). You might think it's just a joke but this will sink into your self-esteem and that always go wrong at some point. You kno, the human psyche and all that.
Great video man. Stay safe.
Fat nerd? Nah nah, armored scholar
What helped me with developing power and speed is my instructor taught us to stay as loose as we could then at about the last third of the swing engage the muscles so its almost like a second swing. Its very difficult to explain but once you get the hang of it it makes longer matches easier bc you have alot less wasted effort and it usually takes people off guard how hard your strikes land
Skal, stop with the self directed insults. You will start to believe them. We are all here because we enjoy your content. Not to judge.
Those who may judge you, are really just projecting their own issues onto you. Much love from Alberta.
It's not about what others think. I *know* that I struggle with food addiction and have once again become fat. It is what it is.
@@Skallagrim shaming yourself won't help. Thanks for all your hard work.
I wouldn't judge too harshly, I think half our country has gained weight from being forced to stay home, and worry
Skall looks so cuddly, I love it.
I just recently put in orders for HEMA practice swords, so the video was really helpful thank you.
Damn man I’ve been following for a long time at least 6 years it’s good to see you still posting
I remember making fun of my diablo 2 characters making my sorceress equip a giant maul and my barbarian a little staff.
I am the most famous man on YouTub! This is not bragging! This is the truth! The truth will set you free, dear po
@@AxxLAfriku bruh, first i see you on my training/ workout videos, and now in the martial arts community... Wtf
@@simonkhsonne He is everywhere, he is nowhere; he is everything, he is nothing. I used to kind of hate him, now I'm just kind of in awe. Still, never going to check out his channel; it would ruin the mystique.
@@AxxLAfriku never heard of you
knife barbarian is the funniest thing ever to me. he just holds em over his shoulders like some basic dramatic slasher villain
Everything you say about balance and overpowering attacks is true for stand-up fighting like boxing as well. I guess a heavy sword swing doesn't make your sword any sharper. A well timed fist can knock-out without a lot of throwing power. timing always wins over power. beginners oven mistake reached attacks that make them loose their balance for powerful ons but in fact they are weaker and make them exploitable for counter attacks.
Just found your channel recently Skallagrim and you're already one of my favourites! Your personality and the way you present your videos is perfect.
I'll also donate to your patreon as soon as im back on my feet.
Thanks!
just imagin you go trough the woods and just see a guy flailing a hammer around wile explaning sword fighting to a person that isn´t there XD , love your vids dude keep up the good work
You know what's the weirdest place i found historically accurate medieval german stuff? From armor, to weapons and all the way to architecture and customs.
In a manhwa called "Liebling!". Yes, it's adult only, but the story is absolutely incredible.
Even the fighting stances were taken directly from the manuscripts.
I haven't seen as much attention to detail ever before.
It even has commentaries for when the writer took some liberties and combined a few customs to make his their own imaginary, but rooted in realty, traditions.
And you'll totally need some tissues for the ending. The story is that good.
Totally recommend it if you want something that had a lot of attention to medieval detail and a well written story.
It's a tasteful mix of medieval, fantasy and time travel.
When i saw the sword and the stance i was like "Damn, they really took their time to properly do their research.". The sword is composed of two archeological finds from the same time period, so it's pretty much something that could have existed at some point.
Cool, will have to go find an online copy!
Thanks for the recommendation!
@@ScottKenny1978 yw :)
A good supplementary thing to do regarding being safe with your weapons for beginners is to try hitting a solid thing e.g. a tree stump, with something blunted that won't kill you. If you do this a bit it will give you a good sense of how to re-direct a rebounding weapon away from your body. So later when you are drilling or whatever, and someone puts up a surprisingly solid block/hard parry, you don't bounce your weapon into your face.
A good example of a blunted weapon is a polypropylene practice sword. I usually go to Cold Steel for mine. Currently practicing with a hand and a half longsword.
Thanks for this Skall - I have a custom hand-and-a-half sword built by Rob Miller at Castle Keep; it’s one of the most beautiful swords I’ve ever owned, but it’s a bit on the heavy side for a primarily one-handed sword. I had some trouble cutting all the way through a tatami mat when I last cut with it, but I’m a very newbie cutter, so this video will help refine my technique!
With the hammer type weapon its also about keeping a good grip with all fingers thus make sure you are using wrist flexibility and not being lazy by letting the fingers loosen on the shaft as its swung or it could be knocked out of your hand by an opponent.
1. If it's too tip heavy, it needs a heavier pommel. Being a cutter, you want a little tip weight, but not excessive weight.
2. Never lock your elbow, you will hyperextend
3. Probably combine it with a buckler or shield
4. Keep your technique tight and close with a cutter like that. Parries and mullinets, let the mass of the blade do the work for you and let it do the cutting.
I have a heavy as Hell falcata and this is what seems to work. I can’t imagine using it effectively without a shield. However, historical falcatas were much lighter than my modern India-made “falcata.”
Yeah I have noticed that with heavier blades. (I have an Nodachi which is around 5lbs spread across 4 feet of blade.) Its much much much easier to let the blade's mass and momentum to swing for you. Much easier to control, much easier to conserve stamina, and easier to reset your stance for the next action.
@@sebastianriz4703 5 lbs??? That sword had too many cheeseburgers. I mean, greatswords could be 4.4-7.1 lbs, but they could also be 84 inches long rather than just 48. 43 inch longsword blades only weighed 4 lbs.
My overweight falcata is 2 lbs, 14 oz for a 29 inch blade. It probably should be a little under 2 lbs.
@@QualityPen yeah its a big boy. Thats just Japanese sryled blades though. Its also partially my fault due to how I designed it for these guys. I wanted only a foot of handle space and the rest to be blade which would have ruined a lot of things on the blade so they had to shorten it and beef it up so the sword would be wieldable and functional
@@sebastianriz4703 ah yep you're working in all circles, 2 handed with a foot of handle for leverage. It's not a terrible style. How is the curve, or is it near straight and basically a longsword with a tsuba and 1 edge?
Great video, full of solid points and technique.
Nice way to talk about body mechanics. I like that you mentioned that you should start slowly and watch where verything is, I don'tk now if I'd have done that on my own.
However the video is handling fast movements helps too. That really helps following what's happening and lets you believe in what's going on.
1.0 kg= 35 oz.
1.8 kg= 63 oz.
Keep in mind that some of the material was lost to rust.
Thanks, this has improved my mace swing hugely!!!
Really enjoyed this video. Very good practical observations on how to utilize effective biomechanics to improve weapon usage.
what a beautiful environment for this video. thanks skall :)
Love the spot for this video! Absolutely gorgeous scene
bruh this video is amaizing, ive been watching a long ass time now, I love all the content, but more exactly like this would be a huge light on my life I tell you w'hut.
Beautiful scenery in the background!
Funny, and educational. Skall at his very best.
There needs to be a second part for two-handed weapons...
I was forced to handle a 10kg Greatsword because my teacher was fed up with me using only my arms instead of my body for swinging my sword. Even the heavy one I managed to swing fast, but again it was all from the arms and they got very tired and my shoulder hurt for weeks!
A 10 kg greatsword is far from practical. The biggest ones were about 3,5 - 4 kg, but most around 2,5.
@@davidresetarits5616 I think his teacher made it overweight for training purposes.
@@davidresetarits5616 the heaviest one that was allegedly used in combat was like 12kg and was welded by an absolute giant for his time (about my size, but I'm close to 7ft tall). I agree however that most were between 2-5kg. 2 is a bit flimsy, especially if you want to retain some thrusting capability at full length. Everything above 5kg doesn't really make sense IMHO as it just tires you out needlessly. The only advantage is that you can overpower other weapons, but I'd rather have a 5kg polearms than a 10kg sword...
@@sirapple2406 indeed.
@@edi9892 did you learn to use your whole body?
Very interesting. Could you do a shield episode? And also sheathing a weapon!
+1 on sheathing swords. Specifically, knives, and so forth aren't as much of a problem, but when you're Wearing the scabbard. Fighting with it strapped to, or hanging from your belt is another thing you just don't see on these channels. It's almost like the video games, as if nobody actually Wore a sword, and had to fight with the scabbard still attached to their hip. They just appear in their hands, then back on their belt with a quick cut.
@@Psiberzerker i usually wear two belts so i can just drop the one with the scabbard If i needed to and still keep my pants up
@@parryhotter4283 Cool, can you make a video?
@@parryhotter4283 Also, we were talking about putting the sword back. Dropping your belt, without your pants, doesn't actually help with that. Pretty much the only footage you can get on the subject is Iaido.
@@Psiberzerker nah i Just mean that you can quickly get rid of the scabbard in a combat situation. After the fight is over you have enough time to pick it back up and carefully sheath the sword. Otherwise just put your non dominant hand on the scabbard and kind of guide the blade in (no jokes please) like they do with katanas. Has always worked for me
9:19 The "Mace Etiquette" +1 Blunt
I think its really cool how the principles and practice of hand to hand martial arts can also apply to martial arts involving a weapon like a sword and vice versa. Biomechanics and principles such as power starting from the feet, wrist alignment, overswing, telegraphing, tensing on impact etc etc. The foundations are very much the same and I think are easily transferable. Mastering one can lead to mastering many to a certain extent. Understanding ones own body and how to move it to create optimal force and efficiency. As a matter of fact, its something that can translate to many aspects in life. Martial arts are truly something to be passionate about.
I tried some movements with my Viking style axe and the leather decoration came lose. I guessed it's not battle-ready but that's still a bit underwhelming. However, the head seems to be mounted firmly (kind of important; even purely decorative iron is fairly hard and heavy) and the rest can be fixed. I will never look like a warrior waving that thing around but whatever makes me move even a little bit helps. And I am thankful for videos like this showing me how to do things in a way which does not endanger my health more than it can improve it. After all an Indian club or even a broomstick should be kept away from your head when moving it quickly.
Excellent demonstration on bio mechanics.
Nice advice man
I have had a go with a sword what weighed just over 4 pound, I found it was really hard to control but I had a go at a sword what was just under 2 pounds and I found it was a lot easy to control and I found I had more confidence when handling it
And I have found over the years of doing sword duels or demonstrations the quality of the build and where the center of the weight is makes a big difference
upvoted for the 13th warrior reference!
Skall: 10 minute video on how to use heavy sword
Fantasy Fighter: "unga bunga"
Huh. OK, this understanding of how guards fit into the system and how cuts fit within those is interesting, I hadn't come to that conclusion yet. So, once you're "in a functional position from which you can effectively (and to some extent ergonomically) perform offensive and defensive actions", you're in a guard, yeah? That really contextualises the meaning of phrases like "on your guard" or "caught off-guard". I knew what they meant, just not where they came from, and getting that gap filled in was very cathartic, thank you.
Thanks Skall. That was very informational.
Another pleasing video from Skall
Love the 13th Warrior reference there lol
This was a key point for me to learn, as I moved from fighting with an early medieval viking sword, to an early magyar saber (quite top heavy and long, mine weighs 1,3 kilograms). You judst have to get used to that instead of stopping after a miss or a feint you procceed with a mill.
guess twirling the blade into a guard position after a cut, using the swing force is the best option with heavier single blades
Yes... its just seems the right way to me
Really goog follow up video to the swordfails. Keep them coming skall.
Been making steel cable swords, they hit like a mace with the control of a sword. And they don't get stuck. this video gave me ideas on basic forms with them thanks!
Cool
Sword grip on a piece of steel cable?
you will Persevere Skall, keep going at it.
As someone who counts the sledgehammer as a daily tool in my job, I can relate. Always gives me a laugh when people fail to collect the recoil energy after a hit for use for the next hit...
After seeing the skalchion again, and after recently watching shadiversity about his new scabbard, I somehow want to see a Skalchion Shabbard.
Ah man a way to start my morning. thank you sir for existing 🙏
@@irishbeermarine dont begin to fatshame someone, thats called rude.
@@irishbeermarine Irish beer marine?
Oh wow, already he's living up the stereotype of being a drunk violent asshole. TYPICAL.
@@irishbeermarine Fact do something better in your life then existing.
@@irishbeermarine His weight fluctuates. No need to be an ass about it, ain’t your problem mate.
@@irishbeermarine 🤣🤣🤣man your stupid also. IM TALKING ABOUT YOU
Really good basic fighting mechanics video :)
Keep them coming !
This is, why most martial arts (if not all) stress breathing techniques so much for beginners. You want to exhale sharply at the impact moment. This helps the "tensing" part Skall talks about.
Great video, and the background choice is amazing.
Skall is slowly liking the "boom" in his talks and he's trying his best to stop himself. It's ok skall, embrace the boom!
He's slowly become a crazy canadian hacker
Boom! Elbow destruction!
really interesting, thank you! but... can you now show use the part where you demolish the log behind you?
Excellent instructional video! Well done!
Great video as always Skall! I would love to see you more showing us and analyzing how to use weapons properly. It's very important and valuable for me because I want to be an animator. :^)
I'm always curious about how experienced Hema practitioners might find later Irish "ringswords" like the one Skall has, (although more the one-handed versions) to handle as compared to other, more commonly studied/practised weapons. My area of study focuses way more on the cultural end of things, but I know that Irish swords were somewhat distinct compared to other European traditions, and a bit of experimental archeology into how they might've been used would be amazing.
6:22 I would actually love an in depth video on guards.
Same!
And sweet rolls
Great video again, Skall!
Interesting points here. In most epics of Oguz Turks (and in contemporary Turkish ), the phrase "strength of wrist " (make it wrist strength if you like) is used to mean a warrior 's prowess and differentiates from raw power. The strength of the wrist connects to archery using the thumb draw as well of course, which is why I hadn't made the connection to swordplay and over-swinging.
Change of scenery much appreciated and I'm sure your ceiling, walls ad furniture appreciate it too.
Weather and... uh... beer permitting you should make a habit of this. An episode on heavy two-handed weapon handling for instance will go far better in the woods than in your studio.
Great video content as per usual . . . . However, I will admit I'm concerned about your health as to how much weight you've put on. I like your content and hope you will keep it up for a long time.
Same.
This is very useful. Thank you.
When your hammer hit the tree, it sounded a bit wonky. You may want to check the wood of the handle for a split
Great to see you in your natural habitat!
I really *Really* liked the backdrop here
Very idyllic
And your swordsmanship was entertaining and educational as always =) always engaged in your words
This is instinctive for fighters.🖤
Always amusing and informative
i like that you can look so objectively at other cultures so many creators in your area of youtube are super Eurocentric or they downright downplay innovation outside of the west. it’s refreshing to see a western youtuber being so charitable to the east, thanks so much ^ - ^
Always love some Thirteenth Warrior clips!
Very nice little spot you found for this video
i startet training with a blunt saber that was very havy now other swords and sabers feel light and i am more confortable in theyre use since i alredy leard how to "swing around" and having a good feel for the reach of a wappon
When I was young, I laughed whenever I see a fat knight in any media. But as I grow older, I realize they're the human equivalent of the "fool's guard". Is he just a lazy snob rich enough to afford armor? Or is he a veteran warrior surviving long enough to have a dad bod? Do I take my chances against Sir Alber?
I really really like that! How well with that hold up to significant abuse. Mostly bushwhacking but self-defense if necessary.
as someone with a 1.7kg beater sword (admittedly cheap) a large, solid shield is VERY appealing to compensate for leaving yourself open to counters. mine is 30" diameter round shield.
Excellent video, very informative.