Which is the best sword in Conan the Barbarian overall? Get your own licensed replicas from Windlass: www.museumreplicas.com/conan-the-barbarian-original-movie-classic?affiliate=scholagladiatoria Atlantean: bit.ly/43G2zf2 Fathers: bit.ly/3N9Knol Valeria’s: bit.ly/3qsKB1i
To me as kid when i watched it was one of the curved swords just by based how it looked. I think it was the Conans archer friends sword tsubodai maybe he was called
I say the Valeria. I just received a custom made copy of the Valeria sword with a 22 inch 80crv2 blade and an Arabic inspired T guard with a similar grip(mine has a flatter profile) and pommel as in the movie. I'm still doing the hand finishing before my smith puts a final edge on it, but it handles like a dream the short relatively heavy blade paired with the long grip makes for a very versatile tool.
Sandahl Bergman was in incredible shape for this role and moves so well thanks to her training as a dancer. Unlike a lot of actors in fantasy films, I find that she comes across as a pretty believable swordswoman. With her height, fitness, and agility I think she would have been a dangerous opponent if she'd continued to pursue armed martial arts (whether eastern or western or both). Imagine squaring off against her in her prime in a HEMA context, for example. Formidable.
@@lavrentivs9891 I mean, there's a reason why American football players regularly take ballet classes. Also, the level of body control required lends itself well to performing intricate fighting choreography.
Indeed, there's never been a better female movie representation of a fantasy warrior. Far better than Brigitte Nielsen in Red Sonia (which Sandahl also starred in). I'd say Grace Jones in Destroyer was also amazing honestly despite the films shortcomings. Milius really managed to make the Frank Frazetta art come to life with this film, I doubt we'll see the like again.
I love that this movie cast three great thespians (James Earl Jones, Mako, and Max Von Sydow) to give these amazing speeches, and then everyone else in the cast is some variety of athlete giving a great physical performance.
It originally didn't have a cross guard. I talked to Sandal about the two versions, and they added the integrated guard shortly after the first rehearsal when Arnold accidentally hit her finger and seriously injured her hand, almost cutting a finger off. She said she was bleeding all over the place. So they added the integrated guard the next day.
How is it possible to "add" an integrated guard? An integrated guard is made from the same piece of metal as the blade. To do this you would have to cut the blade, heat it, bend the cut bits into shape, which would leave obvious markings on the blade itself, making the whole thing weaker. Looking at the blade he is holding, even if they used steel from the tang, I don't see how this would be possible, especially within a day. Is it possible they had a version with a cross-guard already made, and just switched it in?
@@bskec2177 keep in mind these props not real swords. First one they welded the side lugs on. Then the rest the made with the lugs after. These were all made via stock removal from cut out blanks.
Lets not forget she did almost KILL somebody with this sword in the movie, despite being an unsharped, prop. When Valeria squares off with the cultists in the tunnel, she accidentally stabbed one of the actors in the throat! The take is in the movie, and you can frankly see the concern in her face before she runs off.
@@whyjay9959 she wanted to stop and check if he was alright, but she also didn't want to ruin the take. And as far as stunt people go, if they get badly injured doing something on film, they WANT it in the movie.
i got to meet sandahl a few years ago at a small con. she is a lovely lady and very sweet we ended up chatting for nearly 40 mins it was a bit weird meeting one of my childhood crushes but it was awesome. she really loved doing conan and red sonja
Absolutely. More athletic women like Sandhal Bergman should get cast in these warrior-woman roles. Like Arnie, it makes suspension of disbelief so much easier.
The replica of Valeria's sword made by Windlass is missing details from the original prop. The integrated guard you referenced did not exist on the original prop, at least not in the beginning. Sandahl Bergman had one of her fingers nearly sliced off from an extra's blade sliding down the edge of her blade. After that injury, the props team welded the integrated guard on to help avoid additional injury and give her some protection. Furthermore, the pommel has a demon's face depicted on it and not a floral motif. The grip, also, was less cylindrical and was wrapped in leather, whereas the grip on the Windlass replica is bare wood.
The Valeria sword, unlike the Father's sword or the Atlantean sword, was never made as a hero weapon, i.e. from steel. All of Sandahl Bergman's swords were made of aluminum. It's a small detail, but she came from a dance background and not a martial arts background.
@@danielflynn9141 Did any of the actors have a martial arts background at the time? I thought most of them were bodybuilders and strongmen, and Gerry Lopez was a surfer.
@digitaljanus None of the principal actors had martial arts experience. Ben Davidson, who played Rexor, was an NFL player, and had experience concussing people. That's about as close as anyone got to having martial arts experience.
@@danielflynn9141 Thorgrim actor, Sven Ole Thorsen was a Karate Black Belt, so "technically" did have martial arts experience although not necessarily swords...
So a teenage Matt Easton appreciated Valeria's sword most of all, eh? Are you sure there wasn't some other aspect of Sandahl Bergman's "dramatis persona" you appreciated more, Matt? Hmmm?
People say it's a dumb, violent Schwarzenegger film, but it's much better than that. Some of the lines are memorable, the mythos is believable, it has some great actors like Von Sydow and Earl Jones AND the astonishing music score.
Heck yeah, great sword, i just saw a remastered, colorized video of Winston Churchill presenting Stalin with a sword, it was medieval style and encrusted with rubies with a rock crystal pomel, beautiful, the sword maker later made 3 copies for whatever reason but a video on ceremonial and diplomatic gift swords would be interesting. Great vid!
Yes, Subotai only 'chops' a few enemies with his cutting sword in the film as he's a 'thief and archer' primarily. The hispanic guy playing him was known as a champion surfer before being cast, so he was used to being cool before acting.
The part of the cave, when they are scaping from the Mountain of Doom (I think it is called like that), is a good example of how Valerya uses this sword. The hits looked realistic!! Great series of vid BTW
One of the best movie from my childhood... P.S. Love and still listen the soundtrack, while reading some stuff ... it is truly Basil Poledouris great work!
*Let me tell you of the days of high adventure!* I appreciate you and your vids. I liked all the different swords from the Conan movies including Red Sonja. Also the very epic soundtracks!
I just love the Atlantean Sword's design. It's so damn iconic. I just wish it had a WAY longer blade. As a kid I thought it was perfect, now it just looks like a toothpick when wielded by Arnold
He has more like a short or small sword with a curved blade like a little falchion so it's not the best for duelling but for closed quarters and quick disposals of cultists, it does the job! XD Also, less chance to get in the way of the bow when he use it. :)
I saw Conan in the theater when it first came out and many times since, and after watching this video I’m going to watch it again tonight. (VHS or CD? Hmmm). I’ve read the books and love the movie. Arnold was a perfect choice in fact I loved all of the casting.
i love all the swords from conan ! one of the best ever fantasy films . one of my top tens would be the 1952 disney robin hood . i think they got the look and feel of medieval england pretty well and the colours and heraldry popping like it should . i would love to see you review this film looking at the costumes and weapons ect ect . i particularly like the scene where the king rallies his army and rides off with all the knights and men at arms in proper looking garb . not sure if its entirely accurate for the time but it feels much more medieval than some other more recent offerings Edit , if anyone knows the hymn the army is singing as it rides off to crusade i would love to know
Yeah, it's a damn cool blade. As a kid I quite liked reading R.A. Salvatore's books about Drizzt, and this is pretty moch how I still picture Drow scimitars looking like.
I've always like Valeria's sword the most because it was such a practical piece. At one point Windlass was turning out "barbarian" swords when they didn't have the rights to the Conan name and they had a different version that I liked even more. It had more of a practical fullered blade and a slightly different pommel and guard that looked even better. Really cool.
I don't know a THING about swords but I know my 6 year old self took one look at Sandahl Bergman and knew my grown self was going to have a weakness for tall, thick blondes for LIFE.😍
As much as I like the iconic 3, I've always had a soft spot for the oversized katana looking blade he trains with at the dojo. Just something about its sleek clean minimalist style really speaks to me.
A warning for those of relative youth. Matt is talking about the 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger not the 2011 remake starring Jason Momoa. The original is by far and away the best, a true Swords and Sandals epic. The 2011 version is OK and worth a watch but......
He's taking about the ONLY Conan movie, end of story! 2011 version is simply a waste of 2 hours of your lifetime! As for Matt's original question, I always liked Conan's sword best. Although it's never been called 'Atlantean' at any time in the movie. (And No, the bone heap sitting in the cave ain't KULL neither ;)!)
@@hawkeyepierce67 I won't disagree but what I wouldn't want is forsomeone to watch the original THEN watch the inferior version expecting something similar - they'll be very disappointed! As for the sword's name I wonder if it was mentioned in the original books on which the film was based (Author - Robert E Howard)?
@@ndwilcock6575I'm pretty sure wasn't. Won't swear an oath to it by Crom though ;). Since of all the Conan books I own, I have not read the one you've mentioned in a very long time. Guess it's been 25 years... or even more. Guess it's because I've never had a very large interest in this book and only bought it out of collecting reasons.
Subotai had a cool sword too. And the sword of Conan’s mother was epic. The lack of a cross guard is very telling about the fighting style of a Cimmerian. All attack
Valerias sword probably IS way more practical and real world useful. But also, after watching the movie later on as an adult, and after studying HEMA, Valeria seems to be the best swordsman (person) in the movie!
Brilliant video but if it is a thief's sword you want to examine what about Subotai's often overlooked sword? He is primarily an archer and his blade is short and broad. I would be curious to know your thoughts on that. Windlass does not produce one but I believe Albion Swords did.
I was 12 when Conan the Barbarian hit the big screen, and Valeria's sword was the one I wanted. I tried to work out the dimensions from publicity stills and did endless drawings of it. I still really like that style of sword. Valeria made a pretty big impression on me too, at that impressionable age, but I don't know how much that related to the sword preference...
What perfect timing. I literally just received my custom copy of the Valeria sword. Its a 22 inch blade in 80crv2 with an Arabic inspired T guard and a flatter version of the props handle and pommel. Its a very versatile blase i plan to use as a falchion/machete. I kinda blended the Valeria sword with a hanger sword i saw in a lewis and Clark exhibit in The Dalles.
Any human who loves Conan the Barbarian is my ally and comrade, no further introductions needed :D Crom willing, Albion's Subotai will one day be mine!
Funnilly I still today haven't met a person who has not watched Conan The Barbarian and I know people from age range 15 -> 60. I guess the movie is part of common knowledge ;D
Valaria's and the Father’s blade make sense for being in the Silk Road area. Arnold’s is like a two handed short sword… still don’t want to be on the sharp end of it though… lol. Subotai‘s blade was perfect for him as well. All in all, loved Barbarian and Destroyer… new Barbarian sucked overall in my opinion. Wish they’d do a complete trilogy… Barbarian, Destroyer, Conqueror
They went all out for that movie. Jody Samson who designed several fantasy weapons made real swords that the props were made to look like. The music was epic. Basil Poledouris scored the movie. I was expecting something really cool with Jason Momoa's Conan. It's like they didn't even try. I reckon Jason Momoa did what he could with the garbage script. The swords looked fake as hell. It's like the producers put everything they had into making the worst gruesome deaths and injuries then crapped on the story, the props and the music.
When Valeria faces two guards in the tunnel and puts herself on guard, if you look at the edge of the weapon it is not pointing forward, this is what happens with the cylindrical grip that you are not aware of where the edge of the sword is pointing. Design error
As far as a practical and easily wielded sword, i would have to say Subotai's sword would be my choice. It was shorter and wider for strength. A simple but affective design. Not fancy enough to stand out, but a great weapon non the less.
Conan the Barbarian is one of my most favorite movies of all time. I agree, Valeria's sword is imminently practical looking. I even like the cylindrical grip (sorry about that). 🙂 I'm not built like Conan, so the lighter falchion style of her sword would be my first choice.
Conan's Atlantean sword was almost gladius length. Given Conan's (and Arnie's) strength he could have wielded a longsword & had even greater reach advantage over opponents.
... or a Messer or a Falchion ... Let's face it - there are only three or four ways to shape a blade to make it an efficient instrument with which to dispatch ones Foes. Thanks, Mr Easton. Cool sword, good narrative.
I honestly don't know if it says something about me but on 1st watching and subsequently I think that the scene where they're applying their 'camo' body paint it makes Sandal Berghman look Damn sexy
I haven't watched Conan the Barbarian yet... this month. I love it, every piece, even the non-canon origin scene (I take as some sort of stuff the narrator invented) and it's just as good as the rest, barbarians, swords, fights... what's not to like? Not to mention the soundtrack! And Sandal Bergman!!! I think I'll watch it now, it's time for high adventure!!
Yes to this! A few years back I requested in the comments (I can't remember the video in particular, could it be one he made about the movie?) for Matt to do a commentary on Valeria's and Subotai's combat styles in the movie. I'd love to see that happen.
I hope there'll be another upcoming video; When Conan and another fellow student train in the East, they are using long versions of samurai-type swords worth mentioning.
That's right. The two have katana-type swords when training under the oriental sword master/martial arts sensei. Conan also uses a 'spiked knuckle duster' type weapon to kill off an opponent in the arena soon after.
Not gonna lie, I'm still scratching my head how a person's supposed to carry the Atlantean sword. For damn sure doesn't look like it'll fit in a scabbard; what are you gonna do, tie a leather cord to it & sling it over your shoulder like a rifle?
Which is the best sword in Conan the Barbarian overall? Get your own licensed replicas from Windlass: www.museumreplicas.com/conan-the-barbarian-original-movie-classic?affiliate=scholagladiatoria
Atlantean: bit.ly/43G2zf2
Fathers: bit.ly/3N9Knol
Valeria’s: bit.ly/3qsKB1i
To me as kid when i watched it was one of the curved swords just by based how it looked. I think it was the Conans archer friends sword tsubodai maybe he was called
Crom!
Nice thumbnail, fine sir.💯
I say the Valeria. I just received a custom made copy of the Valeria sword with a 22 inch 80crv2 blade and an Arabic inspired T guard with a similar grip(mine has a flatter profile) and pommel as in the movie. I'm still doing the hand finishing before my smith puts a final edge on it, but it handles like a dream the short relatively heavy blade paired with the long grip makes for a very versatile tool.
I like subotai’s sword
I definitely preferred Valeria... Oh, swords. Still Valeria's.
I'm afflicted by the yellow fever, so I'm partial to the Witch
@@Solon_The_Lich That's an Italian actress I believe. Although I did have a Khakassian girlfriend from southern Siberia who reminded me of her!
They both have nice curves 😊
Man was she something?! She started my puberty with a bang lol!
By crom she could wield that sword
Sandahl Bergman was in incredible shape for this role and moves so well thanks to her training as a dancer. Unlike a lot of actors in fantasy films, I find that she comes across as a pretty believable swordswoman. With her height, fitness, and agility I think she would have been a dangerous opponent if she'd continued to pursue armed martial arts (whether eastern or western or both). Imagine squaring off against her in her prime in a HEMA context, for example. Formidable.
Agreed! It was genius casting by John Milius to cast real life athletes in these roles, a bodybuilder, a dancer and a SURFER!
@@blacknapalm2131 A surprising number of action heroes were at one point or another dancers.
@@blacknapalm2131 True! Gerry Lopez is a legend.
@@lavrentivs9891
I mean, there's a reason why American football players regularly take ballet classes. Also, the level of body control required lends itself well to performing intricate fighting choreography.
Indeed, there's never been a better female movie representation of a fantasy warrior. Far better than Brigitte Nielsen in Red Sonia (which Sandahl also starred in). I'd say Grace Jones in Destroyer was also amazing honestly despite the films shortcomings. Milius really managed to make the Frank Frazetta art come to life with this film, I doubt we'll see the like again.
I love that this movie cast three great thespians (James Earl Jones, Mako, and Max Von Sydow) to give these amazing speeches, and then everyone else in the cast is some variety of athlete giving a great physical performance.
Apparently they cast the “great” actors specifically in hoping they would inspire better performances from the others.
My favourite thing about the film is Basil Poledouris' soundtrack. I consider the film almost a 90 minute music video. :D
@@abnunga Yes the soundtrack is amazing! I especially love the main theme and the Theology/Civilization track.
Max got around. (RIP) He played Solomon's father in the Solomon Kane movie.
@@abnunga yeah its almost an opera
I also always preferred the father's sword but again I agree that Valaria's sword is the one best suited to normal, non-Arnold proportioned, humans.
What about Subotai? Are we going to see his gear as well? Please please please!
It originally didn't have a cross guard. I talked to Sandal about the two versions, and they added the integrated guard shortly after the first rehearsal when Arnold accidentally hit her finger and seriously injured her hand, almost cutting a finger off. She said she was bleeding all over the place. So they added the integrated guard the next day.
Accidental living history.
How did you get to meet her? Did you interview her or did you work on the Conan set?
@@Robert_Douglass got to do an interview at a convention she attended
How is it possible to "add" an integrated guard? An integrated guard is made from the same piece of metal as the blade. To do this you would have to cut the blade, heat it, bend the cut bits into shape, which would leave obvious markings on the blade itself, making the whole thing weaker. Looking at the blade he is holding, even if they used steel from the tang, I don't see how this would be possible, especially within a day. Is it possible they had a version with a cross-guard already made, and just switched it in?
@@bskec2177 keep in mind these props not real swords. First one they welded the side lugs on. Then the rest the made with the lugs after. These were all made via stock removal from cut out blanks.
She also had the best armor, not realistic by any means but I am willing to overlook it.
"Armour"
@@chrish1657 Only if you speak British English. In American English, it's just armor as well as color.
Armour/Armor? Oh yeah, that way too much coverage Valkyrie outfit....
@@chrish1657 "Amour" 😉
@@Riceball01 I don't think it's in quotation marks over conflicts of spelling...
The mothers sword is nice also and Subotai's sword is decent also
Masterpiece film. Valeria was outstanding.💯🔥🗡
Lets not forget she did almost KILL somebody with this sword in the movie, despite being an unsharped, prop. When Valeria squares off with the cultists in the tunnel, she accidentally stabbed one of the actors in the throat! The take is in the movie, and you can frankly see the concern in her face before she runs off.
Haven't heard that one. A lot of people got hurt on that movie...
@@whyjay9959 she wanted to stop and check if he was alright, but she also didn't want to ruin the take. And as far as stunt people go, if they get badly injured doing something on film, they WANT it in the movie.
I could not find anything about this. Would you happen to have a source, by any chance?
i got to meet sandahl a few years ago at a small con. she is a lovely lady and very sweet we ended up chatting for nearly 40 mins it was a bit weird meeting one of my childhood crushes but it was awesome. she really loved doing conan and red sonja
I have the authorized replica from Windlass, and while the edge may be thick and dull, the tip will penetrate flesh quite easily. 😬
Valeria is a very believable female warrior and the fight scenes are excellent.
Absolutely. More athletic women like Sandhal Bergman should get cast in these warrior-woman roles. Like Arnie, it makes suspension of disbelief so much easier.
The replica of Valeria's sword made by Windlass is missing details from the original prop. The integrated guard you referenced did not exist on the original prop, at least not in the beginning. Sandahl Bergman had one of her fingers nearly sliced off from an extra's blade sliding down the edge of her blade. After that injury, the props team welded the integrated guard on to help avoid additional injury and give her some protection. Furthermore, the pommel has a demon's face depicted on it and not a floral motif. The grip, also, was less cylindrical and was wrapped in leather, whereas the grip on the Windlass replica is bare wood.
The Valeria sword, unlike the Father's sword or the Atlantean sword, was never made as a hero weapon, i.e. from steel. All of Sandahl Bergman's swords were made of aluminum. It's a small detail, but she came from a dance background and not a martial arts background.
@@danielflynn9141 Did any of the actors have a martial arts background at the time? I thought most of them were bodybuilders and strongmen, and Gerry Lopez was a surfer.
@digitaljanus None of the principal actors had martial arts experience. Ben Davidson, who played Rexor, was an NFL player, and had experience concussing people. That's about as close as anyone got to having martial arts experience.
@@danielflynn9141 Thorgrim actor, Sven Ole Thorsen was a Karate Black Belt, so "technically" did have martial arts experience although not necessarily swords...
@@thorgrim2010 Ahh, I did not know that about him! Thanks for the feedback.
So a teenage Matt Easton appreciated Valeria's sword most of all, eh? Are you sure there wasn't some other aspect of Sandahl Bergman's "dramatis persona" you appreciated more, Matt? Hmmm?
Conan the Barbarian is on my list of top movies! absolutely loved it as a kid, still do now as middle aged warrior
People say it's a dumb, violent Schwarzenegger film, but it's much better than that. Some of the lines are memorable, the mythos is believable, it has some great actors like Von Sydow and Earl Jones AND the astonishing music score.
@@PaIaeoCIive1684 Conan the Destroyer was kind of dumb :)
Barbarian is a classic
I still want to see Conan the King
Heck yeah, great sword, i just saw a remastered, colorized video of Winston Churchill presenting Stalin with a sword, it was medieval style and encrusted with rubies with a rock crystal pomel, beautiful, the sword maker later made 3 copies for whatever reason but a video on ceremonial and diplomatic gift swords would be interesting.
Great vid!
The best curve ever and the sword is good too.
But the best weapon in Conan was the Hammer of Thorgrim.
I totally agree but what about Subotai's sword?
Coolest character too.
@@raphaelargus2984 Food for wolves?
@@bellakaldera3305 My god is the everlasting sky. Your god...lives underneath him.
Yes, Subotai only 'chops' a few enemies with his cutting sword in the film as he's a 'thief and archer' primarily. The hispanic guy playing him was known as a champion surfer before being cast, so he was used to being cool before acting.
Valeria always did know what she was doing more than Conan.
Yeah. Conan was always being pulled this way and that. Valeria knew what she was about.
Yes.
The part of the cave, when they are scaping from the Mountain of Doom (I think it is called like that), is a good example of how Valerya uses this sword. The hits looked realistic!! Great series of vid BTW
Yes.
Valaria`s sword reminds me of the Beastmaster`s sword.
yeah me too
"He is Matt Eason, Englishman he won't cry...so I cry for him."
~Subatai; thief & archer
nice
One of the best movie from my childhood... P.S. Love and still listen the soundtrack, while reading some stuff ... it is truly Basil Poledouris great work!
Do they have the Red Sonya sword their? If they do can you do a review and comparison video?
*Let me tell you of the days of high adventure!*
I appreciate you and your vids. I liked all the different swords from the Conan movies including Red Sonja. Also the very epic soundtracks!
I just love the Atlantean Sword's design. It's so damn iconic. I just wish it had a WAY longer blade. As a kid I thought it was perfect, now it just looks like a toothpick when wielded by Arnold
What about the sword Conan’s buddy, the archer who Conan saved from the sucubus, had? I always liked it.
Subotai: thief and archer!
I remember it being similar to Valeria's sword, but I'm sure there are different details if examined.
Subotai was a great right hand man, a real character not just a sidekick. He’s the one who saves the Princess at the end. He had more of a scimitar
He has more like a short or small sword with a curved blade like a little falchion so it's not the best for duelling but for closed quarters and quick disposals of cultists, it does the job! XD
Also, less chance to get in the way of the bow when he use it. :)
@baccusx13 I looked up the reproduction online, and its listed having a 19" blade. More than enough to be a handy short sword.
That hatchet point, and I hope the distal taper coming along it, has always been an insta
Nothing to do with the fit woman in the fantasy leather under wear then.😂
Do you want to live forever?
This movie and excalibur are my two main favourites, I literally love them
I saw Conan in the theater when it first came out and many times since, and after watching this video I’m going to watch it again tonight. (VHS or CD? Hmmm).
I’ve read the books and love the movie. Arnold was a perfect choice in fact I loved all of the casting.
Conan was my favorite sword/fantasy movie until Lord of the Rings came out.
I'm gonna say the soundtrack is still better than LotR!
Dum dum dum dum!!! da dum!! da dum!!!
@@whatident I would agree to that. It's one of my favorite soundtracks of all time.
Valeria’s sword is definitely the best sword overall.
That is a beautiful sword. Looks very practical for a fantasy sword as well.
The man has a masterclass arsenal.💯🔥
i love all the swords from conan ! one of the best ever fantasy films . one of my top tens would be the 1952 disney robin hood . i think they got the look and feel of medieval england pretty well and the colours and heraldry popping like it should . i would love to see you review this film looking at the costumes and weapons ect ect . i particularly like the scene where the king rallies his army and rides off with all the knights and men at arms in proper looking garb . not sure if its entirely accurate for the time but it feels much more medieval than some other more recent offerings
Edit , if anyone knows the hymn the army is singing as it rides off to crusade i would love to know
Yeah, it's a damn cool blade. As a kid I quite liked reading R.A. Salvatore's books about Drizzt, and this is pretty moch how I still picture Drow scimitars looking like.
Can't believe you're making a *second* video geeking out about fantasy swords from a silly movie.
I'm HERE FOR IT 😁🥰
It's a great movie.
@@kirbyculp3449 Indeed. And incredibly silly, too (I love it, but ... come on)!
Conan was huge in the 80's!
It‘s the best Fantasy movie to this day, man.
@@lunarmodule6419 I know, I was a teenager back then :)
I've always like Valeria's sword the most because it was such a practical piece. At one point Windlass was turning out "barbarian" swords when they didn't have the rights to the Conan name and they had a different version that I liked even more. It had more of a practical fullered blade and a slightly different pommel and guard that looked even better. Really cool.
I don't know a THING about swords but I know my 6 year old self took one look at Sandahl Bergman and knew my grown self was going to have a weakness for tall, thick blondes for LIFE.😍
As much as I like the iconic 3, I've always had a soft spot for the oversized katana looking blade he trains with at the dojo. Just something about its sleek clean minimalist style really speaks to me.
A warning for those of relative youth. Matt is talking about the 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger not the 2011 remake starring Jason Momoa. The original is by far and away the best, a true Swords and Sandals epic. The 2011 version is OK and worth a watch but......
He's taking about the ONLY Conan movie, end of story!
2011 version is simply a waste of 2 hours of your lifetime!
As for Matt's original question, I always liked Conan's sword best. Although it's never been called 'Atlantean' at any time in the movie.
(And No, the bone heap sitting in the cave ain't KULL neither ;)!)
@@hawkeyepierce67 I won't disagree but what I wouldn't want is forsomeone to watch the original THEN watch the inferior version expecting something similar - they'll be very disappointed! As for the sword's name I wonder if it was mentioned in the original books on which the film was based (Author - Robert E Howard)?
@@ndwilcock6575I'm pretty sure wasn't. Won't swear an oath to it by Crom though ;).
Since of all the Conan books I own, I have not read the one you've mentioned in a very long time. Guess it's been 25 years... or even more.
Guess it's because I've never had a very large interest in this book and only bought it out of collecting reasons.
The best sword in the movie might've been the long curved Nodachi-like thing which Conan trained with in the East.
Sandahl Bergman is a friend of My Family. She knows My Uncle Blane Savage. They were both dancers during the casting of this film
Personally i like a lot the mother sword
Loving this series as I love CONAN! But I am eyeing that helmet of Maximus in the corner and hoping you got some vids showing off those items as well.
Me to!!
Got to love the rediculous wooden maul with the huge head and short handle
Subotai had a cool sword too. And the sword of Conan’s mother was epic. The lack of a cross guard is very telling about the fighting style of a Cimmerian. All attack
Subotai's sword is still best sword.
Don’t forget his training sword
Valerias sword probably IS way more practical and real world useful. But also, after watching the movie later on as an adult, and after studying HEMA, Valeria seems to be the best swordsman (person) in the movie!
Brilliant video but if it is a thief's sword you want to examine what about Subotai's often overlooked sword? He is primarily an archer and his blade is short and broad. I would be curious to know your thoughts on that. Windlass does not produce one but I believe Albion Swords did.
I was 12 when Conan the Barbarian hit the big screen, and Valeria's sword was the one I wanted. I tried to work out the dimensions from publicity stills and did endless drawings of it. I still really like that style of sword. Valeria made a pretty big impression on me too, at that impressionable age, but I don't know how much that related to the sword preference...
I bet you "like" Valeria...
@@lunarmodule6419 I *was* 12 🤭
Lets all agree, they were all pretty neat blades, all had character and it matched the character.
All of the Conan designs are great. One day I'll buy me some Fangs of the Serpent. One day.
It fitted with her character and her style of fighting.
fun video - though I always thought Valeria's blade looked more like falchion. or a scimitar.
What perfect timing. I literally just received my custom copy of the Valeria sword. Its a 22 inch blade in 80crv2 with an Arabic inspired T guard and a flatter version of the props handle and pommel. Its a very versatile blase i plan to use as a falchion/machete. I kinda blended the Valeria sword with a hanger sword i saw in a lewis and Clark exhibit in The Dalles.
It doesn't matter. Best sword is Conan's sword. Hands down. Its adorned by Crom himself.
sandahl Bergmann had two invincible weapons !!
Would you prefer a CJM pattern sword with a Dao/Falchion style curve at the tip? Best of both worlds?
Any human who loves Conan the Barbarian is my ally and comrade, no further introductions needed :D
Crom willing, Albion's Subotai will one day be mine!
Funnilly I still today haven't met a person who has not watched Conan The Barbarian and I know people from age range 15 -> 60.
I guess the movie is part of common knowledge ;D
Is it double-edged? Kinda looks that way, though you might not expect that from the general shape.
Valaria's and the Father’s blade make sense for being in the Silk Road area. Arnold’s is like a two handed short sword… still don’t want to be on the sharp end of it though… lol. Subotai‘s blade was perfect for him as well. All in all, loved Barbarian and Destroyer… new Barbarian sucked overall in my opinion. Wish they’d do a complete trilogy… Barbarian, Destroyer, Conqueror
Matt, please review Subotai's sword! Hyrcanian and the Khitan katana Conan trained on with the swordmasters of the East
Great sword, and great actress. Sandahl Bergman was phenomenal in that role.
They went all out for that movie. Jody Samson who designed several fantasy weapons made real swords that the props were made to look like. The music was epic. Basil Poledouris scored the movie. I was expecting something really cool with Jason Momoa's Conan. It's like they didn't even try. I reckon Jason Momoa did what he could with the garbage script. The swords looked fake as hell. It's like the producers put everything they had into making the worst gruesome deaths and injuries then crapped on the story, the props and the music.
I literally had this discussion with a friend while we rewatched the movie about 2 months ago.
I saw a barbarian woman in bikini with a sword, and I clicked.
I'm a simple man.
I love that you included this sword, it never seems to get the love it deserves.
When Valeria faces two guards in the tunnel and puts herself on guard, if you look at the edge of the weapon it is not pointing forward, this is what happens with the cylindrical grip that you are not aware of where the edge of the sword is pointing. Design error
Valeria and her blade are favorites of mine
As far as a practical and easily wielded sword, i would have to say Subotai's sword would be my choice. It was shorter and wider for strength. A simple but affective design. Not fancy enough to stand out, but a great weapon non the less.
Subotai's sword never gets mentioned
I thought of Subotai's sword as similar to Valeria's but more compact, and the most practical sword of the three, much like the character himself.
Subotai had a similar Dao or tulwar style sword, in addition to his bow.
Yeah... I've always preferred Valeria's sword over the others. Nice!
Conan the Barbarian is one of my most favorite movies of all time. I agree, Valeria's sword is imminently practical looking. I even like the cylindrical grip (sorry about that). 🙂 I'm not built like Conan, so the lighter falchion style of her sword would be my first choice.
Conan's Atlantean sword was almost gladius length.
Given Conan's (and Arnie's) strength he could have wielded a longsword & had even greater reach advantage over opponents.
What about the sword in Conan the Librarian?
Round handled swords... Garbage...
I do have to say, potentially yes! It very well might be the breast sword in Conan!
I love all the swords from Conan, but Valeria's looks closest to one I'd actually want to use. Such an awesome film.
... or a Messer or a Falchion ... Let's face it - there are only three or four ways to shape a blade to make it an efficient instrument with which to dispatch ones Foes. Thanks, Mr Easton. Cool sword, good narrative.
Thorgrim's hammer was the best though.
how about the sword from Red Sonia?
I honestly don't know if it says something about me but on 1st watching and subsequently I think that the scene where they're applying their 'camo' body paint it makes Sandal Berghman look Damn sexy
Funny you should make a video on these swords, Matt! I was looking into replicas for myself the other day. I too prefer the Father's sword!
I believe the Valeria sword was also used in the movie “Army of Darkness”.
I haven't watched Conan the Barbarian yet... this month. I love it, every piece, even the non-canon origin scene (I take as some sort of stuff the narrator invented) and it's just as good as the rest, barbarians, swords, fights... what's not to like?
Not to mention the soundtrack! And Sandal Bergman!!!
I think I'll watch it now, it's time for high adventure!!
Love the sword from the Wind and the Lion used by Sean Conery?
I actually preferred the father's sword. Probably because of being able to see it being made in the movie.
Hey Matt! Thanks so much for doing another video on the Conan swords! Any chance we'll see Subotai's sword? Great vid! Bulletproof love from Canada!
Yes to this! A few years back I requested in the comments (I can't remember the video in particular, could it be one he made about the movie?) for Matt to do a commentary on Valeria's and Subotai's combat styles in the movie. I'd love to see that happen.
*I did it! With my SPEAR!* : Akiro
I hope there'll be another upcoming video;
When Conan and another fellow student train in the East, they are using long versions of samurai-type swords worth mentioning.
That's right. The two have katana-type swords when training under the oriental sword master/martial arts sensei. Conan also uses a 'spiked knuckle duster' type weapon to kill off an opponent in the arena soon after.
Not gonna lie, I'm still scratching my head how a person's supposed to carry the Atlantean sword. For damn sure doesn't look like it'll fit in a scabbard; what are you gonna do, tie a leather cord to it & sling it over your shoulder like a rifle?
I believe the scabbard has cutaways partially down each side of the throat.
Do you want to live forever?
Great movie, awesome cast!
great series Matt ! Have fun in India
Oh wow now that im actually watched the video you pulled the sword out i wasnt sure was it the archer guys or Valerias, but thats it for me as well