Arm Blades & Spiked Shields: Better Than You Think?
10,342Plenty of video games, movies, and other fantasy fiction features arm claws, wrist blades, and similar weapons. Typically associated with assassins, rogues, barbarians, gladiators, and beastmen.
In real-life history they are generally rare, with a few exceptions like the Indian Katar and Pata (sword gauntlet). Is that for a good reason or are they underappreciated? In this video I discuss the practical pros & cons, look at a few historical examples, and show some ideas for effective designs.
Older video about the bizarre lantern shield:
https://youtu.be/0AIUF6iCPj0
Follow-up video about the best off-hand weapon for adventurers or travelling duelists:
https://youtu.be/4t4-VzDI99Y
*** Sources / Links ***
Roman scissor model by Humster3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOlrjPiA7bY
19th century pata
https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/indian-pata-kutch-style-decor
Bladed fantasy shield designs
https://www.deviantart.com/jrcoffroniii/art/Kolfel-Blade-Shield-429286225
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/o6L94?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_BvS4IMYc6U0ktQ0vsWUSsypcXrlTofVEZL0Z7T.WH.M-1629248551-0-gqNtZGzNAvujcnBszQgl
Medieval & renaissance sources
https://www.wiktenauer.com/
*** Music ***
"Winds of Stories" by Horror Pen
https://opengameart.org/content/winds-of-stories
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
https://vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/illuminate
Used with artist's permission
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/
Used with artist's permission
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