What Makes Swords Versatile, and How Much Does it Matter?
6,314When comparing sword designs it's easy to go full nerd and over-analyze every little detail. But how much of a difference is it really in practical terms? Is one sword objectively better than another just because it's more versatile, i.e. offers more options for the martial toolkit?
Here is my current, rambly take on it. :)
0:00 Intro / Single-edged vs. double-edged blades
1:28 Hilt Symmetry and grip styles
2:24 Longsword and Kriegsmesser compared
3:42 Half-swording and murder stroke
5:40 The versatility of the Nagel (nail guard)
6:27 The martial toolkit
7:31 Reasons for a single-edged blade
8:05 When versatility doesn't matter
10:32 European buckler vs. Chinese Gou-Rang
12:56 Single-handed messer: Most versatile?
What I'm showing in this video:
Chinese liuye dao (willowleaf saber) by Huanuo Forge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf4CZGe9lkA
http://sevenstarstrading.com/site/huanuo/
The Flying Phoenix Han jian by LK Chen
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-flying-phoenix-han-jian/?koa=259
https://lkchensword.com/flying-phoenix
The Marxbruder practice messer by Albion
https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/maestro/sword-practice-marxbruder-grossemesser.htm
The Knecht by Albion
https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-kriegsmesser-knecht.htm
Test on ZGB Ivan head - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCQYChUaceM
Test on ballistic gel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eMl-FJkWH4
Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjoWAg1HJKw
The Gallowglass by Albion
https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-medieval-irish-bastard-xix.htm
Ewart Park bronze sword by Neil Burridge
http://www.bronze-age-swords.com
Dacian falx by Kristian Iamandi
https://www.iamandi.net/en/weapons-historic/falx-ursici/
https://www.facebook.com/iamandiknife
https://youtu.be/y0v136wHjjQ
Gou-Rang (hook shield) by LK Chen
https://lkchensword.com/gou-rang-2
https://youtu.be/RXYltNPlMaM
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