The best melee weapon for an armored duel

[@scholagladiatoria]

Really interesting to see your take on this @Dequitem . I don't greatly disagree, except I'd probably put the pollaxe in 1st, and I think there is an issue with the mace and falchion - but we've already talked about that. Maybe I'll think about a response video 😎

[@dequitem]

I would love to see a response video from you. Yes the poleaxe was very close to the longsword. The longsword only wins for three reasons. 1. When I fight against longswords with polearms it often ends messy in close combat, where you have to use a wide grip with the poleaxe for close quarter. Sometimes you get stuck and the sword is constantly poking to the gabs. Most of the time the longsword hits more often and feels more nimble in halfsword than the variations of poleaxes. 2. There are different forms of longswords with spiked crossguards or spiked pommels. Late 15th century longswords with with narrow tips and diamond shaped blades are also good for piercing armor gabs with less flexibility. These variations counts in my category of longswords, too. 3. More historical sources and paintings of knightly duels to the death show the longsword or their variations, than poleaxes. Mayby it's a tradition for judicial duels, but I think it has also a practical purpose. Yes the falchion is the most theoreticaly thing in my list. There are many different forms of falchions. I know that they are often not heavier than arming swords, but the weight distribution can be a small factor. The most important thing for me personally is the possibility to use the flat side on falchions and messers. Many battle paintings show falchions in battles striking against armor and I don't think that they all lie too us. In some of them you also can see swords used correctly in halfswording and daggers poking, so I think they don't following a picturial tradition blindly. So I hope they can also be used effectively in duels. Even when I only testet my hema/buhurt variants with a weight of 1,3 kg in harness fencing.

[@Sigma-0007_Septem]

Please do!!. Your insights in this subject would be amazing! Though this current list seems to be perfect as it is. Greatsword and Longsword being 1 and 2 feels right for some reason

[@theprimordialvoid]

@@North_sea_empire_Vikingthat’s a bit of an unfair generalisation, he uses historical sources and hema/re-enactment combat experience

[@bakters]

@@North_sea_empire_Viking " *a theory* " What you mean is a hypothesis. A theory, to be called that, needs to be already tested and shown to work. Also, a hypothesis can be narrow in focus, while we expect for theories to be more general.

[@matthewrussell4343]

@scholagladiatoria I brought up using the mace with Talhoffer's dueling shields or Shadiversity's spiked pavise to @dequitem.

[@BARACKOBMNANA]

That is definitely dequitem, an armored fighter in nonchoreographed knight fights like those.

[@robsright4256]

Thank Mr.Pesedent 🫡

[@BARACKOBMNANA]

It is my duty to serve the people of america and give them the truth and nothing but the truth @@robsright4256

[@umbralobserver]

Considering how often your duels end in a visceral dagger fight, it seems to me that no matter what primary weapon you choose, having a rondel or baselard as a backup is imperative.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

Also the Todd's Workshop testing of rondel daggers was impressive especially against un-hardened plate, which a lot of steel armor was back then.

[@barkspawn]

or a misericorde or even better a bollock dagger

[@Hedgeknight420]

What about a poniard

[@Dolritto]

For series of duels with rules that dagger thrust in weakspot is instant kill and most deadly techniques and attacks are banned droping main weapon is not a problem. I imagine that in battle nobody lets go of their main as long as possible, especially if it has some anti armour part like halberd spike. If not, comrade with one can deliver the final blow.

[@TalesForWhales]

Would estoc be considered a longsword? Seems like it would be in this kind of list.

[@oceanwater6887]

I love the contrast of a polite well spoken man explaining how to kill and a cut to a brutal fight with grunting and the clashing of metal.

[@josefstalin8069]

I'd like to see your picks for lesser armored individuals, I know there was a comparison between knight and landsknecht, but seeing what changes with partial armor would be interesting

[@dequitem]

That's even harder to decide!

[@bryant7542]

Those Landsknecht loved polearms. Maybe the logic was they didn't need armor if they had massive pikes. But I imagine a rapier is the favorite in unarmored combat. It's so fast and one poke can end the fight.

[@bakters]

@@bryant7542 " *they didn't need armor if they had massive pikes.* " Pikes are way cheaper than armor. Pikes fit "everybody", so they are easier to replace. You don't need a helper in order to put the pike on. So forth. I mean, just because some other people did not use full custom fitted kits, does not mean they weren't the most effective protection on the field of battle. I believe that even today a full custom fitted modern armor would work the best, especially against shrapnels or frags, so often dropped by the drones. Those poor kids just can't afford it. That simple.

[@barjekold7140]

​@@baktersthat and if an Artillerie shell or rocket Hits you no armour in the World could save you, so they are droping unnecessary armour to make space for more sensible equipment

[@bryant7542]

@@bakters Landsknecht clearly didn't care about cost. They went into battle as drippy and colorful as possible. They were mercenaries that everybody wanted to buy... Except the Swiss I believe.

[@TheCaesarion]

One thing I love about Dequiem is his voice is so sweet and soft yet he’s DANGEROUS AND DEALDLY!!

[@dequitem]

so kind, thank you!

[@freddym99]

A true knight.

[@ingmigueleduardo7]

Also the poleaxe is really a masterpiece of engineering, math and design. You have basically five kinds of arms in a sole weapon: the shaft, the sharp pick at the end of the shaft, the pike on the top, the straight blade of the axe and the hammer on the back of the blade. Some historians argue the poleaxe weapon was created by Portuguese engineers, forgers and blacksmiths like many other good weapons of old times. Poleaxes appears to be the weapon of choice of royal families from different kingdoms in the iberian peninsula, at his time of major popularity around XIV to XVIII centuries, specially in Portugal. The great lines of kings of Portugal, specially the Avis dynasty (the most powerful of Portugal) used this glorious weapon. Many battles were fought with it, like the battle of Aljubarrota in the final part of the XIV century. It is said that the great king of Avis João I de Portugal used the poleaxe in this battle and it was his favorite weapon

[@todo9633]

Definitely didn't expect swords to rank so highly, but I suppose the combination of precision and higher weight and momentum than a dagger paired with the range to deter people from approaching make a deadly combination. I'm glad to hear the point of view of someone who has actually tested these things out in slightly more realistic conditions, I've heard a lot of arguments against the popularity of swords for knights fighting other heavily armored opponents over the years.

[@favkisnexerade]

keep in mind these guys score hits and not killing each other, them hitting armpits is probably "good" for score, but in reality hitting mail in armpit with longsword/greatsword might be completely different story

[@lenol0315]

*changes skyrim kit*

[@bakters]

@@favkisnexerade Maile in armpits can not be too dense and thick, because it'd restrict mobility too much, so it's either dense and thin, or the rings are thick but big. Thrusts with a longsword are two-handed, so quite strong. I mean, there is a fair chance that the point will go in deep enough to wound the other guy. Now he's in pain and bleeding. That's a major power shift in a duel. A fair "score", so to speak. I rather feel like they overrated the dagger. While I understand that they don't try to use full force, it doesn't look to me like the blows they showed would penetrate a decent maile. Here I could agree, that a "scoring hit" wouldn't be necessarily all that effective in a real fight.

[@favkisnexerade]

@@bakters If longswords were enough, Ahlspiess wouldnt exist. Rondel dagger (or other anti mail daggers) can penetrated rivited mail with two handed push, you can find Tod's video "anti armor dagger vs mail" He scored high lighweight weapons and scored low anti armor weapons, which should tell you he based weapons based on their ability to score points, rather than their ability to injure people. If I'd be asked to score hema sabers I used based on score, I'll score 670g parise italian saber much higher than 900g utility military saber, but when I am thinking what I would get my hands on if robber cones minto my house, I'll take heavy saber.

[@lightworker2956]

@@bakters It's not that easy to land a solid blow in the armpits on a trained knight who knows that his armpits are one of his very few weak points. Real life knights were far more trained than the average guy who does HEMA as a hobby. I'm not saying you can't do anything with a sword, just that it's easier to take a pollaxe and bash someone. Swords are the archetypical knightly weapon, and knights had to train with swords anyway. If knights still ditch the sword vs armored opponents for some other weapon, there's probably a reason for that.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

Based on a quick review of available texts that cover the duel in full armor, the (not obviously specialized) longsword does come out on top with 13 appearances. The spear is nearly as common at 12 appearances, as many manuals cover the traditional combination of spear/lance, sword, & dagger. Pollaxes appear in 8 texts, while explicitly specialized longswords appear in 6. Given that multiple sources state that spear/lance, sword, & dagger were the customary weapons for dueling in full armor, it's not at all clear that anyone chose the longsword for an armored duel because they thought it was the best weapon. Rather, folks tended to fight armored duels with matched customary weapons. They sometimes attempted to game the conventions by making specialized longswords that could be used like pollaxes or having specialized daggers with a thinner inner blade as Joachim Meyer described.

[@dequitem]

Their are much more sources if you take texts about actual duels and paintings of them too.

[@Tork789]

I've always held an opinion that longsword dwarfs other weapons in armoured duel but since this view was based on observation only I received heavy ridicule every time I voiced it. Glad to see that my observation is confirmed by someone with experience close to an actual armoured combat. That being said I think we still might get surprised if we witness actual armoured duels to the death, but in our day and age it's not possible, legally at least.

[@dequitem]

Absolutely, mayby I change my mind in a view years 😉

[@BelieverOfChrist2]

it would be awesome to see more videos like these, top 10 helmets, top 10 swords.. and so on, but of course, do what gives you most views!

[@dequitem]

There already is a video about the best helmets.

[@bakenbeans420]

This was so refreshing to hear. Most peoples idea of a medieval duel is something from a movie, where all kinds of fantastical and unrealistic weapons find their way in for entertainments sake. In reality all these different weapons are used for very specific circumstances, and there would be a class of soldier that uses that weaponry only. Such as pike-men. Or cavalry. The only men on the battlefield with spears or pikes, would have been men whose role was to deal with cavalry. The only men on the battlefield using maces would have been cavalry men. So like ya, these weapons certainly had their uses, but were very situational. Most people nowadays don't realize this. And like you mentioned, there aren't any accounts of a knight wielding a mace in a duel. Which goes to show their scarcity of use, I think. I've even read that maces were mostly used for ceremonial purposes, as well as signs of wealth. The main tool of all soldiers though, was the sword. They could be mass produced, required little training to use, and most of all, were effective for CQB. Which is something all medieval battles devolved into.

[@robertusaugustus2003]

I’ve been doing harness fighting for a couple years according to Fiore, mainly polleaxe, “lance”, sword and dagger, but I’ve also messed around strapping a rotella and even a big pavise to my left arm. Obviously the axe is by far the most efficient choice but for me the spear is the most fun to use, with sword and dagger ready on my belt. It feels more “knightly” in a way, though in period I’d rather use a poleaxe and be alive lol.

[@vaderksy4730]

Fiore is not the only source that exist. As an example Monte wrote about knight and men at arms that they mainly used estocs on foot and on the horse but ye pole arms are the way to go

[@robertusaugustus2003]

@@vaderksy4730 yeah, I looked at some of the early Liechtenauer sources too but my school is Italian so Fiore’s easier for me haha. I also flipped through that French “play of the axe” book recently which is different but also super cool.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

​@@vaderksy4730 it seems to me an advantage of the estoc is that without edges its easily reversed and used as a mace, though the hilts of examples I've seen don't appear to be optimized for this.

[@Vince_86]

Thanks for this. As a huge fan of this European art of fighting it is awesome to know a great opinion with explanations behind each weapon. This is the best channel on the subject in my opinion. Finally found the home for this art of dueling!

[@VenatorSomnium]

This channel is criminally underrated, and an invaluable resource to the sword/HEMA community. Have you given any consideration to the estoc for an armored duel, which is generally defined as an edgeless thrusting sword (sometimes designed similarly to Zweihander) designed for use in both hands? It seems to be a highly specialized anti-armor weapon designed to pierce mail through gaps, which seems to be your preferred method.

[@dequitem]

I included them in the category of longswords and twohanded swords, depending on their dimensions. But yes I like them two.

[@danieldpa8484]

Very cool & your expertise is not from books alone but from actual fighting. Well done!

[@102ndsmirnov7]

I've always been partial to the Poleaxe for an armoured duel.

[@dequitem]

It can absolutely complete in the top weapons and it was a long time my personal number 2.

[@pyrrhusofepirus8491]

On the spear, that’s what I’ve noticed when reading the life of Pyrrhus of Epirus, a guy who got into tons of duels throughout his life, never lost once and was probably the most terrifying fighter and duellist in his day. The spears would be dropped, damaged or thrown relatively quickly, then they’d close in with swords. My reaction at first was ‘wait, I’ve been told over and over again that spears are the ubermensch of weapons and any suggestion otherwise is blasphemy, far superior to swords, so why’d they just drop them?’ Then I theorised that if you’ve got a nice sized shield, and armour, you can afford to be very aggressive, get away with it and utilise a close quarters weapon to gain the advantage on the long range weapon, especially in a duel. I’ve heard some people counter that (one person wrote it like he was coping which I found funny) by saying you’ve got all these grappling techniques, and even if the spear point is lost its just become a quarter staff. Well yeah, but I’d still put my money 8 times out of 10 with the sword-knife guy in this close up scenario because he just needs to shank you.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

As this video briefly mentions, medieval & Renaissance Europeans did frequently use spears for the duel in full armor, but as part of weapon sets (such as spear, longsword, & dagger, sometimes involved a shield as well). In German lands, sources indicate that people often threw their spears but didn't always. Die Blume des Kampfes, for example, shows a range of ways to use a spear in the armored duel.

[@deadslashkill]

also, another point that often gets overlooked when people talk about ths spear being the "king of weapons" is that most people, even on the battlefield, were not wearing full body coverage heavy armor!

[@pyrrhusofepirus8491]

@@deadslashkillNeither was Pyrrhus, he likely wore a breastplate, greaves and a helmet and that’s it, but he still threw the spear away.

[@juliuscaesar-j4d]

Wonderful informational video, hollywood directors should watch this and stop proposing us butter armour being thrusted by swords

[@dustysaurus6137]

In a battlefield context, poleax by far. That long pointy looks NASTY, and the bottom spike gives the weapon so many approaches to grappling, leverage, and warding off attacks. Definitely a favorite. For duels, would very much go with the long sword. It’s portable, very pointy, and so versatile offensively and defensively. Been really loving these trope-check videos, where maces and war hammers were “can openers” against armored opponents. Some people forget that the thrust is such an efficient and tricky movement; the wide powerful sings of crushing weapons are undeniably brutal and cool looking.

[@90Rush]

Then we probably would have to include other long weapons like the Billhook, and how billhooks, pikes, poleaxes and halberds complement in formation.

[@lightworker2956]

It's also notable that when real-life people spar with pollaxes, they have to be really careful, even when wearing plate. Whereas if people spar with swords while wearing plate, they're noticeably less careful. Just look at sparring videos and you'll see what I mean.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

​@@90Rushmost of those polearms were longer, and intended as battlefield weapons for use by lesser-armpred opponents primarily against similarly armored opponents but with strong capability against a fully armored opponent too. Whereas a polaxe is shorter and specialized as a weapon for use by maximally armored knights or men at arms.

[@tsotsodonchev8888]

My personal favorite is the war hammer. It allows you to concuss the enemy and incapacitate them instantly if you hit them hard enough on the helmet. The spikes can also be used to pierce gaps and since it can be used one-handed you have the option of using a shield while being able to drop it and use the war hammer two-handed in case more powerful strikes are needed.

[@RaheemBuh]

So grateful to enjoy your expertise through your videos

[@Josukegaming]

Wow this was incredibly fascinating. I really appreciate you sharing your insight in such a realistic, tested way. Its so interesting hearing how fights really went compared to how media depicts medieval fights. Especially the parts about changing your grip and half-swording, I thought that was a silly myth, same with the mordhau. Absolutely fascinating that it was a real consideration when choosing a weapon.

[@Dr.Gehrig]

I have to agree with the classic spear, sword, and dagger combo.

[@DieLuftwaffel]

VS those weapons, my choice would probably be machinegun. In seriousness, I think your list is solid and well reasoned.

[@dequitem]

#no ransom!

[@TheCaesarion]

The King has made another Great video!!!

[@dequitem]

I am the king?😱

[@isaakroscopovitch5516]

Great video as always ! Clear and concise ! Keep up the awesome work ! Edit : I saw one of your comment in a video in wich you speak german, claiming your english is bad. So I just wanted to tell you : don't worry, your english is good.

[@dequitem]

Thanks but when I don't have time to think about my sentences, it's absolutely garbage. I can't speak free. That's why my videos are so scripted and I don't do reaction videos or interviews. It would be a shame for me.

[@isaakroscopovitch5516]

@@dequitem Yeah I understand. Those scripted videos are really great anyway ! 😄

[@mitsuhide1vampire]

Best medieval armor fighting channel

[@tirionpendragon]

I absolutely agree with you, Spadone/Zweihander is my favorite weapon, armored or not unifies the best aspects of Polearms, Swords, Axes and even Blunt weapons if you really need it. I also love it even more because is probably the best weapon even in a 1 vs 2+, so in a medieval setting, where there is the risk to being ambushed by groups of bandits, i would love to have the Spadone to my side.

[@redninenine_]

been loving your longer form content, dequitem! my personal favourite is the pollax (with hammer and spike) simply because it looks cool lol

[@dequitem]

Good choice!

[@rg-pq1kb]

Nice to see some love for the zweihander... seems popular to bash nowadays

[@yodaTVmedia]

Great channel, be careful, but please keep this phenomenal information coming!! ❤ from the US 😊

[@benjaminlouishart2549]

I enjoyed your take on the subject, very interesting. I would say my personal favorite combination of weapons for a duel would be the luscerne since i think it offers a good combination of range, multiple piercing options and the bashing option of a hammer to disorient an opponent, combined with a small buckler worn over the hand for additional protection and parrying more effectively, plus a little more weight behind a punch when the primary weapons inevitably fail and things get close, and finally a dagger for the grapple and brawling, rondel seems most practical for the additional force you can get from the large flat pommel. my second choice would essentially be the same except instead of a luscerne we have an estoc as a larger thrusting sword. My overall list would be very similar to yours.

[@HolyReality]

Another wonderful video by Dequitem! Thank you as always!

[@Isabells-z5e]

I’ve seen your shorts and they’re badass my man definitely earned a new sub

[@Louka227]

Nice list! My favorite is battle axe

[@Foggy_Mustard]

Love the concept of the channel

[@podrac8830]

This is eXtremly cool . I love your Work

[@KonadorAuchindoun]

very cool, ima longsword and dagger type of guy, weapon switches r so neat

[@Pentagon73637]

Excellent content

[@RandomWolf44]

I am glad to have found this channel.

[@dequitem]

I am glad you have interest.

[@jorgen-ingmarcastell2864]

Very interesting video. Thank you!

[@nickzane4695]

I would choose a marine cutlass and a cloak for the left hand Amazing videos, I'm totally impressed🙂

[@ingmigueleduardo7]

You are a truly knight and war master. Such a good ranking, i almost totally agree with this list. But with a exception related with the spear, i think it should be in a more higher position, maybe a 4th or 3rd place. It is true the spear can break in battle or not be as good as other weapons in close combat, but a well qualified and outstanding experienced spear warrior can endure with its spear unbroken. It's not a coincidence that spears were very popular between royal families and knights until the very end of middle ages (XVIII century), they are one of the best arms in history

[@tearsien]

The best takes I've heard.

[@ElliePixyPixy]

Disclaimer: I’ve never properly duelled in full armour. Personally I would go for the classic sword and shield; using the shield to violently redirect the opponents weapon and using the sword in order to find the gaps. Using a shield fastened to the arm let’s me use my hand for potentially grabbing any pole arm. Love your vids btw ❤

[@dequitem]

Interesting. Please write me again if my next video about shields will change your opinion to shields.

[@ElliePixyPixy]

@@dequitem Will do! 😊

[@corvanphoenix]

Without naming specific weapons, I think history shows either a long, 2h sword, or a long halfted, multihead polearm were clearly the most effective. They had reach, could develop good momentum, are versatile, were both offensive & defensive, & were portable.

[@bankfishingislife5484]

for small guys swords for sure for big huge guys the pole hammer style of the pole axe. they can use it to hook behind neck or foot and throw people around. then when they go on ground its basically a sledgehammer coming down on you.

[@dequitem]

I like your decision!

[@Tyler-hk4wo]

yeah I'm over 200cm tall 6'8" and I'd probably choose a longer range weapon I could attack an opponent's head with. Then again, I have no experience in any combat besides occasional fist fights as a teenager, so what do I know.

[@paull3278]

I wonder if this is why the Dane ax was a thing for some Norse/Varangian champions. Sort of an early poleax to take down heavily mailed opponents (and before longsword and more specialized polearms were available).

[@Baphomane]

Super Video. Echt interessant & informativ bro

[@MyFunkymonkey7]

Dude I love this channel, you are badass as hell

[@AlgaeGaming]

Very nice to hear your perspective in such a well made video! I knew from your comments that you were going to place longsword above poleaxe (which historical consensus imo does not back up). But the #1 is very interesting, and historically probably a better shout as I only know of them being used in very tame sports duels as opposed to judicial duels or what have you.

[@dequitem]

Yes there are some pictures of knights with twohanded swords in sport duels. A big problem with many twohanded sword is, that they often not well balanced.

[@redninenine_]

hello algaegaming!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

​@@dequitemand inconvenient to pack around though same with a poleaxe

[@KommisarFuklaw]

I pick dagger and shield- perhaps a shield with the best proportions for bludgeoning an armored opponent. A shield should allow you to quickly close the gap on your opponent where your dagger can work best and your shield arm could be used to fight your opponents weapon hands or simply bash their helmet That was an awesome video- thanks for all those clip’s fighting. Those were some beautiful shots!

[@dequitem]

I will make a video about shields in two weeks. 😉

[@OasisTypeZaku]

For spears, having a triangular blade, like a lot of Japanese yaris, mixed with the wings of a winged spear would be effective. The WW1 trench spike is probably the best dagger I've seen personally, and held (what a beast!) that could be useful. A razor sharp, solid triangular blade, D-guard with pyramid-shaped studs so you could slug an opponent if you need to. I'd take the pommel disc off the rondel so to use it as a regular dagger with more punchiness. Glad to see my faves the falchion and poleaxe up there!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I'd think basically a rondel dagger on a stick for a spear, especially after the Todd's Workshop testing of rondel daggers against un-hardened plate which a lot of lesser armor was. For a dagger there were a lot of other daggers like the bollocks dagger that had similar blades but different hilts.

[@OasisTypeZaku]

@@j.f.fisher5318 got me lookin' up a BS dagger.,🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭 After a minute: Oh, *that* dagger🤣🤣🤣

[@andrewmcknight1194]

Where has this been? This is good stuff!

[@johnwurfel2862]

Dagger. Charge in, take 1 hit, , sweep the leg, and kill.

[@johnwurfel2862]

Longsword as secondary choice.

[@lerombus6020]

It isn’t that simple though, since they’d be doing the same thing. A larger weapon dazing you would make it easier for them to knock you down and use their own dagger. The dagger isn’t the primary. It’s the secondary.

[@jordijordi6846]

Starker kanal, sehr gute arbeit👍🏼

[@dequitem]

Danke.

[@Krow943]

I would've guessed the dagger. once it inevitably turns into a grapple match, the dagger seems to be the the final blow

[@dawnbreakerii204]

I personally would choose the poleaxe over the longsword, but that's because I am more trained with pole weapons. I like the ability to deliver fast and impactful strikes, while also having greater range and the ability to thrust. Something I don't see in a lot of duels is the ability to shove in close quarters. You cannot do this well with a longsowrd, but with a heavy polearm like the poleaxe it is very devastating. Poleaxe is also superior for grappling compared to the longsword due to greater length and therefore more leverage potential.

[@amanormaybeadragon]

100% agree with your list rankings and explainations. Its obvious that this knowledge comes from much experience and research. Great job and thanks for your awesome videos!

[@WheatKnight]

For me, a 6-7 foot spear with a good long rondel at my hip.

[@WarikoX]

My choice. One handed axe and one daga, medium to close combat. For medium-long distance, anything like a crossbow plus long sword.

[@IvanPopov-gq1sp]

Nice video, thank you for your content, Dequitem =)

[@jamesduda6017]

Great video

[@returntomonkey69]

awesome video man, you're legit. I'd say my choice would have to be the energy sword from halo hahaha

[@dequitem]

😂 Love it!

[@Foggy_Mustard]

Mallet? Wide lateral range of motion, 1 hit will shatter bone even if blocked. The mallet's main problem is the input requirements. The user needed to bench 400lb to swing that thing with speed.

[@asafmedrano9124]

Exactly, weapoms of strenght like mauls, sledge ot clubs Will fuc y upp Even with armor or a hit to the legs

[@asafmedrano9124]

I would tell You swinging a 10 pound sledge is not that i train with one and hit a tire with ot twoce per week i am 5'7 and 200 pound and can bench My body weight , is mor techiniche that strenght to balance tge swing back to fighting position

[@yurizanelli6538]

I would probably choose spear and longsword, mainly because I have some experience with them from my HEMA and living history days. For a duel in armour a pollaxe would probably be a better choice than a spear, but I have almost no experience with this weapon and I believe it requires more strenght to use it properly than I currently have.

[@dequitem]

Spear and longsword is also difficult.

[@ycplum7062]

Poleaxe/lucerne hammer and a rondel dagger 😎

[@timrutty]

My personal favourite would have to be the Longsword, however, if I had to pick something to stake my life on, it would probably be the Pollaxe

[@theghosthero6173]

Only dissagreement I have with this list is that to my knowledge, historical sharp falchion werent that much more heavy than arming swords nor had that strong of a forward point of balance, that it was rather the very thin but wide blade that encouraged cleaving action. Everything you said about halfswording with it is valid though and i dont disagree with it's placement, I just dont think you would hit your oppenent much with it.

[@FortheFallen1010]

I love this video with actually experience. Keep these types of videos up my good knight. One question does shields make any difference for this list.

[@dequitem]

I will make a video about shields soon.

[@paavohirn3728]

Truly fascinating!

[@xenoaltrax485]

Nice work, really interesting list, can you make one but this time for fighting armored opponents in a battle (as opposed to a duel)? Would be interesting to hear the reasoning why for battles they seemed to favor polearms historically? Was it merely because in battles they couldn't separate into "1v1 duels" so it was a messy free-for-all melee, and polearms had greater reach to allow ganging up, or one could "hook" an enemy and pull him in for your buddies to gang up on?

[@peterk2735]

Girls: top 10 skincare products Me:

[@emperorhadrian6011]

Net and dagger would be my choice,

[@dequitem]

Interesting!

[@FerdianFamily]

Thanx for sharing from experience...

[@AlyxAu]

10:40 I very much disagree that the rondel won't pierce maille without two hands on it. You can't just poke it in and expect a result true, but I've used my mate's sharp on a test dummy of a layer of 6mm riveted 4 in 1 maille over fabic, and though you need structure in your thust it'll pop rings really eassy and pierce quite deep one handed. You really don't need to place twohands on it to wound through maille

[@dequitem]

Don't compare cheap mail made in India with historical mail from solid rings! But of course it's possible, but most of the time you need much more force than most people think!

[@AlyxAu]

@@dequitem it wasn't cheap maille but hand made with rings from cap a pie.

[@snookiewozo]

Very surprising to see the poleaxe not being top 1.

[@dequitem]

Mayby my opinion changed a little bit from than.

[@snookiewozo]

@@dequitem What would be your top 3 now, if you dont mind me asking?

[@dequitem]

@@snookiewozo poleaxe, longsword/estoc, dagger

[@snookiewozo]

@@dequitem Sounds reasonable. And you can carry all three. Thanks.

[@BARACKOBMNANA]

I think I would pick the war hammer, simply for having one hand open to carry something like a shield or to help get out my dagger. Otherwise the poleaxe seems the safest given the versatility and ability to keep the enemy away.

[@dequitem]

Sounds like a good opportunity for a falcons beak as a poleaxe. But I like the idear of a warhammer and dagger already in your hands, mayby I have to try it in a free fight.

[@BARACKOBMNANA]

@@dequitem That would be awesome if you did that!

[@Cozonac3000]

Wonderful video, good Sir!

[@AKlover]

................... Depends on the armor. The tradeoff for increased armor is usually decreased mobility, more or less mobility will change which weapon is most useful in that context.

[@dequitem]

I was referring to my own armor (1450 - 1500).

[@North_sea_empire_Viking]

@@dequitem yup, when comparing arms and armour, only items from the same period can fairly be compared, as older/newer items are generally at a disadvantage/advantage respectfully and therefore a fair evaluation cannot be made, nor a fair conclusion reached.

[@ME_YA4P]

Lines up pretty well with Fiore: big polearm or spear, switch to longsword if it misses the first blow, half-sword shenanigans, and finally dagger if all else fails.

[@j.f.fisher5318]

I feel like one of the more accutely-pointed varieties of kriegsmesser being single edged would be easier to half-sword. Some also have protruding sections on the back that look like one could push against them for more force when half-swording. Though, to really game the system, the Elmslie type 2 in a kriegsmrsser length blade would be my favorite. The angular point of the blade would be devastating for ripping into soft armor while the reinforced point would be perfect for stabbing. Also since the point doesn't have edges it would make murder blows more feasible especially in combination with a ricasso to grip with the other hand.

[@dequitem]

I thought about it to. I ordered a Kriegsmesser for myself to test it. So I will mayby make an update in a fey month!

[@j.f.fisher5318]

@@dequitem oooh that will be interesting.

[@TheTruth-nh8ki]

Sir Dequitem, I have two questions that I really want you to answer. Which of the following two-handed weapons is the best for a duel where you and your opponent are wearing full 15th century plate armor with chainmail underneath: - Halberd - Poleaxe - Two-handed battle axe - Two-handed sword - Wooden club - Two-handed flail - Spear And which of the following one-handed weapons which can be used with a shield is the best for the same situation: - One-handed battle axe - One-handed sword - Hand-and-a-half sword - Rapier - Falchion - Scimitar - One-handed mace - One-handed flail - War hammer

[@elwiwi4638]

use a giant wooden club in one hand and a tower shield in the other

[@jorgen-ingmarcastell2864]

@Dequitem: After considered this some more, I have a couple of questions, and a couple of "points". In the context of armoured duel: What do you think about Duel Shield, and "Hungarian Shield" ( The little one strapped to the forearm, and have a blade or a ram on it inline with the fist)? What do you think about more specialized swords, like estoc/tuck, longswords with "handles"on the blade disc guards etc, or even a boarsword? I think that half-swording, make the sword little like a short spear, or little like a pollaxe, and even a bit more like a swordstaff.

[@dequitem]

Shieldvideo coming soon. I included the estoc and other duel specialized swords in the category of longswords and twohanded swords based on their length.

[@jorgen-ingmarcastell2864]

@@dequitem : I see! I looking forward to the shield video. Thank you!

[@RheaMainz]

I didn't realise the greatsword could be such a beast even in armoured fighting, but it makes sense thinking on how it fits right between longsword and pollaxe. Although I have the impression many two handed swords have spatulated tips, or in the case of the Claidheamnh da Laimh, don't have especially stiff blades. Even for Matt Easton, who hates the Mortschlag, the greatsword bears some merit in having a longer blunt portion of the blade to use that technique with (:

[@bakters]

It finally make sense, that there are falchions with the edge on the "wrong" side. Someone obviously thought, that it'd be nice to use the primary edge for once, while keeping the back sharp would likely prevent grabbing of the weapon just as well. Also, the duels you show look absolutely exhausting. And dangerous. And painful. And expensive. Sorta irresistible, really... ;-)

[@Meevious]

Captive bolt handgonne, mine self chooseth thou!

[@lerombus6020]

Love the poleaxe but a backup sword is nice, and then a mandatory mercy dagger.

[@thiagorodrigues5211]

One thing I wonder when it comes to all this though is, would the longsword be a more common choice since it would overall be better against not heavily armored targets? I mean, we know there was a lot made to try to go through armor but a lot if not the great majority of these targets didn't wear armor at all or just little armor. And a less armored target may be more vulnerable but they can also grab your poleaxe's shaft while even trying to do that with a sword would mean losing fingers. Just so much we don't know, so it's good to hear from someone who has been testing it. I few you, Björn Rüther and Scholagladiatoria should make videos together, sharing thoughts and maybe even doing some tests. That would be great to watch!

[@thegreathsuster9303]

Big fan of the channel. What is your opinion on the ahlspiess/awl pike?

[@Night-Jester]

This is so cool. I definitely trust your opinion.

[@off6848]

Pole arms are easier to produce for armies and able to go into many different formations. Two handed swords are best for dueling but there's probably x5 the amount of steel needed to make one than a pole axe so they're overall less common on the battlefield

[@bakenbeans420]

I have to say, the locations you choose to film at are prime. I swear ive seen multiple of the locations in the show "The last Kingdom" on Netflix. I am Uhtred, Son of Uhtred :)

[@dequitem]

I never filmed in England!

[@trava4156]

I woulda thought the spear. Interesting!!!!

[@dequitem]

Best long range weapon but u need a secondary!

[@mekingtiger9095]

Spears are overrated as hell because all those "Spear best weapon, poke poke, lol" memes mostly only take into account its use in warfare amongst common soldiers who aren't particularly armored. For that they are a great weapon and is basically why it is so ubiquitous. This video right here is about armoured duels amongst Late Medieval to Early Modern knights. Entirely different story.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

@@mekingtiger9095 Spear-type weapons in the 7-10ft range saw limited use on Europeans battlefields approximately 1450 & on. Partizans, boar spears, glaives, & the like hung around in modest numbers, but the pike & halberd/bill predominated for military use in late-medieval & Renaissance times. (Two-handed spiked maces, lead mauls, & similar likewise appeared in significant numbers now & then, probably filling the same role as the halberd/bill.)

[@mekingtiger9095]

@@b.h.abbott-motley2427 That is interesting. Could it be because armor in general was starting to slowly become more common and affordable by that point? I know for a fact that brigandine and then breastplates were the most common one for infantrymen at that point in time depending on which specific period. Contrast that to earlier periods of the Middle Ages where any kind of personal protection besides maybe a shield was a very rare sight overall.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

@@mekingtiger9095 Armor was very common by the late 15th century. At that time, Pietro Monte wrote that most every soldier wore some sort of armor. As you say, infantry often wore brigandines. The prevalence of armor played a role. The 1548 military treatise Instructions Sur Le Faict de la Guerre mentions how partizans aren't great against armored soldiers, stresses how halberds shouldn't be too light, & only allows for a modest number of partizans in the proposed army. Many European militaries of that period copied the Swiss, & they mainly used pikes & halberds (plus a small number of skirmishers with crossbows or firearms). Military theorists generally thought shorter spear-type weapons insufficient against cavalry. In a tight infantry slugfest, there often wouldn't be room to use a 7-10ft spear, while a halberd/bill (especially if on the shorter end) would still be useful.

[@1silversword]

Super interesting, really enjoying your channel, great to hear the opinions of someone who actually has so much experiences in what is effectively the closest we can come to medieval knight combat. I never expected longsword/greatsword to rank so highly, I always thought knights had them more as side arms (longsword) or for show (greatsword) lol. I thought polearm would be top, though I imagine that's a matter of debate. One thing that confuses me, is that you say stabbing attacks are key, thus longsword/greatsword being best - but you discounted spears entirely in armoured fights? Is it just that the spear is less versatile and easier to get around, plus I imagine less weight/balance than a sword? Or is it that all of these weapons basically do what spears do anyway--everything except the maces has a stabbing point somewhere--and are better sized/weighted for armour specifically? I'd love it if one day someone made a pvp game with super realistic knight gameplay taking this kind of thing into account, with ability to swap your grip on the weapon going from half-swording to two-handed to upside-down etc lol. And ways to engage grappling once close enough, ability to time attacks to try and stab the weakpoints, there's a real void in the market for something like that. Kingdom Come never quite did it for me because of how gamey it got with master strike spam.

[@remote24]

This is such great content. Also I love the English "Honor"! Don't write an H if I shall not pronounce it!😂

[@Bonjairno]

The Bec de Corbin is always king in my heart.

[@franciscofunari2343]

Falchion are not top heavy, we should not confuse bohurt with the historical falchion

[@Fellow_Moth]

Hey, @Dequitem, i love your takes on the ranks and tiers of these weapons. What i definitely would go with is the poleaxe/polehammer. i believe its very versatile and since its mostly top-heavy, its able to deliver some good blows, especially against one with armor. speaking of polehammer, that bec-de-faucon looks absolutely beautiful! i would love to know where i would get a replica of that! if you could, you mind sending some link so that i may get one myself?

[@dequitem]

Arms-armor (not arms & armor)

[@mekingtiger9095]

Honestly immensely surprised poleaxes haven't made it to the top with how much hype they receive. Especially for armored combat. Not that I personally hype them myself *that much,* but the positive general opinion of them seems to be so incredibly predominant out there that not seeing them being an actual HEMA armored combat practicioner's favorite impressed me.

[@dequitem]

On the battlefield it's the absolute best weapon for knights. It's my personal top 2.