Katana vs Longsword!

Japanese Katana vs Medieval European Longsword! This was originally filmed for the Zombie Go Boom channel in early 2017, but it didn't get used in the end unfortunately. So here it is, for viewers of the Schola Gladiatoria channel.
/ scholagladiatoria
/ historicalfencing

[@scholagladiatoria]

To add a bit of... context... to the video - the proposition was to chop up a ballistic gel zombie dummy with both a longsword and a katana, and for me to give my views on which is the 'better' weapon and which would 'win' the contest. The contest being specifically cutting up a target - for which my money is usually on the katana, as that is a specialised cutting weapon.

[@aronk8810]

scholagladiatoria what happens if the ballistics gel dummy is made from sacred ballistics gel that has been folded 1000 times?

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

I wonder what sorta cutting performance there would between a Great sword of War, a earlier longsword, and a katana?

[@undertakernumberone1]

what about a Messer?

[@Xentillus]

Is there going to be a video with the actual cutting tests and results?

[@scholagladiatoria]

There is a wide range for the weight of both katana and longswords. In general though you'd expect a katana to be about 2.5lbs and a longsword about 3lbs+.

[@MrCaome]

The katana is better at killing Japanese feudal peasants and the longsword is better at killing european feudal peasants.

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

I liked the comment. But really longswords were for killing men in armor. A falchion or saber might be better for peasant - and might be better for comparison to katanas.

[@jonaslinter]

Jim Fupanda But swords in general are not particulary good against armor. Sure Longsword got the Murderstroke but why not just use a a blunt weapon.

[@Tkoutlosh]

@Jim Fupanda - no, longswords were NOT for killing men in armor, poleaxes, maces and warhammers was...

[@xiezicong]

OP gets it. Fuck the myths and just state the facts.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

Longswords were not weapons of the battlefield that were best for killing men in armour BUT.....they did have armour penetration in mind with the design. Otherwise there is no reason to have a tiny pointy tip.....at all. It's to penetrate heavy clothing, padded armour, mail, eye slots....gaps under the arms, between plates etc. Half swording is a legit and effective technique. It's a jack of all trades, master of none type of weapon. Killing peasants doesn't require anything special.

[@nystagmushorizontalis]

Those schwing sounds were so satisfying, damn

[@Zeruss01]

Exactly what I was going to comment.

[@grandmeleehistoricalfencin3400]

So glad you brought up in a video about the katana being able to cut with the tip. I had this same talk with some of my club mates

[@demomanchaos]

All swords can. ThengThrand has shown that the tip of a sword is quite effective at cutting through certain types of armor that is normally very cut resistant (gambeson for example). The katana actually didn't fare any better than the single handed arming swords he used (Did a bit worse actually) in those tests.

[@RandomAllen]

Chris?

[@grandmeleehistoricalfencin3400]

1. Yes thrand had shown this. But you need a wider tip on a European sword to preform cuts. The sword mat shows in the video, or I should say that type of longsword would be horrible at tip cuts. 2nd yes this is chris

[@RandomAllen]

Weird! I've seen you and Dave here.

[@grandmeleehistoricalfencin3400]

Redman can I ask who I'm talking too?

[@erikgranqvist3680]

A bit off topic: in the early 90's, someone brought a Katana to a talk-show on tv here in Sweden. At one time, the host touched the blade, briefly, near the edge. Wish threw the guy hwo brought the sword into a tantrum. He claimed that the steel in a Katana is so special, so that you had to resharpen and polish the blade if someone even touched the steel. And it was so difficult, so that no one in europe could do it. The thing would have to go to Japan to a specialist, wich would cost just about as much as a new Volvo. A cost the tv-company now would have to take. I didnt know much about swords back then, but both me and my father who watched the show with me knew a fair deal about metal and weapons in general. We both laughed a fair amount.

[@ZacLowing]

So... if you use it in battle, you have to wait months to use it again. Jean Yus.

[@1965anthony]

It is rude to touch touch them. But it does them no harm. That is what the oil is for.

[@xandercorp6175]

Can you remember the name of the show and/or guest? Sounds hilarious.

[@mishasumi6827]

The reason they got pissed off is because the katana is a layered sword and can only be polished so many times. The samurai katana is a historic artifact and cultural property. Modern katana can be touched or used for tameshigiri because they are not cultural artifacts. Most European swords were not used by significant owners as personal property, and therefore pedigree is not important and they can be polished more times. Also, the fingerprints cause rust and must be polished our or they become permanent. And since nihonto are artworks as much as swords, nobody who pays for a proper polish wants some assholes finger print on it. Perhaps you should study more and watch tv less.

[@elzian4975]

​@ "Fact". No, the way you frame this is misleading at best. "Pig Iron" isn't "low quality iron" , it's just iron with a higher carbon content, and it's not an iron ore, it has to be smelted into that form. The katana is designed to have hard edge (for staying sharp for a longer period of time) and have a soft back (for not completely snapping in half due to the brittleness of the edge), and the pig iron is used in the back, for it's softness. It hurts to see such uniformed bullshit being tooted around as "FACTS" That being said, I know the design of katana definitely has it's downsides when compared to the european springy design, and I would argue that the springy design is overall a bit superior. Anyone who is interested in this topic, Shadiversity made a series called "The TRUTH about the katana", where he did quite a lot of research into steels and the process of forging.

[@the51project]

Which is better for fighting in an old British telephone box, against a giant Halibut?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Honestly, I'd pick a Bowie knife for that.

[@TheBaconWizard]

A filleting knife.

[@Gew219]

the51project Personally I'd choose telescopic fishing rod.

[@404Dannyboy]

The only tue answer to that is a tin of sardines. It will get hot in that telephone box, rotting the sardinesa and creating pressure in the tin. Eventually the tin will pop and sardines will spread like pieces of steel from a frag grenade incapacitating your deadly halibut foe by causing hin to vomit uncontrollably. Besides the best answer to one big fish are many small fish, obviously.

[@neilwilson5785]

I tried to sleep in one once, but it really badly smelled of piss. Doorways are cleaner, but colder. Hope this helps!

[@Bakunaga]

Thank you for always having such well thought out ideas and concepts that are backed by rules of physics and knowledge of the items at hand. Always a pleasure to watch

[@Forndrome]

I'd love a comparison between Japanese swords, and Kriegsmessers/Swiss Sabers. Seems like similar types of weapons, however the latter are often very long (near the 40 inch range).

[@crazycakemanflies]

Forndrome an odachi (long katana) would be a better test against those types of swords.

[@undertakernumberone1]

Sorry, but that's getting compared against the Zweihänder

[@Kubaaa555]

Yeah! Kriegsmesser/swiss saber vs tachi comparision, enough of 100 videos of longsword vs katana which are significantly different

[@PalleRasmussen]

Try Katana Vs a good Viking Age sword.

[@lucanic4328]

That's the *first and only* katana vs longsword video I found on you tube that I liked. For several reason: - It was done by someone with several years of cutting experience - it wasn't a "bebunking obvious katana myth" video - there was some context - it add something I didn't know. Thank you. I think that (at least in 2018) inside the Hema community is important to give some true "love" to this (in)famous sword.

[@lucanic4328]

Cornered Fox I didn't know (shall I say "realize" actually) that some types of extremely pointy longsword would not been able to cut properly with the tip!

[@RockerMarcee96]

His edge aligment is good, his methods of power generation could be improved upon. But yes you are hard pressed to cut with such narrow blades so close to the tip because there is basically no mass there. However at the CoP it still has enough that if you do things mostly correctly, even though this is a primarily thrusting design it cuts through most things like hot knife through melted butter.

[@rasnac]

Why people always compare katana to longsword? Why not compare katana to a tulvar ,or a shamshir or a kilij? If it has to be a western european blade, why not compare it to a falchion or a kriegs messer or a cavalry sabre?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Popularity. They are the two most popular sword types and they fulfilled similar roles.

[@Tkoutlosh]

Both two handed weapons... it is huge difference.

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Would love to see that!

[@amatoremsuumcultris9241]

I agree with you. Compare a katana with a longsword is as accurate as compare a Ferrari with a Sherman Tank. A single blade sword vs a double blade one. Really? I will try katana vs falchion or a Großße Messer. Or Katana vs Dadao. Compare a Longsword with a Jian or a Claymore. Bah! It's my opinion. I enjoyed the video and in Matt's hands, the katana turns very british 😁

[@G1NZOU]

I think it's mostly to do with the symbolic nature of the two swords being associated with similar social classes, Knights and Samurai are very similar in the way they serve a lord in feudal society, train for combat and horse riding, learn language, philosophy and religion and try to represent an idealised image of a warrior.

[@gerbilsmith]

Wow! Wonderful swooshing on those cuts in the air! The sound came through brilliantly!

[@Alrekr666]

So much good information condensed on this video! Thanks mate!

[@nahuelmat]

In a nutshell: Katana - easier to cut with, easier to learn, slight disadvantages regarding hand protection and thrusting. Longsword - a little harder to *cut* effectively with and learn techniques but with some advantages in battle, such as range, proper thrusting and hand protection. They're both great weapons used by great warriors so stop crying like babies.

[@baltasaronedge]

It's like puppy love: She was a cutter, he was a thruster.

[@404Dannyboy]

Add that European steel was superior as a general rule and that's the gist of it.

[@Warlundrie]

that might also be disadvantage since the katana blacksmith had to work harder for the blades they might not make as many errors or slack off with the work. that said I agree with you, generally european steel was far better as a raw material than what the japanese had during the same time period

[@MrCmon113]

Katanas are also easier to come by if you have no advanced melting ovens. Anyways they weren't used by "great warriors", but cruel warlords and their minions. Knights and Samurai today would be despised murderers.

[@nahuelmat]

Taxtro that's the definition of a great warrior my friend

[@Krishnaeternal]

Excellent video. Due to my Asian background, to me a longsword is a big Jian, and a katana is a big Dao. I favour a through hardened spring steel Katana, and I regularly use the blunt side as a striking edge (as one might with a metal bat). A good longsword is hard to come by where I'm from, but it looks fun to use.

[@AdaptiveApeHybrid]

Your sense of nuance makes you a great historian imo. I'm not invested in this subject at all but you make it fascinating. Great work

[@robertwright3243]

Great job Matt ! I love your videos it's like getting a college lecture. Also cool jacket !

[@Kar4ever3]

Someone's a sucker for punishment. That title. That subject. RIP Matt.

[@jasonzimmer7478]

Kar4ever3 The debate tends to lean more towards the knight vs the samurai or the highest quality longsword vs the highest quality katana during their military use

[@EBlade-rc2ry]

Based Pagratiast Its like fandoms trying to convert normies into their own yet adversely having their subject become completely repulsed by the fandom. Katanaphobes are the result of katanaphiles (to some degree, everyone has a preference)

[@aronk8810]

Obvious Kill Bill reference is obvious.

[@alafosca5724]

The yellow stuff... Bruce Lee, Beatrix....... Matt Easton...

[@DzinkyDzink]

Just missing a legless chick in the trunk of a car.

[@Bonzulac]

I tend not to point out the obvious, because people like you will do it. And think they're clever for it.

[@DzinkyDzink]

Obviously you're not doing it because it would be wiser to find someone who has already did a few hours before you and comment under his chain as it will net you more likes than another 26th attempt that are dissmissed by most people.

[@gorisenke]

A Ronk I thought it was just me.

[@TheNetsrac]

Great video Matt. A lot of interesting information and facts. You never disappoint me. Keep up your awesome work :-)

[@bebbcorpharpery7331]

A+ video and explanation. I love that you did not give a lopsided explanation. Do you have any videos on how to re-peen the pommel on a sword. I have a valiant armoury arming sword that has a premed handle and has developed a slight bit of play. I do some light backyard cutting and a poorly aligned cut caused it. Any info you have would be appreciated, but I realize you are quite a busy dude. Thanks and love the channel.

[@T33K3SS3LCH3N]

On the cutting question, this is a great comparison. Now what people even here in the comments forget is how different the scenarios are in which swords are used. A "fair" 1vs1 with swords is a ridiculously rare occurance. More commonly swords would be used as secondary weapons on battlefields, or in various more civil scenarios (self defense, guard duties). The same reach that can be a huge advantage in some scenarios can be a major drawback in others. The knights had their rondel daggers and the samurai traditionally paired the long Katana and the short Wakizashi. But there is a space in between, where having a certain blade length is an advantage while having an overly long blade is a disadvantage. I would describe the Katana as a very universal sword that is never really the singular best choice but also always solid. In addition it is designed with the mindset of deciding a suddenly errupting fight (be it self defense or feudal honour killings) as quickly as possible, without leaving space for retaliation or taking out the first enemy before they even saw the fight coming, for which they decided a cut would be best (consider the issues of missing vital spots with a stab, or having the blade stuck in a body). So you get the biggest sword that's still easy to carry and useful in restricted areas, which cuts off right at the end of the effective cutting range, with a small guard that won't get tangled and a curvature that's easy to draw quickly. So if you're looking to face a battle against heavily armoured opponents or an open duel, the point, handguard, and reach of a longsword are certainly advantaged. But for self defense against any possible situation the Katana has its perks. (Including the possibility that nothing ever happens and you're just going to carry a long lump of steel around all day. Making it that bit shorter is more comfortable even at the same weight.)

[@richardimmell5688]

The length of the katana was not always so short. The length restriction came about with the Tokugawa Shogunate. Before this time, Japanese swords were often longer. In combat (especially by mounted units) a longer sword hung blade down (like a European sabre) was preferred. The Tachi predates the Katana and was produced from about 900-1600. These blades were more curved and had a better taper and a smaller point. It is only during the time of peace that blades had restrictions placed on them. Prior to this time, there was much more variation in the blades. Nodachi were approximately 36 inches, but the largest ever made was just over 7 feet in blade length (Assumed to be ceremonial). I understand that the Katana has been made popular by the media, but this blade was not the only sword used in Japan. Very early on, the Japanese used straight blades more like those in China (where they got them). Though there were not as many varieties of swords in Japan as in Europe, maybe the other types of Japanese swords could also be included in these comparison discussions.

[@richardimmell5688]

Loved that you explained the difference in metal between the European and Japanese swords, as that is an important piece of info when comparing them. It is too easy to forget that the Katana and Long sword react to impact very differently. I think If I had to pick a weapon to survive a battle, I'd pick a long sword.

[@RockerMarcee96]

Tachi were produced from around the late 12th century and the early ones were one handed weapons, by the 15th century the katana and the tachi were basically the same weapons, the only difference being in how the maker's mark was put on the sword.

[@adenyang4398]

There's also the Katate-uchi, which is supposed to be a form of the Uchigatana from the 15th century - except that they were one handed sabre-like weapons. We obviously don't know how these weapons (or the single-handed variety of Tachi) were used, since there are no surviving schools teaching them. But I can only imagine them being similar to Chinese or Western sabre fencing in principle; perhaps even similar to the usage of the Wakizashi. Who knows.

[@MoonfaceMartin88]

Whenever I see you actually performing a few drills with weapons, I keep thinkin: "Geez, I don't want to mess with that guy!" Keep it up, Matt!

[@DonatoVicenti]

really good video, thanks Matt!

[@swoleinvictus213]

Yess! We get to see the Ringeck again!

[@brutalwork6042]

i feel so alone, as guy who train both kenjutsu and hema.

[@xiezicong]

In terms of doing both, maybe. :p In terms of appreciating both, hardly. The comment section is indeed shit today. It's awesome you train both, though. I took the Olympic fencing route due to the availability in my area.

[@funzies2577]

There are actually quite a bit of high level hema practitioners that also train in both, or have an appreciation of both.

[@JediSamson]

Finally, someone did a comprehensive comparison of the two most iconic historical blades. Thank you, Matt. This was a good educational video. I wonder if the Metatron has seen this yet?

[@proffski]

Utterly fascinating, thank you!

[@edi9892]

I've noticed that it depends very much on the target. My European dagger (diamond crosssection) and sword (hollow grind) are considerably better for soft targets, that would otherwise fly away or bend My Kukri and Katana (convex blades) are much stiffer and top-heavy and thus chop better through roles of newspaper etc.

[@xxmrbrooksxx]

Katana were not the same length and dimensions throughout the Sengoku Jidai. The one in the video is a Tokugawa Bakufu Era sword. During the Sengoku Jidai katanas were various lengths and handle lengths. Katana is just one type of Japanese sword. Great video I always learn from your videos.

[@eagle162]

XCodes actually he's right

[@ABaumstumpf]

Nice video. And as always - context :D For me "which one is better" is always a direct competition - which would win in a competition if all other thins were equal. For Longsword vs Katana, if the contestants know the characteristics of both weapons, unless they wore only light or no protection at all the longsword would win: Just as nimble, but it can also be used for thrusting and it is more resilient. In a direct clash the chance of the Katana chipping and bending is high.

[@huskiefan8950]

-on cutting with the tip of the katana, my kendo instructor actually told us to try to cut with the tip or last few inches everytime, in general. Two reasons, one is you are attacking at your longest effective range so you are keeping the danger further away from your soft parts, 2 the tip of the sword travels the furthest and fastest in the cut, and increased acceleration = increased damage.

[@ieyasumcbob]

It would be interesting to see a comparison with another specialised cutting sword, maybe a Shamshir?

[@xiezicong]

Konstantin Strelyaev - This is baseless and untrue without taking into context of how you're defining "best". I can tell you that it is not the best chopper in existence.

[@ieyasumcbob]

As the test is chopping up a ballistic gel zombie (I presume within a set amount of time), could being double handed be overkill? I.e. Is being single handed enough? No idea how easy or hard it is to cut through a ballistic gel zombie, just throwing the idea out there! Thanks everyone for their input! 😊

[@mehmetersoy7380]

Captain Context strikes again!

[@EGvids1]

Great analysis! 😎

[@BigZ7337]

This was an excellent video, thanks. :)

[@highlander200268]

you missed 1 point, i love katana i have tons of them but the long sword has 2 edges, if the katanas edge is damaged that is all you have, a long sword if it gets damage you have another one to rely on

[@xiezicong]

I'm fairly certain you used one of Matt's older videos against him just now.

[@highlander200268]

lol I did not realize, just noticed that advantage over a katana, i mean i love the katana i have like 10 of them, but I see advantages and disadvantages to both

[@highlander200268]

PhillipMargrave funny

[@highlander200268]

china or japan they are both katana, some purist think that katana only comes from japan, katana is a style and some chinese makers use traditional ways

[@ryans6309]

Yeah and then if you try to block something that’s too powerful you get cut by your own blade lmfao

[@davidschlageter5962]

Getting hit with the tip of a rotating longsword isn't going to be pretty. It might not cut you in half but it's going to do serious damage on any soft spot on the "target". You take a cut to the face, shoulder, arm, leg or chest with any velocity and I think you are going to take a LOT of fight out of your opponent. The fact that the Katana needs to get within the range of the longsword to even get within its extreme range means the initiative rests with the longsword. Having the thrust is going to make the katana wielder working harder to create an opening. I think we should just say the katana was developed in a smaller weapon ecosystem and isn't comparable to the longsword which is the result of a far richer martial ecosystem.

[@adenyang4398]

Chinese and Koreans used similar weapons throughout history. In fact, the archetypal Japanese sword was born from the combination of the influences from the East Asian continent (Tang & Baekjae) + native Japanese tribe influences. And Japanese swords would influence theirs in return later on in the 15th ~ 18th centuries.

[@adenyang4398]

If your preference lies in European swords, good on you. Sticking to what is familiar is a good strategy. Anyways, I recommend you to read some of the posts of +bmxriderforlife1234 on this page. It will address many of the myths related to the Katana, such as blade springiness & edge brittleness/sharpness. Tsuba usage and blade contact with the Katana varies quite a bit between sword schools, Similar to how different Longsword systems approach crossguard usage and blade binds differently. Bolognese schools vs. Liechtenauer, for instance.

[@deathofkindness]

Excellent video mate...cheers

[@CoffeeSnep]

While it is certainly within the range, that longsword is certainly on the smaller size. I think Matt was trying to give as much advantage to the katana in the test as possible. I appreciate the honor!

[@Kubaaa555]

Finally good comparision between longsword and katana, not katana bashing bullshit. Now I would love to see katana and KRIEGSMESSER comparision. Or Kriegsmesser and tachi

[@gollumisahomie5671]

This video is a good comparison instead of complete bias toward one sword it really shows why each sword is cool

[@kennantjessavi7648]

Tachi is often forgotten, when they actually more suitable to Longsword than Katana. katana is more convenient-to-carry form of tachi

[@AEsir_Goji]

Just curious, what do you think about the reimagined katana with a springsteel blade, be it from a fighting standpoint or a cutting standpoint?

[@scholagladiatoria]

It's a very good sword design for fighting unarmoured or lightly equipped opponents.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

LEGO GOJI Davidson How different would it really be from a tulwar or similar?

[@AEsir_Goji]

Justanotherconsumer Well, keep in mind that I'm not anywhere near as well versed as Matt is, but here is what I think based on what I know. I think that the tulwar would be a better cutter, but the katana would have a greater range of movement and would be quicker. I say this because the tulwar's pommel greatly limits its movement. IDK if this is that relevant to this case but in the case of the spring steel katana, it would definitely handle binds many times better than a traditionally made katana, since traditional katanas chip or bend easily from binding impacts. In fact I'm pretty sure that binding was highly discouraged in Japanese sword fighting in general as well as discouraged by Musashi. Not saying it's encouraged in HEMA, I just haven't learned enough in regards to HEMA. So I think that the spring steel katana would be better in open combat or dueling in comparison to the tulwar. In closer quarters, then I'd probably give it to the tulwar. Like I said though, I am by no means an expert, and I'm sure that in the case of any flaws here, Matt or one of the experienced subscribers here will point them out and explain why I'm wrong.

[@argonaut4063]

I think the guard makes a difference, too. Uuups I was commenting before the end of the video. None the less my experience from fighting with a staff is that the lack of a guard really hurts!

[@benway23]

Thank you for your work.

[@azh698]

if you take 1 thing from this video, is that katana = THICC.

[@madao7865]

*T H I C C*

[@xiezicong]

Can confirm.

[@KnightSquire]

Lightsaber wins...

[@fimbul_]

Without an unscrewable Pommel = No way to end it rightly = Longsword wins. Sorry bro.

[@RockerMarcee96]

Powersword>lightsaber

[@xiezicong]

Yo, you're taking your goddamn time. I miss you. And YOU'RE the reason why Matt Easton gets triggered. *cue Matt Easton rant on lightsabers not being a real sword*

[@JonyTony2018]

KnightSquire 40k powersword >> lightsaber

[@LV_427]

But every movie sword is lightsaber

[@ctawab]

Great channel sir

[@00Trademark00]

Even though pretty much nothing in this video was new information for me, I have to admire Matt's level of professionalism. I had a feeling I was watching a Mike Loades' video (not just because both are bald :-P ), it was concise and to the point, very informative and entertaining with some hands-on demonstration. Matt deserves many more subscribers than he has!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Thanks :-)

[@atlatlista]

Given the manuscript evidence we have from China in the period of the Ming Dynasty (roughly the 16th century, and a time when longswords would have still been quite current), which illustrate Japanese swords being much longer than later period katanas, at four or even five feet long, I wonder why it is we are still comparing a 15th or 16th century European sword to what is effectively the Japanese equivalent of the smallsword, the every day carry weapon of the 18th and 19th centuries, which was clearly quite a bit shorter than the weapons of war of previous eras.

[@scholagladiatoria]

It's a fair point, but the post-1500 katana is what most people are familiar with. I'd personally choose a 1300s tachi every time.

[@atlatlista]

Yeah me too, or a 1500s ōdachi, which the Chinese referred to as a woudao - a pirate saber and which were probably about the same length if not a little longer than European longswords.

[@undertakernumberone1]

"THE KATANA" is basically the representative "Standard sword" for Japanese (or even Asian) swords in the west, due to the fact that only in the 19th century there again was a proper cultural exchange between Eupre and Japan, and the shit load of animes and movies that stylize the Katana so much. Meanwhile, for Europe, the "standard" medieval swords in pop culture are the ARming Sword: one Handed... and the Longsword (though sometimes confused with the Arming Sword). THe longsword ALSO was a sidearm for every day life, so the comparison with the smallsword is a bit flawed in this case, since the Longsword also was carried in every day life.

[@atlatlista]

It's really not particularly flawed as the katana is an everyday carry weapon that was a scaled-down version of a larger battlefield weapon in use. Like the smallsword was a scaled down (and much altered) rapier (which had limited military utility) or sidesword (which was a proper military sword). And while yes the katana has a great deal of popularity these days, katanas are very versatile and wide-ranging things with a huge variety in blade lengths, and these blade lengths and blade curvatures changed drastically over the centuries in response to context. So the use of a Tokugawa-period blade against a medieval longsword is not only anachronistic from a standpoint of chronology, it is also comparing apples to oranges in terms of the social situation which produced the weapon. None of that is a knock against Matt. He was doing a video he was asked to do, one that would presumably get a lot of youtube hits, and he knows all this.

[@kurkirobert]

For those who haven't heard anything about the differences between tachi/kodachi and katana/wakizashi, a video about that might be highly informative and entertaining. Just a thought, no pressure. :)

[@MrStingBlade]

I want that jacket Matt

[@adamochip]

I believe the slightly curved shape of the katana is a bit more important for the cutting than you say. When you use a straight blade, you cut when you pull the blade back and the force behind the cut comes only from one direction as you pull. The curved edge however ads another force that comes from the top of the blade, and the heavier tip help the katana in this regard. You cut when you pull and also when you push down while you pull. Furthermore a strait blade delivers maximum cutting power on a small area, after that drag forces diminishes the overall cutting, where as the curved blade is a succession of small cutting areas do to the shape. A curved blade is less likely to get stuck because of that and will always cut more than a straight one.

[@i_love_crpg]

Matt also keep in mind there were different katanas varrying in length, width, and even way of usage. Take for examples katanas used in korea. Also katanas (which the design itself originating from china) was used for sometime in china known as a tangdao

[@alexanerose4820]

Here's my summary: Lonsword- Versatile weapon that can do many things. It cuts well, stabs well, and smashes well with that murderstroke. Doesn't do them really well like its more specialized counterparts but get's the job done Katana- an excellent cutter. A good and some would argue perfect balance of curve and straight. Rivaled only but Schimitars, tulwars, and sabers in cutting. Stabs good too. Not as long but we all know it's not the length, it's how you use it Conclusion on what's better : Show me your technique because that's not how swords work. May the better psycho-I mean- swordsman win

[@MrPanos2000]

Alexane Rose Actually, penis jokes aside, reach is very important in sword duels

[@TheAsj97]

To be fair, when someone says that a katana is better at cutting they usually forget that it really doesn't matter. It's just a bit better, and the longsword is already good enough to kill with a proper cut, so it doesn't matter if you chop off 1 or 1.5 heads, and you're not going to cut through someone with a gambeson no matter what sword you're using, you're going to cut enough to cause a fatal, non instant, injury but that's about it, and you're not going to cut at all through chainmail, and with plate at most you're going to scratch the polish and piss off the knight. And that particular longsword doesn't just stab "well", it's an absolute beast at stabbing, and for stabs, it really does make a huge difference, a katana would have difficulty stabbing through a gambeson, while it wouldn't be anything at all for that longsword, a katana would never stab through chainmail (it MIGHT break a few rings, but it'd be immediately stopped by the gambeson underneath), and that longsword would have some difficulty, but it would still stab enough to kill, so that means that someone with a katana could only hope to beat a plate armoured knight if he could stab through the visor, while the longsword user could also stab through the chainmail covered gaps in the plate. And the crossguard is a huge advantage in duels. With equally skilled fighters, the longsword is inherently superior.

[@adenyang4398]

Well that depends on a variety of factors. There are great many variations in Longsword blade types, that were used in the Late Medieval Ages. (XVIa, XVIIIa, XVIIIb, XVIIIc, XIX, etc.) And it's quite easy to cut through gambeson, if you have a good cutting sword. Swords are optimal against lightly armored opponents. Most Japanese swords are much like XIXs or XVIIIc, and certain forms of XVIIIa and XVIIIb in terms of overall abilities. Although the overall handling may be different. Something like the Albion Svante is a good example. If you have any doubts against the Katana's thrusting ability, try thrusting with the Katana with it held edge-up, from the Posta Breve position. You may be surprised.

[@alexanerose4820]

+MrPanos2000 So is cutting power, mass, speed, and curvature but you do have a point *ba dum tss*

[@alexanerose4820]

+Arlindo Jacuniak - Rapiers, spears, and knives stab better. There's a reason they exists. Longsowrds especially later ones stab well but they were replaced for a reason - curves swords just cut a better (Yes there's things like technique and whatnot but generally speaking they do cut better) - Katana's have a sharpened tip on both ends of the blade which helps with the stabbing especaily through cloth. Same with early European swords. Also, there are Katans with narrower tips that help with stabbing. - Cross guard is good but the basket hilt was waaaaaaaaaayyy superior since it actually covered your entire hand compared to just an iron bar. Yet that had it's disadvantages. A cross guard gives extra leverage if you know how to exploit it. "With equally skilled fighters, the longsword is inherently superior" Until it faces it's more specialized counterparts. Like I said, that's not how swords work.

[@mr.personhumanson6871]

Whoever has the fastest screwable pommel is the better sword.

[@alfatazer_8991]

Wel,l then the katana wielder loses by default as the katana has no pommel!

[@xiezicong]

Depends on how you define pommels. They have end caps called kashira that could be removed. In fact, the entire hilt could be removed. So I guess technically, they have the most throwable pommel.

[@drivethelightning]

More courser threads = more better

[@mercoid]

All the pommel jokes abound are very depressing. Or I should say, the stupidity behind them is depressing.

[@farisarrazi1200]

This channel is Matt's not skallagrim

[@DrClocktopus1]

Hearing your comments on the stiffness and hardness of japanese vs western swords and their strengths/weaknesses given context got me thinking about Chef's knife blades. It would be fun to get a cooking knife expert in and compare composition and design with martial blades.

[@pbr-streetgang]

Thanks for the vid sir.👍🏼👍🏼

[@marcusanthonyPOV]

Wouldn’t saber vs katana be a better comparison?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Please read the video description :-)

[@marcusanthonyPOV]

Would like to see that video when you have the inclination. Love the channel.

[@gerritvandenbosch4681]

Obviously not. As they are very similar.... comparisons are more fun with greater difference.

[@marcusanthonyPOV]

Sure those are good too. But the subtleties between two similar blades made by vastly different civilizations could be worth the go.

[@S.Grenier]

In terms of how and why they were carried, longswords and katana are very comparable. Even more specifically, katana and bastard swords. They were both almost exclusively used as sidearms or dueling weapons, primarily wielded with both hands but still somewhat usable with one hand. Sabers, both in the western world and in the East, after its adoption by local foreign militaries, were used in a very different manner, and in different contexts.

[@kalvinchester4068]

Longsword: Stronger steel, longer, had better guard, can grab blade to fight armored opponents, and both good at cutting and thrusting. Katana: Curved sword with very strong edge, easier to swing(?), very hard blades yet not rigid, not good at thrusting but great at cutting. Can't fight plate armor as well as the longsword. For me, it all depends on who you're fighting and how you're trained. But nonetheless my vote is for the Longsword.

[@kalvinchester4068]

Connor Zaeske for guiding the tip of the blade. Not smashing the guard or pommel into their armor

[@xiezicong]

The point of a mordhau is to flip the mass distribution of the weightier end, not necessarily to smack them with a pommel or crossguard. I just tested with a katana, and I can confirm that it's possible to do. What I couldn't tell is if it made much of a difference. With the point of balance quite far up, it almost felt... even. I know it's not because it was much more hammer-like.

[@adenyang4398]

The thrusting ability of Katanas are honestly quite underrated imo. There are some examples of Longswords from the heydays of plate armor (certain types of XVIIIa and XVIIIb) that have strikingly identical balance of thickness, stiffness, cross section, and taperedness of the tip as many Japanese swords. For anybody who is interested, please try thrusting with the Katana from the Posta Breve position - with the edge held up. While likely not as good as the Ringeck (XV) here, you will be surprised.

[@MountainBlade100]

However when comapring Europe vs Japan one often forgets to add in the sabre. If longswords were a made as a compromise for fighting armored opponents, and they are still better than a katana even then, then a sabre, a weapon which has an identical purpose, surely, outperforms the katana in every way. Which is just as so evident with the Japanese adopting it eventually.

[@xiezicong]

MountainBlade100 That is absolutely false and disregards the historical context of sabres and katanas.

[@KevinTangYT]

I'm glad you made the point about the katana cutting from Center of Percussion to the point (monouchi). It is something that I lament about the longsword as I like cutting as close to the tip as possible. The shape of the tip for that "drawing effect" helps as well as the more forward balance of the blade. One other thing the longsword has that might be not so beginner friendly is the crossguard can hit the forearm when performing moulinet. It certainly was something I had to get used to doing when I started longsword. If you know of any JSA practicitioners, could you film a sparring match between katana and longsword? I've tried it myself and find longsword to be superior in outside range and grappling range, but katana is better in mid range due to a shorter blade and easier disengage/abnehmen and also the center of balance heavily favors the katana in terms of strength in the bind. Of course, out of range, the threat of the thrust from the longsword is much greater and the pommel and zwerchhau strikes are extremely potent at close range.

[@chonnyy2475]

In the end it's all about the user, overall a great comparison!

[@capinkyky]

"Thicker at the tip"

[@lukeskywalker9016]

lmaooo

[@klavakkhazga3996]

But what if someone attacks you with a piece of fresh fruit?

[@EnvaReaver]

Depends on what kind of fruit, but this video should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2qTlaGLl7-Ao68

[@twirlipofthemists3201]

Klavak Khazga Why is it fruit all the time? What about a point-ed stick?

[@richard6133]

Banana!

[@ullinjodahmcstea6864]

Or a pointed stick!

[@waitingisfun]

Fresh fruits not good enough for you eh?

[@danielhounshell2526]

Another side note is that well made Japanese swords typically don't bend easily, so it's not as huge a factor as it's commonly made out to be.

[@michaelstephan9619]

Love that you adapted your style to Kill Bill! So thoughtfull!

[@ondralavicka5722]

Longsword is better, one does not simply end him rightly with a katana.

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

Sorera o tadashiku korosu (?)

[@zacharyharwell351]

Technically you can, it'd just be trickier, making the world-ending ever more epic.

[@ondralavicka5722]

IWILLMAKEYOUASKQUESTIONS How, katana does not have a pommel, it has an end cap. But I'd like to see you try ending him rightly with it.

[@VictorGarciaR]

Needs more dual-wielding vikings

[@lucanic4328]

Well; pinterest.com/pin/343610646562554247/?source_app=android

[@Gloin79]

Is this... is this 2012 again? Did we go back?

[@scholagladiatoria]

That would be kind of nice.

[@glenralph5123]

Gloin79 - I don't think we really left.

[@Bosnerdly]

Very interesting bit about what parts of the blades cut the best. I'd never really considered that.

[@Omniseed]

60 HRC is respectable for a current-production folding knife with reputable steel, hot damn that's impressive and shows the benefits of impure iron. It can potentially yield metal with lots of helpful, wear-resistant and hard carbides. Swords are super neat. Oh if I edit this in the future it's because I'm mid-viewing and want to avoid clogging things up with multiple comments

[@Matthew_Jensen]

This was a fun video. I study Japanese martial arts and I have no experience with HEMA. That said, I get a feeling that longswords have less of a learning curve than katana. At least as I compare some of the nicer reproductions like Albion VS Citadel (two manufacturers that seem to do a solid job on fit and finish) the longswords tend to feel instantly like a tool I can use. Japanese blades tend to have a feel that gives me the impression it requires a bit more effort to use effectively. Maybe that is just my internal bias having studied one side vs the other. Now that I type it out, that seems more likely. Anyway, cheers!

[@RevRaptor898]

Do keep in mind that this vid is solely about cutting things, in that context the katana tends to be more forgiving. As for all round fighting and sparing well that's a different matter entirely and likely has more to do with your school than your sword :)

[@xiezicong]

Holy crap, I didn't realize you posted here Matthew Jensen. This is some Baader-Meinhof phenomenon right here. By the way, just an example of "hard mode" longswords: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/49582/review-custom-albion-munich-cutting Read the handling portion of the review. The Munich is one sword where edge alignment needs to be perfect to cut well. Otherwise, you might not cut through one tatami mat, like in the embedded video.

[@RevRaptor898]

Read the description dude. This video was made to go with an episode of zombie go boom. The test was to cut up zombies, I'm with Mat on this one the katana will have an advantage at this one test. Although I'm not even sure what your point is? And I didn't state an hypothetical anything what are you even talking about.? I've handled and spared with both types of swords, The training is very similar and how quickly you pick up the skills is very much affected by the quality of the teacher. To claim other wise is just ignorance. As for that whole ergonomics rant, you really believe that a long sword is more ergonomically suited to killing zombies, that's a pretty weird position to take dude :P

[@RevRaptor898]

Ok I see your point but who makes their own hilts, You work with whatever the school is teaching. If it's long sword then you have a long sword and if its sabre then you bring a sabre. However in this context we are dealing with two very ergonomically advanced swords. long swords typically are cut n thrust swords while katana are mostly for slashing cuts. A long sword can cut and a katana can thrust but not to the same extent as the other. So in a cutting contest one would expect the cutting optimized katana to do better than the jack of all trades long sword, This would make sense would it not?

[@shrekas2966]

Matthew Jensen You think you can use longsword. Without knowing what youre doing makes you think you actually know how to use it. Youve been trained with a katana, so you will know how to use longsword.

[@saleswomanfromhell]

i kinda thought the curve isnt really about the cutting and the edge "surface area" but mostly for edge alignment and thus aiding with the cutting. mechanically speaking, with a curved sword, the contact point with the target is off-centre to the handle and "behind" the direction of the motion. i feel like this acts as a lever pulling the edge "behind", kind of like how a loose rudder will drag behind and naturally align itself to the current where as if you stick an oar in the water, it doesnt really align itself in any way other than be flat against the current. i hope that imagery makes sense

[@Sareth94]

Gotta say, I loooove the sword-whistle 4:40 - 5:00 . So few videos actually capture it properly.

[@bezzlebedeviled4756]

The is an excellent example of a "longer" longsword/"warsword" with a piercing point. It is a much better weapon than a cutting bladed weapon for dealing with armored opponents. An enemy on the ground can be quickly dispatched with a longsword, as its wielder is able to bring his entire weight upon the crossguard after placing the point against a weakness in his prostrate opponent's armor.

[@dylanforty2181]

The longsword is the better weapon. To end them rightly.

[@zerozerosud]

"Is that a Kill Bill reference?!?"

[@Mystakaphoros]

I thought the same thing.

[@Psajho]

Same here! XD

[@deimilepivoriunaite869]

Such a nice and informative video! I was wondering, where did you get your longsword from?

[@Psiberzerker]

Most people who ask this FAQ want to know "Who would win in a fight?" Which of course depends on the fight. However, against a Cutter, the hand protection is an extreme advantage. The greater Reach, and useable point also offensive advantage. In a cutting test, a cutting blade will outperform a cut, and thrust blade, and an axe outperform both of them. (For denting armor, a mace or hammer will outperform both of them.)

[@NinjaWithCheeseProd]

I've never understood katana hate. It seems to stem from katanas not being magical swords. Like how dare this lump of sharpened steel just be a lump of sharpened steel and therefore useless when compared to this other lump of sharpened steel.

[@undertakernumberone1]

No... the hate comes from the fact that there ARE PEOPLE that think (AND CLAIM, AND PROPAGATE) that the Katana is somekind of magical all cutting Wonder-Sword... and of course also, that European Swords were blunt maces and so heavy that they were barely useful...

[@StudyofSwords]

It's primarily a massive overreaction to the deified place that Katana's as the "pinnacle of sword making technology" held for a considerable time in western popular culture, and especially pop culture manufactured for the military/ martial arts enthusiast brought about by the Japanophilia of the 1970's among other things. This paired with a rather uncritical pop culture acceptance of the inherent inferiority of European swords, echoed in the same sources. Plus the internet...

[@undertakernumberone1]

muh milion times folded Katana...

[@Ranstone]

I think the people above me said it well. I personally am one of those Katana-haters, but I realize how silly it is, and actively try and change my bias.

[@Cookiesdiefrombehind]

As long as it's not racially motivated, which does sometimes appear to be the case with some people. I myself don't like the katana because of its shape from blade in relation to the grip because I'm used to blades that have an s shape.

[@CatholicismRules]

What Matt talks about at around 1:45 is what Shadiversity made a video on. If you haven't seen his video on quenching and tempering, I suggest you watch the video, as it's very informative and good to know what Matt is talking about in full. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3vCiKabibx9gKc

[@Tork789]

I hate this fat buffoon. No particular reason, I just do.

We don't care.

[@sirien.neiris]

I don't hate him, but I do not like him neither. He talks too much and likes to listen himself too much. His videos are 20 min long, all points and arguments could be delivered in half the time still with good pacing without getting frenetic. He says interesting things in (at least) some videos, but every time I force myself to watch him I suffer with temptation to start skipping through. Sometimes I just play him on 1.5x speed. It's annoying, but still more comfortable. And I'm not even native speaker.

[@CatholicismRules]

Petr I listen to many KZbinrs at 1.5 or 2x speed. I'm sure there was a more efficient way to say what you said, but ultimately we just have different opinions.

[@sirien.neiris]

Sure, but there is a difference between speeding the video to 1.5x because the speaker speaks slowly and speeding it because there are plenty of sentences which are repetitive or unimportant. But hey, I do not say he is BAD - I've just reacted to that Tork's "no particular reason" remark and I've pointed one possible reason out. I have friends who watch Shadiversity and who like him. I don't have problem with that guy, I just don't like his form.

[@Mulberry2000]

we use the same mechanic in karate when going for a forward straight punch the person has to move into a front stance, land their foot at the same time as the blow and twist the body to give more more to the punch

[@mal1362]

Talking about who would win in a fight between a longsword and the katana it depends on the who's fighting, how skilled they are and experienced at fighting.

[@davidm8135]

Yes, but the logistics of the equipment in a fight do have a significant impact on the outcome

[@reedlaverty3489]

I like Lloyd's term "Katanatards" for people who overly think the Katana is good.

[@GruntSquad92]

I'd say, here we have somebody making fun rather than strawmanning. ^^

[@Twilight_Samurai]

Rafael Herschel Honestly, all I ever hear anymore are katana bashers. Instead of hating something for its misconceptions, we could respect something for what it truly is.

[@Ranstone]

Hahah! I need a link! Where did Lloyd say that? Hook me up bro! XD

[@reedlaverty3489]

His Pt.2 video for Bren vs Spandau.

[@TasTheWatcher]

So there's one group of people saying the katana are vastly superior, and there's another group saying that the first group is wrong? Where's the strawman? Do you know what that even means? Sure, the offending group is often over-reacted to by another group, but that's not a strawman.

[@danieltaylor5542]

So in essence what you're saying is Longsword is for skilled sword users Katana is a Noob sword.

[@Sareth94]

What you really mean is Longsword is God-Tier Katana is current Meta.

[@Arkrouyle]

That is gold.

[@steiventhatmexicanguy9064]

Yes.

[@vforvenom2299]

Well a butthurt European guy who has a fetish for shitty European swords is going to say that. But historians and people who work in metallurgy all confirm that the Japanese swords are made in a way which makes them far superior to western swords. Sorry

[@vforvenom2299]

Sorry but Samurai were far more skilled than European swordsman and the forming techniques of Japanese blades was light years ahead of the simple moulding and forming of European blades. Sorry about that European nationalist boy.

[@Win94ae]

The curve geometry of the katana, makes it more likely not to twist when cutting with the end. The blade's weight gets more in front of the cutting edge, as it travels toward the tip. That provides leverage, more ensuring its alignment. 10:40 That is why edge aliment is so important with the long sword. All the weight, is always behind the cutting edge.

[@tinheart2853]

18th january of 2018 and Matt added video of katana vs longsword

[@Jedievil]

Katana is folded millions of times and able to cut through tanks!

[@TGPDrunknHick]

nah fold one a million times and it'll fall apart. no more carbon in the blade at that point it wouldn't even be steel. Still made me laugh though.

[@exexpat11]

Plus one small impurity, the layers de laminate and the steel shatters on contact. Bring me a handful of convicts and testing devices to make sure this sword was made right and won't fail me in battle. Just going to hack up some criminals as they are less expense than rolled up mats.

[@Wright805]

Can we drop the katana bashing/mocking? It's gotten REALLY old.

[@TGPDrunknHick]

the Katana is fine. this is making jokes at the idiots who try to overhype things by proclaiming them to folded an absurd number of times for sharpness, without understanding that what they are saying would actually make the sword worse than some stainless steel wall hanger.

[@chesterrogers2845]

Jedievil yeah right tank steel is way too strong for an katana to cut through

[@mallardtheduck406]

The katana is the Chuck Norris of swords...there are no weaknesses.

[@fathel9221]

Brian Smith it's short and it's bad at thrusting

[@glenralph5123]

And to add to what Fathel has said, for the length they are heavy comparatively to a longsword. There's 3 faults/weaknesses right there, champ.

[@mallardtheduck406]

Fathel Guweda I'm short and generallly bad at everything...lol.

[@mallardtheduck406]

Glen Ralph well it was just a joke...yes, I have held real katanas over a couple hundred years old and they are heavy. I much prefer the fiore sword that Matt has even with its minor disadvantages😀.

[@mallardtheduck406]

MountainRecluse Lol you're wrong brother😬

[@danielhounshell2526]

@3:24 Actually, fun fact, katanas are actually the length they are in the modern day due a law passed in the early edo period that prevented blades from exceeding 69 centimeters. Before that, blades on Japanese swords were actually pretty far from uniform.

[@konstantin.v]

And what about the curvature of the katana, both blade and hilt, helping to maintain edge alignment when you swing it? Like with that dha sword with a cylindrical grip that you did a video about. Does it add up as bonus worth mentioning?

[@Fluffy52600]

Shadiversity made a great point about the variations found in each weapon, and it portrays the longsword as being a far superior or mire utilitarian of the two.

[@TheRoland19111]

Excelent video Matt. Could you make one about the difference of shoes in Japan and europe when it comes about swordfight? I have noticed that kendo practicioners usually "slap" the ground when they attack. I think this is related with the shoes they used in Japan in the medieval times, and I think this had an influence in the techniques they used.

[@RockerMarcee96]

TheRoland19111 Japanese at the time didn't have shoes, they used wooden sandals. But getting any info about how historical swordfights looked like by looking at kendo is like trying to deduce how rapier fights looked like by looking at épée fencers. Not possible.

[@lexi9956]

Only two points I’d make: in the civil war era the blades were much longer, the length was standardized at 27.5” by the bafaku, so longer blades with longer half’s were more common pre 1600. So were armor piercing points, the O-kissaki, which you can see in the ckrt hisatsu. They also became much common in the Edo era.

[@McHaven07]

Matt, did you add sound effects for the blades whipping around? Cuz if not... that's so cool XD

[@scholagladiatoria]

No, that's just the sound of the cut.

[@chiprahn]

This is probably the best "Katana v Longsword" video out there.

[@jimbenson3926]

Off topic question, I've just watched your video on kite shields, why wasn't the large Roman shield used at that time? Thanks.

[@BtheLee11]

Hey Matt! I had a question about the COP in swords, so i trained in Chung Do Mu Sool Won, which is a Southern Korean style; the swords we used in training/sparring/forms feels very different than a Japanese katana, whilst they both look very similar, the Korean style of sword has its weight more heavily favored towards the tip of the blade vs. the Japanese katana which feels like its center of gravity is more towards the hilt of the blade. I wonder if there are any treatises that cover my style of swordplay in which the tip of the blade is heavier vs. a more traditional style of blade where the weight is more at the hilt; and if there are such treatises why would someone use a blade with a heavier tip vs the weight being at the hilt. Footnote: this style of Korean and Japanese swords, to my eye (an inexperienced on at that), look very similar in a way that they both look like katanas but the feel of the blade is very different

[@junglistmovement352]

Hey Matt. Would love to see a video about the prussian cavalry sabre 1811 also known as "Blüchersäbel". It was designed after the 1796 light cavalry sabre. There are no videos about german cavalry sabres at all on KZbin which is quite sad. Greetings from Luxembourg.

[@glennhynes5263]

Great vid. As for the long sword, very few swordsman would want to be hit/cut with the tip on the hand/forearm, face/neck or knee/calf.

[@sirbobulous]

Could you show us an example of cutting with the tip of the longsword? Up past the COP to see how it performs compared to cutting with the COP?

[@simontmn]

Awesome cold you got there Matt! :D

[@Stroggoii]

I did some pig carcass cutting with a antique trader friend of mine and fellow Forged in Fire fan. And in our non-professional opinion the Kilij would be what we'd pick if we had to be stupid and fight zombies with swords. That thing makes bone look like butter and the weighted tip seems to help with edge alignment. Katanas and the Pattern 1796 LCS would be our second and third choice.

[@Kubaaa555]

What about swiss saber/kriegsmesser