Landsknecht Emporium Gustav Review

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

There is just something brutally beautiful about this Sword. Great job brother truly enjoy your videos. I need this Messer in my life!

[@ssunfish]

HELL YEAH! I am too! I hope it has more reach and is more nimble than a Bowie knife

[@Elem40]

@@ssunfish It is very nimble given the weight of about 1kg (2.2 pounds). The point of balance is only about 10cm from the handle.

[@Elem40]

I got mine in 2023. The quality is noticibly better than the one shown in the video. Everything fits better, there are no huge gaps anywhere. The edge is sharp all along the blade. The scabbard has zero rattle and the hand made beveling art is absolutly flawless and beautiful. You can choose between different versions of these three dimensional decorations for some extra money. There are floral and Totentanz motives to choose from. I love this Messer and for the price it’s a nobrainer.

[@JoeSteel1]

Yes I would love a Messer, The rough look I can dig, it gives it a historic hand made look and feel, yes I agree I rather a machined look, but I can except this....probably why I like my Nepal pieces that show imperfections of a hand made piece. the handling seems very well done on their swords, that is so important, great review as always, stoked that you are able to review these pieces.

[@toddfarthing8760]

Just got mine yesterday and it is a functionally exquisite work of art with incredible visual presence.

[@gunner3264]

Really appreciate the informative review, as I'm interested in the langes messer. The best part is the accent.

[@Wraste1]

I have a more recent version of this, and they have vastly improved their fit and finish. The guard is more cleanly executed, the peen is clean and flush and almost undetectable, the use of cutlers' pitch is more sparing, and while there are still tool marks the finish is excellent. It still looks very much "hand made" but more refined. Mine, while second hand, still came with the original edge on it. For a moment I thought that there was a secondary bevel, but it's a convex edge, it's just been polished and stands out compared to the satin finish of the rest of the blade. Both the true and false edges are paper slicing sharp.

[@shawnclifford362]

Stunted scimitar. Giant Bowie. Either way, their fun blades. Takes a fair amount of shoulder and wrist conditioning. ☘

[@mattnobrega6621]

I like it as it is. Human craftsmanship is something I like more than some machine made. As long as it functions as intended and does it very well, I don't really care if it looks perfect or not. Thanks for the review. It's good to get a personal and honest review. Nice collection behind you.

[@erichusayn]

Beautiful sword. Gotta pick up a different model from them (the Messer with a bit of curve to her). This goes without saving, but great review.

[@Boggsy.]

The Adorian? If so, love that one too. Hell, they’re all awesome honestly.

[@erichusayn]

@@Boggsy. right. If only I had unlimited funds.

[@ssunfish]

That one's appealing! I went for Gustav and Gunter

[@DanielVBlades]

Great review. I am highly attracted to this blade. I'm saving for SOMETHING... and this messer may well be it.

[@thescholar-general5975]

My affinity for Chinese Dao also bleeds over into messers. I really need to pick on up sometime.

[@hookreelfishing]

Thank you for this video. I want one of these very bad and no other video I've seen has pointed out it's flaws to this degree. I'm still getting one, just happy to know.

[@mmareviewer.2372]

as a former Landsknecht I agree with this video :D best dice and splice butter knife ev4r

[@kurtschmidt5005]

I like the hammer marks and “imperfections!” It looks more like a realistic representation of something our ancestors from the past would have used!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That is a valid point. I am beginning to appreciate the handmade aesthetic.

[@weaponman3872]

I would like to see this compared to a wakizashi

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Reasonable idea!

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I suppose it depends on the person on whether or not it being "rough" is a problem. Personally it depends on what I'm using it for but still all my favorites that i own are custom handmade pieces & you can almost always tell.

[@kevincrady2831]

"That's not a knoife." [Pulls out messer] "Now _that's_ a knoife!"

[@Coltbreath]

Mine in is production now! First Messer!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Gratz

[@thebenforever]

Whatever you feel you lack in proper messer technique, you more than make up for with your authoritative wielding of the English language. Another well done review. Also, big FF9 vibes with this blade.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Tap a gun to it and you have a double the danger cosplay option.

[@thebenforever]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks for the reply. Quick question. Having handled both this blade and the Cold Steel Kreigsmesser, which would you recommend purchasing?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

They are very different. If you are choosing between a larger sword and a good sword, then choose the good one (which is the gustav) The critiques I had about the gustav were cosmetic, the CS messer bent and developed a rattle in the guard.

[@thebenforever]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you again for the reply. I had a feeling that might be the conclusion. I'm trying to not be blinded by the CS's Knecht-ness. Lol.

[@matthewgibson264]

Great video, the accent wasn't bad at all lol

[@kingjack2635]

I was wondering what’s a good place to buy katanas from, what places do you recommend

[@longrider42]

I got my Gustav Messer from a place called "The Nepal" out of well Nepal. 18.5 inch blade, the same handle and guard, and lots less then what that one you have, cost. Nothing rough about mine.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Do you have a link?

[@mikebryant8082]

New to the channel! Love the review..really love that knife! Pair great with a Bowie off hand

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Glad you like the channel. Welcome.

[@ssunfish]

Roflmao! " Duel weild!"

[@josephkavanagh7055]

This is probably where the Bowie Knife came from.

[@longrider42]

Perhaps, but the Messer sort of went out of fashion, once fire arms hit the scene. I think the creation of the clip point Bowie, was some what of an accident.

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@edgeuvchaos]

To me the 'sweet spot' would be slightly behind the forward weight on the front of the blade. It would have probably went better for you if you used a much heavier target to chop, like say an animal that a butcher might have let you put down a new clean tarp then try cutting it with full power. I understand that this could run into money as butchers take pride in their work too. Just what ever you do please do not add 'blood' balloons like the show Forged in Fire if you use ballistic dummies, it is unnecessary because everyone knows what happens if you actually attack something with a melee weapon. All the blood inside suddenly wants to get out. I do think it is important because collecting medieval weapons is huge now and people should know that in a sense they can be more dangerous than a firearm as far as damage to a human goes. I should know I have actually been wounded by a live blade, don't ask.

[@Steven-jn2cw]

could you stab effectively with this thing having the rounded point?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Yes. It still comes to a point if you need to drive in with one. Seemed to penetrate well on some basic thrusts.

[@Steven-jn2cw]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you. I was considering it for home defence, which it seems it would very useful for! And also general training and cutting too.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Although it's a different time period the Confederate D-guard Bowie that Windlass makes is similar& close in size. If you ever have to test they are similar enough in design to give a comparison. Of course the Windlass is fearless $ BUT for shorter Messer's like that there really aren't many on the market.

[@alinvid6098]

You can't compare windlass to this... this is made of 6150 steel and the blade features distal taper unlike windlass swords

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

@@alinvid6098 that's contrasting them. Here's me comparing them: Similar blade length, width & profile. Both have unwrapped wooden grips. Both have a form of knuckle guard. Both have a false edge quillon of sorts. Both have a clip point. Both have a curved glass at the base on their grips on the true edge side. Yes one is definitely superior (made of better steel, full width tang, bagel, etc.) but that are similar weapon While they will have different feels they are similar weapons. So just as an Albion will be different & better than similar a Balaur Arms sword they can be compaired & using the inferior sword can give a sense of what the superior sword is like. Just as a student instrument is inferior to a professional one but one can get a feel & learn on a student instrument; especially if ones budget is limited.

[@alinvid6098]

@@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145 well yeah but also no cause a blade without distal taper handles like a crowbar and it takes an experienced good bladesmith to make a blade with distal taper plus as I said you cannot compare 6150 hardened steel to the shit they use in windlass swords... I own a Windlas Ulfhbert and it's a piece of shit so I know 😃😉

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

@@alinvid6098 Here's my rundown... MEASUREMENTS: Windlass blade length 17 3/4“ Blade thickness 4.2 mm - 3.3mm Blade width 40.9 mm It weighs 1oz 4.6 oz. POB is 3 1/4 in. Gustav Blade length 19 5/16“ Blade thickness 5.5mm - 2.7mm Blade width 52.6mm - 54mm It weighs 1 lb 13.7 oz POB is 3 1/8" So Gustav is: 9.1 oz heavier 1.21cm wider 1.5625 longer POB 1/8 inches closer to the guard But these measurements are not hugely different; we are not comparing a zweihander to an arming sword for example. STEEL: Yes the steel in the Windlass is most likely a 1060 or 1065 (which their normal steel but it's not always listed) and 1060/1065 has different properties than 5160. There is a good visual breakdown of properties on a site called "Make It From" dot com between SAE-AISI 1060 Steel & SAE-AISI 5160 Steel. But basically they are fairly similar steels but with good heat treating 5160 can be a bit stronger & a bit harder. However much of their ranges overlap & are the same. 5160 Carbon 0.56 - 0.64 Chromium 0.7 - 0.9 Manganese 0.75 - 1 Phosphorus 0.035 max Silicon 0.15 - 0.35 Sulphur 0.04 max 1060 Carbon 0.55 - 0.65 Manganese 0.6 - 0.9 Phosphorus 0.04 max Sulphur 0.05 max 1060 is a simple carbon steel, 5160 is considered an alloy steel. The inclusion of Chromium and silicone make them act differently. Chromium adds to rust resistance, and makes the steel harder, silicone adds to toughness; especially in shock resistance. However in normal cutting often won't notice a difference unless the sword is pushed beyond normal tolerances, one sword has bad edge geometry and/or one sword is or goes dull. I've had 1060 steel swords hard as rocks & some soft as 1045; it's in the heat treatment.. As for my Windlass D-guard Bowie I've cut 2" hardwood branches, fresh & hard bamboo, plastic bottles, hit thin frying pans, cut pork bone & more. I've owned it for many, many years & never had an issue. Holds a good edge & no edge deformation or chipping. It's light & very nimble. Absolutely the Gustav will be better overall. It will have better fit & finish (although Landsknecht Emporium is noted for a 'rough' finish like peroid pieces & not as 'perfect' as many modern pieces in the high range). But again not everyone can afford a Gustav which currently is in KoA for $608 (compaired to the D-guard at $145). But the Windlass can be an approximation & 'good enough' for those on a lesser budget or someone who wants to experiment first before to see if the enjoy the shorter knives before investing more $ into one. Lastly I'm not sure you are really using compair correctly: Compare (verb) 1) to examine two or more things to identify similarities. 2) To consider or describe something as similar, equal, or analogous. I'm saying they are similar and identifying their similarities. You seem to be saying, "I feel one is much better, therefore the other isn't worth considering". I'm not meaning to sound rude or anything and give all due respect. I just think you are discounting something from personal bias before really experienceing it or knowing how similar the stats of the 2 are. Much respect & stay safe. P.S. Skallagrím did a video on the Windlass D-guard Bowie a while back if you haven't seen it I recommend watching as he is well known for abusive testing so he shows what it can do.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

@@alinvid6098 I agree, the Windlass Ulfhbert is crap. Windlass products can be very hit or miss. I've handled hundreds & own many. I live 3.5 hours from Museum Replicas & used to go to their annual clearance sale. I've bought many swords at $35-$90 that would retail for $250-$350. I bought both the Cold Steel samshir & talwar there with slight defects for $90 each. (Windlass makes some of the Cold Steel swords). In the mid to late '90s some of the windlass swords were overly thick and very heavy. They over corrected in the early 2000s and some of their swords were very thin and whippy I remember at the time handling a flamberge rapier that was his floppy as a fishing pole! My general rule for windless products is the shorter the blade the more likely it is to be worth owning. I own a few Bowie knives by them and I think they're spectacular for the price. As for swords I own a Windlass Shrewsbury sword made in the mid 90s. It's very similar to the Crusader by Traditional Filipino Weapons. The Crusader is a tiny bit lighter, has a POB slightly closer to the guard but the Crusader is $605 currently the last run of the Shrewsbury swords sold for $225 (it's out of production currently) I bought mine at the clearance sale for $35. I own the Battlecry Bosworth longsword by Windlass & it's been quite good. My only 2 complaints are the secondary edge bevel it came with was not good & the tang rattles a bit in the hilt. But it was about $350 and for that price I feel it's great. I've cut a lot with it (despite it being a thrust centric blade) and the guard & pommel are still tight. Is it on par with an Albion? No, not at all. But it is a good workhorse & good sword overall. If some were wanting to get into swords I'd recommend buying it before I wouldn't Albion to make sure the person enjoys the hobby and usage before investing more. Also, although more expensive, the Windlass Royal Armouries line seems to be well received. I wouldn't recommend most windlass swords in the Viking/arming sword length or longer but a few I would. (Assuming they are still available) They can certainly make good products & bad products. But the D-guard has been a good product from everyone I know who's had one.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Another company who's swords i want but can't afford 😭

[@ThomasRonnberg]

basically a big ol bowie

[@rab7034]

I like your reviews Mathew. I would think it being from Landsknecht(sp.) I would think it would have a higher degree of quality than it obviously shows...especially given the price point of this Messer at $500! It does have a "rugged" apearance but I would think it to be more in the range of $200 to $250 max, based on, and given the overall quality of workmanship though.

[@Calimbandil87]

It is closer to that cost for just the sword. It's the scabbard that drives the cost up by almost the double. They make excellent scabbards, but if you want it cheaper order just the sword and you'll get away with it for under $300.

[@DETHMOKIL]

Leaving tool marks is an interesting thing. Blacksmiths often play to peoples expectations of what 'hand made' objects are supposed to look like. Its not uncommon to even add hammer texture to rustic designs. When it comes to medieval objects, I want to see fairly specific kinds of evidence. They compensated for slight wonkyness and make things just slighty off spec all the time. There was more flexibility to make objects as singular deigns that could vary as long as they did their jobs. Not really the same thing as making a bunch of swords to the exact same design and forgetting to clean up a slightly to aggressive belt sanding. To go back and fix something the 'ye olde' way would mean to deliver something that doesn't look like the picture, but is cleaner. Modern manufacturing is super dictated by pre-written measurement and specs to fit premade parts. It's understandable why that messer looks the way it does, but It doesn't help me imagine it as a real medieval object. The page description may disagree, but they are indeed mass produced items. The $300 base price isn't too bad though. Honestly, a very reasonable price for this kind of thing. You can easily pay twice the price for something made cleaner. Fantastic review and really helpful to set expectations more realistically.

[@thegingerwon2795]

\o/

[@davidfletcher6703]

Maybe you like it because it appeals to your Dutch or Germanic blood, lol

[@fettmaneiii4439]

bro you kept a review loaner from a friend for 2 years lmao why. that's pretty disrespectful of his offer. Be prompt when someone does you a solid. that is respect.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I will admit that I have had these longer than I am comfortable with. Still, that is some hostile language for a voluntary interaction between two people. Particularly one that does not specially involve you. For transparency sake, Sword Friend Ian has only to say he wants his property back and it will be sent. I also noted that it would take a long time to work through prior to the items being sent. He has been very generous with his patience and property, and I like to think I have acted respectfully as well. To answer why.. Videos take time to make and I try not to make them about the same type of sword every week. Making KZbin videos is time consuming and giving me nearly infinite time to make the videos takes a lot of the stress out of the situation.

[@MrEpi321]

I fully have no issues with Matt holding onto my swords for as long as he needs. We communicate all the time and he always has asked if it was ok to do so. Most of my collection is in storage at most times and I am happy an honored to share them by being given the opportunity to do so on Matt’s channel. I consider Matt a friend and a fellow enthusiast who has worked tirelessly to promote a hobby of mine that has a niche following. So I am very grateful for his contributions and am happy when he uses my collection to promote something I love.

[@TheWastelander86]

Do. The accent. Again.

[@cantremember6794]

Imo 500 bucks is alot for something that looks that rou9

[@ThomasRonnberg]

Very poor fit and finish on this blade

[@신의주시라소니-e2j]

How Much?