Best Sword for a Fantasy Adventurer?

[@LivingAnachronism]

If you are looking at the custom sword builder on Calimacil and want the exact version I have: Bellator Handle (Color), Diamond 8 Single Fuller blade, Long (69 cm), Steel Color

[@heatherkline6766]

You are seriously not kidding about having a handle 1/4 to 1/3 the length of your sword! I have used a meter stick as my prop sword for the longest time and after watching this I tried a 9 in. handle as opposed to the 6 in. one I have been using. I tried a few basic moves and am glad to report that my speed almost doubled. I was seriously stunned. I would never have thought of this at all. Thank you.

[@Blondie42]

🗡 Well you know what they say, "You can't buy happiness." But you can buy a sword, and that's pretty much the same thing. ⚔️

[@LivingAnachronism]

So true!

[@Inv1cto]

Truth.

[@Link_on_Crack]

yes

[@liosvartd.mendoza6840]

Arming swords have a damn of a longer reach than most claws, horns and fangs, so I think its perfectly suitable for a Witcher's evironment and opponent context

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

I kind of like the classless games for the fact that you can just be a jack-of-all-trades adventurer instead of specializing, but the option to specialize is still there for you.

[@sasha1mama]

Yep. Why be a specialist when you can be a polymath.

[@zentierra7803]

Now that was a *fantastic* point-by-point weapon examination/explanation. Kudos on the special effects added to your demonstrations. This whole video was entertaining and utterly engaging! ♥

[@LivingAnachronism]

Really glad you enjoyed!

[@Lukiel666]

Longswords with more reach are great on a battlefield. But a Witcher who fights in forests with trees and undergrowth everywhere or in abandoned castles, or in caves is going to prefer a shorter sword that isn't going to constantly be getting interfered with every time he swings it. Also, there's something you have not considered, meteoric iron etc swords are made of expensive and RARE materials. You may simply not have enough raw material for a longer blade, or it would be prohibitively expensive. When I was LARPing I used a basket hilted sword with a 24" blade. Crowded indoor combat it just made sense. Basket hilts are great for blocking and help balance the sword for speed.

[@tedarcher9120]

Witchers don't have shields or fight on horseback, so a longsword is a much better choice due to its power and leverage

[@МихаилАршуков]

Exactly my thoughts: we know what swords were used in battlefields as wars are one of the main events of the history, but not every combat situation is at the battlefield.

[@ericbeall7675]

Notification squad checking in. Looking forward to the video!

[@Matsudai]

I am glad to see that I'm not the only one that prefers a two handed handle, no matter the blade length. Lol I made both of my Amtgard swords two handed, even with almost a foot different in blade length. It just give so much versatility to the short one with no drawbacks that I have found.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

For adventuring I prefer shorter swords because they can be used indoors, aboard ships, in caves, etc. 27 inches is a reasonable compromise blade length, though 22 inches is probably best for grappling.

[@lidular]

Omg I feel so validated. A couple of years ago I started creating a spellsword charater for an fantasy adventuring story. She used a sword that has the bladelength of an armingsword but the handle of a two handed sword. This was in order to have the balance closer to the hand, so it would be more agile and easier to keep up while doing magic with the other hand. Also so she could use the longer leverage of the handle to compensate for less physical strength.

[@alexanderjohnson7977]

As someone who greatly appreciates versatility, I had an idea for a sword of these same dimensions years ago as the perfect design for an all-around sword; it'd be the sort of design I'd personally prefer anyway. I'm glad my concept had some merit.

[@lylachristopherson865]

Very well put together presentation. I've considered this topic as well. What is the "best adventuring sword". You nailed it, eloquently. Congratulations on being awesome. Your One Million Subscribers Plaque awaits you.

[@Danny-pk6lk]

From what I've seen in Skallagrim's reviews, the Zombie Tools Diphos fits these criteria pretty closely

[@glorrin]

another point rarely brought up, in real life one good hit is usually enough to win a fight (not necessarily kill). In fantasy settings, specifically RPG (video games or table top) you more often than not need a lot more than 1, focusing on speed is probably a good idea.

[@kellysouter4381]

In real life a mere nick of the skin could kill from the resulting infection.

[@VosperCDN]

Not just an informative, thought out video, but now I'm researching training swords that could be modified to match these dimensions .. thanks!

[@calebashley7143]

I've loved this sword design for a while. Happy to see a dedicated video on it!

[@LivingAnachronism]

I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who thought of it, or likes it!

[@mansfieldtime]

Speed and reflexes, some of the most underrated powers out there.

[@WayToVibe]

I'm loving the lord-at-his-desk setup you have. I missed a couple videos due to being sick but last I saw that used to be just a door you stood in front of. The update to the "set" is nice. And of course you look way comfortable explaining the weapons this way.

[@mcdakwater3966]

No matter what the topic of the video is, it comes out the same... Outstanding!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you, my friend!

[@neoaliphant]

Excellent video as always...Main disadvantage ive found for bastard swords, you are less likely to come across magical ones in treasure troves as they are less common type...

[@thekaxmax]

it is still magical if you rehilt a magical arming- or broad-sword. :P

[@neoaliphant]

@@thekaxmax interesting prospect, bastard blade normally 6 inches longer than arming sword....

[@thekaxmax]

@@neoaliphant arming sword lengths vary by more than 6 inches. It's the weight and balance you have to play with.

[@wingsoffreedom3589]

perfect argumentation and my thoughts exactly.

[@JoshIdstein]

this is the most niché channel my adhd youtube dive has let me to, but, sir, you have a magnetic personality and a great style of presentation. subscribed.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you Josh!

[@devanpretorius451]

I really like the idea and how it looks although personally I'd still pick a normal longsword if only just for asthetics. That being said, I'd still love to have a sword like that because of how interesting and cool it looks and how practical it sounds.

[@Chasing80sToys]

Perfect timing ⚔️ excellent video again👍

[@justthinkingoutloud2538]

I’m afraid I haven’t watched your last few videos so I don’t know how new it is, but I LOVE the new intro! Great work on that!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Made for me by a viewer and friend of the channel, Justin Black. He did a great job.

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

You can also shift your grip downward if you want more cutting power. I think that's how long-hilted, one-handed jian are often used.

[@bestkoolaid1835]

I’m not a fan of shorter blades but I am 6’2”. However I do have to admit that you seem to be WAY faster than I am. Love the content and thanks for giving me something new to try out

[@TheBetterManInBlack]

Back when I was doing SCA, I initially favored longer blades. 27 or 28". As time went on and I gained experience, I found that I could deal with about anything, including pole arms, with 24".

[@paulmiller6545]

My musket for 18th century reenacting was that much if not a bit more and I spend a LOT of time cleaning it. I don’t always do it as promptly as I should but my advise is to stay on top of steel. Keep up the good work! Love it!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks Paul! One of my goals is to have a musket one day

[@paulmiller6545]

@@LivingAnachronism I love flintlocks, it’s a completely different animal from modern firearms!

[@paulmiller6545]

@@LivingAnachronism if you need any advise let me know!

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent video Kramer with some really good points. Years ago I came across information that when held in your, hand pointing downing a relaxed way the tip of your sword should just miss the ground. Very scalable for any height and ultimately leads to a shorter sword. Nate

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Great video! I'm sold

[@ATG3192]

To me, it's starting to sound like this sword concept is what the traditional D&D "longsword" is meant to represent. Can be aptly wielded in one hand for ease of use with potions, spells, a shield, or what have you in the other, or with two hands for extra dexterity and potential power (hence why any game I DM, I have a homebrew rule where a longsword wielded in two hands has the FINESSE property). At first, I was put off by the unorthodox hilt:blade ratio, but after watching this video, I'm digging it! Keep up the good work man! Always look forward to your uploads every Saturday!

[@KalonOrdona2]

as far as I'm aware, what you're describing in a d&d context is always referred to as a "bastard sword." mechanics-wise, I always see a longsword being single-hand only

[@danhurl1349]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AS USUAL

[@joshbingham212]

Great video, I think you have a lot of good points here!

[@gozer87]

If you are fighting mainly monsters armed with teeth and claws, a sword that is fast, hits hard and is good close in, is a fine idea. Fiore uses a shorter sword than Lichtenauer, so you are probably onto something. In SCA armored fighting, since the swords are rattan sticks, I have a bunch of different lengths from 38 to 75 inches for my cross hilted swords. Sort of like golf clubs, each one is really good in certain situations and really poor in others. Having a sword that is good at everything is the best option for someone schlepping their own stuff and paying medieval prices for steel.

[@TheJabberWockyy]

Very cool video man. Thanks for the knowledge

[@bojowyropuch145]

7:31 1) they don’t drink potions during combat they do it before (it’s shown int thebooks and also in trailer for a first game and i think also in second game) 2) if i remeber correctly there is only one case when Geralt use’s signs to fight monster (in 6 book) and he does it when he doesn’t have any weapon

[@pandereodium]

Very interesting thoughts... Thank you!

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Your right, the dimensions mentioned do show up in some messers, jian, and dao (off the top of my head). This actually reminds me of my Chu Dynasty jian or the Executioner 3.0 currently in prototyping by Zombie Go Boom :)

[@sasha1mama]

I'm convinced. This will now be added to my mental inventory.

[@kennyjuengel2488]

Very thorough with many excellent points. Well done

[@CreepyMF]

Being a man favoring the classic sword and shield style, i can see this working well with a shield thou personally id like a bit more reach but thank you for demonstrating that.

[@Wastelandman7000]

I agree. This is what you could call a general purpose sword. Plus, in a pinch you could bring your primary hand to the pommel and get a bit more reach. This could be a nasty surprise for an enemy especially in a thrust. They think they're safe and then they're skewered. The issue for adventurers is you have no flipping clue from one month to the next what you'll be fighting. (presuming it will take a bit of travel to get to said contract) Long swords, short swords, and arming swords are all specialized. This one, properly used, could be used in confined spaces, defending narrow ways, fighting out doors etc. It may not be perfect for certain tasks, but, it will do.

[@TheAyeAye1]

You have an excellent channel.

[@GeospatialSurvivalist]

man this is super fascinating. I think I'll use these for the adventurer's guild in my d&d game. (added benefit of confusing the history major)

[@TheSwedishRanger]

Great video as always, Kramer! I, myself, own many blades, around 20, but the sword I use the most is a Oakeshott XIV sword, which sits at 87 cm in length and a 68,5 cm blade. I've found it to be very useful as it's very light, nimble and just a beauty to handle. I plan to some day in the future make a video with said blade, showing the flourishes and twirls I've learned by watching your flourish video.

[@СтаниславБерезовский-щ5я]

A great analysis, brave adventurer! Keep up the good work!)

[@catfolk]

Awsome wird ,,, thanks a lot ! Breaking stats like this , 😊

[@Victor-dm4qv]

When I was a kid I used to draw all kinds of weapons all the time, particularly swords. One of the common designs of my swords were long hilts and shorter blades. I always felt comfortable with this design, even if it wasn't accurate to traditional designs. This was also the case when picking up a stick and pretended it was a sword. I can't draw very well on my own anymore like I could then, but when I do doodle swords, I still draw them with longer hilts and shorter blades. If I were to get back into drawing, I think weapons will be my comfort zone again.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I agree, when I would pick up sticks or dowels as a kid, the slightly longer than normal handle always felt right to me.

[@Interrobang212]

The algo brought me here after watching the Shad vid with the shout-out.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Welcome! Hope you stick around!

[@theirontitan]

So, in a basic sense, a better balanced and slightly shorter claymore is the best for adventuring. As a great lover of the claymore, this makes me very happy

[@MomoTheBuilder]

Excellent analysis of practicality and what makes sense to use based on the person's composition. One other thing to consider I thought of when fighting in close or tight quarters like dense woods or a tight alley way - a shorter blade would be far easier to maneuver and fight with.

[@augustorojas9371]

Something interesting would be a character with a giant weapon that others comment that a smaller weapon would be faster, but when they see them in combat they notice they are already swinging as fast as it is posible for their arm to move even with an empty hand, so the only way for a smaller weapon to be faster is for it to literally enhance the wearer’s speed.

[@patrickbateman3146]

As much as I like swords, for RPG or larp or fantasy literature polearms often get overlooked. Spears/bill/halberd beats swords most of the time. In games I've run I always tweak the stats and give the polearms bonuses. Can you do a video on them?

[@neoaliphant]

depends on context, dungeon crawling polearms without thrusting might be limited in maneuvarability.

[@patrickbateman3146]

@@neoaliphant agreed.

[@neoaliphant]

@@patrickbateman3146 if its not too long, and has spear point, blade and hook, so a bill, say 6ft, then would be very usefull

[@xanxv1246]

You are just jealous because Paul Allen's sword is better than yours.

[@xanderh2404]

The disadvantage of polearms for adventurers is carrying them. You have to either strap them to a horse or other animal/cart, or hold them in your hands while walking. Swords up to about longsword length can comfortably be carried in a scabbard strapped to your side. It's not an issue to carry all day while walking, I've done that before.

[@Justin_Black]

Haha, I once played a character that had a sword much like the one you show, but I also used a bow for the long range factor. congrats on 20K subs btw!

[@stasianatanasov6294]

Very nice new intro!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Made for me by Justin Black, friend of the channel. He did a stellar job, with absolutely 0 direction from me. He just sent it to me one day as a gift!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Excellent video, really interesting. Adventuring where things make sense - I lke that a lot. Maybe do some more videos about some more of those aspects regarding weapons and armour (my main fields of interest)?

[@LivingAnachronism]

More is to come

[@ChaoticSorceror]

Sounds like a historical longsword to me! Maybe a slightly shorter blade than most longswords were but there are tons of historical treatises and art showing swords with longer hilts that are *usually* supposed to be two handed, but can definitely be wielded in one.

[@dynamystic3050]

Nice information

[@ecthelionalfa]

If i were an adventurer would go for an arming sword as a secondary weapon, and a halberd as primary weapon (or a spear) As per armor i would use a brigandine a kettle hat, and a long gambezon that cover down the knees

[@LivingAnachronism]

Good picks!

[@ML-pl1fm]

you might need gauntlets too

[@ecthelionalfa]

@@ML-pl1fm true, maybe one of those guntles with metal fingers Edit, now that i have been playing elden ring the confesor starting set is pretty much what i would use

[@ethanmorrison7021]

Another perk of the shorter blade but longer handle is cost. Less blade means less material. It also means less sharpening. In the case for the silver sword it means less silver is needed to coat the blade.

[@neoaliphant]

a lot of references ive seen to basatrd swords are total length 40-48", of which blade 10-13" so which sword would seem basatrd if the shorter end, basatrd swords popular with adventurers since i was playing AD&D in 1984 onwards, they were always the multi purpose adventurer weapon, not normally found with soldiers/knights.

[@TeutonicViking]

I do love using a halberd, although when I fight using the halberd against multiple opponents, If I get stranded from my allies I usually have a hard time keeping up, so I'm considering getting a good sword to use as a backup, I'll definetly keep these points in mind.

[@LivingAnachronism]

My friend had a side arm, just in case people got too close. He also made sure to always have a shield buddy, so I don't think he ever used that sword

[@christopherwombles2867]

Dacian falx about a meter long having the last 8 inches of the blade double edged. 26 inch blade 12 inch handle and a strongly designed messer style crossguard. Weight around 3-3.5 pounds. Is a design i think could be interesting to use.

[@slightlyembittered]

The longer handle also makes it great as a letter opener, if it's a mini sword.

[@SvRijswijck]

The design of that sword looks exactly like the sword I've been looking for (LARP and real steel). I can see the points you make and would even like to state that a longer sword against a pole weapon would be worse. The closer you can force a pole wielder to fight, the more they have to choke up or withdraw to fight at their preferred range, putting them at a severe disadvantage either way.

[@SeekerOfTruth13]

Awesome video!

[@Shamshiro]

The length of your custom Witcher sword brings to mind the uchigatana.

[@PocketKanin]

Sold!! now to figure out the math for my 5’3” frame compared to 6’2” XD

[@Victor-dm4qv]

In my head I can't stop thinking of a setting where Shad is a lord, his crew being his knights and you being his ranger. Might just write something along these lines with you and them as my inspiration. Another thing in my head is that you and Shad someday do a collaboration. Preferably it would be Shad coming to the States with his family and crew, since I wouldn't wish the current Australia on those I actually like, but maybe when things start improving in the down under, you can visit the Shadlands. But I'd still prefer Shad to come to the States.

[@marcogenovesi8570]

That's one heck of a lot of money to spend on a plane ticket tho, he has a big crew and big family

[@Victor-dm4qv]

@@marcogenovesi8570 America is worth it.

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

"Shad is a lord, his crew being his knights and you being his ranger" - maybe a story where they do a video collaboration and accidentally get transported through a worm hole straight into a fantasy world? sounds cool

[@rangerstedfast]

Matt from Scholagladiatoria as the master-at-arms, Lloyd(Lindybeige) as a court minister, Skallagrim as a neighboring baron, Metatron as a mysterious visting nobleman

[@wiederganger1959]

Prophetic words

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

awesome evaluation, and I have to say I agree, the thing that has always annoyed me about my arming sword is the short-ness of the handle, but long swords have to long a blade, I just wasn't fully sure why, thanks for this :) so we now know the best weapon for a fantasy adventurer, until you meet a rust monster anyway :o

[@DevinDeCremer]

One more upside in having such an "over-sized" handle is more weight in your thrust.

[@oneofthelast1408]

Agreed this a fine form weapon.

[@TheDecaystar]

I kinda understand what you're getting at. Though I don't agree all the way. A longsword works very well for me at least, and I prefer a slight more reach, at least within a larp setting. I lige calimacil, but I think it tends to look a bit like a plastic toy. My best blades is without a doubt from wyvern crafts. The garde/handle/pommel is cast from real swords. Good video 👍

[@neoaliphant]

when i did reenactment, i had a shorter blade, perhaps gladius in length, had tremendous speed advantage, and meant i wasnt bound up when fighting close, and could easily go over the top for a throat cut attack, was hampered in shield walls....witchers dont shield wall, and having the long handle reinforces blocking attempts....

[@LivingAnachronism]

I actually found the length of the handle is capable of blocking very well, at least in a larp context. Happy accident, but it kept me alive

[@neoaliphant]

@@LivingAnachronism yep, thats what i meant, bastard/witcher sword would be used against very strong oponents, more than humans, so blocking with both hands might be crucial, and does give option of shield use on occasion if warranted, also the trope of fighting with one hand while hanging on to the creature, a shorter blade means you can stab like a shortsword and not get tied up..

[@fraziersweigert7637]

I actually had a stage combat sword made with a a shorter blade and a full sized handle it handles very well!

[@AandKify]

I dont thing that Sapkowski knew what he was writing but your point of view is valid this sword would be for witcher probably the best scouting tool in potential hostile towns, villages overun by monsters and who knows what. They probably vould carry their heavy duty weapons on their horses for specific task. I think that witchers would have two or three horses just to carry their stuff.

[@kirksaintpatrick3921]

I don't know why, but my favorite line of the movie (the verbal delivery in particular) was: "and, compared to other two-handed swords, it's reach is terrible." (emphasis on the word "terrible")

[@eaglescott17]

I actually looked into the blade description from the Witcher books that I have, which matches what you said at 3:00. And because I was used to the idea of Geralt using two-handed (great?)swords in the games, I was led to the conclusion that it could have been a mistranslation, because that seems like a really short blade for a two-handed handle. Thus I found it more likely that it could have been a 40 inch blade with a 13 inch handle. Seeing your video, I don't like that I was wrong in my estimates and conclusions, but I concede your logic is superior.

[@LivingAnachronism]

You could still be right about the mistranslation, I also thought it must have been an error originally as well. But decided to treat it as if it wasn't and see if it even made sense. Turns out it does, at least a little. Thanks Scott!

[@eaglescott17]

@@LivingAnachronism oh snap, I wasn't expecting a response to this comment, lol! It does seem to make sense, especially if the Witcher is fighting in dense foliage or other limited space environments. Great work, by the way, love your content.

[@Zero-tk1hb]

Man your channel is a real gem, i never considered how a shorter sword would have that much versatility for a witcher. For geralt and the school of the wolf in general is a match made in heaven because that is their style. We could also see some variations or weapons like that for the school of the bear for example. They are not blazing fast like the Cat Witchers but they can take a punch like no other, super strong and even though they are on the heavy side of armor it is said that it barely bothers them. So why not instead of using sword why not use a modified axe for example? With a hammer on the back side and spear tip, like a compact hallberd. They are stronger than normal witchers so they probaly could make something like this work. Also for them a long sword would be put to great use against humans and non humans, some sentient monsters too. Bear witchers are usualy the big boys, so that strenght and reach moving abnormaly fast and beeing super hard to kill makes then terryfieng. Cat witchers using short swords, lances and daggers while also using some potions must be something of a horror film. In the games one of them manage to cut 3 arteries of someone before they even noticed the first cut.

[@arc3944]

A bit late but I have been testing out a sword which has roughly 60% to 40% handle to blade ratio, and let me tell you it is everything you just explained with spear/polearm style thrusting

[@Wolfexpedition]

Love the video brother🤙 I’m trying get that custom larp sword, however the steel color isn’t labeled on the website, is it the first option (lighter more silver color) or the second darker option in the list. The coloring from the website to real world may be misleading and I’d rather get the correct one from the start. Thanks! 3:14

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you..

[@caleb1rshelton]

It's not medieval mind you, but my preferred "adventuring sword" would be something akin to a Cutlass or a short heavy infantry saber. It can be used single handed, the guard protects the hands reasonable well and the heavy blade gives it good versatility to chop under brush with. I guess the medieval equivalent would be a falshion or Messer.

[@andrewbutton2039]

I'm quite fond of axes, but i do have a slightly rusty cheapo arming sword that needs work, maybe i'll take the crossguard up an inch or two to make something like this.

[@pablosoto9636]

A bit late, and I don't know if it has been mentioned previously in the comment section. The measurements in the books and the games are not the same. I think the best bit of information is right at the end (Ciri becoming a witcher) when Geralt meets with the swordsmith. The master craftsman tells geralt the proportions and characteristics, 38" blade if I'm not mistaken (Sorry I can't recall them at the moment); furthermore you can "test" it before giving it to Ciri and it has basically the same size as the rest of the swords in the game, so we can conclude all the swords ingame share the same blade and hilt length and ratio, except for some designs like the elvish and Temerian Ponyard.

[@northstorm9411]

I love halberds you could ask any of My friends but thank you for the Idea for a side arm because you aren't going to be using the long john option and when you just need to hit something and you are a hurendus shot like me you just need something like this

[@sandramartindale3702]

I enjoy the comparison between the Witcher and the ranger it seems very realistic

[@neoaliphant]

Video requests: Tomahawk and knife combo for an adventurer/ranger, feasibility, i know Matt easton has already sai the dual wielding of isnt historically accurate. Also another idea is use of grappling hook for adventurers.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Tomahawk and knife/long knife/dagger I can do, and am personally a fan of. My most recent character for my larp had this sword, a bearded axe and a knife as his load out, and I went between each of those as the situation demanded. Larp combat is NOT a representation of real combat, but our system was very skill based, and I didn't have a problem dual wielding. Grappling hook will take time, but I'd like to do that too

[@neoaliphant]

@@LivingAnachronism awesome for both. Metatron just did a northman review and he mentions teh dual wield. ive used during reenactment fighting, limited defense, but great as a backup that doesnt take up much space. had my axe attached to back quiver as same length as arrows, didnt get in the way at all, moved to belt loop when in combat imminent.

[@ScrollsAdventures]

I'm an adventurer of about 5'8", my best friend and adventuring buddy, Crisis, is a bit over 6', probably closer to 6'2", I'd have to ask him exactly. Regardless he is a tall man and a nightmare to spar against. Making matters more terrifying, he favors extra long swords with longer handles. He is called Crisis for a reason. Last time we sparred he was using a sword that was almost 5' long (~12" handle, ~40" blade. It was actually a stunt lightsaber, I just double checked the sizes.). Your comment about fighting The Mountain is true, from my own experience. There is no weapon I could have used that would give me a reach advantage. Even using a spear, he could lunge far enough to just about match me in my defensive position. And if I strike, he easily has leverage to out strength me and then I'm parried and there's not a lot to do after that. I could just about keep him at bay, guarding in ways that would probably kill us both. But short swords, I could get closer, faster. I borrowed a friends wakizashi, and it was pretty ok, but a little too short to block on the approach if he went for my feet. A bokken that hid the tip broken off, making it about the same size as this sword, worked really well. I could drop the blade to the ground, effectively getting that nice tall shield height, and once I was in very close he would have to create distance to hit me, or move his arms in a very awkward way to hit me, because I'm already withing cuddling range with the blade to his guts. This worked really well for me, until he figured out the strategy of having a backup dagger, which made being that close hard for me, and the whole thing devolved into grappling, and he's got a big size and weight advantage, but at the time I was better at grappling and dagger fighting. Now he's taking karate lessons from a guy who's coached a couple Olympic medalists in his prime, so I'm terrified. Anyway, the take away is, inline with your thoughts, don't underestimate speed or overestimate reach in terms of value, and versatility is very important, whether it be in the form of a weapon that does a lot of things well, or the right weapon for the right job, like a dagger tucked in your belt.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Really awesome comment, thank you for sharing your experience. Obviously individual results may differ, as some might struggle with a shorter weapon but do better with a spear, so my hypothesis (I hope) is not considered categorical, but it's good to know that others have had the same thoughts, with real world success. Thanks mate!

[@ScrollsAdventures]

@@LivingAnachronism Glad to share! I'd definitely say results may differ, both from experience and equipment. One factor that made that match suck more than normal is that the lightsaber he was using had a polycarbonate blade, making it super unrealistically weighted and incredibly light in general. Still, when you're outclassed in reach, I find speed to be a valuable alternative. I used to be a strictly, longswords, katana, langmesser kinda guy (when not using a spear), and there are techniques that can help get you in close when you have a range disadvantage and are using a sword or those rough sizes, but I've been learning to appreciate shorter swords and daggers more in recent years for the advantages they offer too. I feel like a good trait for an adventurer to have isn't just knowledge and experience in their own gear, but to get a firm understanding of a wide array of equipment and weapons. You don't have to be a jack of all trades, but if you lose your sword and there's a goblin's club laying at your feet, you should be comfortable and confidant in picking it up in the heat of the battle, even if it isn't ideal. The experience and knowledge from experimenting with different weapons is as valuable as feeling like your personal sword as an extension of your arm. I can picture adventuring parties trading weapons during down time to train each other in something new, or even adventurer guild training exercises where you get experience in fighting with and against something new and different from your usual.

[@jasperthecaster2115]

Even looking from a historical accuracy perspective, such a sword would be incredibly versatile, with Murderstrokes (grabbing the blade and beating the enemy with the hilt) and half swording (grabbing the blade by the handle and using it as a short spear for aiming at weak points) being a thing, it is literally one of the most versatile weapons. The only negatives for an adventurer would be the maintenance of such a weapon (being made entirely of metal makes it hard to repair in the wilderness, not to mention the difficulty weather and travel would have on keeping it in fighting condition); of course, such negatives are negligible when looked at in the context of how people have gotten around such issues for millennia at this point, and having a side weapon as advised would only further neutralize this minor disadvantage.

[@ChrisBryer]

I played an Eldritch Knight in D&D. He was rather bookish fighter, think a mix of Charles Darwin and Götz von Berlichingen. So ya, he used a long sword and a shield. But, he also used a war hammer and a javelin, along with his magical abilities made him a fucking monster in combat. And, the fact that he was not a dumby, he ever did heroics, he was tactical. So, he would use such a weapon.

[@DowntheRabbitHole0]

Hi Kramer, I'm very curious if you'll be doing a medieval outfit video in the summer time. I just "retired" my Ruana cloak till next winter and I was wondering what you are going to do when the temperatures heat up. Any "Dark Sun" clothing videos coming up? Keep making these awesome vids.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I am thinking about this. Generally, I don't dress down much in warm weather, I just suffer through the heat. The only thing I definitely don't wear is a cloak or hood. I'll see what I can do for a video

[@byronlee8745]

Great info! New subscriber here!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Welcome!

[@TheCompleteMental]

A fighter I can absolutely imagine taking a heavy polearm on top of this, seeing as pirouetting up close is especially dangerous. Speed equals force, given enough momentum to carry it through, and a long pole means leverage enabling it to move quickly or hit hard depending on the situation. Polearms can also bludgeon, which is vital against something like a golem. Swords, especially this one, will do absolutely nothing in that instance.

[@hyliayggdrasil2725]

Noticing that this is also the explanation for Brisingr in the Inheritance Cycle, a hand and a half hilt on a shorter than normal blade because Eragon wanted to be able to use it with two hands or with a shield and wanted to be able to use it in narrow spaces after he had a sword he was using shatter during a fight in a Dwarven tunnel I like the design >.> I want one.

[@JoshSwordNerd]

I know this is like, 2 years old, but I wanted to give some of my opinions, and if given critic then I welcome it. also please note these are situational at best, different opponents will cause changes. 1. while this is a great idea for some of the "classes" you have stated, I would argue that a more machete like blade for the Ranger would be better, like a messer perhaps. its got the handle length, the blade length and the versatility you mentioned, while also being a good chopping weapon/tool when needed. 2. I would argue this sword type works best for specific classes, and others would be better for optimization. all would be usable still, but some would make more sense dependent on persons fighting style regardless of situation. 2a. fr example, a large shield bearing adventurer acting as a tank (like a tower shield or a large round shield) would probably find a 1 handed (specifically cut and thrust) sword or a short sword to be best for them (it can still vary in length, but a cut and thrust is important). take the loadouts of a Roman legionnaire or a Greek hoplite, they are covered completely in either armor or shield (dependent on era) and make good use of short swords and spatha (see late Roman legionnaire, who turned back towards the phalanx that the greeks used but with better gear). 2b. a rogue type class might not like the overall length of the sword, and may swap to a shot sword for better concealment, which is their MO 2c. as a side arm, this weapon would be in the way dependent on how you store it, so if the primary weapon is anything else, the sword needs to be easily worn on the side or back (if they decide on that or choose the "sword stored in the shield" route). a traditional messer/falchion or other shorter swords would be better suited for this role, even the Roman Gladius would be fine for it in a pinch. though I do agree with the longer handle can be manageable depending on certain circumstances, and if someone can get past it then it can work. letting the sword hang straight down may be the best approach for a longer handle aside from the back scabbard.

[@JnJShiffler]

What Witcher book is being quoted? We are in book 5, Tower of Swallows, and have never heard this description? That is book 4, with 2 short story books prior. Would love to find the passage in the books. We have them all but the audio books read by Peter Kenny is outstanding and have listened to them all driving to various Ren Faires . Including the Robin Hood Faire this past season. That adult after party is LEGIT !!!

[@markd.9042]

Perfect DPS sword.

[@ThePageTurnerPT]

The only critique I have on the blade length is that, assuming all things equal except blade length (and therefore weight of blade) is that the mass from the extra few inches is going to be negligible at best. Doubly so if it's being used two handed. The only other difference between them would be center of mass (since the extra blade length would bring the center of mass out along the blade) but that would be only slightly, and in theory would make it more awkward to use but I doubt it would make much of a difference