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

[@Interrobang212]

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

[@LivingAnachronism]

Welcome! Hope you stick around!

[@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.

[@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!

[@patrickbateman3146]

Hey, you should take advantage of the algorithm and make some shorts for KZbin.

[@beserkerB01]

If you're looking for a historical (ish) version of the witcher sword, then might I suggest the katana? It has a similar measurement, if you're willing to fudge the origins. The only issue that I could see is that it isn't versatile: it slashes well, but the tsuba doesn't add much defense alone.

[@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.

[@WARobertsonMMII]

Commenting for the algorithm.

[@fpassow1]

The blade to handle looks about the same as a katana. And it has plenty more reach than a claw. And a normal human with a longsword is still just a normal human.

[@skjaldulfr]

I find the witcher swords in the game beautiful, especially in the Witcher III. Those are pretty bastard swords. But Geralt's sword in the TV show, and your LARP sword here both have unattractive proportions in my eyes--even if Sapkowski did specify that ratio. Too much handle to too little blade. And I'm unconvinced that the handle-length is justified. You'd have to be extremely weak, like a baby, to need a handle that long to wield a 2.5 lb sword. It looks like you could fit three hands on that grip. That's a waste of length. That could be blade. All that said, I enjoy this video. I expect nothing less from an overtly anachronistic larper.

[@Flamewolf14]

well the extra weight in the handle gives it more maneuverability not so much about being super weak. more hands on the weapon just gives you more control. I agree it does look kind of weird but i find it rather charming

[@andyknightwarden9746]

Geralt in Witcher 3 uses _longswords,_ my friend. Those are far too long for bastard swords. Other than that, I am in full agreement.

[@skjaldulfr]

@@andyknightwarden9746 I suppose you're right. Looking at the game again, I see there's room on the grip for the full two hands, and Geralt uses both hands on the grip when he strikes. I'm imagining bastard swords when I read the Witcher books.

[@alexduraev]

Well you see longer handle does not necessarily compensate for weakness. As being said in the video, it does let you win on speed and what I would also add from my experience - it helps you win in terms of fatigue. Even being quite a big and strong guy, I still grow tired swinging a historically accurate sword for 15-20 minutes. That's the point where you start to come up with little tricks like putting the blade on your elbow and doing stuff like that. A longer handle does help you even out the stress between your arms = helps you last longer.

[@kdolo1887]

If I were a Witcher, I'd go with an axe. Sword's aren't going to deliver those debilitating attacks as easily with a slash, and stabs can get your weapon stuck, which is not a good position to be in for a Witcher.

[@neoaliphant]

but cutting length is so much smaller. One analogy i use, if youre fighting a giant creature. imagine your fighting a human with your weapon halved in size. An axe becomes a hatchet, a spear a javelin, and sword a shortsword/dagger, so does depend on context.

[@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.

[@Danny-pk6lk]

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

[@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.

[@ericbeall7675]

Notification squad checking in. Looking forward to the video!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@rcxdries8584]

Can we get the exact handle and blade from the custom sword builder on calimacil

[@LivingAnachronism]

Bellator Handle, Diamond 8 Single Fuller blade, Long (69 cm). Also added to the descripton and I'll pin a comment

[@GallowglassAxe]

So historically those size weapons did exist just not in a double edge version. If you look at the katana, kriegmesser, swiss saber, and the two handed falchion they all fit in that sort of arming sword with a two handed handle length. You could even say the African Ikwla and some Ngombe-Ngulu also can fit in that sort of style. Now for me I like more reach in my swords with rapiers and bastard sword length blades. I personally like a 40" as I can draw it comfortably without a special belt from the hip. I've seen what a few inches can do in a fight and if you have great control of distance and blade control. But that's just my personal style and clearly there are people throughout history that agree and disagree with me.

[@poozlius]

Yes, yes, boys and girls, remember: don't get hit!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@talenlunari5114]

My Ranger OC uses a bastard sword, I even designed the thing myself. Maybe one day I can commission a sword smith to make it...

[@LivingAnachronism]

That would be awesome. My dream as well to have a completely unique, custom sword

[@LuxisAlukard]

I really like the video, it's great idea to have that kind of sword if you are a witcher. Can you tell me the book from which you use those measurements. I'd like to check what Serbian translation says. Cheers!

[@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.

[@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".

[@PickleRick65]

Sure why not

[@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.

[@irubberyouglueonethousand5384]

where did you get the steel sword with those dimensions??? That’s so cool

[@LivingAnachronism]

The knights medieval bastard sword from Darksword Armory, essentially comes with those dimensions right out of their shop! Total coincidence that it happened to mirror my larp sword, which I bought much later

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheCompleteMental]

Im still doubtful because, if reach doesnt matter in all these contexts, why did swords contend so much for a reach advantage? I feel like dagger vs spear is going to turn out very different to longsword vs spear, same for greatsword vs spear. You're not just dealing with reach but the mechanics and weight of the weapon. Rapiers were incredibly nimble _and_ conveyed a lot of reach. I suppose that shorter length also makes sense because you dont have as much weak in the blade, but that'd be in the context of swordfights. Monsters dont typically parry. But here's another point: how short is too short before the weapon doesnt deal any fatal damage _at all?_ If we're talking big monsters, is 30 inches of blade even deep enough to strike an artery? Youd always have to be aiming for weak points, and alongside cutting your options, a short weapon cuts the number of positions you can approach it from significantly, wouldnt it? But maybe against a monster that big, it certainly doesnt matter, but a sword serves as a dagger - the short length and large grip means a lot of tip control, and that length probably _is_ enough to disable a large beast in the same way you would kill a person in full armor. The right attack in the right place.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

The video title is misleading and confusing because you only talk about the best sword for Witchers, not fantasy adventurers... Also, you explain why a shorter blade is potentially advantageous to a Witcher, but not the need for the much longer, two-handed handle, which would presumably make the sword more difficult to wield one-handed? A normal arming sword has most of the same advantages, but if you wanted a longer handle then a hand-and-a-half sword provides that. I understand why Witchers might prefer shorter blades, but I don't see the need for such relatively a long handle...

[@Shamshiro]

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

[@Chasing80sToys]

Perfect timing ⚔️ excellent video again👍

[@texasbeast239]

I object to the form of the question. Axe. Bearded axe. Bearded battleaxe. In the hands of a bearded axeman. 😁😎

[@LivingAnachronism]

My character for the larp I just went to used this sword and a bearded axe! Felt really powerful

[@texasbeast239]

@@LivingAnachronism Pretty flourish, stabby reach, and brutal pounding for the ONE-TWO-THREE!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@yunggolem4687]

Sword seems so bad compared to something like an oversized boar spear or winged glaive for a Witcher or any other dedicated monsterhunter, particularly against large, relatively unintelligent (ie not magic/tool using) monsters. 2ft of blade, crossguard behind blade to prevent running up the shaft, 4-6ft of shaft would be my chosen weapon. * Reach keeps you safe, especially against venomous & infectious creatures relying on claws & fangs which is most monsters. They have short reach, you definitely want long. * Large monsters require major penetration depth to hit vitals . You don't want to be in reach during death throes like a sword would put you while penetrating that deep. * Use less special metal to produce the blade head rather than a 38-40inch sword. * You'd basically want to stick them with it in the vitals then use the crossguard to hold them at bay while they die. Chopping & cutting are something you'd almost never do due to difficulty reaching vitals & reduced range & defensive reactions when swinging a weapon compared to keeping it always between you & the opponent for a thrust. * Would work much better in a monsterhunting team than a sword because pole weapons just "focus fire" better without getting in each other's way. Even if you had to cut off the head or something for the monster type, having 1-2 guys hold it down with spear crossguards while you decap with a poleaxe or something would be infinitely more consistent & safer than just hoping you can out reflex a wild monster & decap it with a sword. Yes carrying around 6-8 foot polearms would be inconvenient, but you're a monsterhunter. You're deliberately seeking out & facing off against monsters regularly. Some inconvenience while travelling around is definitely worth dramatically improving your fighting capacity & survival odds. Also really odd they don't work as a team. Even without Witchers working together, it would make sense for a Witcher to hire mercenaries to aid him & for mercs to use weapons that keep them out of the reach of monsters since they lack Witcher reflexes. My strategy as a Witcher would be to focus on controlling, occupying, & disrupting the monsters while the 3-5 mercenaries I've hired whittle away at it with crossbow bolts (ideally laced with some kind of poison targeted at the monster type) and support me in melee with spears. Especially considering the realistic bounties on these monsters would be intense because almost no one else can deal with them, the cost of hiring mercs would be trivial compared to the value they could offer & it would be much easier to hire them as support fire knowing you're going to frontline. This would be the natural way to take down any large or physically powerful monster. They would also provide some "red shirts" for the monster to prove its danger against. Monsters with magic, stealth, or supernatural mind control powers may be something else & a team may not be ideal depending on the monster's ability set, still providing opportunity for the author to tell solo adventure tales.

[@sandramartindale3702]

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

[@andrewbutton2039]

A two handed short sword would probably have great leverage and manoverability in close quarters, something a witcher dealing with monsters who dont use weapons would probably deal with all the time

[@TheCraziestFox]

Reach is good. Reach is safety. Reach is your friend. Short swords don't have it, no matter how many appendages you use to hold it.

[@andrewbutton2039]

@@TheCraziestFox In the context of a monster without weapons (besides its claws or teeth) jumping out at you, a long sword is likely to be more cumbersome in a lot of situations you might come across a monster. I look forward to Shad wading into this topic with his usual Ozzie gusto.

[@arronis]

@andrew button Funny you should mention that, My D&D character actually had a 2H Short sword for about 20 years... But it was first created by accident by me in a LARP event and then became an insde joke around my group of LARPer friends and after that was intergrated in our D&D homebrew world and now immortalised as a custom Calimacil using the same handle shown in this video and about the same blade, just shorter (21.5' long blade to be precise)! I can tell you, it is a versatile weapon! You can weild it with both hands wich in fact, gives you alot of leverage in close combat like you mentioned, weilding it with one hand close to the guard lets you fight in tight spots maybe use the andle to block some attacks and still use a shield or a buckler and if you ever need a bit more reach then weild it one handed close to the pomel!

[@darthdiamo6902]

@@andrewbutton2039 Perfect example. Here's another one. The "Goblin Slayer" (from the show of the same name) Uses a short-sword/arming-sword because, 1) Goblins tend to be in caves and other small spaces where you couldn't effectively swing a longsword. 2) Goblins have short arms and they rarely have weapons. 3) You may see one with a crude sword or a bow, but he pairs his sword with a small round-shield for the reasons mentioned above. 4) He doesn't intend or expect to fight anything else so his build is perfectly crafted for the job of slaying goblins and only goblins. (like at all, only Goblins)

[@TheCraziestFox]

@@andrewbutton2039 I can't think of any such situations for two important reasons: Stabbing and halfswording. Longsword gives you the opportunity to emulate a (very) short spear. And half-swording achieves everything that a long handle does, only better. Not all swordplay is wide horizontal swings. It's stabbing, catching, wrenching, blocking...

[@kevinmurphy65]

Conan the Cimmerian. Always has been, always will be, the ultimate adventure hero. Geralt is good, and his magic helps, obviously. However, take that away, afraid Geralt would be crushed by the Cimmerian. Having said that, think you are spot on about the swords and yes, much to the surprise of many, the sword has never been the primary weapon on the pre-firearm battlefield.

[@comingstorm275]

Thats just slightly longer than a knightly arming sword. Use a sidesword guard and it would be significantly superior

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@PocketKanin]

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

[@Aarzu]

So your breakdown of the size of the Witchers' swords makes me think of a couple of very similar examples. The first one is the ever-famous ninja from Japan. While there is a narrative that's not entirely false that Ninja came from more modest villages and clans, and as a result used more improvised weapons, there are also some notable weapons and tools like the Ninjato sword. This particular sword was shorter than a katana, but longer than a wakizashi, for an advantage in close quarters combat. How can a shorter sword provide and advantage again a longer sword for CQC? Well, the ninja would stack the deck by taking the fight to encloses spaces, like dense woods or even inside building, where the katana's length would be more of a hinderance. Another, much more modern example, also exists. The Mk18 and M4 vs the M16 in the modern American military (particular the former's use among Special Operation units). The Mk18 is made for CQB and easier usage inside buildings so the operators can maneuver more easily. Before the M4 and Mk18 came about, SOF units used the CAR-18.

[@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")

[@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.

[@edi9892]

Speaking of silver and steel swords, IMHO, a Katana-style blade, perhaps a Tatchi would be ideal in the role of a silver sword. 1) it has a very rigid spine, a stubby tip, and a thick blade making it very robust (and I wouldn't trust silver alloys) 2) since it's not for facing humanoid enemies who apply human war tactics (for the most part), it doesn't need big guard or a tip to pierce mail. 3) a sturdy tip followed by little tapering is not the best choice for mail, but it's a very good choice for thrusting through thick hide and not getting stuck underneath. The steel sword should obviously offer more hand protection, a keen tip, and be able to be used in a Mordhau. If I wasn't too concerned about fighting knights, then a European, military-style saber would be probably the better choice. Speaking of versatility, a cutlass might be a rangers friend...

[@Hk-ox4bb]

Quick question: why wouldn’t a similar design be more popular?

[@mukkaar]

To me, Ultimate witcher/adventurer weapons would be warhammer and hand and half sword. Both can comfortably be worn at all times at the same time and don't get in way. Warhammer is really good against armor and though creatures, while sword is super versatile cutting and thrusting weapon. Other than that I think you would want recurve warbow/hunting bow with few arrows attached to your backpack or horse. Not really as primary weapon, but for something you keep off the sting most times and then either prepare it for hunting, ambush or some other situation that may require it. Even with signs, bow is too useful of a weapon to not have. Obviously dagger too. Though if you were adventurer without magic not witcher, you would probably want arming sword, warhammer and shield. Though shield would not probably work if you have backpack.

[@AppealtoImmortality]

Could just be, that the creator of The Witcher is a huge weeb, because 40 inches with a 27 inch nagasa (and of course corresponding a 13 inch tsuka) is the exact measurement of a Maru Katana.

[@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.

[@tarnishedknight9909]

For my fighter types, I always liked a Bastard Sword with Heavy Shield, gives you the advantage of a large damage die (d10) and with the extoic weapon training feat you can wield it with the shield as well as 2 handed dealing even more damage. What would you class a Witchers Sword as in Dnd/Pathfinder ?

[@WisdomThumbs]

If I had to travel overland on foot and save the world, I'd prefer to do it with my stepdad and my mentor... But if they weren't available, I'd want to do it with Shadiversity and Living Anachronism. Shad and I would lag behind and slow Kramer (spelling?) down, but man... The horrors and travails would be worth it just to hang out with two dudes who know their shit, love to learn, and love to teach.

[@xanderh2404]

I gotta say, I'm not a fan of that length of blade. I get what you're saying in terms of maneuverability, but I'm personally using a 92 cm blade (36 inches). It's plenty fast and maneuverable, and can be used in one hand (in fact, Fiore describes a sword of that length, and includes techniques for one-handed use). In a sword fight, losing out on 9 inches of blade is going to be a significant disadvantage using longsword techniques. Quite frankly, it's enough that it could be the difference between life and death, especially with people of similar skill levels. Against spears and polearms, I'd posit that it's not so much the speed of the weapon as it is the speed of the user. A longsword is plenty fast to be deadly if you can make it past the point of your opponent's weapon. The extra length doesn't help much, true, but it doesn't hinder you either. Once you're past the point on a hafted weapon, you can grab the haft and use the sword in one hand to stab. Arguably, with the longer sword, you'd need half a step less to get within stabbing range, making that easier. Against monsters? It's hard to quantify, because there's no historical material to draw on, and no real modern experiments (if those are even possible). Against monster melee attacks, a longer sword will let you attack them more safely. Offensive bits of monsters are generally part of them, and usually/often not as durable as steel, meaning you can attack the "weapon" part of the monster directly, reducing their offensive capabilities against you. For flying monsters, a longer weapon will let you hit them more easily if they swoop towards you for a melee attack. Against ranged attacks, no sword will help you in any way. In terms of dodging, I haven't found my longswords to be any hindrance at all. Dodge rolling is pointless (running is faster for the same distance), other than looking cool, but even then, it won't be much of a hindrance in my experience. For sneaking, sure, a longsword (especially in a scabbard) will be more in the way than a shorter sword. I think that's probably the only advantage I can see them have over longer swords.

[@hilken]

...huh, who whould have thought? I am 6' tall and I'm about to carve a wooden sword to practice carving and to get something to practice swordmanship, I am going to make it around 42" total with a handle long enough for my two hands... so I prettt much was going to make Geralt's sword more or less adapted to my height despite not having read anything of the Witcher's books, I haven't even played the games nor watched the tv series... it's really curious if you ask me, talk about coincidences. And on that note, someone have a suggestion for the wood I should use or at least consider using for a practice sword?

[@koticneutralftw7016]

I think some historical katanas have the right proportions lengthwise if not weight distribution and blade geometry. So I think you *could* say there's historical precedent to some extent.

[@annamiau8116]

Actually its a lightsaber. It's way more versatile. It can probably even cook food with its heat. Also its great for bringing down empires which makes it very useful in all types of situations.

[@A-Gaymer]

I don't think there's one single weapon that a witcher/adventurer would use. If I'm fighting a leshen I'd use a recurve bow with hunting arrows and a splitting axe. Against a werewolf then a Bec de Corbin. And against a griffon I'd use a spear. So I think an adventurer that's fighting monsters for a living would use a variety of weapons depending on the monster. If I had to pick a weapon however I'd pick a Bec De Corbin because then I only need to one good strike on the monster and I've won compared to a sword which I might need to hit them ten times. For armor I'd just use gambeson or maybe lamellar.

[@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

[@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.

[@Giagantus]

You are missing some points. The reach argument is faulty because u assume that if they cared about reach they would use ranged weaponry. If such was the case why bother with a swords they might as well carry only a dagger. If one follows your logic. In short u a infering and assuming way too much. Also swords were mostly backup weapons. And arming swords were almost always used together with shields (almost all single-handed swords were used with shields), Its extremely dangerous to wield arming swords alone in combat *(hand snipes), Furthermore long swords became popular first when armour became so protective that the shield was superflous Your argument about being easy to draw from the back is true. Its much easier to run in forests with swords on your back as opposed to at your hip. So I like that argument. How much does the steel sword weigh and how much would the larp sword weigh if it was real ?

[@jeffborror8040]

The master sword in legend of Zelda has pretty much the same dimensions. I’m a Larper, I’ve used those dimensions in combat for 10 years it works

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@helenali6435]

the japanese katana had a blade length comparable to an arming sword, but featuring a solidly 2 handed handle length, perhaps a third of the length of the blade (just eyeballing a photograph), just like the handle on the sword you have. japan really leaned in to the two handed sword with a blade-typical-of-a-one-handed-swords sort of thing. I can't be certain but I would guess that the curvature of the katana means that it's harder to wield one handed (because when you rotate the blade when you maneuver it around, the curve would give it a lopsided and increased rotational momentum, which makes it harder to control one handed). Interestingly also, I've noticed that most chinese swords which had that common arming-sword-ish blade length, be they jian or dao, usually had handles which were on the long side compared to similar european or middle eastern counterparts. the handles on the chinese weapons were typically a decent hand-and-a-half length, sometimes even into 2 handed territory depending on style and time period, whilst still having a blade length of a one handed sword. Not as exaggerated as a katana or as your witcher inspired blade, and still definitely mostly used one handed, but I suppose it does make it slightly more versatile, sort of a middle ground.

[@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.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Their are A couple videos on Todd Workshop channel... Where he talks with the Witcher weapons master

[@landsknecht_voran]

I'd take zweihander since it's fast, long and beautiful. And I'm not planning on fighting anyone other than humans and animals, since i prefer real or close to real world, and not world full of dragons, magic and stuff

[@jordansorenson698]

People would certainly underestimate you wielding that sword.

[@VosperCDN]

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

[@kellysouter4381]

I'd have thought the longer the blade the safer you'd be because you'd be further away from your opponent. If that opponent had a shorter blade you'd have the advantage.

[@wlg2677]

It is a Katana size longsword. But 17th century Japanese people were rather short.

[@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

[@briangraham5808]

I have been wondering this for a while, what's the name of the sword on your wall? Where did you get it? I have always like the proportions you brought up here, but struggle to find a metal sword that fits them.

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

And I just realized that other than point of balance, which can vary a lot, you are describing a katana. Lol :)

[@sirxarounthefrenchy7773]

I would still prefer a regular longsword, if I have to fight a monster that can outreach me no more the melee weapons, I would pick a ranged weapon or use magic, the longsword would be just in case.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Ohhhh.. come now . You can move that real sword faster than that... I know it.

[@sasha1mama]

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

[@Jonalith]

The Goblin Slayer anime actually demonstrated another benefit of a shorter blade in tight spaces as well.

[@DevinDeCremer]

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

[@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.

[@wingsoffreedom3589]

perfect argumentation and my thoughts exactly.

[@RaspK]

Funnily-enough, I had ended up designing almost the exact same concept back in 2002 as part of some brainstorming. Unfortunately, they seem to have discontinued that hilt choice. :C