Service Sharpening & The 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer's Sword

[@amang1001]

Congrats on the new bundle of joy but the rain in the background adds something great to the video...

[@cineck]

Agree, great ambience! Another fascinating video, thanks Matt!

[@PSquared-oo7vq]

Never was the English sense of understatement more pronounced when Matt Easton stated "I have a three-month old, and things have been a bit hectic."

[@wierdalien1]

I guess

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

I'd love to see a series on the techniques of sword sharpening!

[@joegillian314]

There are many techniques. It really depends on the type of bladed object you want to make sharp. A machete (some, not all), for example, is extremely easy to sharpen by hand with only your eye, because the size of the secondary bevel is very large (incidentally, the edge angle on a machete is about the same as it would be on a medieval sword, around 30 degrees per side, but not all sword will have a secondary bevel). On the other hand, a sword such as a katana is very difficult to sharpen because of the shape of the edge (it is not shaped like a wedge, but rather it has rounded sides, and it can take hours upon hours to sharpen a katana fully including polishing). Contrary to popular belief, a katana's edge is made to be robust and not particularly sharp. Obviously they would try to get them as sharp as they could, but the edge was shaped such that it emphasized durability over sharpness (which is a smart choice in my opinion. I would rather have a very durable sword than a very sharp sword). I'd be interested to see modern sharpening techniques vs traditional or even ancient techniques. In particular I would like to know how they find and maintain the edge angle (I imagine it starts with making a right angle and then adding or subtracting increments which are fractions of a right angle, i.e. 90, 45, 22.5, 11.25, 5.625, etc. You can see that 22.5+5.625 is pretty close to 30, or you could do other combinations). Why 30 degrees you might ask? because 30 is a good balance of sharpness and toughness, and I suppose also because it's not so hard to find the angle without any sophisticated tools whatsoever.

[@theart8039]

Same, I'm trying to sharpen my Great Grandads sword right now (WWI) so I stopped when he said "Service Sharpened" and I didn't know that, I just thought it was blunt and wasn't getting an edge on a whetstone..so it's all about angles..I didn't know that. Anyway I don't think I spoiled the blade and it's pretty old but with my Great Grandfathers twist. I'm trying to do a memorial wall..I have my Great great Grandfathers hangar ( I suppose a Cavalry Sabre), My Great Grandfathers Blues &Royals sabre but it looks like a regular sword to me, Another Naval sword worn by my Great Uncle in the RN, and my Dads Sword which is only about 50 years old when he was in the Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own). Any suggestions how I should do my wall? I have all their Medals going back a long time...I don't want a cheesy wall, but something elegant that honors these long dead Officers (except Dad) who wants nothing to do with it..any suggestions? if scholagladiatoria could give me hints it would be epic, but I doubt that will happen

[@mrscary3105]

Thank you for helping Tod.

[@DamonYoungYT]

I recently took an arming sword to a knife shop to be further blunted, so it could be used safely for HEMA. I came back to find it *sharpened*. They just couldn’t comprehend making a blade more dull. The look on the chap’s face as he eventually used the grinder on it...

[@raics101]

Well, you are technically reducing its service life that way, now you won't be able to cut as many people :)

[@joegillian314]

I would hammer the edge over instead of grinding it. It would take a long time to make it blunt this way, but you wouldn't actually be removing nearly as much material in the end. If you could somehow get the edge to roll over completely and evenly you could accomplish bluntening the edge without having to remove hardly any material.

[@DamonYoungYT]

Joe Gillian Thankfully there’s quite a bit of sword left. 🙂

[@Nebula_Ultra]

@@joegillian314 DUMB

[@bushcraftingmuslim]

Flappy sander disk on an angler grinder, use light passes and wipe blade down with wet rag often or dip in bucket. You can remove a lot of steel quickly without ruining the temper. Or if you were really concerned, use a mill bastard file. Shouldn't take all that long. Chuck on a typical scholagladiatoria vid and youll be finished before Matt lol (and that's why we love you Matt)

[@LeonM4c]

You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and know-how about swords. I've learned SO much about British antique swords from your channel, more than I'd ever thought was applicable, love you Matt!

[@andytopley314]

US police forces still bought revolvers as late as 2000 as reserves in the event of problems/recalls of their new semi-autos (new models being bought with remarkable frequency) or to arm reserve officers. Many US LEOs still carry personal back-up guns & revolvers are the norm for this due to their perceived reliablity and power. For further info on any firearm related topic I recommend Paul Harrel here on YT, very knowledgeable,informative and his experience as an instructor is readily apparent

[@joelkelly169]

Yes my back-up is a 5 shot .357 in an ankle holster. My main is a .45 1911 on my hip. The combo has served me great for a long time now

[@oolooo]

Congratulations to Daddy Easton

[@LawkzBro]

Almost didn't click on the notification, thought it was a "how to" video on sharpening swords. I'm glad I gave it a chance.

[@Riflelock]

In the US this issue with Revolver vs Semi-auto, police recruits were specifically told that revolvers were more reliable. It was a case of believing what you were taught. I dont have my copy to hand but the author states exactly that.

[@somerando1073]

They ARE more reliable. Semi-autos are still quite reliable, but a shell can jam when ejected.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

Revolvers are easy to train, automatics are complicated.For example, not racking the slide correctly, accidentally ejecting the magazine, getting any of that process mixed up, stovepiping rounds, catching a heel release as your taking cover, carrying a gun cocked and accidentally shooting yourself in the leg, trying to shoot at a suspect and forgetting to take the safety off. Small time police departments had been using revolvers since the 1870s, they understood them but it took a long time for a culture of using and maintaining automatics to work into the general culture. a wheel gun with a speed loader might have few less rounds than a 1911 but it was a lot less error prone. Of course that all changed once high capacity 9mm mags and precision machining came in during the 70s and 80s but before then it was a valid point.

[@Riflelock]

@@voiceofraisin3778 I would add that not everyone had speed loaders. Large numbers of officers carried dump pouches. Pouring handfuls of loose 38 in your hand and loading each cylinder us hardly simple. That being said, the one point of discussion that seems to always get forgotten in "then an now" is in the modern era loading is trained to emphasise speed. I am not down playing the training of old. I am pointing out evolutionary history. Like comparison of one handed single action with a bladed stance verses weaver, modified weaver or I stance. They are just representatives of their era and mindset.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

@@Riflelock true but back in the old days of hand machined magazine springs eg WW1 the army used to issue one gun, one magazine to fit it. Fire your gun, eject mag, refill mag from loose rounds, reload. Good quality magazines that you can buy cheap and still rely on having no feed issues are a relatively modern development. So fast shooting only really starts in the modern era when any yahoo can get his hands on a dozen cheap magazines and a pallet of Yugoslavian 9mm for less than a months wages. Before then slow aimed shots are preferred because if you miss you are going to be spending a lot of time reloading. Of course if your talking Police they were also worried about some nervous rookie blasting off a whole magazine at a purse snatcher and accidentally blowing away a passing schoolkid, revolvers forced them to restrain their shooting (in theory)

[@Glimmlampe1982]

It depends on how you define "reliable" Mechanically pistols are more reliable nowadays then revolvers. But revolvers still have some benefits + Ammunition quality isn't as important. As long as the load is strong enough to roll the bullet or of the barrel and as long as it doesn't explode your cylinder or barrel you're fine + If you have a bad round you don't have to do anything special like working the slide. Just pulling the trigger one more time. Very important if you're in a stressful situation (like when someone tries to shoot you) + You can operate them one handed way more easily (except reloading) + You can shoot basically any kind of projectile, while with pistols there is (sometimes) a limitation on what bullets you can fire reliable (eg only round tips)

[@rayward9265]

How wonderful that you have a new bundle of joy! Congratulations!

[@ramibairi5562]

Can you do a video on the use of swords in WWI trench warfare ?

[@markfergerson2145]

Just saw a video by Forgotten Weapons channel on what was used in trench warfare- swords didn't come up. Truncheons, shovels, "trench knives" with built-in knuckle dusters yes, but not swords. Seems the humble entrenching implement was a favorite on all sides especially for trench raiders.

[@brittakriep2938]

As far as i know, as longer the trench warfare lasted, swords came out of frontline use. They had been non practical in narrow trences, and with a sword at the belt, climbing over obstacles or crawling on ground is not so easy. And the sword was not only a weapon, but also a sign of the officer. For example the swiss field priests got smallsword like ,Feldpredigerdegen Modell 1911', so that the soldiers could see, the field priest has the right, to give them orders, of course not military orders. So an officer would be at once reconized as a leader for the reason of his sword and the enemy soldiers would try to shot the leader, so also field officers switched to a kind of dagger. I have seen photos where officers carried a cane, perhaps this canes became symbolic substitute for the sword.

[@MtnTow]

Easier to pull a crudgel out of a skull than a sword, iirc.

[@richard6133]

Trenches are too confined of a space for swords to be practical. Even the length of the bayonets and even of the rifles they were attached to started going down once they realized that trench warfare was here to stay. Thus, the end of the sword as an officer's weapon in world-class militaries, in general. Imperial Japan was the last military to issue swords with the intent for the officer to actually use it as a tertiary weapon in combat.

[@danieltaylor5231]

Great video. Please be careful with any emails that say they are from youtube.

[@brotherandythesage]

I didn't even realize I was so interested in this topic until watching this video! Lots of new info to ponder upon.

[@diktatoralexander88]

Revolvers were still massively used by police in the US until the 1980s. It took the Glock to finally render them obsolete in the police force.

[@diktatoralexander88]

@@jimbob465 And now people almost want to see police be outgunned again.

[@stamfordly6463]

Perhaps there's a video to be had in getting hold of a modern sword supposedly made to pattern and then putting it through a thorough test?

[@Odin029]

You can almost tell how old a newborn is by how often the parents transpose words of just forget their train of thought completely

[@M.M.83-U]

We need more video on rapiers.

[@chringlanthegreat4556]

Will you make a video about Swedish swords, like the carolinean rapier or the modern army swords?

[@Olamina-c1y]

a video on the Pallash (Pallasch?) would be cool as well. Not much of a Swedish-made design as far as I'm aware but it was issued quite extensively and the m/1893 model is still used today in mounted ceremonial or royal guard roles. but yes, like you said, a video on the m/1685 would be perfect.

[@jonasolsson1444]

I second that wish 😀 ”pretty please”!

[@antivalidisme5669]

Awesome one Matt. Love my my 1897 extremely sharp Royal Engineer Plumb blade with its red leather scabbard to say the least! Last week I was cleaning a French 1822 light cavalry trooper sabre dating from August 1824 the owner managed to get a very acute spear point with a ton of dents along the blade, and the most touching point IMO was that guy managed to take care of its sword handle and brown leather sword knot with such a care. And I don't even speak of the pre 1882 African Army carefully sharpened Coulaux made swords I very recently took care of. A sharp edge even on a large Coulaux colonial pre-1882 French sword seems awkward at first glance but when you wield it, everything feels natural. An edge is an edge and with the lever such a steel blade can offer, why wouldn't you want to use every possibility it has to offer especially if your life depends on it. Cheers

[@Yakubian_Tactical_Dynamics]

I would love a series in service sharpened swords and the idea of service sharpening. I personally try to collect mostly service sharpened swords.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

As someone who has seen combat, the truth is even several shots from a modern comabt rifle won't always stop the enemy right away.

[@SuperOtter13]

Always fascinating, thank you Matt. Cheers!

[@robin_5099]

13:08 Here’s the traditional double entendre which always comes in Matt’s videos

[@CharlesStearman]

I've always understood that the reason for preferring a revolver over an automatic pistol was not so much the reliability of the gun itself as the risk of a misfiring cartridge - with a revolver the next round is immediately available, but with an automatic the chamber would have to be manually cleared to load the next round.

[@michaelfoster-brown463]

Still happens to this day: we (or rather the Armourer did) sharpened our blunt bayonets (called ‘swords’ by tradition in Rifle regiments) for deployment to Iraq.

[@lowbro7202]

1897 pattern cutting video when?

[@LarryGarfieldCrell]

"This is pointy... Ow." Matt Easton, 2020.

[@justg6871]

Could we see a series on service sharpening? Congratulations on your newest member of the Easton family

[@josephhyland8904]

Congratulations on the baby!!

[@minuteman4199]

My old armoured reserve regiment in Canada had a rack with maybe 50 of these swords on it, some fairly new, some dating back to when they were still intended to be used as weapons. I didn't think too much about it back then, 30 odd years ago, but it would be interesting now to go and look at them, to see how they changed over the years.

[@kleinjahr]

Scully, in Montreal, still provides swords for the military and RCMP. I've a WW1 picquet by them.

[@carloparisi9945]

One specific reason why I'd have the last half of the blade sharpened is that many, intentionally or instinctively, end up grabbing your blade, as you get close with the point.

[@markfergerson2145]

I was going to comment on that, thanks for saving me the trouble. Half-swording isn't just done with long swords, eh?

[@carloparisi9945]

@@markfergerson2145 what I mean is the other guy is going to grab your blade as you are about to hit him, sometimes.

[@markfergerson2145]

@@carloparisi9945 Ah, gotcha. That too.

[@markfergerson2145]

@Colin Cleveland Thanks- I hoped I wasn't the only one thinking that when he pointed out the I-beam cross-section of the blade toward the hilt.

[@mahaveerrecords4455]

Can anyone recommend any professional companies who will sharpen swords in the UK to a high standard for test cutting?

[@robwalker4452]

"And we love easy penetration..." I love how he gives you a moment after he says it.

[@ramibairi5562]

Please a video on the Percy blade pattern !

[@gaelmichaud8766]

I think a hanger (strong one you )can use as a tool or a hatchet would be quite useful for trench fighting. Don't you think?

[@gaelmichaud8766]

WW1 About

[@jozefkozon4520]

Polish black sabres were usualy sharpened somewhat betwen 6-10 inch from the point and about 12 inch at false. In XVI.

[@phantom12321800]

I have a Victorian unetched example that is essentially a field find. Paint all over it from some sort of "restoration" or attempt to avoid rust anyway. Are the blade, guard, and hilt something a DIY person with a fair amount of gunsmith experience could disassemble and hope to put back together to at least get rid of the paint and polish/plate the guard? Or best to just leave it alone as an oddity?

[@MorbidEel]

I am actually falling asleep to the sound of the rain in the background. 🤣

[@johnsteiner3417]

Well... the higher command of militaries didn't think WWI would play out the way it did, but there were many people stating that 20th century artillery- which included all machineguns then, would cut to pieces infantry and cavalry. Those warnings were ignored until after a few meat-grinder battles.

[@geeemm909]

Another very interesting video. I have two questions. 1. Is it possible to tell the difference between a period service sharpened blade and one that has been sharpened more recently? 2. Were swords blunted again between wars?

[@joelkelly169]

Congrats on the addition to your family. I have a question for you if I may ask. I just bought an 1850 US saber, and would like to know if it will hurt the value if I take the rust off the blade? I plan to use something mild like baking soda and lemon juice paste to do this. Nothing more and no abrasives or such. Let me know what you think

[@joelkelly169]

@Colin Cleveland I had not thought of that, and it should have been one of my first choices. I want to just say thanks. I sometimes want to complicate things that I should not. Thanks again for the advice

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

So Matt out of interest if you had to carry a sword in the early part of the 20th century, you were going to war and had a choice of sword what would you carry.

[@Mike_Regan]

"Ow... that's sharp." Much better than: Bang! "Oh. It was loaded."

[@graememudie3306]

Quick video, eh? 9 minutes and 50 seconds in before you even mentioned service sharpening.

[@entropy11]

New here?

[@aysseralwan]

I mean he had to give us the proper CONTEXT

[@bushcraftingmuslim]

His rambling nature used to bug me, but honestly it's why I love his videos now. Sure, sometimes he could do a 20 minute video in 5 minutes if he really wanted, and still retain 90% of the info. But the passion exuded and that extra 10% is what makes Matt an awesome KZbinr in my opinion.

[@erichusayn]

One day I hope to own an antique 1796 light cavalry or similar Prussian saber if you ever get one in stock in my price range...

[@Smokey-n1v]

FYI Canadian DND (military) 2021 regulations require all swords to be made of forged tempered carbon steel (somewhere between aisi 1050&1060 with increased Mn & Si for greater strendth and flexibility). So theoretically these could be a decent sword when service sharpened. In past was not uncommon in modern times that officers and regiments actually purchased even stainless steel blades (gasp) since swords primarily used ceremoniously . William Sculley ( out off Montreal) website has a good short description of new requirements (their swords, new and antique tend to fetch a premium over here )

[@theart8039]

yay Devon is having windy fun...funnily enough I'm trying to sharpen my sword right now..so I'll shut up and watch

[@Brigadier9]

I was getting hail in Devon about this time. By the way, don't know if you're aware but there are HEMA clubs in Plymouth, Exeter and Okehampton.

[@johnsteiner3417]

The reluctant to shift from revolvers has a lot to do with magazine springs could weaken over time if kept loaded.

[@martytu20]

John Steiner wouldn’t it be replaced anyways as part of stripping the weapon down for cleaning and maintenance? Sure, it’s a bother, but guns have to be cleaned every now and then or it gets jammed.

[@johnsteiner3417]

@@martytu20 Back then, I seriously doubt springs in clips were sold independently, though, I don't claim expertise on firearms of any age.

[@martytu20]

@@johnsteiner3417 I was thinking in context of police officers, which presumably had parts shipped to police stations.

[@buffordevans6942]

Thanks for another great video Matt . I've recently had a Buddy of mine pick me up an interesting 1897 Enfeild NCO sword . We believe it's been re hilted,but what's interesting is the blade geometry is a ever soo slight curve the edge and point are probably the most accute I've ever seen .. Some have suggested a FOX type blade ?

[@jarvy251]

Did Edward VII ever give (or imply) an opinion on the new regulation sword? Though I imagine if he disapproved, he'd make a conspicuous effort to avoid disparaging the army's choice.

[@exploatores]

I got the same kind of weather outside. so before you said anything I thought the sound was from the outside.

[@futurerandomness1620]

So Matt, something that came to mind with this video. Would you take one of the WWI, "less well made" knife maker made swords thar you were mentioning over a modern production sword?

[@BoomerZ.artist]

would they also not sharpen the whole blade for durability? A very sharp edge i would guess would chip easier.

[@louisvictor3473]

Only if you use it on something that can chip it, which shouldn't be much of a case for thrust centric side weapon. Also, durability of you/a trained soldier >>>>> durability of a sword you can just buy another or edge it again if you have to, takes less time and money to replace. It is too little of a hypothetical benefit to be a regular factor.

[@dld6959]

the storm was good for me : the sound of the rain and wind helps me go to sleep , if normally it would take me 1 hour to get to sleep the sound of a storm will make that time 25-30 minits

[@dennisandersson5552]

I have what I believe is a 1897 Pattern sword that I bought at an auction after my grandfather's cousin in the early 90's. Wilkinson I am quite aware of as a manufacturer but this sword is marked Hobson & Sons Lexington Street. Would that be a manufacturer or more of a retailer?

[@Dave-Shearer]

Why do you think more swords weren't issued to private soldiers in WW1 given the trench raids, and that clubs etc were being made by the troops/regiment armourers?

[@Glimmlampe1982]

Because swords are to long. They even cut bayonet blades down, afaik

[@Neutronb0mb]

Matt - I’ve got an cavalry sabre that was previously service sharpened that I’d like to get a new edge put on (it’s been badly banged up after years of abuse opening champagne bottles) - do you have anyone you would recommend for re sharpening? Thanks

[@alextopfer1068]

what sort of thickness do they leave the edge before service sharpening? i make kitchen knives and take them down to 0.1mm to 0.2mm, but i doubt they are taking them that fine

[@Gior-hx1xg]

Ciao i modelli 1897 del periodo di Giorgio V erano considerate armi da combattimento?

[@DerFauleHund]

I have just learnt one or two things about an interesting, little weapon called sap or blackjack. Some kind of flail-like weapon used by sailors in the late 1800's and before. I wonder what you and your community is thinking about this.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

Search in his videos. I remember vaguely that Matt has a video about them

[@99IronDuke]

@scholagladiatoria Interesting video as always. Other than the famous Lt.Col. Jack Churchill, DSO and bar, MC and bar who carried a sword in WWII, do you know the last occasion or occasions British officers, or other soldiers, used swords in action?

[@tralfazz7579]

Why is it so difficult to find out what the initials are under the crown on the blade and the guard. I Google it and absolutely no information whatsoever.

[@CommodoreFluffy]

matt easton: professional internet sword guy

[@tilasole3252]

Audio is a bit bad. Fascinating history though.

[@silentdrew7636]

Is true that British Officers' revolvers were mainly used for executions? That sometimes get taught in America.

[@rediius]

The British army of this era was renowned for their discipline and marksmanship at range, so that's a highly dubious claim. Where did you find that claim from?

[@silentdrew7636]

@@rediius it's just one of those standard claims about the British tendency to execute soldiers for "cowardice" or whatever.

[@rediius]

@@silentdrew7636 It's an interesting claim. The late 1890s into the 1910s were a generally successful time for the British, putting down uprisings and spreading their empire. The standard Lee Enfield No.1 of the 1895, for example wouldn't be replaced in any significant quantity until Dunkirk in WW2 because so few were lost. And even then some were technically in service a decade afterwards.

[@nirfz]

Just a thought (not specifically to that sword): What if one of it's former owners (after the soldier/officer) has sharpened it? There are people not knowing about the value or caring that much about "old swords" they own or find somewhere in "grandma's" house, and mayb decide to sharpen a bit. No bad intentions, and maybe skilled in sharpening, but just not into swords... As you mentioned different ways of service sharpening, it may be that it isn't entirely sure that something was service sharpened for a campaign if it isn't documented anywhere. (I know people who had old sabres and bayonets and stuff, and they used the bayonets for example once or twice a year "to change a pig into pork" which meant they sometimes sharpened the stuff.)

[@bakters]

I'm no expert on Imperial measures, but according to the only measuring stick I have easy access to, your "8 to 10 inches" looks to me as almost exactly 6...

[@CAP198462]

Was service sharpening covered by regulations or could it be done to officer preferences by 1914.

[@nicgreaves3484]

So I have come into possession of one of these swords, however it's a little worse for wear; the guard is rusted and the sheath is falling to bits. Anyone know anywhere I can have it restored UK based

[@Brigadier9]

Come onto International Antique Arms Collectors FaceBook. I know Matthew Forde at Forde Military Antiques does restoration.

[@douglasarbalist525]

Have you measured the blade dimensions and overall weight of your 1897 and compared them to your 1796 Spadroon? Estimating from the videos, the dimensions look very close, with the 1796 possibly being slightly longer, but the 1897 having more metal, as it has a much smaller fuller. You seem to wield them with equal ease; how close are the weights?

[@aronk8810]

So you're saying that if you want easy penetration, you need just the tip?

[@louisvictor3473]

You need to lube just the tip, yes. Once it is in, blood lubes the rest naturally.

[@ThePrader]

Swords even today are part of some officers uniform for full dress uniforms. The US Navy still requires all officer at the rank of LCDR, (O-4) and above to own and wear the dress officers sword when wearing the full dress uniform whether that be the "high collar whites" or the dress blues. Every one of my blues and "whites" even have the sword belt slit on the left side of the uniform jacket and these are uniforms "off the shelf" from the NEX. Sadly the official USN 1852 model dress sword is merely for show and is no longer battle worthy.

[@christosvoskresye]

The sound quality is a bit off.

[@scholagladiatoria]

See the message on screen at the beginning :-)

[@christosvoskresye]

@@scholagladiatoria Sorry!

[@richarddelotto2375]

So... what should an updated, weapon-grade 21st Century military sword be like?

[@wlewisiii]

Lot's of ideas about that out there. I'd go with something based on the USN 1860 Cutlass, all steel, parkerized finish. Light yet strong, short enough for a user on foot or in confined places. Also reasonably easy to teach. A possible mod would be to extend the grip far enough to get a shin-gunto style grip on it while keeping the bowl guard for the forward hand just to make two handed use possible, almost wakizaki-esque.

[@somerando1073]

With modern armor only covering the torso and top of the head, I'd go for a cutter. Not too long and easy to wear, since it's unlikely to be used for actual fighting, and fairly sturdy for tool use. And a bottle opener built into the guard. Probably something messerlike.

A large knife in a Bowie or Fairbairn style works good. You want the stabby-stabby. Stabs are more effective at killing blows. Honestly, the only time you would need a sword on a modern battlefield would be CQB. And bayonets are still pretty effective, especially at hand-to-hand. Finally it's just easier to train on the rifle than in melee. Usually only grunts or SOF forces train in such techniques.

[@somerando1073]

@@louisvictor3473 Lol, good point. Maybe a can opener then.

[@somerando1073]

@ Stabby is more effective at killing, but unless you think killing with a sword has any likelyhood of happening there is no point making that the primary use. My idea is basically just a more badass machete (I probably should have described it that way in my OP), much like the French cabbage cutter, but with a messer style rather than a gladius style.

[@happyhourk12]

At the risk of being accused of abuse of an antique. Do you have any that would make a good practice cutter for HEMA guys?

[@shehryarkhan8360]

Hey Matt, you talking about the center of percussion gets me thinking: where is it on wilkinson type blades. Is it above the false edge or on the fullered part( on mine, it's below the false edge, but on mine, the false edge is only like 14 cm long). Cheers!

[@ryanmackenzie244]

Surely you must have a blacksmith nearby that you could do a video with?

[@mikesummers-smith4091]

Ciara has avoided me, I'm pleased to say [smug face]. How early do you intend to train your new babby in the rudiments of swordplay? In WWII, when swords were no longer standard issue - in my father's opinion, pistols were most effective against barn doors; but only if they were particularly large and slow-moving barn doors. Most of the time, you could cause more damage by throwing them.

[@keirfarnum6811]

Mike Summers-Smith Throwing a barn door? I would think that somewhat difficult. 😉

[@johnbeatty3821]

The zweihander behind you, is that a del tin?

[@hubert_c]

Yes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIW7m5adZbiShqs

[@not-a-theist8251]

You should sell swordsmen of the British empire on your website.

[@ZEINKIENZE]

So you do not trust modern recreations. Would you trust your vintage swords and sabers?

[@Nebula_Ultra]

Congrats on your little one

[@dansharpe2364]

As a chap who has to use a walking stick I can state with some authority that if I was an officer in WW1 I would have kept my sword.

[@quentinsaville2950]

American Troops. Philippines. Moro Rebellion. The .38 long Colt was ineffective and the American army allegedly pulled some 1873 Model P .45 Long Colt out of stores and issued them because there were cases of soldiers shooting attacking Moros who were not stopped by the pistol fire and still managed to use their Machetes on the US Soldiers.

[@appa609]

we're almost to the point of ceremonial rifles

[@jcastle614]

It's a shame ☹️ that sword makers don't make them up to original high standards! Seems it wouldn't be that much harder to make them serviceable. In stead of making parade junk. From a marketing perspective I think their missing the boat. I would definitely be interested in a fine made blade, espically from one of the historical makers! Congrats on your new baby, love the channel.Have a good day.

[@Vampiracho]

There is an old saying in America about revolvers: "Six for sure".

[@justsomeguy3931]

1:15 What that reminds me of: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnXKZIipbtGXaMk 4:30 Ever since the 1911 and Browning Hi-Power (13+1 of 9x19mm, came out in 1935), revolvers have been obsolete: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnXKZIipbtGXaMk 6:20 And they say dual wielding is just fancy nonsense! Good combo from those New Zealanders, I've been experimenting and basically concluded the same thing. I do think that rather than extending the pistol out toward the foe after a parry or block, I think shooting from the retention position would make more sense: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Kxn42Bdpimaa8 FBI training film showing shooting pistols from the retention position, example at 9 mins in - but it's all very good material: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baW4iGOZitCBrJI The firearms world does a few things different now, so the historical factor can be seen as one looks at gunfighting through the decades of the 19th to 21st centuries The 3 pistol positions I use for pistols are extended (access the sights), retention (as shown), and compressed ready: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5yccn5-m8aUga8 It's basically what you see in video games when the pistol sits at the bottom of the screen and you're not using the sights, just the crosshairs at the center of the screen. IRL, this is more accurate than most people give it credit for. In game, when used at the right time, I find it works much better than trying to use the sights. Plus, I can't break my actual ingrained habits lol. One thing to be aware of with compressed and retention positions, don't let the reciprocating slide of an auto-loader hit you, it'll cause malfunctions and maybe hurt a bit. Don't let any loose bits of garment or gear get into the wheel and exposed hammer (if any) of a revolver, they can cause malfunctions. Also, don't hurt yourself by blast coming out of the cylinder gap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHelcpawZpt6rLc Great historical and martial information, as always. For anyone more interested in WW1 cavalry: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGqpl5-QeZiBiZo

[@rascally_ryan]

True, there’s not much call for combat-ready swords these days. Every Marine NCO always has fantasies of a saber-kill, but they’re only for dress & drill. Woe be to the new Corporal who’s caught playing at fencing with their sword. Apparently it’s ‘disrespectful’ and you’d be punished for it...*if* you get caught, anyhow. 😉

[@LuxTheSlav]

Your logic for the period of the sharpening doesn't quite follow. If it's E7-era, the officer clearly was commissioned between 1901 and 1910, not in 1914, therefore the sword could have been sharpened at any point after 1901, unless the original owner can be pinpointed. Considering those conflicts preceding Wold War I weren't total war and didn't entail committing the entire strength of the British Army, it's still _likely_ to have been sharpened for WWI, just not _as_ likely as that - in my opinion.

[@bobmilaplace3816]

Still think that an unsharpened battle sword is heresy. I would think you would atleast have a Toledo like blade.

[@cyberpunkzombie9461]

"Ow!.. that is sharp".... really?? really really? 8D

[@If-ish]

Just the tip. Also every time i see these "modern" military cut and thrust swords i find myself thinking they're awfully similar to spadroons.

[@christosvoskresye]

I would ASSUME that even William and Harry have been taught fencing. Am I assuming too much? I would not expect a prince to receive a highly specialized education -- in physics or engineering or medicine, for example -- but I WOULD expect them to have a sound education in the liberal arts. Now I wait for that bubble to be burst, as so many have in the past.

[@fdsdh1]

A lot of the royals are as thick as two short planks so...

[@voiceofraisin3778]

Sadly Sandhurst does not make fencing compulsory although you are expected to be able to adequately master a sword for parades without cutting your own ear off. On the other hand Prince Harry is quite capable of bopping you on the head with a polo mallet from a speeding pony so not quite jousting but at least keeping the spirit alive! As a plus he can also hit you with a hellfire missile from a couple of kilometers if granny will let him out of the doghouse long enough to borrow and Apache.

[@ChristianMcAngus]

Did ordinary soldiers carry pistols? If not, then even carrying pistols would make officers too conspicuous. Swords certainly would. If I were an officer I'd wear the same gear and equipment as ordinary soldiers, with only some small inconspicuous uniform markings to distinguish me.

[@minuteman4199]

Back when swords were still weapons officers stood in front of their troops and wanted to be visible. I don't think it was until late in WW11 that British officers started to try to be inconspicuous.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

Sometimes just the tip is enough.

[@Plastikdoom]

Well, you want easier penetration with your sword...get your opponent wet, before sticking the tip in...on a more serious note, Mad Jack would tell them to stop being cowards and carry and lead with your sword, like a true British gentleman and officer. Or a longbow, like a commoner, lol.

[@markfergerson2145]

Only makes sense, doesn't it? You prepare the tool for the "service" you expect from it. Nobody sharpens the handle of a chisel.

[@DavidLC11]

But did British officers ever start ducking?

[@0Bonaparte]

David Cornette what is “ducking”?