Shadiversity visits SWORD FACTORY, what could go wrong? How the BEST LARP SWORDS are made. Calimacil

[@brycebatten3373]

Hey Shad fans, Bryce the backup actor here. As someone with personal experience in poking Shad with one of these and doing some side sword sparring that I really didn't have time for I can say that A) these are fantastic, and B) I will be getting one. So yeah, my recommendation for whatever some random guy's opinion is worth. No bias here, I just like shad, worked on the film, and have been around their shop before myself for other projects. They do good work. Also, damn Shad how long were you here?

[@shadiversity]

Hey mate, great to hear from you! Yeah I got to hang around in Canada for a bit, filmed the tour. I got back to Australia on the 21st of Sep but was forced into hotel quarantine for two weeks. Didn't get back until the 6th of October. We delayed the release of this video until Imperious was ready to launch ^_^

[@brycebatten3373]

@@shadiversity Hmmmmmmm the 21st.... I remember that day the air felt strangely Shadless. Canada was happy to have you, and I hope the covid hotel wasn't too unpleasant. Just don't complain to Loyd about it, I think that's still an open wound.

[@Onyex.]

I love this interaction between you two it's wholesome and funny I hope you two do another video together

[@brycebatten3373]

@@Onyex. Damn. That just made my whole day. I think in a way we all hope we can do a vid with Shad. I hope you have a good day

[@Onyex.]

@@brycebatten3373 not to be mean or anything but. No u

[@surprisedchar2458]

The Calimacil guy has a great stage presence.

[@ricebrown1]

Indeed. His energy is contagious, I love it.

[@CarburetorThompson]

He’s exactly who I would expect to own a quality larp sword business lol

[@wish_gd]

As someone who goes to the same larp than this guys, he does have a weird energy, but he's that kind of guy you cant be bored around!

[@AnotherDuck]

@@wish_gd "Weird" usually means "interesting", unless you're a stick in the mud who only likes things that don't stick out of the mud.

[@wish_gd]

@@AnotherDuck English is not my native language! I master it Well enough, but i am not perfect. Sorry if i used a french phrasing!

[@finnmcool2]

I want to know how long Shad ran around the factory like a caffeinated squirrel before he calmed down enough to be filmed.

[@tftwitch8572]

I thought of "Over the Hedge" when I read your comment.

[@finnmcool2]

@@tftwitch8572 Hopefully the image works without that reference.

[@alwayscensored6871]

3days?

[@jramseier]

Lmfao

[@TheMetahedron]

Shad will not go home, and has added extensive defenses to the factory. The police have laid siege to the building, but they still can't flush him out...

[@jackwriter1908]

I just had to read the title to know that Shad is living his life. I would have thought that I would be kind of jealous that he can be there... But I am just happy that Shad shares this with the rest of us.

[@Dirtbag-Hyena]

He reminded me of Tom Hanks, in the department store, in Big. A little kid, in a man's body.😄 You can physically see his joy. He's contagious, he makes ME smile.😊✌🏼

[@PocketKanin]

The way he reacts at the end for his sword actually makes it feel real, his excitement is contagious unlike how some other youtubers react to getting something like this where it feels like they don’t genuinely love what they got or maybe even care. He makes me feel so proud and happy for what he has accomplished ❤️ can’t wait for more from him!

[@rogantu]

Shad is such a kid in a candy store. I'm so happy for him.

[@anthonygammel7352]

But what about dragons?

[@TheMasterJCL]

I was expecting the dude to be introduced and come in all dignified like someone from a story who's been making weapons for years. Then he bounces onto screen with a big grin and my first thought was "Yeah, this guy's just a real massive nerd" Love it :D

[@channingdeadnight]

I totally agree. Dang I've been saving up for a really nice lightsaber. Now I'm confused. These swords are great looking. And the darn police are completely ridiculous and won't let me take my real swords out to play. Only in America is it ridiculously easy to walk around with a loaded gun. But swords, not a chance is that ok. This is a tough decision. I'm just wondering if you can duel with them the same way that you can the top shelf lightsabers. And I bet that the blade isn't replaceable like a lightsaber is. But damn these look awesome.

[@perianh]

He reminds me of Swen Vincke from Larian Studios. Same attitude, same "nerdness".

[@elziion3893]

I actually work with Patrick, and can confirm he is like this haha. Sometimes, we try to take pictures of him for promotions and such, and he keeps goofing around. He’s a very nice guy

[@shay4578]

Let's just say Shad may have added a little to his travel costs due to unforseen reasons.

[@vwegert]

"Unforseen." Right.

[@alwayscensored6871]

Craftsmanship is making a comeback. The pride in handmade stuff shows in the details. What really impresses me is there are enough people buying these Larp things for many businesses to grow and expand. A fascinating look into behind the scenes.

[@user-vg6sg7kh1q]

Some events are more combat oriented than role playing events. . I participated in some events where there was battle with around a thousand people on each side. There was enough people that troops movement and formation was important. Because every one want a backup weapon Calimacil can sell some hundreds weapon in an event.

[@jameslewis2635]

Patrick seems to be quite a larger than life kind of character. It does look like you would need to be passionate about LARP and the relevant equipment for it to make good products to match that activity.

[@warpstrike]

Indeed he is. I've Worked for Calimacil many years ago (2008-2009 ish if memory serve) and he has always been like that. If you had an idea he was always happy to hear it and sometime new stuff came out of other employe brainstorming. Damn i miss those days. Was a great place to work.

[@BarokaiRein]

When that guy said that the glassy version of imperious took him an hour to paint I was shocked. My god that's ultra fast considering how crazy smooth the blending on it is. You can tell the guy must've done that kind of thing hundreds of times.

[@joek600]

It takes practice, but most scale modellers with some airbrush experience can do it. I would say that carefully drybrushing those hilt details and creating layers of texture and color is much harder than spraying the blade.

[@iamwhatitorture]

@@JETWTF thousands of times would be a rather realistic estimate. If he would need half an hour for an average piece and works 40 hours a week he'd make about 4160 a year. Though he didn't say how long it takes on average and he certainly improved over time, so my estimates might be WAY off. But it seems likely that he made over 10.000 and in terms of order of magnitude that is the middle between 100 and 1.000.000 so even though my first reaction to that statement was to doubt it, it does make sense. (order of magnitude means basically the number of zeros)

[@BarokaiRein]

@@joek600 I guess it depends entirely on your expertise. I know I'd have much easier time drybrushing details than getting that glassy feel onto the blade with an airbrush.

[@pixelmaster98]

@@iamwhatitorture while I agree that he most likely made thousands of swords, a million is just way too many. If he had been working 8h a day 365 days a year (i.e. no weekends etc) for 60 years, he would have had to make 5.7 swords per hour on average throughout those 60 years in order to have created a million. And realistically, those numbers (other than 8h/day) have to be much lower in practice (he neither looks 80 nor does he work every day of the year), resulting in ~10 swords per hour. I don't think that's doable.

[@MayBeSomething]

Shad Facts: Whenever Shad buys a LARP sword, he puts it through a ritual that transforms it into a real sword. One part of the ritual is submersing the blade in the blood of nun-chuck advocates for 20 hours.

[@pixelmaster98]

Sh-Add Fact: the only way to make a sword stronger than by Shad's method is by using the blood of chuck-Norris instead of nun-chuck-advocates. Shad's blood would, of course, be even more potent, but unfortunately, no weapon is capable of causing him to bleed.

[@disguisedcentennial835]

This guy was made for either being in front of a camera or on a stage. He’s got that entertainer energy. It’s crazy. Very likable guy. Amazing how both men are larger than life to the other, and both see their meeting as a dream come true. Very humbling and a welcome light in a bleak world. Also, I love the photobomb at about 12:10

[@Vengetuen_Wraith]

what is LARP but a very big stage where the spectators are other actors?

[@zaqzilla1]

I always love seeing a craftsman who loves what he does.

[@EdoDave]

Breaking news: Shad from Shadiversity accidentally, yes accidentally, stole everything in a sword store... Everything.

[@amyb.6368]

...but it was an accident!

[@arshisbalsara2]

The calimacil guy looks exactly how I imagine a blacksmith from elder scrolls would look and act in real life

[@lord_saggerton7016]

Definitely a high level Bosmer or Breton smith

[@paulmcleod2547]

If I ever imagined who would found a successful LARP business, it’s entirely Patrick. His passion really shines through.

[@foxblaze2965]

I need to see more of Shad just geeking out over the Calimacil weapons

[@LeChevalierduLys]

Love that Imperius is front and center, as it should be :-)

[@snaiwa]

The guy of Calimacil is funny. Btw, now that you are in Canada, are you going to do a video with Skallagrim?

[@darkbringer1440]

He's already back in Australia. This was shot over 2 weeks ago

[@tokiomitohsaka7770]

This is the other side of Canada, not a trivial trip unless it has been planned beforehand for a video collaboration…

[@milesmatheson1142]

Missed opportunity.

[@adc1222]

@@milesmatheson1142 it's a 5 hour to get from one side of Canada to the other. Its not that easy to pull off something like that

[@tristanmilner9511]

@@adc1222 Easier then when they're on opposite ends of the Earth.

[@ScottE-2]

This brings nothing but hype for when this movie gets finished and released. Also very fascinating to get a look into the sword factory. Thank you, Shad.

[@prycenewberg3976]

I love the passion these people have for their craft. And his humor.

[@aedris7450]

Welcome to Quebec shad! its always funny seeing Calimacil in media, they've been apart of my life for more than 10 years, its nice to see them get the recognition they deserve.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

If Shad suddenly stops posting, we know Mrs Shad discovered the 3 dozen swords Shad snuck home in the luggage!

[@shadiversity]

They're getting posted to me, all I have to do is make sure she doesn't see the packages ^_^

[@greygoblin9491]

@@shadiversity good luck.

[@AnotherDuck]

@@shadiversity Let's hope she doesn't read these comments.

[@adonvonilesere5642]

I'm glad I can live vicariously through Shad's adventures. This whole vid made me smile.

[@LairdErnst]

Really glad y’all could make Imperious and had such a skilled group to create it. Can’t wait to see the short film! And for the sequel book!

[@mattsmith2247]

These guys are so unbelievably talented. Hopefully one day when my book becomes a movie they'll have a special model made for by main character's sword.

[@Silverritter]

Not gonna lie these swords do look realistic.

[@der_sebbl]

If you think Calimacil looks good, look at Wyvern's larp swords, they look way better imo

[@jeagerblackpaw2922]

only trouble is they rarely pass UK safety checks for larp. generally (unless they have been beaten in to soften them up) the moulded blades are too hard.

[@Tizianodepauw]

'I'm joined by the founder' ooh, this video sounds serious... Sword wielding madman walks out screeching like a goblin.

[@ThePageTurnerPT]

"We are precise to one tenth of a gram." My goodness that's PRECISE! I cannot imagine just how many tests it would have taken to get that precise

[@ThePageTurnerPT]

Just so ya'll dudes understand how small that is, that's about 1/5 the weight of an American penny

[@daftpunk672]

Wow that special crystalline version that they made for you looks absolutely spectacular Shad, I love it!!!!

[@petebyrdie4799]

My stepson was into swords but all he had was dreadful little plastic things which he couldn't sword fight with because they just broke. So I bought him some larp swords. I thought he may as well get some idea what size and shape actual historic swords were, and have something he could fight with

[@henrypaleveda7760]

Your instincts are well founded

[@insiainutorrt259]

No sticks around there?.... infinite free amount and durable when i was very young

[@JMRichard92]

Calimacil are the best and that's final! I've been owning a bunch of them since the first generation of blades and I'm proud that they're a sponsor of my LARP! Good products and good people all around (:

[@Insanemage2001]

Same, and nice that the maintenance requirements are more or less "try not to run over them with your car"

[@JMRichard92]

@@Insanemage2001 Funnily enough, that happened to someone I knew per accident and the weapon was still in perfect condition after :P

[@talizorahnarrayya5916]

Personally, being allergic to Latex, I love that their collabs are Latex Free, its a major downer when I find a larp weapon or replica only to scroll down and see "Latex Coating". That's why they're number one in my book.

[@WouterVerbruggen]

No wonder they are so expensive, this is pure craftsmanship!

[@samlay9588]

As someone who has had a Calimacil sword for almost four years (Magnus II), I can vouch for their durability. I use it regularly, and always have. I think the biggest bit of damage is a claw mark from my cat walking on it at some point. And it isn't even something you'd notice without close, careful inspection.

[@DH-xw6jp]

Claw mark from -my cat- a dragon you slew on the cliffs of the ancient highlands.

[@TrueNomadSkies]

Yeah if not a dragon, lets go with Battlecat :P

[@cinder2004]

My props to the dedicated guy to his job and photo bombing without a thought because he's at work that deserves raise lol

[@marikroyals7111]

As a Canadian who is used to seeing american pricing on everything, I was plesently surprised at the pricing on the website. Now I'm considering buy one even if it's just as a decorative piece (Friends? What are those).

[@FredDino]

Honestly I was also surprised at the affordability of their blades. Even their highest quality products are priced similarly to entry level Airsoft weapons.

[@FredDino]

Ordered one in a steel paintjob, the pictures look bloody amazing

[@AnotherDuck]

Friends are those things you try out the swords on.

[@VAFranky]

I know F all about swords. I don’t collect them, I don’t study them, but KZbin recommended me your videos one day and I find them super interesting and fun to watch. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@MrMetal-xe8lg]

I have the exact same story as you do man, glad I wasn't the only one.

[@СтаниславАлексеенко-ч4ъ]

I' ve always liked to listen to people dedicated to whatever they are doing. Their enthusiasm is contagious in a good way)

[@blackout4747]

Congratulations Shad. Good job chasing and living your dreams. These kinds of things are born of passion and dedication and I both envy and am happy for your success.

[@jackluo1126]

Hey Shad, I have a question regarding combat training in medieval and Renaissance period. In video games in general, players become stronger by grinding and completing quests to gain experience. But in reality how would a non-noble, non-gentry, peasant and/or commoner learn to fight? Were there martial art or combat school back in the Medieval and Renaissance period? Edit: Could anyone become a Man-at-Arms? If a peasant doesn’t want to work in fields anymore, how would he get out of this life?

[@markfergerson2145]

Historically peasants were levied (modern equivalent would be "drafted") o serve in their Lord's army. They'd either come with their own weapons (bowmen especially but those were mass-produced and peasants were required to train with them from childhood during certain periods) or be issued standard mass-produced items like spears and shields. Those who survived and showed promise would be offered full-time peacetime positions (cadre) to learn more including swordsmanship. Again, those who showed particular aptitude would be offered higher status.

[@KairuHakubi]

dang I never thought of that before. I wanna know this too. Something tells me the answer might be 'sorry lol you can't' but surely at least once in a while, someone would be allowed to apprentice and learn to be someone's squire or whatever, yeah? work their way up if they could prove themselves?

[@disguisedcentennial835]

You basically didn’t learn lol you just died

[@blackdeath4eternity]

scholagladiatoria channel has some stuff that covers that a little, don't remember the exact video's though.

[@wolfnx336]

I'm so happy this is publicly available. Like when I saw your first video of training the actors, I thought "Damn I wish I could get that sword", and it's a reality now! Good job Shad

[@gronkgrunk]

Love this type of vids where you show us behind the scenes of production, Shad. Makes me appreciate how much goes into making a great product.

[@nicolasdeweer6580]

23:55 the humble-brag of all those beautiful leatherbounds...

[@ManicMayoMediaProduc]

From watching your videos to reading your book and now seeing imperious being made. Its incredible! Can't wait to see the short film ⚔️

[@Leubast]

That guy is trying REALLY HARD to not say "We enchant them."

[@trevorh6438]

They actually enchant us. ;)

[@LtJason-iu8zk]

I'm greatful Shad and his viewers got to see how they make the swords. Thank you Patrick for letting Shad tour the factory. More importantly, thank you for letting him film the tour.

[@wendigo1619]

I have a couple of these, the fact that they're canadian makes it all the better for me being Canadian (northern ontario/Hudson Bay)

[@Rukha85]

Never thought about the process behind this kind of items...I'm actually amazed, such great work and craftsmanship. I'm liking this video...they should have their own channel showing off their products!

[@trevorh6438]

I remember seeing a couple exhibition videos from Calimacil many years ago, so they do exist somewhere.

[@rojerww]

Thank you. What a great video. I love to see the "How It's Made" style videos for unique products. I love the multiple media methods used to create various parts and pieces.

[@crimsonraen]

Shaaaaaad! Thanks so much for the behind-the-scenes! SUPER cool to see how they're made! The level of detail is insaaane, especially on your special version! :O

[@alwayscensored6871]

Shad knows whose weapon by just looking at a blade or handle? Sword nerd for sure. Weapons consultant for tv n movies? Fill in job between novels? Living the passion.

[@duke2165]

Superbe travail quebecois! Nous sommes fier de ce produit! Thank you Shad!

[@XxnostalgiaxXdrive]

I have been waiting for this chance. When I first saw it I told myself I would 100% buy this and I 100% did. Congratulations Shad for living your dreams and thank you for letting us experience them with you.

[@D0wnshift]

I have 30 minutes to spare. My daughter is in the room. Hmmm need to watch someone who doesn't cus. 30 minute Shad video? Perfect.

[@ostsan8598]

That pop that Patrick makes at 24:36 ... Nice!

[@Blondie42]

Patrick is a great man. He's not the type who only cares about profit. And he doesn't let the fact that he's got one of the best, if not the best, LARP sword manufacturering businesses in the world make him arrogant and aloof. He loves what he does, making swords. I will have to check 'em out for meself.

[@markfergerson2145]

It can't be solely about profit when the swords that have to have their flaws corrected, which takes more labor and materials, are sold at a lesser cost. Gotta respect that.

[@TheMightyZwom]

@@markfergerson2145 Yeah, right!? That was my thougt as well: That can't be increasing profits. Selling them at a lower price with the damage - okay. But repairing it and then selling it at a discount? I'd guess that's better than throwing them away, but that is surely not going to increase their profit margin! I'd guess they are actually proud of their producs.

[@trevorh6438]

I bought Calimacil before I ever knew of Shad. Excellent quality. Everyone who can should buy from them.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I LARPed for over 20 years, and got to use some of this company's swords in the later years of play. They are beautiful, but we found that with heavy use, the price starts to be a negative compared to making our own out of fiberglass kite pole, pipe insulation foam, and thin duct tape. Sure, our hand-made ones were round tubes, but much cheaper to repair, and a lot safer to thrust with while using the rules of the LARP I played. - Since I stopped LARPing, Calamacil has vastly improved their art, and I am jealous of the newer users.

[@subjectmichael1]

I do love Calmacill's pieces for how they look and feel. Sadly a lot of the larps I attend are Lightest Touch or below that and it's hard to get a Calamacill weapon past their safety checks.

[@KairuHakubi]

oh meaning they demand only the softest of foam? psshh

[@screaminwild]

enjoyed your book. used the wife's audible for it look forward to the next volume in the story. those swords came out awesome.

[@WreckItRolfe]

Love his enthusiasm and broken English.

[@deadlymarmoset2074]

So excited when I realized Shad threw down some Scholars Cradles back to back!

[@barretharms1432]

That was very enjoyable the two of you play off of each other beautifully

[@FredzDimension]

seeing the hilt of the Larp sword I use on my own youtube channel in the background makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside

[@TheHornedKing]

Wow that place is amazing. And Patrick has an otherwordly charisma, I liked him as soon as he appeared.

[@alisontibbens2155]

I so love watching how things are made!

[@ChanakyanStudent7971]

Shad's sword looks like something which is a mix from assassins creed and Warcraft and I love it

[@bab1ell1e]

don't be fooled shad has only shown you the factory to hide the fact he can create any sword with a snap of a finger

[@timeshark8727]

Sweet. Perfect timing too. I need to get some new prop weapons and armor soon, now I know where to go. :-D

[@jakedill1304]

I love how just Shad holding a fake sword you can tell he knows his s---... just looking at his wrist movements with him giving a prologue while holding it...

[@rjjone2853]

This is so cool, I'll have to check them out

[@FacepalmeThe1st]

Patrick is a right character, seems very passionate which is great to see :D

[@mikeielOFFICAL]

bro i cant tell you how hyped i got when i got home and saw there video on your sword

[@marcuslobo5765]

Super duper like. Awesome look into the details behind making great LARP swords

[@chrishorner1003]

Wow, now I definitely understand why Calimacil swords are as expensive as they are. All the skill and care that goes into it, definitely justifies the price tag.

[@JosePerez-nz4bl]

Shad pierces through the divide bringing everyone together. Brilliant man, brilliant.

[@alexandermartinez1318]

What 2 inspiring guys, being themselves and doing what they want!

[@12SickOne34]

Once again, all I have to say is *How freaking cool is it? YES*

[@oli3645]

I fucking knew it! The calimacil guy’s accent, to me, sounded so much like a québécois speeking in english that i had to look it up and yes calimacil is in Québec. Also Shad last week-end there was a comicon in Québec city, i would have loved to see you there but you were probably filming. So mabe next time?

[@codbeast914]

Same I knew it

[@mr_h831]

Nice pfp

[@ianhelyar9553]

I guessed he was Quebecois, too. I was impressed when Shad was searching for a word and Patrick supplied it. It showed his passion and mastery of his craft that he knew the technical term in 2 languages...

[@TheViralInfekT]

Yes ... Expect a order at the end of november. I need this sword in my life :)

[@Zaeyrus]

For the Algorithm! edit: amazing stuff! Patrick is one cool dude! Love the factory and the entire tour you've made!

[@Elluem]

They really are the best. They also have really good service. I have 3 of their zweihanders (one came kind of damaged and they sent another for free... and then I bought another because it was on sale and I couldn't help myself lol) as well as... something like 6 other swords.. two custom and a few others. They're all awesome.

[@frozeneevee]

It's so cool to see how the LARP weapons are made that the factory! You can really tell that they put a lot of hard work into the things they make.

[@tylerdillon3745]

Oh man, this was like a mix of a commercial and an episode of How It's Made. I think I might be buying a LARP sword today...

[@brotherandythesage]

Wow well if I ever have the funds I will shop Calimacil! What a fun video and energetic owner!

[@manlymcstud8588]

i like this kind of behind-the-scenes stuff.

[@samuraijaco1]

I’m so glad that you got a sword from your own book, Shad!

[@lucienguile9125]

Maybe its just me but while I really enjoyed this video I think watching Shad geek out was honestly the most enjoyable part for me. Though I will say he did a good job on pitching these swords good chance my son is getting one for Christmas now.

[@dragon_lord6156]

been buying from Calimacil ever since I saw one of your videos sponsored by them and they are amazing swords to spar with... Also that is a wicked looking sword, if it stays out for a while I might get myself one.

[@WilliamWilson_org]

This was great to watch. I love seeing companies (and people) with integrity do well!

[@cjrjv1]

One of my favorite youtubers and one of my favorite companies... Yup more than likely getting this

[@Dirtbag-Hyena]

I love that Viking sword he showed us.😍 With the 2 dragon heads and wooden handle. I want that.

[@Gloria-victrix99857]

Face it Shad, you KNOW you want to take all these swords with you back home. :)

[@mojo-hand4539]

Patrick has great enthusiasm.

[@Dafuro]

I had no idea such an amazing business was so close to me, gonna have to check out their swords

[@hawkknight4564]

So I’m not that much in the fantasy weapons. But I got to admit the special edition of your sword, the blade looks like a sapphire. Beautiful.

[@jonathanmergl9481]

Hi shad love your videos, very entertaining and informative

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

Nice - thanks for showing us the shop!

[@mephustowest1876]

I hope these won't be mad for a limited time so that I can get one after the xmas holidays. I love this sword and I really want one, ever since I read the book.

[@ab1ce]

Hey, you came all the way to sherbrooke! (that's were Calimacil is) That's were I live and I always felt a little bit of pride knowing that the best LARP weapons are made here. I own 2 Calimacil sword btw. I hope that you liked our little city and that your visit was enjoyable!

[@lunarmodule6419]

Incroyable non !?