Testing Process Update: Nielo vs. Cold Steel Messer (Plus Outtakes)

[@User-yr1un]

I love this channel. Recently discovered it, and is the first of it's kind that I've discovered. I've also gained alot of knowledge about wepons and have grown quite an intrest in wepons after having discovered your channel. It's amazing!

[@RKcousins625]

User 116661 Check out Scholagladiatoria as well. Also an amazing channel!

[@User-yr1un]

RKcousins625 I looked it up. thanks for the suggestion, this is a new genre I've discovered and it's certainly a favourite of mine thanks.

[@Pertinax193A.D.]

User 116661 Scholae Gladiatoria,Metatron, Shadiversity,Knight errant and espacialy Lyndibeige

[@SuperJhon360]

User 116661 I agree lindy beige is a good one he has amazing history storys and great anecdotes. plus hes a nerd like most of us he does hema, plays dnd and does ball room dancing

[@User-yr1un]

Ben Schneppensiefen woah there's so many of them this is such a cool thing that I've discovered thanks

[@edi9892]

"cold steal the worlds sharpest knives"...

[@SKy_the_Thunder]

I mean... The chips protruding from the edge looked pretty sharp to me...

[@edi9892]

***** I got a CS Shamshir. It is reasonably sharp and of good steel, but the fittings are atrocious. I had to add a cord wrapping to protect my hand. CS in general has quite good blades, is overpriced and has one of the worst quality controls. Kult of Athena does a second QC on CS, but they suck at it too indicating how many of the CS products are trash.

[@randomguy3281]

Well that's a statement about knives, not swords. Their swords are bad, we all know this, their a lot of their knives (politics aside) are actually objectively good. And to be impartial and fair, they dropped the "worlds sharpest" slogan a year or two ago.

[@chiu20044b122]

Random Guy It's funny though since a messer is technically a knife but the one in the video is as dull as a butter-knife.

[@TheTaleForge]

I've been told that their Japanese style blades are much better, likely because they have more competition at their general pricepoint in that market.

[@kkgauthier]

This Cold Steel Messer that you are using seems to be part of some new line, made of an entirely different steel, dull and black. It seems to share only the general shape with the version that I purchased years ago. It was bright and shiny, insanely sharp, and tough as nails. Ten years later, it is still pretty damn sharp, without any further honing and some pretty abusive cutting.

[@danielyakovlev8553]

Skall, please make a debunking video about the cold steel youtube channel. It would be fun to watch

[@majorhippo2772]

I think Skall already did something like that with their website and there was a lot of repercussions because of it.

[@renegadewolf961]

Daniel Yakovlev I second that motion!

[@dasschadenfreude7333]

He doesn't need to. The rest of the internet can do that just as well. Lynn Thompson is not a popular dude. The CS brand is basically like the Tap Out of the knife community at this point.

[@dasschadenfreude7333]

Yeah, except for the part where half the knives I've ordered with them have totally uneven grind lines on the blade as well as lopsided edge geometry. The only thing they used to do well are their ultra premium (dare i say overpriced) swords and bowies, and their older rubber handled machetes. Otherwise, they're well below the quality of comparable Kershaw or even Boker knives in most cases. Lynn Thompson is an ass. Not to mention they're harassing a lot of my blacksmith friends for making San Mai laminate steel because of "trademark infringement" when they clearly only hold "San Mai III" as their trademarked San Mai. It's bully tactics. Not to mention most of my blacksmith friends probably can produce better steel, better grinds, and superior heat treatment.

[@rustyspurs771]

Cold Steel was quality when I was a kid. Ever since then every thing I have gotten from them is of progressively poorer quality.

[@BadVideoWatcher1]

The cold steel messer in this is from their man at arms series, which is a much cheaper (in both price and construction) version of their normal weapons. I have the original messer from them and honestly I'm a huge fan of it, been using it for nigh on six years and with a bit of matience it's still a solid piece

[@pingasmahboi1559]

Master Skall, please release a collection of miniature weapons! I never saw something as this in the market before, you are the only one who can guide the craftmans in the process of making high quality miniatures!

[@AnnapolisvalleycleanersCaC]

miniture weapons? ru playing warhammer?

[@ROSIntake]

Fuck, I don't even care about swords and I'm subscribed to this channel for a couple years. I just find him so entertaining to listen, especially outtakes. Keep it up!

[@niemandkeiner8057]

Now CS messer looks like some kind of barbaric orc weapon, all chipped and banged

[@JustGrowingUp84]

When you showed close-ups of the edges, I was unpleasantly surprised by how thick they are. They look more like a back edge than a cutting edge...

[@Skallagrim]

Exactly, that's the problem.

[@breaden4381]

TheFilthyCasual When paper cuts better than a sword 😑

[@creaturecreator26]

Did you back Little devil inside? I see a profile that looks strikingly similar here on KZbin and on Kickstarter.

[@p4riah]

Cold Steel STILL hasn't learned what distal taper is, after all these years? ...how. -_-

[@MagickPistacho]

Gosh, that edge damage on the Grosse Messer! I wonder how much work would be needed for a proper cutting edge suitable for the upcoming tests... Great video as always, and thanks a lot for those outtakes, I've had a kinda rough day and they have uplifted my spirit =)

[@Mr.Buttons928]

Skall thanks for the outtakes, gave me a good chuckle. I have had the same experience when recording V/O for work sometimes the brain refuses to cooperate.

[@lostsoul7345]

neat starcraft shirt skall

[@federico033]

Just got love the involuntary eye roll from Skall when he mentions Cold Steel

[@longrider42]

I have the original Grosse Messer from Cold Steel, very sharp, and yes the guard on mine did come loose, but I shimmed mine with old Exato knife blades and some super glue. Been 5 years since the repair and still tight. The Cold Steel Messer I believe is made from 1055 carbon steel and yes mine has way to fine an edge for sword on sword work. But I still love it.

[@jotrachsel]

wow cold steel not looking so hot

[@biggiemediumz]

John Trachsel Their messer is garbage, shitty steel they used

[@matthewpham9525]

Shitpost Bot The steel used is generally good, Cold Steel just can’t get the heat treat right.

[@kaidrescher6321]

What a shame, i really liked the Cold Steel one's design

[@Sandalphonium]

Form vs function.

[@MonteKristof]

To each bis own! But can you explain what attracted you to it? It seemed so ugly to me. No finess whatsoever, not a detail, mat black steel like if it was a tactical wrapon make it, to me, loose all its apeal of a medieval weapon.

[@Phaedon]

i like the CS messers blade shape, to bad they didn't make it out of some better steel. But the handle and guard in my opinion are appalling.

[@kaidrescher6321]

Lucky 7th Fair answer buddy. To be fair i myself really liked the mat black steel, not exactly a true reason behind it to be honest, im a huge fan of both single edged swords and two handed swords, that's why the messer is one the swords i find the most appealing, and the Nielo looks closer to a regular longsword in that regard (regular longswords are still really cool though!) and the more simplistic guard looks nicer to me since, while i admit fancy guards are pretty nice, they are not so much my thing. you are totally right by the way, to each their own

[@HeyItsFreeman427]

Nero Black no distill taper is a dead giveaway that little effort was put into actually making the blade balance decent though.

[@Friidom2]

The resulting edge damage is caused by harder steel hitting softer. The harder cuts the softer as you mentioned. Steel used might also be different between the two swords. Different temper of course causes different hardness too..

[@stephancaputa1464]

me watching the outtakes: "keep going. you'll get it, buddy!"

[@Yargol13]

We need more outtakes on a regular basis. Laughed so heartily it made my day. ;]

[@FrozenLemur]

Thanks for the awesome video Skall! Its always nice to see swords that are closer to your average person's budget.

[@TheJoe999Man]

I've noticed that the blacked out versions of their swords (MAA versions) like the one in this video are shit compared to their original models with the polished finish, those come out of the box razor sharp. I can't say the same for blacked out, cheaper MAA lineup.

[@bapro1715]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LQZpqeZtmXa6c

[@shockwave6213]

The MAA Arming Sword was very good for me and uses high quality 1090 high carbon steel as advertised. But perhaps its good because they don't offer a polished model. Which is fine by me because I disassembled mine, removed the bluing with white vinegar and salt, then polished the parts. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Wildwestwrangler]

@@shockwave6213 no it uses 1055

[@millmo69]

Love the ending, MORE GLORIOUS OUTTAKES FOR THE PEOPLE

[@giovani9739]

5 minutes ago, already 2 dislikes? This video is 15 minutes long!

[@WheatY0]

every youtuber has people who subscribe to them just to dislike their videos, just how it works

[@SKy_the_Thunder]

"I don't care if you hate my videos; if you watch them regularly, you're a fan." ;)

[@magnus6802]

Salty cold steel fans

[@stitchowi]

Giovani Rodriguez-Ceja WELL was more likes, so can't judge THE haters

[@Frostarrowsz]

More people will blindly like a video before watching than blindly dislike, so don't worry about it.

[@GasAirSpark]

Cold Steel sell two variants of their messer one in 1055 carbon, the other in 1060. Do you think there would be a significant difference between the two?

[@Sheilawisz]

I would love to watch a video of two Albion Knecht getting the same edge vs edge torture seen in this video, just to see how much they chew each other up. Or maybe an Albion Ringeck vs an All Terrain Chopper from CS, let's see how much damage the Albion takes.

[@robertcasamassa4564]

You do great reviews! Even if I'm not super into what's being discussed, I still enjoy thoroughly. Keep up the great work!

[@CrazyeyesDark]

I used to not like messers much, but now I've fallen in love with them. Honestly, I cannot get enough of them. Something about their shape, the fact that they have one edge - I wish I had one, and I wish I could join a proper HEMA group.

[@13bravoredleg18]

I have used a Cold Steel Viking Hand Ax for a year now. I've put it through hell and it has taken a lot of punishment! Still very happy with it's performance!

[@christopherwilliam3615]

Hey Skall, I was just wondering... where do you get your mats for cutting? What do you use? I'm wanting to do some practice with my new Albion Norman and I was thinking using pool noodles, lol. Would that work, or do you have a better recommendation?

[@vanillaflavoured5735]

a shit coldsteel product ? wow.. what a surprise...

[@theaussiebogan9680]

shocking right?

[@samb7805]

i think everyone got the *point* of it already.

[@lastdingo]

What country is he from? I thought he's German judging by the accent, but he sure didn't pronounce "Kriegsmesser" ( 0:22 ) the German way (he used the English "r").

[@theaussiebogan9680]

Jürgen Sven Fuchs he lives on Canada. Not sure if that's where he originally came from

[@Ne1vaan]

He was German, then moved to Norway, then to Canada. Pretty easy to get your accent sounding a bit atypical when you move around that much.

[@Flash_of_Green]

@Skallagrim what is it about a Messer that makes it appeling? Is it its style? ->( the shape of the blade and or the waye it's used) it's oragin? Please let me know.

[@Pudding9221]

Oy Skall, Fabri Armorum also makes messers. You could check them out since they are around 180 dollars.

[@Skallagrim]

They are blunt, for reenactment. Not what I'm looking for.

[@bigkingcurd]

Just discovered your videos and I’ve got to be honest. Despite my usual trepidation at watching what are usually cringe worthy posers pretending that they have a clue about the subject matter, I discovered that you sir, are quite knowledgeable. Immensely enjoyed your video. I shall be watching further. Great work.

[@JavierLastiri]

I am thinking of buying a medieval sword on the AtheaKult site, and I saw that the swords of Cold Steel have decent prices. What sword would you recommend me if I like Bastard Swords?

[@alexsola8023]

Didn’t get a chance to listen with audio but your consistently great content so put it on to like and comment anyway. Stay great skal!

[@alexsola8023]

I’ll watch it proper later

[@TheriaultDave]

Hey Skall, adding outtakes at the end of the video was a great idea, I loved the concept, made me laugh a lot, more of that please :)

[@stitchowi]

Skall, i have two questions about HEMA. (YOU might not see THIS, but still) •Is there/What is age restrictions? (Minimum age) •Do they just practisize swords, or other things like axes as well?

[@Askorti]

Those outtakes remind me of when I had to record myself saying complicated sentences for English phonetics classes at university. After several unsuccessful attempts it gets more and more difficult. :D

[@josuelservin2409]

Glorious outtakes indeed!

[@uwmquest5884]

Did you ever go on to review the sharpened Nielo messer? I'd be really interested to know how it cuts.

[@Clockdrive]

I just got the cs maa messer and it seems like the "bluing" is.. wearing off? Did they actually process these blades or did they just paint them?

[@Ryu_Makkuro]

I'll be honest, I enjoyed the outtakes more than the actual video itself (it's not like I didn't enjoy the actual part, just less). You should do some compilation of those outtakes when possible instead of just "shift+delete".

[@fin5935]

Skall if you had to participate in a medieval battlefield engagement what kind of equipment would you prefer to use (weapons, armour etc.)?

[@CKMmusician19]

Any thoughts on the 32" condor gross messer? Comparable with the cold steel?

[@artoriosvii6801]

Would you just be able to weld the guard to the tang or would that warp it too much or something? Obviously that wouldn't look great but that seems like it wouldn't be too terrible to look at. I'd like to get a messer at some point and the lange messer seems like it would be the best option and I'd rather not have a hilt that comes loose :/

[@Zbakka]

Hey, Skall, could you please do at least a minor video on the process of you altering the edges of the two Messers? I own the Nielo Messer and was wondering all that it would take to put a proper edge on it. In any case, love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@Alpha.Phenix]

Can we one day just get an outtakes montage? Please I need it!

[@richstone2627]

Another great review. Love the outtakes. Thanks

[@DVS-rb9wn]

Gotta love the outtakes, and very informative video

[@ethanknight3970]

your cold steel messer is the man at arms version of the same grosse messer they sell, it is made with 1050-1055 spring steel were their original grosse messer is made with 1060-1065 spring steel. If the messer you have that is more sword-like is made with 1060-1075 spring steel, you have proven how much a difference it makes to have the higher grade carbon steel. The ronin katana model you showed is actually a good representation of medieval two-handed falchions that deserves a video on its own.

[@PrimordialNightmare]

Hooray for the outtakes and the glorious revival of Radditz!

[@Jo_Kuiper]

I have a question; what do you think about a Toledo steel ninjato, I do have one, but I just want to know what do you feel about Toledo steel swords in general.

[@zezenoske]

well damn, i was actually considering getting one of the cold steel messers, gotta rethink that a bit methinks.

[@Tgernos]

I have a Swiss hallbard, would be nice to learn more about early medieval Swiss armors, weapons

[@140boomer]

Fuck, we need a outake compilation. This is comedy gold

[@lejonhjarta3355]

Liked the video, loved the outtakes! Great job as always!

[@edvardobrudairar9908]

Skall, any machine shop in your area should be able to grind the edge down for you for a price, should be pretty cheap if they charge. 20 degree edge bevel should suffice if you want them nice and sharp. Or flat them out to become trainers since that 1055 is so soft on the CS.

[@Veni-Vidi-Vini]

Perhaps a little late to the review (or you might have mentioned it, only two minutes into the video), but did you ever see the Ronin katana kriegsmesser? (gods, that was confusing to type) I only even saw it recently, and was curious since you liked their viking sword. I wonder how their sub-300 dollar messer would do. Perhaps a good idea for a future video!

[@robburlington9737]

not sure how much of a difference it makes but you bought the man at arms edition (the cheaper one). i have a regular cold steel messer and its incredibly sharp. i don't know if the machining or the steel is different though, haven't taken it cutting.

[@nealsterling8151]

Love those glorious outtakes!

[@supersendojarren]

I've been very interested in this. so colds is made solid but in other aspects the steel is harder?

[@christopherjones7023]

Considering what little I've heard about cold steel's poor quality, for a relatively cheap blade I'm actually impressed. That edge damage thing sucks though. When you apparently have to protect the edge so you can use it for even light sparring/parry-reposte drills, that's just sad. Is there any way to harden that edge by chance?

[@lordjs9726]

Fun outtakes. Reminds me of outtakes in another video "I tested the strength of the tip."

[@BlazinBlades]

Would the $1,700 Albion sword not have any edge damage in such abuse? I think choosing one I would go for the CS. Thanks Blazin'Blades

[@temperedsteel142]

Blazin'Blades it who'd I got both of the swords the Albion and CS none of the two Makers put enough beef behind the edge so the damage would be substantial if you're hitting hardened steel

[@BlazinBlades]

company xxx ok It's always a game of flex vs hardness in carbon steel. I'm just saying that the Albion sword Skall is referring to would probably be damaged substantially on an edge on edge Perry 😩 But no one in his right mind would risk ruining a $1,700 sword...

[@temperedsteel142]

Very true

[@Bru741iX]

Albions swords are based on historical pieces, as in swords from the respective time period, and Albions steel is superior to most of the medieval counterparts... And the medieval swords made it through thousands of years of abuse, and are still intact. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Albions will be fine. I own three and they can take a lot of abuse without any issues. The only problem Albions have, is that they're not sharp enough, if you ask me.

[@temperedsteel142]

Bru741iX don't get me wrong I'm not trying to say Albion swords are bad or anything in that regard. I know personally I'm very anal when it comes to the sharpness of my swords and knives I know CS and Albion messrs have only one thing in common and that there's is not a whole lot of Steel behind a convex edge right from the factory. which makes is it relatively easy to sharpen with a strap and some compound ,my CS messer came pretty doll but it only took a few minutes to get that beautiful hair pop convex edge on the blade and my Albion Messer didn't need much work at all to get that convex edge to hair pop sharp. Anyone with the right mind would say Alden would win it's pretty obvious better Steel more attention to Fitz and finish better balance handling weight distribution historical accuracy it's pretty much like comparing a pinto to a Ferrari when it comes down to it but that all comes with a price tag. from my own experience I know when there's just not a whole lot of Steel behind that edge backing it up that the damage could be substantial especially with something like edge on edge contact. but you are right I'll put my money on Albion also. sorry for the rambling just enjoy the subject:)

[@Telarius]

If it dosent have a loose pommel how will you throw it?

[@kasnitch]

those are the best branch breakers I've seen in some time

[@vfmadd231pd]

These outtakes were so funny x'D OMG I'm dying rn 😂😂

[@LookingGlass69]

Who makes the sword at 1:29? Can't find anything on the name Rounan/Ronan

[@stephenhowell7029]

Great Video! Loved the outtakes! Thank You!

[@thecuckoosnest1582]

Hey Skall! I know it wasn’t available at the time of you releasing this video but Condor has recently made their own set of messers; grosse and langes forms respectively. I was really just wondering if you could maybe just take a look at them? The price is fairly low as well and quite honestly, I’m looking into options for a good messer. Well, either way, thank you for the videos and keep doing what you’re doing!

[@5150warpig]

prolly to late now, but an idea, trace the blade on paper with a fine pen before amd after repairs. curious if it would be easier to show how much material you have to take off some of these blades to fix them

[@TehPh1L]

Cool Video as always! And the outtakes were quite hilarious 😂 Just one thing I don't know how much time you got to make these videos but I think it would make them even better if you add closeups shots of the blades after they were damaged :) pls don't take this as an offense or anything! But if you do not have the time to add them it's fine and the videos are always interesting to watch

[@freak8385]

are most of the cold steel like that? I been trying to figure out if I should get one but seeing this I am doubting...original design blades could be more substancial over damage for sure.

[@Alex-K94]

You should compare the cheap and the regular cold steel messer. I bought the regular one. It came razor sharp. Shaved my arm a little with it. 😅 Anyway I was very happy with the product.

[@lorenzogiani7190]

If you can unscrew the pommel, they are good weapons.

[@joeblack363]

Lorenzo Giani I scrolled down in the comments just to see if I could find a overused pommel joke.

[@lorenzogiani7190]

Same. Give me likes

[@joeblack363]

I got you on a like bro

[@joeblack363]

Sounds fun^

[@MentalMittens]

i think a lot of people would appreciate a ritter steel review, there is no info on them any where but they seem more affordable

[@enoughofyourkoicarp]

Outtakes aside, we did it, Raditz!

[@205jab4]

Did you get a imitation instead of the real cold steel by accident?. Mine dosnt look exactly like yours and mine has been hit way harder with no issues like that. Or maybe you just got one that the heat treat wasnt good. Happens to every company. Love your vids.

[@Kragatar]

A fancy camera like that doesn't let you just plug it in to avoid battery issues?

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

Hi from Germany, and a question if I may. Did you ever manage to cut a branch, as thick as a mans lower arm bones, with one cutstroke or was there never an edge sharp enough yet. Mind, I saw a lot of your videos, but might have missed the one showing what I wanted to know and see. Love your work.

[@Skallagrim]

I'm guessing you missed this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoS9mGp8hcadms0

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

Not missed, but forgot about it. Awesome sword that Norman blade. Thank you.

[@markvandergragt5444]

So if a pommel is peened, how are you supposed to 'end him rightly'? Peening the pommel is stronger than threading, but threading is the only way to do so.

[@phillipnunya6793]

Hey Skall, could you check out the Cold Steel Italian long sword some time? Cold Steel can be hit or miss depending on the model you buy and the year it was made. The Italian long sword looks good from what I can tell, but it would be awesome to see it under the microscope.

[@theoneka-chow3250]

I love you're outtakes please show more!!!!!! Please!?!?!?

[@siestatime4638]

I think that with a lot of time and effort working on the edge, you might be able to get the Cold Steel messer to cut through a tatami... maybe.

[@samuelwhitmee9394]

"Uploaded 30 seconds ago"

[@smith1008]

damn...

[@rpaulisan]

your youtube is better than mine

[@MonteKristof]

Your tube-fu is strong

[@lolyganster]

Revival of Radditz sounds like material for a third movie. The Revival of Radditz. SSGSS Radditz!

[@MrSquadallah]

I love outtakes, put them in more videos Skall

[@gabrielpottebaum5249]

Could you check out the condor messer and grosse messer? I'm curious about those.

[@minimoYT]

Can you recommend me a more apherdable sword?

[@DanielSkywalker100]

Does anybody know where to get the Nielo swords one? They're out of stock at KoA...

[@adviel]

Nothing to do whit the video this bothered me recently. In movies when they forge sword they often pour molten steel in molds and then bevel it. But in all sword smiting videos I've seen they start with a block and forge it into a sword. Is it because its more cinematic or is the poring method just as good.

[@friendlyjester8482]

On wiktenhauer it says one should strike with the long edge while performing a krumphau...now I'm just confused.

[@WhiteWolf-md7ro]

Cold steel was soft steel also, Will you do a Katzbalger test in the future? Nielo has some of them on KoA.

[@roundishwhale]

I absolutely loved the outtakes :D

[@randomguy3281]

I'm curious, why did you go for the MAA over the normal polished blade one? I mean CS is sketchy enough, and their MAA messer is known to be crap, and have a horrible edge, the regular one is one of the few swords they make that seems to have even a little promise of not being complete junk. And it's not that much more expensive.

[@GrandElemental]

But if the pommel doesn't come loose, how are you supposed to end them rightly?! A major oversight in design!

[@Darksjeik]

Are there any medieval "documents" that discuss the durability of swords in those days? Perhaps combatants in that era swapped swords regularly?

[@Antiganos]

Repair, yes, swap, not quite. Swords were extremely expensive, it'd be a bit like swapping cars after every race. You'd repair what you had and keep it going as long as possible, hopefully never needing to replace it.

[@alfatazer_8991]

@@Antiganos I wouldn't say they were extremely expensive especially by the late medieval and early renaissance period. Yes there were really good swords from renowned makers that fetched a high price. Conversely there were also lots of old crappy beater swords left over from previous wars. These old swords didn't just disappear more often they were sold, traded and retained as family heirlooms. Just like cars today, you can get an old Nissan shitbox for like a grand. It breaks down often but it'll get you from point a to point b and that's about it.

[@blackraven8526]

What do you think is the best kind of metal for swords in this age?

[@octagon7732]

When you say they arent sharp, do you mean tbat they came dull or do you mean that sharpening them doesnt work (like sharpening a pencil with cracked led, even tho you can definitely sharpen it, the edge falls off in the process)?

[@Skallagrim]

The problem was that the blade geometry was terrible for cutting, which would have required re-profiling the entire thing (not just sharpening the edge itself).

[@octagon7732]

@@Skallagrim Ahh I see **Also thank you for the response!