The KATAR: An Iconic AND Underrated Historical Weapon

[@Skallagrim]

What do you think about the katar? Better than conventional daggers? Worse? Same, but different? :)

[@anantasheshanaga3666]

The Katars with reinforced/thick blades are specifically designed for penetrating armor, especially mail. The way it can be used to punch full force makes it really effective for the task. There are certain Pesh Kabz daggers too with such reinforced blades, but they are far fewer in number. So the Katar is probably the best design for a blade for penetrating armor considering the way it's used.

[@charlesghannoumlb2959]

I say depending on the context of use sometimes its better and sometimes it can limit ur attack movements, dont you think??

[@antonkukoba3378]

no pommel, useless

[@ezrafaulk3076]

Here's a thought on the "widening the wound" idea with the Scissor Katar Skall; maybe the people who propose that idea don't mean widening the wound while it's still *fully* inside the target, but rather they mean that after they squeeze the grips, they start drawing the Katar *out* , and the blade widens the wound by *slicing* the target's flesh as it slides out. Doesn't *that* sound more plausible than the tearing the flesh open from the inside thing? Also, if you go and watch the live chat replay, you'll see that a lot of *other* people said things of all different natures about the idea; some just meant to be *funny* , but *also* some worded in such a way as to suggest *genuine* interest in the concept. In *other* words, while I think I got the ball rolling, enough of your subscribers *besides* myself seem to be interested enough in the concept to warrant a video on *your* thoughts on the conceptof Warscissors; *especially* since, while they're not the *exact* same thing I described, Jeorge Sprave *did* in fact *prove* the legitimacy of the general concept. Take a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJSleaebbqaLp5o

[@sevenproxies4255]

Well, I've always liked punch-daggers due to their ease of use. So the katar being like the proto-push dagger is an instant like from me.

[@stefansauvageonwhat-a-twis1369]

That Katar gun combo has to be one of the most fantasy things that exists oh my goodness it's so cool

[@CJ-ur3fx]

4:41 - I thought you were joking, until I watched the video...

[@budgetcommander4849]

They really did just make anything a gun back then

[@dud5606]

As a polish person I can confirm KATAR truly is an iconic and underrated medical condition.

[@weswolever7477]

Sounds nasty...is it contagious?

[@zealousdoggo]

@@weswolever7477 it's extremely contagious you just stab someone with a Katar, yell "you have been KATARD!" And they will get Catarrh. Happened to me just last week.

[@Drad_]

@@zealousdoggo What follows then is difficulties breathing, nasal leakage, headaches an an excuse for skipping class.

[@Mydumbselfsays]

@@Drad_ the only way to cure the disease is to bathe in the hot sands of Qatar

[@minusstage3]

@@Drad_ the number one killer of all life forms. The shortness of breath!! 😇

[@FormattedWill]

Katar is one of my fav weapons since first seeing them in Diablo 2 on the assassin. Definitely underrated. We could probably make some awesome modern ones with hydraulics and other mechanical improvements, basically a jaws of life for ribcages.

[@danieloceansmith3156]

It makes sense in the hands of like a monk or martial artist as they are basically just elongated thinner fists, or like they were using flat hand chops but without risk to your hand

[@RDG99]

Same here. I don't think I've seen that weapon outside of Diablo

[@kingkino2116]

@@RDG99 soul calibur, zenonia, ragnarok, assassin's creed, brawlhalla, elden ring

[@jonathanabgrall6075]

Hydraulic wouldn't really be useful here as the main point of it is slowly built up raw pressure. Pneumatic Katars on the other hand could do a lot of damage as its a really punchy source of pressure. But at the same time having to run around with a pressured air tank on your back, prolly not the most practical thing in combat (both due to weight and being a major weakspot). Source : i install/fix both kind of systems for a living.

[@InfiniteMonkeysSA]

You could make one that fired forwards with gunpowder. Look up "explosive baseball bat" on youtube, pretty wild

[@eazy8579]

I like the theory that the Scissor Katar is intended for parrying, with the user opening it up to catch the blade

[@thomasfplm]

I thought the same thing.

[@rockyblacksmith]

Which would fit in perfectly with the off hand weapon role.

[@MrSamulai]

But at that point why not have a static guard instead of moving parts prone to breaking?

[@thomasfplm]

@@MrSamulai, being less cumbersome, maybe?

[@patrickhector]

@@MrSamulai Maybe a combination of easier storage, and better thrusting potential when not actively parrying?

[@Silvershire]

**Voldo Noises**

[@rain8767]

All hail the tall kinky blind man

[@othellotyrant3152]

I'm more a Ivy fan.

[@nelsonrivera5287]

*Pelvic thrusting intensifies*

[@Aerostorm56]

*backward spinning wheel attack* skittering noises!

[@Dejf4299]

The legend never dies

[@Raven-Blackwing]

I was researching this weapon for homebrew but couldn't find anything that satisfied me. This was just what I was looking for, thank you.

[@thekaxmax]

homebrew what? D&D has it--although 5E has oversimplified weapons to the point there's no distinction between a dagger and a katar, or a long katar and a shortsword.

[@MrVolkBRA]

at least for 5e I considered it like this. same damage as daggers, can't be thrown give advantage when resisting being disarmed and gives + 1 ac against melee attacks from creatures one size larger than you or smaller.

[@benthomason3307]

The problem is that I don't really think you _could_ stat this thing in 5e without introducing mechanical complexity to the weapons system that 5e was specifically built for us to not have to worry about.

[@thekaxmax]

@@MrVolkBRA isn't big enough to give ac mod. More complex than 5e wants to be. And if you want to be correct, a warhammer is a spike with a hammer on the back, and the pick shouldn't be a separate weapon.

[@leonardomarquesbellini]

What are you guys even talking about? Nothing in OP's comment indicates he's doing this for D&D 5e

[@Uacher]

I just love how casually Skall switches the grip of the dagger during his demonstration.

[@J_Shingy53]

9:46 for future fans

[@astahfirula]

That katar with dual side pistols was insanely sick.

[@kyoai]

Love that Ragnarok Online reference at 1:05

[@U_SpoonyBard]

Having flashbacks of farming soldier skeleton cards for days to go into my 3 slotted Jur. Glad to see someone else caught the reference. That game was my teenage years.

[@hilmanic28]

Cue nostalgia music

[@arthurbarros5189]

I initially thought katars were an original idea from Ragnarok. I saw them again in the Age of Empires III Rajputs, which led me to research a lot about them. They're awesome.

[@TheGiantRobot]

@@arthurbarros5189 Same here, I thought it was pure fantasy.

[@tetravega567]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistol_sword

[@greillion2388]

Axe and katar? That is a really cool weapon pairing! Makes me wonder what other unusual/interesting weapon combinations were used in history

[@shaidrim]

Try check the teacher main channel, he offer a wide range of indian weapons and pairings. kzbin.info

[@SwayRod836]

I came across ths video from looking up katars after watching a Facebook short where a guy demonstrates splitting logs with different types of custom axes. My suggestion was for a katar handled axe. Maybe it already exists I don't know.

[@SirScumXIV]

That sounds like a certain Dragon...

[@rockman00]

@@SirScumXIV Ragnir is historically accurate confirmed

[@TheTrueNyxa]

@@SirScumXIV Lmaooo yeah.

The bit about the ability to resist the lateral forces acting on a blade trying to twist it in the hand to the side, and the leverage, explains why for katars it is enough to have double-bar handle, while pata (the gauntlet sword) requires to be strapped to the forearm.

[@MrCdog85]

This is basically the dagger version of the Pata as far as I can tell. Splendid weapons, both of them. I wonder how effective they were on the battlefield in their time

[@erinfinn2273]

@@MrCdog85 Given the cultural significanace, probably very effective.

[@MrCdog85]

@@erinfinn2273 I'd like to think so too! But they very well could have been ornate status symbols, as some swords in Europe were. Who knows!

[@Azure9577]

@@MrCdog85 maharana pratap used them

[@KingdomSlayer]

Kudos for showing the Ragnarok Online Assassin picture. That was the first time I saw this weapon, and it certainly became a favorite of mine.

[@kamikaze00007]

If I remember correctly, H2 or Discovery had a show called Deadliest Warrior that featured the Katar in one of its episodes as part of the Indian historical weaponry. They hired what I recall was an Indian martial artist who demonstrated the Katar. He used it to stab/thrust into an armored dummy and executed things like outward swipes from a thrust. The result was devastating punctures that tear into mail armor and wounds that are basically stab wounds that are "slashed out" from within. He also used one of the scissor katar and the three-bladed protrusion functioned like serrated points ripping and twisting the mail when the blades are opened, and then closing the blades for the straight thrust for a deep killing blow. Based on what I can observe, it seems Katar with even longer blades can even function as slashing weapons, using the length of the entire arm for reach while relying on the mechanical structure of the body and the weapon to keep stability instead of how things work with the standard structure of swords and daggers.

[@himanshukuanr7832]

Episode No :Roman Centurion Vs Rajput Warrior.

[@hidum5779]

the katar with longer blade evolved into what's called pata, or the gauntlet sword. It was very good for slashing purposes.

[@HuckleberryHim]

From what I remember, this show only used butted mail, while almost all historical armor was riveted mail. It is not necessarily proof that it can go through riveted mail. But I do remember this show and this episode very fondly, it was a huge part of my childhood and what inspired me to get a katar of my own I've had for many years now

[@danjamin905]

I've seen these before many times, but did not know anything about them. They seem really cool! Good thing we can collect longswords in Canada but not these deadly weapons.

[@Aerostorm56]

be happy you at least have that. In America you can own an rpg before one of these

[@GameTimeWhy]

@@Aerostorm56 really? I would have thought all swords and daggers would be easy to get in the states.

[@charlottewalnut3118]

@@Aerostorm56 I own two of these and I live in America you can have whatever you fucking want you do realize that’s right and secondarily the only way you’re getting a hold of an RPG is if you have a significant amount of money like I’m pretty sure the ammo for those things like five Hondo a pop

[@ambientapathy777]

@@Aerostorm56 depends on where in the U.S. they’re actually easy to get in the more conservative areas. I’ve seen 20+ in my lifetime

[@silverjohn6037]

Well until they run out of guns to ban so the government can look like they're doing something. Then it will be military grade assault swords that are the root of all evil;).

[@rupen42]

That Ragnarok Sprite at 1:05 ! That's the game that introduced me to katars.

[@troperhghar9898]

6:50 If I were to guess, you would use a katar for tiger hunting the same way Germans used the pistol sword in boar hunting around the same time, first you shot the animal with a rifle then after its on the ground you use your katar/pistol sword to make 100% sure the animal was dead

[@kaimagnus5760]

Or if you had a Katar with the pistols on it, the tiger jumps you, you punch the tigre, then fire both barrels at point blank range.

[@Kremit_the_Forg]

@@kaimagnus5760 if it jumps at you, it's over. Possible to pull that shot? Sure, maybe, 1 in a million... But even then you'd be maimed.

[@kaimagnus5760]

@@Kremit_the_Forg I think thats where the "Killed like a dumbass" part kicks in. lol

[@crowdemon_archives]

@@kaimagnus5760 that is a very Gunblade thing to do lol

[@prabhatsingh7577]

The guy you see killing the tiger with Katar , is Rana Sanga , he was a renowned Indian Hindu King of 14th century , he never lost a battle until the last one , was renowned for his bravery and faught numerous wars and had battle scars from each one of them, by the time he slew this tiger , he had one hand_ one eye and walked with a limp .

[@charlesghannoumlb2959]

Love the creativity in the content skall, im a uni teacher and a content creator and i know how head scratching, so thk you for the deversified yet specialized content

[@Eskalate]

1:05 Ragnarok Online was actually the first time I heard about katars, thanks for the Assassin sprite :)

[@stu.c13]

RO was such a great mmo

[@TheGiantRobot]

Same here. Loved my assassin.

[@SenyorHermitanyus]

The reference to the good old Ragnarok Online was a melancholic punch... Great video as always

[@Ash_Blackwind]

I love push daggers like pata and katar. Please do more content on foreign weapons. They are like fantasy weapons yet historically real so discussing them in their practicalities and functionalities (in which you do very well) would give us so much ideas for our geeky imagination to run wild. Great job. Keep up the good work 😘👍

[@braija]

Yeah! Some south saharan weapons looks like the smith fueled his furnace with psychadelics.

[@nikmenn2751]

@@braija they actually make good throwing weapons - many edges from different angles and double moral damage, because enemy will get literally fucked in fresh wound.

[@infamousmaze6870]

I was already a fan but once you showed an RO sin when talking about dual wielding katars, which RO is my inspiration for getting into katars, I'm a fan for life now.

[@emmanuellykes1428]

Skal I just want to say that I don’t watch all your videos and sometimes I don’t finish them but I love your content and I know you put so much work into them. I really appreciate your perspective and I learn so much from you! Thank you for everything you do!

[@diway64]

This is amazing. I was actually just searching your channel for a Katar video yesterday and was slightly disappointed and surprised that you haven't done a video on them yet. And now here we are! Always love your stuff, man. Keep going!

[@Megatron_95]

Love those daggers. Such an interesting design

[@patricklorran1960]

Katar were for a long time my favorite weapon since I saw it on an old mmo called Ragnarok online. They're defo underrated specialty in pop culture

[@jv3198]

That depends on where you're from. Almost all Hindu warriors use to carry a katar.

[@Alicielle]

1:05 exactly because i mained Assassin Class in RO i loved the Katar weapons :3 (and yay: RO Reference :D)

[@danieloceansmith3156]

In all honesty, having a weapon like that would be so excellent for parrying or with the opening variety, it would e great at blade binding

[@RevilloPhoenix]

Anyone who played the good old Ragnarok Online game knows what a Katar is. :3 I'd say Katar is a weapon that makes sense to dual wield since most Katars are not so long that they would get in each others way while dual wielding and they usually come with some form of guard on the hand/arm so you can use it to block and offend alternatively with each arm, similar to a parrying dagger. (And the limiting factor of being stuck with the weapon side while thrusting also supports just dual wielding it and attacking with the other hand from the other side, thou you can cut with the thing just fine from any side.)

[@fmjmanarroyo1342]

A war-built punch dagger of sorts. Very interesting, even if only for the purpose of fiction writing or story telling and speculation.

[@minhducnguyen9276]

Basically the protoss race.

[@Azure9577]

This thing is real and was used as well in india

[@SHVTR]

it was used for many assassination of millitary leaders in india by backstabbing and ripping off guts

[@giggityguy]

I agree that I see the most potential for forearm weapons as an off-hand weapon. You can compensate for the lack of versatility with pairing it with a more conventional weapon while still getting the advantages that it offers. I think a shamshir and a katar would be a deadly combination

[@trevorstockwell8290]

One of my favorite weapons and my favorite version is one were in splits into three blades. Loved using voldo in soul calibur because of this weapon

[@LIVEvil789]

Holy shit, that Ragnarok Online assassin sprite brought back some memories!

[@Outside85]

I am of the mind that the Katar is sort of designed for maximum efficiency for what daggers do... stabbing. Like if you hear about someone being killed with a knife, it's quite common they've been done in by a dozen or more stab wounds because the attacker has gone berserk. The Katar sort of seems to be designed for someone to do that on purpose, just hammering away with stabs to make sure the victim isn't going to survive the attack. That being said, this is more of a description of an assassins weapon more than a battlefield one. Also, it reminds me of that freak Voldo from the Soulcalibur series... he specializes in using these, and combined with hyper-flexible joints and weird movements, he is like fighting a spider with a pair of blenders on the ends of his hands.

[@zkassai.audio.2]

Thinking about it, Voldo doesn't even need two katars, does he? Because he could probably pull off the weird offhand-side stab angles that Skal demonstrated very easily lol

[@Saiku]

Ragnarok Online's "Sonic Blow" skill from assassins would be devastating in real life. 8 rapid hits from dual wielded katars.

[@johanmetreus1268]

Prison shanks made to the quality and class nobility deserves.

[@hidum5779]

it is a close quarters weapon. The Rajputs were very good at wielding it.

[@williamjenkins4913]

You managed to raise my estimation of the weapon by a bit. I didnt consider the defensive advantages of the increased leverage and the arm bars. I would still put them under normal daggers due to the loss of versatility. Unless it fantasy. Then they win by a clear advantage in being cool as hell.

[@thesurvivorssanctuary6561]

The thing is that the Katar leaves the opportunity to extend the guarded parts fo the forearm to include shields, as it will not obstruct it's offensive attacks! The Katar is the weapon for realistic pure tanks; who just want armor on every single inch of their body. The piercing potential of the attacks also makes it effective against armored opponents, so, the Katar's a tanky tank killer weapon.

[@boredchild6631]

@aaa this weapon was made before plate armour but yeah as time went on it would be less useful

[@RickardLejonhjarta]

always remembered finding these when the LoD expansion dropped for Diablo 2 thinking they were the coolest thing

[@tomtildrumii.6492]

Hey Skall! Always a pleasure hearing your thoughts on the pros and cons of different weapons. This time I found the Katar-Axe combo especially fascinating. And I now want to design a versatile weapon that is a mix of a deerhorn knife and a katar/push dagger...

[@aspenlord1991]

Very high quality video, the call for action was strong, the opening skit funny, and good pacing throughout.

[@Oakenlix]

Loved the reference to Ragnarok Online, that's where I first encountered this fascinating weapon.

[@agrippa2012]

same

[@jonathanflora6330]

2:45 THAT version of the Katar is the first I've ever seen, in a videogame, Soul Blade. Seeing this video was a little dive in the past to the days I used to play as Voldo

[@johndododoe1411]

Thickened tips makes the middle of the spring steel blade reduce the net rotation leverage applied to the palm by sideways force on the tip.

[@josiahklein70]

So it's easier to keep it straight.

[@FlyingTurtleLP]

1:05 oh damn the nostalgia!

[@Rhyhmx]

Ngl that little rogue character you showed, that's the only reason I know about Katars. When I was in grade school I used to play that game and mained Assassin. Always found it interesting as a weapon and was surprised that it wasn't really used outside of their respective region. It has a lot of cons to use something unconventional, but I guess using "traditional" armaments were also a status symbol.

[@GameTimeWhy]

This was a lot more interesting than I thought It would be. Crazy how many different types of katar exist and were experimented with.

[@immediateegret2120]

I've been fond of the katar since seeing it used by the character Kiros in Final Fantasy 8. Granted, he used a slashing attack rather than any kind of thrust, but that's video games for you!

[@TheLiamis]

Same kiros was cool af.

[@jesseritchie9282]

Hell yes! Loved that character!

[@idkmyname-w8w]

Makes literally no sense tho, even if its video games, it should be very obvious that you stab with this, not slash

[@factshistory3193]

@@idkmyname-w8wAs an Indian who has seen katars in reality, you can slash with them as easy as double edged daggers.

[@althechicken9597]

These are somewhat prominent in The Light Bringer series, and I never knew much about them! Thanks!

[@TheAngryAsianAnimations]

In regards to the scissor katar, I heard that you're supposed to keep the scissor slightly open so when it hits a fleshy target, as it goes in, the body will force the blades to open more and cause the wound to be bigger. That's just what I heard so it'll need to be tested.

[@s_crylly7751]

Yeah, your videos as of late have had startlingly low views. I've never seen it like this. Great content as always, loving how you are getting back to real world weapons and gear reviews and demonstrations/explanations.

[@MeleeTiger]

Oof, that Rangarok Online cut was deep XD

[@jaytucker7873]

OMG Skal, the self promotion in this one is excellent! Also kudos on bringing less known weapons to your audience! I appreciate it.

[@quen_anito]

This dagger is also used as an alien weapon in the series Babylon 5. The Narn use them as daggers along with other weapons, one which looks like a Thai dha or a katana with a simplified hilt.

[@martinpawlik340]

There is a reason why modern fencing blades (foils & épées) have a pistol-grip. They are optimised for thrusting. I am actually puzzled that Europe never historically developed a grip like the kathar!

[@AbcXyz-we7nj]

Interesting! However I think Olympic style fencing is much more a contact sport than a martial art and its techniques/idioms wouldn't work very well in a fight/duel. I think Skal has covered this in another video. I feel this to a certain extent about HEMA too.

[@martinpawlik340]

@@AbcXyz-we7nj Yeah, you‘re right. Fencing is not martial art. What I meant was rather that with the development of daggers which are mainly intended for thrusting, this style of grip did not get developed but that they stuck with the type of grip that was known from swords.

[@Crootcovitz]

@@martinpawlik340 One reason that comes to my mind is that a regular sword grip looks like a cross, which may be of cultural significance for an overwhelmingly Christian area. Or maybe they were lazy and didn't want to abandon decades if not centuries of well developed techniques to create a new one from scratch.

[@thomasfplm]

I think the katar could be an interesting secondary weapon for fighting a tiger. If it jumped at you, the way to use it would be quite intuitive.

[@AbcXyz-we7nj]

I think they WERE indeed used that way

[@jbird3214]

Your braver than me, I wouldn't like to face a tiger with a gun :/

[@thomasfplm]

@@jbird3214, neither would I. But if I was forced to, a katar would be an interesting secondary weapon.

[@OnTheRiver66]

A few years ago a fisherman was attacked in a stream by a bear. Don’t remember the state but I’m guessing the bear was a grizzly. It pinned him down in the water but he stabbed it with his fillet knife, killing it. Probably hit the heart or aorta. It had human remains in its stomach allowing the police to identify a missing person.

[@gamingdragon1356]

Katars were used by warriors to hunt tigers to prove their manhood or skill.

[@mattheusspoo]

i know this thing from ragnarok online for decades now, good to see it again.

[@Makkle4000]

Anyone who played Ragnarok Online are familiar with them, as they're the weapon of choice for the Assassin. Definitely a cool weapon.

[@Lucky7d4]

I’ve seen this in some games, but I’ve always wondered about its origin. Thanks for the video!

[@felixramirez9920]

Love the katar and consider it a great alternative to a sword. If you can punch, katar is right for you. So any stances meant for prepping and recovering from a punch will compliment the katar.

[@MasterChiefSamus]

Boxers: My time has come.

[@hidum5779]

@@MasterChiefSamus knuckledusters were also most probably invented in India, they used to box while wearing it in the old time

[@pkean6660]

Hey, I have the bell ticked and set to "All" for your videos but, this is the first new one of yours that I've seen come up on my timeline, I don't know why that is so I'll try and remember to check your channel at least once a week. I'm enjoying the content, keep up the good work.

[@Nobody-wp4ds]

Oooo im so excited. Katars are one of my favorites

[@faktdiz3897]

I really feel bad for your row with youtube algorithm I litereally even have bad dreams about it sometimes (no joke), but you making amazing content, usually when you put something out I cant wait to watch it, so keep it up man! I hope your channel rails up again in the future!

[@nexes6691]

Sweet definitely a favorite weapon set. How would it stack up against short swords an Long swords?

[@rockyblacksmith]

Using two of them? Longsword would definetly have the advantage if the wielder knows what they're doing. Reach advantage is a pretty powerful asset. If the longsword fighter wants to play it defensively, he can just stretch out the sword into long-point, making it impossible for the katar fighter to attack without dealing with the sword first. And that gives the sword fighter a good amount of time to react, while the katar fighter wouldn't nessecarily see the swords attack coming.

[@Ferario1990]

​​​@@rockyblacksmith Thing is though, these katars are more of a supplimentary weapons so they wouldn't be used by themselves unless you are sparing or you lose all your gear. They have an advantage in that they can be used along side shields or allow two handed weapon use without much restriction. The kit would need to be fitted to your specific dimensions for best comfort but you could definitely have a spear or a long sword equiped along side a katar without much issue.

[@rockyblacksmith]

@@Ferario1990 I'm aware, I wouldn't have talked about dual-wielding katars if the OP hadn't talked about it in that way, at least if I understood the post correctly. What I talked about is basically exactly why katars are supplementary weapons rather than primary ones. I disagree on the "or allow two handed weapon use without much restriction" part though. The hand that is using the katar is not going to be handling anything else. Using it with an arm-strapped shield would work, but not with something like a longsword.

[@Ferario1990]

@@rockyblacksmith Yeah, I should have worded it better. You are right that the types of katar shown in Skall's video aren't designed for use with 2h weapons. These ones are designed as parrying weapons or to be used with a shield. But there were other designs which used the same concept of the push dagger but with sleeker grips or other forms of attachment which allowed better use of two handed weapons. Unfortunately we don't have too many surviving pieces which were used during ancient times so we don't know how prevalent they were on battlefields, but we do have plenty of art work, literature, and oral traditional stories among the surviving warriors lineage cultures to know they existed.

[@BrackishBrit]

Love the flourish at 9:46 to swap between grips!

[@Navegante2305]

It's for things like that that I love Indian weapon designs. When they get crazy, they get crazy.

[@DaenaMichelle]

I'm an off-hand katar user and mine comes with a guard and strap for increased security, best weapon to use, love the feeling, feels so natural even if you lose some angle versatility. Thanks to the bracer I can use it both as offensive or defensive, and it has two blades to be able to "catch" opponent's weapons so it´s main purpose is more strategic. (Mainhand is bastard-sword by the way, for increased reach to compensate)

[@ignasias]

One of the most underrated off-hand weapons I think. I'd imagine someone proficient with it could throw a really quick lethal follow-up strike if the main hand gets deflected/parried. But I'm no expert, just a fantasy nerd

[@TheShapingSickness]

Skallagrim, I love your videos but I don't watch all of them. Thing is I have to make the time to watch them because they're a few minutes long. Don't ever say you make garbage content, your content is simply amazing!

[@lobo2367]

Funny how people the people talking about katars usually don't have a katar prop to use. The katar seems flimsy and "easily unbalanced" only if if you haven't held one. They are built almost entirely for grip retention, unlike swords. It's easier to hold a katar against resistance than any sword of similar length

[@dirkdiggler2218]

Such a cool design. It's cool that these are still shown in media. Been playing Fire Emblem lately and the weapon "Killer Gauntlets" is just a katar.

[@acemarvel1564]

Basically the inspiration for Halo’s iconic energy sword

[@shermanator00]

What about Psi blades of Zealots from Starcraft

[@Skallagrim]

Yep, especially the early form looks quite similar to the energy sword.

[@Skallagrim]

@@shermanator00 Those are more like arm blades, as they don't have a handle to hold on to.

[@jamamanoffortune6910]

gotta appreciate Skall using the sprite of the mercenaries of Ragnarok with their dual wielding katars. Loved it, Ragnarok enjoyer GIGACHAD

[@agrippa2012]

are you BR? As far as i know only BRs know them as Mercenaries, in every other server they are called Assassins

[@jamamanoffortune6910]

@@agrippa2012 Just for the sake of the comment section, I'll Answer in English. But yeah, u got me, I always forget the they're assassins for everyone outside Brazil. Como toda boa criança BR, joguei Mt rag muleque, e acabei jogando mais ainda dps de velho kkkkk

[@agrippa2012]

@@jamamanoffortune6910Somos dois, boms tempos que não voltam mais.

[@jamamanoffortune6910]

@@agrippa2012 Nem me fala, o tempo é uma maldição.

[@BigHatLoganGaming]

one of my top 3 elden ring weapons. absolutely delighted to learn about the real life ones they based the game item off of

[@ozymandiasramesses1773]

The Katar is the signature weapon Silat uses in the Berserk Manga. Just hinting you into a open secret that FromSoft often uses that Manga for source material.

[@BigHatLoganGaming]

@@ozymandiasramesses1773 that's extremely obvious to pretty much everyone who plays these games, but most things aren't purely from manga, but also have heavy inspiration from real life. not everything is a reference

[@ozymandiasramesses1773]

@@BigHatLoganGaming Okay. It was just a thought.

[@brendanclark1058]

@@BigHatLoganGaming Don’t think he was suggesting that everything’s based off a manga, but ok

[@BigHatLoganGaming]

@@brendanclark1058 yeah, coming back to this after reading it does come across as a bit rude, but in a video of a real life weapon someone suggesting it's based off berserk was a bit off

[@rat17]

Sometimes I'll go watch an old knife review of yours, cause I find your voice and tone to be generally soothing. It's ONLY after I do that when I get an actual recommendation for a newer video.

[@Franky_Sthein]

''You got to convince yourself of the quality'' Skall this is the internet, there is no such thing like using your brain. Prime example: a dude who watched 10 episodes of a Let's Plays, raving about how bad it is in the comment section of each of them. If you don't like stop watching it! It is not that hard!

[@r3dp9]

Some people like hating (and any actual or perceived engagement with others as a result) more than finding a comfort zone where they are appreciated. It's actually a pretty common aspect of human nature. I've even noticed it in myself, though I'm trying to grow out of that kind of habit.

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

"r/OdDlYsPeCiFiC" It's like a standard answer for people who can't come up with interesting comparisons themselves

[@ZarHakkar]

Sunk cost fallacy Already got 10 episodes in, even if it's bad, all that watchtime would be wasted if I don't finish it

[@sparkysushi7259]

One other thing, is that in some version the bars come up a little. Maybe 1/2 an inch, which allows you to easily catch an opponents blade and control it. All you need to do is twist your wrist as it slides in and boom, your opponents blade is trapped. And if you’re using it offhand or dual wielding it it’ll leave your opponent wide open for a devastating attack.

[@ArniesTech]

My Diablo2 LoD assassin approves 💪😌

[@Transmissional]

Oh Skal I love all your videos but I definitely have so many KZbinrs to follow I usually wait a bit then binge my catch up sessions haha

[@righty-o3585]

Katara, of the Southern Water Tribe? Other than the Avatar, she turned out to be the baddest bender. She was no joke 😁🤘

[@markfergerson2145]

I missed this video when it first dropped because I didn't get a notification despite having them turned on. I'm going to have to get into the habit of going through my subscription list and checking for new videos once a month or so. The katar is definitely a cool weapon, an interesting alternate solution to the problem that most cultures choose a straight dagger for. They're still legal here in the States so I'll have to find one for off hand use. Might give a slight edge by presenting an opponent with an unexpected challenge.

[@thesurvivorssanctuary6561]

11:50 IDK if you're going to get into it, but the Qatar is the most effective defensive melee weapon, and is *ONLY* matched by a javelin. That is because a Qatar is quintessentially just a dagger on the tip of a shield, and if you made such a weapon, you'd lose none of the Qatar's deadly capability. Basically, it's like giving a pro-boxer two shields and a blade at the end of each fist. It's just the ultimate interms of defense. You lose a tiny bit of the dagger's flexibility at the wrist, but the rigidity of the Qatar's stance and form allows for rather large forearm armor or shielding devices; and you lose no offensive capabilities! To have a full blown shield on either arm, or just a buckler or full plate armguard, and *STILL* be able to use a dagger's full offensive capabilities(without the small slit to occupy, and having a more sturdy and powerful control of the space your limbs occupy; but again, less flexibility of the dagger), is *INSANELY* poweful! As a martial artist, the form encouraged by the design fits handily into the pugilist's repertoire of movements, and is so damn natural! I really rhink this weapon is slept on! Though, still, I say the most effective melee weapon is the modest javelin, as a throwable with an intense control over range. If I were to fight in a medieval war, I'd want multiple javelins on Mmy back, and a shield with a guanleted Qatar on Mmy left arm(with an open palm, so I can grip a spear to use two handed if necessary).

[@coultermoulton1663]

It's fairly common in manuscripts to see a Katar and buckler used in one hand along with a tulwar or pulwar in the main hand depending on the area.

[@migueeeelet]

I recall trying to fist fight enemies in Blade & Sorcery but the padded armor makes fists incredibly ineffective... however, Katars and similar? They turn your fists into deadly blades. Sure, it's not anymore the good old bludgeoning feel, but instead you get a blade that's very easy to handle and aim.

[@Kremit_the_Forg]

"The best", "only matched by" ... Bold claims. I think it limits you movements too much. And while it sure looks usable, the "standard" sword form is what's most widely used, if that thing would be such a gamechanger, it would have been used more often. However that could be just a training thing. About the javelin: While it sure is a good weapon it has it's limits. Armour is still a thing.

[@Ferario1990]

​@@Kremit_the_Forg In actual fact it was quite popular in India, or atleast the system of having buckler sized shields be paired with various forms of blades such as this push dagger or the triple bladed daggers you might have seen on forged and fire. It's mostly used as a suplimentary weapon for your main weapon and is best for close combat when used with a shield and sword/axe/mace, or as your back up option as a spearman when they get to close to you. It was mostly used as a sidearm for pikemen with their spears and shock infantry with their sword and small shield. It couldn't be used with large shields effectively so it wasn't popular for people who faced arrows or throwers, but was good for nobles and armored troops as they faced more one on onie duels against armored opponents or could disregard the threat of arrows to the face. Also used by palace/town/prison guards who wouldn't face arrows inside buildings . They were also fairly expensive compaired to a normal dagger, and required specialized skills to make, and have to be more fitted to the user, especially the more complex versions with a hood and better guards. A normal dagger can also be effective so only the rich and powerful could sponsor such weapons for their elite troops after also paying for their main weapons and armor. The katar was known as a symbol of status for this very reson as only the most established soldiers would be equiped with these. They were impractical for rank and file soldiers as they lack the training required for effectiveness, but Princes and Renowned warrior families who trained exclusively for combat against well armored troops could devote enough time and money to learn various close combat styles or supplimentary weapon skills to be effective with katars and other short weapons. I believe European knights with full plate armor could have found an effective use for these if only the concept would have found Europe a bit earlier. It is an effective armor piercer and a good defensive tool. Might be a bit hard to get enough flexibility to find the gaps in between full plate armor, but the power you could generate with these would ensure that anything below a thick metal plate is getting pierced if your good enough to generate enough power. Any kind of headshot is gonna be devastating. In the end, its a specialized tool with expensive requirments which is only designed for killing, but it is much better than a dagger when it comes to killing, so it had its own, important, space in history.

[@icarusswitkes6833]

I often go on binges and it definitely recommends your videos more often for me I think

[@FireStar-gz2ry]

Wavy, or "kriss" blades are very useful cutters. The Philippines has multiple good examples

[@rockyblacksmith]

But only if you draw or push the blade along the cut. Which the katar would biomechanically be very ill-suited to.

[@FireStar-gz2ry]

@@rockyblacksmith this is true, probably the reason there aren't very many katar examples with kris's blades

[@WingMaster562]

I disagree and Im a Filipino here in QC. Im pretty sure all that the wavy/flamberge/kris style is for dealing flesh damage, but not useful. Can't cut coconut, lumber, and grass without having a bad time. It's sorta taught by school and by grandparents here. We used to own a kris-bladed kampilan and a bolo style tabak. Kris remained a decor until it was lost in a flood of Ondoy, while the bolo remained even today.

[@petriew2018]

@@WingMaster562 honestly while yes, a wavy blade will cut fairly effectively just because there's a lot of surface area to use for cutting.... the downside is you sacrifice a lot of rigidity with a blade like that. It won't be of much use against hard material and won't stand up to a lot of wear. So for a punch-style dagger.... yeah, not a great idea. It would bend fairly easily if used for hard thrusting or a lot of parrying.

[@WingMaster562]

@@petriew2018 You've probably misclicked and replied the wrong comment reply.

[@mok.187]

bro the intro. got me of guard real hard XD , gj and iam pretty sure ,,tiger fighting,, is one darwid award categroy

[@krayzoman]

We all know the reason katars never took off was because you could never finish your opponent, as there is no pommel to unscrew.

[@Rainbowboy-sv5fw]

Thank you, Skallagrim, both for this highly entertaining video, and the knowledge you spread to the weapon nerds all over KZbin, like me. 👍

[@Sandro234]

Only reason to use katar over dagger is if you are a Grimtooth main... IYKYK

[@tommyfishhouse8050]

I remember this from the 1990s Jungle book movie where the British Soldier shows it to Mowgli. "You stick it inside of him. Depress the trigger. (The blade spreads) and then rip his stomach out." ". . . and then you eat him?" "Of course not."

[@rockgamiasedes677]

Katar with small shield is a deadly combo at close combat I feel. May be thats how it was used.

[@AlvaroRM90]

1:05 I see you are a man of culture as well.

[@SkilledNub]

This proves that the halo energy sword is a really viable weapon :)

[@diegog1853]

I would really enjoy to see some sparring with katars on your side. I know they are illegal but plastic reproductions are most likely fine. Just to see what works and what doesn't, what technics are most viable, also duel wielding sounds so cool. Consider both katars had full gards, then basically it is like fighting with two bucklers with knife attachments.

[@philw8049]

I can’t imagine someone being foolish enough to take a Tiger on with nothing but a dagger. But I can imagine some noble being vain enough to commission a drawing of such and telling everyone it really happened, perhaps even paying someone to say they witnessed it. I do wonder, would full plate be enough to protect you from a tiger long enough for a dagger to finish it off… I don’t know seems like even that would be pretty risky, even full plate has openings and those friggin things are powerful with nasty claws and teeth…

[@charlottewalnut3118]

Most likely yes

[@mtgAzim]

3:55 If the idea was to expand the blades inside the target, then I would guess that the intent would be that the force of your thrust would expand the blades. Instead of stabbing the target, "then" trying to squeeze it open. It would happen in one fluid thrust, and perhaps further laceration by extracting the open blades. Even if you can't open them fully, something bigger being drawn out would cause quite a bit of damage, and your extraction might be aided by your target pulling away after having just been stabbed. (que the Eddie Murphy "think about it" meme)

[@MarcRitzMD]

is there a practical limit to how long a katar should be?

[@Aeiouuoiea777]

I think they cannot be made too long, but in India they have a sword called "Pata" which is held like a katar but is extremely long👍

[@Azure9577]

@@Aeiouuoiea777 it's not "held" It's literally strapped to your arm with a gauntlet

[@sanguinoid8919]

Your intros are still the best and genuinely put me in a good mood for the day 😊

[@sixteenthbluemoon7606]

Ragnarok Online Assassins, where you at.

[@ZelphTheWebmancer]

Using Cloak, but very near you

[@osvaldocortes4598]

1:05 Oh, the memories...

[@ZachBlackforest]

Raise your hand if you immediately thought about Soul Calibur's Voldo watching this video.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

For the sake of everyone's eyes, lets hope Skall doesn't get that into Katars.

[@johnnylams3948]

I waited a long time for someone to talk about this weapon. Thanks man!

[@anantasheshanaga3666]

The ones with the thick (reinforced) blades were used to penetrate armor, especially mail.

[@beroyblinkins1621]

The katar with the gun barrels on the side bars looks awesome. like something out of FF