The most UNAPPRECIATED sword?

[@andreweden9405]

Shad, thank you for finally telling the truth about the arming sword! The one-handed arming sword was by far the most popular, commonly used sword of the Middle Ages. In fact, even during the Late Middle Ages, when the longsword was at the height of its popularity, the one-handed sword was STILL more commonly used. There's a reason that its other name is the "knightly sword"! Sword and buckler is woefully underrepresented in Hollywood and video games, despite the fact that it was an absolutely vicious combination, AND by far the more likely scenario historically than any of the other weapons they tend to depict!

[@benparrish672]

Great point. Cuz everyone used the Arming Sword (those tht could afford) cuz thy wanted some defense with a buckler or shield. Longswords take more skill. You're probably right about it specifically being a buckler cuz their the most common and was usually the first combo that young men trained with. As a Vampire, I can confirm.

[@Yskandr]

One-handed swords in general were more convenient to carry around. It's as simple as that.

[@silverjohn6037]

I think there's a popular impression that "sword and board" is the Disney Prince Charming kind of weapon so, like vanilla ice cream, it get's passed over by the cool kids. Personally vanilla is my favorite ice cream.

[@jgamez106]

@@silverjohn6037lame! Mint chocolate chip is clearly superior (though I do agree people hate on vanilla too much and I often prefer it over chocolate)

[@douglascolquhoun8502]

​@@jgamez106I usually prefer chocolate; however, good vanilla is better than bad chocolate.

[@adventwolfbane]

Arming Swords always seemed to me like a great choice for personal weapon or to disarm opponents in a sword duel.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

I prefer disarming swords, as My enemy's don't need arms or weapons

[@lalli8152]

Really in medieval times i think why it was so prevelant is that most fought with shields. Longsword might be better if you dont have shield with you, but they were lot rarer for good reason, and the arming sword could be carried with buckler in day to day activities so that already makes it lot more equal to longsword if someone ends up in sudden fight, and paired with full sized shield its very tough to beat using just sword

[@robertjensen1438]

I was going to buy an invisible sword. But I don't see the point.

[@ggogaming7441]

Take your like and get out🤣🤣

[@Scribe_plays]

I hate this, I still liked the comment, but I hate this. /j Edit: grammar and adding tone marker

[@SamBrockmann]

You should feel bad.

[@shinigamimiroku3723]

INAFF

[@anderporascu5026]

Why buy it when you can mime it!

[@LivingAnachronism]

I got to hold that Todd Cutler sword when I visited the Shadlands and I fell in love with it instantly, such a beautiful sword. I'll admit one of the reasons I love longswords and bastard swords is partly because of one of your older videos, where you talked about how a rapier was not the best sword for a "weaker" character, despite lots of depictions of it in media. At the time I was still in high school and much smaller, and so I thought "perfect, then the longsword is for me" but now a decade later, I've been exploring arming swords, rapiers, sabers and broadswords much more. In an adventuring context, arming swords, falchions, messers and sabers are much easier to carry than a longsword. Great video!

[@adamwest8256]

The arming sword is the medieval equivalent of the Glock 19. Not the most powerful weapon on earth but everyone loves it. That said, the BEC de Corbin is the 50 Bmg of the dark ages.

[@edstringer1138]

Glocks are subpar , arming swords are not

[@penmaster003]

@@edstringer1138how about the M1911 then?

[@WhatIsThatThingDoing]

Guess the bastard sword is probably a pistol carbine in the analogy, though it may break down if we try too hard.

[@plick645]

Pistols would be like daggers and knives. Sidearms. The arming sword is a main armament, I guess a lighter main armament. So, it'd be more comparable to a carbine in my opinion.

[@melfice999]

its the AK47. Its cheap, useful, everybody has one, and it can still kill you as a main weapon. and works even if you drop it into a Soviet mud pile.

[@shadowofhawk55]

Suggestion to go along with the Shadlands, maybe spend one day a week putting together some easier to make fantasy speculation videos. Like you used to. Best weapons for fighting X monster, what weapon X fantasy race would use, breaking down a Fantasy character’s kit, etc…. Those don’t seem like they would take a lot to do and they would be easier on your respiratory issues as you could just sit at your desk. Love your channel and want to see it soar like it used to.

[@craigfin3222]

This, my favorite Shad videos were his fantasy game, show or movie videos.

[@shadowofhawk55]

@@craigfin3222and no doubt it’s comparatively easier to what he is making now. And in a world saturated with lefty DM’s giving advice on how to make your monster’s PC someone like Shad adding realism to fantasy would be epic to have again.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

@@shadowofhawk55 2 weeks ago he did an analysis of Stellar Blade's combat, and a couple weeks prior to that was Dragon's Dogma and fighting large video game monsters. I don't think Shad ever stopped making those videos.

[@shadowofhawk55]

@@cavalieroutdoors6036 Not specific characters though. Like his Guts or Goblin Slayer load outs and fighting styles.

[@Ethan-if6hz]

@@cavalieroutdoors6036 neither of those videos are the type of content being missed.

[@jamesalexander8193]

The arming sword has also been called the knightly sword at times. I think we have a lot more knowledge on the longsword because of the hema manuals made in the 15th or 16th century when longer swords were more common. The arming sword is a great sword with some smaller note worth roles in movies and shows like "the adventures of merlin" where excalibur is a arming sword as arthur fights with a shield most of the time. You would think they would get more love with things like the norman conquerst or the crusades but i guess not

[@samnunnink7575]

Arming sword was always my favorite, and yes, the crusades are my favorite period of history, how did you know?

[@Riceball01]

I've actually seen the arming sword used a lot more in Medieval/fantasy films and shows than long swords, but Hollywood has thing for using nearly all swords with a 2 handed grup. Because of that, most arming swords seen on screen tend to look more like long swords because of the 2 handed grip.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

Well, a think it is becuase in medieval movies, we usually follow well off dudes in warfare, ie guys than could afford armor and which makes the shield less important or archers which can’t use a shield. Would have the reasons armings was so popular was cus full fitted was pricy so shields for most retained importance. If Nintendo makes a LOZ movies and does well, arming sword and shield would gain popularity and we’ll Probably more DnD Esque dungeon crawl movies, which I think sword and shield are better set than huge sword for

[@jamesalexander8193]

@@Riceball01 they treat arming sword more like hand and a half swords in a lot of things

[@jamesalexander8193]

@@PJDAltamirus0425 shows even mess up with sword and shield, knightfall has the templar with longsword in one hand while having kite shields in the other. They have pretty good armour as well of plate and mail but no helmets. Even in a lot of stories with the farm boy becoming a knight or a quest of revenge he tends to get a longsword over an arming sword.

[@Insane_Power]

"Brand new channel" the real OG's know

[@diegoborges3716]

Many arming swords received a blue or black patina to protect the blade from rust. For this reason we see some medieval arts with knights branding blue swords.

[@crusader5256]

Thank you very much for talking about arming swords Shad, as an arming sword user I find our art greatly underappreciated in our current culture despite its great prevalence in history(much like brigandines, which you worked excellently to bring recognition). Long may the knightly sword reign!

[@FirestreakRodimusPr]

Ah, an excellent addition to my collection of Shad videos.

[@user-rk5cx2vu8l]

I’m writing a novel where the main character uses an arming sword, glad you made a video on it

[@smurfie8412]

You should change it to guts greatsword

[@user-rk5cx2vu8l]

@@smurfie8412 the thing is, I don’t really love big swords like that, personally I like one-handed swords like the army sword, I have a Larping version of it in my room that I like practicing with, and yes, I grew up watching Zorro and Star Wars

[@user-rk5cx2vu8l]

@@smurfie8412 I of course, meant arming and not army, voice typing, apologies

[@smurfie8412]

@user-rk5cx2vu8l OK I was just joking

[@zorbrian8294]

@@user-rk5cx2vu8lEpic! I too grew up watching Zorro and Star Wars

[@Silversiren28]

I think the arming sword's shorter hilt would have advantages in certain situations compared to longswords.

[@angel8fingers]

I concur! I’m glad I watched this, I was unaware of the arming swords existence!

[@DazHotep6EQUJ5]

Will the Khopesh ever make its way onto this channel?

[@kevinsears7300]

It has in the past... I believe its a broken relic in the shadlands armory.

[@canisarcani]

​@@sr71silver if youre making a bronze one, they arent particularly hard to make. Just need the bronze and make a 3d print of one to use for making a cast, then once you got the cast melt it down and pour. Wait for it to cool, then just touch up.

[@SamBrockmann]

​@@canisarcani, you make it sound SO SIMPLE. 😂

[@xyreniaofcthrayn1195]

@@SamBrockmann Because it is simple which makes it hard.

[@SamBrockmann]

@@xyreniaofcthrayn1195 , you must not understand sarcasm . . .

[@macchxero]

So glad to see Shad shared his love for the arming swords. I think they're unappreciated because they're like the "most typical swords". So people either choose rapier for the flamboyant look, longswords for the length and elegant look, katana/sabers for the exotic look, etc... But not arming swords. Even though the main character in my short stories series "Tales Of The Twelve Blades" chose two short swords as his main weapons, at least two of the most powerful adventurers/fighters in that world used arming sword. One of them was a sword and board guy. Nothing fancy, but still used them to win a lot of fights. Another one was a paladin-turned-spellsword. Arming sword was the best choice for him, as he could use magic easily with his free hand. Bastard/hand-and-a-half sword is my favorite type of sword in the last two decades. But arming swords have their place, both in history and fiction.

[@Wright805]

Awesome. My favourite OC in my own short stories uses an arming sword.

[@Shroom17]

Man I Just love when shadiversity uploads

[@Roland3ld]

Your channel has been a big reason for me learning to love arming swords, brigandines, and gambesons. Thanks for the great video and I hope you have many years of prosperous channel growth to come.

[@froxcom]

I used arming swords in stage combat and I absolutely love them. Especially since I have skinnier fingers so I can cheat and use it like a hand and a half when I get exhausted. They also look great in choreographed fights going between two and one handed in very exaggerated moves.

[@iepineapple]

I'm glad shad is still around, dunno what I could've done otherwise

[@scientoakuilusakuilar]

It's a shame we don't see arming swords more in game media. Thanks for raising awareness. Would there be an arming sword in fantasy that you'd like to do a video about?

[@Daniel_Rood]

I love arming swords! I love one-handers in general really! My favorites are the cutlass, messer and the arming sword!

[@ApatheticGod0]

Imperious. Because not enough people have read shad’s book. Signed, A fan who met shad at the English medieval festival and got his book signed with a photo ^-^

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

I would put the Roman short sword as an under appreciated sword (compared to medieval swords). It has its weaknesses, but when combined with a large shield or in tight confines it was an excellent weapon. It recognizes that in situations where you have more space to move or in large formations, a spear is superior. Hence why they carried a short sword, large shield, and a spear.

[@EpicRandomness555]

You mean the Gladius? What most people call a short sword when they see one? The gladiator sword, the Roman soldier sword everyone knows along with the spatha?

[@KettleHatt]

Romans weren't known to carry spears, they fought with their swords and carried javelins to throw before engaging You're thinking of the Greeks who favored spear and shield with their swords as backups

[@SteveClark-ob1kj]

@@KettleHatt Don't be mesmerised by the Marian armies of the late Republic. I refer you to the earlier republican armies described by Livy; the Triarii of the manipular legiones; Arrian's "Order of Battle Against the Alans"; and later Roman and Byzantine Infantry. Over the 2000 years of Roman history the spear was a standard infantry weapon longer than the Pilum (which was a response to the mainly infantry armies Rome faced around the Mediterranean).

[@shiny_button]

I love ALL Shadiversity videos! Especially when they are as informative as this

[@ericbowers5968]

It just makes sense. They're light, cost effective, and faster to make. Imagine if all modern soldiers were running around with 240B or larger machine guns.

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

Shad maybe you should do more swordplay scenes in films and shows again for those were always entertaining especially the bad ones that drive you insane.

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

That's an absolutely beautiful arming sword! Also, it's really easy to carry an arming sword and buckler. It's a far shorter sword then a long sword or bastard, and a buckler can be a very effective defensive tool, especially since being so small, you can reinforce them with iron/steel or be completely made of iron/steel. It's a great weapon combination.

[@charlessapp1835]

At about the 5 Min. mark. "This Barming sword..." You came up with a good name for that arming sword by almost calling it a bastard sword.

[@jessesimmons4503]

I’m sure a sword master can make a bastard sword or arming sword just as an effective as a longsword. Just as effective as a pirate cutlass or navel saber.

[@colonelinfernal5004]

I like the part where he cuts to the chase, getting straight to the point multiple times about a new channel that cuts to the chase and gets straight to the point.

[@bravojr]

In blade and Sorcery I use a arming sword in one hand and a long in the other. Longsword is mostly defensive and punishing, the arming sword does all the work.

[@SkepticalCaveman]

Regarding blade sizes for daggers, short swords and swords; I prefer the simplicity of the Japanese system. A tanto (daggers) is up to 1 shaku (about 30 cm), a wakizashi (short sword) is betwern 1 and 2 shaku and a uchigatana is above 2 shaku.

[@eatman6511]

My friend, regardless of the current issues with the Tube, l will support you. This aside, I love your films and the passion in which you teach. Thank you for all the informative videos. I greatly appreciate you and your work. Keep fighting! God bless

[@Fushur7]

Great informative watch, hope it gets shown to more people.

[@Ethan-if6hz]

The notion that non-nobles can only wear swords shorter than some specific length is definitely going into my next dnd game!

[@lotharrenz4621]

Same! I wasn't aware that there were such rules here in europe, and that they had examples hanging by the entry gates, too. they did have the local measures (bread loaf, length of an elbow, for example) chiseled into the town house's walls right by the market... until norms were invented [s]in late medieval centuries[/s]by Napoleon who was fed up with every corner of the street having different measures...

[@Armored_Muskrat]

But, only in the cities. Outside it, it was more of a free-for-all.

[@Alpha.Phenix]

A little off topic but at ~ 5:14 seeing that longsword again got me wondering. ''Man, I used to look at that exact ''not estoc'' in Skall's hands before. How long has it been since him and Shad traded it?'' Some tracking down later... 4 (nearly 5) years, huh. Glad you still have it around.

[@EpicRandomness555]

Arming sword makes the most sense. They were probably the most widespread European sword during the middle ages, but hardly anyone identifies it correctly. I know, or I think I know that arming sword is a more modern term. I’ve also seen them called “knightly swords”. And most people call them broad swords which isn’t technically correct. Also there’s no non curved, non short sword sword weapon in say, Dungeons & Dragons. Just a d8 sword with the light property for dual wielding. Longswords are more famous and people rarely focus on one handed swords.

[@FunnyFreak_]

Wouldnt that be a bastard sword, as it was made to be used either way?

[@Myomer104]

Said d8 Light sword is the Rapier.

[@EpicRandomness555]

@@Myomer104 Oh yeah I forgot… besides the rapier.

[@EpicRandomness555]

@@FunnyFreak_ Sure you could use it that way, but it’s not the same and it doesn’t have the light property.

[@genghiskhan6809]

@@EpicRandomness555That would be OP. The reason they don’t allow that is it would make the shortsword and scimitar useless. That’s why they require you to take a feat in order to enable that.

[@GustavoRubioGSR]

Great move on The Shadlands!!

[@ericbowers5968]

Hey man, thank you for keeping at this grind for us. Still wishing you godspeed in your endeavors

[@noscwoh1]

Don't really have a comment, Shad; just commenting to increase content engagement and help the algorithm along! Stay strong, my friend.

[@angel8fingers]

The arming sword is now my go to sword for any d and d character that’s a spank and plank with a sword. New house rule that arming swords have same stats as longsword! Good eye and call Shad! You the man, mate! Keep up the great content!

[@genghiskhan6809]

I handled that differently. I made the arming sword a distinct sword that does 1d8 slashing damage and has the finesse property. That way, sword/board characters now have a slashing option that scales with either strength or dex. Plus it can really easily be reflavored as a saber.

[@brianhowe201]

Yes! I always thought that shortswords, spears, polearms, and daggers were underrated in dnd.

[@OlafVonBarto]

I always thought 2-handed was equal to more power, thanks for changing my perspective on that. Awesome video, guys!

[@maddenboseroy4074]

Wh- Hang on. Captain America hangs his shield on his back. Does that not have historical precedent?

[@JuliusCaminus]

My favorite sword is a type xiv that I wear with a buckler. It weighs just under 1kg, cuts very well, and sings through the air. I have always loved arming swords most, especially since they pair so well with shields, and I love kite and heater shields.

[@austinmesta9862]

6:35 sword be nimble, sword be quick. Snatch my coin and I'll give you a stick.

[@whyjnot420]

Whenever I think of arming swords I always think of Final Fantasy Tactics. Where they appear later in the game and are called 'knight swords'. Shad will be happy to know that they are some of the best swords for the classes that can use them. Though they are pretty rare in the game. (They are in other Final Fantasy games, but that is the one that always pops into my head as it is by far the best Final Fantasy game.)

[@theangryimp1345]

I'd be really interested in a video on the broken back seax! As an english man who could write in old anglo saxon ruins before I was 12 or even knew that it was english history, I've always loved the seax. Later, I'd find the seax wasn't "english as such," but the broken back has always been very prominent in our culture to those educated on it. It's still the flag of Essex. I really believe it's an underrated tool.

[@luckybear20]

The broad arming sword has always been and always will be my favorite sword. I like them in the shorter style but the arming sword matched with a long dagger is just chef's kiss. Everyone has different things that just feel right and that's whay feels right to me.

[@Jeffersoniananti-federalist]

My personal favorite style of sword is essentially a swept-hilt arming sword. For more information, look up Munich town guard sidesword.

[@redscale3709]

Hey Shad, Great video as always! I was watching your video debunking the castle video the other day, and I was wondering if you could make kind of a follow up video that would go over how many people would actually be in a castle based on size, owner wealth and other factors. Thanks!

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Having seen this issue with typo of sword versus damage, in game settings like DnD, we use house rules where we apply stats independently to each sword when introduced.

[@ironbatman9689]

I think the assumption comes from the idea of longer swords are better. They're only better because you can attack at a longer range than the shorter sword while opponents with the shorter sword have to risk being closer to make an attack.

[@b1laxson]

Vagesse = a name I once heard for this type of arming sword. The triangle broadening base moves the balance really close to the hand. Very easy for spins and tricks... which also makes them good for blocking. A good backup weapon when a knight/soldier lost their main weapons and needs to be defensive until support gets to them.

[@James35142]

Arming sword is my favorite.

[@nobodyimportant72]

When it comes to D&D I recall "swords" progressing something like: Dagger - Short Sword - BROAD Sword - long sword - bastard sword - two-hander. However, when it came to game play the broad sword was always getting the short end of the stick.

[@marvhollingworth663]

I think it's a necessity that 2-handed swords have better stats than 1 handed 'uns in games. Less damage with a 1-handed is a trade-off for being able to use a shield with the other hand. Without this, there'd never be an incentive to use a 2-hander. (I still generally prefer 1-handers so I can use a shield.) Ironic that sword restrictions focused on blade length, modern British law does the same thing with knives. (Can't carry a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches.)

[@neoaliphant]

re knife longer than 3 inches....basically the law at the moment is can only carry without justification folding non locking under 3, anything else needs valid reason, i carry a locking leatherman surge as a work tool....if your camping/fishing and have gear with you, then a fixed knife would be appropriate and allowable....just not to take in to the supermarket or keep in car glove box... theres more laws coming in now to tackle ownershiip of things like balisongs, zombie knives, machetes etc cos of politicians being dumb

[@Leo.23232]

its not a necessity, you just lack imagination/havent given enough thought for other ways to balance something beyond damage stats. a more realistic alternative would be attack speed advantage for instance

[@marvhollingworth663]

@@Leo.23232 I didn't mean it had to be damage specifically, I said better stats are a necessity & used damage as an example as it's the stat Shad was talking about. Obviously, there are other stats you can use, such as attack range.

[@Leo.23232]

@@marvhollingworth663 Alright fair then I agree with what you meant in that case, its just that the main context of the video was talking about how games unjustifiably portray a damage difference between the 2, so when you respond to it by saying there should be a difference in stats it implies you think there should be a difference in damage

[@marvhollingworth663]

@@Leo.23232 Fair point. I was a little ambiguous at 1st. Was just trying to make my point quickly & simply, instead of a longer, more complicated comment. Should have known a fellow Shad fan would expect caveats.

[@markp6062]

Very good! It makes sense to me that the one handed sword could do some serious damage and when coupled with a buckler, could provide a lot more defensive action.

[@riosasin3086]

i hope shad already know Kingdom come 2 is coming

[@Mraque13]

Oh, finally I know correct name for my type of sword. Long time ago I ordered one-handed sword with the blade of the bastard sword, but in diamond-shape, without a fuller, for extra weight. In our company, people calls it "cheat-sword", because of extra 10 sm of lenght, that with my long arms (2 meters height, hehe) allows me to reach them then standard one-hander was too short.

[@gorrammudder1600]

Isn't that what Ol' leper King Viceras carries? Valerian steel and all that, what's its name?

[@matthewknobel6954]

in many games the bastard sword allowed you to use both hands and up your damage dice which is why I often used it for my characters. I often ditched the short sword or anything else that did not do a 1d8 or more. The trick was always trying to find a fast weapon that did high damamge and for AD&D it was the oriential adventures Katana which did 1d10/2D6.

[@billpark8988]

Top quality video as usual. Good job.

[@m.otoole7501]

My flintlock fantasy, 18th century inspired, D&D homebrew does something similar of "same base statline, different properties" that Shad is describing. Granted, I'm using the 17th-18th century saber instead of the medieval arming sword, but the same principle could be applied to classic medieval fantasy as well. For reference here is what all my sabers do: - Infantry saber (Hanger): 1d8 slashing. Has a homebrewed parrying property, as well as the finesse property. - Cavalry saber. 1d8 slashing. Also has the finesse property, but instead of parrying, its damage increases to 1d10 while mounted, (since 17th and 18th century cavalrymen tended to slash down at infantrymen from horseback using their heavier sabers.) - Bastard saber (a fantasy sword loosely based off the Swiss Saber and Shad's katana with a falchion hilt): 1d8 slashing, finesse property. Has the versatile (1d10) property, like the 5e longsword.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Actually most sword cutting competitions at bigger events such as CombatCon, and SoCal Swordfight either has a separate arming sword cutting event from longsword, or asking all contestants to also participate in the arming sword category (if they haven't brought an arming sword, they can take a loan sword from the host for the duration of the match--usually donated by one of the event sponsors). Arming sword/falchion test cutting is alive and well in the HEMA and sword community.

[@TiroDvD]

"Adapt, improvise, overcome."

[@ObsidianLiger]

the shatlands...I mean errrr shadlands, sounds pretty good

[@Medievalshields]

The arming sword was probably very popular in the the medieval period especially before armour properly developed as they were using shields

[@lotharrenz4621]

come to think of it, if I recall right the only RPG that uses the actual Arming Sword name is GURPS, namely a supplement book I think is called Medieval Adventures. there is also another concentrating on King Arthur(tm) and the timeline. that was the trick with GURPS, you buy one relatively thick book with all the universal rules, and the supplements would provide you with a background to play with, and all necessary info including prominent NPC persons. most of these details were well-researched, too.

[@marcogenovesi8570]

Good to see you jumped on the "clips channel" meta, it's all the rage nowadays

[@jnorth3341]

In the original D&D Garry didn't include arming swords but the descriptions of long swords showed the meant arming sword. Starting out there were only three swords in the game, short sword (1d6 dmg), long sword (1d8 dmg), and two-handed sword (1d12 dmg). Since he was the OG of RPGs that error has carried through to today.

[@drizztdourden1060]

As they included the flail which is essentially a warhammer only onehanded they should did the same with arming sword and longsword. I think that the DM is free to implement the panoply as well to adjust the range of glaives and pikes which have the same reach in standard rules. Bucklers are also disappeared.

[@Suzanne_sf]

Thank you! I've never heard of the arming sword before!

[@MayBeSomething]

The reason arming/one-handed swords deal less damage in RPGs/video games is because no game dev wants to program/implement even 1/4th of the number of types of sword profiles, so they only put in one that they can save time, energy, and other such resources. And then, adding on to that, they need to keep game balance in mind. I'm making a board game, and I have had to make MANY sacrifices in the name of balance. It sucks, but that's the unfortunate reaity. Love the video, though!

[@Volenzar]

In RPG's and whatnot, they're aiming for game balance, Real life, they're aiming for not that. Simple as that.

[@ZugzugZugzugson]

i think the arming sword became popular because, as the name implies; its a standard soldier's weapon, you easily "arm" someone with one. they require less steel (and skill) to fabricate than fancier/longer swords, and they are easy and simple to use even in unskilled hands (note how i didn't say "master")... the best bang-for-your-buck weapon to provide a man _at arms_ if you're looking to save some gold without having to put the man at (too much) risk.. to arm a regiment of professional swordsmen with something like greatswords (or the even fancier zweihander type sword) is way more expensive because it requires a lot more steel and bunch of skilled artisan blacksmiths, not to mention strong, capable, talented men to wield them. there's a reason specialized german infantry (the "Landsknechts") were highly sought after by the highest of lords, not only for their skill in battle, but for the sheer prestige. a lord who wants to brag to another lord would probably talk endlessly about how he got the best soldiers the land has to offer at his whims, while the lesser lords would pretend to be happy to scrape by with cheaper alternatives (hint: they were definitely jealous of the guy who could afford the professional swordsmen). i would say the arming sword is the "spear" of the sword category if you catch my drift, which is also funny in and of itself as i am almost certain the arming sword was a standard secondary weapon to go along with said spear (which is by far the most effective medieval weapon in both skilled and unskilled hands). all that being said, there is absolutely no shade to be thrown at the arming sword, it is a great weapon and popular choice for good reasons.

[@UncleMikeDrop]

We're not saying you can't OWN a sword. We're not saying you can't CARRY a sword. We're just saying DON'T BRING YOUR SWORDS TO TOWN. 😜

[@RepressedObeseCat]

That was informative. Thanks for the historical context! Based on my arm chair experience... Infantry (formation fighting) - shorter (arming) swords. Calvary - longer swords. When your unit gets disbanded and you take up adventuring to avoid being a farmer, solo adventurers switch to the weapon(s) that suits their individual style - I assume the average adventurer wants a reach advantage, so bastard and long swords would dominate. Team players need to take the team's balance into account - defensive players would have shields and shorter swords. Probably a lot of arming swords on the medieval surplus market as discharged infantrymen take up adventuring/mercenary jobs. Short swords, long knives and back carried weapons (axes) would dominate with bandits as they would be less cumbersome moving on foot through heavy brush. Just my opinions.

[@weirdchick257]

After seeing it just once, The Xiphos is my favorite sword design.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

The Medieval Review channel is called Thomas Riley now. He also doesn't really do sword content on the channel anymore and hasn't posted anything in 10 months. His old vids reviewing swords are still on the channel though and are worth watching.

[@pkonneker]

I love the swords and rayguns trope. Sword in one hand, handgun in the other? Dream combo. Usually think of cutlass in that combo, but the arming sword does have a certain panache. 🧐

[@DanielMWJ]

Because pirates would have one or more one-shot pistols in boarding actions.

[@merakimelodies8931]

Another great video, as always, Shad! We are with you and love your content, education, and entertainment! Good luck with Shadiversity and The ShadLands: praying for you, your friends and family, and your channels! Sending this video to friends of mine who are fellow martial-artists and history-and-culture-lovers! God bless, and keep it up! 😊

[@masterswordsmen]

We need a cutting gauntlet where you use every sword you own with your mates and see which sword is the best for each of you.

[@helgesamuelsen3997]

Yes, but what about dragons!!!!

[@Timenaught]

Scabard: *Falls over* Shad: “Why tho?”

[@TheSeth256]

Interestingly, in Souls games, arming sword+shield is one of the best combinations of equipment for beating all challenges. I'd argue it's also the most beginner-friendly, as you can learn enemies' attacks by blocking them instead of requiring perfect timing for dodge. Arming swords are also very agile so they can be swung without leaving yourself up for counterattacks.

[@TheSpongyMallard]

I feel like the straight sword in Dark Souls and Elden Ring are based off of arming swords, but have longer handles to allow two handing it. The great swords are more long sword size generally.

[@ericbowers5968]

Keep up the great work

[@ideenlos9242]

Can I get an Episode about the Swords (and other weapons) of Skyrim ??

[@jamesross9724]

If you want distance use a spear or projectile weapon. And the samurai regarded the shoto as the guardian of their honor because you can use them in close quarters,and you cant duel or fight another swordsman anywhere else. The samurai took them everywhere even into the rooms they performed the tea ceremony in.

[@mycroft3322]

I love the way Shad just nerds out about awesome swords. Today I learned that my sword is actually an arming sword, but it’s balanced for slashing (being a Norse cavalry sword) and not hand to hand combat.

[@ripperorb]

The arming sword is also known as the knightly sword because its the one a squire was given when he became a knight. It was one of the main symbols of knighthood itself that all knights received.

[@larenfarmer]

Love watching Shadiversity videos.

[@katwitanruna]

Arming swords kick.

[@Myomer104]

Usually, when I've seen it in fantasy, the bastard sword is placed between longsword and greatsword, swapping the way the real versions would be. Looking at the three D&D editions I'm familiar with: 3.5: Shortsword (d6) > Longsword (d8 with bonus damage when 2-handed) > Bastard Sword (d10, can only be used 2-handed without special training, whereupon it gains the same bonus as Longsword) > Greatsword (2d6, can only be used 2-handed) 4: Shortsword (d6) > Longsword (same as 3.5) > Greatsword (d10, 2-handed only) > Bastard Sword (d10 with bonus damage when 2-handed, can only be used with special training) > Fullblade (d12, 2-handed only, can only be used with special training) 5: Shortsword > Longsword > Greatsword

[@hesperonis]

Saw a video the other day on a real life story of a man trying to fight a shark with a sword. I am guessing an arming sword would be better for that then a bastard sword!

[@JJP8XIV]

Hey Shad please correct me if I'm off a bit, but the sweet spot on most swords is only about a decimeter? 10 centimeters or so.

[@bjlbernal]

When it comes to weapon stats in games, the to-hit bonus should go up with the length of the blade, the damage minimum should go up with the girth/profile width of the blade, and the number of hands used for the attack should give extra random bonus damage. Examples: An arming sword used with two hands would be +1 to-hit, weapon minimum damage of 2 + rolled damage, plus bonus damage for two hands. A long sword used with one hand would get a +2 to-hit, weapon minimum damage of 1 + rolled damage, but no bonus damage for using 1 hand. I get the feeling I'm describing something like D&D Pathfinder.

[@user-cu2bh8uh4i]

😎👍 like the comparison on what are some of the similarities and differences in swords . Good video

[@NontpNonjo]

Why the hell does this only have 30k views?? There's no way the clickthrough ratio is that bad. That clicky title was on point!

[@mansfieldtime]

. While Best is subjective, ignored or unappreciated as you put it, is relative to those with control over large reaching info.