The Witcher - Weapons of Blaviken

Witcher by Netflix, starring Henry Cavill was a stand out series for 2019/20. Nick Jeffries as HOD of the Armoury Department / Weapons Designer and myself, as maker of many of the hero props, are two guys heavily involved in the show, and in this film, we have a ‘show and tell’ about Geralts' and Renfris' swords in the context of the Blaviken fight.
As we both have an intimate knowledge of the thinking, design and manufacture of the weapons, we know more about these pieces than anyone, and here we share our thoughts over a table full of original props.
If you want to know more of my thoughts on film weapons, this will interest you "Why are film swords always wrong?" • Why are movie swords a...
With many thanks to Netflix for allowing us to make and share this video. www.netflix.com​
Henry Cavill explains about the Witcher swords in this official Netflix video here • Henry Cavill Explains ... ​
Henry Cavill breaks down the Blaviken fight scene and discusses visual effects in this official Netflix video here • Henry Cavill Breaks Do... ​
Tods Workshop custom historical pieces todsworkshop.com​
Tod Cutler production historical pieces todcutler.com​
Tods Workshop T shirts are available here todsworkshop.creator-spring.com/

[@lucasstratton3452]

I love that Tod is humble enough/cares enough about really teaching his viewers that he can stop say "sorry I was wrong, here's what I should've said and here's why". Very genuine and very appreciated!

[@scottmune4484]

Yea, he's passionate with his trade and it shows, it really does.

[@odizzido]

2:56 "we can take the pomel off" WHOA WHOA be careful with that thing!

[@FlinnGaidin]

Might accidentally end someone rightly.

[@privatebaldric8767]

Honestly, I would watch these two go through every single prop in the series 😄

[@sirwi11iam]

Can't wait for the YT algorithm gods to fall upon Tod's channel and give him the millions of subs he deserves.

[@lukeorlando4814]

I will like and comment just in hope of exactly that

[@ulrichkalber9039]

@@lukeorlando4814 seconded

[@kanamisprs4330]

For the algorithm.

[@ulrichkalber9039]

@@kanamisprs4330 for Gondor!

[@tods_workshop]

Sir William - thanks and I hope that too

[@sandwichdelta]

You know a prop designer/maker is good when they can pick up one of their works and tell a story with it. The bit with 200 year old characters still using swords from another era is just brilliant. I wish some certain big Hollywood writers and directors put as much effort into the worldbuilding and details of their films as you guys put into your prop weapons.

[@Hiltok]

Feedback for Netflix: I wasn't interested in The Witcher until I saw Tod's earlier videos with Nick, but have now watched the entire series and can't wait for the next.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks Hiltok

[@michimatsch5862]

Please read the books. They are so good. The netflix serious is good but they are missing so much. If you like the series give the books a go.

[@Hiltok]

@@michimatsch5862 I'll probably do just that.

[@TheMaxbrooks]

Same here, just another one I scrolled past but since Tod's had a hand in it I've given it a chance and I'm quite enjoying it.

[@bearinabag2448]

Yo same. Haven’t had a Netflix account in years, saw one of these videos, absolutely needed to watch the Witcher and absolutely enjoyed it

[@keithallardice6139]

"I love it when a plan comes together...!" Seriously though, thanks for these videos with Nick, they are genuinely fascinating and they give us lovely little further insights into the show that we would never otherwise get. Much appreciated!!

[@gallaros9]

I could watch these two talk about weapons all day

[@anthonyrector8183]

Since the pommel can be screwed off, will there be a future shot of the Witcher ending someone rightly?

[@ironhorse4376]

LOL good question!

[@30035XD]

Oh stop that already will ya? It was not funny the first time and it is not now on the millionth.

[@tods_workshop]

Who knows - it was a real thing, but of course we now know the word was swiftly not rightly, though of course I love the mistranslation like almost everyone else

[@huehuecoyotl2]

Could you imagine the massive, collective nerdgasm if they showed a fight scene where Geralt actually threw a pommel?

[@IamOutOfNames]

@@30035XD It always was funny.

[@NetAndyCz]

Cannot wait to see your weapons in the season 2 :)

[@tods_workshop]

Same here; they were made in a different age - pre Covid, so it seems so long ago

[@ScottKenny1978]

"sometimes, it's the little things that take the longest to figure out" The last 10% of a project takes 90% of the time.

[@ArcticTurnip]

The Witcher and Tod are worth a click

[@QuentinStephens]

More! It would be wonderful if you were to have a discussion with one of the actors about all this.

[@tods_workshop]

We would love that too and maybe one day

[@joeojeda4651]

@@tods_workshop i imagine Henry Cavill would love to if his schedule allowed.

[@suedavenport7793]

Oh, yes, please. Get Henry in.

[@IPostSwords]

Renfri's sword gives me strong szczerbiec vibes, with that particular piercing in the blade.

[@MaaZeus]

The szcs-what now?

[@IPostSwords]

@@MaaZeus Polish coronation sword, which has a pierced ricasso in a similar style. you can find photos on the net of it, some of which show it from the back side where it is most visible.

[@MaaZeus]

@@IPostSwords Oh! The name probably looks less weird in polish cyrillic letters. 😅

[@IPostSwords]

@@MaaZeus Polish doesnt use cyrillic.

[@MaaZeus]

@@IPostSwords After a quick Google you are right. I always thought they used cyrillics. My bad. Although I did find out that Polish cyrillics did exist in history but was never really widespread.

[@jm9371]

I re-watched the first season of Witcher after the last video on this subject. I paid a LOT more attention to the details in the weapons and armor and enjoyed it even more than the first play through.

[@totherarf]

This stuff is Timeless! I don't mean the blades, ...... I mean the two guys talking together about a subject with real passion that is of interest to many!

[@fenriswolf3874]

Really enjoying this series with you and Nick. Thank you! Looking forward to season 2 Witcher.

[@tods_workshop]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@BjornFriborg]

As a huge witcher fan and professional historian this is my absolute jam - I salute you guys! Keep being awesome.

[@user-vt5hx1kz7l]

12 mins is not enough. Could listen to both of you for hours. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Witcher: "Toss a coin to my blacksmiths...."

[@ptonpc]

I love these 'behind the scenes' videos showing the amount of care and attention you all paid to these.

[@VickiVampiressYT]

I can already tell this is going to be interesting. Some fantastic work here as usual!

[@juanixinauj]

I really love the extra insight you bring about some of the behind scene decisions regarding the weapons used in the series. Thank you!!

[@huehuecoyotl2]

This is getting me so damn hyped for Season 2. Thanks so much for making these videos. They add a whole new depth of enjoyment when watching the Witcher series.

[@mopippenger7373]

I really love seeing these insights into the Fantasy film and TV industry, how people come together for these projects, the considerations they have to make, it's all fascinating!

[@kf505]

I find these talks about the Witcher armory very interesting! I had no idea so much thought went into each and every piece used on set. Nick sure puts his mind into them after reading the scripts and those who actually make the weapons do a fantastic job creating what he imagined. Thank you both for these excellent videos.

[@MarketResearchReading114]

Absolutely lovely chat, loved the show, loved the behind the scenes bit with the showing of the half sword, I just absolutely adored the first season I hope the enjoyment is not lost on them. It really was a lovely production. The blade work in the production was a fair treat to me to see as a fan of swords given to me from gaming.

[@seanc3362]

Man I love these film weapon series you guys do! Thanks!

[@Sadduur]

This channel deserves much more attention!

[@Theicemonkeyjr]

I love this stuff so much, the passion you guys have for a show and world i love is hugely inspiring

[@mikurusagawa6897]

Nick is probably the best addition to this channel. Love the way he is talking about stuff!

[@sillyquiet]

I really appreciate the amount of thought that goes into these props to balance the needs of the production against historical plausibility and validation of those decisions, and of course the artistic sensibilities of the craftspeople. It's probably a tricky balance to get right.

[@RobanyBigjobz]

Really enjoy these videos with Nick, learning that each weapons has a backstory even if it's only in Nick's head.

[@LivingAnachronism]

To my shame, I hadn't realized that you did some of the weapons for the Witcher show! Thank you so much for doing this video, my respect for the production side of the show has definitely increased and it is beyond thrilling to see this blend of fantasy design and historical practicality. I really love what Mr. Jeffries said that these weapons have a history and they didn't just get them yesterday and that he designed them to have roots from different cultures and time periods within the world. Little things like that don't always come through when you're watching, but it's really great to know that this amount of thought and passion went into the design and making of these weapons and it wasn't just a "it looks cool" design as we see in some other venues. I continue to love and be impressed by your work Tod, thank you again. I can't wait for the day when I have a piece for my kit made by you. And as an actor and youtuber myself, I can only hope that one day I get to wield a weapon made by you on the silver screen as well. Cheers.

[@nahte123]

Insightful as always! Keep up this series please!

[@melvinsamson5684]

I discovered this channel just a day ago, and holy cow I'M IN LOVE with it so much! The information, the passion it's so riveting! I'm really hoping they do a vid based on weapons based in Middle Earth too!

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks Melvin, thats really appreciated

[@KalaamNozalys]

The show truly had amazing weapon designs, you all did a great job.

[@microspartan]

I really loved this video and your discussion, so interesting. thank you for sharing

[@danielforrest3871]

love seeing you and Nick!

[@AgentGB1]

Really neat to see the behind the scenes props and thinking, pretty neat you guys have such connections, need to get Henry Cavill on there for a mess about.

[@lothbroke]

I was hoping to get a look at the la beidana from that episode. Please have him bring that sometime if you can. Thanks for showing these I love this channel.

[@ChristianRoyUtah]

Great video! Thanks for doing this!

[@not-a-theist8251]

Love this series, never got such an interesting insight in prop making or anything like this before. I have been a fan of Witcher for well over 5 years and the Netflix series was amazing.

[@Oldtanktapper]

I’d love to see some videos about the actual manufacturing processes you guys use. There must be an interesting balance between speed and cost efficiency, and the hand forming necessary to achieve the historical look.

[@MrGrimsmith]

It's interesting for me to see how the craftsman (that's you Tod, in case you hadn't guessed!) interacts with the comissioner of the pieces. The hilt side of things was a particularly nice touch - what I heard was "Henry couldn't do what he wanted to with it" and a change was both faciltated by you in the construction and Nick in providing an alternative. The changes to the quillons are also within the same bracket, listen to the person using them as long as they have clue. He does, you both did and awesome ocurred. Me? I'll keep my pointy sticks and hitty things - "Stick the bad person with the pointy end or hit them with the heavy end". Job done if I can't use one of my bows :)

[@DarinMDillard]

Truly great stuff, Tod.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I also like the little details that are put in even though we, as viewers of the show, might never get to notice. Like the extra decoration dots on the handle of Renfrey's sword, and the lines and dots decorating the cutout in the blade.

[@888johnmac]

really liked the Witcher series .. loving these behind-the-scenes / designer , maker insights

[@grantpflum6844]

Details like this, where you here about how hard Henry trained for his scenes and actively worked with people to try and improve his performance, really drives home how lucky the show was to have him and the team working with him. Also, damn are these props pretty!

[@ShagShaggio]

I really love the look of these swords. Cheers!

[@alexandermartinez1318]

Haha the part where he calls himself out. I respect that

[@chrismiksworld]

Henry Even Speaks about how He and Nick came to make the Changes in the Sword so he could have better Wrist Movement in an awesome interview segment he did for the witcher. This is So freaking awesome. Tod, you are doing such Amazing interesting downright Freaking Awesome things my Friend and you Deserve all the Credit in the world

[@battlereed4708]

I would love to be able to get that short sword and dagger combo. Looks amazing

[@gaiusbrutus7174]

i know i asked this on previous videos, but once again i would love to hear Nick's opinion on the nilfgaardian armor in the first season, since it sparked so much controversy

[@suntiger745]

I would also be curious about that. I didn’t like the look of it, but that’s a subjective thing. What irked me more is that it didn’t look like it fit into the world, which really stood out because pretty much everything else did look like it fit into the world, even the two zarakenian bodyguards who are supposed to be exotic-looking in the lands Geralt travel in. How to say it... They looked exotic, but organic. Like they fit the world. The Nilfgardian soldiers’ armor did not. Although, it’s perfectly possible it was a budget issue and they just had to make do with what they could afford. Which would be an interesting topic in and of itself.

[@BOOOGTVR4]

Todd, new style is awesome! I realy like it

[@TheUncleRuckus]

I love these episodes! Now I haven't actually watched any of The Witcher show as I don't have Netflix but this is still super interesting justvto see the thought process and to get some historical context. As well as see some beautiful handmade weapons 👍👍

[@Fazoer]

Great content!

[@saracurlywurly4467]

Hey Tod, really enjoy your videos, just a heads up that there's a new show coming up called Wheel of Time, the books have amazing descriptions of armour, weapons and names of sword forms, it will be great to see a video from you in the future! I've shared your video for the #TwitterOfTime community 😁

[@opesam]

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"

[@MollymaukT]

Kinda wished they had that machete with an extra grip on the blade

[@baronprocrastination1722]

Pretty sure the thing was called a beidana. Proportions are a little different, but it's practically identical otherwise.

[@tods_workshop]

Yes beidana, an Italian thing, but not by me. Great discussion of these on www.myarmoury.com myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=32368&highlight=beidana

[@Swarm509]

Hopefully you can one day get Henry Cavill on to discuss using the swords from the point of view of an actor, from simply having them on him during scenes, what they did to help him get into the character, and finally to use in fights and stunts. It was covered a bit here but directly from him, just casual like this, would be amazing.

[@72Jspencer]

Now if I could buy a replica of Geralt's sword in sprung steel suitable for stage combat, that would be great! Beautiful creations.

[@mikemcginley6309]

Great channel!

[@angrypotato_fz]

Yay, yay, yay! I'm so glad this series continues :) I love listening to your discussions. Tod, you both mentioned that after the actors tried the weapons it occured that some changes were needed and you had to remake a few parts. I suppose the filming time on set was as short and intense as possible, so the props had to be reworked quickly. If it's not a secret: Did you stay on set or nearby during filming? (I wonder if it's even possible for you to have a "mobile workshop") Or, more likely for me, you were at your place - did you and production team have to send the items back and forth through express delivery? (and rely on the shipment process) Also, there is a typo in the description - it's Renfri's sword, as you said in the video, not Yennefer's ;)

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks for the typo nudge. I generally work from my place and ship stuff back and forth but there is always and armourer on set and yes they have more general workshop near by

[@angrypotato_fz]

@@tods_workshop Thank you for your reply - appreciated!

[@lord1todd]

I love the fact that Henry Cavill cares about even the smallest of details as much as you two!

[@desertlizard4723]

Wow, what gorgeous swords.

[@chstoney]

Regarding holes in blades, The Sword of Saint Wenceslas is a 10th-century blade that was fitted with a cross-shaped hole possibly in 12th century. However it is not a steel but an iron blade, and it was not a fighting blade but a ceremonial one after that.

[@gerbrandlub]

I can recall certain polearms like Halberds having holes in their steel to lighten it. I can imagine they brought that idea over to swords too though rarely.

[@oolooo]

Finally , gemstones in crossguards and pommels .Respect .

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

Awesome!!!

[@railroaderreddoor76]

Out standing!

[@tomothybahamothy]

I LOVE the "silver sword' with the white grip, I would love to find one made from good steel. It's not shown here but in another video

[@Erikreaver]

Just a little thing of note that I find relevant to the hole in the sword, while in this case it might be purely aesthetic, there are places where holes in weapons serve a function. For example, Kirpichinkov type IV axes of early middle ages, of slavic origin, sometimes sport a single hole in the blade. Why is that? There was a wooden sheath for an axe found in Novogorod, where there is a hole in it to correspond to the axe blade, to put a pin in to keep the sheath in place! Thought that because the reason for something being there isn't readily apparent does not mean it isn't have one. :)

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks Erik, I didn't know that and really neat. We actually made another sword for series 2 with a hole through the blade that did serve a function, but in the end it wasn't used; cant say what it did though....

[@VSO_Gun_Channel]

Very very cool

[@extrastuff9463]

How often do tv/film productions you've made stuff for allow these kinds of opportunities? I suspect it's not all that common, you did mention it was filmed over a year ago and I'm sure companies generally wouldn't be happy with having videos about their pieces out there before release. Once the tv/film product is made then you'd have to be lucky for the stuff to still be near you or intact to make a video about it. I guess one way around it would be a very long embargo until their product is released. Anyway nice video as always, wouldn't mind if this becomes a longer series if at all possible.

[@rosameltrozo5889]

It's funny how authentic they tried to made that stuff look for then all of it being completely thrown out of the window by the "looks" of the actors.

[@IronCow8]

I know ill be paying much more attention to the weapons next season

[@Raz.C]

GREAT!!! Now I want to watch The Witcher for the 27th time!!! Damn you guys!!!

[@boid9761]

Have you tried recreating the weapons from Dark Souls? Sunlight Straight Sword, Heide Knight Sword, and Lothric Knight Sword respectively

[@HylanderSB]

I'll be honest, as a viewer, I'd never considered that there could be that much content in just the design of things. Of course it makes sense now but I guess I just never thought about it. As if I needed a reason to rewatch The Witcher.

[@concretecowboy4212]

Thnxs 4 sharing 🇺🇸

[@dandondon]

Very good vid

[@HebaruSan]

It's kind of cool how the games have us go through so many different swords as a progression mechanic, so when the show needs to change them, it's no big deal.

[@ThunderLord1]

I dod not know what I was expecting coming to watch this video so soon, but Vietnamese subtitles ? Did not see that one coming. I'll wait for the Eng subs ;)

[@mchernett]

Sorry! KZbin's auto translate (which we usually base our manual ones on) has messed up on this one for some reason. We'll try to fix it if we can.

[@ThunderLord1]

@@mchernett No rush man, I always appreciate the work that goes into these subtitles. They're a great help. Thanks for that ;)

[@mchernett]

@@ThunderLord1 It took a while, but we fixed it! English subtitles should be selectable now (couldn't delete the Vientnamese auto translation so they'll have to stay, they're pretty funny anyway)

[@hebl47]

Is such close interaction and feedback between weapons master and lead actors standard practice or is it rare? Because I find such quick adaptability really fascinating!

[@Antiganos]

Really depends on the show, but I work in film so I'll try and add some info. In this case, it's a long-running episodic show with a big name actor who's doing his own fight work, therefore, including their input into keeping things comfy is definitely worth it to the studio's wallet, because you want to keep them happy, and you're plain and simple gonna be there a while. For something like a conventional movie shoot, odds are you get handed your props, and unless there's a problem with it preventing you from doing your job well, you just accept the quirks and move on after filming. TLDR, on most shoots, art department makes it pretty and you make it work, but if you've got some power and it's gonna be a longer shoot (or TV show), then you may have the ability to change it. Always way more fun when you get to choose stuff, but most often, you're handed your stick and told where to swing it and you go and do it, unless stuff starts rattling off of it. Cheers!

[@Sawtooth44]

an anime character by the name of Shirou Emiya would be having a blast looking at these swords simply because of a magic that he has mastered, in simple terms if he sees a sword he instantly records everything about the sword into his soul that he can bring up at any time, from how its made, how its used to its history and its mystical properties, all these weapons would stand proudly with legendary armaments just because of the amount of care and thought that went into these weapons

[@ironhorse4376]

I never had a desire to watch the Witcher until now!

[@yassin-nv6iy]

Hi. Is it possible to put ceramic plates between layers of a gambison and test it with arrows. I think medieval people had access to this material. Thank you.

[@CraigLYoung]

My question is with different versions of the same sword and how they shoot films, how does the prop master know with version is correct for the scene?

[@hoid-pf6lb]

So, I read the books a few years ago, play the games, see the series and watch Tod's videos. And I need more!

[@evancashman7614]

Pls do another one of these with S2 weapons if you can!

[@Verbose_Mode]

It's not bothering me, but... does anyone else think that Nick sounds like his voice is being run through a filter and slowed down?

[@janehollander1934]

Had this same thought during their first videos. Made me think of the hostage-taker's voice being distorted during the "ransom phone call"✌🏻. (I've clearly seen too many films😅)

[@CanalTremocos]

Interesting point at the start. Nowadays is fair to expect an artisan's hands to be much bigger than the average person's, even a buff Hollywood actor.

[@Bearsmith23]

Would be interesting to see Henry or any of the other Actors show up for a discussion. Far fetched but I think it would be cool and much fun for all.

[@guycullum3927]

Henry is a geek like us, he would so be up for it

[@beardedbjorn5520]

I always thought it was weird that one of the thugs was using a gladius.

[@_aullik]

I actually really like the hole in the sword. Not sure how this affects the balance point tho. Will make it somewhat lighter tho.

[@vaporz109]

1:51 Is it really true that removing the upper palm swell in the grip would speed up his grabbing of the sword? I’d imagine that it would slow down grabbing the handle with a narrower grip. Super interesting!

[@tods_workshop]

Personal preference I guess

[@zackshi5640]

Out of curiosity, is it possible to buy one of the blaviken swords?

[@thalesofmiletus6162]

Can we get a dive on back scabbards? Your design is worth talking about!

[@Kretek]

While I dont know what inspired mister Nick Jeffries and Tod to add this cutout to Renfri's sword blade, it reminds me that many swords in CDPR W3 had similar design. And Im pretty sure that in their case (being Polish studio) they were inspired by most important sword in Polish history, Szczerbiec (good luck trying to pronounce that xD ). One of most characteristic elements of this sword is long hole in middle of blade just under the hilt. It wasn't made intentionaly though, rust is guilty of it. d-art.ppstatic.pl/kadry/k/r/31/0f/54a6f41915741_o_original.jpg en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szczerbiec

[@angrypotato_fz]

It always seemed to me that the hole was there to mount the emblem :)

[@shakdidagalimal]

Liked this one the best of the three not sure why.