This Sword *Could* be Great, But... ARGH!

This is my test and review of the Kingston Arms 13th century arming sword (Atrim design), which you can find here: www.kultofathena.com/product/...
AKA the "sword of mixed feelings"... There are plenty of things I like about it, but also something that I find irritatingly disappointing. Let's take a closer look...
** Specifications **
Overall length: 87 cm (34-1/4'')
Blade length: 71 cm (28'')
Blade thickness: 5.5 mm (1/4'') at the guard, tapering down to 3.5 mm (1/8'')
Weight: 970 g (2 lbs 2 oz)
Point of balance: 12 cm (4-3/4'') from the guard
Blade material: 9260 high carbon steel
Hilt construction: Full tang, peened
Price: $388.95 USD (as of November 2022)
** Music credits **
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission
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[@lairdcummings9092]

"Mixed Feelings" can, in some ways, be worse than consistent disappointment - you can find yourself debating over the virtues and vices, rather than dismissing and walking away.

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

It's the famous medium. But I prefer medium to bad.

[@ThothFrog]

And yet a medium sword, if it is all you have, is still better than a sword that is certain to fail you.

[@lairdcummings9092]

@@ThothFrog thing is, it's not "medium." It's good. And it's bad. It's a well constructed sword. That cannot cut. It might as well be a lightweight club. But it's too light to be a good club, either.

[@novaenricarter705]

@@lairdcummings9092 Yes sir it's never as black and white as most people think it. Not a matter of grade, way to many factors to even "Grade" a sword in that way.

[@elitemook4234]

The closer something gets to greatness the more glaring it's flaws become.

[@mcintoshpc]

Good thing for everyone to keep in mind for like Basically everything lol

[@radvin1417]

I mean the flaw's recognizable from miles away The sword doesn't sword. Not the proper saying here

[@silentassassin47]

isn't that with EVERY ASPECT of the UNIVERSE?

[@nikmenn2751]

@@radvin1417 It's blade, the sword doesn't blade.

[@m0-m0597]

Sorry, but for that amount of money..

[@kellymccabe9154]

Hey Skall, just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work. It does not go unappreciated, your efforts to spread knowledge and dispel misinformation. Your channel helped me get into practicing HEMA a few years back. Cheers!

[@Skallagrim]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@joshmitchell3002]

@@Skallagrim what's this text me thing?

[@Skallagrim]

Scammer bots, they've been popping up a lot lately. I always remove and block that garbage as soon as I see it.

[@JasonMBroyles]

The Sword of Mixed Feelings sounds like a D&D artifact.

[@yunaka_gaming]

A sword that turns you into neutral alignnment while holding it

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

One that lacks the finesse property and gives you a bonus to Dexterity and penalty to Strength (the latter being the attribute used for attacking with a sword). But only when wielding the sword, so the Dexterity bonus won't help an archer wearing the sword in it's scabbard while wielding a bow or crossbow.

[@iantaakalla8180]

When you multiclass such that you have multiple arms so that you could wield a sword and a bow at the same time, negating the problems of Sword of Mixed Feelings

[@erikm12]

"Should we trust them, Your Neutralness?" "All I know is my gut says, 'maybe'."

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

@@iantaakalla8180 If the sword is a short sword (making it a light weapon) a Thri-Kreen could do it. I don't think there are any other options granting arms that can wield weapons? Maybe Polymorph or True Polymorph into a four armed monster?

[@lsrder9385]

"The sword of mixed feelings" sounds like something a DM would give your character as a troll reward after you rolled a bit too high on the d20 and ruined his plans for the session. A powerful magic sword, but wielding it ruins your self-confidence and makes you second-guess all of your actions in battle (also debuff initiative).

[@ngotemna8875]

You have to double every dice roll and use the average of both. Can ruin a good first roll but also save you from a bad one.

[@JacobColeman-tu3sb]

That sounds like a good way for that DM to loose that player.

[@jaysblades]

This largely mirrored my experience with the same sword. I was able to cut with it but with great difficulty and after much edge refinement.

[@ColdNapalm42]

Edge is also something very easy to fix.

[@Skallagrim]

@@ColdNapalm42 The edge itself is easy to fix, the entire blade profile is not.

[@planescaped]

@@ColdNapalm42 Touching up an edge is easy enough. Reprofiling the blade so that the edge tapers smoothly to the fuller, as it should, is not.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@Skallagrim It's still easy relatively speaking. Compared to some other issues I have had with other swords that needed fixing. I have re-profiled many DSA blades that were worse than KA ones...and those old ones were hard as hell steel to boot on top of atrocious edges. My own Hanwei Tinker line bastard sword I reprofiled by hand because the edges on the first batch of those were pretty bad too. Even with doing it by hand...not that hard of a fix...once again compared to other issues I have seen in swords. Like regrinding distal tapers on a sword so it is balanced correctly. Or removing 4 ounces off a pommel for the same reason. Or trying to figure out how the mass needs to be moved to harmonically balance a sword. Hell, even something like the grip is made of junk wood and needs to be replaced unless it has a disassemble hilt is gonna be more work than redo the edge entirely. And there are issues that are almost impossible to fix, like say an old Gen 2 sword having a too soft temper. Which without a blacksmith's help would be unfixable. Or DSA swords that had rattail tangs. If the ONLY issue is that you need to redo the edge...that is easy in my book.

[@basteala525]

@@ColdNapalm42 "I have re-profiled many DSA blades..." That's kind of the issue. It might be easy for you, but that's certainly not going to be the case for your average consumer. You're fooling yourself otherwise. Your average consumer is likely going to need professional help to fix it, and--while I could be wrong--the price point for that would be enough (combined with the sword itself) that you could probably afford another, better blade without such a glaring issue straight out the box. The blade edge could be fixable, it could even be incredible once fixed, but the value's only there if you have the equipment, skillset, and practice to do it on your own. And before your say "oh it's easy I wouldn't charge much", do you really think they said could be same about most people in the world seeing a glaring flaw that needs fixing, "easy" or not?

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

This is the reason why Angus Trim sort of lost interests supplying more designs to Kingston Arms, and start feeding Valiant Armoury designs to start the Vision line of sword this year. I filmed the review and cutting of this KA sword and I decided not to edit and release it as I don’t want to appear trashing Gus’ design JUST BECAUSE of the edge alone. I own over 100 swords and I have to sharpen/horn at least 80% of them to the level of sharpness satisfactory to me. This is by far the most difficult edge to sharpen, even than some of the swords that came with a 0.2mm dull edge. It demands a complete reprofile involving the removal of lots of material at a steep angle. Shame, really. Nice competent design by Gus, amazing handling.

[@Skallagrim]

Yes, Angus Trim did a great job in designing this and couldn't know that they would such a hack job with the grind.

[@johndododoe1411]

Can a good edge be made without removing the core mass? Perhaps a hollow grind that ends about 5mm behind the edge, thus going easily into the opponents skin, the outer layer of a tatami mat and the actual plastic of a bottle, but then the blade shoulders would grab.

[@winsunwong5648]

yea, but then youre basicay shaping the sword yourself lol

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@johndododoe1411 Type XIV swords should not have a hollow-ground bevel, that belongs to later swords, mostly mid-to-late 15th century and onward. Type XIV swords were popular primarily in late 13th and early 14th century. The cross sections are mostly lenticular (convex) but some have a flat-ground diamond cross section after the fuller termination (top 1/3 of the blade).

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@winsunwong5648 not really, just near the transition between the primarily bevel and secondary one, you need to blend the secondary bevel in and create an apple seed and preferably prolong the depth of the secondary bevel.

[@droolhd]

It's fun to see that it didn't even manage a simple water bottle.

[@SeemsLogical]

This sword was what I wanted as my first starter sword. $400 is a good price point and it looks much better than what Cold Steel, Hanwei & Windlass has on offer and costs half the price of the high end stuff like Albion, Dark sword and Valiant Armory. And having Angus Trim's name tied to it is always a plus. But the edge is important. It's a shame that this is a "project sword" immediately upon leaving the factory.

[@JosiahEidolon]

I bought it and completely reprofiled the edge with a belt grinder. Now its my favorite cutter. Harbor Freight belt grinder and belts up through strop belt makes a sweet edge.

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

Sure, but add a few hundred dollars of tools to the price of the sword, and it's cheaper to just buy a sword that actually cuts out of the box.

[@TeaBurn]

@@Dennis-vh8tz Don't forget the man-hours that would have needed to be put into reprofiling it. Time is money.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@Dennis-vh8tz Other than if you plan to get swords that you are going to cut with regularly, you should have said tools ANYWAYS. Also, even with Albions, you are gonna want a belt grinder to get that edge sharper if you are competition level serious about cutting. So really...it's not an added cost unless you are going to just dabble in cutting. Also the sander + belt in gonna be under 100 bucks.

[@breaden4381]

@@ColdNapalm42 Not the intended use of a worksharp grinder, but it does make edges on Windlass swords that glide through tatami

[@alientude]

Mixed feelings is a great way to describe this sword. I did a review of one (that was not mine, and was sharpened professionally). Most of the sword is excellent, but the one I had, the blade wasn't seated fully in the crossguard - you could see the shoulders of the blade above the guard. But other than that flaw, the sword was SO very close to excellent. The problem is, I've seen too many people review these that all seem to have a problem or two. Quality Control just doesn't seem to be there. Here's my review, if anybody is interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZvKkJyYabiSkKM

[@perrytran9504]

Yo you reviewed this one too? I've been subbed for a while but somehow missed it!

[@alientude]

@@perrytran9504 KZbin is terrible about showing people videos from channels they subscribed to. It's why so many KZbinrs are always asking people to turn on notifications, so they don't miss videos. The other way to make sure you see them is to look for videos on your Subscriptions tab.

[@kingkazumaone9548]

Sword of mixed feelings...THAT'S WHAT SHE CALLED IT TOO

[@jeanladoire4141]

Oof

[@lairdcummings9092]

Savage.

[@richardnixon124]

Which is better than the sword of disappointment.

[@devin5201]

She said what I had just wouldn't cut it...

[@motorteeth]

Astherically pleasing but awkward in the hand

[@KIDFISTOMFC]

I actually purchased this sword around a year or two ago! It's definetly one of my favorite swords I currently own. I haven't had as many issues with cutting as Skal has, and I have been able to cut tatami. Though the cuts definetly didn't glide through. I also believe that I purchased this sword for around $300 after shipping. So I can definetly say at the current price it might not be something I'd buy now, but can't deny that I really like this sword given my specific circumstances.

[@Rodrik18]

It could honestly be a case of who made it. It's possible Skal got one from an apprentice or otherwise a sword maker who *just gave no fs that day*. It seems a bit unlikely that a 45° grind is the specification for all the Swords of this make to follow -- skal has a good deal of experience but sword smith's *really should know that this grind wouldn't be great on a lighter sword*. Perhaps I'm giving too much benefit of the doubt, but I can't really see any reputable company or individual putting this out intentionally... I mean maybe if they are just intentionally selling wall hangers with the added marketing of "battle ready"... but that's a quick way to lose the interest of customers

[@dark3031]

I could totally imagine a circumstance like this: New management: After the gone of the previous management, we will need to cut cost on every corner. Blacksmith, why does it take so long to grind the swords? Blacksmith: Because we need to make a 25 to 30 degree so it will... New management: Stop, why don't just make it 45 degree? It sounds better, and it will take less time right? Blacksmith: Technically yes, but you don't... New management: Alright, that concludes our discussion, we'll make our swords' edges at 45 degree.

[@perrytran9504]

@@Rodrik18 This specific model was quite popular and you don't market it with the Atrim name if you aren't confident it will be functional. It's perfectly possible this was a bad example as Kingston Arms is generally reputable for budget swords from what I see on forums.

[@artemisdarkslayer]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who had an issue cutting with this sword. My buddy and I both couldn't get this to cut anything. And we're not good at profiling or sharpening so idk If I'm going to just sell it for something else.

[@elijahoconnell]

i can profile an edge ill lift it from you

[@jamesb3497]

It's also harder to overlook the edge given the price point. $400 is a lot of money for something that, out of the box, is a glorified wall decoration.

[@kidthorazine]

I mean it is a fair amount of money, but it's also low mid-range for a functional reproduction Euro sword. I wouldn't really expect the edge to be that great tbh.

[@jamesb3497]

@@kidthorazine Not great, but able to cut a water bottle, at least.

[@kidthorazine]

@Jonathan Wolfe yeah but this is not that weird at this price range. With c&c made swords edge finishing is the most labor Intensive and expensive part and is the first place where corners get cut. That's why Kultofathena and hanwei both offer good sharpening as an extra service.

[@Wingzero90939]

@@kidthorazine But you can find cheaper Chinese made katanas that have a better edge than this thing… The Katana market like Ronin Katana for instance all of their budget swords have better edges than this arming sword which is just sad. Even Matt Easton’s new sword collaboration with windlass has a better edge out of the box and it’s only about $100 more I think.

[@Bacteriophagebs]

@@kidthorazine I wanted a Type XIV and considered this sword. I ended up buying a $85 one on Ebay made of D2 steel. It cut better than the one in the video even before I sharpened it. After I sharpened it, it became a fully functional sword. Eighty-five dollars, including shipping.

[@Quixotematic]

The secondary bevel looks like the sort of Accusharp edge that a retailer might put on something low-end from Windlass. It will cut a PET bottle but little else.

[@smokingbobs1344]

That's exactly what I thought haha

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

The vendor "sharpening services" are equally crude and ugly, but have an edge closer to 30 degrees, which is why they can cut PET bottle instead of batting it around like the sword reviewed here did.

[@Tletna]

"Well, you might say just cut it some slack - well, I can't, I can't cut anything with this.. " LOL That summed the whole video up well. It is too bad because while I think the hilt and pommel look oddly plastic in finish, the blade itself looks nice (good enough for the cost)..So, the thing that looks the best on the sword is sadly also the worst for actual cutting. And, it isn't even the balance, but just the edge only. Nowadays, one (hopefully) won't need it for self-defense, but still to not be able to practice cutting with a "battle-ready" sword like you said is disappointing. Why not just buy a wall hanger at that point then?

[@atomictoddler8692]

The first sword I bought was a 14th century longsword and I ran into this exact same issue with the edge. Very steep angle. I was sending bottles across the yard and thought it was my poor skill or a bad product. I ended up regrinding the entire thing (eyeballed the whole way) and now it cuts quite well. Can slice paper seamlessly and cut many bottles while maintaining it's edge.

[@hoi-polloi1863]

"This sword does everything a sword should do, except..." "Except what?" "Cut."

[@Mikisoq39]

i saw an Atrim desgined cutlass(made by Kingston arms), it wasn't even as sharp as my dull, never sharpened but rarely used kitchen knife.

[@OnlineMasterPlayer]

I noticed that your videos were getting more views as of recently, glad to see you on the up again hope it continues

[@Bahnking]

Reviews like this are great. Its good to hear clear negative points as well. We are used to very positive reviews, because makers of terrible swords probably wont bother sending your their wall hangers. Hearing you say a sword isnt as good as it can be, and then back it up like you do, brings credibility to you and the reviews you make. Keep it up!

[@tommeakin1732]

If anything I think this is just a great demonstrator of how important edge geometry is. You can optimally sharpen a 45 degree angle, but it's still a 45 degree angle. I think people often tend to emphasise sharpness, and often conflate edge geometry and sharpness, when they're different; but both important

[@CazadorSlayer]

"I cant cut anything with this, not even slack!" O O F. A swordsmith somewhere just got murdered with those words.

[@christopher7398]

I’d like to see you try and fix the edge and do some more cutting with it Skall, great review.

[@lapetitecuillereetlepaindo3005]

Great vid Skall ! Did you ever do a full video on how to choose types of edges or grinds for different swords ?

[@seanpoore2428]

Almost picked this one up ......glad I decided to wait 👍

[@mikelazure7462]

Frank and fair. I admire the capacity to see "so close but..." and to offer constructive ideas about who it might and might not satisfy as a purchaser. Exactly the kind of review content someone thinking about spending their money wants to see.

[@CreepyMF]

I always enjoy a good sword review but more then the sword that t-shirt was what really caught my eye, that is a very cool t-shirt.

[@bretthines1020]

I LOVE your new Swordbat!

[@nathanwhitney9159]

I must have been lucky. I bought the same sword a couple years ago and it cuts like a dream. The secondary bevel was rough, but nowhere near a 45° angle. It's a shame they'd leave a perfectly good sword with such a bad edge. Love your content!

[@twowheelcrusader8234]

I own this sword, and mine arrived precisely the same. I did however, sit down for a seven hour hand stone grind day…. And fixed the edge. It cuts like butter now, with about 20° geometries. Give it take a few because I did smooth the shoulder transition as well. An absolute dream, if you’ve got the time to set it up properly.

[@frosty_otter7155]

You can use some atom wax leather conditioner and a smooth tool handle to burnish the scratches on the scabbard to make them less noticeable.

[@frankharr9466]

What a strange problem to have. Thanks for bringing it up.

[@dlatrexswords]

Oof that is rough. Thanks for your candid review and pulling no punches. I have one of these KA type 14s and it certainly does have a pronounced secondary bevel on it. Since I got it second hand I do not know if the edge has ever been touched up, but I seem to recall it does ok for light targets: I put up a video recently of it being used to hack through a bamboo forest and that sword did get out performed by the other swords I used in the demo. Maybe I should revisit it and see exactly how bad the edge is: I did measure the bevel at ~50° on mine :P contrasted with a Hanwei tinker Viking sword at like 30°.

[@Cyotis]

A great example of the importance of edge geometry. Good video. Video Idea > it would be kewl so see a zoomed in close up of the edge to see what you are talking about. And then show the other good edges in the same way. There must be some difference, the footage speaks for its self. It would just be kewl to see the edge difference up close.

[@orbitalbutt6757]

Kewl? It's 2022 man, not AOL circa 1998

[@kylejolly7751]

"Can't even cut slack with it" is the best line I have heard in a while.

[@drive_6665]

Ok, the "sword of disappointment" and the "sword of mixed feelings" are gonna appear in my dnd campaign lol

[@El_Chompo]

Great video. Edges are kind of complicated to get right. Reminds me that I finally have a workspace and all I need now to fulfill my dreams of hammering a distal taper into my cheap bud-k sword is a torch which is fairly within reach of me now. And perhaps some ventilation system.

[@sihilius]

Which Budk sword are you talking about, exactly? Cause i know that their "double edged sword" is quite nicely balanced out of the box, but it has the same factory edge as this Angus Trim one - and just about any Budk sword. Their "warsword" on the other hand is a little top heavy, but with that one i find it to be acceptable, cause the Chinese war sword is kind of intended to be used like a cleaver like weapon.

[@user-kl5zd2oe3e]

I have one and I like it. Handles very well. Good fit and finish. The edge does suck. I backed up the edge and gave it an appleseed, now she is perfect.

[@mushroomking8304]

Hey I have this one. I love it.... Well now I got to try cutting with it.

[@backonlazer791]

Sword of Mixed Feelings sounds like a name for a magic item. I might steal that for my D&D campaign.

[@johnhanley9946]

I ground a new profile on a jian I had that had a similar issue. It took a total of about 15 hours to do it by hand, over the course of a week or so.

[@DeNihility]

in an alternate universe / fantasy world where YT also exists, Skall would definitely be a go-to gear review guy for adventurers.

[@stresslevel1009]

I would love for you to do a video on the Sai.

[@giggityguy]

The more content I watch on your channel, the more I believe that while sharpness is important, it's blade geometry that really determines a sword's performance. You can sharpen a 45 degree bevel to a microscopic point, and it still won't cut.

[@peteredwards2318]

See, I love sharpening and reprofiling blades, the process itself is soothing and relaxing for me. However, if I had paid money for that expecting a passable profile to be present, I'd be pissed. I would then go ahead and reprofile it anyway, because thats the kinda guy I am. Can't stand a dodgy edge, drives me nuts🤣

[@randomsketchystuff5572]

Can you review an Adorian messer from landsknecht emporium? I havnt seen any one else review/test it and I'm very interested in it

[@Storebrand_]

Hey Skall, I'd love to see you do some commentary on Medieval 1 or IMFC events.

[@francescogulisano2917]

"The sword of mixed feelings" will make for a nice addition to my rpg campaign

[@samcook1318]

We just used one on a deceased whitetail, went through the head, spine, and pelvis no problem. To be fair it wasnt the biggest deer, but still impressed me.

[@dwaneanderson8039]

The right way to deal with this problem is to tell the manufacturer that they need to sharpen them properly. If it dramatically impacts sales, they will have an incentive to do it.

[@meatatarian212]

I'm amazed that they have enough knowledge to make everything else so well and then fumble the edge so bad, that should be basic once you've gotten to thus level of quality and accuracy.

[@johannesblank1552]

Does it cut butter? Disappointed you didn’t test for that ;) Great video, I am not even interested in weapon replicas but your videos are always interesting and engaging.

[@LeonM4c]

I also have this sword. It's better than the first Kingston Arms sword I got, not sure if they improved the quality, or this design is just better, but yeah, I feel the same. Good, but not great, it falls a little short. Totally agree with you about the edge, I had to do some vigorous filing and go at it with my stones to give it a cleaner edge. Works great now.

[@leeisaac5716]

had to work the edge on mine also, lol, hone my sharpening skills; the worst sword edge I recieved was on the CS backsword. I found Kingston arms to be fairly good quality also, the arming sword is the only 'sharp' I've tried so far; I think there's three more edged models, the knightly sword, the Crecy and maybe two long swords. Oh yes the sidesword. Thanks for what you do Skall,all the best, cheers!

[@mrdabeetle1]

You can treat the scratched scabbard with a waxy leather conditioner or simply sand the leather with fine grit sandpaper, then oil it or condition with an oily leather conditioner.

[@masterch33fII7]

I own this sword! I really like the feel and look of it. I’ll have to see if mine is also at the 45° edge

[@johndododoe1411]

Please do, and report back if only the Skalagrim one had that 45°

[@cybernetic_crocodile8462]

Since I have quite an experience with sharpening and even regrinding edges on knifes and axes (although only as complete amateur), that terrible edge wouldn't be much of a problem for me, heck, it would even be a fun project to make it functional. Still, I agree with you, that if the sword is advertised as "Battle ready", then it shouldn't be as badly sharpened as this. This isn't some no-name cheap knife from bazaar, this is a product signified by the name of renown sword maker. Even then, considering its good points, I would still take it into consideration for buying.

[@jasonginnard3712]

It be cool if you did more videos on hybrid type swords

[@ilzee_vk]

I am really happy to see you had the sword sharpened to compare the factory sharpness with a proper sharpening. It's always been something I personally nitpicked about your reviews, that you only really test factory edge, which is not really expected to last longer than the first time it needs resharpening

[@Skallagrim]

The factory edge is part of the package though, so it very much needs to be reviewed the way it comes. Not to mention the blade profile, which is much harder to change than the edge itself.

[@ilzee_vk]

@@Skallagrim I agree, but it's always nice to be able to also see the potential of the steel/blade itself, of course with something as large as a sword one should not be expected to change geometry, just sharpen. With knives I'd personally be more generous to factory geometry because it's less important to an experienced user

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

​@@ilzee_vk If Skall sharpened swords to perfection before testing them, the cutting test would be a waste of time as they'd all cut well, and you could just look at the blade to see if it's thick and narrow versus wide and thin. The viability of re-profiling a knife is going to depend heavily on the steel used. A soft carbon or low alloy steel like those used for swords? Sure. An abrasion resistant stainless or tool steel, loaded up with Vanadium carbides that are harder than the Aluminum Oxide abrasive used on most grinding belts? Nope.

[@zerberus_ms]

I LOVE the thumbnail.

[@howHumam]

I've had decent luck with a file, stones, and such but only for basic stuff. I like goofy lil machetes on a hike, so my targets can be a bit hefty. If a cool piece of something is on the ground it's fun to hack it off for whittling.

[@AlekseyMaksimovichPeshkov]

Can you do a video about ground fighting in hema or the lack therof? Thanks

[@deathangel12379]

i understand not liking the stitched seam on the leather handle but i honestly enjoy them if they are put pointing to the edge of the sword it helps me with edge alignment but obviously if it isn't on the edge then i would hate it

[@nilsw.281]

I really enjoy your humor :)

[@1Aikiross]

I had the same issue with this sword. Couldn't cut a single bottle with the factory edge. But after 10 min. on the work sharp, it became a really good cutter. Haven't tried real tatami mats though.

[@JohnSmith-ty2he]

10 minutes on a grinder will make about any sword a good cutter. I mean ultimately it's a sharp people of steel. However that's what you are paying other people to do to begin with.

[@ericrosenthal4595]

I was wondering if you can recommend a good company for a viking sword in the $ 200 to $400 price range? I trust your judgement 100 percent Skal. Btw you are awesome. Long time viewer and always faithful

[@majinkevinci]

The pummel being rounded really helps with throwing it in a hurry because it's rounded shape is equally aerodinamic in all directions as long as you throw it in a vertically aligned position. Not bad not bad.

[@trigerhappy011]

I actually bought one of these a few years ago. Its the first and only sword that I own that I tried learning to cut water bottles with, and I always assumed that I wasn't cutting right and the sword was fine. I'm relieved that it might not be me who's the problem. BTW the guard got loose on mine after a summer of cutting practice. Its nothing too bad, but it does clink and rattle a lot now and I haven't gotten around to figuring out how to fix it.

[@aceman1126]

Guard probably loosened due to your bashing practice lol if it was razor sharp and cut well I wonder if it wouldn't have loosened

[@JPBrooksLive]

I got a "late medieval arming sword" for $109 before sharpening from Kult of Athena and, while a little heavy and imperfect, it seems so have a better edge than this one. It looks almost identical- same wrap, similar guard (no point in the middle) and very similar pommel. It's a big broader at the base so harder to control, but it was worth the price!

[@TheRealVahnLegaia]

Man, I thought I was seeing things at first, but when you were talking about the hilt wrap and all that I could have sworn I saw the pommel resting a bit off center. Turns out I was right! Unfortunate!

[@ianyoung6706]

I got this sword two years ago. I am about to get a Ken onion work sharp and work on putting an edge that will cut on it…. Naw, after hearing the discussion about re-profiling being necessary, I’m just going to use it to practice solo drills.

[@drago2210]

Would be curious to see if that 45 degree angle gives it any advantage in edge on edge contact. No idea if this design existed historically, but I believe some people could see value in a weapon for civilian self-defense where the edge is not that deadly but more robust for less maintenance, and you still have that deadly point anyway.

[@royshobe6642]

Thanks for making this video

[@Jtworthy1]

Hey Skall please do a video on the "Honshu boshin double edged katana", it's a cheap sword but I've never seen a design quite like it in any other sword makers. I wonder if there's a reason for this or if it can be made better by a more decent company

[@Han-rw9ev]

Had that happen a few times to me. Coming across something that has that one flaw that completely ruins something that could have been perfect. You know, like a really cool Godzilla figure with a wonky eye.

[@rakatika]

What a gorgeous blade. Would having the edge reworked by professionals be feasible?

[@I_Willenbrock_I]

Bottom line: "what a shame" On the bent hilt. Roland Warzecha madenan excellent video some time ago about of center pommels and bent hilts and comes to some very interesting conclusions regarding left and right handlers. Very interesting to watch.

[@comradezero]

I just got the Royal Armouries type XIV and it's a beast of a cutter. You should check it out

[@skysurfervd]

Hi, can you you tell me please which melee setup you would use for example in a post apocalyptic world? Thank you 😊 🙏

[@vanceproctor3568]

I recently bought the atrim designed X111a war sword, could you consider doing a review on it,I really trust your opinions and would love to see what you think,mine has none of the usual issues cas Iberia or any mass produced swords have guess I got lucky.

[@ZenakuShinobi]

Skall, Im having trouble visualising when you and your friend specify the angles of the grind in reguard to the belt sander, are you saying the edge from the one flat side to the other is 45 degrees or is the way the jig set up 45 degrees?

[@levamir1]

intersting , first time my friend touched he cut himself i have to say, yes the bevel is not very good, but with stropping and good paste (i use the green ) i managed to make it razor sharp is it possible you got a faulty one? or some kind of a prototype?

[@highlander200268]

I have this and it cuts noodles well, did you have koa sharpen it or was it from factory?

[@ryanbott4812]

my hanwei great sword of war, had an edge at 45ish degrees. wasn't even consistent along the length. so I feel this

[@Chevrolicious.]

I noticed the atrocious edge profile before you even mentioned it. You can see the contrast in the edge profile from a distance lol. Not sure what they were thinking when they made the decision to grind it that way.

[@joshuabates2200]

What if you gave it an even steeper distal taper? I'm not certain if that's the wider at the bottom and narrower at the top thing. But my thoughts were if it was thinner at the top and therefore able to have a less chunky edge up there, would it be better at cutting, still be able to stab, and be useful for using the base for defending? Might be a bit more maneuverable that way as well. Speculation there. I ask because I truly am curious and want to know.

[@daegral363]

I think the assessment is fair. Excellent in just about all categories but not having a good edge is a deal breaker for an opinion any better than the one given.

[@joeskivington5752]

could be a good video to do, show how to re-profile to a concave edge and show how effective it is when done?

[@Mikisoq39]

Do you need a file to redo the 45 degree angle?

[@Imnoexpert69420]

Seems like a fair review

[@larsgottlieb]

That's a nice wallhanger ..

[@hell_march6652]

Apparently the sharpening dude phoned in sick that day when they did yours LOL.

[@MrJustonemorevoice]

Magic item : Sword of mixed feelings Effect : Causes enemy to hesitate upon seeing your weapon as they lament how cool it *almost* looks (Auto-Initiative win)

[@chuggon7595]

So, do you recommend Kult of Athena?? I live like 10 minutes away from it, and I wanna support a local business, but I have no idea if sword prices are good, as well as the quality of items they offer (I haven't bought a real proper sword yet).

[@mythosboy]

I own this one and found it pretty easy on cutting technique. And trust me, I need all the help I can get. Maybe the design has changed in the 2 years since I picked one up? Anyway, great video as always.

[@NBSV1]

Makes me wonder if they did a rough grind and didn’t do the finish grind. Wouldn’t excuse the angle unless someone set it up wrong, but would explain the roughness of it.

[@MatthewCross2]

Did you get it sharpend by kult of Athena?

[@sylvanstrength7520]

I agree with you. The edge is absolutely unacceptable, especially given how damn near perfect everything else is.

[@PersonalChaos]

I've had this sword for a few years now, something I picked up as a cheap option for an arming sword to wear with a 13th century kit rather than spending nearly 1k like any of my longswords. For me, this was the sword of.. everything being just a little too small. The crossguard could easily be a little longer, and I feel like the pommel was way too small and light. Looks half decent in a kit though so it does the job I need it to.