This "War Knife" Doesn't Messeround (LE Rotmilan Review)

[@abcdefghijkl123454]

it's a replica of a kriegsmesser in the sense that if a person from the 1500's would see this sword they would say "oh, yeah, that's a kriegsmesser"

[@gormold4163]

Aside from how little they cared for specific names for sword types.

[@nikmenn2751]

@@gormold4163 Well, they cared a slight little more than average English-speaker, who can't tell sword from saber))

[@Sableagle]

@@nikmenn2751 Certainly more than whoever designed the "Invader's Falchion" in LotRO ... or visually identical "sharp sword of Mordor's Bane" ... or "Two-handed Sword of the Vales" ... or "Sword of the Steady Mind" ...

[@minutemansam1214]

@@nikmenn2751 I mean, a saber IS a sword. That's like saying you can't tell a feline from a tiger.

[@raenfox]

Actually, they'd likely say "Wow, that's an awesome kriegsmesser."

[@Vikingknight2012]

Reinforced tip makes sense, its a common thing in larger bowie knives with what is considered a clip point. And this is a big big beautiful knife.

[@baraka629]

Big F**ing Knife 9000

[@witoldczarkowski5211]

The question is: can it used to butter bread?

[@heavymetalpancake1133]

this

[@Definitely_Not_Sheev_Palpatine]

@@witoldczarkowski5211 It can be used to cut the bread into slices, then butter both your bread _and_ the guy across the table's bread at the same time. And if an assassin bursts into the room and interrupts your feast, you can defend your friends with it, too. It's basically the perfect tool.

[@nicegod4207]

Or the B.F.K. 9000

[@smallgoblin2594]

Amazing

[@LuxisAlukard]

Skall: "You can have two of these for the price of one Albion" That's fair point - you can dual wield them for same amount of money!

[@macekreislahomes1690]

Right up my alley.

[@carlorielmendez6505]

could you even disassemble the thing to flip the T-shaped crossguard? Just asking to imagine the possibility.

[@RearGardist]

@@carlorielmendez6505 Probably not, but LE let you choose which side the nagel goes on

[@themaggot8440]

At just over 3 pounds I would say that's definitely in the realm of possibilities. I myself own an RK Euro #10, it is similar weight and I find it surprisingly easy to wield one-handed!

[@Meineself]

I’m noticing a good trend in your video production, the amount and quality of information contained in your videos has been ramping up bigly for a few years! You’re in a pretty good spot now, I was hardly bored with your script and felt like you were very engaging. Likely due to the quick scene change editing. Very well done!! Such a ways you have come from the first days.

[@Skallagrim]

I didn't use a script, so I guess I can take that as an extra compliment. :) Anyway, thanks!

[@ogloc6308]

bigly

[@LiteralCrimeRave]

@@ogloc6308 biglike Bigesque

[@ajhxz3446]

​@@ogloc6308 he invented a new word.. genius

[@juniperrodley9843]

@@ajhxz3446 nah that word's been a meme for almost 7 years now

[@bigmikenbr]

Your pronunciation of Rotmilan ( Red Kite( Milvus milvus)) was pretty much on point

[@OneAngryVelociraptor]

Yea the "R" is still to soft though. Otherwise it was almost perfect.

[@TheZinmo]

@@OneAngryVelociraptor That one could be regional pronounciation.

[@OneAngryVelociraptor]

@@TheZinmo Nah. He still. pronounced the R the englisch way. A german R sounds different

[@Enyavar1]

Confirmed from another German; the R may be different between regional dialects and speakers and on the "weak end" here, but not an error. Also, "Rotmilan" is German for "red kite", a falcon/harrier species of Central Europe.

[@Llortnerof]

@@OneAngryVelociraptor It's very much on the weak end but still within range for native German speakers.

[@ramzen89]

Dundee: "That's a knife." Skal: "Hold my tankard."

[@Indigo_Gaming]

Came for the title pun. Stayed for that _sexy_ knife tip. Liked for the sword wobble.

[@Skallagrim]

"Liked for the sword wobble" Don't you mean the hilt slaps? :D

[@Wavemaninawe]

@@Skallagrim 09:28-09:59 For sword spanking & jiggle physics.

[@silverjohn6037]

Reference the fit and finish you have to remember that, for the most part, swords that have survived over the years tend to be high quality items that have been preserved as heirloom/art pieces. Any lower quality ones, even when they were perfectly serviceable when made, would have just ended up going to the scrap man and getting melted down for the steel content when they broke or wore out.

[@SergioLeonardoCornejo]

This is pretty much where the notion of Japanese swords being superior came from. Their best swords were preserved while anything held as subpar often didn't even make it past the forge. Most swordsmiths had really high standards. Their steel had plenty of impurities and flaws which needed technique to overcome.

[@Ilzhain]

@@SergioLeonardoCornejo also, I'm no expert on Japanese history but wasn't it illegal for people not of the samurai class to have swords? If that's true then it's in stark contrast to some European cities where every citizen was required to be armed in case of an attack. This would also result in higher quality swords in general since they are all being made for wealthy clients.

[@ArcticGator]

@@Ilzhain Quality would be more related to feedback from soldiers using swords on the battlefield, the ones with better weapons would survive, go back to their smiths with new data, and improve the swords, which is why they evolved as time went on, while swords made for the wealthy might have been good, they were more likely to be very expensive dress swords with little real function while when and if those wealthy clients went to battle, they would probably carry the same swords their best soldiers and peers would be using.

[@Ilzhain]

@@ArcticGator From my admittedly limited knowledge of Japanese history I understood that your average levied soldier did not have a sword as they were reserved for people of the samurai class. Normal soldiers would've been equipped with spears and bows. I think your point stands more in a western context where a sword was a common side arm, but even then cost came first, and even if the sword carried by a commoner had the same profile as one carried by a noble you could be sure that the noble's one was made of better materials and with much more care put into its construction, likely commissioned for them specifically and costing many times more. A bladesmith in Europe who made swords for commoners would still sell a blade that was warped or had other defects because soldiers needed swords but in Japan only aristocracy needed swords so the average quality of surviving examples is much better.

[@Skallagrim]

Yeah, I find that very noticeable when looking for original swords with battle damage... quite hard to find. Either they're in great condition because they're been maintained meticulously and preserved well (probably not used) or they're so poorly preserved that you can't really tell what's damage from back then and what's corrosion.

[@bdjcasar8357]

I have a left-handed, sharp Dorthea Dussack from Landsknecht Emporium. It also has a slightly wider tip, reinforced for thrusts. It is a well made sword.

[@ericm1839]

Ok that hand wound was GNARLY. Wild the amount of force you can deliver with such a quick short motion

[@chickenlegg]

Love that you still do these good 'ol fashioned reviews, thank you for a very informative video.

[@Bubu567]

Square handles are great for encouraging edge alignment, at the cost of comfort. There is a reason the design looks like a kitchen knife.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

Rotmilan is a birds name, meaning red kite. Quite an epic nomenclature for a swift killing instrument.

[@jonasgutjahr546]

quite an epic bird as well, its the biggest bird of prey in germany as far as i know

[@rockyblacksmith]

@@jonasgutjahr546 Germany does have golden eagle populations as far as I know, but (as unsurprisingly as unfortunately) they are heavily endangered. The red kite is one of the bigger ones that are still widespread.

[@Skallagrim]

Ah, I didn't know that. Neat!

[@MrOpacor]

@@Skallagrim And if you are interested in a native speaker's comment on your pronunciation: It was spot on. Rotmilan as red kite is composed of "rot" (=red) and "Milan" (=kite). Oh, by the way, there is also a ATGM called "Milan". And the birds are absolutely gorgeous. The area of Germany I live is is home to some breeding couples.

[@jonasgutjahr546]

@@rockyblacksmith yea I've seen some

[@DuckinCommissar]

The thing about hitting a hand, if you cut it even without breaking bones, it's likely that fixing it will require a surgery.

[@stevemora6463]

That Messer looks so awesome. I personally prefer the other kinda slimmer ones you have shown, but this one has a solid look to it that I actually appreciate. Also, great content, really engaging and entertaining. Keep up the great job you're doing bro!

[@daemonharper3928]

Great review and nice to acknowledge that very often average quality swords made now are - in comparison to medieval average quality swords - much better.

[@Sceadusawol]

I have to say that I am a big fan of Landsknecht Emporium's "rustic" finish on their messers. They feel more "authentic" as a lower-than-elite sidearm compared to the industrially produced competition. I have two LE blades in my collection, and absolutely want more.

[@decay79]

Kinda like the imperfections, makes it more "real"

[@dexieon]

Definitely my favorite ’knife’

[@justinbell7309]

Skall slowly turning into The Dude of the historical arms and armor community.

[@lvalle1994]

Haven’t watched a video of yours in a while, was definitely a good listen while I worked on a project. Forgot how informative and relaxing your vids are 🤙

[@ianyoung6706]

The Gottfried I have from LE also has a swell (reinforced point) near the tip.

[@andreweden9405]

It's become very popular lately to point out how original European swords sometimes have imperfections in fit and finish, and this is not an incorrect statement. However, many surviving Medieval originals ARE so well-made that they look like they could've been made with a CNC machine. This is especially true of Japanese swords, but it's also true of many European swords.

[@clothar23]

Yes but those examples are usually top of the line examples wielded by useless nobility of both Asian and European origin. Who usually if they bothered to fight did so with less expensive pieces. So it's like comparing a Lambo kept in a heated garage to some Farmer's field truck.

[@babbiification]

As a professional craftsmen (carpenter, not a swordsmith) I find it interesting how many flaws I can find in any piece I stumble across. I think it's really a mass production thing. If you're making pieces for people who are specifically seeking you out, that's high end stuff, but the guy everyone goes to probably spends more time making horseshoes than swords. So quality is available, but the quantity speaks for itself.

[@Skallagrim]

Yep, that's always the problem with any kind of generalized statement. There was so much variation in the quality of craftsmanship that you'll always find exceptions to any observation.

[@lion80000]

@@clothar23 yes useless like the polish winged hussars or knights in general, which never fought in battle, right 🙄.

[@gratefulguy4130]

@@babbiification it's always a mass production thing. Someone making something for themselves or someone they know is often more willing to put in the time to do it right. Someone cranking out as many of something as possible will not care about the little details. This type of mass production is actually why so much of the embellishment on old furniture, walls, buildings, different types of jewelry, filigree, engraving, etc are not economically feasible at all anymore, sadly. When mass produced garbage takes up the entire market share, the time spent on something nice is just not really possible, unless maybe on consignment. But even then, very few customers would understand the amount of time & effort it would take to get things to say, Victorian or Edwardian (weird we call those time periods by british monarchs) levels of detail. So even then, it's really only possible as a labor of love. Of course, because of that we haven't gotten that knowledge passed down from the masters. With apprenticeship being so superior in teaching anything of any depth, it's often necessary to learn directly from someone if you want to get it right.

[@fettmaneiii4439]

You are one of the best creators on KZbin.

[@aethlwulf777]

German here. A Rotmilan is a raptor (eagle) which is common in middle europe. You pronounced it quite right. :)

[@kultofathena6217]

Great review, I just finished editing my review on it. The back edge cuts were so fun and they make some really unique blades.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I appreciate what companies like Albion have done in terms of tolerances and overall fit and finish but when I buy a sword (partly because cuz I don't ever have a lot of money) I care more about steel quality, weight, balance & how solid a sword is. I personally like some "personality" in a sword like many antiques have; makes them feel more unique even if they are factory made swords.

[@BeamMonsterZeus]

I have this. Unbelievable weapon. It feels like nothing else I've ever wielded. Mine has none of the finish issues you show. Best used with gloves IMO

[@giggityguy]

To be fair, from everything you've said on the subject, the Knecht is one of the finest Kriegsmesser reproductions ever made, so it's sort of unfair to compare something to it. But I understand what you were going for. The Rotmilan is half as expensive, so if it's more than half as good, then it's a good value.

[@mnordman2007]

Finally, a review of the Adorian is on the horizon, looking forward to that one :)

[@PitchIncorrection]

Conspiracy theory: the real reason Skall tests all of his nice swords so brutally is because he wants them to have battle scars.

[@steellegionguardsmen7360]

It looks like a perfect sword for a reenactor. Relatively cheaper, looks historical and is very durable. Also the "battlefield balance".

[@longrider42]

I know its not perfect, but I Love my Cold Steel Grosse Messer. I've worn it to a few Ren Fair's and It has always attracted attention. And yes, its a big bloody knife. Also my Mother is half German. I'm glad you mentioned Blunt Impact Strike. I've always thought that would be a good idea, if you had to fight some one in heavier armor.

[@juliust2112]

Pronunciation is correct since naming is most likely german. Rotmilan is a pretty big bird with red/orange feathers. I think it might be the same as or relative to red kites. Video title on point btw! 😄 Best regards from Germany.

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

My spontaneus and completely unprofessional take of the Knecht was that the curve looked a bit excessive, while this Rotmilan with a much gentler curve could perhaps be just a tad shorter? Would help with handling and I like its overall look.

[@lscibor]

There are many original messers with very significant curve. Matter of taste and expectation likely.

[@AlexanderVonMalachi]

That curve on the Knecht is what gave me the cursed idea of messer in a full katana getup. Would be so cursed and cause much crying.

[@clothar23]

@@AlexanderVonMalachi Did you just suggest mounting a Messer onto a Katana style hilt ?

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

@@AlexanderVonMalachi Such heresy, I like it!

[@AlexanderVonMalachi]

@@clothar23 hilt, sheathe, tsuba, handle wrap, all the good stuff.

[@ludusferocia8696]

Wonderful review on the rottmillan Skall! We were choosing between reviewing this and the Pavel Moc Kriegsmesser, and ended up reviewing the latter. The rottmillan is still one I'd love to one day get my hands on. Thanks for the video

[@semperliberi]

I appreciate the addition of the hand dummy.

[@Anark]

This is a pretty devastating weapon design. I have always been a fan of the Italian longsword because of its mixture of length, speed, and versatility and I feel like this is a worthy competitor

[@gratefulguy4130]

I think people forget that balistics dummies in no way actually simulate real human bodies. It's more useful to think of them as showing what types of forces are transferred to different areas. For instance, clean breaking through the entire hand on a dummy would probably mean some cutting and maybe a bit of fracture on the first finger in real life.

[@benjiix184]

Yes

[@smokingbobs1344]

Yess I was waiting for this one! I had already ordered one, and am happy to see a positive review.

[@nicoladiiorio8898]

i am actually here for your ramblings (like from 2014. I remember that I was looking for a decent knife and found your review of a Kershaw Oso Sweet).

[@jonathanwarchild]

Always happy to watch another review. Hope you’ve been doing well and thanks for the vid :)

[@chrisschroeck7370]

This video is particularly good (I'm also biased and watch the Messer videos more often)

[@Wildeskraut]

Your pronunciation of Rotmilan is excellent, the one of Kriegsmesser at 90%

[@thodan467]

Great Review yes i enjoyed it very much, especially how you put your own preferences in relation to give it a fair review

[@drefpet]

Hey Skallagrim, great content as always! As a German I just wanted to say that Rotmilan is a bird of prey called red kite in English :) Just as elegant as this beautiful weapon (and its wielder, of course) Have a nice day! Edit: typo

[@adennfett8743]

When looking at the kriegsmessers available from LE, this was the model i liked the look of the most (I prefer the straighter profile to the considerable curve of their Falke model you reviewed). So I am quite happy you were able to review it, and more so that you would recommend it. It is probably the kriegsmesser i will get when i feel like spending the money for one.

[@koleary1798]

I love how kriegsmessers look. They're the epitome of a fantasy adverturer/ranger close quarters weapon to me.

[@captainniklas2829]

Great Video as always. But can we please talk about how perfect the pronounciation of the German Words is? Even the ch in Knecht is perfect while most People pronounce it as K

[@matthewjohnson1510]

Thank you for the glorious cut tests.

[@Junkzillabox]

I like the blade shape and tip, looks more like the swords that were commonly used and that have been found. Also seem very functional as well as versatile.

[@Raziel1984]

was thinking if i should watch this new skallagrim video right now or some times later .... saw the messer pun in the title and i am watching right now

[@gojilla3820]

Your growth has been insanely fast lately. Congrats ^..^

[@raphlvlogs271]

the variations of messers and falchions differed even more that double edged swords such as longswords and arming swords

[@tommeakin1732]

I feel like I'm sensing the power of Matt Easton being channelled through this video.... ;)

[@flokoeh4994]

I gotta say, even though the way the Nagel is peened isn't the way other repro's have, I very much like the rough look

[@darinlieurance2817]

I haven't even watched the whole video. The pun in the title deserves a Like and Comment.

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

I absolutely love those swords.. or.. knives.. Other than the one you like.. I like the rotmilon and the 2 small ones

[@Eisenwulf666]

it took me a minute to get the pun in the title..you absolute madman XD

[@Ithirahad]

Personally I like the allegedly rough peening for the nagel. It's pretty clean in all honesty and makes that side of the sword look a bit more... I dunno, brutal, and visually interesting than if it was smoothed out to the point of vanishing into steel oblivion.

[@Crynger]

greatest crossover ever: SKALLAGRIM & TOD'S WORKSHOP

[@Geerladenlad]

I'm loving the reviews! Great in-depth analysis.👍

[@dressigvil]

can't help but notice the similarity of the blade to a katana's, at least from a quick glance

[@GillamtheGreatest]

i really need to get a kriegsmesser. ive liked all of them you have had on the channel

[@docphoenix2619]

holy hand grenade, your german pronounciation in the beginning was almost flawless

[@HeiniSauerkraut]

Your pronunciation of Rotmilan (Red kite) is spot on 👍

[@Hoshimaru57]

I’d love to get one one of these days. An otachi was one of my dream swords and this was one of the others because it looks like the sword my character had in a book I wrote a long time ago when I was really cringy.

[@jessemeckola8098]

Excellent video Sword Jesus. I have always wanted a Messer.

[@Sableagle]

What, no Crocodile Dundee joke? "Don't you see he has a knife?" "That's not a knife. {ssssschhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop} *THAT's* a knife."

[@crusadernikolai1996]

I do enjoy a good weapon review. Without videos like this I might have never learned how a sword should be, and might still be stuck in the edge lord mall ninja phase

[@anthonycampos7417]

Make a tierlist of your favorite Kriegsmesser's. I was really hoping this would be more around the $375ish USD range to compete with the Coldsteel messer. Also you should have mentioned the steel type.

[@kyleman605]

Something handmade by skilled European smiths of this quality isn’t going to cost as much as a sharpened crowbar made by Indians.

[@anthonycampos7417]

@@kyleman605 yes, hope and reality are often different

[@ludreficur]

This messer looks beautiful

[@r.matthews594]

Great review, and it seems to be a pretty good sword for the money. The others may be a bit more dynamic in hand, but this seems to be pretty good. It would be interesting to feel the extra heft vs the Knecht in terms of handling, back to back. The Knecht is one of the finest handling swords I've ever used, it's such a high bar of comparison.

[@rockyblacksmith]

Your "Rotmilan" was spot on in terms of intonation. The only thing a native German would pronounce differently would be the "R", in the typical german gutteral, raspy manner rather than the rolling english one.

[@frosmane9041]

that would definitely be a nice sidearm for an early 16th century crossbowman

[@JelloFluoride]

The video title was not lost on me. I had a nice giggle.

[@marcoeckhoff9920]

The pronunciation for Rotmilan was pretty good. Greetings from germany. ;)

[@dr.birbmd7266]

I have a blunt and sharp version of the Gottfried (smaller one handed Messer from LE). I love the balance and weight on them both, they perform fantastically, and the company couldn't be better if they tried, they are wonderful people that are responsive and take every bit of constructive criticism into mind and improve their products. I personally feel their knives perfectly encapsulate what it is to carry one of these delightfully brutal cutting weapons. Also my sharp is like a 2 foot scalpel, you can almost cut yourself just looking at it.

[@zennez1985]

"Seid gegruesst, edler Recke!" You´ve pronounced it just perfectly! F#ckin´ rockin´ greetings from Germany🤘

[@TheJediRyguy]

Skall, 1st off, I really enjoy all your content. Thanks for making all quality, thoughtful and funny content I've been able to enjoy. Secondly, what is the purpose of, and excuse my spelling I am unfamiliar with the kriegsmesser, the nogil? nogiler? I have some assumptions but would rather know the correct answer. Thanks man, hope you are well!

[@honor2996]

Another great video, thanks skal!

[@seanpope1890]

It's a nice sword Great they gave it to you for free Don't know if I'd call it a knife though

[@ilzee_vk]

One thing that I would be curious to hear your opinion on, is hilt construction, and what is "best". Eg. the way I see it, at a glance full tang as seen in messer type swords should be structurally the best, just due the amount of material compared to traditional hidden tang. But it might be my bias from knife collecting, too

[@tarille1043]

Full tang should be best, for one it's more structurally stable and for two it's better for balance as it puts more weight into the hilt and towards the pommel which is ideal for a sword. For smaller, one handed swords/knives, a full tang can still be beneficial though it's less necessary.

[@babbiification]

As mostly a knife afficionado, I really gravitate towards the full profile tang (One that is the full shape of the handle), for the feel especially when chopping and the durability. For swords I've actually had good experiences with just the "full" tang (not sure of proper nomenclature, in a knife I'd say rat-tail tang.) The rod style tang secured with the pommel. I've found in larger applications it actually holds up quite well.

[@ryanrosenblum2552]

Perfect is the enemy of good enough, when everyone needs a sword corners get cut to speed production. You get the same thing in just about every trade. I think that Rex Kruger actually has a series where this is brought up in furniture making. If i need a chair then i go buy a chair it doesn't necessarily have to last for generations or be perfect for me to use it

[@MementoMoriMarksmanship]

On the craftsmanship quality, It gives me a "MilSpec/MilSurp" kinda vibe. Very much like an M1 Carbine - a weapon designed for ease of mass production. I could see this sword being mass produced to equip an army of Renaissance mercenaries.

[@ромаЕ-р5ч]

i was waiting for Skallagrim to smash everything around with these while perform slashes outsde - right after the cut material is over))))) so goood s doooooood)))) guns r nice but.....the blades.....r fantastic

[@RealZeratul]

Your pronunciation of Rotmilan is on the spot. It's a middle-sized bird of prey, by the way.

[@zenstrata]

That's a big knife. I need one for my kitchen.

[@Kragatar]

Looks to me like the biggest difference is the blade curvature. Rotmilan is just a straight steel bar, whereas Knecht has that nice sweeping curve which would require a lot of extra skill to make.

[@CMBlessing81]

New roleplaying goal: play a character whose primary weapon is a Kriegsmesser, who when threatened by someone with a knife uses the Crocodile Dundee line.

[@NomadicDave2032]

Damn didn’t think that thing would cut as it did, guess it’s look is deceiving. Turned out to be very impressive.

[@perrywaaz3660]

Wow, I didn't think a shot to the hand would do that much damage

[@ArniesTech]

We Germans were fancy AF back then huh? Especially those German over-decorated hunting crossbows. ✨

[@ZeroScotland]

As a knife user, I can confirm that this knife truly doesnt *messeround*

[@axelschwei9934]

as a german i can say your pronounciation of Rotmilan ist quite correct (Rotmilan = Red Kite, Bird)

[@calmgentleman]

Messeround has to be one of the best and worst puns Ive heard in a while. Respect.

[@ProcyonDei]

Aside from the handle, I'd say this is arguably better than the Albion simply because it's a bit more reinforced...

[@tommeakin1732]

I'm not going to act like an expert on single edged medieval and renaissance blades, but the thing that stood out to me about that blade is how far forward the edge bevel starts. Don't most messer bevels start further back; giving a finer edge, all else being equal?

[@BlackDumble]

Perfect pronounciation of Rotmilan the first time, respect. Germans are strange when it comes to names for weapons.