Wallace Collection "Swiss Sabre" - with Tobias Capwell and Tod Todeschini of Tods Workshop

Visit the Wallace Collection. It's one of the best Arms and Armour collections in the world:
www.wallacecollection.org
View the sword in the Wallace Collection:
wallacelive.wal...
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Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm
The Wallace Collection
Hertford House
Manchester Square
London W1U 3BN
United Kingdom
Telephone [phone]
If you are interested in medieval replica weapons take look at my websites:
todcutler.com for budget medieval knives
todsworkshop.com for custom knives, swords and crossbows
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todtodeschini

[@HereticalKitsune]

The curator's approving grunts during unpacking are sooo amusing! Beautiful blade, though!

[@Kargush]

And his knowing nod when Tod describes the problem with scaling the drawings and the photos.

[@5chr4pn3ll]

The curator, Tobias Capwell, is in a place to actually properly appreciate these things. He was a very active jouster in tournaments and owns several suits of armour made for him. He has been heavily and practically involved in developing our understanding of jousting and how it actually worked, and getting injured while finding these things out. He is very interesting to listen to and he has a lot of practical knowledge that very few people do. Highly recommend his lectures on youtube.

[@HereticalKitsune]

Oh, I don't doubt it or wanted to make fun of it, it just came as such a surprise to hear the grunts from the off. ^^;

[@TheSeanoops]

Kiono Hiemalis He’s written a few books to, informative text and beautiful pictures.

[@tyynymyy7770]

I totally lost it at 12:38-13:07! There is just something very bizarre about the situation.

[@pseudomonad]

That's confidence, to go back and have the curator judge them side by side! And I'm very glad you did, that's some impressive work!

[@pseudomonad]

I bet! But I hope you were happy with the comparison.

[@sb-ant6457]

Tod the Brave

[@iainburgess8577]

Dedication. Confidence may not check, dedication Does. Also critical feedback, necessary for real improvement.

[@coyotechang]

Toby makes the funniest sounds. And how he asked "do they both have a home?" I think I know where the second one went.

[@ryankolick4117]

That was my thought when Todd said this one does and then Toby starts making grunts. The sound of a sword collector going this one's mine now

[@wildcrocus]

Toby's reaction does make one think he is doing the math in his head and rehearsing speeches in his head to give his Missus.

[@markfergerson2145]

Toby also seemed to hint that if the customer didn't like the replica, he'd be very willing to give it a home.

[@IllustriousCrocoduck]

@@wildcrocus "it's for *research*, love! Purely academic, of course." -Probably Dr. Capwell

[@j.g.elmslie9901]

3:06 "Hrm" and that, ladies and gentlemen, is the sound of a bank balance being carefully considered....

[@j.g.elmslie9901]

Someday, you'll break his resolve....

[@thehermitdruid]

I’ve made that sound looking at magic cards

[@Zajuts149]

It just makes me so happy seeing Toby Capwell giving his approval, because you know he has practical research and experience in the field. And he seems like a great guy. Love his co-ops with Matt Easton on ScholaGladiatoria as well:)

[@demonstructie]

So this man is: - Tod Todeschini - Tod Cutler - Tod's Stuff - Tod's Workshop - Tod's Foundry I'm probably just going to start referring to him as 'the historical craftsman known as Tod'.

[@Duron0]

THE Tod :D

[@shorok9333]

i really love that nerd conversation between experts, when they are able to talk about details others can't.

[@TheSeanoops]

It’s a rare thing to find a person doing exactly what they were born to do. I think Todd is one of those people. Beautiful work.

[@ericv00]

2:58 Sounded like Dr. Capwell was considering giving the other replica a home.

[@kaizen5023]

"Hmmm.. hmmmmmmmm"

[@kyleno4mk27]

"This one still wants to kill stuff slightly more than this one"

[@neilkirkaldie3659]

I wonder if he would have felt the same if he had switched the swords to the opposite hands.

[@kaizen5023]

I've never handled one of Tod's swords, but my experience handling the very best swords is that they "want to kill stuff slightly more" than others... it is hard to quantify. It looks like the original has a bit wider blade around the point of percussion, so that could be it, and the balance might be slightly different.

[@fredygump5578]

Not your average curator!

[@G1NZOU]

I have to use that quote next time I do a blacksmith bladeseller NPC for DnD.

[@G1NZOU]

@@kaizen5023 Yeah I think even tiny variations in balance and weight placement are noticeable, like how even a few milimeters variation in a certain step on a staircase is enough to make someone trip, we notice things. The hand and fingers are some of the most sensitive touch areas after all, so it does make sense, tiny variations and finding that sweet spot of something that feels "just a little better".

[@garyg3468]

I was watching the Vid about this sword that just came out in 2021 last night thinking to myself "Man Tod just really only cares about blacksmithing." In that video he's at his home forge with Matt Easton and you can tell he just tossed on a branded tee over his beat to hell shop clothes. And here he is 3 years back making a film on a beautiful sword he replicated and he turns up in just some beat up old tee again. I love it! This man is more at home covered in suit than anyone I've ever seen!

[@gullyburns1280]

I love how Dr. Capwell hefts the sword and you can see he's thinking about how he'd actually feel trying to fight with it. You can see the wheels turning. What an utterly lovely interaction.

[@joslevin9093]

I really wish that my father was alive. He would have been in his element speaking to gentlemen of your caliber. He was a lot like me, trying to learn as much as possible about arms and armour of the medieval to renaissance periods. There is one point especially that the pair of you comment. Mistakes!!! He used to visit a customer of mine that happens to collect authentic arms and armour. He had the most comprehensive private collection I've ever seen. My father would look for any imperfections that he could find, much to my customers annoyance. But my father saw it as a human touch found hundreds of years later. My father's background was in making body panels, parts of chassis and floor pans for hand made classic cars. Ferrari, Maserati etc. He worked for himself and often won concours all over Europe. I have a great deal of respect for you, as he would. I'm so sorry for the story, but I just have so much time for your efforts. Especially teaching youngsters in a non patronising manner. I can't afford even decent replica armour. I do own a few original examples. Between the two of you and Matt Easton do a superb job. Thank you so much. [e-mail].

[@sb-ant6457]

Tod should be entitled to free pints for life, paid for by the National Trust.

[@greyareaRK1]

Amazing work. You're ready for your museum swap/heist caper.

[@Greensleeve11]

The A489 is my favorite sword of all time. This is a spectacular reproduction.

[@KeefsCattys]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Congratulations on such a fine piece of work.

[@meatpilot]

So cool to see them having a conversation so long ago knowing how much great work they’ve done together now

[@Altrantis]

This is my favorite sword out of all of them. *ALL* of them. And I really like a lot of swords.

[@spyczech]

That would be a good video, if you want to go full on youtuber.

[@RheaMainz]

I greatly like the cruciform-semi-baskethilt right next to it~

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Altrantis When it was laying next to the original, I thought it was beautiful work, but not necessarily my particular style, but the second Toby picked it up & I could see it all of a piece, I changed my mind. It’s a gorgeous sword. The blade shape is very nice. I’ve been coming around on sabers lately. When I began to take a renewed interest in swords, it was primarily the medieval long sword & it’s kin, but Matt, over at Scholagladiatora, has brought me around to their beauty & functionality.

[@ihcfn]

12:23 Tobias thinking "The fool, he's disarmed! I could kill him and take it for myself Mwa ha ha!"

[@frankkowalewski6702]

Dear Lord, Tod's recreation is a gorgeous sword. Bravo! Nice to see Dr. Capwell on the channel, too.

[@thomasegolfii361]

Your recreation is simply phenomenal. Take it from Mr. Capwell, who seemed to like it enough to show interest in its sister. I truly hope to have a blade made by you soon, though I'm still waiting on a couple of commissions already.

[@ramjb]

When the lines between the artisan and the artist become blurred. What an incredible piece. Putting side by side with the original only highlights how amazing a work you did on it. Congratulations.

[@UAPJedi]

I am in awe of sword smiths and armorers, these guys were the rocket scientists of their day, all of these arms produced without any modern technology, least of all electricity or gas, all made with simple hand tools.

[@paulklee5790]

Thank you for this reminder.... The Wallace Collection is one of the best places in London, if not the world.... great Cafe’ too..!

[@tyrantsmisery]

I love watching the care and love Tobias had for the sword when he first set it down on the table.

[@skave2710]

Seen this sword at Compiegne, and it was a really, really, nice sword... Loving it.

[@gadyariv2456]

whenever Tobias Capwell appears on someone video it suddenly becomes a sword ASMR video.

[@RasdenFasden]

As a Swiss man myself, I'm stunned and infinitely jealous. Great job!

[@bassemb]

This really is one of the most beautiful swords I've ever seen.

[@markwallace1727]

Toby is great to listen to. So is Tod of course, so I'm loving the two talking and discussing rather than overly scripted. Both are knowledgeable, and admit their opinions over absolute fact. And both are really good at explaining "why" things are, on bits I'd never think to ask about. Plus both seem like genuine, lovely blokes.

[@jacktraveller8290]

Possibly my favourite sword of all time, that swiss sabre. So beautiful.

[@Hrafnhistorical]

I have been so, so excited to see more about this project. Absolutely stunning.

[@RequiemDusk]

Wonderful work Mr. Todeschini! I found it very enjoyable to watch and to learn a bit more about forging swords; the art of finding a sweet spot somewhere between underdone and overly sterilized works.

[@kungfuasgaeilge]

If ever there was a perfect advertisement for your products, these comparison vids would be it. We get great discussion with two experts in their fields, each cross-analysing 'their' sword with the other. Reason to watch alone. Then to say the lovely new one, up to the expectations of today's consumer, is for sale, and more can be made to order... I don't think a single viewer wasn't inwardly drooling at the prospect.

[@OdachiForge]

That's amazing Tod! Your work is truly inspiring!

[@Camcolito]

Brilliantly done sword. Very nice.

[@alexshadowfax1119]

Toby Capwell saying your sword feels perfect for fighting must be a great feeling, since he actually fights with them, great job!

[@donna30044]

It was lovely how he unboxed the replica (beginning at 2:40) next to the original. To see the very close resemblance and the observations on the slight differences was extremely informative.

[@andrascsabahorvath9804]

Congrats! Awesome work! And really nice idea to take it back to the source and lay them side by side :)

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Aside from the beautiful replica you've made. I'm just super jealous of tobi being able to dual wield Swiss Sabres lol 😆

[@Scooot1972]

Such quality in Tods work. They both know their stuff.

[@bretalvarez3097]

A true masterpiece

[@UAPJedi]

Amazing craftsmanship

[@AspiringKnight]

8:32 "I'm just looking at that terminal over here, and uhm... yours is actually a little bit nicer..." I said something similar about a reproduction I recently had someone make for me. It is great to see modern craftspeople making things that are meeting and exceeding the quality of the originals.

[@starslayer8390]

I wish I had a spare grand to spend right about now, that sword is excellent! I want one.

[@davidbolton4930]

Its probably worth more then 1 grand probably worth closer to 2-3

[@alanmackinnon3516]

@@davidbolton4930 actually it's £3.600.00, if you want to buy it.

[@kkplx]

crazy work.

[@smasica]

The shape of that blade is stunning. Beautiful.

[@draven86]

absolutely astonishing swords.

[@FrancoRoya]

Such fine swords both

[@Atrahasis7]

I great to see the English community of Historical Martial European thingies come together in youtube to educate people. Wish the same thing happened even more for Continental Euro.

[@jkoeberlein1]

Wow Todd unbelievable work. I love the blade but on the fence about the grip. A protective two hand grip. I can see myself screaming and preforming and overhand strike!

[@davidhudson893]

they are both very beautiful

[@darkark101]

Old video I know but just recently came across your channel. Absolutely love your work beautifully crafted swords. Also great verbal content. You have a great way of discussing and explaining your topics without being snooty condescending. Brilliant. Thank you for all the hard work.

[@Camrographer]

If you have the resources to do so. Acquire a Full Frame digital camera and pair it with a 58MM lens. Stand approximately 3-4 meters away from your subject and only utilize the center third of the frame to minimize distortion. lastly photograph your subject straight on (perpendicular to whatever you want to capture with fidelity). I'm sure there are other methods of making sure that images do not suffer from various types of distortion but I think this is the most accessible.

[@MrBandholm]

An incredible reproduction/artifact! The owner will get something truly spectacular!

[@ironwolfF1]

I don't know why, but I visualize that blade in the hands of John Carter (of Mars), and doing much mayhem with it.

[@deeparks3112]

I make reproduction Flintlock firearms and I believe you two gentlemen were searching for the phrase "Finished in a workman like manner." Which is what one often observes with originals of any era, unless a particular item was made for royalty and every detail taken to perfection. Beautiful job on your sword Tod, excellent craftsmanship.

[@SuperAWaC]

this is definitely one of the best looking swords ever. i want one.

[@easemailboxes]

Maybe its different when you see it in real life but on this video they are nearly identical except the inside circumference of the guard loops and you have to look very close to see it. What an excellent job. I wonder how you judge it yourself? You should be very proud. Thanks for protecting our cultures.

[@drewdaly]

This may seem like an ignorant question, but was the original as shiny and smooth as the reproduction when it was new?

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

Yes. It's very likely, as far as I know, medieval people really loved mirror polished arms and armour, the only exceptions I know are blackened to make maintenance easier ( they're 16th century German mercenaries' breastplates, belonging to professional fighters serving in France, the so called " reîtres"). I'm by no means an expert though. Hope this answered your question.

[@davidbolton4930]

It's been keeped clean and stored well as well as been oiled which at the time would be expected of by any swordsman

[@UAPJedi]

I would imagine so, 500 years can take its toll, remember these were weapons they’ve been used, abused, dropped, dented and tarnished. Possibly some of these arms may of been altered, improved had pieces added or taken away, no different than a guy today may want his rifle, handgun or shotgun, improved or customised.

[@neruneri]

@@UAPJedi Hell, even if we discount all of that, 500 years in storage with protective oils is enough to get the discoloring we see. The reproduction does look like what the real one would have looked like 500 years ago.

[@muskyelondragon]

Very cool to see you two together and very nice work.

[@bryanst.martin7134]

Exquisite. Even the expert was initially impressed. Without having numerous profiles and measurement references, you really did an outstanding job. And as the curator said, a little too good. So what? Davinci made this one.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks

[@tuerkefechi]

Awesome work. Swiss Saber is the only Longsword I like, because of the Baskethilt 😉😁

[@teresawright4454]

Hell yeah that's what I like to see. Never thought that guy would say yours was nicer, thought he would be so critical wow. Good work I will keep watching

[@hazzardalsohazzard2624]

Tobias' face when Tod mentions the Wallace Collection photos was amazing.

[@Afro408]

I wish the lighting were better. Every hand made sword Should be slightly different from its siblings. Perfect copies are for modern factories. Fantastic job Tod! 👏👏👏👏😁

[@Jarozila]

That was so much fun to watch. What a beautiful sword.

[@mr31337]

Tobias Capwell dual wielding!

[@leopoldsamsonite1750]

beautiful work Tod. it's amazing for you to work from a photograph and get all the different radius correct not to mention point of balance and all the other details. very impressive thank you for the video

[@Sophocles13]

Simply awesome. I love the passion both have : D

[@james-uk]

Nice video Tod. It was fascinating watching you examine the sword with the eye of a craftsman rather than the rest of us who would just like to wave it about, I mean train with it :)

[@VergilArcanis]

That is a fantastic blade. I want one

[@nigelomacnigilson3089]

Such a cool type of sword. Clearly inspired by the Elvish blades of old. Great job recreating it and awesome idea/chance to compare it with the original.

[@CAMSLAYER13]

Feel like this design predates Elves as we know them

[@BigZ7337]

This was such an interesting video featuring two beautiful swords, thanks so much for sharing. :)

[@62forged]

Incredible workmanship!

[@lindgrenland]

I have to say I'm loving the recent screen collaborations in various settings between Tod, Matt Easton and Cappy (yeah, sorry). What wonderful pairings... What wonderful pairings... Full-blown bromance going on here?

[@paulmaybon4621]

Fantastic work, great to see them side by side. Well done!

[@cwxdaf152]

A lovely piece of work Tod! And it's always nice to see Mr Capwell in a video. Interesting dude.

[@cwxdaf152]

It's so nice to listen to two people talking about a subject they love.

[@Darkshadows90]

As a purely amateur maker I would be terrified to take something back to a museum and compare. My hat is off to you Tod.

[@craigwinters4947]

A sword reborn. Brilliant!

[@Cliffepoos]

That was an awesome video! So good to see the origional beside the modern version. Amazing!

[@karlsailor]

That is a beautiful sword

[@Rasmus1603]

holy cow i am in love

[@chris-kp2zq]

you´re not the only one

[@duncanbrave3465]

I’m certainly going to be proud to show off my Tod Cutler made Bowie in the relatively near future

[@kamatong]

I have to say i prefer yours over the original! Great work, and gorgeous!

[@azraphon]

I remember seeing Tobias at the Wallace Collection in some documentaries from 20 years ago, he's barely aged. Is he a ghost who's always worked there?

[@Han-rw9ev]

'Meant to make that mistake'. Yup, that's a trick I used for my 'battle-damaged' models...

[@alexanderh.5814]

More of you and Tobias please.

[@rodrigodepierola]

"He SHOULD be satisfied" had a "or I'll split him with his very own sword" feel.

[@michaelpitt783]

Its so interesting to see how the camera had an effect on the measurements!

[@Gerilac001]

Truly wonderful and amazing! Congratulations!

[@BaracudaTeam]

Too bad you didn't try the new scabbard on the old sword.

[@johny9414]

Even the armet at 18:12 can't keep a straight face listening to theese two.

[@blackdeath4eternity]

lol nice spot.

[@augustpolca612]

I love this interaction

[@dimitrizaitsew1988]

Exellent job Todd! Looking forward to the next piece!

[@T_bone]

I love the idea of hand protection built into a sword. If you ever "sword fighted" as a kid you learned quick your hands would take a woopin.

[@T_bone]

@@tods_workshop Oh and by the way I absolutely love the work you do. It makes me wish I could be an apprentice in your shop! One small request, could you show distance a bit more when showcasing your bows? I was always curious how the distance of arrows would make the battlefield look.

[@babyhuey6342]

I wonder if the slight variation in feel that Dr. Capwell mentioned, the old one "wanting" to chop someone up more, comes from the fact that it was made by, our with input from, people with experience using swords to kill. Maybe there's a sense for balance and feel that you can't learn, other than by using a sword to fight for your life.

[@Forndrome]

The Swiss Saber is definitely among my favourite swords as well, great reproduction. I've seen a lot of pictures of this sword already, but you really can't get an appreciation of just how beefy the handguard is without seeing someone handling it. I understand complex guards like these are quite tricky to make (probably why Albion have delayed their sidering swords for so long); how many hours did you need to make this sword?

[@Montross]

And it's called Swiss sabre because? To lazy to Google sry.

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

@@Montross ... Because it's swiss I guess ?

[@Talhalarasha]

I realy love the Blade Geometry and the Seed Shape!