We found the BAD SWORDS from the Lord of the Rings

[@Mirdvar]

Denethor would agree that Faramir's sword is much worse than Boromir's sword.

[@Grabehn42]

This gave me such a stupid "hurr hurr I got that" kinda laugh that I felt ashamed even.

[@mike7652]

​@@Grabehn42Same, my dog looked at me like I'm an idiot. I am, so there's also that.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

That would depend on the manner of Faramir's sword's return.

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

Faramirs sword had a chance to show its quality...

[@ballisticthreat]

@@ulfhedtyrsson LOL that's correct

[@ankokuraven]

"who are we? We are sword experts" *Said over a clip of you throwing the katana* I've watched for years I know you guys are and know what you are talking about I just think thats literally one of the funniest juxtapositions you could have done. Brilliant.

[@RachDarastrix2]

"Now look, we know throwing the katana is a bad idea. But as sword experts we need to know how bad of an idea."

[@zoanth4]

Hahaha

[@marcogenovesi8570]

that katana was expertly thrown. You are such a hater

[@AURON2401]

It was thrown not as a bad idea, but to find out HOW bad and WHY it is bad. Also, they threw it as Experts. *nodding*

[@ankokuraven]

Relax guys, I'm not saying it was a bad thing to throw the Katana It was just funny 🤣

[@AURON2401]

In the morgul blades defence, it is a single use weapon.

[@heideknight9122]

I always saw it as a blade made for a dead man. Defense is kinda pointless.

[@Сайтамен]

What's the point of it when a sword gets the job done quicker?

[@agrippa2012]

​​@@heideknight9122 then why bother have a crossguard at all?

[@heideknight9122]

@agrippa2012 Could potentially trap a blade with it.

[@agrippa2012]

@@heideknight9122 then why not have a crossguard on the correct orientation for better trapping?

[@AugustSideling]

I recently had a conversation with a friend where we compared the designs of Boromir and Faramir's swords. We discussed the fact that Boromir's had a pretty fancy design while Faramir's looked much more standard issue--almost like it was something he picked out of an armory and how this fitted their characters. Because Boromir loves war and the glory of war, while Faramir, while a skilled fighter, sees the value of valour, but also doesn't glorify battle, and the simplicity of his sword reflects that. To Boromir, his sword is a prized possession, to Faramir it is a practical tool.

[@MarshWaha]

I can totally see this, and that makes a lot of sense because Faramir wasn’t a fan of war, where as Boromir was more about battle and the glory of battle and his sword was his prized possession.

[@BillGunslinger]

"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." - Faramir

[@chaos_knight_xy]

Next video: Narnia Swords. Peter's is my personal favorite of all time.

[@Naptosis]

"This is why Aslan's claws are poor battlefield weapons!!"

[@scottybreuer]

​@@Naptosis I'm sure Jadis would be very comforted to learn than Aslan's claws are bad weapons.

[@Dile0303]

The Telmarine swords from Prince Caspian are a beauty

[@kurokaze511]

His is great, they designed it very tastefully in the movies. Though I will admit, I like Caspien's better. I like my hilts the way I like my relationships. Complex.

[@robertjensen1438]

I'm not quitting sword fighting because I'm hopeless at it. I have to quit due to medical reasons. I keep getting this sharp, stabbing pain.

[@TheNotoriousMrDee]

🛡️ Here, take this! It's dangerous to go alone!

[@angbandsbane]

Have you tried acupuncture? Lol

[@n1nj4warrior]

I teach EMT students that the chief complaint of "chest pain" can be caused by a variety of underlying factors (or a combination of factors)...acute coronary syndrome, shortness of breath, acute aortic aneurysm, trauma due to sword play...:)

[@trexgamer1132]

@@n1nj4warrior Twas a dad joke... Not actually serious... Probably

[@_aullik]

​@@trexgamer1132 you might want to read the comment you are responding too again

[@khodexus4963]

I can confirm, having handled a high end replica, the witch king's sword grip is oval.

[@defaso169]

Could it have been that the replica “fixed” the issue accidentally or purposely because oval is standard practice and a simple improvement?

[@khodexus4963]

@defaso169 Whether they did or not doesn't really matter because they were using functional replica images not movie frames when making this list. The movie props themselves varied quite a bit since they were made for different filming purposes, so going with high end replicas is generally better since they typically aim to capture the design intent, rather than what is needed for a given prop.

[@Procraftbrother]

I’m actually surprised you guys aren’t more successful. The information you include in these videos is closer to that of a cooler version of a documentary. Explaining what it is, how it’s used, why it’s used… when it was used… and then Actually using it yourselves. AND you guys are funny! I love you guys, and I pray for every bit of support on this channel. I only started watching your videos a year or two ago… and I just can’t get enough.

[@shadiversity]

That's really great to hear, thank you so much

[@Procraftbrother]

Of course!!

[@JustinPrice-r8j]

Google is a global company. Combat related educational videos are straight up illegal in many countries. These dudes need to team up with other HEMA KZbinrs and make their own version of Pepperbox.

[@trystanfranziskus]

it's literally not

[@trystanfranziskus]

@@JustinPrice-r8j just that none of them do hema and actively ruined their relationship with youtubers who actually practise it

[@tsukkomigordo]

I like the reverse crossguard on the morgul dagger. Its like its designed to harm the weilder as well. That kind of nonsensical design also ads to the mystery of the shadow realm.

[@Will_Parker]

The Nazgul very specifically are immune to swords, it would be advantageous to one to have a backwards cross guard so that it can more easily slip the knife past a defender AND cause the enemy to hit the Nazgul itself, which would not only break the weapon, it would also severely injure the enemy.

[@TheBabyCaleb]

Completely agree!

[@Naptosis]

With that much self-flagellation, I'm surprised the Nazgul aren't Catholic. 😅

[@AURON2401]

@@Will_Parker And the fact its a weapon intended to poison the foe, not harm them with a cut or stab wound. As Aragorn said, he needed elvish medicine, for any nomal stuff can only slow the passing to the Shadow Realm. (Becoming a Nazgul)

[@Darkstar-qb3dh]

I think they are basing this off real world usage not off of in universe lore

[@WolffQuam]

15:26 As someone who draw, I'm sorry Tyranth, but it's definitely oval and not round. You can clearly see it at the point where the handle meets the crossguard. There is not enough place for the thickness of it being equal to the width. Now for swords handles, I don't know what you might consider round or oval, but from a geometry perspective, it's 100% oval. Honestly that was triggering me how you were saying it's round when it's clearly oval XD Appart from that great video guys, as usual ^^

[@ron5545]

Yeah, I don't know where he was seeing "round". It's clearly oval. Same with Bard's sword. It's oval, not round like he believed. I get the impression from this and other videos that Tyranth fancies himself a contrarian.

[@WolffQuam]

@@ron5545 Or he doesn't have a compass in his eye at least x) I mean, I don't know, maybe it's obvious for me because I draw, so I'm used to shapes, and therefore it just jump straight at me that it was clearly oval and not round. Maybe it's not that obvious for anyone. But the sure thing is, this sword deserved a fcking 10/10, not a 7...

[@Zagskrag]

I was squinting my eyes so hard going "is that really round? Sure looks oval to me" when I heard Tyranth calling it round. Glad it's not just me.

[@darekun46]

Okay, so, it's more complex than that. The top of the handle is oval, but the center of the handle is circular. Yes, that pic is a good view of the oval join, but remember the rings in the handle(I forget what those are called) and the pommel are in parallel planes, and those lack the same thing in the exact same pic. I've seen this called "thumb indexing", where just your thumb(or just one thumb, in two hands) has indexing, the rest is round. However, I've only seen it in decorations, where it's a side effect of a cheap attachment of the crossguard, which is definitely not what's going on here. How much score mild thumb indexing recovers, dunno.

[@thefanwithoutaface8105]

On the Morgul Dagger since it's wielded by Ringwraiths who are basically immortal and can't feel pain it makes sense they wouldn't make the dagger with a normal guard and it's likely curved that way so the blade goes all the way in as opposed to possibly getting caught on the guard.

[@reptiloidmitglied2930]

So, if you are immortal and don't feel any pain, why would your dagger need a guard at all? And if you still want a massive guard that doesn't limit your blade you could go for a straight one.

[@tamarans.ns.ii.4968]

​@@reptiloidmitglied2930It's an assassin/execution blade not combat one. It looks like the guard's main function is to help hand push the blade all the way in without slipping.🤔 Granted normal guard would do that just fine too but the point here is weird/cool aesthetics. 🤩

[@reptiloidmitglied2930]

@@tamarans.ns.ii.4968 I can absolutely get behind the aesthetics point but for practicallity a rondel would be more than enough to prevent the Nazgul from slipping up the handle.

[@KingofDragons]

I'm pretty sure the Ringwraith's were screaming out in pain after being set on fire.

[@helikos1]

On that note, they may have the guard to stop other people picking it up and using. We see in the film that the blade disintegrates but this is after it is used to stab Frodo and a piece also breaks off into his body. Maybe if the dagger is dropped it might not disintegrate and the Nazgul don't want any rando using it and making their enemy a wraith.

[@NimbusAngelo]

When Smaug the dragon attacked Erebor and Dale, Bard's sword belonged to his ancestor Girion, the last Lord of Dale. Bard reclaims and uses the sword during the Battle of the Five Armies. In the final battle, you can see him using it. Also, watch the M4 Hobbit Book Edit which condenses the trilogy into a single 4-hour film. It's worth the watch!

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

Wouldn't he only be able to reclaim it after the battle? The men of Dale and the Elves or Mirkwood didn't actually get into the Lonely Mountain till after the Battle of the Five Armies. So he couldn't have claimed it before. The only loot that got out before the battle was the Arkenstone.

[@NimbusAngelo]

​@@beowulfsrevenge4369 True. But I was talking about the movies. In the book, the sword is amongst the treasure hoard in Erebor, but in the Peter Jackson version, it's in the ruins of Dale.

[@beowulfsrevenge4369]

@NimbusAngelo I don't remember that at all. But it's been a long time since I've seen that movie, and I'd checked out and wasn't paying attention by then. Why would the sword still be in ruins of Dale? I guess it's just another thing about those movies that doesn't make sense.

[@Сайтамен]

​@@beowulfsrevenge4369 Because Girion died with it in Dale?

[@Сайтамен]

I thought Bard used a standard sword from the armoury...

[@willemwhite9016]

Man, i really love the Morgul Blade. Idk why but the general vibe just hits right for me, especially given its purpose and the dude using it. Personally i love the reversed crossguard, but i get the criticism.

[@temptempy1360]

@23:15 The Morgul Dagger crossguard is curved that way so it looks more vicious and evil, ie this isn't a I'm going to stand and duel, main-gauche. This is an assassins stabby blade that isn't for parrying but for shoving past your guard and driving into your chest and soul - or into your back when you're looking the other way. It's also why the blade is so thick, it's a "I'm going to bust open your chest, limb, head, not slice you delicately" weapon.

[@mikkohernborg5291]

For the Witch King's sword - in the 'weta workshop images', there is one that shows the handle's attachment to the crossguard, *clearly* showing that the handle is *oval.* Missing that is a serious oversight, since it’s the point on which much of the score hinges. On the other hand, it looks like the handle is solid metal with a leather cover, but it’s not very clear.

[@laughingcloud3516]

I have 2 replicas of the Witch King's Sword. The wall hanger has a thinner round grip but the functional one has a slightly wider oval grip. The functional one having a wider grip made it more comfortable for me too. I also recently got a custom-order sword that is a spatha where the guard, grip and pommel are all one solid piece of verawood tacked onto the tang like a messer. I did have them plate the guard in steel so it wouldn't break cause the lacquered verawood looks beautiful.

[@marhawkman303]

yeah a 2/3 ratio oval is pretty good actually.

[@Bosnerdly]

@14:21 That's a fascinating fact about why round handles are inferior! It makes perfect sense, but I would never have thought of that.

[@laneskirata]

Absolutely amazing video. I am a recent fan to the channel and have absolutely loved everything I’ve seen. Wanted to point out however, while I was able to track everything that was discussed, they didn’t slow down and explain much of their ratings for a casual viewer like they said they would at the beginning of the video. They did a bit more than the previous videos, but there were still many things that they didn’t fully explain. Many people wouldn’t know what a fuller is.

[@shadiversity]

Thanks for the feedback, we'll keep that in mind more

[@TheZapan99]

The design of the Morgul dagger is supposed to remind you it is wielded by mortal kings who became wraiths after being tricked by Sauron. That's why the cross guard has a crown on it, the pommel also somewhat looks like a crown, and the reversed guard carries the idea of a weapon used against the will of its owner.

[@James35142]

Even if the swords are bad, the writing never will be since Rings of Power isn't canon.

[@Assdafflabaff]

The funniest implication of RoP is that all the non-Whites in Middle Earth were genocided. Since RoP takes place earlier, and it has black elves and hobbits everywhere, but there are none in LoTR, they must have all been killed off before the time LoTR takes place.

[@gameragodzilla]

Rings of Power was so bad it made Jeff Bezos turn into a Republican.

[@Assdafflabaff]

The funniest implication of RoP was that all the non-White people in Middle Earth were wiped out before LoTR takes place, making it into an all-White paradise.

[@TheBabyCaleb]

Wait, there’s a show about the rings?!

[@Naptosis]

​@@TheBabyCalebYes, Rings of Power is an expensive show about how the rings were created, their powers, and how they were distributed amongst the kingdoms. It's been so good that fans have been asking for the original films to be rebooted and remade by the the Rings of Power creators. 😅

[@Goldenleyend]

The morgul dagger is actually perfect design. When I first saw it, I hated it, I didn't even know what I know now about swords it just looks wrong - it looks evil. Brilliant.

[@ronlittlejohn8046]

Caveat to the prior video on Narsil/Anduril’s blade length. Consider that it was forged for Numenorians who were much larger than traditional men, Elendil himself standing over seven feet tall

[@andreas_rr]

My take on "too big pommels" and alike: keep in mind they can just be hollow. That's been done a lot of times in history and personally i'd give any big pommel a pass since you 100% could make it look identical but weigh much less than half of what it looks like. This could be applied on crossguards too, but i doubt that would be ideal for the material strength. Similarly, i would not think too much about "metal handles" etc, since it really could just be a metalic finish (such as silver wire to give a historic counterpart). Or, it could just be the colours being misleading so personally, if it's not unanimously clear, i would also give the benefit of the doubt to it just looking like that, but it could just be misleading. Taking a design as blunt as possible might make sense to tie it to the exact copy, but imho it's boring to make a potentially amazing sword design rank bad just because an take that would be SO easy to fix without changing the design. Same with thick blades in video games, they just have a functional reason to be there in terms of visibility, but just making the sword half as thick or whatever doesnt, in my opinion, change the design. It's just like filling some blanks that were left for one reason or another.

[@markfergerson2145]

Yes, hollow pommels were a thing. However, “too large” in context means it can get in your way, preventing you from using a handshake grip for instance. With Viking swords and rondel daggers the user is deliberately limited to the ice pick grip. Yes, most of the designs shown can be easily tweaked to make tens out of them, but they aren’t shown that way, and rating them *as shown* is the whole point of the exercise. Notice that the round grip on the dagger didn’t downgrade it. That’s because the way a dagger is used doesn’t depend on indexing. My point is that a flaw in one weapon isn’t necessarily a flaw in another weapon.

[@theraven268]

@@markfergerson2145 Aren't there people arguing against icepick grip for Viking swords? I've seen people able to use them differently, whether they did that in period is still undecided but you can do it.

[@ROMANTIKILLER2]

I tend to agree. By that reasoning, a lot of historical sword with wheel pommels would be judged as too heavy, while in reality those were hollow. Also true that while I have no experience of gilding or metallic finish on wooden handles, metal wires on those was more common than many people may think.

[@lycos94]

i like how they put the swords on the screen in a way that it actually looks like that's the one they're gesturing at when talking about it that's some great editing right there

[@redcorvet2590]

Shad you should bring back the super mega awesome castles shirt

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

15:25 ... that's an oval cross-section on the handle where it meets the cross-guard.

[@rockinHurley777]

Sure is

[@Oddi0]

No doubt, first thing I noticed.

[@HunterGargoyle]

any oversized hilt parts can be offset by being hollow, a lot of big rondels and large pommels were made hollow

[@theraven268]

In that case the size has a purpose, with swords large pommels can be a detriment even if the weight is the same. And be real for a second, if you asked some of the people making these designs i doubt they would know about hollow pommels tbh.

[@Mesousa26]

I always figured the Morgul dagger was meant to be an assassination weapon, not something for combat.

[@Ars-Nova258]

Really fascinating video, gives me a new perspective on some of my favorite Swords in fiction. I’m off to overanalyze Fire Emblem and Tales Swords.

[@merakimelodies8931]

As for the Morgul-blades in the thumbnail, it is very weird for a Western-style sword to have a backswept-guard, but it’s fairly-common in some Chinese swords: intended to deflect the enemy’s blade to the side, with proper technique, rather than make a hard-stop. :)

[@travishancock9120]

I am with Tyranth. Tolkien often describes the elven weapons as "straight", which to me implies that they are double edged. Nothing against beautiful curves, but I think it would be more representative of the books if they stuck with straight or even leaf-shaped blades.

[@Sturdy_Penguin]

I agree with another comment that the double-ended glaive could have both sides sharpened with one side acting like a saber or shamshir with the other side acting like a falx, war scythe, or billhook which could either pierce armor or hook someone. It would be pretty dreadful in formation, but passable in a duel or having Rings of Power battles that are just running around randomly in a field and finding an orc also running around randomly in a field. Not ideal, but usable.

[@TheBabyCaleb]

I love the Morgul Dagger’s reverse cross guard!

[@TheNotoriousMrDee]

I think it looks pretty cool, and appropriately odd for a wraith.

[@Wright805]

Why? It's stupid.

[@film57r7]

imo the Mirkwood sword handle being thin is find because if your were an elf you would probably want a thinner handle for being thinner than the average human, I think it make sense for an elfs”

[@Issblodh]

On the upside down crossguard, it’s often used to indicate the wielder as an evil character. I know of at least 1 comic series that uses (used) it. Name is De Rode Ridder

[@dearcastiel4667]

The Morgul Blade is fine. It's a dagger, you're going to use it for a few seconds at most, the reverse crossguard is not going to be an issue. And with such a taper, it's a thrusting dagger, so you can hold it in a way the crossguard doesn't bother you it it's really a problem to you

[@theraven268]

Cope

[@Dramn_]

@@theraven268 cope with what?

[@RprinceV]

In all fairness, the morgul bade in the movies is wielded through some armored gauntlets, so the crossguard hitting the hand is not really an issue

[@KeefGB]

I have the witch kings sword and it is in fact tapered on the handle making it oval

[@KeefGB]

I just got further into the video and saw ur debate. It is meaningfully oval, essentially the same amount as boromirs sword (which I also have)

[@spiffs2septims730]

The Morgul dagger gets a pass because of who uses it. Nazgul can't be harmed by normal means, and any sword that strikes them will be an instant conduit for a potent form of the black breath to invade the attacker. Remember what happened to Eowyn and Merry after they killed the witch king? Its a win-win for the wraith if he stabs his target or they stab him. Also, the guard may be facing that way as to slide past the defenses of an enemy or push a block aside to quickly penetrate and break off in the wound. That's all the dagger is used for. Its not meant for actual fighting. I'd bump it up to an 8 mainly because i hate that handle. Nazgul wouldnt mind though.

[@tommeakin1732]

I don't know how you can be so confident on things like handle shape from a side profile. We're pretty much in the realm of visual illusions lol. And if there's one thing I've learnt about swords over the years, it's that profile alone can give you the totally wrong idea. For all you know, none of those blades even have any distal taper, but I think you're broadly giving the design the benefit of the doubt that it's a functional blade. The handle shape is much easier to change, and less integral to the whole design than the blade. I'd kind of handwave it unless there's something that fundamentally stops it from having a unrounded handle

[@DZ-X3]

With the Witch-King sword, they did bring up additional photographs from Weta to support their point. They also seem to be looking at a broader range of pictures than get edited into the video, because that would be a lot of extra editing. But most importantly, "easier to change" doesn't enter into it. If you can replace the handle, grind off the spikes on the pommel, flip around the crossguard... then every sword is a 10/10. Everything is perfect, because any imperfections could be replaced with completely different parts from a sword that deserved a 10/10. The only problem there is, well, you aren't reviewing that sword anymore, you're just replacing it with a better one. You'd have to give out a simultaneous 0/10 and 10/10 score to everything, because they can all be Ship of Theseussed into perfectly good or perfectly terrible swords.

[@Oddi0]

​@@DZ-X3The Weta images actually prove them wrong. At 15:25 if you look at where the handle meets the crossguard it's easy to see that it's oval, not round.

[@duaneho555]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for it.

[@aleksamrkela831]

I could watch you talk about The Lord of the Rings's weapons and armor all day!

[@TimurAShadow]

"How many swords with round handles are there" Plenty in Scottland. Most of them. Talking about the witchkings-sword, it has scottish elements. The Crossguard with the lug towards the blade is a typical scottish thing, the round handle too. The small Pommel can also be found pretty often on Lowlander and Clamshell Claidheamh Da Laimh. Maybe the designer was a fan of Cateran swordmanship?

[@Tounushi]

The Morgul Blade is literally a cursed artefact. You're meant to stab your foe and break off a piece of it in them. What's important with it is not defence, but to get that blade into your enemy. Having a good grip would be paramount for this, which is why also the handle has _ribs_ to _spare_

[@TheHornedKing]

The handle on the Witch King sword was definitely oval in one shot there, so I give it 10/10.

[@craigbob7734]

3:57 the backward crossguard is enhanced protection against losing rings.

[@edi9892]

Speaking of the morghul blade, there are multiple swords with one of the quillons facing down, but the other always faces up. I think that they're called sweeping.

[@matuskadoun929]

The Morgul dagger is that way I think for movie purposes. Everyone remembers this shape that it is that Morgul blade.

[@fanta4897]

The elven glaive does look like it has a false edge though. So one side can function as chopper, while the other as piercer with still some false edge to cut too. It would still be awkward to use, but with enough training it might be viable (and if anyone's getting more than enough training, it's the elves with their immortality).

[@jierdareisa4313]

I love ALL Shadiversity videos!!!! ❤

[@nk_3332]

The Morgul Dagger isn't a fighting weapon, it's an assassination weapon, it's meant to stab as deep and close to the heart as possible.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

That's why like 90% of LOTR stuff has been replicated for sale, but very few Hobbit weapons.

[@Martin-gd7vy]

The Nazgul just want to brag about how immortal they are

[@ralfhtg1056]

Witch Kings sword: the handle is not round, it's oval.

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

Agreed.

[@Oddi0]

Yeah in the image at 15:25 you can easily see the shape where the handle meets the crossguard.

[@littlekong7685]

I have seen an official replica model of it, it is a round handle sadly.

[@_aullik]

@@Oddi0 From what that looks like it is mostly round and only slightly oval close to the guard.

[@jamiehanley9046]

I have a replica of it and it is indeed round.

[@SkippertheBart]

5:50 I feel like the swelling grip would actually be good for stabbing.

[@jlogan2228]

The morgul blade makes total sense though bc the wraiths wear gauntlets so their hands are safe and with that down sweep it acts way better as a stop to deliverore power on a stab

[@harbl99]

"Bard's sword? Nay! It is traaaaash!" -- Shad and Tyrenth, 2024

[@Soul93Taker]

Yeah, we all know bards favour rapiers and condoms for fighting

[@mirthenary]

But the bard's song will remain... Blind Guardian fans unite!

[@SmokeyTheHeir]

“The hilt is round, no it’s oval”. A discussion as old as the ages amongst fans

[@johnhenley7349]

I first thought that the Morgul blade's backwards cross guard helped in thrusting through mail.

[@Theyomann]

If you hold the Morgul dagger in reverse grip like in the movies, the crossguard wouldn't be an issue

[@BadyearOakarus]

the thing about the morgul dagger is that, and i'm not too versed on the deeper lore so correct me if i'm wrong but, from my understanding it's kind of a single use weapon. it's stabs and poisons frodo then the blade dissolves and i'm not sure how good that would make this in a fight since the blade could be very delicate meaning that a regular crossguard could lead to the blade being damaged and maybe falling apart. this dagger doesn't feel like a combat weapon but more of one meant for assassination.

[@thebrowneyesofmandalore]

I really love your videos dissecting Lotr weapons. I’d love to see more like this. Perhaps even reviewing armor, battlefields, battlements, siege weapons, bows, etc.

[@spartanxmonster]

0:24 I was hoping you were gonna say that before I clicked. Peter (the swordsmith, not the director) did a fantastic job of keeping the weapons practical and real for the LoTR films. The Hobbit ones, not so much.

[@juanhartley4897]

You should rate adventure time swords next! Please

[@ROMANTIKILLER2]

- Morgul Dagger: the upside down hilt would be very awkward on a sword, but for a is dagger meant for stabbing and not for parrying given the profile taper, it shouldn't be much of an issue. - Faramir's Sword: not a fan of the look, but disc pommels are used on historical sword like Indian tulwars, so it is fully functional. - Mirkwood Glaive: with that reverse design one could either hit with the blunt side or ever worse cut himself. - Mirkwood Sword: nice blade, and the ricasso near the handle is fine, as historically many sabres were left blunt and thicker in the strong section that is used only for parrying and not for cutting. The handle is indeed a bit thin at the bottom, but the shape looks comfortable. - Witch King Sword: difficult to judge oval or round handle from the model, honestly if looked more oval to me. The shape of the blade (diamond section, ricasso) remind me a bit of a war rapier, so the solution to any potential edge-alignement issue could be to thrust instead. - Legolas' Dagger: the designs reminds me a bit of some Middle-Eastern daggers, but I'd also add a small hilt to prevent the hand to slide while stabbing. - Bard's Sword: generic fantasy sword.

[@temptempy1360]

@11:15 if you actually try that spin for anything more than flexibility or mobility training, when the back end comes up, you opponent just gives a lightning fast attack with no commitment to the rising rear end that is coming into range and they are quickly disarmed or chasing control of their weapon. The hand over hand ,single hand - worse, an over the back of the hand spin, or gods help you, moment of double-hand release spin (eg when just momentum holds weapon to back of hand or body) just takes a very quick, non-committal attack to the weapon cross-body parry to bat the weapon into a bush, into the air, or in certain situations, uncontrolled into the melee or down their line. The worst part with spins is when in melee or line/pair combat - the spinning user has to be aware of everything around them, including lightbulbs, and of others who might be on their side, walking near them, or simply not aware of the 'back end of doom' as the fight might move and pummel anyone or anything nearby. This also goes for line (row!) combat with katana and other "poking backward" styles of weapon use

[@Korasachi]

Hello mr.shad, today ive decided to graduate from using my mom's youtube account to using this one. it is so nice being able to subscribe to you again!

[@felipeborrero9858]

The point of Legolas' dagger being off center also makes it far worse for stabby stabby...

[@PossumReviews]

Do you think the Witch King's sword might have a round handle because the actor had to be able to hold it while wearing those giant gauntlets?

[@willghezzi]

The witch king gauntlests where not huge, they were designed over gothic armor and are perfectly functional, having a round handle would be detrimental, not helpful

[@JustinPrice-r8j]

No

[@alexengland9451]

I saw schola gladitoria's video on the hammer grip bronze age sword. Would be interesting to see you guys give that style a swing. Keep up the good work.

[@vladimirsemyonov4314]

I have kinda replica of morguls dagger. It is a complete wallhanger, but it actually has guard reversed (from original). I sow it and instantly imagined how the guy making it was like "wtf? I know I'm making a crappy wallhanger, but there are limits, man!", and flipped it. That was the moment i knew i have to buy it.

[@danteblack3254]

I've held a replica of the Witch King sword and I can verify it is oval, not round. Not sure what was giving you guys the round impression because I could even see it was oval from the pictures you pulled it.

[@derekstein6193]

5:10 No, Tyrinth. Crossguards are meant to *guard* your hand; what they do is literally in the name.

[@trystanfranziskus]

There are multiple historical examples of daggers with that ‘’flipped’’ guard from Switzerland

[@nicklankin3177]

I think the battle style of the double-sided pull arm with the curved blades is meant specifically for a windmill style type of motion when conducting your slices on each side of the weapon. Once you conduct your first initial slice with the front blade, the rear blade will take its place and already will be facing forward which would prompt you to lead into a secondary slice automatically. There's also a edge on the back of the curve of the sword as well. That curve can act as a claw causing deeper gashes than a normal slice. You could use that claw to hook onto an enemy's side to spill their guts out easier, or you can hook it on to their shoulder and cut their neck muscle which would prevent them from raising their arm as well as cutting a major artery as you drag them down to the floor using the hook. The battle style of this weapon I would say would be more aggressive over defensive. Kind of like a savage beast. The massive problem that I can see with this daggers if you break technique even a little bit then you're not going to be using the weapon effectively which does defeat the purpose of it being as an effective weapon.

[@MattsGreatHall]

The Morgul blade reminds me of a mustache that points upwards. Like, why did they do that? Was it weta workshop? If so, normally they do good work.

[@harbl99]

Streamlining. It makes the dagger go faster, innit?

[@temptempy1360]

@15:30 Peter makes some gorgeous and very functional swords. Where his counterpart in Levin (Stewie?? IIRC) tends to make awesome fantasy stuff, but he really goes all out with inventiveness and style over the functionality. There was a focus on having a specific design for each of the main characters, so each person would have distinctive "hero" character; and each race was also supposed to have a distinct fighting style (where the evil races would fight much more "dirty" than the good guys). It got a bit unwieldy in the end and too finicky for fight-choreography and so tended to be a general rule than specific styles. Peter did end up having to use a lot of lathe turned and machined curves, just because of the initial budget and time constraints. He needed a lot of safe, different, workable, character blades that could be produced in a short time [i.e. before shooting started, and he needed to be able to duplicate them as there were lost or damaged). LOTR was also a show that really re-launched swords and fantasy into the public eye, so both artists and other blade and weapon maker had to outsource much of the work rather than attempt all equipment at once - at that meant getting light engineering firms to produce parts they could understand - which is turned and ground (rather than forged, pressed, and cast - a good comparison is Shad's recent "Forged in Fire" review). They needed swords that the star's insurance companies could live with. After LOTR, sword interest and the quality of medieval weapons and armour work, and people's budgets shot ahead. Peter, BTW, was also an early mover in reviving studies (outside UK) of the old masters of fense, and helped reshape much of the current world of re-enactment (particularly outside UK). Re: Pommel. Peter also prefers front heavy "cleaving" swords (yeah he's tall and has reach). But also they had to make allowances for the non-sword-fight stars and stuntdoubles, who wouldn't have trained wrists or time to warm-up, and may have to do takes all day, and include things like pointing to stuff with a sword (or replica), or holding head guards for repeated scenes/cuts. The public sale "replicas" are sometimes a little more solid or weighted, but that is a thing to keep in mind about analysis - it's a range of show swords, they can't change the design once shooting starts, and they have to be gripable by actors performing, and light enough for those actors not to injure themselves (eg sprain a wrist when playing or flourishing with the blade out of shot). Many of the handles are a little narrow for what we would use for a battle sword, because of the lack of battle necessity, but to give increased grip when gesturing, holding or waving the sword theatrically - one place that can be trimmed due to lack of military use, is the handle, and it gives a more positive feel to someone not used to guantlets/gloves, or who isn't used to weilding a weapon.

[@aaronburnett2261]

Im SOOO glad you guys are focusing on the cross guard ! My favorite game For Honor, has beautiful swords, but way too many have horrible "user swept" orientation cross guards! I imagine every weapon in my hand, and when i see that it ruins it! I was afraid it was just me..ty guys

[@shovelchop81bikeralex52]

Okay doing you a favour as I'm a collector of swords who happens to own most of the LOTR & TH swords and varied weapons such as axes, daggers etc.. I got my step ladder out (I'm not a hobbit but many of these are attached near the ceiling lol). So here's a list of which have round hilts and other discrepancies that you can't tell just from online pictures: Witchking sword hilt is round, Wraith sword (you haven't covered) hilt is very oval/elliptical, Witchking dagger's hilt does not interfere with the user, Uruk-Hai machete/cleaver (I can't call this a scimitar) has a flat sided hilt, Eomer + Eowyn + Théoden swords all have round hilts, Narsil has an elliptical hilt, Strider's sword has an oval hilt, Gandalf's has an oval hilt, Boromir's has a subtle oval hilt, Orcrist has an oval hilt, I have 7 Dwarven swords carried by the 12 in TH (many didn't use swords, instead, hammers, axes, a harpoon, a mining rock breaker, a pickaxe and a ladle) these all have oval hilts except for Kili's which is half round and a fairly long square section below the crossguard, Sting has an oval hilt, Legolas's fighting knives are very secure in the hands due to the expanding tapper in lieu of a crossguard, they are also best held with a thumb resting on the top of the grip and feel designed to be held that way like many 'real world' knives, Arwen/ Elendil's sword has an ovoid shape. Strider's large Elven knife has an oval hilt. I don't think I've missed any swords but I have axes too.

[@cameronkozlarek9416]

Also, keep in mind Faramir also fought on horseback on the regular, so having a one-handed slashing blade makes more sense in that area.

[@mtnman8783]

Love the design of the sword of Truth from the legend of the seeker Also Excalibur from King Arthur legend of the sword

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

I think the cross guard on the Morgul Dagger is likely fine in use - the handle is really quite long and everything about its shape wants to pull your hand further back towards the pommel than the cross guard so it won't be uncomfortable on the hand, as the hand isn't there. And on the catching the opponents blade the front that crown shaped element likely does that well enough when you actively want to while being backwards swept cross guard I'd suggest can be used to great effect for defensive parrying because it won't catch only deflect. So probably more like fighting with a buckler that happens to have a blade on the defensive I'd suggest (though would want to actually test it).

[@Naptosis]

A glaring issue is that the 'deflect' on hitting the reverse-guard over the wrist, would cause the opponent's blade to slide onto the wrist/arm, destroying it. Which would be a terrible idea unless one is immune to swords...

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

@@Naptosis Not really if your holding and using it to deflect sensibly - You obviously would be trying to use it to redirect it away from you not into you! That choice is very very much yours to make. You might not always get the timings or read your opponent right, so it absolutely could go wrong. But it is exactly the same thing as using a buckler there really they can easily deflect an attack into your own arm, and yet were popular enough for darn good reason. As if you use them right they are really quite effective for such a small easy to carry bit of metal.

[@wouterdevisser1446]

I pointed out the dagger to a friend just the other day. Almost like it was meant to be

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

That Morgul Dagger looks great as a short mace. With a sharp handle. The Witch Kings Great Sword is technically a polearm so a round handle is appropriate. Lego-lassies knives are slightly better than you guys think. If you look carefully the bit of curve in the handle lines the tip up. The 'reverse' bend in the handle should be enough to impede your hand slipping up but I agree and think it would be better w a Bowie style guard. Other than that pommel I thot the last one was ok. Twist the ends around and tweak them to about 40° and it would be great. I'm a bastard or long sword guy if I'm going to use a sword.

[@lemmingsftw2480]

the handle of that witch king sword is oval nobody can tell me otherwise

[@KorGarrot]

Agreed. There's a lot of replicas that have round handles, but the original was oval

[@ayeapprove]

9:50 The klingons just knew that thousands of years ago with the Bat‘leth

[@dontaecamacho5780]

I feel like the Morgul Dagger is designed to look a bit more ceremonial due to the fact that it pulls its victim into the Wraith realm. As well as they don’t need to be protected due to the fact that they don’t have true bodies that can be killed

[@EpicJasonX9000]

Since it’s still fresh in my mind, and since the Castievania song Bloody Tears is still stuck in my head, how about finally doing a video based on swords and other weapons based on both Dracula and other vampire based properties? I would like to see what you think of the majority of Dracula’s swords since the dark prince himself is rarely covered on your channel let alone guides on knights fighting against vampires.

[@StormEnder]

Agreed!

[@TheNotoriousMrDee]

Cool. Vampire protagonists are usually cringe but vampire villains are awesome.

[@EpicJasonX9000]

@@TheNotoriousMrDee well, you do get some good vampire protagonists sometimes like Blade, Alucard from Castlevania, Raziel from Legacy Of Kain, and/or D from Vampire Hunter D. But I will fully admit that those are very rare exceptions.

[@TheNotoriousMrDee]

I'm embarrassed Blade totally slipped my mind lol.

[@EpicJasonX9000]

@@TheNotoriousMrDee that’s ok. It’s more memorable than Van Helsing, which even that movie is still better than Dracula 2000.

[@MuNahvaaran]

Wasn't the Mirkwood Glave used in the opening scene of fellowship of the ring? It was used in the clash between Elrond's army and Mordor's army.

[@JustinPrice-r8j]

Double ended naginatas were a real thing. I speculate they were home defense weapons made so when (not if) you broke one end you could keep fighting.

[@marvhollingworth663]

I'm not a weapons expert, but I can see another flaw with Bard's sword. The blade flares out a bit near the cross guard. When an opponent's blade slides down Bard's blade, I can see the flare sending the opponent's blade off Bard's blade so it misses the cross guard. Without those flares, the blade would just slide all the way down & hit the cross guard.

[@Wolfcreed117]

Also I like the Morgul Dagger, and I think what would have bumped up the Mirkwood Glaive. Is if it had an ability to go from a glaive, into two swords and then back into a glaive again. That way it has more uses and more Functions.

[@SpareTrees]

I personally like the two sided glaive. After working with some interesting weapons, I can see the use case for it. It would definitely lose to a sword wielder, but I can see the elves having this as a weapon and having people train on that weapon for years before they use it. A sword is much better, but I wouldn’t be sad if I was expected to use it. I personally would have given it a 5 or 6 for functionality. It has some nice ideas, but is hard to use.

[@WritingFighter]

Bard's Sword is also 2-handed sword. The handle is very long if you look at the photo.

[@ОлгойХорхой]

Mirkwood sword. You put two fingers over the guard, and you just have perfect grip.

[@Madcowdiseiz]

Tyranth's over here hating on the morgul dagger while Baselard daggers exist. You've gone crazy mate.

[@KingofDragons]

Did Shad and Tyranth ever talk about the Berserker Uruk-hai's sword? I think it only shows up in Two Towers for the Uruks on the ladders when they first get on the wall. They had a T shape to them.I think it would be cool to make a model of the Berserker Sword and see how it would act in battle or even testing it out.

[@anderporascu5026]

I got into sword play briefly as a youth but decided I was a collector rather than a lover of knowing my blades. I discovered I'm into spears, battle rods, quarter staffs and other weapons that keep foes at a distance. Especially the sci-fi sorts that do energy projectiles and other energy stuff. Guns... Maybe on property I own but nowhere else.

[@CommanderTman]

I know this is a more "Sit down, look up images and talk about it" kind of video but I think you guys should also look up videos of replicas of the swords just to see if the proportions of the handle, guard etc are as thick or flat as they seem. Also keep up the good work.

[@brendenpetkau7701]

I own a Faramir's sword replica, and I would have to give it even a lower rating than you did. It is a bit large for a single handed sword (42 inches) but because of the pommel shape (which is oval, not circular), you can't fit two hands on the grip, unless your hands are really small. So it could have the versatility of a bastard sword but doesn't. However, is does have the best balance of any replica I've ever held.