What other weapons did a medieval archer carry?

[@denwhittaker3252]

I am both enthralled and a little concerned about this man’s gleeful enthusiasm when demonstrating hammering a knife into a man with a hatchet.

[@Insectoid_]

Lol I love his enthusiasm with everything. Makes me really appreciate the history of places and things he discusses. A superb teacher and story teller.

[@nicolasjohnson5112]

Kevin served in the British Army. He’s seen a lot. 🫡

[@kelly-annejenner486]

He gets into character well which really gets the feel for how life was for these men. Life’s different now with not as much face to face combat but back then you had to have no fear and do your job properly to protect your lord and King/Queen. They knew no different and brutal is what they were and had to be.

[@kelly-annejenner486]

@@thomasmcnamara5929 I’m sorry that made you feel like that but I would be privileged to meet him. In my eyes he’s a historical enactor and if he wasn’t knowledgeable and to get into character how would history get passed down to the next generation? What about one of my favourite films Elizabeth, the film starts with 3 Protestant people having their hair cut off and being burned at the stake. Would you say the writers and directors were creepy for showing what actually happened to these people back then? What Kevin is showing us is just history and he’s being educational about it. Like I said apologies you feel like this and you have every right to have your opinion and that differs from mine.

[@miaouew]

@@thomasmcnamara5929 chill out, wimp.

[@Tommonius]

I heard many times that english bowmen were "armed to the teeth" but the sources never described what weapons they carried, a band of men with all those blades and their longbows probably even more scary than a knight on a horse.

[@thehistorysquad]

And when you consider they all worked together in their company (like a pack) 👍🏻

[@Specter_1125]

A number of mounted knights are probably going to be far scarier. Even a team of only six horses can make it it feel as though the ground is shaking when they’re riding towards you.

[@Tommonius]

@@acerld519 thank you so much friend!

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

@@Specter_1125 Propably but archers are right up there with the knights.

[@Specter_1125]

@@ReasonAboveEverything There’s a reason heavy cavalry is also called shock cavalry. It takes a fair deal of discipline to hold your ground against dozens, hundreds or thousands of men on horseback charging towards you. Archery is effective, but generally didn’t have the psychological impact of heavy cavalry.

[@MrBatman19833]

The bowman’s knife (aka to me now as a hammer knife) is absolutely terrifying. The idea that the bowman would hammer the blade into his intended target is bloody awful.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yeah, but effective 😉

[@MrBatman19833]

@@thehistorysquad that is very true 😹

[@sirallenrider8796]

Awful? I prefer the term Creative!

[@MrBatman19833]

@@sirallenrider8796 how about awfully creative? 😹

[@sirallenrider8796]

@@MrBatman19833 That works too!

[@michaelrossi4904]

The best teachers are the most passionate ones. Their love of history is INFECTIOUS

[@daveg7516]

I couldn’t agree more 😊👍

[@bvbxiong5791]

pretty sure this guy's killed and buried someone.

[@daveg7516]

@@bvbxiong5791 he was in the army 😊👍

[@michaelrossi4904]

@@bvbxiong5791 don't know if there's time to bury enemies on the battlefield

[@YorkistRaven]

@@bvbxiong5791 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@greghoyt4061]

In modern times, medieval archers have garnered a bit of a reputation as having been these dainty little fairies who were ill suited to melee and had to hide behind the knights and infantry when the enemy got too close. Well, as for the Longbowmen of England and Wales at least, that’s just simply not the case. You take a group of men in their teens to forties, largely drawn from the peasantry, who’ve been chopping wood and tilling the soil almost every day since childhood. They’ve also been practicing archery every Sunday after mass, again, since childhood, slowly working their way up in draw weight over the years until they could consistently draw 120+lbs to the cheek and nail a target. That’s all upper-back and shoulders. Nah... these weren’t lily-livered little snowflakes. These were big, strong, solidly-built men who had years of hard work and hard training behind them. Add in some melee training and a bit of common sense as to which side of an axe to bury into a man’s chest, and you’ve got a very formidable, multifaceted, and dangerous group of men. There’s a reason they became the terror of the battlefield all across France.

[@jacobmorgan1182]

Desired results

[@jacobmorgan1182]

This ideal came from men who thought picking men off at distance was cowardly but leaders care less about heroism and more about

[@greghoyt4061]

@@jacobmorgan1182 Indeed. The same sort who deemed men of their station as expendable and “of no value” - infuriated that commoners were able to take down elite warriors by the bushel, rather than just being the fodder they were supposed to be. That’s one of the things I appreciate about Medieval England. They were, at times, viewed as something of a backwater by the major powers of Continental Europe. Often a bit behind in fashion, and often a dollar short. Their knights, at least compared to say, the French, when mounted anyway, weren’t much to write home about. But, what they lacked in flair and modernity, they more than made up for in practicality and skill at arms. If it worked and it worked well, they did it. Not many can say they were left laughing after having met the English on the battlefield.

[@fireandiron4181]

@@greghoyt4061 It's because the English didn't tend to view war as anything other, than what it was. The other European powers tended to view war in a romantic light, where glory was won. The English treated war as what it was: Butchery. And the English Bowmen became very skilled at the butchering of men.

[@carebear8762]

They also come from a society which was far more comfortable with lethal violence to settle disagreements than modern folks can really understand.

[@ObeyCamp]

I always just thought bowmen were ranged fighters who were safe, far, far outside of melee range, but seeing all this kit, the "murder weapons," as you so succinctly put it, and hearing you refer to them as professional killers, it really puts bowmen in a whole new light for me. They were just as hardcore as anybody, probably more so. This is incredible. I love having my eyes opened to an aspect of reality I've never considered before. Brilliant, as always, Kevin!

[@dianabarnett6886]

They started out of melee, but any remotely intelligent adversary wanted to close the distance and get rid of those pesky archers. They had to be ready for that.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Nick, glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻

[@AlexG-xl1cc]

Not sure about the English but continental armies it wouldn't have been the bowmen who did the dispatching of downed enemy soldiers after a battle. An army had a huge baggage train and hanger on-ers who followed it for a chance of plunder and murder, they would have done the killing with their own long knives, after those who could be ransomed were removed.

[@TheGearhead222]

What's just as amazing is that British Longbowman fought directly against mounted knights and crossbowman! John in Texas

[@CrizzyEyes]

English longbowmen were in a class of their own really, not too many nations had a culture of every able man practicing longbow shooting. They effectively distributed the "knight training program" (that is, constant practice from childhood) to their common archers. I think they peaked in the Hundred Years War

[@jumpbiker666]

Hello Kevin. I remember, as a kid, being enthralled with your displays when you used to come to Wellington school in Somerset and at our school trips to Chepstow castle. Your way of story telling really helped me learn, being dyslexic. I recently have dived into my love of history even more and had some bows made and starting to put togeather some gear, so videos like this are awesome. If you havent already, it would be super interesting for one on the bowman's clothes and armour and how it changed throught the medival erra. Its awesome seeing you so active on here again. Thankyou

[@thehistorysquad]

Well, thank you very much. There's a video on archer's helmets/headgear & his personal effects coming up in the next few weeks 👍🏻

[@Jude30]

Have you ever considered making your own bow? I made one a few years ago and it was easier and cheaper than I thought it would be.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@Jude30 Yes I've thought about it but just never got around to it. I may still do one day, I have some ash timber so we'll see how it goes.

[@johnathanadams6378]

Really loving your teaching style, storytelling performance, and knowledge! Excellent video as always, Mr. Hicks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jonathan 👍🏻

[@blindarchershaunhenderson3769]

I love the manic little laugh when you demonstrate the archers pick😂 I was told many many many years ago by a retired professional cutler, who had an extensive knowledge of English steel and weapons, that he believed that the "bollock knife" or " bollock dagger", was designed specifically for stabbing into the groin of your enemy, he believed it was named after its purpose, not just it's appearance, it's funny but he had the same manic giggle when talking about such things, as you. Another gem from Kevin Hicks 😎🏹🙏

[@LTPottenger]

that makes it even scarier

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers Shaun, I've had great fun over the years with the public and the bollock dagger 😜

[@BlurbFish]

The bollock dagger might not be intended **specifically* for the groin, but it would undoubtedly have ended up there in many cases. Not only is the groin it a jointed area requiring movement in many different directions (i.e. it's a weak spot in armour, especially plate), but a long blade can cut open the victim's femoral artery, quickly resulting in unconsciousness and then death. I figure it just as likely the bollock dagger would end up in someone's neck or armpit (vitals below weak armour), but bollock dagger sounds fun, and fun is something you sorely need when your problems at the job include dysentery and angry French knights.

[@duckydoug362]

The way he smiles is sadistic

[@Galaxy-bb5tm]

yea this is eerie

[@JZsBFF]

"He's got The thousand-yard grin. All Medieval grunts get it after they've been in the shit for too long. It's like you've really seen...beyond and start liking cold knives and warm blood more than home made pea soup with bacon. " - Corporal Payback, paraphrased, Full Metal Jacket (1978)

[@nickmail7604]

Interesting fact about falchions, only ones ever found on digs were in France. The billhook on a six foot pole is what in the end countered Scottish pikemen in their schiltron formations, at battles from Duplin Moor, Homildon Hill to Flodden.

[@davidedbrooke9324]

Not the halberd or was that later.

[@nickmail7604]

@@davidedbrooke9324 no that's a differant weapon altogether and was a little later.

[@davidedbrooke9324]

@@nickmail7604 Thought so but was not certain, thank you.

[@MyCommentsRMaturelol]

Too bad you can't get long wooden Bills anymore from hardware stores. Got a 4ft one tho

[@MyCommentsRMaturelol]

Huh, I was reading that arrows countered the schiltron

[@Cahirable]

Something I want to add to the discussion is that the weapons of choice probably depended on two factors, namely the relative wealth of the archer and the degree to which they were experienced. A couple of surviving muster rolls from the 14th century list the weapons each man had (Reading in 1311 and Norwich in 1355), and what seems to be the case is that those who were wealthy enough to be legally obligated to own bow, arrows, sword and dagger did so, but that those who were too poor to be legally required to even own a bow (which was for the 40-100 shilling men) might own just a bow and a dagger. Others in the poorer categories made do with axes, daggers, staves and even occasionally swords, but there does seem to be a clear division in equipment between wealthier and poorer archers. As a result, mounted archers and those in retinues almost certainly *could* afford swords and probably did own them. The other factor is experience. There's no evidence of this in rolls, but in Jean de Warvin and Jean le Févre list a considerable variety weapons used by archers at Agincourt, weapons that are very good for fighting men in armour. What this probably means is that professional archers chose weapons that they were either most comfortable with or which they had found most effective. I suspect that most still used swords, since sword and buckler are going to be more versatile overall, but a not insignificant number probably had an extra weapon or used an axe/light falcon beak as their weapons of choice.

[@thehistorysquad]

It makes perfect sense doesn't it. Great comment Hegrim, thanks 👍🏻

[@MbisonBalrog]

So some archers not even have archery equipment? Did the lord who call them up supply them?

[@Cahirable]

​@@MbisonBalrog Okay, so, to make a long story short, archers were recruited for a campaign via one of two methods: Commission of Array and Indenture. The Commissions of Array involved Commissioners being assigned to each county, who then went around assessing the quality of the peasants and recruited them in order to reach the total the county was supposed to supply. The theory, dating back into Anglo-Saxon times, was that it was the free peasantry with significant land (i.e. more than what was needed to comfortably sustain a single family) and local authority would serve. This is coded into the various assizes and statues issued from the time of Henry II on, where those with 40-100 shillings worth of income were required to own a bow and sword, while those with more than 100 shillings were required to have sword, armour, helmet and spear. Naturally, the theory was never quite as clean as the reality, and we find records of complaints being made against the commissioners for supplying weak or feeble men or for attempting to extort money by threatening to select unqualified men if they didn't pay a bribe. Additionally, after 1343 it was official policy that people could pay a set fine in order to avoid service, and this had probably been unofficial policy for some time, with the money used to pay someone else to take their place. As a result, when archers were raised on a large scale via Commissions of Array there were often men who weren't legally required to own a bow serving, or men who did own a bow but lacked one of sufficient quality or a sufficient quality of arrows. As a result, the sheriff of each country was required to equip any arrayed archer who lacked sufficient equipment, in addition to arranging for them to be provided with country uniforms. Nothing I've read suggests they would be issued with more than the bow, although it's possible this is because they were sourced locally and so don't show up in surviving documentation. The other method of raising archers, via Indentures, involved a knight or lord agreeing to bring a certain number of men-at-arms and archers for the campaign and they set about recruiting these themselves. We have some evidence that at least some of these archers were servants of the lords or knights who were recruiting and that others were related to the men-at-arms, possibly younger brothers or poorer relations. These archers were held to a much higher standard and did indeed require melee weapons. If they didn't already have the required equipment and horse (as archers raised by indenture were almost always mounted) and couldn't immediately afford them, they might be provided with these by whoever had signed them on. Alternatively, each archer might be given a "regard", aka a signing bonus, which they could use to purchase any equipment they lacked, depending on the terms of the indenture and whether their captain was willing to pocket it or pass it on. The second type of archer, raised by indenture, was the preferred type of archer for most English campaigns, with the Commissions mostly being used for the Crecy and Agincourt campaigns, along with defending against the Scottish.

[@andrewburkinshaw1446]

This demonstration of the weapons was very graphic and realistic. It gave me the chills and it was awesome. Helps to fully understand what it actually was like for them. I had no clue a bowman was so well armed and menacing. Having to March through a storm of arrows is disheartening enough but then knowing what they have waiting for you once you get to them would really be demoralizing.

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

It seems to be a general trend amongst all warring cultures during that era; Ottoman Janissary archers were often depicted with short axes, kilic and maces for their side arms. These depictions (miniature paintings) were drawn contemporaneously so they’re probably accurate. After the 1460’s these archers progressed to matchlock muskets but still bow and arrow was retained for the higher elite solak archers

[@bobbypugh2666]

First time I ever saw anyone mention the Poniard, that was the dispatching blade, and had to have been busy busy at Agincourt. The other thing no one seems to mention, how bloody strong the archers have to be to draw a 100lb long bow all day long. Once again you impress me. Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome Bobby, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@andrewridewood614]

Your giggle at 2.28 had me in stiches, thanks.

[@AventineArchives]

I recall seeing one of your excellent demonstrations almost 20 years ago. Great to see you making content on here and educating us all on the past.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@padilla2828]

The educational side of this was perfectly educated, I felt like I was at a friends house or something and he was showing me some things he’s picked up and learned about over the years, completely forgot this was about weapons that archers carried

[@knelson3057]

wonderful video, i love the unsettling amount of pleasure kevin obviously takes in talking about these things, it's perfect! this is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels on here!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@seraphik]

i just found your channel and absolutely love it. no flashy animations, no jumpcuts, just an incredible storyteller with a great grasp of history. i visited the tower of London once and one of the on site guides told the story of Anne Boleyn much the way you tell your stories, with such human nuance and attention to detail that all us gawping tourists were spellbound. i never thought I'd find someone else capable of weaving such vivid history out of words. as an aside, would you consider doing a video on the evolution of arms and armor during Tudor times? i find it so interesting that the Tudor age essentially saw England leave the medieval age and enter the Elizabethan age (i guess roughly analogous to a Renaissance age in continental Europe?)

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, it's interesting to see the parallel between Renaissance Europe and Tudor England and I will be dipping my toe into that at some point. As you know I like to have props/armour/weapons to demonstrate and at the moment sourcing Tudor arms & armour is beyond my budget. 😉

[@KomradeCPU]

That was really, really cool. I knew a bit about the versatility of an archer, especially in case of the longbowman with the descriptions about the Battle of Agincourt, but you sir brought it to another level, it's like I'm seeing a veteran of the era. Well done.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, cheers Comrade, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@andrewrice2376]

Another excellent video, Kevin. I carry a 'bollock' dagger, and it's got a brilliant grip to it. Diamond section blade, and as you say, a real murder weapon. Amusing that the Victorians re-named it a 'kidney' dagger, as they were perturbed by the original name! I also have a bearded hand axe, not only useful for getting into the cracks of armour, but also for hooking over the top of a buckler or heater shield, or indeed another bladed weapon. I think many people have the misconception that archers simply used their bows, then stood clear and let the men-at-arms deal with the rest, but nothing could be further than the truth, as your video shows.

[@thehistorysquad]

So very true. Thanks for your comment Andrew 👍🏻

[@MrLeoAtrox]

I recently discovered this channel, and it is a wonderful glimpse into my family's heritage. They were, one upon a time, Norman longbowmen and crossbowmen who had gone to England with William the Conqueror and stuck around for a bit, distinguishing themselves by earning arrow ornamentations on the family crest and some officer titles (one was a Sheriff of Nottingham in the 14th century). As a modern-day marksman and US Marine myself, I've always had a keen interest in the English longbow and its use in warfare. So, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge here where we all might enjoy it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Leo 👍🏻 that's quite some lineage you have there.

[@bengonzalez5215]

This guy has just the right amount of chaotic energy

[@agentmueller]

My 4 year old is now obsessed with all of your videos, and I’ll admit, I’m there too. Such a fantastic teacher Kevin! Thanks so much, I look forward to every one like a cliffhanger at the end of a book!

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh my, that's lovely & you're welcome. Boy or girl?

[@BusterMcNastyGaming]

Wow... I can't get the image out of my head of hearing the ringing of the bowmen finishing off the wounded enemy. Excellent film. Always enjoy watching these!

[@thehistorysquad]

thanks Buster, we'll have helmets & personal effects coming up soon. 👍🏻

[@jordcarter2359]

There are numerous accounts from the hundred years war of the English bowmen getting stuck in , once they had out of arrows and the enemy was close. A common tactic was to pick up the mauls used for hammering the stakes into the ground, works just as well at knocking lumps out of over confident Frenchmen in armour!

[@whirving]

I've used machetes on the job for many years and have found a few things. The cross section of the blade makes a difference. Thicker cross sectioned machete blades cut deep. Having a slight curve to the blade makes it cut better. A strait blade has one angle of attack and the edge alignment has to be just right for it to cut and continue, a slight curve makes it so much easier. Narrow profile: a narrow blade slices right through even if it isn't tremendously sharp. And finally, the handle has to be made to accommodate a sweeping cut. A sweeping cut with a slight "flick" at the end of the cut is quite powerful and effortless. If you have the right handle that last snap just before contact will significantly increase the power of the stroke. It takes a lot of practice to get it just right.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, great comment. Thanks for sharing that 👍🏻

[@lanzknecht8599]

Excellent history lesson, like always! In europe there also existed weaponless self-defense in medieval times, which was something you could see as a kind of combat wrestling. It was forgotten since firearms became the dominant weapons on the battlefields. It would be interesting to know if the archers and crossbowmen were trained in this.

[@darkninjacorporation]

This man is so menacing when he talks about his weapons, despite often joking around about them. I love it.

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

It's frankly terrifying just how cruel war could make these ordinary fellows.

[@420JackG]

Then and now

[@JZsBFF]

The perspective of booty?

[@michaelmanning5379]

Back in the 70's I read a book by Brig. Peter Young that mentioned a maul . . . suitable for hammering in stakes or breaking open plate armour.

[@paulbrule5897]

Ain't going to open plate, but a good whack on the head could give the knight concussions aplenty

[@stav1369]

Some account tell of how the bowmen at Agincourt killed as many French in melee as they did with arrows. Very versatile soldiers.

[@samw5644]

i love how engaging these videos are, its comes across as if you got a genuine medieval bowman to talk about his kit and stuff he did with it, with all the menace that implies.

[@busternineshoes]

Thanks once again Kevin. Any one who loves history should follow you and Tod Cutler.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dale 👍🏻

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, my goodness, you really are a BORN teacher. I love how much respect and well earned pride you take in your forebears. There is a VERY good reason an English bowman was so formidable, and the backbone of almost any band of soldiers in days gone by. Thank you once again for your time and attention to this comment, be safe, be well, and as always best regards, Arthur

[@brianfuller757]

Bowmen were armed to do their primary job with bow, replacement strings and a combat load of usually 24 or 36 arrow. But he packed CQB weapons for defence or finishing off wounded enemies. This would/could include a dagger. short sword. buckler, archers pick or even axe.

[@mbterabytesjc2036]

Loved the tink, tink, tink, smile and little giggle. 😂😜

[@GOBRAGH2]

I never got learn a lot about Welsh bowman. I'm definitely interested in learning more from this channel.

[@skyttyl]

I have to admit, I was a bit concerned with your sadistic glee, showing off the archers knife and axe combo. Lol Great video; I love history and learning how people lived and fought throughout the years.

[@nitt3rz]

You make some really great engaging videos. I did hear that at Agincourt, some of the bowman where using the large mallets that they used to drive in the stakes, against the French knights.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, the maul. Sadly I don't have one otherwise you would have seen it 👍🏻

[@tiffanydelgado342]

I saw you at Warwick Castle in 2002!!! You actually demonstrated the bullock knife on my step dad!! Thank you so much for your channel, seeing the demonstrations at Warwick is what cemented my love of medieval history and I love how you’ve broadened and continued your lessons here.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Tiffany 👍🏻

[@polaris30000]

A sergeant of mine once told me that once you're within 15 or 20 feet of someone, your knife is the deadliest weapon you have. He made damn sure that those of us who were good with it got deadly in knife fighting. He showed us he could close on a ready man with a rifle or machine gun from 20 feet before they had the chance to even raise their weapon.

[@ChrisWilliams-lf8ex]

When someone is that close and charging you with a knife, most people's instinct is to try and immediately shoot them with the rifle. The better thing to do is to hit them with the rifle, then shoot.

[@danyerug6985]

The threat range of a knife is still taught as 23ft in military and police academys in the states. For good reason.

[@Jude30]

Sounds like the old 21 foot rule. Apparently a police officer did some informal research and found an armed assailant can run (charge) 21 feet before a TRAINED shooter can draw and fire an aimed shot.

[@nopartyleftthatsworthit4330]

another entertaining and educational post. I can hear the passion in Kevin's voice and see it in his eyes. wonderful material as always. thanks History Squad!

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure! 👍🏻

[@whistlingbadger]

As if these weapons aren't frightening enough, imagine them in the hands of a group of archers who are each strong enough to pull a 100+ pound English war-bow.

[@buchananprecisionmachine5490]

Kevin can tell a good story! Enjoy watching his videos and learn something new in every one. I have always been interested in how they made arrows and that was the first video of his I watched just yesterday. Was instantly hooked on his commentary. I can always tell when someone knows what he is talking about. They can clearly and concisely explain the subject using words that are easily understood. Ones who don't' always have at least one word in any sentence that nobody knows the meaning of, thus making you go blank!. Example: If the Phrase contains the word "Existential" it is BS. Kevin doesn't have to BS because he has spent his entire life learning the craft of the Bowman! and it shows. Thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely of you, thank you. 👍🏻

[@clockmonkey]

Bear in mind some of the "fights" would be half a dozen men doing there worst to some poor sod whose just fallen off a Horse and is becoming increasingly disenchanted with the nature of close combat.

[@dianabarnett6886]

Every knight feels gangsta until he's being swarmed by angry peasants with knives, looking for gaps in that expensive armor of his.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

That chuckle is terrifying. Terrific

[@cristsan4171]

The other weapon the English bowman carries is the longer and more more powerful longbow serve as secondary for both melee and range. They are easy to hide in plain sight and carries more arrows than the standard primary longbow they often use. Remember, switching to your secondary is a lot faster than reloading. -Some manual I read

[@chezlonian]

The excitement you have for these weapons is infectious! Thank you for all your knowledge and commentary.

[@M29WeaselDriver]

Interesting stuff!! I do like the farming tools turned weapons. It makes perfect sense. Plus using them as farm tools would make one super proficient with it then it wouldn’t be a hard transition to martial combat.

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely spot on 👍🏻

[@adders45]

Nice nod for Tod there Kev brilliant vid. They also wore some armour as well, so with both their range and close quarters fighting abilities they would have been the complete warriors at the time. Fearsome!

[@thehistorysquad]

That's for sure 👍🏻

[@raphmaster23]

Your attitude and sense of humor is the best, plus the wealth of knowledge I learned 😊

[@elee1086]

Thank you sir! I have learned more from your channel than all the years in college.

[@joetheplumber5781]

Thank you Kevin! You’re keeping history alive

[@robcobb2693]

You're absolutely my favorite speaker I love to learn from you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Happy to hear that Rob!

[@commanderhubert5659]

only Mr. Hicks can make me really interested in a history period i hate with a burning passion, it’s honestly quite incredible. Keep up the great work sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL, that's good to hear, thanks 👍🏻

[@observantowl1726]

Enjoy it! Thumbs up! Loved your way of telling!

[@stuartmccloud307]

Excellent eye opening video mate, please make more!

[@retrac3180]

It must feel so great to know what a treasure you currently are, and have been, for so many people. I find that your films are a staple in my household. Cheers and love from down South in the USA!

[@thehistorysquad]

If I’m honest every day I feel very humbled by all the kind words and comments. I’m happy I can inspire an enjoyment in what can often come across as a dry subject. Many thanks for watching. 👍

[@camchowder9071]

I must say that, though the weapons seem mundane or unimportant, your years of teaching, orating style, and physicality really made this a joy to watch.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@bigredproductions777]

This is the exact kind of content that I never knew I needed. The host is amazingly fun to watch without being over the top like so many KZbin hype creatures are these days.

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL, thank you 👍🏻

[@washguy9577]

I truly love these videos and all the things I learn from this channel.

[@80sbabejones54]

I love your stories, the history and your passion is great. As for your models they really are something. I could listen to you for hours (and have done many a night). Please tell us more Kevin, you really are the best ❤❤❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Dawn!

[@drboone357]

Your content is simply outstanding. Some of the best historical content on KZbin! I get giddy when I see a new video. Sunday morning storytime was particularly compelling this time around.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks James! Glad you're enjoying it 👍🏻

[@lancereyes5645]

Imagine being a knight that fell from his horse, your head and body hurts so bad and your allies are fleeing. You couldn't move a muscle, you can't even feel your legs. It seems that you injured your spine. A man approached you and reached for your side, you see him holding a handaxe and a dagger and you immediately knew your fate. You knew his target was your side, but you couldn't make out which part specifically, you couldn't see what he's doing due to low visibility from your helm, all you could do is wait. You couldn't do anything, you suddenly felt a sharp pain at your chest's side near your armpit. You screamed as this hell of a man slowly buries his blade unto your ribs, each strike hurts ten times more than the former. You feel the cold blade moving around as it pierced your lungs. Horrifying.

[@johnvga6239]

Always find your range and historical weapons videos fascinating. You're like that cool uncle or grandpa everyone loves

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Aiden, have we met? 😃

[@sickhadas6772]

I really appreciate these videos - they are very informative when it comes to medieval warfare

[@davidc6510]

Great video Kevin. Thanks for sharing

[@owenlindkvist5355]

Thrilled to see more content. As always, you are a delight to sit down to, sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Owen, you're very kind 👍🏻

[@cam0865]

Well done Hicks you filled a space in my soul with this

[@freddyfagerstrm8561]

i like how you are so straight on about the use of the weapons, i just love the way you talk about this. brings a young but also old prussian joy to the heart, seems like the honest british tommy is not that bad at all, i remember meeting the british during the christmas truce, first time i ever saw somebody i could see were british, and i must say, you honest tommies know how to have fun during the most terrible times. this video made me subscribe and i will definetly observe more of your videos. i wish you and your family peace and health and also joy and strength.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Freddy, & welcome aboard 👍🏻

[@stevenbrown6634]

Your always a joy to watch kevin

[@chrismayo4902]

I have learned more about the historic Bowmen in this short presentation than any movie’ documentary or book ever presented! Your wealth of knowledge Kevin is astounding’ I can listen and learn all day and night and never be bored’ I also learned a new respect for the lowly bill hook’ I’m from the states and on this side of the pond it is a rarity to even hear of one’ I work outside as an electrical lineman and have been using a bill hook for years to clear path and foliage and it is a wonderful tool’ pair that with a good 10-12in Tramontina Machete and you have yourself a decent bit of kit for pretty much everything, thanks for keeping the imagery lively as always my friend.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks for the comment Chris, it's amazing isn't it to think the billhook or machete hasn't changed 👍🏻

[@thebarbershop6693]

Just found this channel and I love the great personality you bring to the videos. The little evil chuckle at 2:30 made me crack up. Such effective weapons!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you found us, thanks very much!

[@TheGreekG33k]

Love the film. Most definitely enjoyed the grim way with which you explained the nature of the implements meant for murder only

[@kstan1966]

Bravo, Kevin! As always, excellent information!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers 👍🏻

[@dannydevito4338]

This channel is amazing, found you earlier today and I’m on my 5th video. The medieval surgeon is my favorite so far, such a great watch

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome! Thank you Danny!

[@oMegaEddy13]

The enthusiasm made the lesson worth learning thank you

[@johnpauldavis1967]

wow what an assortment :-) great to see the passion Kevin

[@thehammer4607]

Excellent presentation, you really come across as an old bowman who knows what he’s about, excellent work good sir

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly!

[@Kujatalp]

The passion you have for the topic is astounding. Captivating and superb as always!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@OrthoJihadi]

OMG THANK YOU KEVIN!!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 you're welcome

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

I tell all my friends, old and young, about your channel. Anyone who likes history and superb story telling would love your content! Let's get Kev as many subs as he deserves, "thanks a million".

[@thehistorysquad]

That's so kind Oliver, thank you!

[@cheshirebowman4465]

Always quality information. Top man.

[@TheWasprevan]

I just love how he keeps pulling out weapons and goes "now this. I've had this for YEARS."

[@fishingwithspiv3081]

Holy hell that maniacal grin/cackle explaining the use of the archers pick gave me the chills haha.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@doordieace5high]

This video was awesome to watch. I love learning about old military equipment. You just got another subscriber, my good sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, thanks for the sub 👍🏻

[@doorhinge2039]

"Remember switching to your archer's pick is always faster than reloading"

[@leepalmer3634]

Shared and liked. Love that evil giggle. Almost 40, but when I play a game.. always an archer ;)

[@thehistorysquad]

Nice one, archers are best. Cheers Lee 👍🏻

[@raslion4362]

This is great! Good work once more Kevin!

[@theguywitheyebrows]

i did enjoy it, i love all of your videos i have seen so far, i love the (sometimes gritty) historical representation given bald faced with confidence. sub earned.

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate the sub 👍🏻

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

You are very good at telling us how it was back then!excellent content and can’t get enough of it.cheers Kevin✌️

[@thehistorysquad]

More to come! 👍🏻

[@charlescorris3469]

I loved that devious laugh when you were describing your blades.

[@MEATOGRE]

After seeing how the Bowmen would use their dagger and axe in combination gave me a newfound respect for the humble archer. Your passion and knowledge make for incredible videos. Thank you for the teaching me new things!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome 👍🏻

[@patrickbrett66]

If a sword rings too well it can cause problems, I know this as a renactor who had one of his swords 'cut in half' when it broke in combat, the ringing was a sign that the blade was too hard so it fractured and broke catastrophically!

[@polo_sheridan2869]

Fantastic film!! Thank you so much Kevin!!!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@mattx229]

A crime you are so underrated here, love your teaching style.

[@PSDuck216]

Kevin, I have an original Lebel bayonet that was shortened to the M1935 standard. When I draw it quickly from the scabbard, it rings nicely. Is amaze my kids doing that when they were growing up. The tree limb hacker/pruner always remind me that the Dacians has the Falx and Sica weapons, they used them against Rome. They were shaped line pruners. The falx were one or two handed, the sica were perhaps the size of your pruner. Romans had a nasty surprise: the falx would cleave right through their helmets! Those had to be field modified with basically a cross formed over their helmets front to back, side to side. That modification became standard issue from that moment forward. Great presentation! Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@andyguy0610]

Hi Kevin, yet another great video. This just goes to show how reality differs from all this Chivalry crap. Close quarter combat is just that, close quarter, hack , slash stab, kill or be killed. Even a fullr armoured knight had weak spots, arm pits, back of the knees etc, and the ordinary archer man at arms etc would have used those sorts of weapons to great effect. i especially liked that billhook 🙂