When Short Swords Are Better Than Long Swords

[@thelonerider5644]

Matt Easton: "altho they did duel with pikes" Me: picturing two soldiers with long toothy fish beating each other... lol.

[@seanheath4492]

Just for the halibut?

[@thelonerider5644]

@@seanheath4492 LOL!

[@beardedbjorn5520]

That jokes a bit fishy, I might have to Mullet over.

[@seanheath4492]

@@beardedbjorn5520 Well, hopefully you don't think it was crappie.

[@destinytroll1374]

“They’re slapping each other with FISHES!”

[@gordonlawrence4749]

This reminds me of a short comedy film based in the middle ages. I think it was called "the muddle ages" and there were various retainers etc in the court of Queen Elizabeth I (it was far from historically accurate). These started with knifes on their hips which became longer and longer as fashion statements till they became short swords then eventually long swords then ridiculous swords dragging on the ground about 6 feet behind the wearer. Two of the protagonists insulted each other and decided to duel. The swords were so long they could not get them out of the hilts and one cut his thumb at which point the other claimed "victory" as the other had been cut. There was then an argument about that at which point they claimed another duel but still could not get the swords out. They ended up just flapping at each other with their court gloves as the "adjudicator" stated that as they chose to fight with swords and it would be unseemly to merely brawl using fists. Court gloves were fine linen and it would be almost impossible to produce anything more than feint reddening. There was then an argument about if that counted. I just wish I still had a copy it was absolutely hilarious.

[@aenaros6845]

I want to watch that.

[@garethbaus5471]

Sounds awesome.

[@gordonlawrence4749]

@@aenaros6845 I only ever had it on VHS tape in the late 1980s. I think it was done by some students in the style of Monty Python.

[@Elluem]

Oh man... I hope this exists somewhere on the internet

[@danielbretall2236]

Sounds like something from black adder.

[@shanejustice7307]

Every tool has a job. Well done Mr. Easton.

[@pieoverlord]

That sounds vaguely insulting.

[@MarcusArmstrong037]

This is sited as one of the main reason that Samurai moved to the katana over the older nodachi and tachi. The length was shorter and it could be brought to bear more quickly. The katana was also a sidearm, as their primary weapon was usually a bow or a pole arm of some kind. Back to Europe, accessibility and speed of draw are also reasons that full basket hilts were not more common (among other reasons).

[@ricardocastillo5485]

Also consider what can you do while wearing/carrying various swords. Can you climb a rope? Crawl thru a tunnel? Swim across a moat? Get over a 6' stone wall? I would like to see someone make a small obstacle course and then try doing it while carrying various weapons for a comparison/contrast.

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Gonna guess in tight quarters primarily.

[@Sk0lzky]

SOUNDS FAR FETCHED

[@warblerab2955]

@@Sk0lzky why would that be far fetched? I would think it would be easier to maneuver a shorter sword in tight quarters than a longer one. You want to hit your target, not bump your sword into obstacles.

[@alfatazer_8991]

Yes, in tight quarters a short _sword_ is better. *T I G H T Q U A R T E R S*

[@swaghauler8334]

@@warblerab2955 I believe he was making a "play on words" sir.

[@ME-hm7zm]

Formations, too. Pulling a 38" rapier blade out when you're "charing to horse and drawing your sword" is much more of a pain than drawing a 28" backsword blade.

[@kanucks9]

Matt seems suspiciously concerned with how fast he can pull out

[@destinytroll1374]

That’s gonna he my new pickup line. “Short swords are better for accessibility and pulling out”

[@Ston247]

They can fit anywhere.

[@rogerjolly1358]

The dagger is the last back-up knuckle-holster .22pistol. The "short-sword" is the adc Pistol .38. The Monatante is the A16 atackrifle for the "real-game".

[@ArmorFrogEntertainment]

When you're inside a hallway or tunnel that's very tight, a sword that's too big can just make things awkward and uncomfortable. And shorter swords are much easier to pull out when you need to.

[@mattlentzner674]

Over the vast span of history infantry has preferred short swords over longer. They are just better back up weapons. Hangers, cutlasses, messers, gladii, katzbalgers, etc. If you have to unexpected switch to a back up in the middle of a fight then you need something easy and quick to draw. In the post-shield era probably even more important since you have no way of defending yourself if your primary two handed weapon for whatever reason can't be used. Also, if you need to do military work such as building ramparts, walls, moats, trenches, what have you, a shorter sword is easier to work in while wearing. It's not just, 'can you wear it?', but also can you work in it? I read somewhere that Roman soldiers would be punished if they didn't wear their swords at all times, regardless of what they were doing.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

Time to hit the latrine. Better bring the Gladius in case of poop demons.

[@benjaminabbott4705]

Some of the best 15th/16th-infantry favored longer sidearms. The Swiss famously wore longswords. The Spanish often had longer one-handed sword than their foes & thought this an advantage.

[@krisania96]

@@benjaminabbott4705 i guess it might come down to the size of the main weapon, with a pike/halberd you have plenty of space between you and your enemy, so you maybe have more time pulling your secondary weapon, but with something shorter(main weapon) it wouldn't be that great, in my (though limited mostly reenacting and hema) experience i think the "best" sidearm is a shorter longsword, since it can be drawn almost the speed as an arming sword, if you really want to you could use it with one hand, but the main thing with it is it's faster and more powerful, a longer longsword gets in the way a lot when worn on the side (anything above 90cm blade length/120cm overall length), and anything shorter (arming swords, falchions, messers) lack the ability do defend well against heavier weapons, i mean i wouldn't really be happy to parry a poleaxe or a halberd strike with a longsword, but still would be much happier then with an arming sword, and i have the option to quickly redirect my blade, and as i said, if i really want i can have it paired with a buckler if i really need to without having much of a problem with using it that way. And i can also halfsword it and go "close and personal" with it.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

@@krisania96 That's probably around the size of the longswords the Swiss wore, though we don't know for sure. (They do look rather large in some of the artwork, but it doesn't necessarily have precise proportions. & various 16th-century military manuals do set 36-37 inches as both optimal & maximum blade length for sidearms.) Arquebusiers & crossbowers used their their arquebus or crossbow in the offhand to parry when using single-handed swords, which helped against halberds & the like as well as against swords. Occasionally pikers & arquebusiers wore shields on their backs to sling down & use with their single-handed swords, & Sir John Smythe expected pikers to use their daggers in the offhand when they draw their single-handed swords. Of course, you also had the Landsknechte pikers who often wore very short & heavy swords with rounded tips. At least one period source criticized these swords & I suspect they were a bit worse than other options, but I imagine they were fine overall & assume they had the advantage in very tight melees. (In the tightest presses, pikers could only use daggers.)

[@krisania96]

@@b.h.abbott-motley2427 i agree, probably it all comes down to context and personal preference, we usually fight in quite tight formation with my club since we aim for re-enacting as a "military squad" not a bunch of random dudes (early 15th century merc/footsoldier kinda thing) so we do train group fighting and fighting in a unit, though since we don't have much manuals and written stuff we kinda try to experiment with practicality, and we came to the conclusion that (atleast to us) bigger pavise sized shields on front and polearms on the second line works the best, though i'm not saying "this is the way of fighting" but it somewhat gives me an idea how it feels like to fight shoulder to shoulder tightness, and i do agree that shorter sidearms are just more practical, just sold my long longsword cuz of that. i had one that was like 125cm or so, but i'm around 170cm (5.7") i just simply couldn't use it well in formation, so i decided to go for a shorter longsword (like a 85cm blade 110cm overall length or so) so can draw it without requiring too much space, and i won't get stuck in things with the scabbard that way. (though i also have a dagger for tighter situations) my backup is usually only used if for whatever reason the formation is broken and i lose my halberd somewhere/the shaft gets broken, so it's in it's scabbard most of the time when things go well. so i can understand the guys who use really short sidearms like messers and shorter arming swords, or even the swiss dagen/baselard shortsword. i'm also thinking about getting one of those or a really short messer (like 40-50cm blade length) for experimenting with how secondary weapons behave in this context. long longswords are clearly unusable unless you are either tall as hell (around 185-200cm) or you are wearing full plate with a less tight formation. Otherwise i think short longsword and arming sword/messer/falchion+buckler would work really fine in this context.

[@jesuizanmich]

tl;dr: Short swords are better for pulling out. Short swords provide better accessibility.

[@otoanskye]

I'm glad I'm not the only that was thinking that.

[@Dhomazhir]

Yup. To paraphrase Nicholas "The Chieftain"Moran says 'The Sword you can bring with you is infinitely better than the sword you had to leave at home'.

[@aldor9357]

So shorter ones are better for pulling out, alright

[@imugi-16]

I gotta work on my pull out game then

[@victorwaddell6530]

Put a scabbard on your poker or you'll be paying the porker that looked slimmer in the dimmer than she did the morning after .

[@nate_thealbatross]

Indoors, aboard ship, "working" swords like artillery, and at close range.

[@prepperskills7223]

The “gun” you have with you when you need it is of better use than any gun you don’t have.

[@IPostSwords]

I can just tell this video is going to be totally dry and lacking in innuendo.

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

Superdry*

[@garethbaus5471]

Dry videos on length try to avoid thrusting.

[@Islacrusez]

Anyone who was taking a shot for innuendos is passed out drunk about halfway theough

[@Psiberzerker]

Yes, but not the comments, of course.

[@Wingzero90939]

Short or long the ultimate answer is how much penetration do you really need?

[@mintcarouselchannelabandon5109]

you can wield any size weapon if you put enough points into strength when leveling up. i usually go for dexterity builds though.

[@nonna_sof5889]

Another thing about a short sword, specifically the gladius though it might have been done with others, was it allowed it to be worn and drawn on the right. Which eliminated the need to open the shield wall to draw. An important thing when you remember the Romans would be throwing their pilum as they closed and thus would be drawing their swords well within enemy missile range.

[@Max_Flashheart]

Most Iaido Waza are based on being attacked at or on the way to/from the Bar.

[@crazyrussianbot8012]

I always carry mine when I go to a Bar.

[@Almosteasyese]

Ahhh, the more things change, the more they stay the same

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Traditionally Iaijutsu was only ever used after drinking 3 bottles of strong sake.🍶

[@dougsundseth2303]

Paired quite short swords can also do very well against a single longsword, especially if the short blades have strong basket hilts. One sword can be used to control the enemy weapon as the other sword is used to attack.

[@EzioIlMentore]

Goblin Slayer: **Glowing red eye intensifies**

[@lincolnpetersen6229]

Can you go into more detailed about unsheathing different types of swords? Like curved swords vs straight etc? I'd love to see a video about that!

[@hammerandsteelreviews8924]

I love my baselard short sword. I honestly chose it over my arming sword when I'm an archer. Great video! Love the new background!!

[@szancso79]

Not to mention fighting in built up areas, buildings and confined spaces, or even trench warfare where shorter weapons are advantageous.

[@Chokoboh]

Shortsword and shield go very well together, especially with plate armor. It's a match made in heaven, actually. With that setup, you almost always want to engage and stick close to your opponent. The shortsword in particular shines in shield wall formations or in other confined spaces like indoors where a longsword would simply get stuck in an object cause it's too long and cumbersome. But it can also support a hyper agressive kinda pushy fighting style where you go ham on your opponent and try to opress them with shield bashes and quick attacks with the short weapon. Works better than with an arming sword cause that shortsword is lighter and much easier and quicker to swing. Also, the shortsword hits pretty much for the same damage that the arming sword does, they are both sharp bladed weapons made for thrusting and slicing. The length of the weapon does not really give you any damage advantage. In fact, i'd say that a shortsword is arguably more dangerous cause it's smaller and faster and can be harder to parry. Oh and i guess yes, the shortsword is lighter, shorter and easier to carry around on your body without obstructing your maneuverability as much as an arming sword would do. It's a very viable self-defense weapon or backup weapon in general. Goes really great with a spear and shield setup where you want to throw your spear through someones chest and then draw your trusty, nimble little blade to get some more kills by styling upon them with grace and finesse.

[@samuelculper7125]

"Quite literally you have less blade to pull out..." Who've you been talking to? My ex sparring partner? She's a liar! It's perfectly adequate...

[@beamrunner0471]

oof

[@jordanhicks5131]

This is the same as gunfighting, a long barrel is great for range but in close quarters like a saloon something small and fast is better, especially if it can be drawn from a hiding place to suprise a opponent

[@armorvestrus4119]

Matt, I draw out my Roman sword lightning-fast and it is on my right side using my right hand. It takes a bit of getting used to but it also lets the left hand be free to hold another object like a shield or buckler.

[@Brass_Heathen]

can confirm lightning quick for you matt.

[@benjaminhaupais6470]

in his collectanea (1509) the condottiere Pietro del Monte advise for the maximum lenght of swords as "easy enough to draw from the scabbard.".

[@MrPhrankieBones]

Awesome video, that for me, hit the practicality/accessibility nail dead center, perfect force, right on the head. Based on this and the video concerning distal taper and Cold Steel blades, I have enthusiastically subscribed to the channel. Great points! Cheers!

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Next video: how to utilize long weapons like spear and pole arms in confined narrow places effectively.

[@widdershins5383]

cheng kuok Lee stabbing and thrusting techniques would be prevalent lol

[@JinKee]

The axe men at the battle of hastings had issues where they couldn't do sweeping cuts due to the tight terrain and had to do short chops and thrusts.

[@justsomeguy3931]

Fighting in a crowded phone booth. Or when you plan to close to such distances. For myself, where I carry a pistol (and many other sidearms) to, I want a 1 handed sword. Thanks for that pioneer sword idea, I'll get one somehow and either add it to my EDC or at least my plate-carrier setup. Hand protection is definitely better than a 2 handed grip, much better than Cold Steel's take on the wakizashi. Maybe Zombie tools will make one... I like your analogy to barrel length of pistols. Until the 1911 came out, most people considered a 5 inch barrel as a "compact or belly-gun." 6 was the short end of normal. Now, that frame size and barrel length is "full size" or "duty" pistols lolz. I carry and conceal a duty pistol (Glock 21SF), because I want the most firepower I can get. They're easier to hold (bigger grip) and shoot well, more accurate, higher velocity, higher capacity, etc. Most people conceal carry a compact or sub-compact pistol all the way down to "pocket rocket." It's true they can be faster to draw and are easier to conceal and carry comfortably and are easier to apply at grappling range etc, but the down side is they aren't as shootable. The same recoil in a smaller gun means more impact on the shooter and more skill to produce the same results in accuracy and time. Less space to put one's hand(s). Also, a shorter distance between the front and rear sight posts make it less "pointable" or "shootable." And sometimes 3/4 inches of barrel length matters. Paul Harrell has demonstrated some brands of hollow-points in certain (small) calibers that won't expand at 7 yards from a 2.75 inch barrel, but will expand at 7 yards from a 3.5 inch barrel. Or they won't/will expand at 20 yards, etc. A few dozen feet per second of velocity can be the difference between meeting expansion or fragmentation (like 5.56x45 NATO) threshold. I err on the side of "too much" power rather than "too little."

[@Miska34]

"Longer is better." That's what she said.

[@SWIFTO_SCYTHE]

In the final scene of the japanese samurai movie "Sanjuro" in a face to face duel where the main guy is confronted by his aggressor. The main guy wins by drawing his wakizashi by his left hand underhand and used his right wrist to quickly push upward on the blunt backside up and stroke through his opponent's chest even before his opponent could draw his long katana above his head for a huge downward slash.

[@undersky596]

I wish that we could brainstorm more situations and examples where it could be advantageous. Great video though, thank you.

[@juhall]

Same thing with modern “sidearms”. The longer the barrel, the longer draw stroke it takes to get the muzzle to clear the holster, i.e., the longer it takes to get the piece into the fight

[@duchessskye4072]

I would say it is not just about wearing and accessing, but also about using in formation. Often the range at which sidearms would be drawn, going by accounts and period art, seems to generally be grappling range. It is far easier in my opinion to utilize a shorter one-handed sword in that situation, not only because it's shorter but also that you leave one hand free for grappling. In armoured combat this can be rather advantageous. Having a longer sword against someone in armour isn't always an advantage if you're not in a position to utilize it. This is also the reason that daggers are worn, because sometimes you get so close to your opponent that even a sword (let alone a polearm) is too close to be used. So you draw a dagger. Apart from that I agree with your points. I will also mention the Italian source _De paralleli militari di Francesco Patrizi. Parte 2_ which talks about this very issue. Patrizi mentions how the swords carried by the Swiss mercenaries (they commonly used longswords) were awkward both to walk with in formation and to draw and utilize properly, while the shorter swords used by the Landsknechte (the Katzbalgers) were much better in this regard, as they could be used more freely in the formations of the time and were a lot more convenient to carry.

[@stormiewutzke4190]

Similar to this subject could you do a single handle vs two handed swords. I feel that single handed has advantages the are often overlooked.

[@PrimordialNightmare]

assuming the weapon remains wieldable independent of the amount of hands used, one handed allows to cover more distance. That's a nice one.

[@nitz3289]

Also, you can hold a shield on your other when you wield single handed swords

[@romanstaniszewski1030]

Spartans used sword so short that it's a dagger size . It was for close combat in shield wall formations for stabbing OVER enemy shields - straight to neck . Quiet brilliant when there is no room to swing a normal size sword !

[@andreweden9405]

As always... Insightful, with just the necessary amount of nuance.

[@joschafinger126]

Another advantage of one-handed, thus mostly shorter (yeah, rapiers, that's why I say 'mostly') swords is that improvising something like a parrying stick, and be it your crossbow, is always an option. And just about anyone would have carried a dagger.

[@TheArchaos]

Its a bit like comparing how to draw a full size rifle slung on your back or on your side vs a sidearm in its holster.

[@nate_thealbatross]

That a secondary weapon is small and convenient is a huge plus in that it enables you to use a much bigger, heavier primary weapon.

[@KirkWilliams300]

When your friends don’t believe you when you tell them in HEMA there a quick draw techniques

[@paulzz81]

My best guess is when you are a goblin slayer in a cave?

[@IeshiAke]

I once watched an illustrated documentary about a group of explorers who did that, and it didn't end well =(

[@victorwaddell6530]

Sting !

[@Wingzero90939]

The obvious answer is Sam Wise Gamgee with a frying pan. 👍🏻

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Context: long sword is good in goblin lair due to its long reach. With limited visibility you need something long to poke into darkness to detect any ambush. Long sword is better than spear in this scenario because you can operate with one hand and thrust effectively. The problem with that noob was he used wrong technique at wrong place with wrong timing. Such a waste to a beautiful sword. Always have a shield, vital parts covered, and different backup weapons prepared all the time.

[@jumpingbean69]

Confined spaces? Yes a short sword is a good option.

[@jasoncowley4718]

Wish my short sword was a long sword :(

[@didelphidae5228]

You're just using it wrong. Try using it in narrow hallways.

[@baronprocrastination1722]

@@didelphidae5228 I think that's illegal in most countries.

[@didelphidae5228]

@@baronprocrastination1722 I mean hey, if it's framed, you can walk through it.

[@lotoreo]

@@baronprocrastination1722 Well the building has to be of the appropriate age. Historical martial arts must be performed in historical buildings, right? 180+?

[@AftabLokhandwala]

Well the skill of the wielder counts much more than the length of the weapon. If you use it well, the shorter, stiffer, stronger swords are way better at performing the task to perfection and complete satisfaction than a floppy long sword. 😏

[@ehudzechariahschmidt7036]

Another advantage a short sword has over a long sword is if and when you're fighting in a confined area such as a trench or a small building.

[@gbrinfo]

In modern context, for instance, SHTF, a Messer can be considered as a Tactical sword in case of loss of firearm (or ban) or the lack of ammunitions or jam ...

[@user-kl5zd2oe3e]

I often carry a sword during treks. When carrying a load, the shorter sword is quite nice, especially over uneven terrain. Theres a lot of rocky hills where I am and an average arming sword will bang against rocks quite constantly. Something katana length will occasionally, but anything with a blade under 25 inches generally carries quite well. A lot of foliage will also hinder a longer sword. My most carried 'sword' is a langseax with a 23 inch blade and it does well. It reminds me of Filipino weapons like the ginunting. I'm probably going to end up with something akin to a gladius. Yes, a longer sword can and will trip you up like Aragorn in the Bakshi Lord of the Rings.

[@ulvesparker]

Again, I am not a sword person myself, but I can think of several more reasons when short swords are better than long that I expected that you would mention. Weight - effecting overall encumberance even schlepping it around even when not in use, speed of attack and number of attacks, and fatigue over an extended time in battle. Close quarters battle - both indoors or in mixed melee one can more effectively wield the shorter sword to closer to its full potential, but not vice versa. Also, I will mention, easier to conceal, often cheaper, easier to sharpen and maintain, simply because there is less blade.

[@alexandernicolenko8127]

So much innuendo, damn. I love this.

[@somethingwitty100]

I've been watching this channel for about 3 years without ever actually getting involved with HEMA because . The subject matter and presentation are very engaging.

[@ianmlclm7044]

This reminds me of Merlin in "The Sword in the Stone" cartoon. - "I am a Dragon!" - "And I am a tiny virus" :D

[@tylermycka]

Well said! Short swords often get shit on in online forums because on paper they appear to just be a lesser version of a long sword, but in fact they existed because they had a purpose in many contexts. I'd love to hear your opinion on something I've been thinking about while practicing British military saber drills. Did soldiers with metal scabbards ever use them to parry attacks? It seems like if your life depended on it, and you had a saber in one hand, and an otherwise empty other hand, that you'd want to use your metal scabbard to defend yourself. Anything to keep from getting stabbed by your opponent(s).

[@nate_thealbatross]

That sword looks like a giant Bowie knife. I bet it would be really good aboard ship or in black powder era.

[@CurtissWu]

You're 100% right. When I try to pull out my long sword, I'm often not protecting myself and my helmet ends up covered...

[@mallardtheduck406]

I have several rapiers, some are of different lengths... not all are slow to pull out of their scabbard. The longer ones yes, but there are thinner shorter versions, not smallswords. I Do however like my old Del-Tin sharpened Krupp steel arming sword from way back in the day. It looks much like the Oakeshotte "moonbrand" with a groomed grip. I was so lucky to acquire it.

[@mallardtheduck406]

@@tl8211 true, either a single ring hilt, crab claw, or sail guard main gauche.

[@Chokoboh]

4:33 in Skyrim, that's basically me. Constantly drawing sword, sheathing it, drawing it and test swinging my sword just for training coordination processes and thinking situations through before they happen. :) And then the guards tell me to stop before i hurt someone. As if i were swinging my thing where it could hit anyone...

[@adianunternahrer9917]

Depends on what to use for

[@INTERNERT]

hey Matt it would be very fun if you got a chance to do some cutting tests with that messer to share, thanks!

[@dreadnought8363]

The shorter weapon comes in handy when you take the sneaky approach through the backdoor.

[@KonguZya]

I came here specifically to see Matt swing that messer around in his signature way, and was not disappointed. 4:34.

[@louisjolliet3369]

In this context I also believe that curved weapons are much more ergonomic to pull out quickly of the scabbard.

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

I'd like to try out whether a montante actually has an advantage over a longsword in the standard HEMA context of unarmored duel. I've done quite a bit of longsword by now, and I've also done solo montante stuff (Figuereido), and I have a feeling that the montante might actually be worse for 1v1. Even my feder is a couple of centimeters longer than I'd like and I keep hitting the ground way too much, and the montante is even longer and just so much slower at moving I can't really see it being very practical in a duel context. Of course you can use it kinda like a spear too, but then we enter the age-old debate of how easy or hard it is to get past the spear-point, but now we have a "spear" with inferior length against one of the fastest, nimblest weapons around. Would be interesting to try out how it goes.

[@duchessskye4072]

I dunno about you, but I don't find the montante to be 'slow moving' at all. It is very threatening and has the absolute advantage in reach. Which also brings the issue that even if the opponent sees an opportunity to attack you can likely fatally wound him in return. But I definitely would not call the montante 'slow' by any stretch of the imagination in the hands of a competent wielder.

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

@@duchessskye4072 You are almost certainly right about the competent wielder part, but for me who specializes in longsword and sidesword, the montante feels slow as hell, and if I had to fight someone who picks a montante, I'd almost certainly go for a longsword. I'm not saying it's Dark Souls zweihander-slow, but speed in fighting is an objective sensation. I don't have the strength to wave the greatsword around at the speeds I do the weapons I normally use, nor do I have experience in actually fighting with it. And that's really what my point was all about; anyone can use a spear and be at least somewhat effective, but a montante requires a lot of practice to be usable. You have to specialize in it for it to be a good weapon, which IMO goes against the general rule of thumb of "longer is better."

[@duchessskye4072]

@@penttikoivuniemi2146 that is a valid point. But as you pointed out originally you can always use it as a spear even if you are not trained. Worse than an actual spear but may work against a shorter sword

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

@@duchessskye4072 Yeah, would be interesting to try it out. All options, me with a longsword against a specialist with a montante, both of us with a montante, both of us with the other's weapon of choice, the same options against someone who has never touched a greatsword before etc. The biggest question I have is whether it hits too hard to effectively block with a longsword to be honest... I've done sidesword and dagger against a longsword, and the dagger can't receive strong blows (kinda obviously) but the single-handed sword can, although with less confidence than against another one-handed sword. Would it be a similar situation in the longsword vs greatsword context, or would the greatsword's added weight power through like a knife through butter, or perhaps the weight doesn't really matter that much but it's rather having both of your hands on the same weapon?

[@lachirtel1]

I think it would depend on how fitted the weapon is to the user for things like that, but the historical usage seems to indicate that fighting one handed weapons is precisely the civilian aspect of the Montante: sort of a terror weapon used by the city guard to break up riots (or protests). Your ordinary civilian might get arrested for carrying one about (which might explain why fight schools had such a hard time with legality in places), so a bar fight, a riot, or a bread protest would likely find everyone with a mix of daggers and one handed swords. Running away would probably be your best option, especially given this demonstration by skilled practitioners of the Montante: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKmrkoGIhJxja80

[@lachirtel1]

I'd like to see a video on the weapon set for assaulting fortifications: i.e., when you had to climb up a ladder or go in a siege tower or something. That would also seem to be a situation where short, wearable swords would be pretty useful.

[@NoraFulcanelli]

I am loving the new set.

[@ramibairi5562]

Please do a video on the use of longsword from horseback.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Using Braveheart the movie as my sole source of credible historical evidence my conclusion is that it was great and would make the best video ever.

[@lachirtel1]

@This Dude There are many kinds of long, stabbing swords used from horseback......

[@Rhavion]

Dank reveal at 3min mark, well done milord

[@trailerguy5146]

Werent short swords also useful for marine warfare when boarding another boat, a short or curved blade had less chance of getting caught on something?

[@pipebomber04]

When you are fighting inside an old telephone booth

[@thelonerider5644]

For the duel in the phone booth, the pen knife wins!

[@Psiberzerker]

Also: Close Quarters (The Cinquedea was for tight alleys in Venice) and in modern terms, when there aren't any other swords. Today, in areas where wearing swords is allowed (Waves from Waco) there's no need to out-reach a rapier, longsword, polax, halberd, or pike, because you're unlikely to run into any of those on the street. (I carry a Warhammer, but it's for scrapping, not really self defense. Because nobody fucks with the guyl walking a warhammer down the street) So, just assuming a knife-fight, any sword is going to be longer than a knife, including a langesMesser. (Counting it as a sword, not a knife. Legally.) Range>Reach, so you still have to worry about guns, but I carry one of those, too. It's really hard to pry open a door with a 9mm.

[@jacobwharton5048]

Matt Easton, can you please do a video on grappling combat? Which weapons are more effective for grappling, and is any weapon better for grappling than an open hand?

[@yzz8672]

2:42 Since you've mentioned, how about a video on those unsheathing techniques?

[@beornthebear.8220]

It seems as if a shorter sword may be an advantage inside a house where the ceiling and walls could get in the way of a longer sword.

[@NashiHeartSoulSpirit]

length is subjective, width/girth is objective. Yes to what question you just asked.

[@alanvatcher8374]

Rock Scissor Paper ... Only with worse immediate consequences.

[@Jtbrahh]

This just in, fellas with shorter swords are more likely to safely pull out in time!

[@Hideyoriisdaman]

The new backdrop makes my shortsword the longsword

[@pepebeezon772]

When you know the short sword combos better than the longsword ones

[@louirudy670]

What can i say , theres a reason long bayonets were cut down into trench knives a mere hundred years ago.

[@AAAAAAAA-vd6zv]

Because officers that had the ability to make soliders use or not use them long bayonets, didn't get to use ultra cool shooting spears, basically they envyid them soliders.

[@stephena1196]

When we did WWI poetry at school, c.45 years ago now, the teacher brought someone who'd fought in the trenches to talk to us about it. I asked about bayonets and he said they were too unwieldy, a good poke with the end of the rifle was effective and were mostly used for toasting bread. He was a Sergeant and would tell new recruits when they arrived not to use them. He said if the enemy saw one of their mates being bayoneted, then they would go out of their way to kill the one using the bayonet. It seemed rifle fire was one thing, but bayoneting was something else. Think it was the same for both sides.

[@t-bone6636]

@@stephena1196 seems like they wanted to avoid the "brutal" death… seems like a sense of "humanity" occured at that time, not long before it was spiking, slashing, hacking and piercing with all kinds of metal.

[@donaldmeaker3627]

Long bayonets were traded for shorter ones when the threat of cavalry was mitigated by heavy artillery and heavy machineguns.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@t-bone6636 more likely, it's because a muzzle jab might kill, it's more likely to incapacitate and it's wounds can be recovered from if it doesn't rupture critical internal organs through blunt trauma. A bayonet stab becomes personal intent to kill as it's likely to penetrate at least half way through a torso unless it gets jammed in bone, and on top of that, it's going to be pushing enough dirt into the wound to guarantee a long, painful infection likely to cause sepsis or gangrene or both, resulting in amputation or death after days or even weeks of fevers and suffering.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I got a Wakizashi to use inside. A bigger sword can get caught on door frames or walls if you are indoors.

[@KirkWilliams300]

Flash backs to the souls series

[@gregoryshorts700]

Short swords would be the option in defence of a castle, with in side the walls and towers. Or do i need to be corrected? Or other close quarters combat situation.

[@ZachAgape]

really cool and helpful video, thanks a lot!!

[@olelarsen7688]

Great, great. Just to my taste. A short weapon has advantages. There is one thing I would like to know. I have heard of a sword called: Cortelasser, or kortelasser. It is not easy to find on the internet. You can hear it sounds like: Cutlass. I think it is like a messer.

[@craigbrown9737]

It's not the size of the weapon that counts, it's the damage it does. ;)

[@philvalz]

Captain Context is here to save the day, again! :D

[@whtjddn3]

Best channel for introducing good weapons~!!

[@andersgjersoe4852]

"Parameters" is the new "context".....

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Speaking of polearm duels, the one in The Hidden Fortress might be an interesting fight review. Seems like that movie has been forgotten beyond its relation to Star Wars.

[@Magey_McMage]

It's not the size that counts, it's how you use them

[@Magey_McMage]

@Jon Goat I cannot speak for the effectiveness of rectal stabbings but I have to assume they're as debilitating as an injury anywhere else on the torso

[@Skenderbeuismyhero]

Drinking game- drink every time Matt says the word context or makes a phallic innuendo.

[@thebobbytytesvarrietyhour4168]

Academy of Historical fencing did some videos on the 21 ft. rule with various types of swords.

[@CaptainGurdy]

I see two rapiers behind you... I thought you said you weren't involved in rapierism!

[@cadethumann8605]

About short swords vs longer swords in a duel, while I am very well aware the reach can be an important factor, how can one with a shorter blade get around his/her reach disadvantage? Like, what tactics, techniques, etc. can one use?

[@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO]

Two handed swords while being longer also stop the opponent who is using them from extending as far forward as they have to keep their rear hand on the sword also. And they generally have to expose more of their body in a less extreme side stance

[@cadethumann8605]

@@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO thanks. Do you mind if I ask another question? With it being about HEMA in general?

[@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO]

@@cadethumann8605 of course not bro but I am not exactly an authority just a regular guy who swings swords about.

[@cadethumann8605]

@@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO one thing I keep seeing recently is that detractors say that hema is just tapping with swords and is a poor simulation of actual combat. I see this in comments under videos about women fighting with swords, suggesting that women doing well in hema would be poor in an actual fight.

[@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO]

@@cadethumann8605 in reality it all depends on who you are training with. Olympic fencing has devolved to that point where a touch is a point even if you get stabbed back a fraction of a second later. For the most part tho I see pretty good swordsmanship displays with most HEMA club videos and I used to hang with a viking re-enactment group and trust me, they would swing hard but they lacked technique. At the end of the day you aren't trying to kill your partners or you won't have any partners left so it's up to each club and individual to find their balance.a lot of people aren't pro's just having fun and getting excercise so while it does happen it's not something that a good HEMA practitioner would be doing. Hope that helped

[@chaotic_goodness]

There's a good reason for the alehouse dagger.

[@normanbates3200]

If Matt had his ear/s cut-off in a sparring 'accident', would it be such a loss?