Which Sword Is Easiest To Use? Katana vs Longsword

[@kwanarchive]

Plot twist: the answer is "spear".

[@1yehny]

Bayonet attached to SKS, AR15, or AK47, loaded and ready to shoot.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

Nuclear bomb

[@siadczyk]

@@ReasonAboveEverything Bayonet attached to nuclear bomb

[@BuddyLee23]

One kilogram of anti-matter.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

Viscount Hutton I knew someone would bring this up. Good for you, sir.

[@hailhydreigon2700]

Matt Easton: *presents a decent and formal examination on why it would generally be a bit easier for an untrained person to use a katana than a longsword* HEMA snobs: "LOL KATTANNA is FOR n00bz confirmd"

[@Poenix21]

So are guns. Guess which we still use today...

[@JustGrowingUp84]

@Eduardo Lopez Yes, they have become as annoying as katana fanboys used to be in the past.

[@MisterKisk]

People don't have enough humility to realize that these are both pieces of steel shaped and designed for the purpose of killing people, and for a long long time, they were used very effectively to kill people.

[@Hoshionifumo]

but sometimes just excelling at the basics is plenty. dident bruce lee have a punches quote for things like this. somthing like "i dont worry about the guy who knows 1000 different punches. but the one whos practiced one punch 1000 times.

[@OfNaught]

Honestly I see far more people complaining about HEMA snobs than actual HEMA snobs...

[@nicjansen230]

12:00 In case you're interested, the physics behind a sword swing aren't that hard: at any point along the edge, there's a certain amount energy in the blade, and there's a certain amount of leverage the target has on the blade. The energy and leverage balance somewhere along the edge and that's the sweet spot / centre of percussion... If you want to know more, here is the thought behind what I'm saying: a certain amount of energy in the blade at a certain point: as you know a circle with a longer radius has a longer circumference. Any point along the edge makes a circular rotation. A point further out will have to travel more distance to get the same amount of rotation; a point further out will travel faster more easily. Weight and speed combine into kinetic energy. (E=(1/2)*m*(v^2) as many people know, or E=(1/2)*J*(ω^2) which is closer to this example) a certain amount of leverage you have at a certain point: your leverage is basically the length between the centres of your hands, but the leverage the target has is the length between your front hand and the impact point. (you're at a big disadvantage, so that's why kinetic energy is so important) When you hit something the blade wants to push the target due to its kinetic energy. On the other hand, the target pushes back at the blade with its leverage. If you start near the hilt, you have little energy and the target has little leverage, so not much is happening. If you go out a bit more, you have more and more energy (especially near the centre of mass). If you go further out, the energy in the blade increases less than the leverage the target has, and you'll hit a balance. If you go beyond that balance, your advantage starts decreasing. At the tip, you have a lot of energy, though the target has a lot more leverage as well. (I guess nobody read that all the way... Tell me in case this was useful in any way)

[@Farweasel]

Welllllllll...... IF you used edit and explained what the EmJw and hat symbol mean.

[@nicjansen230]

@@Farweasel E=(1/2)*m*(v^2) means: to get the energy, take half of the mass multiplied by the velocity squared. That's when you describe a motion in a straight line. E=(1/2)*J*(ω^2) means pretty much the same: to get the energy, take half of the inertia multiplied by the angular velocity squared. That's when you describe a circular motion.

[@MadNumForce]

Well, it's way more complex actually. Blade trajectories are a mix of rotation and translation, and the speed is not constant. It involves dynamics, not just statics. And this makes a huge difference, I believe. Also, a sword is not just a lever. Mass distribution plays a significant role, precisely because it's a dynamic movement. This is a rather complex phenomenon.

[@Slash-XVI]

@@Farweasel In general E in physics means Energy. m is the symbol used for the mass of an object, which is not the same as its "weight" in physics, but it is easy to think of mass as "what a scale will show you" for most every-day applicances. v generally means velocity, how fast an object is moving. That little hat symbol is used to represent the number after it being an exponent, so v^2 is v to the power of 2 or v². The J (though I personally learned to use I (the capital letter i)) in this formula represents the moment of inertia, which is simply put a measurement of how much an object resist being spun around. This can actually change depending on the axis of rotation. You can test this yourself by gripping a stick in its center and just spinning it a bit and then gripping it by one end and spinning it. The w is actually a greek letter: ω (small omega) which represents the angular velocity of a circular motion. This is often more useful than regular velocity since it does not depend on the distance to the center of rotation. You can think of it a meassurement for how many full rotations does this object do in a certain time.

[@mikaluostarinen4858]

At technical school we had a dynamics calculation example about percussion point. The result was that 1/3 from the tip is the sweet spot. That was for an even stick, and the pivot point was at the end of the stick. IRL the pivot point is often somewhere else, and swords are tapered. Thus, theory doesn't help very much in practice here, but maybe it can convince people who think the tip must be the heaviest hitter.

[@Furniture121]

The real answer here is clearly the Spadroon…

[@peterfinland1370]

Easier to use than a longsword, but not as effective as katana.

[@mallardtheduck406]

It is the perfect sword for "stiff penetration " and "stiff competition"

[@Xandros999]

Spadroon is a proskill weapon.

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

If you lack dining etiquette which utensil are you most likely to use to eat a bowl of cereal in milk? All choices are followed with "spoon" ie: Table _spoon_ Basting, Berry, Boiled egg, Dessert, Marrow, Mustard, Table, Tea, Salt, Sauce, Sifting, Serving, Stilton, Soup, Sugar.. The list gets even larger if we allow 2handed weapons, errrr I mean serving sized utensils in which case the spoon is now called a claymore ladle, like Gravy sauce ladle, Serving ladle... The correct answer is... ...whatever spoon your mom gives you. You spoiled brat 😃 Get your own utensil! (Not even going to address the fact you're still living with mom as a adult. Adult: someone who lies on KZbin age verification page in order to watch restricted content and then trolls the comment section, talking all tough behind the anonymity of the internet.)

[@john-paulsilke893]

Nope, spear trumps both. Obviously nobody walked around with an 8ft spear hanging off their hip so small sword instead, (then tie it on a pole, haha haha I have a spear again!) 🤪

[@philipzahn491]

Next one: "Gladius or Kopis?"

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Kopis, the Gladius is an extremely specialized weapon for a very extremely specialized combat formation just like a pike. Without a giant shield and a bunch of mates standing in perfect formation around you, its pretty rubbish on its own.

[@Lykyk]

​@@HeadCannonPrime It's literally just a short sword that's decent at stabbing and hacking. Calling it specialized is very misleading, especially since the vast majority of short swords in history weren't used in formation or with a giant shield. Of course, the Romans used it that way and used it well, but a short sword that can hack and stab is pretty much the opposite of an "extremely specialized" sword. It's just a sword you can carry anywhere easily and do pretty much anything with, which is why the short sword was so popular all throughout history.

[@Omegaures]

@@HeadCannonPrime No it's not... People in Iberia were using it with the Caetra. It's really not that specialised.

[@AngryArchaeologist]

This is a good assessment. When untrained people are thrust into tense, frightening and violent situations, there is a tendency to forget all of the fine movements and subtle tactical awareness one might hope to employ in these situations. Instead, we revert to gross motor skills - big swings with maximum force and uncontrolled body structure. Both of these weapons will do in this situation, but the design of the katana is just slightly better at it, requiring less finesse and tactical forethought to generate maximum damage in untrained hands.

[@neveryoumind560]

The katana is only deadly on one side the long sword is on both so wild swinging would be better with a long sword

[@Arqane]

​@@neveryoumind560 Wild swinging is still mostly going to be coming from one direction. Take a baseball bat (essentially a specialized club) and go to town. Even people who have never played baseball are mostly going to do overhead or side swings, but they'll have most of their power from one side, and so they'll stick with that direction. Try to turn that around, and there will be so little force and accuracy that even a well sharpened blade wouldn't be very effective.

[@karlinachen6325]

in my opinion, katana's design were focused more for speed. They mainly used for cutting using near the tip of the sword, however during meiji era they are also a prominent weapon for thrusting. For me katana were more difficult to use due to its curve, thus is harder to read their actual reach & distance, but easier to swing. Because of its curve if both of katana vs long/straight sword thrown in the same speed, katana took slightly longer time to start reaching/cutting the target. In other world, in katana, you need to enter the "danger area" when you strike. Thus without adequate training, both of the combatants will ended cut each other. Before katana were invented, the japanese also have straight double edge sword, similar to european long sword and chinese jian. I found it's much harder to use katana due to its single edge and curved design, easy to swing but harder to use. While for long straight sword, tho i never try actual one, i got my experience in using chinese's jian for my wushu and kendo's shinai, were easier to read or adjusted its reach, thus they are more comfortable during show to avoid injuring my partner. Thus they are harder to swing but easier to use and thrust.

[@TaoistSwordsman]

Then their "human nature" and true character reveals itself

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

I prefer to use a Wrongsword. Great when used just Right.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

@@itmademesignup9508 In the words of Sauron: "Wight you are ... "

[@philw8049]

Can’t detach the pommel?! Pfffft get rid of this pretender and use a real sword! 😁

[@worshipedwarrior441]

WHAT??!!! You can't unscrew the pommel?! USELESS!!!!!

[@tigershark8867]

If you can't unscrew the pommel, just throw the whole sword.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Indeed, what Tosh! How on earth do they rightly expect me to end this debacle?! Am I supposed to KIA them to death?!

[@Muritaipet]

@@tigershark8867 No!!!! That wouldn't end it rightly

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

@@tigershark8867 that's not the way! Only pommels can be thrown, Heretic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@silentone11111111]

Back when I did fencing in the late 1970's I did foil a bit of épée and then later fell in love with sabre. I found it easier to beat people who just started with sabre. I found they wouldn't use the point and that was a huge advantage. I wish there was hema then. Electric sabre is a joke now. It's not even a sword anymore. ,just a electric poking whip. 😥

[@73Terry73]

Probably the most coherent explanation of the UK 2019 general elections so far

[@damasek219]

Or most other elections actually.

[@simonyu8838]

The observation that humans have an instinct to swing is spot on. Untrained fighters in an unarmed fight tend to throw wide, looping, swinging punches and undoing that to learn how to throw straight punches is one of the first things that gets taught in unarmed striking martial arts whether it be karate, boxing, Muay Thai, and so on.

[@tjnlindaoconchuir1312]

Spot on. Easiest way to spot an untrained fighter.

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

Or a heavy weight Boxer who knows that the 1,75m guy with his ~70kg can't block the swing anyway and it will be a one hit KO.

[@karyldavidkidd7111]

Pleased to see the title not engaging in the clickbait 'vs'. I (and hopefully all denizens) am tremendously annoyed and bored with the comparison imbalances along the topic of weaponry. I feel that you engage in a full spectrum, giving viewers details that they may form their own view point. Slainte

[@kaizoebara]

The title contains the *vs* though... XD

[@dougsinthailand7176]

Daring subject, Matt! ;) For modern people, I think that it boils down to how we are conditioned by viewing modern media. If we see any movie or even cartoons showing someone using a Japanese sword, it's usually showing correct or authentic techniques. If we view a movie showing a European medieval sword being used, it's usually incorrect or even dangerous. Given that, I'd say the katana. Due to prejudices. At a Fiore class with Schola St George many years ago, we did some test-cutting (tameshigiri) with my antique katana and Colin Hatcher's Angus Trim bastard sword, the katana was WAY BETTER at cutting. Now that might be due to the fact that the katana was sharper but it made a real impression.

[@JimTempleman]

The Katana comes close to being a two-handed Cutlass.

[@iangrau-fay592]

I was thinking cavalry saber, similar lines of thought and function.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Without the guard which is Very useful but would significantly slow down a snatch, draw and strike which the katana excels at.

[@scottbelmont0044]

like most of their culture, probably the katana is a kind of chinese dao

[@john-paulsilke893]

Robert Curtis don’t need to swing simply push and rub it against ruffians. Even somewhat dull the profile allows for very close significant injury delivery. Most people swing them like bats which is actually far less effective and easier to misalign the edge.

[@choiettech]

@@scottbelmont0044 surprisingly it ended up being the other way round. During the Ming dynasty, Chinese commanders would copy sword techniques and designs from the Japanese for their two handed swords.

[@keesjanhoeksema9575]

Indeed, It’s the Swordsman not his blade that makes the difference!

[@mallardtheduck406]

It's good for a true swordsman to wield different types of blades... different situations call for different weapons.

[@chengkuoklee5734]

There were records pro being killed by noob in judiciary duel. As long someone has a weapon in hand, treat with extreme cautious, noob or not.

[@janeleonard985]

This made me think of Skallagrim's recent video with initial thoughts on the Albion Principe (IIRC): it's "too forgiving" because you might not even learn what you're doing wrong.

[@youtubevoice1050]

I was instantly thinking the same. Also, european swords are so much more diverse in shape, which makes generalizations difficult.

[@joadams8022]

Messer. The correct answer is messer.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

Lol, that was my first thought as well!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Basically yes, but a two-handed one. Newbies find two-handed swords easier to strike effectively with.

[@joadams8022]

@@scholagladiatoria not too many messer were really two-handed, I think this kind of hand-and-half type was predominant for reasons. www.zornhau.de/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/zef-waffen/zef-4.jpg (not, admittedly, unlike the katana except in levels of sexyness).

[@Eshkanama]

Oh hell yah

[@HeadCannonPrime]

@@scholagladiatoria This comment is Grosse

[@petercrins2848]

If you don’t mention that these swords are basicly the same, but that there are some differences over and over again, this videocould have been 10 minutes shorter.

[@damasek219]

There are only the same differences ¯ಠ◡ಠ

[@McNeck-wy3vb]

In my younger years i would consider katanas superior to europeans, partly due to my interest in japanese culture and because of the "mystification" of the katanas cutting Power (like for example in video games); and also because of believing that only the japanese have proper sword fighting-schools. Now, with having more information on the europeans teachings and sword-makings, i'd rather prefer europeans blades (even though Katanas still look awesome😁)

[@TaoistSwordsman]

And eventually you'll find you have gone back and forth on that thought! Maybe one day you'll accumulate enough knowledge on how to be equally comfortable with any blade. I haven't gotten there yet either, but maybe someday Haha. Good luck my friend :)

[@carloparisi9945]

The katana is easier to carry, in my opinion, and the cross of the longsword is going to catch on stuff as you move around. I'd rather have a european sabre, if I can't, a katana would be my choice.

[@edi9892]

I would go for a Wakizashi if I don´t expect much fencing, but want to carry something that can make a decisive cut. It´s short enough that it doesn´t get into the way and it is fast to draw. Having a full-sized sword will always be a nuisance, even with a minimalistic hilt. It´s long enough that it hits all sorts of things and you can´t sit down, plus, depending how you carry it, it might slide around too much, or put a lot of asymmetric strain on your belt...

[@edi9892]

In any case, it really depends on how often you expect to need it and what are your priorities? Agile blade and decent hand protection or Send limbs flying even with sloppy cuts If you had to fight zombies, or animals, or ambush a gunner, it´s a very different story from having to be able to fence.

[@AGermanFencer]

With a proper scabbard the longsword is easier to wear if its a longsword like the one shown. Below 120cm lets say with a medieval average height of 175cm-ish. Thats why longswords are often not that long maybe ^^ About the cross catching on stuff: Never ever happened to me. Its a bit of a strange idea, sorry ^^ I own and wear high quality examples of both kind which can compare to historical originals. Fencing and having done some years of iaido. Thats my idea on the subject.

[@Burboss]

@Talûn-karkû The Warchief I'll take 9 mm any day over any blade

[@Krishnaeternal]

@ Carlo Parisi I so totally agree with you. I've been using katana (for 20 years) after a longsword literally broke on me. I just got an european sabre. It's awesome.

[@oneparticularlysmartape]

Matt: [Makes a 5 minute long statement explaining something in a totally reasonable manner]... *B U T* [Keeps going making it even more complete and interesting]

[@rafaelribeiro404]

If I'm not mistaken, the late R. Lee Ermey did a fantastic scientific work that irrefutably proves the katana as the superior in every aspect. Jk From my slim experience with cheap swords ( the ones I can afford) katanas are much easier to cut with. But skallagrim once said in a video that cheap katanas usually are better made and have superior quality than cheap longswords, so people tend to believe the katanas as better cutters because of that.

[@matthewcooper4248]

Plus, most Japanese reproductions are sharp enough to cut with where longswords usually aren't.

[@chrishowe2935]

It was a TV show, not a scientific work, and I’m pretty sure Matt or Skallagrim or someone has done a video disagreeing with the conclusion, because the tests they did weren’t representative of how the weapons were actually used.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

@@chrishowe2935 Rafael was being sarcastic, that's why he added the Jk (Just kidding).

[@knh5954]

I would contend , the real question is "what is the person you will be using this sword against wearing?" and then choose best choice to counter that. Weren't these swords designed for the type of Armour they would encounter and changed based on advances in said Armour?

[@martinaee]

This is so damn interesting. P.S. this video just makes me want a katana and long sword 🗡 that I can’t afford lol

[@perfectibility999]

The katana and longsword are likely more similar to one another than the longsword is to the arming sword.

[@Jay-ln1co]

Every scholagladiatoria video ever: "Oh, and the point as well, I'll come back to that in a second."

[@NoshuHyena]

I submit the idea that "Peened at the pommel" should become an idiom, and it could mean something like you have everything wrapped up and in order.

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

It would be, if I didn’t chuckle every time I heard the word peened. XD

[@dace48]

I like that saying and I will now use it to confuse normal people in conversation. I do disagree about "ready for battle" though, based on many internet sites aimed at novices or dabbers I always associate the phrase "battle ready" to mean "we've put a half arsed edge on a wall hanger."

[@beardedbjorn5520]

I love it when I get peened at the pommel, just makes my day.

[@alphaplenn]

The weight of a broad sword has a lot to do with it's intended use, it not only cuts, but also crushes! The katana is useless against plate armer!

[@KevinTangYT]

One thing to note as well is that the CoM on a katana is closer to the actual middle of the weapon and therefore closer to a uniform stick-like object. Going from using a stick to using a sword will take some adjustment using a longsword. Furthermore, curved weapons can allow the user to dislodge their swords easier on the drawing part of their cut compared to straight swords. Lastly, in a non-uniform environment not sword vs sword, the crossguard is effectively just in the way, hitting the forearm of the user when trying to push-pull. That took me a few weeks to get used to.

[@ofailia650]

Could this be a reason for the longsword-sized Messer staying a separate type? After all it developed from Bauernwehr knives/short swords, and that name already amounts to calling it a noob weapon (literally peasants' defence). I'm not a fencer but from the examples I've seen in museums, the similar-sized Messer look like they would handle even more like a Japanese sword than longswords already do.

[@crominion6045]

That makes sense. Much like the Chinese dadao, made for use by minimally trained peasant militia, which also played on the natural human instinct Matt mentioned to hit or hack at things.

[@Knoloaify]

The longsword Messer is a separate type mainly because it's single edge and curved. That's quite different from the different types of European longswords. Also while I can see fauchon/falchion/messers being more "poor-friendly" (though armed peasants very often owned straight swords, especially in the late middle ages), I don't think that the longer version would have have been a "peasant's weapon" since it would have been a bigger investment and would have worked better with a certain level of armor which a peasant wouldn't have been able to afford. Thus the longsword falchion was probably more something owned by mercenaries and nobles. A sword being easier to use certainly make it more accessible to the masses, but it doesn't necessarily means it was for them. Case in point : the katana. But then again, this is merely conjecture and my humble opinion.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

The reason the "messer" stayed as a separate type has more to do with guild and production laws rather than anything about the weapon itself. Guild laws were EXTREMELY strict in the middle and renaissance period. A person in the "Knife" guild could not make and sell "swords" and vice versa. Breaking that law you could lose your entire business and be put in jail, but they never said how big a knife could get. To get around that, knife makers made Grosse messers, or big knives and the handle had to use scales instead of grips and pommels.

[@Knoloaify]

@@TheTutch It's okay, you summarized my point in a way that's easier to understand. That said the longsword was also used in a civilian context and thus two-handed blades were not necessarily linked to armor. However, it seems that longswords were more of something that belonged to the upper class. My guess is that not only they were more expensive, but also, as Matt demonstrated, wearing a longsword on your belt can be quite cumbersome. If I was a medieval peasant who is going to buy a second-hand weapon for self-defense, I'd go for a one-handed sword since it's easier to carry around, is cheaper and can be just as good. A longsword would be more interesting to someone who has martial arts as a hobby, like someone who likes sparring and dueling, and that kind of people would most likely be part of or connected to the warrior class (including mercenaries) which would be more wealthy than the average peasant. TL;DR Context, I guess.

[@alphaplenn]

Two types of warfare, two types of swords! Apples and oranges would come to mind!

[@Sk0lzky]

I'd say katana is a no brainer considering its noticeable curve, single edge and shorter length. Choppy nature makes it slice on its own. Longsword, on the other hand, especially later, stabbier types, require lots of practice to cut with them at least somewhat consistently, while effective thrusts are actually not that easy to perform. And it can confuse a layman as to what it's designed to do because of its versatility.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

Yup, my thoughts exactly.

[@tylerreed610]

I wanna see a video where some unarmored knight finds himself encountering an unarmored samurai of comparable eras duel it out with their weapons. Or just sit down and have a chat about their different swords and fighting systems.

[@wallaroo1295]

I know the build of the Katana, et al is layered and all that - but, when it comes to sharpy ouchie metal... That Katana is a saber... Not some mythical PFM blade, made by Japanese Elves.

[@viridisxiv766]

its the lack of hand protection that kills it for me.

[@chadfalardeau9162]

There are many types of tsuba (handguards) some are larger

[@wallaroo1295]

Well yes - but I was focusing on the blade shape itself, not so much the interface.

[@icejohn94]

@@viridisxiv766 the thing is poeple do belive the tsuba is more protective because more of your hand is covered when you have it in hand, less hand exposed is more protection than the cross guard in that way

[@Riceball01]

The layering of the blades of Japanese swords has more to do with the quality (or las thereof) of the iron available in Japan at the time. They folded it in order to remove and even out as much of the impurities as they could. Of course, it did also help them create a blade with a hard cutting edge and a softer spine.

[@Entiox]

If you just want to hit something why not get a mace? I'm kidding, of course there are plenty of reasons to pick a sword over a mace. But I just had a mace from Tod's Workshop delivered today and I really want to go hit something with it.

[@wumpusthehunted2628]

I'd want a shield with such a mace. Also the mace is the oldest weapon (not used for hunting) found in archeology, so it should be pretty natural. Also if you want to use Matt's "noob cut", a baseball bat will do a lot of damage without requiring any edge alignment.

[@Entiox]

@@wumpusthehunted2628 oh yeah, definitely want a shield with a mace. That lack of guard, and nimbleness, pretty much demands it.

[@damasek219]

2:06 The rule: "never use the word pommel without at least subtly referring to the possibility of detaching it in order to end them rightly" Mat Easton: "rule confirmed"

[@jintsuubest9331]

So I remember back then a video you said different art is different, but then over here you say different art is fundamentally similar. So me miss understood something?

[@crazywilly3333]

"Similar" is the key word here. They are different, but there are a lot of similarities. Especially in regards to what he's talking about here. Remember Matt's favorite word: "Context."

[@markfergerson2145]

He didn't go into the "art" at all, just the bare minimum of what instincts prompt one to do with what amount to metal bars that happen to have sharp parts. In that sense both swords are identical but the katana makes a better fit to those instincts.

[@damasek219]

There are similar differences in both and all kinds of different similarities. All in all, there are mostly the same differences.

[@tjsogmc]

Yes, some weapons are easier to use than others. That's why armies use guns.

[@Pyrela]

So to cut a long story short... use a katana over a longsword to cut the story.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Pyrela edge alignment is easier to achieve with the Katana. Hits, if they occur will be reliably more damaging. A novice will almost never be able to deflect or defend and certainly not be able to backhand strike so the double edged blade and guards are pointless.

[@allopez8563]

Katana' s handles feel more like a modern tool, like a hammer or a saw, than an Euro swords. I think this is why most people prefer the feel of the katana.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

You can use a Longsword like a Katana, but you cant use a Katana like a longsword, (Well for 50%) Just uploaded a longsword Vs Katana and other fencing matches today. What a nice coincidence.

[@sumosquirtlrekt2340]

The katana sacrificed variety for being better cutting and draw attacks, which the longsword was more for dealing with armor, and it also focused on reach.

[@MilesTraveler]

@@sumosquirtlrekt2340 the longsword is like, the most generalized sword ever. Also the Katana isn't all that specialized for cutting. Try something like a Scimitar, Katana is not curved enough, not thin enough and not broad enough to be an ideal cutting sword.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

I did managed to execute some longsword techniques that used the 2nd edge with the katana.It's still viable,the back of the blade could still deal a great deal of blunt damage instead of cutting damage.You could still use 100% of longsword techniques on the katana (even half-swording),it's just not that effective like using a longsword.But the longsword user on the other hand couldn't apply 100% of katana techniques because alot Kenjutsu techniques required the user to make use of the curve of the blade to parry and counter attack,which something the longsword doesn't have

[@constantinkelleher5444]

It's not the sword that makes the man- it's the man who makes the sword.

[@rhemorigher]

I'm happy to say that as someone who used to mock the katana I no longer do, it seems the historical community's backlash against the katana kultists worked and they either moved on and forgot about it or learned that poetry and anime sometimes isn't one hundred percent accurate.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

In D&D 5th edition, weapons have a damage type which is ONE of _bludgeoning (B), piercing (P) or slashing (S)_ and certain armors are resistant/vulnerable to specific damage types (in which case the damage is halved/doubled accordingly). So, for example, plate armor is resistant to damage from a longsword/rapier (P) or sabre/scimitar (S) but takes full damage from a mace/warhammer (B). Similarly, mail armor is resistant to "S" damage but vulnerable to "P" damage. Would you care to comment on these rules from a historical context?

[@JustGrowingUp84]

What?! I didn't know of this! Are these some sort of optional rules, published in a supplement or such? I know that in the old AD&D Second Edition, the armors had various ACs against different weapon types.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

@@JustGrowingUp84 The damage types, resistances and vulnerabilities are described in the PHB, I think in the combat chapter (9). Weapon damage types are listed in equipment chapter (5). How you apply these (to armor) in combat is left to the DM. I use house rules.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

@@GonzoTehGreat "I use house rules." - ahh, this explains it! I was looking like crazy through both chapter 9 and chapter 5, and couldn't find anything about armor with resistance, lol. Well, I think it's a nice idea. This means that the players will have to switch weapons depending on the enemy, instead of each using a favorite weapon regardless of enemy. And it fits nicely with the group weapon proficiencies introduced since 3e.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

@@JustGrowingUp84 Yeah, I wasn't expecting a fellow D&Der to reply, so I kept it simple, as I doubt Matt or HEMA practitioners know the difference between RAW and homebrew. 🙂 It doesn't force my PCs to switch weapons, as I only modify the weapon damage itself (although you could apply the modifier to the total damage instead if you wanted more variation), but the cumulative effect over the course of a combat can make it worthwhile to switch. It also makes it useful to carry/use different weapons instead of just one. My PCs now tend to carry at least one additional, different type of weapon, as an alternative, and also a knife as backup. Combat is also more situational (Matt would say contextual!) as a result.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

@@GonzoTehGreat Heh, you can find us from the lowest dungeons to the highest peaks. Heck, I've even seen D&D comments on pornhub! Can't remember the details, sadly, but I do remember they were pretty funny.

[@Arkantos117]

The katana is easier to slash open peasants with.

[@brucetucker4847]

Of course a properly equipped knight would have a falchion for that purpose.

[@MrVelociraptor75]

Kirisute gomen

[@Gilmaris]

But they only count in the event of a draw.

[@azvoltmanphoenix446]

My katana takes glock 19 mags..........but great video and info! Thank you!

[@TimRHillard]

It’s an important question, easier to use, faster to learn, quicker to build skill.

[@v4pilot331]

The one that talks to you...

[@spyrofrost9158]

If the sword speaks to you maybe you shouldn't be using it at all!

[@v4pilot331]

@@spyrofrost9158 Typical response of a penis challenged person.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@spyrofrost9158 your defiance of the Empyrean Pantheon is noted. It won't save your soul.

[@Spear_of_the_Raven_Ash]

Depends on what "it" says

[@damasek219]

Well the katana already smiles at you, it is only question of context when it will start speaking.

[@alaskajohn907]

The Katana is more of a sidearm than a primary fighting tool, much like comparing a pistol to a rifle. Rifles are more effective and more useable but less convenient to carry

[@ulfd1]

Just like most european swords are.

[@BigHenFor]

All swords are sidearms. Pole weapons are primary weapons because they do the same damage at a difference. And as for rifles? Why talk about them in a video comparing one sword with another?

[@ninjafruitchilled]

Well yes, the primary fighting tool in feudal Japanese warfare was the bow. But same for the longsword. So it is a perfectly good comparison.

[@angryzombie8088]

Katana is definitely is easier to use, to sheath & to draw, easier maintenance because it have 1 edge, easier to move with it because its curved & probably lighter.

[@Ne0spartan]

I study both since there is so much overlap in technique, I also study Chinese Longsword to widen my training.

[@ShimomuraTakezoWong]

Every weapon in the world, which ever country, bladed or firearms is as good as it's handler depending on the training, muscle memory and the years behind that particular platform in any given situation night/day.

[@Sinthioth]

I was literally just wondering about this today!

[@Spear_of_the_Raven_Ash]

Matt is good at that it seems. I recently experienced something similar with regards to Bowies, Kukris, and Seaxes.

[@adamroodog1718]

I think its a great example of the differences between European martial arts vs asian martial arts. Being that in European fighting the thrust, the jab, the straight atack is given more weight than the asian style slash getting more attention and being more favoured.

[@youtubevoice1050]

I wouldn't say so. It's hard to tell why the Japanese were so conservative when it comes to swords. The Chinese had much more diversity in their weapons, so it's clearly not just a Europe vs. Asia situation.

[@marcuszc3172]

@@youtubevoice1050 why is that hard? Japan is an island and was closed of...

[@adamroodog1718]

KZbin voice, you should watch some kung fu masters vs mma fighters. I always like to imagine a boxer with a rapier and dagger insted of gloves.

[@youtubevoice1050]

@Marcusz c. Japan was not closed off during its entire history. There was trade with the main land. Kung fu was imported as well. The Mongolians tried to invade etc. Japanese armor did evolve, yet the katana remained pretty much the same for the longest time.

[@youtubevoice1050]

@Adam Roodog. Kung Fu contains a wide variety of wildly different styles. Northern styles focus more on kicks, Southern styles more on boxing.

[@Ezyasnos]

I guess one will quickly become a noob in stress situations. But then there's still the point of the crossguard vs. the tsuba. Then again the saber has both this noob-friendlyness and good handprotection. No wonder it eventually has become the no. 1 sword of choice, even in Japan

[@Biomaterials_Science]

As an automatic stab person rather than bash an aligned point is more attractive to me. Admittedly I tend to hold things with my hands the other way round too, dominant hand at the bottom, because that allows letting go with the other hand and doing a (surprise) long swing.

[@BossBattle21]

The video hasn't started yet ( I'm watching the ads) but I'm going to guess the answer is context.

[@Gilmaris]

Matt Easton, making videos about context since 2007.

[@ivarbaratheon264]

I guess katana is better for chopping but I'd pick a longsword Vs a katana any day. The guard and double edge and ability to thrust is so much more convenient

[@blairbuskirk5460]

Katana is easier for beginners at least in regards to forgiveness in misaligned cuts. However some longswords have similar edge geometry , though I would say that isn't ideal. The longsword is much easier to thrust with in my opinion. And a tsuba doesn't give much protection, compared to a simple cross guard. The katana is slightly quicker to draw from the scabbard. I'd say a cutlass is probably the best one handed sword for beginners.

[@stanemtummy2544]

Sharpening my Tod Cutler eating-knife with my Matt-approved DC4 stone while watching this vid about Katana v Longsword. I watch too much historical KZbin :-).

[@MrShaggrock]

I love how Matt makes a point and immediately goes BUT!

[@brotherandythesage]

That's it I'm armoring all my zombies right now!

[@Si-Horrocks]

sg makes a video answering a question noone - "" sg _'it depends"

[@m.kultra4101]

Japanese fencing is more ready available for practice and competition as well. Every large city has a kendo club for all ages to practice at.

[@blasty137]

Maybe katanas don't have pommels because they have already been detached and thrown during battles?

[@ninjafruitchilled]

Haha it is because you are supposed to hold a katana right at the end of the handle. If there was a pommel there it would just get in the way.

[@andrewstrongman305]

If the answer is "The more choppy one" why not compare the katana with a falchion or messer? Or earlier longswords with broader blades and more rounded tips?

[@ramibairi5562]

Matt was the Nodachi really used two handed from horseback ? Also were Longswords ever used two handed by cavalry ?

[@mencheperra3916]

I think it depends on the weight of a longsword. If it's light enough for you, you can use it even one handed from a horseback.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

I've never heard of either situation, and they seem rather... impractical. The nodachi I've heard it was used by someone fighting on foot to cut at the legs of the horses of the enemy cavalry, but I don't know how much truth is to that.

[@AGermanFencer]

In some situation: sure. maybe. probably. Usually: no.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

As for using a longsword from horseback, the general idea would be just to hold it out at an unarmored or lightly armored foot troop and let the horse's momentum do the rest.

[@hawkname1234]

Matt - not a silly video at all. And good for you for not just saying, "It depends." It makes a ton of sense for katanas to be easier for untrained people to use to hack things down with!

[@Akiralisk]

I would argue, that a katana is not only easier to use in a scenario if someone without knowledge of fencinh needs to use it right away, but also in a scenario if you have a duel appointed in a week or two. Swinging a katana around teaches you to use it much more than a longsword as katana's dynamics is, in a way, much more intuitive.

[@trappychan]

On the other hand, I'd argue the Longsword is easier to use *against other (melee) weapons* because it's nimbler, has a more defensive guard, pommel/guard to hit at close range, and better at thrusting so safer/better at longer range. Also easier to use with a shield or buckler!

[@JustGrowingUp84]

Sure, but for someone without any training, will they be able to capitalize on the advantages of the longsword? Edited for spelling.

[@ZidVault]

But which weapon is easier to LEARN how to use? I practice HEMA, I haven't practiced with japanese swords, but I would argue that european longsword techniques are probably more complex and varied, because of the use of both edges of the blade, for example in the schielhau or zwerchhau, and the use of the crossguard to catch or move the blade of the opponent's sword in some techniques, so I would say it might be more difficult to learn how to use the european longsword compared to the katana.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

+

[@michaelmcvey1442]

Was there a Japanese version of a European thrust oriented sword (like a rapier)?

[@amacadre]

Japanese swords were originally straight, inspired by China, then very curved (tachi), and then with a lesser curve (uchi-gatana). It seems that as time went on, there was experimentation to have sharper tips, but still retaining the katana shape.

[@Lakrinir]

It is my (limited) understanding that the type of steel available in Japan was usable for thick blades, and thus cutting, and less usable for slim blades, like rapiers.

[@Farweasel]

@@Lakrinir Unlikely. Japan is actually pretty short of ferrous metals but the qauality of what they do have, combined with the excellence of their swordsmiths, means they have access to the highest qualities of steel.

[@grinningchicken]

If a noob is facing unarmored foes Katana If trained facing unarmored foes Rapier If trained and foes are wearing protective gear then a Longsword

[@SilverforceX]

Gun.

[@chengkuoklee5734]

Laugh as much as we like on how "noob-friendly" katana is.... until we are killed by katana wielding noob.

[@RemoteViewr1]

Burgular in the basement, garage, house. Prefer the katana.

[@RemoteViewr1]

@Robert Curtis Already have that base covered.

[@LazyLifeIFreak]

Both of these bladed weapons are irrelevant as they are both sidearms. The polearm is still king of the battlefield.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

They are ALL irrelevant, as the military doesn't use swords or polearms in battle anymore. The only relevance is for hobbyists. And for that, swords are generally better than polearms, unless you prefer polearms, obviously. Swords are shorter and lighter, so they're easier to use (spears are easier, though). With blunt weapons you can fairly easily spar against other opponents with less risk of injury than most polearms. And you can cut stuff fairly easy with sharp swords (like water bottles)! You can't do much with battle-ready polearms.

[@LazyLifeIFreak]

@@JustGrowingUp84 Yeah, the eternal conundrum. Polearms are battlefield weapons meant to deal with opponents upon the battlefield. Swords are secondary weapons meant as backups or as sidearm in every day life.

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

*Spear has joined the chat*

[@brucetucker4847]

Swords are much easier to carry. If you've got another job to do that requires the use of both of your hands (like, say, shooting a bow or rifle, or climbing a siege ladder), a polearm is going to be a problem because you have no way to carry it around - it's much too large and cumbersome to sling on a belt or over your back. It's also very difficult to carry if you ever need to enter or exit ride any sort of vehicle other than an open cart. It's the same reason more modern armies have always issued sidearms (pistols, SMGs or small, light carbines like the M1 or M4) rather than full-sized rifles to troops like cavalry, artillerymen, or these days tankers and radiomen. So sidearms are hardly irrelevant even on a battlefield!

[@markfergerson2145]

@@JustGrowingUp84 It can be argued that the dominance of firearms is a natural evolution of the desire to maintain distance between yourself and an opponent.

[@raiden1395]

Thank you so much for making this video! A lot of people really under rate the handling of a sword wether it’s a katana, a longsword, a kriegsmesser etc. I believe it is an important factor.

[@_Scipio]

Nice presentation. I tend to agree with you. That's a good looking katana!

[@eightgeorge]

I would take the long sword. Easy to stab also sharp on both sides. A katana is harder to use as it has only one edge.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

I would argue the opposite. Two edges add an extra layer of complexity. And the cuts with the back edge are much harder to perform than the one with the "true" edge. For a total noob, the katana is a simpler, easier, more straightforward sword to use.

[@PhilippSchiffer]

+scholagladiatoria you are holding and wielding the Katana wrong.

[@PhilippSchiffer]

Like actually I would think you cannot hurt anyone if using the Japanese sword like this.

[@stevecastro1325]

Silly/not silly; thanks! Maybe this will reduce the tribalism associated with each tool.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

Katana are better at thrusting than most people give them credit for. While the tip geometry isn't the best for thrusting, they are typically a lot stiffer than european swords, so you can put a lot more "oomph" behind a thrust. The mild curve is also enough that you can thrust around an opponents guard to a certain degree, while still being close enough to straight that the body mechanics of a thrust still work pretty well.

[@219garry]

I'd pick up the glock

[@emeralddragongaming2930]

I'm always asking myself what is that kidney looking item on the door near the shield is it a weapon or just a flask, by the way excellent video as always.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Emerald Dragon Gaming looks like a South or Central American Aztec weapon.

[@emeralddragongaming2930]

@@john-paulsilke893 interesting I would never thought of that 👍maybe we should ask him.

[@john-paulsilke893]

No obvious obsidian or sharpened bone on the edges but this is a significant possibility. Although I don’t know much about Irish clubs/maces there are some possibilities there as well.

[@alangardner8596]

A few points. The katana is designed to be drawn and cut in the same movement. The monouchi on the katana (the area designed to be used on a cut) is near the point and because a katana always cuts towards you this means that any decently aimed blow will finish up outside the victims body and therefore will not get stuck. This cannot be said for the cutting area of the European sword. The katana has only a single edge and this is a big advantage also because you can actually put your left hand on the dull side of the blade to either cut your way out of a body when you have used the point (kissaki) to stab or as an aid to cut if you are at close quarters and not able to swing the sword. I hope this has helped.

[@tiexiaowang7939]

The video is about beginners. They won't have the footwork to get into half swording range without dying

[@Helsvga]

Both are very good weapons for thrusting and cutting, although I must say that both actions have better weapons for each one, named spears and halberds, whose Japanese versions are yari and naginata. This said, both swords have similar uses, guarding positions, strikes and such, yet at the same time they use completely different. The difference is in the lever usage with the hands. The European longs word favors a much more closed lever playing. You keep your sword closer to your body, you look less for a strike and aim more towards thrust. Meanwhile, the katana favors wider arcs, more exaggerated (not much, just a bit) moves, more aggressive moves when trying to control the blade of the opponent. In general, when using longs words, all the cutting power or almost all, comes from the lever move, while the katana has more open moves and arms do more work than in HEMA, looking for a heavier slash, very much in the tendency of the sword. With the European swords, your cuts don't mean to chop articulations, but rather to create small wounds that lead the enemy into bleeding. Katana works a more aggressive arm usage trying to actually chop off articulations or at least do a severe damage. As a conclusion, for a newbie it will be easier to fight with a katana cause they will have in mind to actually try to chop away enemies head or arm and that's quite a difficult thing to do with a European longs word, or at least with the one you showed. Some others, who actually have a more broad point are actually swited for that, but they tend to be a bit heavier than the katana in the tip, having the disadvantage of being not that easier to recover guard position after a chop, although they have actually a better range to make up for that. So basically, katana is the most optimized sword for chopping and recover faster your sword. European greatswords like claymore or longswords with a more broad tip are slower (not as shown in the movies though) than katanas, and those who are more agile usually don't have a tip as much designed for cutting. However, as an advantage, longswords are generally speaking, better at thrusting, have longer range and two edges, and this last thing is very important since you can do some faster one two combo slashes without worrying to have to turn in your hands your one edged sword to cut upwards after you slashed downwards. Katana are focused on a one hit-one kill philosophy so they are less optimized for comboing, mure swited instead to attack-parry, attack-parry combat style,emphazising more the hits and with more solid and distinguished guards, much more... disciplined and dogmatic guards and moves. In the same way, in Europe you have the greatswords or the more broadtip longswords (like anduril, Aragorns sword) whose usage is aswell quite dogmatic with more clear moving patterns, although less than the katana due to more usage of thrusts. Finally, we have the longswords with less weight on the point, whose usage is way less predictable and dogmatic, they tend much more to be used in the center guard but with a lot of constant sway in the point, trying to hide the next hit, usually a thrust or a small, close to the body cut that would try to sever a vein of yours leading you to bleed to death. And those are basically the differences between all the styles.

[@althesmith]

Don't forget, the katana was very often originally used as a backup weapon for relatively poorly trained spearmen and arquebusiers- nobility in armour were usually cavalry and carried the slung tachi. Almost like the falchions and katzbalgers carried by the European mercenary pikemen. As you said, in close quarters the tendency is to slash/chop.

[@jasonsanders8797]

Pretty much the same sword....except for this 150 point check list of differences.....oh and all these other things...Lol.

[@brucemercer7753]

I have used BOTH and I have to say the Long Sword is much easier to use with no training and with some basic training. I have had time using each with no training and soon after with some general training. The Long Sword does what you think it does. You move it around exactly the way you think you should. For whatever reason the CURVE and only having a SINGLE EDGE on the Katana makes it move in ways that are just wrong. I can't explain it better than that. Before I had used both I didn't think there would be s much difference. Surely YOU or I could master either sword with enough training. But in my opinion it would take longer to master the Katana due the differences between the 2. Which should you chose to pick up in the Zombie Apocalypse? If you might be about to die RIGHT NOW... chose the Long Sword. If you think you will have time to develop skill... you will be fine with either one. Just my opinion. But I do like the thoughts of the HOST even though we disagree,

[@mallardtheduck406]

Longsword, recovery of the blade is extremely important. The katana is truly a beautiful sword, I am not a fan boy, I just appreciate its' design. I love the Chrysanthemum Tsuba, it looks cool. However, I would not enter battle without Cat Easton, Cats do "thing's "... We just cannot comprehend.

[@Shadenuat]

I choose axes on the wall to the right.

[@chrisbingley]

Ah, another gentleman of taste. Greetings brother.

[@tarlison2k1]

Katana Fanboys: Katana is the greatest Longsword Fanboys: Longsword is the greatest Samurai and Knights: Noobs havent you heard of Polearms firearms and bows

[@jacobmaxfield8255]

Caveat we have to be talking about swords of equal quality. Certainly crucible steel European swords existed in the middle ages, but they were not smithed from locally produced steel. Most European swords of the day were of very poor quality. So if our scenario is you're in a museum cue zombies...definitely take the Japanese sword. If we're talking about high quality steel replicas I concur with the assessment that the Katana is more intuitive offensively until you get it stuck in someone or something or both. The pommel allows the noob to maintain possession of the sword in combat much more effectively. I would argue that supercedes the Katana's advantage slashing.

[@R5d4d2]

Center of Percussion sounds like a drumming school.

[@silentfox139]

Bruce Willis proved that in pulp fiction

[@anthonyalonzo5725]

I know this focused on usability, but what about robustness? In other words, which breaks easier when not handled properly? I've done a lot of HEMA like fighting and seen many many noobs not just swinging like they have a baseball bat, but also waving the sword in front of themselves like they are trying to shoo a particularly large fly away. They have their eyes all or mostly closed and tend to hit things willy nilly. Things like trees, polls or walls, not just squishy people. Speaking of that, a dual edged weapon favors waving a sword around in front of you. That would help with the back swing having a chance to do some real damage. Not much, I know, but something is better then nothing. Ultimately, I don't think either of those is terribly good for a noob. I think their performance suffers greatly from a lack of skill. Unlike a short weapon of some kind which is much more forgiving of mistakes. But if it is one of those two, I think you're first statement about their usability would be most accurate. It doesn't really matter.

[@claudiodominguez.]

A huge determining factor is the difference in sword/human body weight between European and Oriental. You could have a sword custom made like a fine three piece suit tailored to your body measurements. In a military armory the infantry sword was probably one size for ease of rapid and quantity production. IMHO.

[@henleinkosh2613]

A bit outside the scope of this video, but for a completely untrained person, wouldn't the katana also make sense from a safety perspective, being single edged? (again possibly a miniscule thing, but I remember hitting myself a few time with the false "edge" of my training sword, back when I still practiced)

[@williamsavage7746]

Although the height difference between medieval and modern Europeans is very slight, the difference in Japan seems more significant. From what very little research I've read, Japanese men used to be around 5'3" on average. Does anyone know of solid research on this? Tall Westerners practicing with traditional Japanese weapons seem to need more length.

[@rebeccaschade3987]

Funnily, the only two swords I own, are a longsword and a Katana. My longsword is substantially more expensive than my Katana, and certainly feels much more deadly when "waving it about". But I imagine both would be fully capable of ruining somebody's day if the world went tits up and we actually had to use these things for defence.

[@Giagantus]

Michael something from NY longsword did tests thrusting through Gamebsons with the KAtana and it devastated the Gambesons far more than the various longswords used (all from Albion Swords) by him on the same Gambeson. So I disagree with your point that Katans thrust worse than longswords.