Which Sword Should You Buy 1: Ancient & Medieval (Bronze Age, Roman, Viking, etc)

This is based on one of the most popular FAQ's. Although I've made videos about general pointers on which brands and manufacturers I would advise looking for (or avoiding), I figured it would be good to make a more comprehensive list of recommendations.
These are going to be reproductions that I either have personal experience with, have seen positive reviews of, or can suggest based on other designs from the same maker.
It's separated into era (ancient / medieval / renaissance and later) as well as price range (budget / mid range / high end). In part 1 you see Greek and Roman swords, Bronze Age replicas, Viking swords, and others.
Part 2: • Which Sword Should You...
Playlist of my reviews and other sword-related videos:
• Swords
What I recommend in this video (anything from Kult of Athena is an affiliate link, the others are not):
Devil's Edge - Greek Xiphos and Murmillo Gladius
www.kultofathe...
Roman Pompeii Gladius
www.kultofathe...
Khopesh and Ewart Park bronze sword by Neil Burridge
www.bronze-age...
Manning Imperial Canaanite Sword
www.manningimp...
Manning Imperial Mycenean sword and scabbard
www.manningimp...
Manning Imperial Korfu Kopis
www.manningimp...
Albion Gladii
www.albion-swo...
LK Chen Swords Flying Phoenix Han Jian
lkchensword.co...
Iamandi Knife Falx Ursici
www.iamandi.ne...
/ iamandiknife
Windlass Crusader Chopper - Maciejowski / Morgan Bible Falchion
www.kultofathe...
Del Tin Maciejowski two handed Falchion
www.kultofathe...
Ronin Katana - European Sword #8 - Viking Sword
www.kultofathe...
Hanwei Tinker 9th Century Viking Sword - Sharp
www.kultofathe...
Albion ltd The Viking (Viking Type H)
www.albion-swo...
Albion ltd The Berserkr (Viking Type H)
www.albion-swo...
TEMPL replicas of historical arms
www.templ.net/...
My opinion of Windlass Steelcrafts in general
• My Opinion of Windlass...
My opinion of Hanwei
• My Opinion of Hanwei (...
An introduction to sword collecting (where to look, what to avoid)
• How to start sword col...
Background music:
opengameart.or...
opengameart.or...
** Support the channel **
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and other rewards:
/ skallagrim
www.subscribes...
/ @skallagrim
Books about history and/or martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend (as an Amazon Affiliate I earn commission through these links):
US - www.amazon.com...
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
ww4.aitsafe.com...
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
www.woodensword...
** Social media & merch **
How to contact me (can't always reply, since I get too many messages):
/ skallagrimnilsson
See a list of my video uploads:
/ _skallagrim_
/ skallagrimyt
Channel-related shirts and other merch:
skallagrim.spre...
teespring.com/...
My side channel (for rambles, vlogs, opinions, gaming, etc):
/ @skallhalla
** Music **
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
vindsvept.band...
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom...

[@dullahanblack3090]

@Skallagrim I can confirm that Devils Edge has fixed the heat treat issue for the Xiphos, I have The sorter one with the bone handle and it does not have that problem cuts pretty good with factory edge(purchased it last year), The full size is back in stock and on its way, I can let you know how it is if you like. (bone handle is not very comfortable tbh but not bad for the price) you'll be happy to hear they saw your review and thats specifically why they fixed the issue.

[@guardiancologne9034]

Ayy i have the same sword im wearing it right now lol

[@peachtree2579]

@@guardiancologne9034 is it just me or do all sword enthusiasts where their swords around their house?

[@guardiancologne9034]

@@peachtree2579 lol! Well i mean...

[@guardiancologne9034]

Hey wait what grip are you using. This comment has been on my mind since because i find the handle comfortable, but i was using handshake grip. I switched to hammer grip just now and was like whoa super uncomfortable, and then i thought hey maybe thats what that youtube commentor meant.

[@johndododoe1411]

Everybody please check your spelling for similar-sounding words, more than one(won?) in this thread (tread?) made these mistakes with different words and it gets confusing to read without thinking about sound).

[@Penguun]

It would be interesting to see a "swords out of place" type of thing that talks about how a katana would perform in hema or in ancient Rome. How a Gladius would perform in Asian martial arts. And so on where the strengths an weaknesses of each sword type is shown for each different time period and fighting style

[@ChadKakashi]

Cool idea but I think this calls for a collab.

[@johndododoe1411]

@@ChadKakashi And a sparring club with multiple trained swordsmen. Unfortunately those things have run into economic trouble in 2020 Canada and might not be fully rebuilt by this time in 2022.

[@vidard9863]

the problem is that the sword is more of a response to armor and available metalurgy, than an leader. any late period steel sword would dominate a bronze age period, while a knight in full plate would laugh at swords in general.

[@Yaboi_Phantom]

That actually is a very interesting concept. I've never thought of that kind of situation before🤔

[@supersaiyandiclonius3056]

Yeeeeeessssss...

[@Steve_Neustadter]

Just emailed Neil a few weeks back. Later this year, he will have a workshop back up and running.

[@jaysblades]

That's good to know. I really want one of his khopesh reproductions.

[@PandorasFolly]

@@jaysblades man I love a khopesh. Just a super cool looking sword in my humble and ignorant opinion I have heard an argument that they are a good sword for modern circumstances as, according to the guy talking, the design lost importance and effectiveness as armor became more common. And in a modern day setting obviously most people are not wearing armor. So the weird curvy boi would not be a bad choice if one needed to carry a sword. For mall ninja reasons I'm sure.

[@TheWastelander86]

@@jaysblades To add here: his King Tut mould is broken (last I heard) meaning those may be on indefinite backorder. The soapstone moulds are not easy to carve.

[@svenblubber5448]

@@TheWastelander86 I emailed him a while back asking to order o khopesh. As mentioned he lost his worshop a year ago, but his new one is up and running just this month, and he is working off backorders and just getting back into the craft. He said he would be taking new orders (including khopeshes) in a couple of weeks. It is best to follow him on facebook (he posts several times a week), as he doesn't seem to take much care of the website. Just the other day he joked about finishing some projects "before khopeshes take over again" - so I guess there will be another mould coming!

[@69bakedbeans]

Hi. Has anyone got a current link for Neil's wares? I'm not having luck with the link above

[@jobelthecoolkid]

I feel like Devil's edge goes to show that you don't need to make a sword bad to make it cheap.

[@Rob_Fordd]

They've also improved the heat treating QC since then too.

[@vidard9863]

good to hear!

[@lewisemery55]

I love the effort put into this, the length of time for the editting alone and the researching and deciding. Thank you Skall for your hard work!

[@BarokaiRein]

I really enjoyed this video. Honestly I'd like to see just an hour long video where you just talk about swords of different eras

[@thez6776]

Yup, just a chill video on swords would be awesome

[@ARF_average]

Isnt that the whole channel

[@TheWildManEnkidu]

As regards your recent community polls; this is the perfect video length Skallagrim! You managed to fit in everything that needed to be said without over-complicating it and repeating yourself, which you see happen on other channels on similar subjects. They tend to say everything there is to say in the first 5 mins and then reiterate the point several times. You nailed it, on the other hand. Keep it up!

[@Jeca1789]

The sword chooses the warrior.

[@ChadKakashi]

@dave goland maybe there's a deeper metaphor in there...

[@ChadKakashi]

You're a warrior Harry

[@noahnas1587]

Mr.potter

[@caradocapcunobelin2875]

@@ChadKakashi I think they are saying you can’t buy a sword online. You have to know how it feels in your hands.

[@klobknocker65]

Cringe

[@jensg2523]

Can you make a list like that with pole weapons too? Because there aren't very much of them on the market

[@vidard9863]

bump. and spears in particular.

[@niros9667]

Great idea for a series of videos Skal, thanks!

[@K1NG_of_ReVeNGe1]

Just want to point out, Thumbnail says "Mevieval" and it's awesome

[@benjaminphipps8325]

He already fixed it lol

[@bannermanigans]

mevieval urope

[@Ranstone]

4:50 I saw an armory-grade M16 (usual MRSP 1500$) sell for 5k$ yesterday and 5.56 is a buck a shot. At this point, I might have to switch to throwing albion principes at them to save money.

[@jaysblades]

I've been throwing knives and shooting a slingshot (from Joerg Sprave) a lot lately because I can't buy ammo lol...

[@Yuki_Ika7]

​@@jaysbladesthe issue with throwing knives is that you potionally give your enemy a new weapon to use against you if you miss them

[@markeysonwoodcraftandcarvi9247]

I bought the Hanwei Tinker Early Medieval bare blade (sharpened) on sale on Amazon for $87 with free shipping and machined the fittings myself (I did traditional wheel pommel, knightly sword design). It is a lively little sword. I just need a sheath now. All-in-all it will be an under $100 dollar project, and I'm writing it off as an education expense because of the machining.

[@CazadorSlayer]

Oooh, I love the idea of breaking it into 'episodes' based on the era the swords are from!

[@InSanic13]

Very practical video, hope you continue the series.

[@Skallagrim]

Part 2 is already finished, and I'm currently editing part 3.

[@mattfick5502]

I love watching buyers guides. Thanks for the video!

[@LonesomeHighwayman]

Nice idea ! I can't wait for the late medieval themed video !

[@jaysblades]

Great info Skallagrim! I have 3 of the swords in this video. I did a review of the crusader chopper and it's awesome for the price. My only complaint is the handle, but again, for under $100 it's really well made and the handle shape as you said could be sanded to shape fairly easily, but it's not at all unusable as is. My wife got me the Ronin Katana Euro #8 for Christmas, I think she said it was on sale for like $250 which also seems like a great deal, it has the best out of the box cross-section of any "budget" sword I own, but did need to be honed. The Devil's Edge Xiphos is the first sword i tried cutting with and thought I was doing something wrong as it seemed like every couple of cuts would be awful, but as I learned more about swords I discovered one edge is warped, the other very straight, so I have one side that cuts great and the other side that is basically impossible to get good edge alignment with. The fit is very good though and it's substantially made for the money.

[@runecloakedowl6127]

I greatly appreciate this, Skall. As a budding sword enthusiast with a good idea of what I like, but no experience with the market, this video will come in handy.

[@thatguyonline5083]

The enchanted one

[@adrianks47]

Or the one with highest DPS

[@artoniansilvermanesroom9990]

That dose quad damage with fire damage tacked onto it.

[@jaysblades]

Can you curse a *real* sword?

[@artoniansilvermanesroom9990]

@@jaysblades cursed weapon, yup, you can. XD

[@Yuki_Ika7]

​@@jaysbladesyes, yes you can

[@lorenbucko7815]

Waiting on my darksword delivery currently but I wanted to say I love your channel and you defiantly help me with informed decisions. Great information over a wide range of blades and topics. Great work Skal

[@michaelblacktree]

I have the Devil's Edge Xiphos, bought it a couple years ago. It came with a leather scabbard. The blade is reasonably sharp, cuts pumpkins and water bottles well enough. The scabbard is simple but well made. IMO it's worth the money.

[@ajgs97]

Awesome video skall!

[@atrior7290]

The new channel logo is awesome !

[@unknownnbased1745]

The flawless 13:02 video, just a pinch over 10 min, just a pinch under 15. Not too little, not too much.

[@YungCustard]

That $100 Gladius is tempting

[@brandonriggle3860]

I have it, its okay. They glue the guard on, and mine is slightly loose, but nothing to be worried about. The symmetry is off towards the top of the blade, but other than that it feels good in the hand and cuts well, since DE sharpens their stuff. Devils Edge is the KoA brand fyi.

[@bnsf67]

Bought the Quama, and the Viking Sword you recommend! Thank you! They just arrived the other day.

[@Ranstone]

Remember the early 2000's when functioning swords were almost non-existent?

[@RexusprimeIX]

I remember not that long ago, probably 10 years ago, horned Vikings was still a thing.

[@reaper_exd7498]

And Budk was the "premier sword company"

[@Kamamura2]

My HEMA days were in the 90s, but the tradition is strong here in Czech Republic, so I got three or four swords crazy cheap, still has two of them. You probably would not like them esthetically, because there is no polish, ornamentation, etc., they are made purely for durability. By best one handed 15th century sword repliuca broke some 10 years ago, though, snapped right at the hilt, a pity.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Eh you could find some but you had to go to weird lengths. Or spend an absolute metric buttload on a nihonto or a custom.

[@Yuki_Ika7]

Yup lol

[@valridagan]

I haven't checked your channel out in a while, and I'm really digging the glasses! It's a good look on you. And thank you for the high-quality review content!!

[@gergokerekes4550]

Oh I see we got the raider-beaver!

[@Wirrn]

Neil Burridge has moved and is building a new workshop so everything has been on hold for quite a while, but he has the new place and is fitting it out. Hopefully he'll be up for making new swords for sale soon

[@lachy1709]

Been busy with moving and work, but its finally time for me to catch up on all the skal vids

[@GaronVI3162]

I feel called out @4:47. I got really interested in that short Damascus spear/ sword thing you reviewed awhile back but I balked at the price, (600 US$) because I might be able to squeeze two guns out of that amount. But that us broke me talking, if I won a million bucks you better believe I've got swords on my list, they are just under the guns on the priority list XD

[@ragnarok700]

Amazing review of the reviews! Much appreciated! 😍🥳😎

[@itzybitzyspyder]

Being a bit of a survivalist I prefer blades that have a use outside of fighting, but can also be used for fighting...or making a spear or walking stick. I do appreciate how you talk about how you use different weights and shapes and how or why one is good over another.

[@guardiancologne9034]

Dammit Skall! Like 3 of those are on my list, now everyone is paying attention to them! Just kidding, it actually makes me happy that you recommend them.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Have bought 2 Manning Imperial viking swords i would easily put them up their with Albion swords, but the waiting period is long since it's a one man show and a huge back log of orders.

[@788rad]

And Craig is a master at what he does. All his work is both beautiful and functional.

[@Dojibu]

Honestly was considering trying to cast bronze xiphos style blades as an entry into the casting hobby. I dunno why, but I absolutely adore that leaf shaped blade.

[@sirsaboteur9512]

I remember in the offical Devil's Edge Murmillo Gladius video, the bone handle cracked while using it for moderate cutting in the video and I cannot forget that anytime that particular gladius comes to mind.

[@kevinshepardson1628]

When you get to "tactical" swords, I'd be interested in information on the "A.P.O.C. Tactical" brand - I've been considering buying one of their swords but having trouble finding information on them.

[@justinbremer2281]

ooh, second! I've been eyeballing their Butterfly Swords on KoA. I know the handles are meant to be flat on one side, to pair them in the sheath, but the pictures look uncomfortable...

[@chaos_omega]

I'd be interested as well. Also, Honshu's Boshin series.

[@Sword_Cowboy]

The few reviews I have seen have seemed pretty decent so I plan on picking up one of them next month. If I remember to I will come back to this comment and let you know

[@guardiancologne9034]

Agreed. I was curious about them too

[@generic_tylenol]

They are generally made of 9260 and have a black matte anti-corrosion finish. They should be really tanky blades, but it's important to note at least some of them have basically no distal taper.

[@michaeldecuffa8762]

I actually dont like asking you cause I know that's everyone's question. So I really appreciated this thanks man

[@Jonahch2v9]

Just subscribed recently. Appreciate the amount of work you put into your product. (Don't be as hard on yourself as you are on the blades) God bless.

[@sarge1044]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together, always appreciate the time and effort you guys put in your videos. Took the plunge in creating a scottish 13th century armor set with one caveat, the sword is a fantasy sword, Windlass Steelcrafts hand and a half Black sword 501176. Along with Legacy Arm's Scottish Dirk IP-130 I look forward to receiving them and handling them for the first time. I'm still trying to decide if I want to do a claymore with the set but I'm partial to the sword and shield look so I will have to do some more research on the weapons of that time and area to see what I can afford, and like...

[@Brettsparadox]

Great video, just what I was looking for

[@brandonelsdon-bird8310]

Wow, this is a really informative video and just what i was looking for! Thank you skall!

[@soccer2themax]

This is so awesome!!!

[@philw8049]

I have the Devils Edge bone handle Seax and there’s just nothin to complain about considering the $60.00 price tag.

[@assortedfruitcup]

I bought the murmillo a week ago and I recommend it, I haven’t stress tested it, but it cuts good for the price and is well made. The only thing I’d say is iffy is the grip, as it is asymmetrical and kinda awkward to hold but idk if that’s just mine or it’s for all of them

[@rwvids1]

Can we have an updated sword/weapons collection soon please?

[@dhikapratama8312]

Cant wait for the buster sword recommendations

[@iamzid]

i would recommend michaelcthulhu blades, if the buster sword is what you want.

[@sempi8159]

Great video idea!

[@mattwells9904]

Thanks my man looking forward to the next one :) also would love to see a axe version of this :)

[@fabiandieziger2714]

In the midst 2000 a friend of mine went to see Jim Hrisoulas workshop and put an order in for a sword. 4 Years on the waiting list, when Jim came to his sword, my friend couldnt afford it anymore. But, I bought Jim's books and started bladesmithing as a hobby and made my friend a nice blade which he still has and uses. (im not at swords yet)

[@kozureokami8374]

Excellent. Thank you ever so much for the advice!

[@peachtree2579]

Skall thank you for all your suggestions, currently my only battle ready sword is the marbles sable machete, it says its a machete but it handles very much like a sword and I know its very durable and strong mainly because I took it with me to Pennsylvania and hacked at dry hickory for hours while making my campfires and such ofc it is a tad bit softer then most swords since it is also designed to be a machete but it is 1075 with a Rockwell hardness of 55-58 which i find very useful, I personally think its good sword for you to test since its basically a cutlass and very easy to modify so even if you dissatisfied you can change it to fit your needs. Ps. To all my preppers and survival folks I think its a worthwhile option to look at when thinking about a bug out bag

[@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски]

I'd be interested to see where these series are going. Very good suggestions and compared to some of Skall's older videos he makes new suggestions here. It would be really good to see what sabers he would recommend.

[@joshfindlay36]

My first sword which is still my favorite is my Windless "Crusader" single handed. Feels great and the quality surprised me.

[@jaysblades]

My second sword was a Windlass "Accolade Templar" sword and I had a similar experience.

[@Kamamura2]

I am currently thinking about buying a new sword for some light, old guy's practice, since my surviving swords from the 90s are somewhat rusty, low-key and full of theeth, and I am still deciding between a katzbalger (nice, cutting, short blade, no point = you won't hurt your sparring partners as easily] and a shiavonna (superior hand protection, still enough emphasis on cut, never had one, but I like the design a lot).

[@justinbremer2281]

8:42 - I just got a Ronin Katana Viking sword, the RKE12, for my first "real sword." Pretty happy with it, I picked it for the lighter weight, compensating for the shorter length by being tall, lol.

[@petervonfroster8i]

I would love to see some more Extrema Ratio or Eickhorn Products/ your Opinion on these? Or some more Knife Content? btw. 0:07 Mista Moneyman

[@pedroamerico9992]

I bought a kindjal devils edge for 40 bucks years ago when you made a reveal and recommended it, nice short sword

[@senatuspopulusqueromanus3011]

“If you can spare the money, you can probably also spare the patience” My exact thought when I gave $500 to Lindybeige for his “In Search of Hannibal” Kickstarter four years ago...

[@VisboerAnton]

is it out yet?

[@senatuspopulusqueromanus3011]

@@VisboerAnton no.

[@VisboerAnton]

@@senatuspopulusqueromanus3011 I checked it out. You have been scammed, mate

[@senatuspopulusqueromanus3011]

@@VisboerAnton yeah, probably so... Didn’t expect that from Lloyd though.

[@libertyprime6932]

@@senatuspopulusqueromanus3011 Does he ever do livestreams or anything like that? I would love to hear him explain himself. You don't expect such behavior from a guy like that :(

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Nice - looking forward to PART II (As Viking-Swords and Gladii aren't my speed! I prefer longswords and cutlasses/sabers!)

[@abytemonkey]

9:27 'battle ready' sound like an invitation to just go on a vike with Skal right now (the boat is just around the next corner)

[@mezidvemastromy5546]

Thank you, beautiful music by the way.

[@Ustregal7]

Super że dodałeś muzykę w tle

[@enderdragon4310]

Hi

[@Ustregal7]

Oops I forgot it's an english-speaking channel xD

[@Ustregal7]

"It's great that you added music in the background

[@TheLandBeyond_Productions]

Another shop for historical and some fantasy ish bronze swords and weapons is VikingBronze on Etsy

[@jbart300]

I don't need a sword at any price just give me a pillow case full of pommels.

[@lowlandnobleman6746]

I wish Hallstatt and La Tène swords were more popular so we could get some good quality. Celtic swords are underrated.

[@dgundeadforge17]

Can you reply with link of these swords. Im slowly building my blacksmithing shop. Not yet ready for production but i make knives for now. Need to save up for heat treating oven.

[@lowlandnobleman6746]

Hallstatt shortswords have blades between 16-23 inches long. La Tène shortswords are the same. Longer bladed La Tène swords are usually between 28-36 inches, with most being around 29 or 30 inches long in the blade. La Tène swords are also quite broad and most longer ones had rounded tips. Hilts for both Hallstatt and La Tène swords are usually made of bronze, iron, bone, horn, or wood. Hope this information helps.

[@NevisYsbryd]

Kirkburn Sword is one of the most beautiful ever, imo.

[@eazy8579]

I have the Hanwei Tinker Viking sword; it’s held up really well, and I’m a big fan of it; the handle is definitely thin, and may not be for everyone, but I quite like it; highly recommend if you want something cheaper but still nice,

[@JustClaude13]

Yes, the Korfu Kopis is two Springfield Armory M1As. Hand made low production is going to be more expensive per pound than mass produced factory products. It's slightly more expensive than my semi-custom bespoke bicycle. I'm admiring the falcata.

[@harnischfechter]

It’s stated that part II will contain suggestions for logsword, messer, falchion categories but I hope arming swords will also be mentioned. I’m focusing on a longsword in HEMA but I would be interested in seeing some options for a single handed sword (14th-15th c.).

[@rasiabsgamingcorner2258]

I dont know if you'll see this skall but if you are able to I'd recommend that during the renaissance/late high medieval ages I'd suggest that you look into darkwood armory they have great custom rapier trainers also thier economy rapiers are worth the low price around 300ish for everything that you can customize the guard and hilt and length of blade.

[@mathewweeks9069]

Keep up the awesome video you rock

[@checkityhold]

I really like my 3rd century Roman Pugio (yes, I realize it's a large dagger not a sword but It has a really cool double edged look) It was made by Deepeeka. It cost $140 US, but I paid an additional $20 for the sharpening service. (Totally worth it).

[@MarcusVance]

Kult of Athena is great.

[@brandonriggle3860]

Ronin makes fantastic entry level European swords tbh, which is odd since they specialize in katana/naginata

[@mysite1012]

I have one of their Hand and a half swords, and it's my favorite in my collection.

[@LuxisAlukard]

Great video, lots of good recommendations! I was a bit suprised Skall didn't mention Cobra Steel swords, he used to praise them

[@Skallagrim]

I will, in part 3.

[@LuxisAlukard]

@@Skallagrim Not a single 'like', but there's a reply from you. It's not the first time to happen. =)

[@simondahlberg7394]

Have you ever dealt with any tod Cutler pieces? It would be interesting to see if you could get your hands one one or do some colab with him

[@scottmacgregor3444]

Well Skall certainly seemed to like the crossbows that he bought from Tod.

[@simondahlberg7394]

@@scottmacgregor3444 i forgot about that one, i was thinking more about blades though

[@TheWastelander86]

@Skallagrim Neil Burridge had to get a new shop, and it's not fully set up yet. You can find him through FB bronze age groups to monitor his progress. His King Tut Khopesh mould broke, so he can't make those currently.

[@longrider42]

Also, I think you need too ask yourself why do you want a sword. I now have four. three of which I wear at Scottish festivals or Ren Fair's. The first one is okay, but needs a new sheath. So if your going to do some kind of re-enacting of a period where one would carry a sword, then you will get one from that period. I've got two from Cold Steel, and I like them both. Also, if you are going to get a sword for home defense, make sure its short enough to wield inside, with a good stabbing point and sharp enough, so if the intruder grabs your blade, he will butcher his hand.

[@pseudonym9599]

Wait, someone in the comments thinks they can find ammo on the market still? They must not be in the U.S.

[@nopeyoudontknowmyname9153]

I can... nerf bullets.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

What happened? When did US run out of ammo?

[@pseudonym9599]

@@GuitarsRockForever gun nuts started buying them like TP once the riots started last spring, and the presidential election made them panic-buy even more ammo. Personally, I have been stockpiling pommels for 6 months now.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

@@pseudonym9599 May I ask why? Not saying anything really wrong with buying ammo, but is there good reason? Like the TP crazy, it was just silly, there is never real shortage of running out of TP.

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@GuitarsRockForever all the various riots led to about 5mil new gun owners in the last year. Every one of them bought ammo. And the rest of the gun owners are still expecting (and praying it doesn't happen) a civil war in the next 4 years. 5.56 ammo is over $1/rd, 9mm is about $0.60/rd. Those are practice fodder prices, not match/hunting quality, BTW. That's roughly 4x-5x more than normal, and still increasing.

[@SteveSmith-wk9dx]

I've started seeing updates on Neil Burridge's facebook over the last couple of months. He's certainly making the khopesh again; he recently posted one that he'd sold in March '21. He very much is an artisan rather than a mass producer and he makes what he enjoys. The khopesh he sold recently was a very high-finish model (ebony grips and a gold cartouche) and went for a bit over £400.

[@panzermensch1577]

Woo! I've been looking at an Albion sword from Kult (Obviously thanks to your work with then). I am looking for something more Scandinavian/Viking so I've had one in mind. Hopefully this video helps!

[@octopussmasher2694]

I will keep these in mind thank you

[@trapperscout2046]

I have three of Devil Edge's swords to include the Murmillo Gladius and the Greek Xiphos.

[@Hallinwar]

Never thought of buying swords, but still watching this

[@Prone2Thrill]

That Phoenix grabbed my attention at the price.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I own three Del Tins. I think they're all three very good swords, I bought them before Del Tin revamped their line and up their prices on the early 2000's. But I think at the price they're available now, if they are as good as the ones I have, they are worth it. They definitely aren't on the same level as Albion or Arms and Armor but they are a solid step above most products Windless makes.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

With the windless Chopper I haven't handled the current iteration but the original version years ago I handled and I found it surprisingly nice. so I'm not sure how the current version compares but I will say the current version definitely has a boxy handle, whereas the original version had the corners rounded off. I have no idea why they changed that except possibly to save on cost. But it wouldn't be hard to take a rasp and round the edges if they're too uncomfortable.

[@DeusEx1977]

I have the HT Viking Sword and I have big hands (2XL gloves) and I find it incredibly comfortable in a handshake grip. Hammer gripped it can kind of give me some hot spots though.

[@noahnas1587]

I like when it says acient footage like it really was recorded in the time of the roman empire. (I know that wasn't what he meant but still)

[@skeletonbuyingpealts7134]

Khopesh my beloved. Kopis too. And Falcata.

[@matthewconner5545]

Windlass’ chopper is on sale? Sweet, I’ve had a back-of-my-mind want for one of those for a couple decades.

[@NinjaRabies]

One thing that goes in Del Tin's favour in my book is that Matt Easton on Scholagladiatoria gave them a shoutout. He has allegedly handled a fair few of their blades and has at least one longsword by them. If it's good enough for Easton, it's good enough for me.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

They come dull....

[@DarthVelos01]

In the Movies and Tv show “Highlander” warriors use sword and blades to try and behead each other to gain power. With your knowledge of different blade types and fighting styles, which one would you say would be best for combat whose whole goal is Beheading the opponent

[@RichardOBrien-o4k]

A friend has the Accolade Sword, another the German Branch sword. They're beautiful. What about the Munich Cut and Thrust Saber? But the Ljubljana sword . . . man that's gorgeous.

[@RelativelyBest]

From what I know, Del Tin swords are generally good but tend to be heavy and overbuilt for toughness since they cater to sparring enthusiasts. They also don't ship sharp swords for legal reasons. Also, I'm pretty sure Patrick Bárta makes all oft his swords from scratch, using only historically authentic methods. As in, dude smelts his own metal and everything. So, that may have something to do with that backlog of his.

[@mrtellis2955]

I love your work bud

[@douglaskingsman2565]

Mr Skallagrim, the end is in sight on the novel I am writing set during the Bronze Age Catastrophe. I wish to encourage myself onward by giving myself a real (sharp edges) but replica Naue 2 bronze sword, with handle, etc. Neil Burridge recommended I contact you as you are also in Cananda and he warned me shipping from the UK would be expensive and dangerous for the sword. He siad you absolutely knew your stuff. BUT I have been unable to fine a way to reach you! Can you help an old writer to find the Mycenaean era bronze blade of his dreams? (I'm thinking about 70 cm.)