Why DOUBLE-EDGED SWORDS are so great!

[@Calebgoblin]

I like how this gets right to the punch and moves along at a good pace. Tight tight tight!

[@MatthewWilliamsX]

Yes. Totally agree.

[@Irongarrison.5764]

Ive said this befor, but ill say it again: the amount of quality content you guys are giving us is incredible! Keep it up knights.

[@rumorcontrol7873]

The backlog of castle content is amazing!

[@DarthKraytsolosCanon500]

Twice the pride double the fall. As Count Dooku would say. Or in sword talking. Twice the blade double the strikes.

[@Copyright_anonymous]

Times like this is when I wish I could help in meaningful way.

[@GusCraft460]

I am a blacksmith, and I feel like it should be pointed out that while a double edged sword has double the edges, it take five times the work to create. Beyond just the beveling and sharpening, the straightening of a double edged sword is easily the hardest part. As each edge is beveled the blade being forged will naturally want to bend away from the beveled edge. With two opposing beveled edges it’s easy to think that they will cancel out. If only it were that easy. Balancing the bevel and curve of a double edged sword is a lot of work, and you would rarely end up with a nice straight line down the middle of the blade where the two bevels meet. That’s one of the reasons that blacksmiths put fullers in their blades, it covers up a sloppy spine. Remember that swords were just as much status symbols as they were weapons. Having an ugly sword was a much bigger problem than having an ugly spearhead.

[@othannen.]

A recent Tod's video pointed this out, even fancy antique swords were often messy in the details and symmetry, but apparently it didn't matter that much at the time, we make much more of a big deal of it today.

[@BigWavesKays]

@@othannen.too many swords to make after a while they were like f it

[@hubertrozalski7070]

Sabers, at least in Poland, Lithuania and Hungary, at the tip have something called feather, which is a sharpened part of the back of the blade, usually no more than 1/3 of the length of the blade, which allows users for some additional techniques, like thrusting or making a false strike and then cutting the inside of the opponent's thigh with a back edge.

[@alexanderbertisch1006]

In general, I wonder how effective strikes with the false edge actually are. Even with something like a Katane, where the back of the blade is in no way sharpened, i do reckon that strikes, or perhap even "cuts" with that part of the blade could be useful. With armour in the mix, I really doubt the viability of that, but on open skin or flesh? You might break a rib or collarbone, maybe even deliver a quite nasty laceration with it. Sure, most false edge cuts arent as powerful as their normal counterpart, but still, this could be nasty!

[@Amanda_D]

🙌Yesss, a quick video with a focused topic and demonstration. A+! 👏

[@nextcaesargaming5469]

I may be too poor to afford a donation, but I will proudly watch every video and never skip a ad. It's the least I can do, Shad. Good luck! I hope Shadiversity can get out of it's current problems.

[@soyevquirsefron990]

Genuine question, Does skipping ads after 5 seconds give less revenue to the content creator?

[@lucasgonzales4260]

@@soyevquirsefron990 "Once the first five seconds are over, you're free to skip ahead to the video. Though you won't get paid if the user skips the ad, the amount you'll receive if someone clicks on the ad is usually more than other types of KZbin ads."

[@MAGAMAN]

I not only will never uninstall my ad blocker, I use Sponsor block to skip that crap too. I refuse to give any money to google. You tube was never supposed to be a career for people, it was supposed to be a place to share information freely.

[@link12313]

@@MAGAMAN Hosting video is extremely expensive. KZbin needs much more massive servers and far more bandwidth then an text and image site. It would not be able to run without some kind of profit making system built in.

[@mansfieldtime]

watch and rewatch. Sometimes have a few on at the same time.

[@Raleyg]

Makes me think of Backbiter, a sword from the Percy Jackson series. One edge is made of steel while the other is made of celestial bronze, meaning it can be used against both humans and monsters

[@FirstoftheAbyss92]

That would most likely be more akin to some sort of "double" single-edged sword since steel does nothing to monsters and celestial bronze does nothing to mortal humans. Although it could be a proper double-edged blade against demigods since they're vulnerable to both. Honestly speaking such sword was more like a statement from Luke than a proper, practical weapon. (especially since quite frankly he only needed celestial bronze because all his opponents ever were "mythological" or demi-godly in nature.)

[@steffent.6477]

And it was melted down into a scythe^^

[@veryangryduckpl2122]

​@@FirstoftheAbyss92 Doesn't celestial bronze pass through humans? Meaning ye can still slash with the celestial bronze, and eventually the steel will slash?

[@FirstoftheAbyss92]

@@veryangryduckpl2122 I doubt that. The sharp edge from brass would pass through mortal flesh, but the steel that would strike the flesh after that would be the center of the steel blade which would be a lot thicker then the edge. Therefore the effect would be more like bludgeoning with the blunt spine of a single edged blade. I'll admit though that a fuller in the center might help create something like an edge to the point that you can slash with it however such would create a weakness in the blade that might eventually result in an actual hole in the center of the blade. So not exactly ideal either.

[@veryangryduckpl2122]

@@FirstoftheAbyss92 I suppose ye are right. Still, its cool.

[@awesomelimited1679]

I enjoy the shorter videos during the weekdays, it's good to relax after school and the content doesn't send me down many rabbit holes. Love learning about swords and fighting techniques.

[@josephallen3978]

I don't have much to offer right now but I have been watching you for around 5-6 years now and I really appreciate all the content you've made for us!

[@kreegan]

Thanks for all the great content!

[@patrickbourne3819]

Really nice video! I much prefer the shorter ones personally, I feel like this was very informationally dense

[@revelence9128]

Keep up the good work Shad.

[@sigurdfenrisson2446]

“Not every sword stroke is a kill. A kill is something that must be fashioned. A cut to the ankle will not kill… but it will open the door, and death will step through.”

[@Perrin-the-Fletcher]

Keep up the amazing work! You will get through these hard times!

[@MatthewWilliamsX]

A short - feel good - 11min info piece. Just the snack you need between long-form meals.

[@b1laxson]

This is the more classic channel stuff I've missed.

[@xxbeastmode-sh3iv]

I will never surrender about asking for a video about the American saber, like how effective it could have been in history or the evolution of sword technology and design throughout history. Love the content btw.

[@reeceemms1643]

you got to remember that the American saber came at a time where fire arms were staring to take up the main bulk of an army, plus the rifles of that time had the bayonets which could be attached to the end for charges, so sword fighting wasn't as prominent as it was

[@xxbeastmode-sh3iv]

@@reeceemms1643 yes I know I just wonder with it being a last opion or a self defense weapon how it compares to sword that have the purpose of warfare

[@PerSon-xg3zr]

@@reeceemms1643 Sabers were better sidearms than pistols because the pistols were just as slow to reload as the rifles which really doesn't make a good sidearm. The introduction of semi auto detachable magazine fed pistols or even double action revolvers that are speed loader compatible killed sword sidearms.

[@b1laxson]

Query: "American" Saber, what makes it "American" vs cavalry saber? Is this like freedom fries where its the same thing with a 'murica name or is there significant design changes?

[@xxbeastmode-sh3iv]

@@b1laxson well obviously seeing as the f-86 was an American fighter jet it's American. Just joking, I love things that have the same name. Mainly what I'm talking about is the civil war saber and wasn't sure if there was much of a difference between other countries and America's saber. Also considering one of the ceremonial value of it to the US marines that's why I call it American saber.

[@brianensign7638]

I would definitely support you making more of your “medieval misconceptions” videos. Those are my favorite parts of your channel.

[@impactoman]

It may be a good idea to have marked the primary and back edges with different color tape/paint.

[@WJS774]

Or to have actually used a single-edged sword for the demonstration, showing why you can't do the same strikes with it.

[@peterlongprong7521]

they were clearly using foam cosplay swords, even if for "safety" it DOES NOT translate the techniques in actual weight of moves that would otherwise be difficult to impossible.

[@Known_as_The_Ghost]

My first thought, that single edged swords have an advantage over in, is the ability to touch the back of the blade without gloves, without fearing it'll cut you.

[@Christojc]

I love your videos and I hope that you and the crew can get through these tuff times. Good luck!

[@jimmydean7219]

All right. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes now. Shad is a master of fingering the guard. No one fingers guards as well as Shad, in my opinion.

[@Drejzer]

I quite miss fantasy rearmed, I hope you continue those some day.

[@dopedreamz]

Like magic you are back in my recommended. Don’t worry, I’ll still be signing up. Be blessed my brother.

[@GrayghostAlpha]

I can easily see most people underestimating the advantages of this, mostly because the average person has no sense of just how long and just how much can happen in a single second of a combat situation. Keep up the good work.

[@monolith1859]

I like the damage on the wall is still there after all this time since he accidentally hit it with the massive sword

[@ortizguard2816]

Always learning with Shad and company! Keep teaching!

[@dodogt4012]

Shad I hope you keep The quality content I've been a long time viewer And honestly your videos have helped Me out. I love you guys And as soon as I get my check I will be supporting you!

[@MAGAMAN]

Are you a professional sword fighter or something? This stuff is just entertainment, at least out here where everyone conceal carries a gun. I guess it could be useful in more primitive countries.

[@dodogt4012]

@MAGA MAN I like HEMA not professional I just like doing it for exercise and fun. Tho mostly I'm not talking about training. it's nice to have something consistent when your life went upside down and ots even better when that something let you meet new friends.

[@derekhovinghoff2924]

When I first started learning about swords I didn't understand why I'd need a double-edged sword. Thank you for the explanation!

[@GGysar]

If I remember correctly, in China they had the 2-edged Jian and the sabre-style Dao. The Dao eventually almost entirely replaced the Jian because it needed so much less training and was thus used by ordinary soldiers. The Jian was mainly used by highly trained people or as a prestige weapon. of course, civilians also used it, but not that well, I mean, they were civilians. So, yeah 2 edge = better when you know what you are doing. 1 edge = better for random dudes like me.

[@elio7610]

It is also easier to get a sharper edge geometry on a single edged blade becuase you can start it all the way from the back and there has to be some usefulness in being able to hold the back of the blade without cutting yourself. I have generally preffered double edged swords aesthetically (i like symmetry) but i have no practical experience in using swords.

[@elio7610]

One of the main distinctions i have noticed in sword design is whether or not a sword is designed with a focus on cutting or a focus on stabbing. Double edged straight swords seem to be good for thrusts and cuts but singled edged curved blades perhaps better for cuts. I imagine that stright double edged blades are more versatile in terms of your options but swinging motions require less precision than than a stab so a sword that has a more powerful swinging cut is probably better for anyone that does not have advanced skills. If you really want long range stabs than you may be better off with a spear or polearm anyway.

[@robbiereed4462]

Wow I loved this video. I liked how concise it was. Keep it up brothers.

[@jessegitchell8114]

This kind of rotational striking starts to look like the style of swordsmanship used by the Jedi. Just look at the Mustafar duel for what I mean. Considering the omnidirectional blade of the Lightsaber, this is brilliant.

[@shadowofhawk55]

I wish I could afford to support right now. Closest thing I did was buy your book and graphic novel, can’t wait for those to come. When I’m financially able I would love to support you Shad, your content is absolutely boss.

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

Professor Shad has returned with a short clip showing us about the many mysteries of the sword.

[@ErrantMir53231]

I appreciate the spotlight on this topic, I've recently been interested in learning HEMA & Kendo, but haven't got many options in the South West of England for HEMA, so this video does impress me on the subject of the European swords versatility and fluidity of movement.

[@csongorszarka3254]

Hey Shad, you could make something about fantasy warfare with magic, beasts and fantasy species. Like to see how full-scale warfare would be influenced by these collectively, not just one at a time. I'd love to see what you have to say on the topic!

[@canyunhicks1587]

Love your content dude!

[@densamme1752]

Thx for the video, now I need a similar video on straight vs curved swords. I have always felt that the different ways a falchions tip is cut is directly connected to balance the loss of a back edge for wounding strikes.

[@devanpretorius451]

I feel like skallagrim handled this topic a little better, saying the back edge is useful but the downsides of single edge can be worked around and single edges have their own benefits. still a good video but I feel like a video about single edges should be made next

[@Geri05]

Another advantage i find strange not mentioned is the simple fact you have a backup fresh sharp edge. If your primary edge gets dull during extended combat you can just flip it to have a fresh cutting edge

[@beachmaster3486]

Can you do some test cutting with reverse cuts to see how good your edge alignment is when you perform them?

[@orionstarrthegreat2514]

Keep up the great work shad!

[@Tg-ut8sf]

Bedankt

[@meridock]

Thanks!

[@katwitanruna]

Double edged sharp pointy things are my favorites.

[@the_cringe_nerd]

just remember, if you see doubles, aim down the middle.

[@dudeguy8686]

O7

[@askyle]

Plot twist: you get mugged by twins :D

[@the_cringe_nerd]

@@askylethen you would be seeing quadruples

[@askyle]

@@the_cringe_nerd point is, you'd still miss if you just aim down the middle. Better cut sideways across all of them, you're bound to at least hit *something* 😁

[@the_cringe_nerd]

@@askyle Not if you're smart and had a gun

[@timkeane8797]

The Shadiversity team deserves all support they receive, and more support even than that, in my opinion. Stellar content, as always.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

This is one of the reasons ive started to eastern Europe & the saber/qame combo. They typically carried a longer curved saber & a double edged short sword. Gives options that i find helpful.

[@Herandro_just_Herandro]

Certainly, for the general audience, only the forward strike (with the front edge of the blade) and the thrusts should be feared by the opponent, as these are the only aspects, besides the block, that are portrayed in works of fiction, like movies, tv series, cartoons or animes, unlike a realistic longsword combat, where the swordsman uses both edges of the blade to attack.

[@KoshoShinogi]

This discussion makes me think of the differences between hard and soft tennis played in Japan. In hard (conventional) tennis, both sides of the racket are used to perform forehand and backhand swings. In soft tennis, which uses a softer rubber ball, both the forehand and backhand swing are done using the front side of the racket. Besides the body mechanics of showing the front side of the racket while reaching across your body being awkward, it results in backhand swings having much less power and topspin.

[@lifigrugru6396]

Ther is a solution for :) 1,5 edge sabers tend to have the false edge sharpened for the ober (tip close) for 10-30 cm long. You have a strong backside + edge on it naer the tip. ( i would pick a shild to, except i have a high end armor to wear :)

[@tposingukiki]

Great work, Shad. Am poor, unfortunately, but please just keep making the videos you actually want to make instead of the ones you’re asked to. Those are the ones that slap the most.

[@JamesBond-ux1it]

amazing video for all medieval fans. thank you, shad!

[@melancholymonk7883]

just tried thumbing the blade on a single handed Viking style sword, fantastic, easy to go into a high guard and defend the head while perfectly positioned to stab at the opponents upper torso and head. definitely harder to do bigger attacks or make quicker and longer strikes with a single-hander or broadsword gripped with the blade thumbed than a longsword, even leveraging the pommel.

[@AliceBowie]

Love the sword stuff, but I'd love to see you talk about weapons like a cue ball in a sock, or lock in a sock. Or black jacks (heavy ball bearing or lead weight with a heavy spring wrapped in leather) or monkey fist ( same but with paracord). I know you talk about sticks vs nunchucks, but I know cue balls in socks end people permanently. Thoughts?

[@NeilCWCampbell]

Pews for show and blade for a pro but a blackjack for maniacs

[@0nevsky0]

Hvala.

[@R2D2CAMBO]

This is brilliant! I love medival history. I have been a subscriber for a very long time, I think since musket vs war bows video.

[@hutzerthehumanhetzer8029]

One thing I've always admired about the English Longsword is that it's the M4 of swords. Need a self-defense weapon that can out-reach most of what you'll encounter? There's a Longsword for that. Need something with a more acute point for better armor penetration? There's a Longsword for that. Need an exceptional cutter? There's a Longsword for that. Just need a round-about sword that can do a little bit of everything? There's a Longsword for that. Mind you, it's not the best at any one of these roles at all; there are far more specialized swords for each role, but Longswords can perform well enough in any role given to it- just like the M4.

[@renegysenbergs3171]

I own the Sephiroth Nodachi of Swords of Northshire, it has a second false sharp edge for the half of the blade. When doing cuts on mats people are surprised when out of the blue I start to use that edge 😁

[@dudeguy8686]

The extra maneuverability gained through an additional edge is why a stick is the greatest weapon, having 360° of edge.

[@TheOGWiggle]

I must say shad, when you first said you were going to bring on more people to the channel to help grow it, I was a bit suspicious and concerned. But I've found that I really enjoy this new style of content where you all are discussing and testing different concepts. I do LOVE #shadtalks in the big wooden chair where you dig DEEP into very unique and specific historic topics, but I am so glad to see your vision for growth come together and I really like the content coming from it. I hope you find encouragement in the knowledge that the work you are doing is inspirational. Your journey has been so incredible to watch, and I admire your tenacity to in the face of uncertainty to push forward and do all in your power to keep your dream and vision alive. It is clear to me that such a thing does not come easily and is a daily battle. But stay strong, you are a good man, and an incredible person, I admire your passion and drive, and wish you success and good fortune in that which is to come.

[@rd_gyes7484]

Today I learned that vorpal is used by someone other than Lewis Carroll. I should use it more often. Perhaps it can be the name of a butchering knife of mine. Thanks Shadiversity!

[@kwmcgreal]

I love seeing you two break these moves and positions down

[@batteredwarrior]

Great video, guys! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@BeardClipper]

This was such a cool video - the energy, the excitement and the interaction between you both was brilliant :) Keep 'em coming Shad, and we'll keep watching 'em :)

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

My wallet is on the edge right now. But I'll try someday to be able to donate for sure. The KZbin algorithm really sucks from time to time

[@nicolaspeigne1429]

as a total stranger to HEMA, i discovered the use of the back edge in Hellish Quart lol

[@jon4715]

badass vid, good colab

[@user-cv2hq4nx8r]

I always wonder why the western film industry hasn't produced sword fights as iconic and memorable as samurai movies and anime sword fights, such as Harakiri and Seven Samurai. You won't find such memorable swordsmanship in a movie set in Medieval Europe, let alone in Star Wars.

[@ASpaceOstrich]

Pirates of the Caribbean has some good swordfights

[@thisdude9363]

Sword fights in Samurai movies suck too, though? Reverse grip, cutting through armor, guys dying from shallow draw cuts across the belly or a shallow slash on the back, spinning. The only thing they do better is no shaky cam.

[@user-cv2hq4nx8r]

In entertainment works such as movies, it is important not whether it is real or not, but whether it is interesting, beautiful, and memorable as a picture. I think the final duel between Tsubaki Sanjuro and Yojimbo is pure gold that will go down in movie history.

[@falion2850]

Just leaving a comment to boost you in the algorithm.

[@joshualarson1977]

Great video as always. But I did have a question about shields. I know you are a huge sword fanatic and that's great but I have seen very little content about shields and how they can be used in combat. As an SCA heavy fighter who uses both round and kite shields in full-contact sparring, I would take a sword and shield combo over almost any other weapon choice. What are your thoughts on this and what about making some content around shields. I may have just missed what you have done as well since I haven't viewed your whole backlog much to my dismay. 😁

[@ornu01]

But that would mean that edge alignment is important and Hollywood assures me that whaling on someone randomly is the height of swordsmanship.

[@elio7610]

Just use a "light sabre", no need for edge alignment with those.

[@manoz6194]

I really like the studded leather waistcoat you are wearing Shad.....hehe

[@sjent]

So Shad is providing longer, bigger and uncut "content" only to supporters. Gotcha. Hard times, you do what you have to do.

[@johnbd9765]

Can't wait for them to discover the triple-edged sword

[@PerSon-xg3zr]

Or lightsabers aka omni edged sword

[@lostdoghelp4728]

I really love all the new content that's been it gets better and better every new video.

[@senorstyx3011]

Double edged is cool and deadly, thus a weapon of death, single edge is a defensive tool thus always useful and practical for everyday.

[@thearcanehunter2736]

I've been getting back into your content after a while. I feel bad that you are struggling, and wish you the best. Take a comment, like and view for the algorithm.

[@tnh723]

My dude you have come so far and I am so proud of everything you've done. Cheers Shad! You're a lad's lad

[@jantredoux1320]

Awesome vid, keep it up !!

[@perrywaaz3660]

Oh man, just when I'd decided the Kreigsmesser was the best...

[@issen2291]

Shad, I recently got myself my first longsword and arming sword (coming from a japanese sword arts background) and have been struggling to find advantageous, mechanically sound uses for the back edge beyond return cuts from a true edge strike. My longsword is heavier than your Lockwood (1.6kg vs 1.2kg) and, being used to my katana (1kg) I don't yet feel very comfortable moving it around, so I have not experimented too much outside of my preexisting muscle memory. Thank you for showcasing these. I will experiment with them soon!

[@HastursQueen]

I wonder if you could do a Video about Witchhunting and/or Shamemasks I would be very interested in this topics! I struggle finding good informations about it, what is true, what not, if it was really used (the Shamemasks), or if the Witchhunting was also a thing of the middle ages, because it is always associated with it. Love your videos

[@ExplosiveFelines]

Shad's collection of swords and medieval weaponry is peak masculinity.

[@spokeshave5415]

You start to look like a proper knight, with that beard, grown out hair and contacts. Love it!

[@kalani-s.artstudio2964]

Great job as always Shad! however, I must say, thinking from the side of an "adventurer" as you usually say lol I think I would still prefer single-edged swords, 1st because being an adventurer, I wouldn't have so much money for a two-edged sword, 2nd that for maintenance, I believe that it is simpler to keep the edge symmetrical if ... well, there is only one edge kk

[@shawnwolf5961]

I mean, if we're talking DnD, adventuring is VERY lucrative. So you absolutely would. Also, historically, Symmetry was not nearly as important as it is now. See Skaladladiatoria for his video about modern sword enthusiasts and buyers, compared to what people ACTUALLY wanted in the medieval times.

[@BuchanDuck]

You are easily one one my favorite youtubers, gladly support you and your future projects

[@WiiRPHYSICAL]

Excellent points as always Just wonder how this would apply to rapier

[@mrm0nty550]

In a post apocalyptic setting, like with zombies and weird mutants, what would be the best weapons (besides guns) and armor?

[@Saber64]

I absolutely agree. Two heads are better than one. Same applies to edges of a sword.

[@milesdp1990]

Been practicing Fiore style fencing for half a year now, and false edge blows are used a LOT. You can generate a surprising amount of force striking upwards with the false edge after knocking the attackers sword towards the side.

[@Fenris86]

If more edges are so good, why hasn't anyone made a triple edged sword yet? Checkmate, bladetheists! Yeah, makes a lot of sense why the general form of a sword has evolved like it did.

[@EducatedViking]

Very informative. Now does the advantage still hold up with a one hander or is there a lack of certain movements without the second hands assistance?

[@aule10]

I have a question about your underhand strike. Why in the gods did you do it like that, cross the hand that holds the pummel/lower part of the shaft, under the upper hand, and then up, it is a bit slower than just flip up, however you get a stronger hit that way.

[@jerrylim6722]

Thanks to shad I went from a guy writing fantasies where the MC for some reason was always capable of using OP moves no matter the situation, to a more "grounded in reality" type of character where the character has dedicated move sets just to either buy time and space or create better openings. watching these videos occasionally whenever I'm stuck or bored has allowed me to better picture what the character is doing during the fights and in turn made the battles easier to "choreograph" according to each party's pasts and skill levels. not sure when or IF this will all be published but don't be surprized by the potential possibility of you guys being credited as one of the various research points if I decided to make a section for these stuff... that is if I don't forget that I even mentioned the idea of making this section. point is, 50% of all my sword/medieval battle knowledge comes from you guys and the rest is just weird obscure things like wikipedia pages and 7+ year old reddit threads made by armchair historians.

[@MadDocHolliday601]

I always enjoy your videos, Shad. I truly, honestly hope things turn around for you.

[@kaandervis6276]

Double edged swords are like All Wheel Drive cars. They have some advantages but not necessarily better than other alternatives.

[@Toxic_0_]

This video really shows the skill it would have taken to be a great swordsman. Knowing the options you have, the speed you can do it, the fluidity of the moves and how they could react to their opponent and make a move to give an advantage, all while being in a fight.