You Have to See this Amazing Craftsmanship at Raven Armoury!

[@Skallagrim]

I meant to edit this down some more, with internet attention span in mind, but there is just too much cool stuff I really wanted you to see. Make sure to not miss the highlight toward the end of this video, the Swords of Night and Day. Of all the fantasy designs come to life they are without a doubt my current favorite, and a great tribute to David Gemmell (RIP). Exceptionally impressive work. There is a longer, ad-free edit available to patrons and members. If you want to support the channel and get bonus content like that, you can sign up here: www.patreon.com/skallagrim kzbin.info/door/3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFAjoin Hope you enjoyed this visit at Raven Armoury. I sure did. :)

[@emperorhadrian6011]

Long videos good, short form stay in shorts, very tired ungabunga

[@HappyFoxtrot]

At the time of this comment (8h from video being up), something with video "publishing" settings or smth. I can access it only via shorts. If i go directly into your channel, i cant see it. Also didn't appear in my subscriptions tab. Only Short did.

[@Jeremycook_]

​@@HappyFoxtrotSame here

[@theamericanwararcher4872]

Absolutely amazing!!!

[@matthabir4837]

Beautiful. Worth every minute.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Awesome! I really need to get over there to visit the guys at Raven. I was actually up the road from them a few weeks ago and didn't realise how close they are.

[@Barberserk]

They seem to know their business, if you go, bring a camera!

[@johannestetzelivonrosador7317]

Hello captain context

[@OleDirtyMacSanchez]

Looks you missed it, that's ok just take another Crack at it, concept.

[@johnniewalker3134]

@@Barberserk and a check book.

[@marcelhaniger2795]

"this is a prototype" *shows the most immaculate craftsmanship i ever laid eyes on* Hats off; gorgeous designs and amazingly well made!

[@SKy_the_Thunder]

That's an artist for you. I see that a lot from illustrators, who do "quick warm-up pieces" before they go to work on their commissions/professional work - and they're of a quality you'd expect from a fully rendered art piece. Of course you then see the finished works of those people, and realize those were indeed "just" sketches...

[@Vonstab]

I'm usually not a great fan of fantasy weapons as I prefer historical or historical adjacent ones but those designs and their craftsmanship were exceptionally well done. The grinds were pure art in many cases.

[@davidgeldner2167]

Man the precise geometry of these blades is unreal. Wow.

[@kuesdav]

This. Yes.

[@peterchristiansen9695]

My sentiments exactly! ☺️

[@lydiamourningstar2028]

Also the designs, while exaggerated to be sure, are still sleek and elegant, unlike a lot of fantasy weapons which are just way too much

[@davidgeldner2167]

@@lydiamourningstar2028 yup! They’re basically variations on the traditional as opposed to being wildly altered designs. Like the saber is still inherently a saber, for example. It’s just for a really interesting curvature and super unique grind.

[@williampalmer8052]

To me, these swords strike the ideal balance between function and style. As the pendulum between "cool" and "historical" continues to swing further to the historical side (for better or worse), it's a nice change to see swords that are unapologetically cool.

[@Skallagrim]

Yes, these straight up re-ignited my appreciation of cool fantasy weapons.

[@davidgeldner2167]

@@williampalmer8052 what’s SO COOL about then though is that they are entirely practical at least they’d do certain jobs well enough, they’re manageable in balance and weight, etc

[@farkasmactavish]

​@@davidgeldner2167But what about cool looking whether it's practical or not?

[@XBullitt16X]

I love form and function so its amazing to see

[@theamericanwararcher4872]

That mini axe looks quite throwable! 😁

[@Skallagrim]

It would be, yeah.

[@yokai333]

Looks like something I would use for cheese

[@HazzaBazz18]

I wrote my English Lit dissertation at university on David Gemmell, as he was my favourite author. I, too, was so inspired by characters such as Druss and the Raven forge Snaga is what I picture when reading Legend. A masterpiece - would be a lifetime goal to own something similar one day. I was also lucky enough to meet Stan Nicholls and Stella Gemmell at the Gemmell Awards in London 10+ years ago!

[@Skallagrim]

That's awesome!

[@SabiJD]

When did you write that? Closer to when David was still writing, or years after he'd died? I saw the axe in the thumbnail, and immediately thought David had based Snaga on an historic axe, but no, that is a specific replica/homage. I tried to create it in the game, Morrowind, as a mod ages ago, but my skills never quite got that far... I love a lot of his novels, but Legend was the first I read, and it'll always be my favourite. It helped define my relationship to fiction, fantasy, ethics, quite humanist outlooks, and so on as a little kid. It feels like he's not that much discussed, so it's cool to see this video, and the comments section.

[@piotrjeske4599]

It looks like an asian minor ritual ax

[@HazzaBazz18]

​@@SabiJD It was a few years after Gemmell's death, sadly. The final chapter of the dissertation actually compared the writing styles of David and Stella Gemmell in Troy, as she finished the book in his honour. I was star struck at the awards! She was very kind to a very naive 21-year-old.

[@sasasasa-lx6cl]

@@SabiJD There is actually a real life Snaga in Artillery museum in St. Petersburg. It is a double-bladed bardiche axe, 16 or 17 century, from monastery armoury. It is relatively small, blades are thin and narrow half-moons approx. feet and a half long, well made and not decorated at all (no holes, no engraving, no punchmark patterns) but with spike and ring for carry. It is very cleverly designed: upper tips of the blades are welded together, creating a largest spearhead in the world, lower tips are terminated with two short languettes, riveted to the haft and bound with leather.

[@caio3568]

The majority of the weapons don't even feel exactly like fantasy. I could picture a real civilization with really good aesthetics taste wielding all of those throughout history.

[@ezrafaulk3076]

Ditto.

[@pRahvi0]

In a world where the (semi)modern metallurgy and tools had developed without the sword becoming obsolete, I could easily see the more affluent people commission beautiful things like these to themselves or even their entire guard.

[@dunctherational577]

I did a double take when I saw this video title, I drive past the Raven Armoury workshop every day on my way to work. I never really thought about what they make. Those are some very cool pieces.

[@Mischievous_Moth]

Armory? Art gallery? Both.

[@Jeremycook_]

Yes

[@chazfry9825]

Iv been a family friend of raven Armoury for years and work with them on and off , i cant express the amount of dedication and passion that has gone in to everything they do there, its a pleasure to watch you interact and read the comments about there work , true craftmanship

[@skelementalart6845]

cheers Chaz :)

[@steffenjespersen247]

That Evolution Scimitar is a work of art. When you think of a elven made weapon a perfect blend performance and grace. It has great details, but it is not trying to be flashy.

[@Alpha.Phenix]

You had my curiosity *sees a mini Soul Reaver in the back* Now you have my attention.

[@daveollerhead7521]

Beautiful workmanship. How have I not heard of Raven Armouries before. I'm off to their site straight after this video lol.

[@ghostbeetle2950]

So this guy is the definition of a quiet badass, isn't he?! Lots of respect.

[@barryelverson9486]

For years I have loved his takes on Stormbringer and Mournblade but also his scimitars. Just beautiful work.

[@SyntheticFuture]

That scimitar is exceptional. Beautiful work!

[@KuarenWindcatcher]

I’ve loved their works so much for many years. Even watching the vid has been really cool. Must have felt awesome being there and handling them in person

[@Skallagrim]

Absolutely. Those weapons are even more gorgeous in person.

[@ahiraband3939]

As a fellow Gemmell fan these are just wow😮

[@outsideiskrrtinsideihurt699]

The sword of night and day are an easy favorite. The blade, the fittings, the sheath and the locking mechanism are all so well done. Edit: will be sure to check out their site

[@stewrmo]

I hope you managed to get home safely guys, with at least a few pennies left after all these weapons! One love from Scotland. 💙 🦁

[@KapalAsin]

Im glad you did the close ups, such a beautiful piece of craftmanship

[@locke03]

The detailing and finishes on those are just spectacular, especially the elaborate grinds on some of the blades.

[@rikospostmodernlife]

Everything is so magnificent...

[@minisam1988]

Druss the legend! That butterfly axe looks so good. Got to love David Gemmells work.

[@jamesfrederick.]

Wow theses are some of the most glorious sword I’ve ever seen in my entire lifetime

[@robclarke1098]

I remember Raven Armoury being advertised in White Dwarf and have always wanted to own one of their pieces. I would happily swap my son for Snaga the Sender.....

[@sevenproxies4255]

Wish I could make living as an apprentice to this gentleman. What a dream life.

[@TheAegisClaw]

I had the Raven Armoury catalogue in the early 90's. Beautiful work, always wanted one, but could never afford one. Simon is a true master of his craft.

[@_Just_John]

Thank you for keeping the video almost 30 minutes long. I is amazing to see the level of craftmanship, attention detail and passion behind each piece.

[@bigolbearthejammydodger6527]

Hi to the folks at raven armouries - hope you are all well. Its been many years now since I visited but I have fond memories - you were all very nice! (i was affiliated with Games workshop as an artist and there was some working together between the companies). Great British business! Im a video game dev now - well, in a startup.. if we make it big, i might just have to pay you another visit for some 17th century style fantasy work for a physical copy of some of our in game property. meanwhile ill be sharing this vid with our artists ;)

[@fredEVOIX]

not a sword person but I find the reflections and shape of the blades are beautiful everything else too, can't believe you made that amazing sword at 21 what a talented swordsmith

[@simoncook829]

Cracking video, I love that Simon and the boys at Raven Armoury. are getting some well-deserved recognition for the craftsmanship of their work. Raven Armoury is one of my favourite places to visit, welcoming and great to chat with Simon himself, and the boys of course👍

[@MrRazerwolf]

Long time viewer who has recently come back to the channel, I now work with making fully functional weapons and it has given me a vastly new appreciation for the beauty and craftsman ship shown in some of these weapons, getting metal to do exactly what we want can be surprisingly difficult!

[@Shugo-koga]

thanks you very much i have the 32 books and to see the weapon of my favorite character in real life is a pleasure complex to describe. i love it

[@Cyromantik]

Absolutely floored by the artistry on display here. Just wonderful.

[@JackEspadas]

I can't explain how I dreamt with the swords of night and day. I've been all my life making designs in that style. Seeing that live is a dream for me. Thank you.

[@DC2022]

This is just amazing. The quality of their work is exquisite. When Simon told those sword of night and day were "prototypes"... Gosh, as you answered, yeah, they're more polished, more well made than most of the finished product you can find around!

[@Lugzury]

Thanks for sharing Simon's amazing collection and crafts

[@kurtisdeakin]

The craftmanship! Exquisite.

[@GenghisDon1970]

a holy shrine to David Gemmell, heroic fantasy & craftsmanship! Thanks for the look

[@Ozai75]

Those weapons are literally just something else. Just incredible workmanship and craft. Absolutely amazing.

[@luna7157]

Simon is exactly how I imagine an elven blacksmith would be like. Casually mentions he's been doing this for nearly 40 years, adds numerous difficult grinds to an already finely crafted weapon sheerly for the art of it, calls his own incredibly well-sculpted and aesthetically balanced early works "crude."

[@yokai333]

A Ñoldor if I've ever seen

[@RavenArmoury]

But without the pointy ears... :)

[@Tarvo27]

I'd love to buy some of these pieces. I never really have that feeling but seeing these just makes me feel that way. The craftsmanship you can see that went into these is just amazing.

[@Wolf88888]

My ultimate life goal is to buy Raven Armoury's version of 'Stormbringer'. To me, Raven Armoury's swords make all other swords look cheap -- even Albion. These are works of art.

[@AT-gk1tw]

So cool to see people talk about David gemmel and his amazing books. That’s one author who doesn’t get anywhere near enough recognition

[@sevenproxies4255]

Freaking beautiful stuff. You can see that the swords and scimitars are quite functional despite their fantasy inspirations too.

[@briancoleman9330]

Such amazing and beautiful craftsmanship.

[@RavenArmoury]

Thank you

[@geraiapowen2]

Back in the late 80's or early 90's, when I was a teenager, I sent away for a Raven Armory catalog and I instantly fell in love with their offerings.

[@RavenArmoury]

I found some old catalogues from 1988 the other day and one had a price list in it...

[@clintbenson8742]

The craftsmanship in each piece just floored me and that's just over video. It must have been just an amazing privilege to handle them in person.

[@ArturoLopez-ly2pn]

AND it's a family business! This man is awesome!

[@susanlardner7968]

Yeah, he really is! ❤

[@azraelsblade]

I’ve wanted a scimitar/dagger pairing from Raven Armoury for over a decade. Their work is just fantastic.

[@FlubbersQuid]

Must say I love these newer videos where you visit makers of extraordinarie arms. More of this!

[@mikkianderson7903]

Simon is the best!!! He is genius and a lovely man! ❤️

[@SpiritualHypertrophy]

These are so beautiful. I remember seeing some these online 10-15 years ago and seeing them is video is such a treat. Thanks Skall.

[@sybransnoeck6987]

Yes I did enjoy it. Amazing culture and craftsmanship. The passion.. What a lucky man - Simon Fearnhamm. And his sons.

[@AlxanderVII]

fantastic video and a big thanks to Simon Fearnhamm, but the biggest takeaway ive gotten from this vid is you helped me find a book that id on and off been searching for, i had a ping of recollection when you showed david gemmells book, after a brief search i found wolf in shadow which was a random book i read in english class over 20 years ago and i had such a hazy memory of it was very hard to pinpoint details, so a big thanks for that as well, im a big fantasy fan so i will check out more of his works

[@Loves2smoodge]

I've been a David Gemmel fan since the 1980s. I used to read his books on my train ride to and from school. Seeing the weapons in real life made by a fan and an artist has almost confirmed my suspicion that we live in a simulation, lol.

[@broadcastbard]

Genuinely beautiful detailing.

[@Kitsunary]

Those are some of the nicest functional blades I've ever seen. They're gorgeous.

[@jordanrose8443]

@Skallagrim, the effort you put into your videos has always been appreciated. This channel is like comfort food for me.

[@boris1986]

That was just mind blowing. I'm really glad you did not edit it down -- would gladly see even more of those swords. These are just masterpieces, real work of art.

[@azraelsblade]

OMG! Soul Reaver spotted!

[@Han-rw9ev]

Saw the video by Skall. Made a note to watch it later when I had time. Realised he was holding Snaga. Instant Click. Legend was epic, and led to so many other great stories, and I'm pleased that David Gemmell's legacy lives on.. I never dreamed, years back, that someone would actually make his weapons. As a fellow fan, my absolute respect. I really need to check out Raven Armoury to see if they've made Cullain Lach Feragh's twin swords. And if they have the Swords of Night and Day, maybe the Swords of Blood and Fire are possible as well. Also, I just realised that it was David Gemmell who made me a fan of dual wielding. EDIT - These weapons are gorgeous..

[@stonedapostle]

Some of the most gorgeous looking fantasy craftsmanship, all while retaining its practicality.

[@robwalker4452]

Very much enjoyed it, thanks. Stunningly beautiful craftsmanship and the attention to detail is inspiring.

[@jonathanwarchild]

I don’t know anything about the series but the just the duel-wield aesthetic of those Night and Day swords is crazy cool. Just imagining these beautiful paired swords flowing together to defeat a foe makes my imagination run wild!

[@NotThatGuyJD]

Swords of Night and Day are insane. Never thought I'd see them or Snaga. This is incredible.

[@a.bettik8698]

That was incredible... He's got an eye for beauty and incredible craftmanship both. A real life mastersmith like in the legends ! I can almost hear him say "Gods be blessed" when selling you a sword

[@tokujinsicura2190]

This was really cool. I really appreciated how passionate he is about the craft, and i think the pieces that we saw were absolutely phenomenal. Well done 👌🏾🗡️.

[@wlg2677]

Oh boy Skall seems so happy, like a child in a toy store.

[@olencone4005]

Wow! I am genuinely blown away by the level of craftsmanship in these blades... the attention to detail, the quality of the grind and engraving, the sheer artistry of the blade designs themselves... exquisite! This is exactly the sort of artistry that first drew my interest in swords to begin with, and I'm so glad to see it still thrives! ^_^

[@RavenArmoury]

Thank you

[@michaelyoung7261]

I am shocked at how much I like those grinds and flutes and spines on those swords, that is just, *chef’s kiss* perfect blend between fantastical and historical I’m gonna make it a goal to one day own one of these swords. The swords of night and day are also fabulous, even though they are just a prototype, that mechanism, I want to play with it so much

[@Abraxaspowerhour]

SNAGA!!!! I saw the thumbnail and couldn't believe it until I clicked

[@Geerladenlad]

Really Cool designs and absolutely beautiful workmanship!! Chef's kiss

[@ptonpc]

Those are pretty! I love the care, attention and skill involved in these.

[@harbingerx7793]

all these wonderful weapons are art in themselves. thank you so much for displaying and talking about them in this video.

[@rmg480]

I love this kind of fantasy weapons, you can really tell they took historical concepts, and then skewed them just enough to make them stylish, as opposed to making a piece of character design that barely resembles a sword.

[@TsDwelling]

Spectacular video with so many gorgeous blades. Wow. 👍🏻

[@jasonvahl9770]

This was fantastic. So nice to see all those up close with detail. I've wanted the Swords forEVER

[@stonedapostle]

The attention to detail on some of the smaller pieces like the pommels and guards are almost flawless!

[@Joeseph113]

This is one magnificent video thanks for going and showing off Raven Armory

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

NOOOOO SKAL... dont edit it down.. keep them long as possible.. Especially videos like this... This is beautiful art... The height of the craft

[@Just4FC]

Hell yea, I'm 40yo watching this with my David Gemmell books right behind me

[@jasongray9099]

So nice to see Snaga getting some love

[@CreepyMF]

Such exquisite craftsmanship in each piece, i was blown away.

[@Pattoe]

I now would love to see a video in which someone puts a sword in Skallagrim's hands but he is blindfolded. He then has to guess the characteristics of the sword. How long it is, what shape it is etc. See how accurately he can do it. Obviously holding a sword whilst blindfolded has a lot of safety risks but if he has lots of room and he keeps his movements slow and limited I imagine it would be safe. The person who places the sword could just shout "clear" when they are far enough from Skallagrim that it's safe for him to move the sword around a little bit.

[@vie_baobab]

These are amazing! Thanks for the introduction to Raven!

[@pRahvi0]

Wow, those are some unbelievably beautiful swords.

[@Buggsy1061]

I nearly had a trouser incident when I saw Snaga, what a beautiful weapon, and the swords, all of them but especially Night & Day

[@bengarver8155]

Beautiful work. This man is truly an artist.

[@TheRealFacemanguy]

Lot of amazing pieces shown here. A true craftsman.

[@JustGrowingUp84]

All of these are gorgeous! And most of the fantasy designs also look practical, which is very impressive!

[@williamhale8162]

David Gemmell is my favorite writer of all time and Druss is my favorite.

[@guyharrison909]

Look up Joe Abercrombie.

[@wojciechb8043]

This is one of your better videos, and that means a lot with a channel of this quality!

[@SitKid721]

Also these swords are super bad ass i normally dont go in on the fantasy stuff but these are super cool

[@YesItsTom2U]

Their "Evolution" scimitar has been on my bucket list of must haves for years. One day!

[@toxi87]

The first longsword you showed looked so much like what Petter Johnson ended up designing Dark sister. Love it, amazing work.

[@blakebailey22]

That is such a cool idea for the scabbard of the blades of night and day!

[@Blindy_Sama]

Very good stuff. There's nothing wrong with the traditional aesthetic of something historical but I do love me something that is away from the norm that is still functional