What is the Best Sword? (Warning: Rambly)

Still one of the most frequently asked questions on my channel. People are looking for the ultimate sword of perfection, superior to everything else... Which does not exist.

The same weapon may excel in one situation but be a major disadvantage in another. Two-handed greatsword in the jungle? Terrible idea. Gladius without shield in a one-on-one duel on an open field? Good luck. Katana without armor against archers? You get the idea.

So in this video I talk about some of the many factors that we have to consider when asking such a broad question. I also warn against over-stating the point that all swords were flawlessly design to be 100% efficient at their intended purpose in a given culture and time period. Humans aren't perfect, and their creations aren't either.


***The examples in this video ***


1.) The Marxbruder grosse messer by Albion
https://albion-swords.com/swords/albion/maestro/sword-practice-marxbruder-grossemesser.htm

2.) An old (mid-90s) Roman gladius by Raven Armoury
http://www.raven-armoury.co.uk/

3.) Pappenheimer rapier by Darkwood Armory
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/

4.) Type XVIIIa 15th century longsword with bronze hilt by Stephan Lockwood
http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htm?go=kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SL1019B&name=Lockwood+Swords+-Type+XVIIIa+15th+Century+Longsword+with+Bronze+Hilt&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1

5.) Nodachi from Swords of Northshire
https://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/samurai-swords/odachi-nodachi/hand-forged-odachi-1095-high-carbon-steel-japanese-samurai-nodachi-sephiroth-sword


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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):

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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:

http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htm?go=kultofathena.com&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1


Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:

http://www.woodenswords.com/?Click=1799


Knives on Gearbest:

https://www.gearbest.com/knives-tools-c_11502/?odr=votes&lkid=20292840


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*** Music ***

Intro song:

"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
https://vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/illuminate


Outro:

"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
http://theslantedroom.weebly.com/