@skallagrim Avatar @skallagrim Skallagrim

Skallagrim posts on YouTube about history, martial arts, axe, if you the most. They currently have [---------] followers and [---] posts still getting attention that total [------] engagements in the last [--] hours.

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Social Influence

Social category influence countries 6.36% finance 5.45% social networks 2.73% gaming 1.82% technology brands 1.82% travel destinations 1.82% automotive brands 0.91% stocks 0.91% cryptocurrencies 0.91% currencies 0.91%

Social topic influence history #3314, martial arts #436, axe #560, if you 8.18%, $sabr #47, design 8.18%, the most 8.18%, finish 6.36%, rpg #1736, how to 6.36%

Top accounts mentioned or mentioned by @hiddenblazefilms @cerberusarms @sellswordarts @scholagladiatoria @n0638274721121inalbum72157690346713756 @joshbeambjj @senseiseth @rawice511 @jairusofall @jlaservideo @modernknight @historicalarcher @virtualfechtschule @csknivesvideos @dequitem @monkeyfist @hemasimian @zukuru @weaponism @lancelotchan

Top Social Posts

Top posts by engagements in the last [--] hours

"Enough Slash for Your Cash - [----] & [----] Light Cavalry Sabers (Full Review) Even if you don't have a special interest in military sabers of the 18th and 19th century these reproductions stand out for their high historical accuracy and craftsmanship. As usual I've put them to the test cutting tatami mats with and without hardwood core as well as testing the structural integrity through blade on blade parries. Of course also giving you an up close look at the fit & finish so you can get an eye of the quality for the price. British [----] Light cavalry saber by LK Chen Overall length: [--] cm (37'')"
YouTube Link 2024-08-16T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 86.5K engagements

"Expert Saber Sparring: Lee Smith vs Richard Marsden Their next fight: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=Z19hR04Ckb8 Impressive fighting skills at work. There is a reason why these guys teach historical swordsmanship. This match took place at the Blood & Iron historical martial arts school in New Westminster BC Canada. Richard Marsden co-founder and principal instructor of the Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship came for a visit to give two seminars one on Fiore's longsword and another on Polish saber fencing. After the instruction he sparred with Lee Smith co-founder and principal"
YouTube Link 2015-08-24T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 27.5M engagements

"Katana VS Longsword. The Truth Ain't so Sad (Response to @cerberusarms) Who shall prevail in the epic battle of sword nerds neckbeard or weeb Well the answer is obvious. Neither they're both biased fanboys with little practical understanding of historical weapons. So the better question is which is the best sword the katana or the longsword What are each design's strengths and weakness and just how different are they even really Cerberusarms presented a fair in-depth analysis with lots of good points so here is my opinion on it. Feel free to give us your take on "MUH SORD BETTA". obviously"
YouTube Link 2022-09-24T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 794.5K engagements

"Battle Axes - How Underrated Are They Check out the Vegvisir pendant from VKNG Jewelry with a massive discount for [--] hours (sponsored link): https://bit.ly/351NLKJ You can also get 20% off everything else for [--] days with this link (also sponsored): https://bit.ly/351NLKJ The sword usually steals the show as heroic weapon and status symbol. but what about the old axe Is it ignored and underestimated for no good reason Let's take a look at a few examples of historical fighting axes and compare them to swords in terms of practical use. What is each of them better at The reproductions in this"
YouTube Link 2020-10-17T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 718.2K engagements

"Devastating Spear-Sword - The Spit by Zombie Tools Update: The Spit is now back for a limited time due to popular demand https://www.zombietools.net/shop/the-spit/ For demonstrations of spear and shield use check out Da'Mon Stith's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhj-QKSoweEWXFGJqSU4PQ *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and other rewards: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.subscribestar.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join Books about history and/or martial arts swords knives video/audio equipment"
YouTube Link 2020-07-18T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.5M engagements

"Did SPIKED Armor Exist in Real-Life History or is it Just Silly Fantasy As strange as fantasy designs can be sometimes you find some rare unique examples of real historical arms and armor that are surprisingly close. Is spikey armor one of those cases Here is what I've found. It's not exactly as crazy as the Knight of Thorns from Dark Souls or the similar armor from Dungeons & Dragons but well. there are some spikes here and there. *** Sources / Credits *** Museums https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus https://royalarmouries.org/collection/ https://www.rom.on.ca/ Original"
YouTube Link 2025-11-28T18:15Z 1.6M followers, 94K engagements

"You CAN Parry or Deflect Arrows with a Sword BUT. Although it's sometimes greatly exaggerated in movies and video games the idea of defending against a shot from bow or crossbow with a sword is not necessarily a myth as such. Obviously very difficult highly dangerous and a far less practical choice than trying to dodge or keep moving to be a hard target. But feasible. It does depend on a few factors though so let's talk about that. The tests I've done: Can I "Parry" a Medieval Crossbow Bolt with a Sword https://youtu.be/6lYoMwXtpNA Sword VS. Arrow Challenge - Can I Beat the Archer at Least"
YouTube Link 2025-08-06T16:45Z 1.6M followers, 322.8K engagements

"Double-Blade Sword = Trash Double Spear = Awesome From the two-bladed sword in D&D or other RPGs to Darth Maul's dual lightsaber double bladed weapons are fairly popular in fantasy & sci-fi movies video games etc. They sure look cool to many people. Too bad they kinda suck. At least the way most of them are designed with a relatively short handle and long blades. A double ended spear or polearm on the other hand. now we're talking Other videos you may find interesting: Can SICKLES Beat SWORDS - Lots of Issues. https://youtu.be/ndbRB0W5bQg Best Weapons Without Metal to Fight a DnD Rust"
YouTube Link 2022-08-31T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 3.9M engagements

"Progression (or Regression) of a Sword Nerd It's been [--] years since that self-roast video and [--] years since the original. If you saw those back then. feel old yet :) This was/is a discussion on how viable swift "snap" cuts are that emphasize speed over power (damage). Is that kind of offense martially viable or is anything but large shoulder-powered strikes with plenty of rotation just useless The [----] video I'm commenting on: https://youtu.be/eq6tDqKOYeQ The sparring footage and clips from various tests that I'm showing here: Finally Fighting Again (VS the Destroyer of Hands)"
YouTube Link 2025-09-06T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 23.2K engagements

"How Dangerous is a Post-Apocalyptic Saw-Blade Axe Really Saw-blade axes or axe bats or buzz axe. whatever you want to call them they are pretty popular and iconic in various video games and other fictional media set in a world ruined by the apocalypse. Vicious and badass looking too. And easy to make. But how good would they actually be Only one (safe) way to find out. Background music: Battle [--] by Alexandr Zhelanov https://opengameart.org/content/post-apocalyptic-and-cyberpunk-melodies Attribution [---] International (CC BY 4.0) "Red Curtain" by HorrorPen"
YouTube Link 2025-09-29T17:52Z 1.6M followers, 74.4K engagements

"Nice Looking Gladius But. (Dynasty Forge Review) *** Specifications *** Overall length: [--] cm (29-1/2'') Blade length: [--] cm (21.65'') Blade thickness: [---] mm (1/3'') tapering down to 3-7 mm (0.12-0.275'') near the tip Point of balance: [--] cm / 4'' Weight: [----] kg (2.53 lbs) Blade material" [----] carbon steel https://www.dynastyforge.com/swords/european_arms/swords/roman_mainz_gladius/ I don't usually delve as deeply into the historical accuracy of a reproduction as I did here but a detail on the scabbard prompted me to take a closer look. This sword shows respectable quality in some regards"
YouTube Link 2020-06-24T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 208.5K engagements

"Obsidian is Fascinating. Let Me Show & Tell You Why What do you know about obsidian It's such a cool material but it's often portrayed in ways that have little to do with reality especially in video games of course. It's a material I find quite interesting and flintknapping in general is a skill that I've gained a lot of respect for through practicing it myself. So let me tell you more about what it is and how it works. I'm also including a little hands-on demonstration of how you shape obsidian (and other knappable materials like flint or chert). It may "only" be Stone Age tech but it's"
YouTube Link 2026-01-24T16:37Z 1.6M followers, 44.2K engagements

"Would Swords SUCK in the Zombie Apocalypse - Response to @SellswordArts Swords are cool and all but. Would they really be a practical option in a (realistic) fictional apocalyptic setting where you have to fend off undead hordes Would they do enough damage compared to other weapons (improvised or not) Are there other downsides that might make them less ideal Let's talk about it (i.e. nerd out) The video I'm responding to: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wEdyqwDEddo *** Credits *** "Red Curtain" by HorrorPen https://opengameart.org/content/red-curtain Creative Commons Attribution [---] license"
YouTube Link 2025-11-05T19:04Z 1.6M followers, 116.6K engagements

"How Do 'Legit' Martial Artists Feel about HEMA It's always interesting to see folks with different backgrounds come together and compare notes. Even if you don't think two different forms of martial arts have much in common at first glance there might be more overlap than you think. This is my commentary on the experiences that Josh Beam and Sensei Seth had when going to HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) schools to explore what sword fighting is like. I'm only showing a few clips because it's their content and you should definitely watch it in full. At the start I have a few remarks on"
YouTube Link 2026-01-14T16:46Z 1.6M followers, 135K engagements

"First impression: "Falx" by Wulflund (more like a Rhomphaia) I was looking forward to it but unfortunately it turned out to be disappointing. The sword shown in this video: http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=ASW29S&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 ******************************************************************************** My favorite online store for buying swords (worldwide shipping): http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 Some recommended knife makers on Amazon:"
YouTube Link 2015-09-28T17:55Z 1.6M followers, 268.4K engagements

"Fighting My Evil Twin Over Which is the Best Horror Movie Weapon This is a compilation of just the "fights" from my two-part videos about the best slasher weapons from various horror movies. Part 1: https://youtu.be/aqpKWewr4rU Part 2: https://youtu.be/S9zu5XGrgho *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/ *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim"
YouTube Link 2025-10-28T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 45.1K engagements

"If You Like 'em "Thicc" This Sword is for You This is a review of the hand dao by LK Chen a reproduction of a Song Dynasty sword. Showing you the results of my cutting tests and my opinion of the handling fit & finish etc. It's quite an unusual design or at least by most Western standards I suppose. It's intended to be wielded mainly with one hand but has a grip long enough to easily accommodate two-handed use. The blade is wide and angular with almost no point sort of like a box cutter in overall shape. Not heavy but it's balanced with chopping power in mind more so than speed & agility."
YouTube Link 2022-03-30T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 110.2K engagements

"After all These Years I STILL Hate this Movie (and Graphic Novel) This is an "old fashioned" rant about a silly movie that irks me in a very unserious inconsequential way. Just want to over-think and "vent" about you know Back in 2006/07 when I first watched [---] I was really annoyed by how it butchered ancient history although technically I can't blame the movie for that but rather Frank Miller's graphic novel. Either way there are some bizarre choices that even though I'm more chill these days still feel kind of irritating. Funnily enough this started with wanting to make a video about the"
YouTube Link 2025-11-08T15:33Z 1.6M followers, 87.7K engagements

"The Trident - Mere Fantasy or Practical Weapon The trident is an iconic weapon seen in the hands of gods superheroes and other characters in roleplaying games and other fantasy fiction. Was it just a tool and symbol in history or was it used in combat as well Let's take a look a the design with its practical pros & cons as well as examples of two and three pronged spears / polearms from various time periods and parts of the world. Of course there is nothing wrong with less restrained fantasy but those of you who like to incorporate some level of realism into your writing may find this useful."
YouTube Link 2021-08-28T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 351.2K engagements

"The Best Historical Weapons for SKELETON WARRIORS How fantasy fighters best arm themselves AGAINST skeletons is one thing (which I've covered before: https://youtu.be/WgS3L1fS0hU). but what about the most practical weapon FOR skellies Sure they could use whatever (and most commonly sword & shield apparently) but discerning necromancers might want to maximize and give them what suits their undead strengths (and bony hands) the most. Might serve as inspiration for dungeon masters in DnD and other roleplaying games or fantasy writing / visual art / animation / etc. Hope you enjoy this nerdy &"
YouTube Link 2025-10-31T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 48.8K engagements

"So I'll be in Europe for a Couple of Weeks. Figured I should tell you more about what has been going on and how it's impacting the channel. Normally I wouldn't talk much about personal stuff but these health issues (seems most likely ME/CFS) have been doing a lot to determine what I can do. *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join For one-time donations: https://www.paypal.me/SkallagrimYT Merch:"
YouTube Link 2026-02-04T17:49Z 1.6M followers, 66.4K engagements

"The Big Problem with Sword Fighting. Like any skill martial arts require lots of practice and making all kinds of mistakes to learn from. Which sometimes make for rather painful lessons. But what if making mistakes in order to progress brings a risk of the progress ending right there Because you took a sharp sword blade to the face That's the problem when people point out the limitations of sparring with protective gear and whatnot. it's not the real thing. They aren't wrong. No matter how realistic the training is (either in modern HEMA or back in medieval / renaissance times) it's not"
YouTube Link 2023-05-10T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 297.7K engagements

"I've Never Seen Such an Awful Sword Guard Before Here's a piece of advice for upcoming sword smiths. When deciding how you want to make a hilt do not take notes from LEGO. In over two decades of handling testing and reviewing swords I've never seen anything like this. And it baffles me. Also it's quite rare that I don't feel like doing any more test cutting after only two failed cuts. So instead I did some realistic (and comparatively gentle) blade-on-blade tests to see how functional it really is. get ready for a catastrophic failure. The two pronged blade originally caught my eye which is"
YouTube Link 2025-10-08T18:44Z 1.6M followers, 64.5K engagements

"Review: Ronin Elite Tang Dao (Chinese sword 7th - 9th century) *** Specifications *** Overall length: [---] cm (39.37 in) Blade length: [--] cm (28.35 in) Blade thickness: [--] mm near the handle tapering down to [---] mm near the point Point of balance: [--] cm (5.9 in) from the handle Weight: [----] g (2 lbs [--] oz) Blade material: Folded and differentially hardened [----] high carbon steel Handle wrap: Ray skin Construction: Pinned Price: [---] USD *** Pros / Cons *** + Sturdy assembly tight fit + Beautiful decorations flawless finish + Very sharp edge + Light weight but enough blade presence for powerful"
YouTube Link 2016-05-10T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 364.2K engagements

"The Hidden Blade (Assassin's Creed) Deserves More Credit In late [----] I made a video about whether the hidden blade from the Assassin's Creed series would be practical in real life. I was skeptical of it and criticized it for several shortcomings compared to a conventional knife or dagger. It's time to re-visit the topic. Now I have two 3D printed reproductions to get a feel for and demonstrate. Has my opinion changed You bet Let's take a dive into over-thinking how realistic this iconic video game weapon is. :) The badass hidden blades I'm showing off in this video are made by Rawice"
YouTube Link 2023-04-14T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 442.6K engagements

"Youtube has an Authenticity Problem Just some reflection for the new year. Tags for the algorithm: #showitupyourbum #idontcare *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/ Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links: Kult of Athena my favorite online"
YouTube Link 2026-01-02T19:14Z 1.6M followers, 38.7K engagements

"How Did They REALLY Fight in History . ( It's Complicated ) What would medieval and renaissance era armed fighting have looked like Be it battlefield combat judicial duels or self-defense situations. there are a good number of sources but it's still challenging to paint an accurate picture. As always reality is complex. There are many layers to this topic like different martial traditions varying quality of imagery and text in manuscripts the uncertainty of interpretations the divide between nobility and commoners etc. *** Sources / Credits *** Background"
YouTube Link 2025-11-26T20:48Z 1.6M followers, 25.9K engagements

"Sword Banter: The Chinese Jian and Comparison to the Rapier Swordsage's channel (for more about Chinese swords & martial arts): https://www.youtube.com/user/Swordsage In this video we're taking a look at some reproduction swords from Han Dynasty China and comment on the comparison that people often draw between the jian and the rapier. Support the channel get bonus content and other rewards: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.subscribestar.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join For one-time donations: https://streamlabs.com/skallagrim1"
YouTube Link 2019-08-21T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 639.2K engagements

"Could Entirely New Types of Melee Weapons Still be Invented History is overflowing with a staggering variety of designs from all over the world. Has everything practical already been done or could something radically different still emerge that is not merely a re-combination of elements that already exist Have you ever heard of "elephant tusk swords" Me neither until I went to the Royal Armouries. https://royalarmouries.org/collection/object/object-106592 Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lgehumble_1400.jpg"
YouTube Link 2025-11-21T15:30Z 1.6M followers, 53.4K engagements

"Why a #Katana Might Suck in the #Apocalypse Before you whip out the torches and pitchforks. no I'm not saying that the katana is a bad sword. Just that it would be bad in a (post)-apocalyptic scenario (with or without zombies). I reviewed a high-end katana with real hamon just recently and although it cut well it's much more difficult to maintain and repair than a through-hardened mono-steel blade (especially with limited resources & time). The test: https://youtu.be/G9bpjGzFrqw The full review: https://youtu.be/M_n6fLHWnFo The article referred to in this video:"
YouTube Link 2023-07-26T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 418.9K engagements

"My Top [--] Affordable Collector Weapons The [--] most disappointing weapons: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=4zbTmtCxM0M 1.) Spear heads https://www.kultofathena.com/product/long-bladed-hewing-spear-head/koa=259 https://www.kultofathena.com/product/greek-spear-head/koa=259 https://www.kultofathena.com/product/greek-spear-buttcap/koa=259 2.) Early Medieval maces https://www.kultofathena.com/brand/tod-cutler/_product_categories=maceskoa=259 Windlass 16th Century Italian mace https://www.kultofathena.com/product/16th-century-italian-mace/koa=259 War hammer"
YouTube Link 2019-07-17T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 258.2K engagements

"A Brief Introduction to the Rules of Historical Pistol Duels This video is meant to give you an idea of how duelling was done in the 18th and 19th century from a practical point of view. This is not about the sociocultural or political aspects of history just a look at the rules for a pistol duel. The follow-up video is an attempt at simulating a duel just for entertainment purposes: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=xHfBCBxdf2M Sources: The Code Duello (1777): http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/duel/sfeature/rulesofdueling.html The Code of Honor by John Lyde Wilson (1838):"
YouTube Link 2016-03-05T18:30Z 1.6M followers, 192.6K engagements

"What a Katana Does Best (Memes Aside) When thinking about what Japanese swords excel at just about everyone usually focuses on the cutting power. But in my opinion that's not it. Plenty of swords can cut remarkably well and there are plenty of ways to enhance the blade's performance (at the expense of other traits). There is something else that the katana does particularly well. So let's talk about it The sword I'm showing here: https://www.akadoarmory.com/product/akado-standard-fencing-katana/ *** Music credits *** Dark Intro by Nikke https://opengameart.org/content/dark-intro CC0 1.0"
YouTube Link 2024-07-31T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 116.2K engagements

"So. Is it Redeemable - Cold Steel Hunting Sword The video of the first test: https://youtu.be/6itn84Iiuss Obviously it's a problem that part of the hilt broke. But what about the blade cutting performance and handling How good would this reproduction be if the issue was fixed Here is my opinion on it. Sort of an incomplete review since I'm missing some close-up pictures and video footage. Should still be useful though. If you're interested in this sword despite the poor quality guard: http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=CS88CLQ&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 *** Support"
YouTube Link 2020-09-09T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 130.6K engagements

"Skall Reacts to the "Masters of the Universe" Movie Trailer (2026) I had no idea this was happening until now and went into it blind. Not approaching it with high hopes but let's see if this live-action adaption has more potential than the horrendous take from [----]. If you ask me it all hinges on Skeletor. If they can't get him right it's futile. There is nothing wrong with OG He-Man as a positive role model and whatnot although he was a pretty generic "good guy" without too much personality. Skeletor is where it's at. *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and"
YouTube Link 2026-01-30T21:13Z 1.6M followers, 25.1K engagements

"A Rant about Plagiarism (Knockoffs Counterfits Art Theft Etc) Here is something I despise: Stealing someone else's work and trying to profit off of it. It comes in many forms and all are reprehensible. Obviously I'm not talking about taking inspiration from existing designs. just about everyone does that on some level and there is nothing wrong with being influenced by what came before. Blatantly copying and exploiting work you're not willing to do yourself is something entirely different. This came up when I found a Zombie Tools ripoff on Temu and went on an angry rant about it during a"
YouTube Link 2026-01-21T19:00Z 1.6M followers, 18.4K engagements

"Dual Wielding Shields - Could THIS Make it Practical IRL You're probably seen the dual tower shield (AKA giant door) build in Dark Souls. Memes aside I made a video about this topic back in [----] and at the time some people I was being too dismissive and didn't give it a fair chance. Well. Let's re-visit it then This time I have more appropriate designs for the task. Strapped arm shields that are equipped with a blade or spike on top. With those you could go fantasy brawler style and unleash your inner barbarian or something. Time to test the idea in practice meaning sparring against a fully"
YouTube Link 2022-10-07T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 150.7K engagements

"Unboxing a handmade Dacian falx from Romania https://www.facebook.com/iamandiknife ******************************************************************************** My favorite online store for buying swords (worldwide shipping): http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 Channel-related shirts and stuff: http://skallagrim.spreadshirt.com/ Some recommended knife makers on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qjwMNL Want to help fund future videos http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SkallagrimYT unboxing handmade dacian dacia falx ancient"
YouTube Link 2016-09-05T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 868.8K engagements

"A Big Badass Mercenary Sword - The Albion Maximilian The Maximilian: http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=ANT3&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-landesknecht-maximilian.htm This is a two-handed greatsword known as Zweihnder in German. Used by the Landsknecht mercenaries in the 15th and 16th century on the battlefield particularly against pike formations. The Maximilian is a high end reproduction and a really impressive sword. Not just due to the sheer size but also the quality of the design material fit and finish. I"
YouTube Link 2019-03-15T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 777.1K engagements

"On a Bad Day a #Rapier Cuts Better than a #Saber. Don't jump to conclusions. This is just a funny coincidence. ;) On that day I was feeling like garbage because I had caught a cold but the mats were soaked and test cutting had to be done. With some unusual results. I manage to get good clean cuts with the sabers too by the way but many didn't go so well. The rapier meanwhile was surprisingly forgiving. The swords (affiliate links): https://www.kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-british-1796-light-cavalry-saber/koa=259"
YouTube Link 2023-10-11T18:03Z 1.6M followers, 328.9K engagements

"What Happens when You Make a Katana EXTRA Curved Japanese swords vary substantially in how strongly curved their blades can be depending on the region time frame etc. On average a tachi tends to have a more pronounced curvature although they don't have to. Either way few are as extreme as the blade I'm showing you in this video. It looks a lot like the sword from Afro Samurai and it has a much different feel than an "average" katana. So what does it do and what are its pros and cons Let's take a closer look and find out if curvier really is better. *** Merch ***"
YouTube Link 2025-10-24T16:25Z 1.6M followers, 48K engagements

"What is the BEST Single-Handed Sword in History Play Enlisted for FREE on PC Xbox Series XS and PS5: https://playen.link/skallagrim2023 Enlisted is an MMO squad based shooter in World War II. Get an exclusive bonus by downloading through the link I've talked about why there is no such thing as THE ULTIMATE SWORD the best design of all ever (example: https://youtu.be/ENnwSesef_M). But this time I'm actually going to commit and pick what I consider the "best" single-handed sword for three specific historical situations: [--]. Battlefield [--]. Duel [--]. Self-Defense And yes there is absolutely some"
YouTube Link 2023-06-24T03:00Z 1.6M followers, 602.4K engagements

"Dane Axe VS. Longsword. Think You're Safe Hah You don't see sparring with a two-handed axe very often especially against a sword (or two. yes there's dual wielding too). So that's what we tried and it was quite a fun practice session It's a match of reach & power against versatility basically. Which weapon would you place your bet on Also let me know what you think about the first-person POV. It was tricky to safely mount the Gopro on the fencing mask but worked out pretty well I'd say. Relevant video that may interest you too: Battle Axes - How Underrated Are They"
YouTube Link 2022-08-10T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 225.3K engagements

"Red Flags when Buying "Historical" Reproductions These are some warning signs to look out for when shopping for swords or other collector's weapons on the market to avoid wasting your hard-earned money on sketchy stuff. As always there are exceptions and it's not always that simple. But as a "rule of thumb" kind of deal I find it useful to pay attention to these things. An in-depth explanation of what pattern welded steel ("Damascus") is and why it's done from experienced bladesmiths: https://youtu.be/0RTMkTEpYPA *** Sources / credits ***"
YouTube Link 2025-10-10T17:24Z 1.6M followers, 50.2K engagements

"Which Sword Should You Buy 2: Medieval & Renaissance (Longsword Messer Falchion Rapier etc) Part1: Antiquity & Early Middle Ages https://youtu.be/G8QEVewJh0g Part 3: Non-European & Fantasy https://youtu.be/T15FJ6Yc3qg This is a mini series of recommendations to answer this common question. These are reproductions that I either have personal experience with have seen positive reviews of or can suggest based on other designs from the same maker. Separated into era as well as price range (budget / mid range / high end). Part [--] is about swords from the Middle Ages with a few from the Renaissance"
YouTube Link 2021-01-29T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 139.9K engagements

"Over-Thinking Fantasy: The Best Historical Weapons for a Centaur If you like fantasy worldbuilding with some level of realism what be good options for arming centaurs There are tons of possibilities of course but here are my thoughts on what might be particularly practical in an optimized low-risk high-reward sort of way. Also a nice opportunity to reference the Heroes of Might and Magic series which has some of my favorite games. And some really cool artwork. *** Sources / Credits *** Why Riding A Warhorse Was So Difficult by @ModernKnight https://www.youtube.com/watchv=c0Cr2YE8SiE Mounted"
YouTube Link 2025-08-01T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 52.8K engagements

"History is Being Ruined by Clickbait AI Slop. I can acknowledge that AI has legitimate uses but there is also a lot of damage being done. Historical facts are mangled and misrepresented on an industrial scale and frankly there is a lot of crap being made up entirely. It's worrying what this might make for the knowledge and critical thinking skills or future generations. or lack thereof. In this video I'm going on a bit of a rant about particularly ridiculous examples I've come across on social media. *** Sources / Credits / Further reading *** Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hays) the "heroine of"
YouTube Link 2025-06-13T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 171.9K engagements

"Execution by Axe or Sword - Which was Worse In the long history of capital punishment there have been many different ways to carry out the grisly sentence. While commoners were often hanged a method usually reserved for nobility was beheading by either axe or sword. Back then people didn't get a choice of what they would prefer but if they did. which one would have been "better" Let's take a look at a few real examples to see if the historical accounts can give us an idea of which (hopefully) sharp blade might have been quicker and less likely to result in a botched job. Due to source"
YouTube Link 2025-05-16T17:01Z 1.6M followers, 396.9K engagements

"Olympic Saber Fencing vs. HEMA - Different Ways to Cut When making any comparison between Olympic fencing and historical martial arts we obviously have to keep in mind the differences (competitive sport versus combat simulation different rules & equipment etc). There is also some overlap when it comes to footwork offensive / defensive actions timing and so on. In this video I look at a few techniques from sabre fencing and compare them to cutting mechanics in a unarmored dueling scenario informed by medieval and renaissance history. There are many ways to strike with a sword which typically"
YouTube Link 2021-08-04T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 175.9K engagements

"Just how Dangerous are Sword Cuts These Tests will Give You an Idea. We can analyze historical designs to draw conclusions about how well a particular sword might cut based on the profile and cross-section of the blade grind weight and balance etc. Or we can put it to the test and find out what it does in practical terms. which has its downfalls. Hands-on testing depends on the skill of the user (and there is such a thing as a "bad day") and the test medium. Tatami mats are a good material for checking edge alignment and sharpness but the results can be misleading. So in this video I'm trying"
YouTube Link 2025-09-03T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 28.6K engagements

"This Sword Could be Great But. ARGH This is my test and review of the Kingston Arms 13th century arming sword (Atrim design) which you can find here: https://www.kultofathena.com/product/13th-century-arming-sword-atrim-design-type-xiv/koa=259 AKA the "sword of mixed feelings". There are plenty of things I like about it but also something that I find irritatingly disappointing. Let's take a closer look. *** Specifications *** Overall length: [--] cm (34-1/4'') Blade length: [--] cm (28'') Blade thickness: [---] mm (1/4'') at the guard tapering down to [---] mm (1/8'') Weight: [---] g (2 lbs [--] oz)"
YouTube Link 2022-11-19T16:00Z 1.6M followers, 101.4K engagements

"Cursed / Haunted Swords (Tyrfing Muramasa "Satanic" Ritual Sword) You have probably heard of mythical blades like Gram / Balmung Excalibur and Durandal imbued with magic that makes them indestructible and grants the wielder special powers. Some of them however were said to come with a price. Viking sagas tell us about Tyrfing a sword crafted by dwarves (Svartalfar literally "black elves") that made the user all but invincible. A curse was put on it that would trigger a berserker rage every time it's drawn cause three evil deeds and ultimately cost the owner his life. In Japan we're told of"
YouTube Link 2021-10-30T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 130K engagements

"Armed for the Apocalypse: Let's See Which Store has the Best Options Let's go on a little journey to explore what kinds of improvised weapons and armor can be found at different stores (Costco Walmart Superstore Canadian Tire Kent). Which has the most useful gear for a hypothetical apocalypse scenario Emphasis being on "hypothetical". This video is purely for entertainment purposes and not meant to glorify or trivialize any violent behavior. Just a fun nerdy though experiment (and excuse to go window shipping for cool looking stuff). *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If"
YouTube Link 2025-09-13T15:01Z 1.6M followers, 79.5K engagements

"Which Shield Type is Better - Pros & Cons Check out the awesome beard products from Beard Sorcery like oils balms conditioners etc: https://beardsorcery.com/ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD If you haven't seen my review of this reproduction Scottish targe: https://youtu.be/NBwIPS3JuL0 Sword 'n board is a popular choice for good reason. Shields and bucklers have been tremendously useful as defensive weapons in history be it on the battlefield or in 1-on-1 duels. They are even still used for personal protection nowadays in the form of riot or ballistic shields. Functionally they are divided into two main"
YouTube Link 2022-04-16T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 198.3K engagements

"The Most Beautifully Ornate Sword I've Ever Owned (Kriegsmesser by Adam Bodorics) This is the most gorgeous ornamented sword I've ever owned. So I figured you might enjoy seeing more of it. Just kind of a wild guess you know ;) The unboxing video: https://youtu.be/8_BrzLHcOyI It's an amazingly generous gift by an awesome viewer from Austria named Wolfgang and made by Adam Bodorics. https://www.facebook.com/p/Adam-Bodorics-Swordmaker-100077666115061/ https://www.instagram.com/adambodorics/ Music: The Looming Battle by Zefz https://opengameart.org/content/orchestral-battle-music"
YouTube Link 2026-01-17T15:01Z 1.6M followers, 47.9K engagements

"One of the Lightest & Fanciest Swords. Is it Good This is the White Serpent by LK Chen a reproduction of a Ming Dynasty jian (double-edged Chinese sword). Quite a fancy design with beautiful ornamentation and elegant profile. Let's see how well made it is of course complete with cutting test on soaked tatami mats and "armored" water bottles (wrapped in thick leather). In this review I'll tell you my opinion of the fit & finish handling and practical performance. *** Specifications *** Overall length: [----] cm (38'') Blade length: [--] cm (30'') Blade thickness: [---] mm (1/4'') tapering down to 3"
YouTube Link 2022-09-03T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 123.7K engagements

"Armor: Something to Consider. This is a follow-up to my mail coif test: https://youtu.be/7x6ntkIZuDw We look at history through the lens of rationality but human beings are not 100% rational and definitely not all the time. What does that say about wearing armor that may have flaws or limitations *** Music credits *** "Water Temple" by El Corleo https://opengameart.org/content/water-temple Creative Commons Attribution [---] license (CC BY 3.0) Outro: "Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/ Used with artist's permission *** Merch ***"
YouTube Link 2022-11-16T19:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.1M engagements

"The Roman gladius: Was it really a sword for thrusting only *** Sources *** Dionysius of Halicarnassus https://archive.org/stream/romanantiquities07dionuoft/romanantiquities07dionuoft_djvu.txt Titus Livius http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/textdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0151%3Abook%3D1%3Achapter%3D19 Flavius Vegetius Renatus http://www.digitalattic.org/home/war/vegetius/http://www.digitalattic.org/home/war/vegetius/ Types of gladii: https://www.uam.es/proyectosinv/equus/warmas/online/Quesada%20gladius%20ROMEC%20rd.pdf https://www.knife-depot.com/blog/history-of-roman-swords-daggers/ Intro"
YouTube Link 2015-10-20T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 727.8K engagements

"The Most Overlooked Peasant's "Sword" You may know about the Messer (/ langmesser / kriegsmesser) and perhaps the Bauernwehr (peasant's defense) too. But what about the least known form of knife (machete sword) for commoners in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. the rugger In this video I'm giving you an introduction to this type of historical tool/weapon and reviewing "Rutger" a replica of a 15th-16th century original made by Landsknecht Emporium. *** Specifications *** Overall length: [--] cm (34-1/4 in) - blunt version: [--] cm (33-1/2 in) Blade length: [----] cm / [-----] in - blunt version: [--] cm"
YouTube Link 2025-07-04T17:01Z 1.6M followers, 108.5K engagements

"THIS is How TMNT SHOULD be Done So I found these unofficial animations of Leonardo and Raphael fighting foot soldiers and they are freaking amazing. This is what happens when someone with high level technical skills who is genuinely passionate about a franchise has a vision and puts in the effort to make it happen. The visual art style lighting atmosphere and animation quality are superb and a perfect blend of the 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and the vibe of the original comic books. This is my impression of the work done by John Likens. The videos I'm reacting to: TMNT : LEONARDO"
YouTube Link 2026-02-07T14:44Z 1.6M followers, 19.1K engagements

"Can a Saber Out-Cut a Katana - Let's Test it Check out the awesome handcrafted rings at Thorum: https://www.thorum.com/ Time for some comparative testing. Let's see how a custom katana with extra long blade does against a Qing Dynasty emperor's dao. For the tatami cutting I got help from Sindri a Kendo practitioner and Xian an experienced HEMA instructor. I also did a test on soaked newspaper rolls wrapped around PPR pipe that Lancelot Chan sent me. Those are more challenging than tatami mats even those with hardwood core. More about those: https://lancelotsword.com/cutting-targets"
YouTube Link 2025-09-27T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 74.2K engagements

"Armor Testing: Is Wax Hardened Leather Better than You Think Leather armor is ubiquitous in fantasy worlds and has been criticized for being ineffective in real life. But is it really Due to its organic nature only rare examples of leather armor from history has survived but we do have some written sources. It was definitely done although how common it was is a different question. So let's test how protective it might be. A leather worker sent me a few pieces of wax hardened armor (thanks Riley) in different thicknesses to try out (8 oz / [---] mm [--] oz / [---] mm and a combination of the two)."
YouTube Link 2025-08-27T18:34Z 1.6M followers, 96.6K engagements

"Mystery Unboxing - I Was Not Ready for THIS. Thank you Wolfgang You are crazy (in a good way obviously). To say I was not expecting this is an understatement. Thanks to Adam Bodorics as well who did a fantastic job. https://www.facebook.com/p/Adam-Bodorics-Swordmaker-100077666115061/ https://www.instagram.com/adambodorics/ This video is just my initial reaction but I will be showing more of it and also talk about the design once I know more about the thought process behind it. *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:"
YouTube Link 2025-12-20T15:04Z 1.6M followers, 102.9K engagements

"How Dangerous are Kendo Strikes with a Sharp Katana Or to put it differently would a Kendoka be ready for a zombie apocalypse Nah it doesn't always have to be zombies. Kendo can be seen as a sporterized relative of Kenjutsu the traditional Japanese art of sword fighting. Sort of like Olympic fencing and historical rapier fencing although that may not be an entirely accurate comparison. Either way the focus on speed and comparatively light contact (or so it may seem) makes some people doubt its martial validity. Personally I don't have a dog in the fight either way but I was curious to see"
YouTube Link 2024-08-23T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 388.6K engagements

"The Most Realistic Sword Duel in Movie History If you want to read about Polish saber fencing and the historical context of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) I highly recommend these books by Richard Marsden: USA https://amzn.to/2EU76BY https://amzn.to/2ETgHc0 Canada https://amzn.to/2XDa19k https://amzn.to/2Up5CVC Kult of Athena my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor fantasy swords etc: https://www.kultofathena.com/koa=259 Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords: http://www.woodenswords.com/Click=1799 Support the channel get bonus content and"
YouTube Link 2019-03-08T16:00Z 1.6M followers, 4M engagements

"Can Automatic Crossbows Work in Real Life the Way They Do in Video Games Sometimes you see a fantasy weapon in a video game that makes you go "aw man I wish this was real". The platinum and titanium crossbows from Icarus are one such case. a semi-automatic self-cocking magazine fed design with a badass trapdoor mechanism. Could this be done in the real world and would it be practical Actually. yes mostly. I'll show you a few examples that get pretty close and that are awesome in their own right. The game (I got it for under $5 during the winter sale so I'd definitely recommend waiting for one"
YouTube Link 2026-01-09T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 45.7K engagements

"This Sword is LOUD The sword in this video a two-handed Ming Dynasty jian by LK Chen: https://lkchensword.com/flying-cloud Do you know what "sword wind" is If not here is an explanation and demonstration. with a blade that makes the most audible sound I've ever heard. When the edge is aligned correctly and the swing has enough velocity of course. *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/ *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an"
YouTube Link 2025-11-12T19:00Z 1.6M followers, 615.6K engagements

"Let's See What Cold Steel is Up to Now. It's been quite a while since I looked at their products and promo videos and I got curious what's going on over there these day. So here's the commentary. Don't expect me to hold back the snark (much). :) Cold Steel's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@csknives/videos The last CS product I've tested (the hunting sword) https://youtu.be/Weuqe_Kcb3Q *** Credits *** Article about hilt construction by CAS Iberia https://casiberia.com/resource/is-it-full-tang/3402 Background music: "Spirit Waltz" by Horrorpen https://opengameart.org/content/spirit-waltz"
YouTube Link 2025-09-20T15:27Z 1.6M followers, 193.7K engagements

""Spin to Win" - Did They Really Twirl Revolvers in the Old West The most iconic way for a gunslinger to show off. But was it actually done outside of Western movies and video games Realistically would this flashy skill work for intimidation the way Johnny Ringo tried to do to Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) Here are my thoughts and some demonstrations just for fun. *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/ *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus"
YouTube Link 2025-03-26T16:47Z 1.6M followers, 1M engagements

"The Weakness of Light "Riot Shields" A relatively thin polycarbonate shield may hold up great against strikes with various weapons even something as excessive as a medieval flanged mace. But if this happens you're in trouble. The full test: https://youtu.be/kGIKkMRoFkU *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch:"
YouTube Link 2024-05-15T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.3M engagements

"Testing Ultra Light 'Mythril' Style Maille ("Chainmail") from Ringmesh This armor is made of welded stainless steel rings that are remarkably small and thin. Much lighter than traditional historical maille and more comfortable to wear. It's almost like metal fabric. Reminds of certain descriptions of mithril armor in fantasy worlds. Where it's from: https://www.ringmesh.com/Welded-Chain-Mail-Stab-and-Cut-Protection-s/2.htm In this video I'm testing various blades on it from a small folding knife all the way to a kriegsmesser rapiers a Dane axe and even a disc mace. It seems most appropriate"
YouTube Link 2025-08-22T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 64.3K engagements

"What Strongly Curved Blades Can Do Comparing straight and slightly curved swords like longsword vs. katana is one thing. Exceptionally strongly curved blades on the other hand that's a different slice of pie (yeah that's a saying I just made up). When you test different swords particularly in slicing draw cuts (which often fail) the main difference of course comes from a combination of factors (blade profile edge angle & sharpness etc). But all things being equal does an especially strong curve make a serious difference You bet your tacticool mall-ninja katana it does. ;) *** Merch ***"
YouTube Link 2025-09-08T15:56Z 1.6M followers, 438.6K engagements

"Staff vs. Sword - Guard Breaker The quarterstaff is often underestimated but it packs a serious wallop. Can a swordsman even block it We tested it to find out. Can you just cut through it https://youtu.be/_Fa-3gUhxC0 Where to get a good quarterstaff: http://www.woodenswords.com/Click=1799 The Blood & Iron historical martial arts school: http://www.bloodandiron.ca/victoria/locations/victoria-staff/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBbd3QJ-IT2g8kSvq3r3RA More about the power of polearms: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=xFiIDl_mt2c"
YouTube Link 2017-09-24T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 4.2M engagements

"When a Youtuber Needs a Reality Check. Just one more introspective ramlbing video before we get back to the fun stuff. This was one of those moments where it suddenly hits you: "Wait. this is what I've been doing" Accountability is important and I do not want an echo chamber. People who said that I've been complaining too much about numbers are right. Hitting a peak and then coming down from it can do things to your mindset and some degree of entitlement can sort of sneak up on you. I will be more mindful of such pitfalls and cut this whiny crap out. *** Support the channel *** Help fund"
YouTube Link 2026-01-07T20:07Z 1.6M followers, 142.3K engagements

"What is the Perfect Sword Length Historical swords came in all kinds of types and sizes. A frequently asked question is "How do I know what's the right blade length" Well they had opinions on that back in medieval and renaissance times. and they didn't all agree. So here are some rules of thumb more specific prescriptions and a few pros and cons of different sword lengths. The extending rapier a real 16th century "trick weapon" https://youtu.be/E7XCSAKV0Yk The translated manuscripts of Fiore de'i Liberi Philippo di Vadi Pisano George Silver and other fencing masters can be found here:"
YouTube Link 2025-12-03T19:30Z 1.6M followers, 34.7K engagements

"HEMA instructors fighting with the Polish saber - Lee Smith vs. Richard Marsden This was recorded on June [--] [----] at the end of a seminar that Richard Marsden gave on the use of the Polish saber on foot at the Blood & Iron HEMA school (Historical European Martial Arts) in Burnaby BC Canada. Lee Smith (Blood & Iron) and Richard Marsden (Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship) are experienced instructors and the co-founders of their respective martial arts schools. HEMA sparring has little to do with sport fencing. The weapons (shape weight balance) and tactics are a lot different. The"
YouTube Link 2016-06-20T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.7M engagements

"The Only Reasons Crossbows Exist In fictional media crossbows are often portrayed as immensively powerful one-shot wonders that punch straight through plate armor with ease. Reality isn't quite that epic. Compared to the threat of longbow archers crossbowmen may seem a little underwhelming on the battlefield in a number of ways. They do however have a few significant advantages that make it worthwhile after all. So let's have a chat about what the pros and cons are. *** Sources / credits *** Tod of Tods Stuff shoots a Roman Arcuballista https://www.youtube.com/watchv=0RIPKMZbDZU Dash Rendar"
YouTube Link 2025-09-24T18:38Z 1.6M followers, 419.5K engagements

"Leaf Blades: How Good are They and Why Did they Disappear (Mostly) Leaf-bladed swords are quite popular with collectors and overall in fantasy movies video games etc. One of the most iconic blade shapes for sure. They were also dominant in some parts of the world during the Bronze and Iron Age. However they basically disappeared later on in history with a few exceptions here and there. Why is that Matt Easton (@scholagladiatoria) joined me to talk about this interesting topic and to speculate on some plausible reasons. We also discussed the practical pros and cons of this blade shape. Are"
YouTube Link 2025-12-27T18:49Z 1.6M followers, 62K engagements

"The Dumbest Ways I Injured Myself as a Youngster Some injuries happen through bad luck in a way that's outside of your control. Some happen through a momentary lapse in judgment. But sometimes it's sheer stupidity. Especially at a young age. These two examples fortunately did not result in serious injuries. Although they easily could have. they involved sharp and/or pointy objects (big surprise eh). Background music: "Bustling City" by Bryan Wysopal https://opengameart.org/content/bustling-city https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos"
YouTube Link 2026-02-11T21:07Z 1.6M followers, 29K engagements

"Why Your Reproduction Armor is Not Accurate Unless you spent a hefty sum on a replica hand forged by an experienced armorer it's probably a little off in a few ways. Or even an almost totally different thing. From Greek or Roman helmets and body armor of antiquity to full suits of plate in the Middle Ages Renaissance and beyond we see a particular feature that is not replicated by factory production and that makes a significant practical difference. Know what it is *** Sources / credits *** https://royalarmouries.org/collection"
YouTube Link 2025-07-30T18:33Z 1.6M followers, 1.6M engagements

"Nobody Can Ever Be This Cool Again Yeah yeah opinions are subjective and taste can't be argued. But you know this is undeniable truth. ;) Take a close look at 15th and 16th century armor in all its intricacy. I bet you'll agree that military outfits went downhill after that. With some exceptions as always (and pertaining to the Western world). If you ever have a chance to visit the Royal Armouries in Leeds (UK) by all means. do yourself a favor. It's a fantastic museum. https://royalarmouries.org/collection *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to"
YouTube Link 2025-09-19T15:02Z 1.6M followers, 625.7K engagements

"This Armor Mechanic in RPGs is. Actually Quite Realistic Worldbuilding in fantasy (or sci-fi) roleplaying games can be done in so many different ways. Realism usually does not (and should not) play a large role compared to a fun gameplay experience. But there are typically some elements of realism and some designers / writers put more emphasis on it. When looking at the two most common ways of handling how armor works I find that one makes more sense than the other considering the practical tests on various types of armor I've done (gambeson / padded jack maille leather scale lamellar plate"
YouTube Link 2025-08-29T17:46Z 1.6M followers, 161.9K engagements

"The Most Unexpected Weapon Failures When things don't go to plan but fail rather spectularly. hilariously in some cases tragically in others. Swords axes war clubs arrows / darts polearms. anything can break. Enjoy this compilation of catastrophic mishaps from various tests I've done over many years. As much as I can cram into a minute. :) Background music: "Red Curtain" by HorrorPen https://opengameart.org/content/red-curtain Creative Commons Attribution [---] license (CC BY 3.0) *** Merch *** https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch:"
YouTube Link 2025-10-15T18:39Z 1.6M followers, 178K engagements

"How Good is a War Flail Really (Compared to a Staff) Is some of the skepticism and animosity towards flexible weapons you see online justified Let's try a more nuanced approach and give the long hafted military flail (AKA Hussite flail) a fair shake. Is it as good as most "high tier" polearms (halberds polehammers bills etc) Definitely not. But how does it compete with a quarterstaff That's basically the same comparison as stick vs. nunchaku just upscaled (which makes a significant difference). So I'll be talking about the pros and cons of the pole flail and giving you my perspective on why"
YouTube Link 2025-11-14T15:48Z 1.6M followers, 57.7K engagements

"My LEAST Favorite Swords of History I've talked about what I personally consider the height of sword evolution (https://youtu.be/uQSjO84HdPs) and my top [--] favorite swords (https://youtu.be/WOV1jPLnWYw) and. What about the opposite Which does NOT mean the "objectively" worst designs by any means (I've speculated about that too: https://youtu.be/yFCdh0JurAk). This is based entirely on subjective preference. Although some of that preference is rooted in what I see as practical flaws. Before the katana haters among you get excited. nope it ain't on the list. ;p *** Sources / Credits ***"
YouTube Link 2025-10-17T17:01Z 1.6M followers, 152.6K engagements

"Are You Wrong About Rapiers - These Two Couldn't Be More Different If you're one of those folks who think "rapiers can't cut" you're half right. Well less than half actually but you're at least not 100% incorrect. As usual. it depends. It sure does when comparing two VERY different types of rapier. So let's see what makes these as close to opposites as the same type of sword can get (unless you want to push a sidesword with a much shorter broader blade under that label too). The review of the cup-hilt rapier: https://youtu.be/Rk78vtV--Lc The review of the "Town Guard" sidesword:"
YouTube Link 2025-09-16T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 42.8K engagements

"Axes COULD be the Perfect Melee Weapons if Not for This. There are really only a few drawbacks that prevent battle axes from being a king of combat whether it be in real-life medieval times or in a fantasy scenario. Let's delve into the pros and cons Check out Matt Easton's video on why axes are hard to use in combat @scholagladiatoria https://www.youtube.com/watchv=1e7aGbopchQ Two-handed Dane axe vs. longsword sparring https://youtu.be/f5nVlV7c3yM Testing swords on two different wooden hafts https://youtu.be/u5rGmZUkTNQ *** Sources / Credits *** "Countdown" by Alexandr Zhelanov"
YouTube Link 2025-10-04T14:01Z 1.6M followers, 116K engagements

"My Honest Opinion on Tactical Swords When history is too boring and you'd rather have a sword fit for the carbon-fiber infused tastes of a couch commando mallninja. I guess this is what happens. Plain black blades with minimalist hilts and plastic handle scales. Here's what I think about "tacticool" sword (and machete) designs. *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/ If you want"
YouTube Link 2025-12-10T18:54Z 1.6M followers, 98.6K engagements

"Test: Flail vs. Mace - Which Hits Harder (You Might be Wrong About Flexible Weapons) Are flexible weapons LESS or MORE powerful than rigid ones Or are they the same I was tired of all the speculation and decided to find out with an improvised science experiement. Two handles identical in length and weight to receive the same striking tip (a mace head) set up to mechanically deliver consistent strikes with the same amount of force each time. Two different ways to gauge how hard they hit. This applies not only to war flails and maces but also many similar designs (medieval or not) including"
YouTube Link 2025-12-17T19:15Z 1.6M followers, 42.1K engagements

"Does the Back Draw from GHOST OF YTEI Work in REAL LIFE Regardless of how you feel about realism in video games this is not only a convincing but also visually appealing and interesting animation. Drawing anything but a short sword from the back is practically awkward in many ways and game designers usually "cheat" by making blades clip through scabbards. The animator(s) in Ghost of Yotei on the other hand paid extra attention to detail and figured out a way to make it look plausible. So. is it Can it actually be done in the real world with a large sword without any special scabbard or"
YouTube Link 2025-10-21T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 352K engagements

"What is Scale Armor - Practical Aspects & Historical Overview This is an introduction to a type of historical protection that seems pretty popular in fantasy settings in one form or another. Not quite as iconic and ubiquitous as a mail hauberk but arguably cooler looking. :) Next Video - Crossbow and Guns vs. scale armor: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=kavPt1CEJWs *** Sources *** Timothy Dawson Armor Never Wearies. Scale and Lamellar Armour in the West from the Bronze Age to the 19th Century USA - https://amzn.to/2LaBYiw Canada - https://amzn.to/2ISpopV David Nicolle Arms and Armour of the"
YouTube Link 2018-05-19T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.3M engagements

"A Realistic Way to (sort of) Dual Wield Spears The previous video about dual spear wielding in a scene from the Wheel of Time TV series: https://youtu.be/WOvkZsHwCQA As silly as the idea is there is a practical historical way to KIND OF do it. And ironically the source material describes just that. Apparently Aiel warriors make a lot more sense than the show gives them credit for. Where to get all these reproductions of medieval weapons and other cool stuff (affiliate link): https://www.kultofathena.com/koa=259 Other recent uploads you may find interesting: The Castlevania Throwing Cross is"
YouTube Link 2022-05-22T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 1.2M engagements

"How to Practice Swordsmanship (HEMA) by Yourself - Fundamental Guide This is my take on a comprehensive beginner's guide to train on your own whether it be because you don't have any instructors nearby or because you want to do your "homework" and get used to essential movement patterns. It covers the basic footwork how to grip a sword (single- and two-handed) practicing cuts and thrusts pros and cons of different methods and other important things to know when you're starting out. If you find this helpful please consider supporting me on Patreon or via Youtube memberships. Thanks"
YouTube Link 2025-01-31T19:43Z 1.6M followers, 52.5K engagements

"The Medieval Fighting Knife Almost Nobody Knows Have you ever heard of a "Rugger" No not the gun manufacturer with a typo. A Rugger is a type of Bauernwehr. Right still not the most well known. It's a large knife used by medieval common folk okay :) Unlike the Bauernwehr ("peasant's defense") which can be seen as an everyday tool first and improvised() weapon second this seems to be designed as more of a dedicated fighting implement. It has quite a stabby blade. So let's take a closer look at these reproductions by dm Bodorics a highly skilled bladesmith doing his own custom work while also"
YouTube Link 2025-09-10T19:16Z 1.6M followers, 222.4K engagements

"Alternate History: Could They Have Made these Weapons Earlier What if gun powder had been invented earlier Would for example the ancient Greeks have been able to discover the right mixture of sulfur saltpeter and charcoal Would they have been able to make bronze cannons centuries before the Chinese developed them People often ask why humans didn't come up with xyz earlier in history when it seems so obvious in hindsight. Here is my take on that. *** Sources / Credits *** https://greatmingmilitary.blogspot.com/2016/01/huo-qiang.html http://chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-greek-fire"
YouTube Link 2026-02-13T18:05Z 1.6M followers, 15.1K engagements

"I Was Wrong About These Sabers 18th & 19th century military sabers Meh. is what I used to say. These reproductions are quickly changing my mind. The degree of accuracy stands apart from so much cheap stuff on the market Also another reminder of how much proper blade shape matters. They have substantial distal tapers and that makes a world of difference in how they handle. You could actually fence with a saber like this and not be completely overwhelmed by a more nimble weapon. [----] light cavalry saber by LK Chen"
YouTube Link 2023-09-22T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 126.6K engagements

"Romans Beware - Dacian Falx Made in Romania (Review) https://www.iamandi.net/en/weapons-historic/falx-ursici/ https://www.facebook.com/iamandiknife The good old sickle sword. Scared the invading Romans into reinforcing their helmets apparently. Packs a mean punch especially in tip strikes against padded clothing and armor. Can it cut tatami How about ballistic gel How durable is the edge when hacking into wood Let's find out. Specifications: Overall length: [--] cm (30'') Blade length: Blade length [--] cm (23'') Point of balance: [--] cm (4'') from the hilt Weight: [---] g (2.11 lbs) Blade material:"
YouTube Link 2020-07-04T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 479.3K engagements

"Could a Samurai with Katana Beat a Musketeer with Rapier This is a "what if" duel that was historically possible and it's essentially a match of polar opposites. The rapier has superior reach and quick agile thrusts while the katana delivers more powerful cuts and has the upper hand at close distance. Overall quite a high-risk fight. assuming an unarmored duel. A battlefield scenario or an unexpected self-defense encounter on the street would be a different story. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each and what would happen if the fighters swapped swords Lots to cover so let's delve"
YouTube Link 2024-03-06T17:43Z 1.6M followers, 869K engagements

"Future vs. Past: Can a Bat'leth Defeat a Longsword As demonstrated in my previous video (link below) the Klingon Bat'leth is a lot more practical in design than some people give it credit for. In a duel against another Bat'let it offers good versatility strong defense and great effectiveness at grappling range. So now let's find out if this iconic Star Trek weapon stands a chance against a medieval longsword. There is an unintended bias in the fact that my sparring partner and I are much more familiar with the sword but testing it out against a resisting opponent can still give us some"
YouTube Link 2022-09-21T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 191.5K engagements

"The Sword of Uesugi Kenshin (Yomikuni Katana Review) *** Specifications *** Overall length: [---] cm / [--] in Blade length: [--] cm / [----] in Point of balance: [--] cm / [--] in from the top of the handle Weight: [---] g / [--] lbs [--] oz Blade material: [----] high carbon steel with clay tempered edge (real hamon) Hilt assembly: Pinned (two pegs) *** Pros / Cons *** + Very sharp edge excellent cutter + Flawless fit & finish + Very good handling + Sturdy construction durable blade - Uncomfortable grip wrap - Lots of hand shock when cutting hard targets This is a reproduction of a sword belonging to Uesugi"
YouTube Link 2019-12-13T15:40Z 1.6M followers, 352.1K engagements

"My Opinion of Hanwei (Swords and Polearms) My previous manufacturer talk (on Windlass): https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ir4fxczRgG8 If you want to browse Hanwei products (affiliate link): https://www.kultofathena.com/brand/hanwei/koa=259 ******************************************************************************** Want to help fund future videos http://www.patreon.com/skallagrim My favorite online store for buying swords (worldwide shipping): http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 Channel-related shirts and stuff: http://skallagrim.spreadshirt.com/ My"
YouTube Link 2017-04-16T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 174.5K engagements

"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"
YouTube Link 2021-01-27T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 137.9K engagements

"Review: Liu Ye Dao (Chinese Willow-Leaf Saber) by Huanuo Sword Art *** Specifications *** Overall length: [--] cm (35.4 in) Blade length: [--] cm (28.75 in) Blade thickness: [---] mm Weight: [---] g (1.8 lbs) Price: $415 (at Seven Star Trading Co.) *** Pros / Cons *** + Sturdy functional construction + Nice finish beautiful decorations + Very sharp edge excellent blade geometry + Light weight well balanced + Remarkably comfortable grip - Loosely fitted guard (can rotate a little) - Tang thread sticking out past the nut (maybe just on this one) - Blade stains easily *** Verdict *** This is a well made"
YouTube Link 2015-08-19T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 589.5K engagements

"The Best Way to Compare Flexible Weapons to Rigid Ones Does a flail (or other flexible weapon) hit as hard as a comparable solid bludgeon There has been a lot of speculation on that topic but not much in the way of real-life experiments with consistent variables. Usually the flail and mace have different lengths and weights and not every swing is done with the same exact force. That's why I made this setup here. The same mace head attached to either a rigid full-sized handle or a chain attached to a shorter handle. I'll be doing some tests with equal mechanical input to see what the practical"
YouTube Link 2025-12-06T20:15Z 1.6M followers, 29.6K engagements

"Review: ASP Talon DiscLoc baton (Airweight model) *** Specifications *** Length closed: [--] cm (8.25 in) Overall length open: [--] cm (19.7 in) Weight: [---] g (11.4 oz) Material: Aluminium with some stainless steel parts Handle: Foam covered Price: [---] USD / [---] CAD *** Pros / Cons *** + Quick to deploy easy to collapse + Quality material excellent fit & finish + Effective impact tool - Price (good value for the money though) *** Verdict *** This is a very noticeable improvement over a $20-50 friction lock baton with a better and more practical design as well as higher quality material and fit."
YouTube Link 2015-10-13T17:00Z 1.6M followers, 258.2K engagements

"Longsword Gladius Dagger Spear Tested on Riveted Mail The mail is a reproduction of armor found at Vendel and Valsgrde (6th to mid 7th century) although made of steel instead of iron. Ironically nowadays iron materials are relatively expensive compared to steel. This is where the maker of this test piece got the rings: http://www.capapie.co.uk/index.phproute=product/category&path=59_75 The weapons used in this test: 1.) Langes Messer by Nielo Swords http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=NS012&name=Lange+Messer&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 2.) Roman gladius (mid 1990s"
YouTube Link 2017-02-17T18:00Z 1.6M followers, 299.5K engagements

"Review: Kyu Gunto (Russo-Japanese sword) by Universal Swords *** Specifications *** Overall length: [--] cm (32 in) Blade length: [--] cm (25 in) Blade thickness: 5-6 mm (about 1/4 in) Weight: [---] g (2 lbs) Point of balance: [--] cm (4.33 in) from the guard Blade material: EN9 medium carbon steel (apparently tempered to about [--] HRC) Hilt material: Brass (guard and fittings) hardened leather with copper wire (grip) *** Pros / Cons *** + Light weight nimble sword + Beautiful ornamented hilt + Well made steel scabbard - 3/4 tang with only a single brass screw too weak for hard cutting - Blade has a"
YouTube Link 2015-09-08T20:21Z 1.6M followers, 289.7K engagements

"Review: LK Chen White Arc - 2000+ Year Old Chinese Sword Reproduction *** Specificatons *** Overall length: [-----] cm (44.68'') Blade length: [----] cm (37.2'') Blade thickness: 7mm (9/32'') near guard tapering down to 3mm (under 1/8'') near tip Point of balance: [--] cm (7.5'') from guard Weight: [---] g / [----] lbs Blade material: [----] and T8 pattern welded steel tempered to 55-58 HRC Hilt construction: Full tang pinned https://www.kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-white-arc-han-jian/koa=259 *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos get bonus content and other rewards:"
YouTube Link 2020-06-17T14:00Z 1.6M followers, 151.9K engagements

"Getting to Know a Brown Bess (Most Iconic Flintlock Musket) I tried out paper cartridges with a reproduction Brown Bess showing how the quicker military method of loading works. Definitely a lot more convenient than handling the powder measure wads and lead balls separately. Although not as accurate due to the undersized ball. Music: 1.) "ES_Baroque Church Ensemble 13" by Magnus Ringblom 2.) "Medieval Myths 3" by Andreas Ericson https://player.epidemicsound.com/ ******************************************************************************** To support the channel:"
YouTube Link 2018-05-26T13:00Z 1.6M followers, 218K engagements

"How to Deal With Skeleton Warriors What I show in this video: 1.) Custom made Igorot headhunting axe (new version) https://www.youtube.com/watchv=MPz7eH_gu8g https://www.youtube.com/edito=U&video_id=IQN7OV31Uds 2.) Aluminum hanbo https://www.kombativ.com/machined-aluminum-hanbo 3.) Bar mace by Windlass Steelcrafts http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=600652&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 4.) Bec de Corbyn by A&A http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htmgo=kultofathena.com/product.aspitem=AA250&afid=28632&tm=14&im=1 5.) A Viking round shield that I made in 2015"
YouTube Link 2018-09-21T15:00Z 1.6M followers, 247.8K engagements

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