An advantage and disadvantage of SWORD AND SHIELD 

"I was born this way - my arms are the same length." Awesome statement, Matt. :D

I like how the relflective shield shows us more of Matt´s back yard.

guest star: Cat Easton

'I was born this way, my arms are equal lenght' a rare joke .

Catt Easton is back.

I like your mirror polished shield. looks great.

Also for a drawback. Holding a shield out in front creates a blindspot which prevents you to see an attack until it's already in motion.

And the old neighbors go: "Blimey, the fencing bloke is back."

The cat is watching you.

this was an excellent example of a concise and informative lesson. bravo!

Thanks for the video. I've always had a soft spot for sword and shield, especially shields that were used in the renaissance and early modern period. It seems, though, that despite more information being available few things "get" shields right or, at the very least, make them look like something you have to use actively. You don't even have to look to the treatises to see that the combo of sword and shield was an active one, as it occasionally shows up in period art! There's one in particular example I like that is attributed to Pieter Snayers of soldiers using shields not only as they scale a wall, but in concert with their complex-hilted swords as they begin to fight atop the defenses. Though obviously not the centerpiece of the image, you can make out clearly that these soldiers are using shields to lead in with, or to cover themselves, while attack. It's not just trading blows. And that was from the 1630s if I recall correctly. That so few depictions of shields in creative media (books, TV, film, games, etc...) are depicted as part of an active weapon set is a major bummer, since often times traditional "Hollywood" shield usage is pretty boring (doubly so in many games). Then again a lot of misconceptions about pre- and early modern arms, armor and martial arts remain entrenched.

It's Feline Gladiatoria! :D

Every time I see Matt move a sword around I am just awed by how completely fucking deliberate and precise every one of his movements is.

Hey Matt! I have a favor to ask: I have heard in the last months, both from hobby enthusiasts and, sadly, from a few professional archaeologists as well, the idea, that in the early middle ages, steel was of such shitty quality that a sword would likely shatter under the first few contacts with another sword and this is why they had to use shields for defense. This theory is running wild in the german sword community at the moment and i´ve even heard it in a demonstration, held by our local museum. I´ve talked to enough experts on early medieval arms to know that this is bullshit, (Roland Warzecha, as we both know, is working hard on a book about sword and shield) but i´m not firm enough in this topic to actually disprove it (my focus lies more in the 13th century). So it would be awesome, if you could please make a video about this.

Interesting. Played/watched a few RPG games with sword and shield combos and wondered how it was in real life. May need to watch some more of your videos

"Sword and shield, bone and steel, rictus grin Deaf forever to the battles din" - Motorhead

Ah, the cat descends from the previous video's events! Almost the same time stamp, too 2:06

almost all your videos have helped my game design greatly. Thank You!

Time from start (post intro) until Matt says context: 38 seconds

Sneaky Kittycat wants to be in Matt's video! :D

Using a sword and shield can be considered duel welding and sometimes you need to learn how to position your shield and sword to be more useful and not be in the way of each other. If you need to attack with your shield can either bring your shield back a little and angle it to allow your sword more freedom to fight or you could bring the sword up and over your shield in a scorpion strike like a scorpion tail.

Had the pleasure to give the 2000th like (: Love your content, Matt!

"I was born this way - my arms are the same length." Actually, your equal arm length is something that was developed over the span of your growth, under what I assume was a childhood and adolescence free of hard labor. I think this is relevant because of the historical presence of skeletal deformities you yourself have mentioned in previous videos (particularly about longbowmen). Generally speaking, arms and sides that are used more, or lead with more, will be lowered and effectively elongated. Someone who, say, spent long hours with a sickle, bent over, cutting wheat might have greater reach with their dominant arm than with their non-dominant arm, as I understand it.

I'd always go with shield in almost any context not because of one on one hand combat, but because of arrows and crossbow bolts.

Dear Mr. Easton: I am appalled at your stealing a traffic mirror as your shield. Also, who stole your old camera?

Matt, how about the historical benefits and disadvantages of a large two handed sword vs sword and shield? Surely that's a rather interesting question given they would have faced one another on the battlefield

Love your work Matt ! Will you be doing videos on various stuff from the upcoming Game of thrones season when time comes? :) I really enjoy both your real world content and media analysis.

Great video, Matt! I would also like to add that with anything in the "off-hand" you always lose something, in addition to gaining something. If nothing else, then you lose the ability to grapple (fast-er). Don't think this usually is something to care about in unarmored fighting, but certainly something to think about. I would say that the shorter you weapon, the more important it is for you to be able to grapple effectively. Think about knives and daggers.

Great video as always, mate. But for the love of dog, get one of those fluffy mike-cover thingys. Cheers!

Great demonstration and quality info.

**Cat intensifies**

IDK about advantage over longswords, and Greatswords. Reach is a massive advantage, even with a Shield (Depending on the shield) Generally hold An advantage: Being able to attack and guard simultaneously, however at the disadvantage of Reach, even compared to a sword alone, and lines of attack as you pointed out in the video. However, you have to, attack and guard, successfully, to overcome the advantage of Reach.

One very, very important thing is also what shield we're really talking about. The shield Matt used in the video was rather small, and it showed - trying to cut from your left side with a heater shield is just not a good idea most of the time, and you certainly can't turn it to face your right. And that's not even going into really different shields, like large, center-grip scutum, or weirdly strapped-to-the-forearm aspis. Or really, really weird ones, like Talhoffer duelling abomination.

In the larp I play we don't allow head shots. Strapped shields are generally used close to body like you showed first and punch shields are projected out. There is more too it depending on how you stand etc, but deep shote around the shield are far more common since most of our "swords" are omni-blades.

That's interesting to mention the gladius, and quite correct as well. It's notable that the French adopted a gladius copy in the early 19th century when neoclassical everything was very fashionable -- the Model 1816 artillery short sword. The US army, which was copying almost all its swords from French models (along with a lot else from the French military), also adopted a nearly identical sword as the Model 1832 foot artillery sword. In both French and American service, it was universally regarded as an almost useless weapon. If artillerymen ever had to face bayonet wielding infantry or saber wielding officers or cavalry soldiers, it's easy to see why these gladius copies were so poorly thought of. The artillerymen didn't have large shields, and were thus missing a key part of the weapons system that the gladius was just one component of, and which had been so successful for the Romans.

Hi Matt, seeing as I have been specialising in sword and shield combat for nearly 30 years now perhaps we should make a video exploring these principles further. I broadly agree with what you were saying, however holding a shield at arm's length for any length of time is extremely tiring. I tend to fight prodominatly with the shield close to my body connecting it's weight to my torso, with my weapon arm withdrawn. When I do attack I adjust the position of my shield to cover my weapon arm. All this done while maintaining a good distance. This also means that my shield still covers me when I am fighting multiple opponents.

Shield combo is still the best combination of weapons imho. So many benefits. Even when wearing full plate, there are so many advantages. But personally wouldn't mind a good polearm with full plate armor on.

Finally, someone talking sense about swords and shields.

I've fenced with Viking/Dark age sword and shield a few times in a Hema context. A larger standard sized viking shield and a cleaving Viking sword from Jell Dragon didn't really help me fight buckler men and they were getting the better of me. I cut the shield to a medium size Shield about 65cm diameter and swapped the cleavy Jelldragon for a more HEMA suitable Viking sword and and fighting the buckler became a fair bit easier and they were the ones that had to work harder for an opening not me (although it was a bit messy and hard to get in serious hits) and I took on a tall longsworder and had the better of him too. Nice how shields are an aggressive force multiplier at times. I've got a video on my channel of me and fellow Stoccatans doing Viking/Dark age shield and sword fencing and we are taught by Paul Wagner who wrote the Large shield material that Roland Warzecha and anyone else doing realistic Viking HEMA are working from

good way of explaining why shields became much less popular in the age of full plate. "why wouldnt you just wear plate AND use a shield" heres why. (though obv you CAN still use a shield)

The main problem with a shield is that it takes one slot over the 4 slots available, which means less place for arrows, or no lance, or only one sword. On the other hand, you can carry one on the back, one in front and jump everywhere and be fairly protected from archers.

Great video.. Thanks for sharing ..

Hello, this is Matt Easton of Schola Gladiatoria, featuring THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Also you can use the shield as a weapon in its own right - particularly the rotella, which can deliver a nasty punch. :)

I like to train with the shield and sword. I have found out that the best way to use it, is to stab / thrust. There are many techniques and you can also do cuts / slash or chop. You can even punch with the shield :D Any way good video.

No matter what the era and weapon system there are always pluses and minuses. For every weapon there is a tactic or defence; for every defence there is a weapon or tactic. Hence the ever the general evolutionary nature of armed combat throughout history.

Thanks for explaining. Very well spoken

George Silver thought the sword & buckler had the advantage against the sword & target in a duel, while some later writers (Joseph Swetnam, for example) didn't seem to think much of the shield. I'm not really sure what to make of the sources as a whole, but there are two disadvantages to shields you didn't mention: weight and vision. Especially if used poorly, a shield can block the wielder's vision allow their opponent to take advantage of them. Giacomo di Grassi noted both of these factors, though he expressed great respect for shields overall.

That shield looks like the sort of thing that get put on posts at junctions so you can see around sharp bends.

An idea for a video: If all melee weapons and armour were weightless, yet delivered and dispersed force as if they have normal weight (like in a typical video game world), what weapon would be best in a one-on-one duel?

you should do a video about the types of shield such as a "hungarian shield" which is a little shiend that protects your arm and has a spike out the front for parrying and offence. I am a great fan of shield combinations with daggers such as targe and dirk with sword in other hand because it opens up a bunch more ways to attack. sure your shield can limit the ways you can attack with your sword, but you can also use the dagger in your shield to attack in different ways.

Excellent video as always Matt!! Did you change your mic or something because the audio for being outdoors is fantastic! Aside from wind, (which you cant do much about) i thought it was good. Whatever you did keep doing it.

Il really like your videos outside. Feel free to check on youtube on or the web on "how to reduce the noice of the wind in mic", it will help you a lot being better understood.

lol that cat is like wtf eh what the hell video bomb

I'd like to see a comparison of center-grip shield vs stripped-arm shield, advantages and disadvantages of both styles and perhaps some hypothesis who has the upper hand when pitched against each other.

Ty great and informative vid very well explained just try looking into getting an anti wind mic sock (looks very fluffy)

Well done! I have people who need to watch this one.

do not forget it is also quite difficult to hold a shield on an outstretched hand for a long time.

Also, in 'El Lazarillo de Tormes' de main character grows up poor and has many miserable years until he ends up with enough resources to buy a sword. The status that wearing one gives him brings new opportunities and allows him to turn his life around.

greatly appreciate your concise video

I love that shield, is there a video on it? I wonder if it would still be a buckler even though its not center-gripped.

I'm not sure what type of camera you are using Matt, but I'd consider investing into a foam cover of some sort to block out the wind sounds for future outside stuff.

Hey matt your a crafty guy, if your going to film outside you should youtube a video on how to make a wind screen for your camera mic... its pretty easy and will certainly improve the quality of your recordings... Have a good one!

Matt could you please do a video on the British Bayonet and Sword scandal of the 1880's, that related to the failure of, mostly German made, swords and Bayonets in hand to hand fighting in the Sudan? I seem to recall that part of the problem was Snider-Enfield Bayonets modified for the Martini-Henry in India?

My left arm happens to be 7 cm shorter than my right. It is quite interesting in martial arts or self defense context. For example, my ability to do some elbow strikes (one of my favorite things) effectively with my left is very difficult, again having to do with anatomy, or the lack thereof.^^ Very interesting video as always Mr Easton. And I can't agree more with you when it comes to inexperienced shield users or actors that they seem to think of the shield as nothing more than some kind of counterweight. People also seem to forget again and again that the shield is not really armour, but an effective weapon when properly used. Have you changed your mind about rapier and buckler versus rapier and dagger? Maybe I'm missing the context (there, did it again) but I think you mentioned in an earlier video that you would prefer the latter in a duel.

I think holding the shield to the body against any heavy body weight attack is smart due to exchange of energy exerted. Should also role with exchange like a boxer and attack with opposite arm.

You need to stick a big piece of fluffy foam over your mic. Good vid though!

One more thing that I personally find the most annoying aspect of shields and to some extent bucklers is that they create a huge visual barrier... I very much like to see what my opponent is doing, but with I.33 I often find myself getting stabbed from under the buckler or being hit in the head without ever seeing the strike coming. Obviously part of it is my lack of experience when compared to the people I spar with, who have been doing it for years, but it's damnably annoying. I very much prefer sidesword/dagger and longsword to sword/shield.

Boromir's undoing was that he left his shield behind. Bet it could've stopped those arrows.

Your movement proves that you are a practiced martial artist

Great points of how the shield helps and hinders... so it would seem fun to put different weapons systems against each other to see where the advantages would be... for instance would a sword and large shield be better than a sword and a buckler?

if you're shield gets in the way you can always do what they do in the movies and hold the shield behind you.

great video, but please improve your audio setup if it's at all possible.

Context: I would use a gladius indoors without a scutum. Inside a ship or a house I doubt a larger sword would be convenient.

Why weren't handprotections developped earlier for civilian swords? Some might have carried a buckler in civilian life, but I guess the majority had either sword and dagger or a longsword. The other thing, I don't understand is, why dualwielding swords wasn't more common in civilian use. Two shortswords are superiour to sword and dagger. They allow blocking and attacking simultaniously, make defense hard, since the attack could come from anywhere and are a bit better at fighting multiples.

Before the advent of relatively easy plate, armor like chain mail and shield combination must have been fearsome.

COuld you do a video on so-called "heater shields" and their use?

I think this is very good but somewhat limited to small/medium shields. if you go for something like a full kite shield, or if your in group fights in a line, fighting with the shield extended and moving like that isnt as effective/practical/leaves gaps for spears. Tho often from my experience (reenactor/begginer hema) that means you attack very little, focus on defence and let your pollarms behind you get the kills.

"Don't hide yourself in regret Just love yourself and you're set I'm on the right track baby I was born this way" - Matt Easton

I'm currently shopping around for my first rapier. There aren't many manufacturers of rapiers, and those who do make them sell them for a couple hundred dollars or nearly one thousand dollars. There does not appear to be much in between. If you could give me some suggestions as to where to look for a solid, entry level rapier, I would really appreciate it. Some people say Windlass and Cold Steel rapiers aren't too shabby for entry level rapiers (even though I dislike both companies for different reasons), but the only other manufacturers I know of are Arms and Armor and Del Tin, neither of which come cheaply.

Seems to me that giving up some lines of attack doesn't much matter in a formation, since the guy on your left was already blocking them. It does give you more confidence when you're thrusting or hacking at the enemy in front of you, though, which more than makes up for it.

I guess the smaller the shield the further you move it from you body. That said I believe there is more to shield wielding than that. I have seen number of manuscripts where the shield was strapped to the upper arm essentially making a large pauldron. And it seems to me that while in one on one duels people tend to hold the shield out far away, in melee they hold it much closer to the body.

Please make a video about the Rondache.

How do you think does the principle of holding the shield further out, apply to large "Norman type" shields? Those shields are often curved as if they were made to fit the body and 12th century images often show them held infront (althought often not very close). I think, and agree, that most "small" shield types were held far out, but what do you think of those, big shields and exceptions?

fantastic

Is it just me or does Matt, for some reason, looks really handsome with that sweater, that arming sword, and that shiny polished rotella. #nohomo

Hey Matt! I've been watching for a while now, and I was wondering if you could do a video on some movements with a sword and buckler, particularly some movements defending the sword arm with the buckler as seen in your Shield and Buckler discussion video. I just received a practice buckler yesterday to go with my sword, and I would like to see some techniques that I could use when practicing the different motions.

Really sorry to hear about your arms being the same length. My brother was born like that too.

Matt needs a microphone windshield, or audio post-production software that does the job after the fact.

Hey Matt! In a couple of your videos you've talked about dual wielding swords (as well as the popular rapier and dagger combination). But I was wondering, whether there are any historical sources that mention dual wielding a sword and a short pole weapon (sword and axe, sabre and horseman's pick, etc...). Could this be done? Does it have any advantages over carrying a single weapon? What are the drawbacks? And most importantly - has it been done? I would love to hear from you about this topic.

Impale spike club with chain into shield. Use feet with chain to pull down forcing the shield toward the ground making the shield unusable and throwing opponent off balance. Now deliver the fatal blow with your sword.

Nice video

Not to mention your shield takes up an empty hand. Could you talk about the advantages of a smaller shield in close combat over a larger shield?

If you read 15 century Spanish literature, people are often described as being an 'escudero' i.e. 'shieldman' for so and so Lord.

That brings into questions about thrusts though

A buckler would get around the problem of not being able to carry a shield around in every day life right? I mean with a center grip it could be placed with the sword (putting the hilt of said sword through were you're hand would be when you hold it), and it would still be accessible easily when you need it. Also center grip round shields could have a carry strap to be slung across the shoulder, although that would get in the way and make it not as effective.

Hey Matt, you say that the sword and shield combination kind of limits your offensive options in the sense that some cuts are much slower to do, which is true. However, when using a shield, it seems to me that you can move in ways that would be much riskier with a sword alone, such as rushing in close quarters, or blocking the line of sight of the attacker to hit him in the legs, per example. Therefore, while the angle of certain cuts can be much more awkward than with only a sword, the number of possible tactics is, in my understanding, greater. What do you think?

Nice Jumper Matt

This mirror-polished shield shows the whole of your yard. :)

quiet recent I foaght against against sword and shield as a saber fencer, I was surprised that it was very easy for me to get around the defence or to block my opponents view with feints or even to grip his shield and leaver him... is the use probably better in formation ? me for my self I can't fight with a shield or buckler because it feels always to be in my way. ps. keep on with your viedeos, love them.