I find your content to be unbiased, fair, insightful and with incredible depth and detail. From my perspective, you are and should be well trusted in this venue and have worked diligently to earn the respect you have. Thanks for everything you have invested!
I guess I have watched enough of your videos to be aware of all this. I think you are one of the best sword reviewers out there. Your reviews are thorough, well photographed and the destruction tests are very enlightening. I have always had the impression that you are honorable, honest and provide full disclosure. I will be back. Cheers!
Matt - My brother showed me your channel today, so naturally I watched several more videos. I was immediately impressed with your cinematography, articulation, and organization of your content. You are really excellent at this. Moreover, I appreciate your knowledge and credentials to speak on these swords - you definitely have the authority to speak on this content vs your average back yard larper. As someone who studied kendo, kenjutsu, and iaido in my teenage years, hearing that you are also a student was refreshing - and quite obvious in your form and movement! I really appreciate this type of content and look forward to watching more of your past videos and future ones you release. Cheers!
Your reviews are always top knotch. I usually check out your reviews as well as katana-karls before i buy a blade. Always found you to be about as impartial as one can be, honest, and fair to the price point of the blade. Huge fan brother.
I used to own a Last Samurai katana from Amazon and thought it was the best thing ever. However, after coming across his videos, I realized how wrong I was. Since then, I've been on the search for the perfect katana. Thanks Matt.
Thank you for your passion in this “labor of love.” I have followed your channel for a very long time, probably since the beginning. I have been entertained, have learned and have enjoyed what you have shared with us. I hope to be following your channel for a long time to come.
I've watched most of your videos. I've always felt you give your honest opinion and I've made some better informed purchases decisions as a result. Even your reviews of some higher end swords have had some pros and cons. Keep up the good work!
When I did product reviews for the sword community, it was before the youtube age. It was enough of a time suck taking photos, writing reviews, returning product, etc. I'm sure it's even more time consuming incorporating video. Thanks for making the effort.
I imagine it was a pretty different world of product quality throughout the years. Would you say the quality available now is generally better than about a decade ago?
@Psycho-Ssnake absolutely. The overall quality has increased by leaps and bounds. Thirty years ago, we would have been thrilled by much of the lower tier stuff of today. Back then, finding a sword with a strong tang and a hilt that wouldn't fall apart were the big things. Forget about the finer points of mechanics and design. Even in the last decade, things have been refined and perfected to a great degree. It really is the best time to be a sword lover.
@@patrickkelly1070 thank you for the time. With all the wildness happening these days I can at least be happy with the ease of products and information readily available for this hobby.
Thank you for your candid thoughts on testing and reviewing. I have enjoyed your videos in the past and have actually taken them into serious consideration when buying or recommending a sword. Honesty and truth are so refreshing in this world. Take care & stay safe.
It's almost like some People think ,RU-vid is not a real Job, like Cameras are free, Swords and other Products are not always free, do Companies reach out to have their stuff reviewed, Yes, You've never kept that hidden. Thank you for what you do!
Please continue with all that you do - all of your videos are informative and entertaining. I enjoy your interviews with industry experts (slightly) more than your group chats, but they are all good stuff. Drunken reviews are more entertaining than they have a right to be, but I look forward to each one. Cleaning and care videos have been more insightful than you might imagine they were. I enjoy the short format almost as much as the more detailed, long format videos. Your calm and humble demeanor help cement your impartiality, which is vital as a reviewer. My favorite videos (so far) are the "Tactical Wakizashi" video, and the "Manufacturer Brand Rating" video. So, "thank you," for all that you do, and "Please, may I have some more..?"
Excellent process you follow and great video describing it. Honesty is the best policy sums it up nicely. I was especially tickled that the sword I bought from you years ago was shown here from 7:31 to 7;46, nicest sword I have ever owned. Thanks very much for your time and dedication, I have been one of many that have benefited greatly because of it.
On the subject of "expertise" - You don't need to be an astronaut to know the moon ain't made of cheese. Keep sharing your goofy hobbies. You've been helpful to me. Thanks.
I appreciate that. I tried making this video a few times and this was the least whiney of the times I made it. I still feel like I could have said more but an hour is enough LOL.
@@Matthew_Jensen Well I already owned few replicas of late antiquity spathas, so I knew bare bones of what to expect when it comes to steel and its properties. What I found most illuminating was your commentary on koshirae. I remember that prior to watching you, I'd ignore imperfections such as the ledges between kashira and ito, as spathae are not known for their comfort of use. Now, having practiced with the uchigatana i don't think I'd be able to ignore it for a prolonged period of time. I started to pay attention to the small things like nakago and mekugi, things that are endemic to the Japanese swords and play some role when it comes to the sword's quality/price but are not necessarily obvious for a noob. Your commentary on the tsuba developing small rattle in correlation with practicing katori shinto ryu helped me when looking for the iaito. Of course producers recommendations also helped a great deal. Oh, and one more important thing: I often choose my hobbies based on the community and general vibe of it. Therefore your drunken review and talking with sword friends series sort of buttered me up and encouraged me to go out there and interact with sword friends irl.
You’re awesome don’t listen to silly folk. Always thought that you should speak about the amount of swords you’ve had go thru your hands. Not a lot of reviewers have held multiple of the same type of Albion or hanwei. Or most the other sword companies the amount of swords you’ve got to hold and swing around makes you a expert in the reproduction market at least
I have yet to hear such thorough, considerate, and fair reviews anywhere else......Sounds to me like you're a humble expert consumer/practitioner on more affordable katana. I think what you call expert is more of a master. I appreciate how high you set that bar.
Thanks for the video! Iaitos breaking just from swinging is information I didn't have before. Now I understand a little better why my former Iaido instructor insisted on Japanese made iaito only for safety reasons. I understood the risk of a poorly constructed handle and the blade flying loose but even a $60 katana from Amazon has the tang epoxied in to the point where it will never come out. I didn't know they can just break from swinging and hitting nothing at all...
I don’t want to come across like I am blowing sunshine up your keester but there is a reason I send pics of swords I have completed (reminds me I have a tanto and a shobu kat for you to gander at) . That reason is because I trust the opinion you give is a honest opinion. I have been studying martial arts , including sword arts since about 1984. I also don’t consider myself a expert but I do have a certain understanding about Japanese arms and armour. I also don’t always agree with everything (like swirly mitsudome 😉) but everything that you seem to say comes from a honourable place! You have a good reputation in the sword community and that really isn’t always the easiest group to….. well you know!!!! Anyway it’s almost fishing time there Matthew !!!!
My philosophy is that the broken sword is the result of your work. While that value add is typically negative, broken sword parts are very much a Matthew Jensen product and not a review sample.
I find most negative comments about reviewing are based on jealousy. Your reviews extremely through and detailed. Even when you love a sword, you heap constructive criticism on it.
Calling all of it jealousy would be too dismissive. Its OK to get criticism and fair for folks to question my logic or motives. Hopefully this video can be something I link to for clarity when it comes up.
Hey Matt, great video. I remember a similar one a while back where you touched on similar subjects. Personally I think youve always been very clear on your focus and agenda and have also paid your dues enough you dont need to spend an hour explaining yourself on it. You've been a massive contributor to the sword industry and the enthusiasts community and me and I'm positive many others who have learned and enjoyed your content both here and on SBG Forum appreciate and thank you for your efforts! Two perosnal things to point out, I do miss the old Drunken Reviews lol!! Maybe thats a collaboration we could do? I do have the bar lol! Second I noticed the clip of you half-swording the Windlass Roven, you haven't forgotten who suggested you try that do you...? Lol!😉 Anyways keep up the great work and dont stress about negative feedback, if you're getting it, you definitely dont deserve it and those naysayers arent worth your time! Talk to you later, David
Sir Matthew you are a pinnacle and a bedrock in the swordcraft presentation and chat in content creation. I have learned a great deal from you and as you know your influence helped me decide to start my own channel and extend my interest in bladecraft. I thank you my friend, this was an excellently put together, introduction with some fantastic imagery, Thank you for sharing with us
I like to razz you sometimes about this, though nobody provides as useful and detailed info as you consistently do. It's understandable that there are minor conflicts with getting to keep the free samples, tho your Thaisuki S05 review shows that even a $2000+ price tag doesn't buy false praise. One thing I would like to see more of is your opinion on how a sword _feels_ . Like if the tsuka is overly fat, or if the niku is excessive/insufficient etc and how that affects your experience. I think at this point your subjective analysis is just as valuable as the objective considerations, particularly when it comes to use (either in the dojo or the backyard).
No worries on the ribbing. Sometimes it is all in good fun and that is not a problem. I try to talk about the rip and feel but I could talk more ab out it. Also include the niku. Good calls.
Thanks for hearing my feedback, bro. Also, I have always loved the "throwing at a tree" segment and how it turned into standard practice. Agreed about the reasone, it's like an acellerated test of what may come loose. Would be awesome if you practiced your throw more, maybe with a wider target, because some dead-center poiiinnnngg throws would be great fun to punctuate a observation with. Those dead center shots add a lot of visual appeal. @@Matthew_Jensen
Like I don't understand where anyone is coming with calling you a sellout..... I don't think you could be any more transparent than you already are. In my opinion you give fair reviews to the swords you show, giving both the good and the bad, and i have found your content both very informative and very entertaining. Hope to see your reviews for a long time
Everyone gets to have an opinion and to many folks I fall short. That is OK. I can't promise I will change but I can try to understand why folks that disagree or argue I am bias feel the way they do. We don't have to agree but it would be counter productive to dismiss concerns about objectivity or anything that could make my reviews worthless or better. I appreciate the kind words.
Absolutely, would never try to stop people having their opinion but in my opinion they are wrong!😂 and judging from alot of comments I have read, there are alot of people who would agree with me! Again, thanks for taking the time to make these videos and share your knowledge with us.
It's my assumption that Most who say so are likely saying it to get a rise out of everyone, not that they believe it. Internet has a lot of interesting characters.
Wow dude. I really enjoy your videos and the great content. I trust how you review the swords. Gives my peace of mind if wish to purchase one of the swords in your reviews. Thanks Matt.
A year ago I was looking for a real functional katana, not those stainless steel wall hangers I wanted to actually do sword-like activities I’ve been struggling to find one for months until I saw your review on the 50$ sword from musha on a RU-vid short, I watched the long form and decided to buy it, and im happy with it, its in good condition. Thank you Matt!
I've always thought you to be fair. As a sword & scabbard maker myself I wouldn't be afraid for you to test one of my pieces. Though I usually specialize in one off custom pieces from ground up. I will also re-hilt/build scabbards for swords & knives made by other companies as well. Just fig your tests are more geared for production pieces or I would've sent you something.
I think this is as constructive as I can be about the feedback. I want negativity to reach me so I can understand it. I do what I can but I would never improve if I was not open to criticism. I am not trying to be a downer about it, I thought it would help to put this out there and avoid any perception of secrets.
Your videos are so helpful and get me excited about swords and martial arts. On another note, I’d love to see you test the Windlass Conan’s Father’s sword to destruction! Such an iconic blade! I’ve got one and it’s got some serious heft and super fun.
Your reviews are incredibly helpful for me, and I love your videos and hard work. Thanks for sharing the process! Just curious, are you taxed on the swords you receive in exchange for a review?
your content is always so appreciated. do you have any interest in reviewing a peace katana from bugei? i apologize that the comment section is not the ideal place to put this. thank you
Ya I love your reviews I’ve bought two swords bassoon your reviews and if I’m interested I do go look at your channel to see if you have reviewed and ultimately destroyed it so I can see how it holds up so keep up the the good content and thank you
I am not even sure how to answer that Scab. Going to have to go with 420 stainless and my ass cancer has not happened yet but if you believe in it hard enough I might not poop strait anymore.
My dad ignored his prostate cancer. It spread EVERYWHERE through his lymph system. Got to his lungs ( Dr said it looked like birdshot in his lungs ), brain ( had to do surgery ), his hip and spine got it and they fractured while working cuz they were weakened. To say it got pretty bad is a bit of an understatement. Moral of the story is please check yourselves for ass cancer and follow up on treatments.
You are doing it wrong and your hair line is receding because you have BETRAYED the ponytail! To be a pillar of reviewing wisdom you must grow back the hair and have a mighty bread.
Long vid, lots to comment on. Completely agree with your "ethics and editorial transparency" clause. I did a brief review once of a sword that I didn't like. Only problem was it was beautiful, well nipped and tucked. There was a lot of quality there. I just hated it. Little things about it threw off the entire experience. What would you say, other than your honest opinion and let it just be.
My question is what type of injuries have you incurred over the years doing all this crazy cutting and demolition with all these three foot long razor blades?
Don’t underrate your day job, sir. Actually, just got my masters and supply chain and there’s a severe lack of RU-vid support for it.😅 fortunately I was able to get settled with a good job but I could definitely see myself appreciating any advice/insights you have on the subject !
Good morning, I'm asking everyone... I just bought the Valiant Vision ATrim Tellaro longsword from Kult of Athena. On their website they write that it is an Oakeshoot XVIIIb but I checked and it doesn't seem right to me. Can you help me identify the correct code? I have to do a review of the sword soon. Thank you very much.
Recently found your channel. Very helpful and informative. I've been collecting real and movie replica ( L.O.T.R.) swords for many years. Still lots to learn. Thanks for helping with that. Keep up the great work!
I had one of their katana/wakizashi many years ago. It was durable but expensive and hard to move. Zombie Tools achieves the same kind of goal. I would be happy to test one again but not sure it is in the cards.
I always roll my eyes when swordmakers try to excuse damaged swords in reviews by saying ‘It wasn’t meant to hit X.” Pretty much every sword is at least expected to hit ANOTHER SWORD or at least a shield during it’s intended use. It doesn’t matter what you aimed for. The opponent has a say in what gets hit. If it breaks against a branch or another tough but reasonable target I want to know. And even if it is a wildly inappropriate target like an engine block I still appreciate seeing where the breaking point is and knowing how well it faired up to that point.
Off topic, but sometimes you wear chain mail leggings but they don't seem to cover the area I'd want covered. Are you sure you don't want femoral artery coverage?
I bought a ronnin pro no 12 with ex bo hi it was twisted bent kiosaki was all chewed up junk sent pic to sbg store pres, got nothing Sbg is junk in the past chennes i bought were great still going strong i will never spend my hard earned money on anything from sbg over 300 bucks in the trash litterly. My birthday sword saved all year for it ,,, im not happy to say the least.
Well, if one is not allowed to talk about katori or demonstrate it publicly then, considering all the videos there are on RU-vid about it, somebody did not get the memo. 😄
