True. Glad you made a video about this. Lots of peopel dont realise that very small differences in design, weigh, lenght, distal taper and such can make a huge difference. For an example two swords about same lenght and same wight. with a very simmilar design can feel very different and therefore be used in different ways. Just if the point of balance is 1 inch further out on one of the swords you will really notice it even if they are the same lengt and weight
You made me laugh, lol. "Bunged up" in Canadian parlance means constipated. :'D A good friend of mine is a history teacher. I should show him your videos, he might be surprised contrasting what he's learned in school with your experience.
This is why it is so much harder for a person to make a first purchase of a western style sword than a Japanese. The variety in handling is much higher for affordable quality production models. I was really close to buying something like what was shown in the videos several years ago, but didn't have the opportunity to handle any of them, or practice with anyone who could instruct me on what I should be feeling for. Making an informed decision on what was likely to be the one sword I could afford for the forseeable future was too difficult. I think I would have wanted something about like how you describe the mercenary model. I ended up getting a Hanwei Katana, not because I am some katana cultist, but rather because it is an easy choice to spend $300 and get a usable sword that handles properly for what it is. Now there are so many good resources to help.
I immediately thought some kind of imposter or doppelgänger had captured Matt and locked him up in his evil lair and is now using his channel for evil deeds.
Both XVa´s (or XVIIIas you call em (those types are often...quite exchangable i think)) :) both very beautiful swords. The squire line XVa feels awesome in hand ! Handt had a chance to wield the ringeck. Love the Poitiers ! Get well soon !
Matt: How does the Albion Mercenary feel for drilling Fiore techniques? Fiore's plates seem to show a longsword or bastard sword in use for both the one-handed and two-handed sword plays, so it might follow that the Mercenary would be in more keeping with his techniques than the Ringeck or similar long-handled swords.
docjjp Yes, in fact I think that Fiore's system could be used with a wide variety of longswords, but this Mercenary is about perfect for the range of techniques he shows. I have long believed that Fiore's system is optimised for smaller bastard swords. Though having said that, Vadi's system is similar and clearly uses large longswords, so it is a flexible system.
quite interesting, I would've thought first hand that the wider bladed sword would've been more unwieldly, taking into account both have nearly the same length. Gives you insight of the more obscure aspects of sword performance like distal taper and balance, both which are not apparent at first glance but that do make a lot of difference in the end.
Angular momentum is probably the biggest difference. The farther from the pivot point or rather what you might call the "grip point" the weight is distributed, the more force you're going to need to accelerate the blade to the same speed. The advantage in this is that once it gets to that speed, its going to need that same greater force in order to stop it.
As an aside, I suspect a this kind of thing contributes to katana myths. Earlier swords were designed more for armored, battlefield use, while later period ones were more often expected to be used in street fights & duels. This leads to differences in weight, durability, sharpness, etc all while keeping the same shape. If you assume these to be the same sword and take the best properties from each you end up with a superior sword that never actually existed in a similar way to how if you were to look at the best properties of these 2 Albion swords and assume they were the same you'd end up thinking they were something they aren't.
Very nice video! This is what i needed, I was thorn between those 2, but now i know I'll go for Mercenary from Albion as it fits my desires more than Ringeck (its more bastard one and half sword than ringeck).
I really like the talk about the names of swords in historic times (as well as the rest of the video). but it would be really cool if you talked about the etymology of swords in a video!
I like the more cut and thrust look of the Albion Mercenary. The only down side is that the handle might be a little too short, wish they made it in the same handle length range, more grip, as the Albion Ringeck.
You've got a nice pair of Albions. I'd like to get myself a Regent and a Burgundian, both of which are Oakeshott type XVIII blades. I like the type XVIII swords for their superior cut and thrust capability.
Alright, let me guess the difference, before watching the video: The sword on the left (our left, your right) is longer and thinner. It's more focused towards the thrust, as the long and narrow blade is more likely to penetrate armour and will enter easier and to a greater depth through gambesons, padded jacks and so forth. It also, of course, has greater reach. The sword on the right (your left) is shorter and thicker. It'll do much more damage in both its cuts and thrusts and is easier to manoeuvre in close quarters or with a single hand, but this comes at the downside of reduced reach and penetration. It is also easier to carry.
In addition, strength is more of a requirement to reach up to to be able to comfortably wield the sword than something that gives you a further advantage once you meet that basic standard. Which isn't all that high, especially relative to other weapons, like bows.
Hay Matt, got a question for you. Have you seen the Klingon sword, if so what do you think of it should it be called a sword or something else? Sorry for the nerd question, but I would like your thoughts on it? As some think of it as a sword and i think of it as a staff like weapon ie quarterstaff or three section staff what is your opinion of it? Thanks.
Hope you get well soon, Matt. Great video, however could you maybe go into deeper explanations on using that "shorter" longsword with bucklers? Is it just the weight/balance alone that changes the methods, compared to an arming sword, or is it also the extra length?
Man, your voice does sound a bit(as my English friend would say) naff and as such I hope you feel better soon. Very informative video, that being said how would you personally wield this new sword? Would you use a one handed grip, a two handed grip, or a hybridized version of both?
Anvil of Dawn is one of my favourite DOS dungeon crawlers, but I ALWAYS cringe when I read the weight of weapons in that game... a single handed sword SHOUDL NOT be 6Kg! Neither should a one handed axe weight 12Kg!
I'm curious, as a Fiore specialist, how would you fence fiore's system with your new bastard sword vs a more Ringeck-sized sword? I'm learning Fiore and my sword of choice is a bastard sword with handling characteristics similar to the Mercenary (I consulted the Mercenary for its balance and weight stats when I was building the waster in question).
I've got a mercenary winging it's way to me on the strength of this vid... plus subsequent research of course. I didn't rush but now Ican't wait to get my mitts on it!
Would it be at all possible to do a review for the Albion crecy? I can't seem to find a decent review and I'm currently considering one for my graduation.
I've been looking at the mercenary and I really want one, but they're so expensive. Where can I look for second hand swords, or are there any websites that will help me find some kind of antique fair where they sell them in the UK?
If you wan't a sword like the mercenary, look at albions squire line. They are basically like the next gen. line but with downgraded finish, always black handles and blunt edges though that is easily fixable. You could also look on myarmoury.com if somebody is selling one of his albions
You mentioned that there is no perfect sword but rather just the perfect sword for given circumstances. Your examples, cutting swords being more useful in a hot region such as India and stiff thrusting swords in the cold of Europe, I really enjoyed. But one thing you said confused me. When mentioning two-handed swords, you said that one-handed swords are better. I have to assume you meant "when used with one hand", because again context... right? The comment brought the question to my mind -- in what combat situation is your Albion Ringeck better than your Albion Mercenary? Both swords can be used with two hands, the reach advantage on that Ringeck is marginal, and the Mercenary is actually the better cutter. If you were in a situation where you definitely needed 2 hands on your sword and were thrusting with it, does the Ringeck really outperform the Mercenary? Does the extra inch of room for your hands translate into much greater leverage? I'm very curious what the real answer is.
You mention the blades are "type XVIII." Is there a resource you could point me to with examples or the general properties of these numbered blade types? I want to learn more about this.
StygianEmperor Technically messer just means knife. The sword types are all types of langesmesser, of varying sizes and shapes, but the names themselves are somewhat non-specific. Generally a kriegsmesser is considered a large two-handed type, but whether that is actually a historical definition, I don't know.
As I understand it, if we were to make comparisons to cars "two-handed sword," "long sword," and "short sword," are loosely classes of swords, just like a sports car, compact car, and smart car might be considered loosely classes of cars (one might have a smart sports car, for example). However, a Bugatti Veyron has more in common with a Pagani Zonda in that they are both considered "super cars," but that doesn't make them similar. It does mean that they will have more in common than a Veyron and a Mitsubishi Galant, however.
This was an excellent video. I'm certain that it was merely a slip of the tongue. I just wanted to point out that you called these weapons type XVIIIs and they are Type XVa models.
Ben Smith Nope, I'd classify them as Type XVIIIa. The problem with Oakeshott's typology is that it's open to subjective opinion - however both of these have bowed out edges and not straight edges, so I'd call them Type XVIII.
Type XVIII's have hollow ground flats, neither of these swords have that feature. Albion classifies both the Mercenary and the Ringeck as XVa models. On the other hand, this discussion really isn't all that important for how the weapons perform and are used. Frankly, Oakeshott's typology isn't particularly useful for that and any weapon from the type XIVa to the type XXa can be used in the longsword arts of the major traditions and both of the Ringeck and the Mercenary are excellent weapons.
hope you get well soon how is the quality control back to the middle age is every sword feels different on hands or the different are in a reasonable range
Railstarfish I do that when I get tonsillitis, it definitely ease the ache. I also recommend not to do image searches for tonsillitis (or similar stuff), as I learned the last time.
I think your new Albion Mercenary should put down any concept that you don't like katanas. You described the Mercenary as an arming sword with a longer grip. That's exactly the description you've used for katanas. I hope people see your consistency.
Random question, Matt: how tall are you? I'm a somewhat short person, so when you talk about using a weapon one handed, I'm wondering how similar in size you are to me when making that judgement call.
Hi Matt. I've been looking at getting one of these two this year, but am not sure which. Would you say the Ringeck or the Mercenary is the more suitable sword for practising Fiore? I was thinking maybe the Mercenary, as I know Fiore favours shorter swords, but can't make up my mind.
Could you please tell me how the pommels on these two swords are attached to the handles? Are the pommels screwed on the end or are they peened at the end to hold them on? The ends of the pommels look smooth, so I assume they are threaded and screw on. Did actual swords of the period use threads to attach pommels and hold the handle and hand guard onto the sword? Thanks.
Writing this after the first look at the swords, just to see how wrong my analysis is: The newer sword has a much broader base, and a finer point. My guess is that it has a PoB closer to the hand and was probably designed to pierce mail and/or to half-sword and aim for spots between plates. It will cut decently after the first 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). The ringeck, on the other side, looks more balanced in terms of cut/stab bias. Probably better at cutting, worse against armor.
damn I can't decide between the Albion Crecy War Sword or the Albion Ringeck Sword ,in your opinion do you think these swords wooden handle the same at performing?
michael franco these are the same two I'm deciding between. I'm obsessed with the shape of the Ringeck but I keep hearing the Crecy is the better cutter or rather easier to cut with
It is painfully obvious to anyone who holds the Ringeck in their hand that it is meant to be used with 2 hands. I don't think I've ever head a long sword that better reinforces that concept better.
That surprises me. At first glance I thought the Mercenary was heavier than the Ringeck, due to the fatter blade. Does it feel lighter because, even though they practically have the same amount of metal in them, the Mercenary has more of its blade mass towards the hand as opposed to the elongated Ringeck?
Jesus Christ I don't think he meant to imply that the Mercenary was in any way 'better'. It's better to use in one hand and it cuts better, sure. But it's shorter, so it's at a disadvantage in two-handed use. Two inches are plenty when both of you are trying to hit eachother from some distance away. The Ringeck is also heavier, making it potentially stronger in the bind (along with it being a bigger lever). I'd guess I'd prefer the Ringeck if I was to fight in a duel against the Mercenary with no shields allowed.
Spec I was thinking the Ringeck is better to half-sword and penetrating mail but it and the Mercenary are both Type X or XVIIIs according to Matt. Yes, it is longer and heavier and those have advantages in certain situations like you've illustrated but, overall, does that make it a more effective longsword to the person? I'm honestly thinking this comes down to preference. These swords existed at around the same time but they're a little different. They were probably used the same way but some people prefer a better chopper, some a better thruster - everyone had a different interpretation as to what a longsword should be. So Matt might prefer the Mercenary to the Ringeck and make it redundant. Particularly, it seems more suited to Fiore.
Jesus Christ Well, I can't say whether Matt in specific prefers it. Maybe he does, although I'd be surprised if he wanted to go for less reach of all things. I'd say they're type XV and XVa, respectively, actually. But I'm by no means an expert. The Mercenary certainly looks pointy enough to burst mail. Hard to say which one would be better at that. Halfswording might be easier with a straighter blade, I imagine. I don't get to do much halfswording sadly. Anywho, you're obviously right about personal preference. I'd certainly prefer the Ringeck because reach is important to me. There's certainly someone out there who'd prefer the shorter sword in a duel, but I think the main idea of the Mercenary is that it's short enough to be used for both one- and two-handed use - a typical 'bastard' sword. While the biggest drawback is reach, which I consider one of the most important things when a buckler or shield is not used - the ability to thrust while completely out of reach can end a fight in a second. Obviously there's enough ways to counter that, but it gives you quite an edge.
Jesus Christ Actually if you want a longsword then the Ringeck is better, as it has more length and authority in the blade. However the Mercenary is better if you want to use a sword on horse and foot, with shields or without. The Mercenary would also be much more comfortable to wear all day. But if I was expecting a longsword duel, then I'd take the Ringeck. They both have their virtues.
Get better soon. Gargling with a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water solution can help with your throat by the way. Just don't swallow it. It won't hurt you but it's not the most pleasant taste in the world. They also make mouthwashes for canker sores that have the same active ingredient that will do the job. I caught something very much like what you are going through in April and it helped keep me out of the hospital using that stuff.
Plumjelly It's not poisonous. They wouldn't have made it the active ingredient in mouth sore mouthwash if it was. And if you pick up a bottle of peroxide it even suggests this use on the bottle. naturallivingideas dot com/hydrogen-peroxide-uses/
If they didn't have specific terms for specific types of sword, then how did medieval customers describe exactly what they wanted? Did they have to show the blacksmiths with their arms how long they want the blade to be, and how long they want the handle to be? I highly doubt that they would have simply called everything "sword" when there were so many different sizes and shapes.
DushinSC Lovely blades - I find the Regent pommel quite difficult to get used to though. They are also quite hefty swords, fine in two-hands but quite unwieldy in one hand.
Ah that's what I wanted to know. Not that great in one hand. Could you actually comment on the ratio of longswords and "bastardswords" in use during the late medieval period?
I guess nobody took the hypothetical consequences of only saying "sword" into account. I imagine all scholarly intent in battle was put into technique and tactics, not classification :P
Being brutally honest, and I'm sorry if this comes across as nasty but I think you sound better like this. You come across (at least to me) quite aggressively in your presentation. The bunged nose I feel has brought you down just enough to a nicer level of energy. This is all purely my opinion and I'm sorry if it comes across as some form of attack.
