Good lord the vast majority of comments on this video are just plaint annoying. People, the company is called Zombie Tools. It's a theme, not a reality-based concept. Everyone arguing about "wouldn't an axe be better for repeated use in a zombie apocalypse?" - again, it's a THEME. It gives them an excuse to make any weapon they want with the same inspired look and feel. It's so insanely stupid how many people are bickering about "These look more like tools", "these aren't historically accurate". No shit dude. They're fantasy inspired weapons for a fantasy inspired setting. They're targeting an audience who is into this stuff and isn't necessarily primarily concerned with historical accuracy, balance, etc... You're comparing apples to oranges and there's no point. If you want to bicker about historically accurate swords, go do it on reviews about swords that are MEANT to be historically accurate. Judge the swords for what they are, not what you wish they were.
Yes. One complaint I see a lot about ZT weapons in general is the lack of cross guards (or guards of any kind). ZT weapons are zombie apocalypse themed, and zombies aren't regularly known to use swords, so a cross guard would mostly be useless weight. That's beside the fact that swords don't NEED cross guards to be effective weapons, as history is littered with swords that worked quite well in combat without having cross guards.
Yep, the blade geometry seems to be quite a bit better suited to FMA than to HEMA. In general, FMA does not do draw cuts (and push-cuts only very opportunistically, e.g. from a missed stab or to quickly follow up on a parry) - we pretty much only chop with our blades. And for that, the axe-grind is just fine. A super thin edge would only get damaged, and might even be more likely to get stuck when chopping. Stabs to weak points are also quite common, at least in Arnis - so the point has its uses as well.
My sharkalope Came, This blade is absolutely outstanding. I had the same issue with the edge geometry that you had Skal, and I easily fixed it by hand and a few beers sitting on the porch with a file and a Lansky system. I took it from the high 30s, to a good even 20 degree bevel and the edge is stupid sharp now, phone book paper turns to confetti. The balance, weight and speed of this blade is stunning, and to be honest in any kind of close quarters fight where a big weapon is impractical, this blade has a serious advantage up close.
Glad you said yours was good after edge work. I have NO experience at re-profiling a blade, but must attempt it on mine; it has such poor edge geometry that it is not that great for the price. I only have a Dremel and files, so wish me luck - right now it is sharp enough to maybe cut a soda straw if the moon is right and the wind is from behind and I've had my steroids for the day. So - will try to improve it.
do NOT use a dremel. put it back in the drawer and forget you own it. buy a cheap lansky sharpening system with angle guides. it costs like 30$. if you can afford a zt blade you can spring for proper tools to maintain it. the dremel will ruin both your temper and the angles will be all over the place!
Actually, Skall, the 'ricasso' is in fact a choil, and on ZT's own "Care and Feeding of your Zombie Tool" page it's explicitly pointed out that you really aren't supposed to put your finger in it, as doing so runs the risk of having your finger slip up into the actual edge during real use. Quoted directly from the aforementioned page: "All of our blades designs have a circular cutout between the blade edge and the handle. This is called a choil. The choil is both an aesthetic design element and provides a neat starting place for our particular kind of bevel grind. We find that some people mistake the choil for a finger hold. It is not a finger hold." and "Keep all your fingers on the leather handle wrap." Otherwise a fairly good review as always, but that that was something of a significant blunder to make considering the ZT boys themselves seem to consider the suggestion an unsafe one.
Skallagrim, you are truly one of the best reviewers I've ever seen. You miss nothing and cover everything without droning on or messing around along the way, and most importantly, you know your stuff.
I always love the Zombie Tools reviews. Honestly I think Skall's videos should go up on the official ZT site, and he should do a review for each of their products
Side note: Some Filipino techniques with bolo or short swords like that involve dual wielding. Akin to Arnis techniques. Could be fun dual wielding that zombie tool, cue Alice jokes. :)
I think that the baby shark and the dcapitan companion are both designed for a secondary blade, I think baby shark is designed specifically with this in mind
I have to say maybe the axe grind was a purposeful choice, I mean when you think about surviving in post apocalyptica while a shaving edge would cut better it would also wear out faster right? And how often are you gonna have the time and peace of mind, let alone the proper tools to care for and maintain such an edge? The axe edge cuts well enough and can go a long time without sharpening. Just my two cents though. :)
OOOOH I was waiting for a full review of the Sharkalope! I ordered one about 2 weeks ago, and can't wait to see it in person. So, I'll be reprofiling the edge, no big deal :) Thanks Skall!
You can loosen the retention of the scabbard by heating the kydex up near where it holds onto it. A heat gun or a very quick touch with a blowtorch can soften the kydex enough to custom mold it.
They have instructions for unsheathing at their site. Apparently you're supposed to pop it out with your thumb and then draw it, and while that probably works well enough for their katanas and sabers, I think it would be a bit more difficult with something like this, and might even carry risk of injury with their double-edged models.
Zombie Tools are located were I live Missoula, Montana. It's awesome seeing all your reviews I have been a fan of yours for awhile. I was stoked when you did the first ZT review you did.
got this from their "care and feeding" page. it may solve the sheath problem you had. There’s a small trick to unsheathing our blades. Our Kydex sheaths are formed to have a pressure lock on the handle. If you just grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and pull, the unsheathing can be difficult and awkward. The trick is to use your thumb to pop the sheath off the handle lock. Grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and use the thumb of your handle hand to push the sheath off of the blade while gently pulling at the same time. You’ll also want to turn the blade so that the edge is facing up and the blade rides on its spine as you unsheath. This is especially helpful with our curved blades.
Impressive torture testing. It appears they got the balance between quenching and tempering perfect. Very apparent in the throwing footage. Nicely done on your part as well as theirs. I'm not usually a fan of fantasy weapons but this one just made its way onto my wish list. Glad to see you all healed up too
Hey Skall. I've been working on a story for a while now. Ever since I discovered your channel it's helped me decide what kind of swords I want my characters to use. I just wanted to say thank you for all the information on weapon types and their uses.
These Zombie Tool weapons are no joke. I got a Reaver Cleaver back when you reviewed yours and it is fantastic. If I could I would collect the ZT line.
on really tight locking plastic scabbards it sometimes helps to push it with your thumb in addition of just gripping the handle and pulling (fingers around handle, push the scabbard away from blade with thumb instead of pulling blade from scabbard)
I have handled one of these belonging to a friend. He had reground the edge. It was a great cutter with the new edge. I loved the balance. Its a fast blade.
I just wanted to point out (apologies if this has been said already), but the Kydex sheathes from ZT have a trick to opening them. You need to pop the hilt free of the pressure lock by pushing the sheathe down away from yourself at the point the cross-guard (if applicable) meets the lip of the sheathe, while pulling the blade up and drawing it out.
BUT skallagrim. its made for ZOMBIES. this being noted, would an axe like geometry not be better suited for going through skull and bone? over and over and over?
+Eric Friman no shit. but this is a zombie tool short sword. given its intended purpose, im assuming this edge may have been intentionally duller than average.
Hey - I just recently got this sword from ZT, and I also had the same issues with the scabbard - however, if you grip it at the top of the scabbard (where there are finger indents, appearently designed just for this), it's a lot easier to pull out.
I agree with you on the kydex sheath being too tight. I have their Felon bowie knife and I ended up filing away a bit of the inner edges to make it fit better.
Not sure if someone already said this, but in Kali there are a few basic one-handed thrusting motions, because Kali is designed to be effective with both one knife or two knives. Or batons, or even barehanded, but this is a sword video.
What I remember from Philippino classes I took a few years back. Every time you extended for a strike you snapped back to get ready to strike again. Also during the training the speeds at my masters practiced one they were into it sounded like machine guns going off, and to answer your question we did practice with trusting strikes in the training. @Skullgram
I found this about the sheath on their website: "There’s a small trick to unsheathing our blades. Our Kydex sheaths are formed to have a pressure lock on the handle. If you just grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and pull, the unsheathing can be difficult and awkward. The trick is to use your thumb to pop the sheath off the handle lock. Grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and use the thumb of your handle hand to push the sheath off of the blade while gently pulling at the same time. You’ll also want to turn the blade so that the edge is facing up and the blade rides on its spine as you unsheath. This is especially helpful with our curved blades."
I got one of the prototype designs that the designers were trying out for this particular blade. Mine has a scalloped back and is the only one that they had that design for. I lived in Missoula MT were zombie blades has their production area so you can go and see some very interesting designs.
Skallagrim, do be fair, the wider edge will hold the material better and prevent major chipping. While a thin edge would be subject to large chips over a extended period of time. So essentially, the thick edge will make a longer lasting blade, which is a good thing in a zombie world.
traditionally philipino swords were crafted from the left over blade of a machete, often they used angle grinders to remove excess material so this grind may be accurate. otherwise, i loved the video as always, thanks for your opinion.
Hey Skall thanks for the vid, I personally prefer if you did describe the full details, even though you had done those in other ZT videos... even though I have seen at least one, I don't remember those details, not to mention new viewers. its just a small complaint prefer not to need to see another video for the full details. thanks for the vids keep em coming :)
i really enjoyed the in depth review of this neat short sword. i wish i could afford it but am happy with the ZT Sinbad sword i own n use. i own an older hand made golok w similar dimensions as the sharkelope n it handles n slices so easily. stay sharp n Havaknifeday🔪
A lovely blade, the hook on the bottom could also be useful to give yourself that extra leverage needed to free it from bone if it gets stuck going into some zombies eye socket. Good to know about the sharpness too, perhaps they'll make a modification to the line(I don't really know how hard it is to change the edge geometry of that material).
Are you going to put out a full review of the D'Capitan saber as well? I've been intrigued by it since your first impression video and would love to hear your full thoughts.
I always have this awesome dreams where there is this weapon/comic book store near my house and the owner is skall. Its like my favorite place to go to when im dreaming.
I would also prefer more heft except that if you intend this for defense you wanna consider that you will be carrying other gear and mobility is key. It’s durability is very appealing to me as well because once again any item must justify its weight and at least be double purpose.
as a side note: the Philippino swords seem to be used with draw cuts,where the blade stays in an almost 90° angle to the forearm(at least that's what i saw in cutting test etc. videos and what i am being tought in my kalis classes, but i am only a beginner).
Looks like that would actually be a good alternative to a standard machete with the exception of the price difference. Would you recommend modifying the grind? If so, what would you recommend?
Most Kydex sheaths are tight like that. You just need a little pressure from your thumb on the sheath above the spine of the sword, should pop out easily. That's more of a knife sheath than a sword scabbard.
I love all bladed weapons, my favorite being combat knifes. Could you do a video on "real" knife fighting and defense? Keep up this awesome channel and hope your shoulder gets better.
you mentioned the design appearing Filipino in inspiration. if so that would dictate the edge geometry. the blades from that region are primarily daily tools not specifically weapons.
actually its a post acopalytic stuff, so its not a simge purpose item. most likely that axe adge you talk about makes more sense. as its a survival tool, it has to fill a lot of roles, i think i would go with it. you can chop some wood with it, and still retain enough edge to cut an unded whatever. so i think a razor sharp edge would not quite be favourable at all, even if it would cut better. can't do a lot with a dull blade, right ?
Kydex loses its retention with wear. They’re probably trying to avoid it falling out down the road. I find my knife sheaths have to be replaced eventually for this reason.
I hope you are recovering well. If the opportunity arises I would really like to hear what you think about the Vakra and the Mauler from Zombie Tools. I've been looking at both but I can't really any reviews of them just basic info. I know ZT seems to be a great company so that definitely helps as well.
hey skallagrim, just wondering what is your opinion on the witcher 3's sword combat? like geralt's form and how he holds and uses the swords? cause i'm no good with swords living in a country where they are illegal.. just wanted a semi-experts opinion. :D
Mr. Skallagrim, I'd like to ask you what kind of sword would u recommend for someone who uses one and two hands during a duel. Like attacking with one hand while you circle then attacking with two hands to speed up a cut then make it more powerful. I like curved blades better but not like a scimitar but more like an albion kriegsmesser.
I know I saw Skallagrims two videos about home defense. But all LAWS aside if I could choose a sword for home defense. It probably would be this weapon. I know it barely has a guard. But I do think it's decent length combined with how light it is would be a good home defensive sword. You can both trust and chop well. It does not seem to long to get in the way. And because of the great grip I don't see someone easily disarming you.
In the spirit of the zombie tool theme, I am curious if you think the wider edge isn't actually better if you're talking about needing to repeatedly get through skulls as well as having to remove limbs. Thoughts?
In regard to the sheath; based on what it says on the website, you're supposed to squeeze the edges on the sheath and then pull it out. It's not supposed to be super easy, so they put that there as a kind of lock in system. That's what I understood, anyway.
hey honest question. Have you tried the cold steel line of "swordchetes".. I'd be willing to help you get your hands on one but they're only about 30 USD (walmart.com believe it or not) but I've been very impressed with the two I have and I'd like to see what your thoughts were.
Good lord the vast majority of comments on this video are just plaint annoying.
People, the company is called Zombie Tools. It's a theme, not a reality-based concept. Everyone arguing about "wouldn't an axe be better for repeated use in a zombie apocalypse?" - again, it's a THEME. It gives them an excuse to make any weapon they want with the same inspired look and feel.
It's so insanely stupid how many people are bickering about "These look more like tools", "these aren't historically accurate". No shit dude. They're fantasy inspired weapons for a fantasy inspired setting. They're targeting an audience who is into this stuff and isn't necessarily primarily concerned with historical accuracy, balance, etc...
You're comparing apples to oranges and there's no point. If you want to bicker about historically accurate swords, go do it on reviews about swords that are MEANT to be historically accurate. Judge the swords for what they are, not what you wish they were.
Over time you just learn to ignore certain comments. Better for your blood pressure. :)
Or simply embrace them. Like pommel comments.
Also, got my own Zakasushi in the mail a few weeks back and am absolutely in love.
+imwithstupid086 Embrace the end rightly with your pommel
Yes. One complaint I see a lot about ZT weapons in general is the lack of cross guards (or guards of any kind). ZT weapons are zombie apocalypse themed, and zombies aren't regularly known to use swords, so a cross guard would mostly be useless weight. That's beside the fact that swords don't NEED cross guards to be effective weapons, as history is littered with swords that worked quite well in combat without having cross guards.
Yep, the blade geometry seems to be quite a bit better suited to FMA than to HEMA. In general, FMA does not do draw cuts (and push-cuts only very opportunistically, e.g. from a missed stab or to quickly follow up on a parry) - we pretty much only chop with our blades. And for that, the axe-grind is just fine. A super thin edge would only get damaged, and might even be more likely to get stuck when chopping.
Stabs to weak points are also quite common, at least in Arnis - so the point has its uses as well.
Late reply but the website also credits the blades inspiration coming from FMA
Edit: annd I got to the part where he mentioned that whoops.
My sharkalope Came, This blade is absolutely outstanding.
I had the same issue with the edge geometry that you had Skal, and I easily fixed it by hand and a few beers sitting on the porch with a file and a Lansky system. I took it from the high 30s, to a good even 20 degree bevel and the edge is stupid sharp now, phone book paper turns to confetti.
The balance, weight and speed of this blade is stunning, and to be honest in any kind of close quarters fight where a big weapon is impractical, this blade has a serious advantage up close.
Awesome, nice job on fixing the blade profile.
Correction 25, not sure why I said 20.
25 is plenty sharp enough for a sword :)
Glad you said yours was good after edge work. I have NO experience at re-profiling a blade, but must attempt it on mine; it has such poor edge geometry that it is not that great for the price. I only have a Dremel and files, so wish me luck - right now it is sharp enough to maybe cut a soda straw if the moon is right and the wind is from behind and I've had my steroids for the day. So - will try to improve it.
do NOT use a dremel. put it back in the drawer and forget you own it. buy a cheap lansky sharpening system with angle guides. it costs like 30$. if you can afford a zt blade you can spring for proper tools to maintain it.
the dremel will ruin both your temper and the angles will be all over the place!
Good luck! :)
Actually, Skall, the 'ricasso' is in fact a choil, and on ZT's own "Care and Feeding of your Zombie Tool" page it's explicitly pointed out that you really aren't supposed to put your finger in it, as doing so runs the risk of having your finger slip up into the actual edge during real use.
Quoted directly from the aforementioned page: "All of our blades designs have a circular cutout between the blade edge and the handle. This is called a choil. The choil is both an aesthetic design element and provides a neat starting place for our particular kind of bevel grind. We find that some people mistake the choil for a finger hold. It is not a finger hold." and "Keep all your fingers on the leather handle wrap."
Otherwise a fairly good review as always, but that that was something of a significant blunder to make considering the ZT boys themselves seem to consider the suggestion an unsafe one.
Looking like a Hunter from Bloodborne.
hoonters moost hoont
Leave the hoonting of hoonters to me... ha ha ha...
"What's that smell? ... Katanatards. It's enough to make a man sick."
Or jeepers creepers
"Katanatards all over the shop. You'll be one of them soon enough..."
man that outfit makes him look like a vampire hunter
Same
ikr
a Gothic hunter in general seems more appropriate
Why would anyone hunt goths?
poilboiler,haha very witty........
p.s. you do realize i meant a art style and not a group of ppl right?
Anybody notice how the log cried? How could you, Skall?
8:00 in case anyone is wondering about the exact time.
Those are the tears of mother nature as shit gets kinky
He also kidnapped and duct-taped a pumpkin before decapitating it in the forest.
LandoCowDelicion That monster!
End should have just thrown a pommel and put it out of it's misery.
Skallagrim, you are truly one of the best reviewers I've ever seen. You miss nothing and cover everything without droning on or messing around along the way, and most importantly, you know your stuff.
Looks like what Orcish swords in Skyrim should have been
damn right! these things look beastly.
Looks Elvish
To me this looks more like something a dark elf would use
Elijah Schwartz, I agree, but if it was more green, it would definitely be an orc’s sword
That Channel I’m pretty sure orcs were once elves
I always love the Zombie Tools reviews. Honestly I think Skall's videos should go up on the official ZT site, and he should do a review for each of their products
That would make his content seem more biased.
Side note: Some Filipino techniques with bolo or short swords like that involve dual wielding. Akin to Arnis techniques. Could be fun dual wielding that zombie tool, cue Alice jokes. :)
I think that the baby shark and the dcapitan companion are both designed for a secondary blade, I think baby shark is designed specifically with this in mind
"You really gotta give it a GOOD tug" - Skall 2016
Looks like a practical version of the Orcish sword from Skyrim.
2 questions...
1) how do you unscrew the pommel?
2) are you gonna shoot this one?
xD
lost it at 2) R.O.F.L.M.A.O.
I know, it's terrible of me...but I couldn't help it xp
Toryu Naminosaki xD
i don't get it
...... Oi
The "d’Capitan: Sabre" from ZT looks like a nice lite cutter too.
You are literally my favorite UA-camr. I love your opinions on things, and you are so freaking educational.
At 7:20 you can see skal use his lightning fast reflexes to make mincemeat out of that branch, it almost looks sped up!
I have to say maybe the axe grind was a purposeful choice, I mean when you think about surviving in post apocalyptica while a shaving edge would cut better it would also wear out faster right? And how often are you gonna have the time and peace of mind, let alone the proper tools to care for and maintain such an edge? The axe edge cuts well enough and can go a long time without sharpening.
Just my two cents though. :)
I enjoy when your buddy with the ponytail does cutting tests, no offense at all intended. He has fantastic form and presence.
OOOOH I was waiting for a full review of the Sharkalope! I ordered one about 2 weeks ago, and can't wait to see it in person.
So, I'll be reprofiling the edge, no big deal :)
Thanks Skall!
You can loosen the retention of the scabbard by heating the kydex up near where it holds onto it. A heat gun or a very quick touch with a blowtorch can soften the kydex enough to custom mold it.
They have instructions for unsheathing at their site. Apparently you're supposed to pop it out with your thumb and then draw it, and while that probably works well enough for their katanas and sabers, I think it would be a bit more difficult with something like this, and might even carry risk of injury with their double-edged models.
Zombie Tools are located were I live Missoula, Montana. It's awesome seeing all your reviews I have been a fan of yours for awhile. I was stoked when you did the first ZT review you did.
got this from their "care and feeding" page. it may solve the sheath problem you had.
There’s a small trick to unsheathing our blades. Our Kydex sheaths are formed to have a pressure lock on the handle. If you just grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and pull, the unsheathing can be difficult and awkward. The trick is to use your thumb to pop the sheath off the handle lock. Grab the sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and use the thumb of your handle hand to push the sheath off of the blade while gently pulling at the same time. You’ll also want to turn the blade so that the edge is facing up and the blade rides on its spine as you unsheath. This is especially helpful with our curved blades.
Skazza~ going for a part in the Bloodborne film. Seriously though, really bloody looks the part.
Impressive torture testing. It appears they got the balance between quenching and tempering perfect. Very apparent in the throwing footage. Nicely done on your part as well as theirs. I'm not usually a fan of fantasy weapons but this one just made its way onto my wish list. Glad to see you all healed up too
You look like a vampire slayer here...fucking awesome XD
Or a Witch Hunter.
+JakeCWolf Burn the witch
JakeCWolf
Yes, needs bigger hat tho XD
Sinra Industries
REDEEM THEM WITH SWORD AND FIRE!!!
Hey Skall. I've been working on a story for a while now. Ever since I discovered your channel it's helped me decide what kind of swords I want my characters to use. I just wanted to say thank you for all the information on weapon types and their uses.
These Zombie Tool weapons are no joke. I got a Reaver Cleaver back when you reviewed yours and it is fantastic. If I could I would collect the ZT line.
on really tight locking plastic scabbards it sometimes helps to push it with your thumb in addition of just gripping the handle and pulling (fingers around handle, push the scabbard away from blade with thumb instead of pulling blade from scabbard)
So when are you going to review their T-Rex Product?
Mr Feudal oh man I bought that it is so sharp, but so tough. I cut a piece of newsprint after 5 months of straight chomping.
Mr Feudal whats that
The T-Rex is too powerful to be contained. All you can do is point then run
@@grimmjowjaegerjaquez3750 Lynn Thompson from Cold Steel can just dodge it with his Filipino footwork.
The little wrist flick to start the video made him look like an assassin
this blade seems so deadly it can even make wood bleed. damn impressive enchantment.
I have handled one of these belonging to a friend. He had reground the edge. It was a great cutter with the new edge.
I loved the balance. Its a fast blade.
I just wanted to point out (apologies if this has been said already), but the Kydex sheathes from ZT have a trick to opening them.
You need to pop the hilt free of the pressure lock by pushing the sheathe down away from yourself at the point the cross-guard (if applicable) meets the lip of the sheathe, while pulling the blade up and drawing it out.
BUT skallagrim.
its made for ZOMBIES.
this being noted, would an axe like geometry not be better suited for going through skull and bone? over and over and over?
An actual axe would be better suited for going through skull and bone.
+Eric Friman no shit. but this is a zombie tool short sword. given its intended purpose, im assuming this edge may have been intentionally duller than average.
I was thinking the same.... I dont wanna shave the zombie..
do axes get stuck in skulls?
They do get stuck in wood.
Hey - I just recently got this sword from ZT, and I also had the same issues with the scabbard - however, if you grip it at the top of the scabbard (where there are finger indents, appearently designed just for this), it's a lot easier to pull out.
I agree with you on the kydex sheath being too tight. I have their Felon bowie knife and I ended up filing away a bit of the inner edges to make it fit better.
Mmm... I found my next blade. I love my machete, I use it a lot when I go camping. This blade looks like it would find some good use with me.
Thank you for uploading this on my birthday
Not sure if someone already said this, but in Kali there are a few basic one-handed thrusting motions, because Kali is designed to be effective with both one knife or two knives. Or batons, or even barehanded, but this is a sword video.
well , my heart was in good shape when the video starts with the sword being still complete.
man , I've got to have a reaver cleaver .
Looks a lot like some supersized Arkansas toothpicks I've seen in museums except for the hooked handle. Thanks!
that swing of the blade at the beginning....so...cool
What I remember from Philippino classes I took a few years back. Every time you extended for a strike you snapped back to get ready to strike again. Also during the training the speeds at my masters practiced one they were into it sounded like machine guns going off, and to answer your question we did practice with trusting strikes in the training. @Skullgram
@Skallagrim
That is one serious sword. I love Zombie Tools blades. Great video and info. Thanks.
I found this about the sheath on their website:
"There’s a small trick to unsheathing our blades. Our Kydex sheaths are
formed to have a pressure lock on the handle. If you just grab the
sheath with one hand and the handle with the other and pull, the
unsheathing can be difficult and awkward. The trick is to use your thumb
to pop the sheath off the handle lock. Grab the sheath with one hand
and the handle with the other and use the thumb of your handle hand to
push the sheath off of the blade while gently pulling at the same time.
You’ll also want to turn the blade so that the edge is facing up and the
blade rides on its spine as you unsheath. This is especially helpful
with our curved blades."
That's true about kydex in general, imo.
I am glad you you have reached the "test ready" level of recovery. :D
I got one of the prototype designs that the designers were trying out for this particular blade. Mine has a scalloped back and is the only one that they had that design for. I lived in Missoula MT were zombie blades has their production area so you can go and see some very interesting designs.
Skallagrim, do be fair, the wider edge will hold the material better and prevent major chipping. While a thin edge would be subject to large chips over a extended period of time. So essentially, the thick edge will make a longer lasting blade, which is a good thing in a zombie world.
where did you get that duster?
It's look pretty badass.
Great review man. Can't wait for the D'Capitan review. It's the ZT sword I'm most interested in buying.
"I won't go over how it's put together though."
*instantly goes over exactly how it is assembled and what it is made of*
traditionally philipino swords were crafted from the left over blade of a machete, often they used angle grinders to remove excess material so this grind may be accurate. otherwise, i loved the video as always, thanks for your opinion.
I've practiced FMA for a short while and quick, thrusts are also practiced.
The sharkalope looks great as well as functional, but I'm sad that they discontinued the Hellion since I'm a sucker for falcata-style blades.
Wow, the HD on this was like, extra good.
I see plenty of zombies these days.
Yep there's 2 zombies sitting on my couch right now degrading their brains watching tv, sadly there are no anti-zombie laws yet
+Icathiann End them rightly
Bacon Pommel them!!
+Dexiant's Realm
That's savage
Those drug addicts that got arrested a few years back...
Hey Skall thanks for the vid, I personally prefer if you did describe the full details, even though you had done those in other ZT videos... even though I have seen at least one, I don't remember those details, not to mention new viewers. its just a small complaint prefer not to need to see another video for the full details. thanks for the vids keep em coming :)
Skallagrim I think they get that near perfect match of the scales by riveting them on before grinding to shape.
i really enjoyed the in depth review of this neat short sword. i wish i could afford it but am happy with the ZT Sinbad sword i own n use. i own an older hand made golok w similar dimensions as the sharkelope n it handles n slices so easily. stay sharp n Havaknifeday🔪
Make a video on body size / strength vs. style. I.E. what techniques allow for optimal maneuvering for a small, weak person vs. a big, strong person.
Skall, do you plan to show cutting footage of that blade post-sharpening?Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work!
A lovely blade, the hook on the bottom could also be useful to give yourself that extra leverage needed to free it from bone if it gets stuck going into some zombies eye socket. Good to know about the sharpness too, perhaps they'll make a modification to the line(I don't really know how hard it is to change the edge geometry of that material).
Its a 'zombie blade' you'll want it to be resistant as hell to pierce, and cut different stuffs. Or I'm wrong?
Yes, but there is a point of diminishing returns. The edge doesn't need to be THAT tough, which affects its ability to cut.
Oh, now I understand. Thanks a lot.
Are you going to put out a full review of the D'Capitan saber as well? I've been intrigued by it since your first impression video and would love to hear your full thoughts.
I always have this awesome dreams where there is this weapon/comic book store near my house and the owner is skall. Its like my favorite place to go to when im dreaming.
I would also prefer more heft except that if you intend this for defense you wanna consider that you will be carrying other gear and mobility is key. It’s durability is very appealing to me as well because once again any item must justify its weight and at least be double purpose.
Looking forward to the sabre review now
as a side note: the Philippino swords seem to be used with draw cuts,where the blade stays in an almost 90° angle to the forearm(at least that's what i saw in cutting test etc. videos and what i am being tought in my kalis classes, but i am only a beginner).
anyone whith more experience/knowledge please correct me if i am wrong
awesome sword zombie tools always makes the best stuff and it's great to see you recovered enough to be up to torture test a blade skall
Given that the sheath appears to be just kydex it would be easy enough to sand the inside of it a little to ease the fit some.
Looks like that would actually be a good alternative to a standard machete with the exception of the price difference. Would you recommend modifying the grind? If so, what would you recommend?
See, that's a fucking cool looking blade. I'd say the aesthetics alone make it worth owning it. Thank you for the review, Skall.
Most Kydex sheaths are tight like that. You just need a little pressure from your thumb on the sheath above the spine of the sword, should pop out easily. That's more of a knife sheath than a sword scabbard.
I love all bladed weapons, my favorite being combat knifes. Could you do a video on "real" knife fighting and defense? Keep up this awesome channel and hope your shoulder gets better.
Also if you use your thumb to push the kydex off the blade while pulling it out it's easier
you mentioned the design appearing Filipino in inspiration. if so that would dictate the edge geometry. the blades from that region are primarily daily tools not specifically weapons.
actually its a post acopalytic stuff, so its not a simge purpose item.
most likely that axe adge you talk about makes more sense.
as its a survival tool, it has to fill a lot of roles, i think i would go with it.
you can chop some wood with it, and still retain enough edge to cut an unded whatever.
so i think a razor sharp edge would not quite be favourable at all, even if it would cut better. can't do a lot with a dull blade, right ?
Kydex loses its retention with wear. They’re probably trying to avoid it falling out down the road. I find my knife sheaths have to be replaced eventually for this reason.
I hope you are recovering well.
If the opportunity arises I would really like to hear what you think about the Vakra and the Mauler from Zombie Tools. I've been looking at both but I can't really any reviews of them just basic info. I know ZT seems to be a great company so that definitely helps as well.
hey skallagrim, just wondering what is your opinion on the witcher 3's sword combat? like geralt's form and how he holds and uses the swords? cause i'm no good with swords living in a country where they are illegal.. just wanted a semi-experts opinion. :D
DUDE, the outfit works, looks like you stepped off the cover of a urban fantasy novel!
that intro was class.
Mr. Skallagrim, I'd like to ask you what kind of sword would u recommend for someone who uses one and two hands during a duel. Like attacking with one hand while you circle then attacking with two hands to speed up a cut then make it more powerful. I like curved blades better but not like a scimitar but more like an albion kriegsmesser.
I know I saw Skallagrims two videos about home defense. But all LAWS aside if I could choose a sword for home defense. It probably would be this weapon. I know it barely has a guard. But I do think it's decent length combined with how light it is would be a good home defensive sword. You can both trust and chop well. It does not seem to long to get in the way. And because of the great grip I don't see someone easily disarming you.
Thanks for posting.
In the spirit of the zombie tool theme, I am curious if you think the wider edge isn't actually better if you're talking about needing to repeatedly get through skulls as well as having to remove limbs. Thoughts?
More Zombie Tools!
YEAH! A Full Review. Your Arm is fine again?
Also, how long until the D'Capitan? I am only waiting for your test on that one...
Can it survive the rifle?
Skall, have you ever thought about reviewing something like the camping machette offered by Walmart?
do test cuts on the zombie head before and after a sharper grind- find out why its so wide, so it doesn't get stuck in the skull
In regard to the sheath; based on what it says on the website, you're supposed to squeeze the edges on the sheath and then pull it out. It's not supposed to be super easy, so they put that there as a kind of lock in system. That's what I understood, anyway.
I saw that, too.
hey honest question. Have you tried the cold steel line of "swordchetes".. I'd be willing to help you get your hands on one but they're only about 30 USD (walmart.com believe it or not) but I've been very impressed with the two I have and I'd like to see what your thoughts were.
Putting it on my wish list!
Hey skal I gotta ask,where did you find that Duster from? pretty cool jacket.
Nice occasional stereo sound effects. They help it get a little more imersive.
perhaps you'll also like Miller Brothers Blades, their very overbuild but build to last a lifetime.
wicked looking blade. have you done a review of the kilij? that's my favorite blade. so good lol