Early-Renaissance Sidesword History, Review & Cutting - LK Chen's Ribaldo
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- The history and background of the sidesword in the late-medieval/early-Renaissance period, with review of LK Chen's Ribaldo (created in collaboration with me, Matt Easton): lkchensword.co...
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I reviewed the Ribaldo back in last September and was fascinated by how well it performs and how well LK Chen did recreating the 4 different cross sections. I've heard from over a dozen people who have ordered this and not even one of them is unhappy about this sword, provided the caveat that this isn't the average medieval arming sword, but one with an extremely long blade, being forwardly balanced but very lightweight for its size. Yes, I noticed the edges of between the hexagonal cross section facets can be a bit more crisp, but I didn't know how crisp they are on the original, in its original state (not after 600 years). I did notice the edges on the crossguard and finger rings are bit sharp as well, and found myself using the conventional grip while doing those sweeping cuts, and only loop the index finger around the guard when doing thrusts and small cuts for better control. The edges can certainly be rounded with minimal effort on LK Chen's end. But overall, it's of crazy value while being such an excellent reproduction for a relatively complex sword for medieval standards.
Hi Kane, yes I saw your review when it first came out, and happened to watch it again today - a very good review and I agreed with everything in it.
@@scholagladiatoria Thanks so much, Matt! This is the first product you developed that I have tried out, and it gave me the utmost confidence that the ones you get involved in are going to be amazing products. Looking forward to more of your future models by various makers!
"Would the Ribaldo sword ⚔ of Northern Italy 🇮🇹 go up 👆 against the primitive stone 🪨 age obsidian jagged rock 🪨 bladed 🔪 wooden sword club ♧ of the stone 🪨 age Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, Olmecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs, of Mexico 🇲🇽 called the Macuahuitl?"
@@joeerickson516 They would be early 16th century, if I'm not mistaken. Similar blades could exist, but the hilt would be a little bit more complex, like with dual finger rings, and perhaps even small side-rings. Other blade types could be potential candidates are type XVIII, probably with a short ricasso.
"Interesting?"
I feel like I could watch Matt cut for hours. He's so clean, and the sounds are so good.
Hi Matt I went to the Metropolitan Museum in NYC a week ago and saw a sword in their collection that seemed almost exactly like this one. It's listed as "Sword with Arabic Inscription, probably Italian, circa 1432, weight 845 grams" It's displayed with other weapons that are from the Mamluk arsenal in Alexandria. The sword even appears to have the same ricasso. So maybe there are multiple copies of the original in existence? Also I bought the Royal Armouries 15th Century Longsword a few weeks ago and am loving it! Thanks for all that you are doing to preserve this knowledge!
The Met Museum sword is the same sword I believe. They seem to have been the buyers when it went through auction last time.
@@scholagladiatoria Oh wow, so cool to have been able to see the original one!
"Would the German 🇩🇪 built 15th century longsword go up 👆 against the Muslim 🕌 Ottoman ☪ Turkish 🇹🇷 built scimitar called 🤙 a Kilij?"
Thank you for your continuing contributions to the World of Swords. Your presentations are excellent and you have such an affable style.
That's such a pretty sword. I have had my eye on it ever since LK Chen first put it up on their site! Great video, Matt!
The cutting portion really shows just how long that blade is.
Also thought I'd mention all the posturing and preparing you made prior to the first swing would make for a fun/funny interaction in a movie.
Like the guy just won't attack but will continue to pose and make ready and the anticipation keeps building.
Not meaning any disrespect of course.
Ribaldo has not a very beatiful meaning actually but as a word it was much more in use at those times than nowadays. And gets right to the point of someone that surely had no fear using such a weapon.
Keep up the great work Matt. And greetings from Tuscany.
Matt this is great and I hope you continue to do these historically accurate replicas (as you also did with the 1796 cavalry lightsabre). Do you think you'll do a later period sidesword (the kind with a knucklebow, two finger rings and the 2 posts) at some point? Thank you for your hard work on these.
I always loved swords with parallel edges but it is not as broad as earlier ones. That ricasso gives me some high tech metal, sci-fi vibes, the sword looks amazing.
I had to smile at the millimeters per foot taper description.
Such is the British condition.....
Given the success of this collaboration with LK Chen, I'm eager to see what Matt and LK Chen collaborate on next! I'd humbly suggest that a later period sidesword with a cut-and-thrust blade and slightly more complex hilt might also be very successful. There is a very notable lack of quality, mid-range sideswords.
Look’s great, one can notice the small defects, however it is still very beautiful. Excellent channel! Regards and stay safe, Matt.
Omg omg I've been waiting to see this video ever since I got the announcement email from LKChen about the release of the sword!!!!!
This WILL be my next purchase from LK Chen. I have the Magnificent Chu and it's still one of my favorite swords over two years later. I was looking at the Tang Heng Dao or White Serpent but when I saw this blade I knew I had to have it. It reminds me of the Doge from Albion but much more affordable AND with a scabbard as well. LK Chen makes some beautiful blades and I look forward to having it as part of my collection
Would love to see you review some of LK Chen's newer European-style swords.
In the future they will be offering Smallswords. They told me in an email that they are researching those.
But for now they have the Saxony German Rapier
That is a sick blade Matt. Previously, on the market, the only similar swords to that are the Albion Kern or Machiavelli which > $1000, so price:quality ratio, the Ribaldo is the winner. Will you also do a reproduction of the special pattern CJM Wilkinson Sword with LK Chen!
We all need to start commenting "CJM! CJM!" on every video
In the future LK Chen will be researching Smallswords. I asked them in an email.
They do have a Saxony German Rapier on their site at the moment though.
I really appreciate just how much joy you felt when your stuck all six cuts
I'm a big Sidesword fan & Matt Easton fan, so this is a phenomenal video from my perspective! Great work!
I wonder, does the extra length on the handle make it easier to use with a gauntlet in hammer grip, for increased versatility?
Long waited review. Thank you Matt
Wow, LK Chen's attention to detail shows through very clearly here. He has delivered a beautiful, highly functional cutting sword at an amazing price point. The complex blade and grip could have been done less than satisfactorily, like so many offerings in its price range, but this one compromises exactly where you'd hope to. If it and the scabbard were perfect, I'd expect the sword to cost nearly double *without* the scabbard.
I want to say that I appreciate Matt's honest feedback as well.
I received this sword from Tempus Fugitives a few weeks ago. I am so impressed! I would say this is probably the best cutting sword in it's price range I have ever owned.
I love the art you have included. Many I have never seen before.
From the sound of the cuts on the bottles it sounds very sharp.
Really nice looking sword, especially since bastard swords are my favorite. I love the versatility they give you.
The longer handle adds a lot of options without much down side. A strong man could hold it tight to the pommel for extra reach, and better protection from the guard. He could choke up hater, when he gets tired and his hand gets slippery. There's the "hand and a half" idea, too.
It seems like the grip length is perfectly sized for someone wearing gauntlets. When Matt is holding it without using the finger ring, his bare hand already filled up most of the grip.
I really enjoyed the review, that's a really beautiful sword. About the crispness of the hex, I bet it cuts better with the edges softened like that. I wish I could see a video of the real sword side by side with the reproduction
Well done on keeping a straight face on the whole "finger ring" stuff, you're a better man than me.
Good point on the blade being kind of a beast. I got one from LKChen a while back, and while ordering kind of subconsciously assumed that it'd be a fairly light and delicate sword just based on its fairly slender visual profile, not realising the hilt would be as long as it is. I suppose I kind of expected it to handle like their (incredibly light and nimble) jians. Imagine my surprise when I actually unpacked it and it turned out the blade is easily the length of a longswords', with the mass to match.
Still, it's really quite wieldy despite the significant overall weight and length. One light note/criticism I do have is that the grip really is very narrow, to the point where my somewhat large hands do have some trouble keeping a decent grip on it when it gets moving.
I wonder how many people lost their fingers before they were able to make finger rings.
probably until people started to pay for it ;)
I think people just gripped below the crosspiece
@@skmo7072 or the people that typically do this would have just left the first inch of sword blade unsharpened
Lots!
Taking someone’s fingers is an act of compassion staring down the enemy on the battlefield. It is also probably a convenient excuse to permanently maim a rival. Bizarre gentlemanly etiquette
I love the counter-weight & finger-guard.
I want one badly!
Always preferred the Italian & French blades. Only takes 1.5-2.5 lbs of pressure to pierce or slice flesh. Finesse will always be my preferred to Robustness. (That's for axes)
Always liked having a dependable sword or ax in the main-hand & 1-8 throwing-daggers in my off-hand. If you need more then 8 Knives, you should run away or you're fighting a Dragon.
(Explosives>Guns>Crossbow>Compound Bow>Recurve Bow>Spear>Ax>Sword>Mace>Javalin>Dagger)
Nice piece. This was a sword I’ve always been intrigued with, the early transition between arming swords and the more transitional swords called sideswords. I had Malleus make me a practice one with the similarly smaller cross guard and turned tips. Mine is peened unlike the current production ones as it was a custom version before they tooled it for their production version that can be broken down. Lovely feel but a tad slower than it’s later incarnations with more complex hilts but not rapiers. Lovely video as always.
Fantastic Matt thanks for sharing this beautiful weapon 👍
Thank you for keeping this history and knowledge alive and kicking for the future .. cheers
Matt Easton: “It’s not a side sword, but it’s also not really an arming sword…”
Me: “So a spardoon then…”
Matt Easton: “Where on earth did you get that idea!? It doesn’t look anything like-“
Me: “A spadroon it is then.”
All swords evolve into spadroons
I wonder if a knight could have flipped it around and used the non-ringed edge when wearing gauntlets in battle.
That’s a good thought. Makes sense that someone would do that.
That was impressive cutting!
Congrats on landing all 6 cuts on the jug. That was cool!
Very nice sword, but I never heard the price.
Thanks for another informative video!
Well the price is in the link :-)
I tend not to state prices in videos, as videos last longer than prices.
I can not believe how well you cut this stuff with your swords. Most people on the internet don't do it as well as you. Your technique is unbelieveble I am very impressed please have a good evening. Also you put these Japanese masters to shame.
A handsome design. I'll be getting one
Posted on your previous video I am looking for my first sword.
I think this might be a contender
What a fascinating weapon.
I have one of these and I love it.
The edges on the hilt aren't exactly satiny smooth, but I think the wear on my finger comes more from just the leverage of using a large blade. They'd just about have to make the elements completely rounded to avoid that all together, I suppose. I was actually going to say that I found the shape and size of the pommel very comfortable and natural when I use a 2-handed grip. I haven't noticed any overly aggressive edges in that area at all.
I suspect that my sword may have been manufactured after Matt had already had a chance to give his feedback. In my experience, LK Chen are very quick to make improvements in response to receiving constructive criticism.
Regarding LK Chen, I have three of their swords now, and can testify that any decorative metal furnature will have a tendency to come loose in shipping. They say they've experimented with different glues, but it still seems to be something that has a good chance of happening. Thanfully, glue issues are about the easiest to fix yourself.
I do warn people, though, who might want to order one of their swords with thin wooden scabbards. The same humidity-based swelling and shrinking process during shipping that breaks the glue can also cause cracks in thin wooden elements. I have had to glue cracks in a scabbard, and other people reported the same problem. Thankfully, it is holding up well now and was never a mechanical issue with the sword. But split scabbards *can* be a sneaky and quite scary safety issue on top of being an aesthetic issue, so just be careful. Always make sure you are drawing your sword correctly, just in case.
Other than the likely unavoidable to some extent humidity-based shipping issues, I have high praise for LK Chen as a manufacturer. And that's saying a lot as I'm one of those economically-patriotic types who tries to avoid buying things from China when I can help it. But with LK Chen, the sword selection, price, and quality just tend to winnover even me. LK Chen are literally the *only* Chinese company that I order anything from.
I have to say I thought of one of my favorite swords, the Albion Doge when I saw the thumbnail this looks like a cheaper version still a beautiful sword but more suited to my budget.
With regards to the length of the grip, how about when the owner is wearing a gauntlet? Maybe, just as the finger ring is for when the owner is not wearing a gauntlet, so the long grip is for when they are? It would mean that the owner would have to buy only one sword instead of two.
Yes it's possible.
Gotta say I've been looking seriously at that sword on LK Chen's site. I was a bit dubious about whether it matched a real world example, because it's such a ... transitional? piece. This does sort of set my mind at ease about that.
Now that I have seen one review of a sword like this, I would like to see a review of the portuguese "Colhona" or in English "Carracks black sword". Ill keep dreaming
Please start doing more cut test Mr. Eastern 👊🏽
The ricasso is beautifully done.
Looks like it should be a bloody good fighting sword, nice job man and it won't be stopped by irish customs. Apparently 'chinese replica sword from a Chinese manufacturer' translates as 'japanese sword' if you work for the irish customs service.
I like Matt's attack animation at the start there!
Been considering that one for a little while now, good to see.
Why does the finger ring not complete the loop? It seems to me it would be very easy for the opponents blade to slide up to the cross guard - and slide right through the gap in the ring and cut your index finger! Seems extraordinarily easy to fix - so, why not?
And yes, I am aware it is a replica. My question is why, do you think, it was made that way originally?
Another blade could only slide in that gap if you put the blades at a very weird 90 degree cross, which doesn't really happen in fencing/combat.
@@scholagladiatoriaI’ve been dying to learn the answer to that since I first heard of finger rings! Context is key and the devil is in the details. Thank you so much, Matt!
Oh, OK. Thanks for letting me know!
I would like to see Matt, for once, get a sword where everything is absolutely perfect 😁
Amazing skill and knowledge!
The LK Chen website says the scabbard is waxed top grain leather. A bit of wear would reduce the shine.
When making a dimension-accurate reproduction of historical swords, would it be worthwhile to scale them up by the difference in mean male height between the given period and today? It may only be 5% or so, but could give a better feel for how the sword handled in its own era.
There were plenty of people over 6 foot in the 15th century - we don't know the size of the original user, and this is already quite a big sword, so I think in this case it's best to keep the size the same. Also, frankly, most modern buyers are quite weak compared to people training fencing and riding in the 15th century.
Amazing sword and really interesting to learn about the transition from arming sword to the renaissance era swords. I am curious though, you dated this as starting to appear in 1395 and this one was dated to 1430, and I wanted to know for how long would this style would be used and or replaced by later sword styles
That blade shape (not counting the ricasso) reminds me somewhat of the blade on the Dutch Walloon sword, or maybe a chunky Bilbao rapier. Would they be comparable in feel?
Fascinating sword indeed!
looking gorgeous honestly
Thank you for the review ⚔️👊🏻
Oof. You mention snap cuts to the leg at the end of the video. I imagine that having such a long and well-cutting sword would make those sniping cuts easier to pull off. That'd be a real day-ruiner.
Beautifull sword indeed, good steel, love the ping in the cut! Wonder how it would work for you in fencing though
Looks like a sweet sword. If I ordered one I'd like a slightly wider crossguard but that's just me. :)
Well this is a literal replica of an original sword. All the stats are based on the original.
@scholagladiatoria True, just my personal preference is all. 😊
Like the Alexandria longsword, do you think this was cut-centric as a nod to the more lightly armored empire it was gifted to? I remember hearing that as a theory about the longsword and wondered if that extended to other blades in the Alexandria collection? Or were blades like this popular in mainland Europe at the time?
Great review as always!! Thanks 🙏
The proportions make me think a little bit of the heavy cavalry palash you showcased a while back.
Getting into I33 or 033 and might just have to pick this up
I must say you seem to be straining a bit to find things to criticize about that sword, which says a lot about the effort LK Chen goes to in manufacturing them. One could easily soften the sharp edges on the finger ring with files and sandpaper or dremel, and I suspect the lack of crispness on the hex transitions makes cutting easier on that part of the blade.
What I really wanted to say is that I was reminded of something you hear in the firearms world in which someone will bemoan the rarity of their favorite rare or antique firearm and wish that some company would make reproductions. That usually doesn't happen for many reasons including the limited market measured against the cost of tooling, the unavailability of ammunition and so forth.
But swords don't need ammunition, and any sword maker can tweak their production methods to make a different kind of sword far more easily than can a gun maker. How lucky we are!
Some of my favourite swords are a mix between Medieval and Renaissance styles.
More european lk chen swords please
Nice one
Great sword, great review. My only question is how good is the tang. I know you can't see it but from your relationship with the manufacturer maybe you can say.
ua-cam.com/video/DJ7Bpmi9l9Q/v-deo.html
I'd argue that the slightly longer handle might be to be more comfortable when using it with gauntlets
Any idea where to get LK Chen swords in the EU market? I'd like to avoid problems with overseas shipping and possible import taxes and so on
I don't know. There are at least a couple of UK dealers, but I don't know who is stocking them in the EU.
@@scholagladiatoria Well, that would be at least slightly closer than China. Could you point me to one of them?
The Knight Shop and Tempus Fugitives
25:22 Atmospheric Changes? I've never heard of that shipping company before.
Very nice.
Very nice sword! I get that the dimensions and specifics are like the original. Now, to me, the gap between the fingerring and the ricasso seems slightly too big. Could it be that the original length of the tip pf the ring might have been different, because the material just "vanished" over time? Or is the gap like this not an issue at all?
I'd think that for a sword blade to get down there, you'd have to have this sword 90 degrees to the opponent. Not impossible, but probably unlikely in most uses.
@@seifer447 I agree. My own lack of experience doesn't allow me to realistically imagine a parry and the angles that occur. I was probably imagining a worst-case scenario. Thanks!
Love to see this done with the sabre 1796!
You’ve introduced me to lk chen thank you
The only problem is you have introduced me to lk chen😂
I think I would like the grand marshal out of all of them
I posted on another vid by Matt.
I am looking for a side sword but something later which has done well in durability and strength and is accurate as can be.
I can deal with the fake leather etc.
This blade is ok but I am after a later style with complex hilt.
Thanks
The long handle could be for using the sword with a gauntlet to add another option.
Yes it's possible.
I am a little curious about the exact process behind the choice of the name; as far as I know - being Italian but lacking any specific knowledge on the root of the word - I've always known "Ribaldo" to be a very negative term to identify ruffians that were specialized in cavalcades and robberies in times of war. Brigands, pretty much, not always affiliated to a lord, just there to steal when men were too busy fighting to defend their homes.
So what other meaning are there? Any source you could share?
Sounds interesting.
I wonder if it was made for a smaller person.
Neat
Does the small gap at the top of the finger ring still prevent opposing blades taking your finger off, would it have been better to make the ring curl to touch the blade closing that gap
Something puzzles me: this ring doesn't completely protect the finger. There is a gap. But is this gap a big disadvantage in practice? Does the enemy's blade have a chance to get inside?
Very nice cutting at the start. :)
:}
Let's get an infantry officer, non regulation 1796 inspired saber by lk chen! It'd be much fun!
"Would the early 15th century renaissance side sword ⚔ of Northern Italy 🇮🇹 go up 👆 against the primitive stone 🪨 age obsidian rock 🪨 bladed 🔪 wooden sword club ♧ of the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, Mixtecs, Olmecs, and Zapotecs of Mexico, 🇲🇽 called the Macuahuitl?"
I want to see a sheath that isolates the edges Matt.
The website says the scabbard is full grain leather.
waiting for you to start an ASMR caliper measurement series
why does the finger ring not fully close? feels like an opposing blade could still slip in and cut your finger?
I had no idea you partnered up with LK Chen this! That's awesome. Now next can you do a "Swiss Saber" like the one in the Wallace Collection? ;)
I have to admit that I'm a bit confused about the opening in the finger ring. Obviously it's a replica, but why did the original have an opening in the finger ring? All of the historical art had no openings. Couldn't a sword slide down through the gap? Is there a benefit to the gap? The entire video I was hoping that it would come up.
I'm sure there is a much more practical reason why the handle is longer. It wouldn't make much sense to carry a sword with a handle so short that it makes using it impossible with a gloved hand bc, as you stated you can't get your finger through the ring with a glove or gauntlet. Their answer was to leave the handle long for just that reason so if you happen to be wearing gloves you can still use it without having to use the finger ring.
Since there is a gap between the end of the ring (actualy more of a hook than a ring), wouldn't a blade sliding down the edge of the blade still contact and injure a finger in the ring? I know the ring has that gap to clear the scabbard, but that seems less important than protecting the finger.
The only way a blade would fit in that gap is from a specific 90 degree angle, which is not really something that happens in regular blade-on-blade actions in fencing/combat.
Why does the ring not meet the body of the blade if it is intended for protection of the finger?