I have to jokingly wonder if Shad or Tyranth is gonna get haunted by the ghost of a traditional Japanese Swordsmith or Samurai for this "monstrosity" 👀 😂
"You were the chosen one! You were supposed to criticize dumb weapons, not create them! Bring good weapon design to the world, not leave it in ignorance!"
I believe the current format of Shadiversity videos is a real winner. It scratches that "Mythbusters" itch, and from the outside looking in it appears that you 3 have a good chemistry onscreen. A bit of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, perhaps? :D The foray into experimenting with weapon designs is entertaining; I really enjoy these videos. From the Shabbard (back scabbard) Shad came up with to Tyranth's rehilted weapons, this is all great content. Nate seems to be the real wild card in my opinion; I never know what he is going to do lol. Can someone remind me what those drinks were called that Shad, Oz and Nathan were drinking on Knight's Watch?
I've seen something of Shad's back scabbard in an anime from the 90's called Ruin Explorers. It did address carrying a longsword or great sword in a back scabbard to an extent. I know it appears in at least one scene and I thought it was great that they did that.
If they picked up the pace about 10% it would be perfect in scratching the Mythbusters itch Right now it feels like commentary of a Mythbusters episode Ither way I'm 100% happy Been watching shad for about 8 years and it just keeps getting better
If Shad had used the quillons guard of the bastard sword he would easily have a more than perfect replica of the Heron Marked Blade from The Wheel of Time.
So I'm not the only one, huh? Just some quillons and bend them away from the hand and...maybe also that really strong sword blade... then all you need is the actual Heron and you'd have the closest we could get to a Power-Wrought Heron Mark blade. Though don't forget he gets the brands on his palms, so there'd have to be some kind of metal heron on the grip...
The katana with a back edge not only could be done effectively, it HAS been done. Japan had swords like that, and given that the kamitar is made of spring steel it likely could handle it. But I'd suggest buying another of the katanas you got to make the kamitar and use that, rather than messing with the one you already have, just in case. Edit: In fact, what I'd like to see you fellas do is what we don't have evidence of the japanese doing... sharpen the entirety or the majority of the back of a katana.
Tyranth said it clearly that it wouldn't work for this blade because the inside of the steal is likely made from a softer metal, and the spine is so thick that you couldn't get much of an angle properly. No one said that it is impossible to make a katana-like blade with a double-edged end. They said that they cannot make THIS sword have it. Those are two different things, seeing as crafting a sword with a double-edged tip from scratch allows you to make it in whatever way is necessary to make it work.
@@kikixchannel he's making an assumption. He doesn't know it's softer inside. As for the thickness of the spine, I find that hard to believe that matters given the unsharpened part of the spine of the kagarasu maru is probably comparably thick.
18:01 Interestingly enough, there are double edged katanas online, where the second edge starts halfway on the back of the katana blade. You can look it up.
We need a Shadiversity Grand Tournament!!! The three of you build your own swords then go through different trials with the blades. At the end, the blade that performs the best and is still functional wins.
My girlfriend of 4.5 years just broke up with me this weekend and your videos are the only thing that’s made me happy. I have been watching them all nonstop.
Shad please test bigger tsuba . Historical tsuba are anywhere from 7.5 cm to 10cm, modern day replica only has the smaller of tsuba, and it would be interesting to see the bigger ones being tested.
Also, Dao guards. The upturned lips mean they’re potentially a point catcher and something for the edge of a sword to bite into, preventing glancing. Also, Karan just means sword so yeah, this particular sword is better than all Japanese sword. That is almost as ignorant and oversimp as katana is just better of ten years ago and oversimp of saying metal codpieces and breast armor are the same. Also, the brigandine counterpoint isn’t as good as Shad things cus they also made brigs which are essentially covered breastplates riveted to canvas. Corrazine. Same glancing surfaces on a brig
This is why the very katana like sword lk chen makes crossbowmans dao interests me. It "fixes" lot of my peeves with katanas it has longsword lenght spring steel blade 33 inches something like that, through tang, and larger disc guard than most modern tsubas. Japanese guards also could have kinda like rings often that style is associated with musashi, and if the rings would be large enough you could even thumb the blade i guess if you want to use more longsword techniques with disc style guard
The handles of Japanese swords are often very long for there blade length, the further away your hands are from the guard, the smaller guard size you need to protect yourself. Just at the crossguard length to handle ratio on messers. The crossguards are often shorter than longswords and arming swords. @@MW_Asura
Love these rehilt videos, especially because of the extra detail you guys go into, giving special considerations for _why_ the blade may behave a certain way. Also I like how you guys hold different opinions and have totally different personal preferences to weapons-it is a priviledge to hear Thanks for the hard work as always. Also, I have an idea for a video that might fun to you guys, maybe: You could independently brainstorm your one dream armament (dagger, sword, axe, what have you). Then have the editors produce a combined presentation where each of you indepedently introduce your concept via pre-recorded video, and together you all watch to the end with intermissions between each favorite weapon/weaponconcept video when you share your opinions. Then you guys try your best to verbally rip each other’s ideas to shreds lol. And maybe share what you like. I dunno, maybe there’s a fraction of an interesting idea there… whatever happens I know you all will make cool stuff B) Thanks for reading and have fun
@Shadiversity Not to make more work for Tyranth but... What would be really cool, is if somehow you can make them detachable and re-attachable, so you can go from dual-wielding two Katanas, then joining them together to single wield a double sided one. Just imagine fighting someone wielding a single odd looking sword and then all of the sudden mid swing out of nowhere they have two swords and are dual wielding.
some notes on drawing the katana. The habaki and saya form a 'lock' and to draw the thumb would be placed on the tsuba to 'pop' that seal open the first inch or so, the katana and saya would then be rotated while drawing so that it can draw and cut in one fluid motion. you would not draw the sword upside down and then flip it as shown. Part of the reason that the katana is secured with the sageo rather than frogs, is because you need to be able to move the saya and position it around your body. when drawing, the saya is actually pulled back out of the way of the sword for the last 1/3rd of the blade or so, and when sheathing the saya is brought out to meet the blade. Part of the advantage of having a single edged blade stored blade down is that when sheathing, you can guide the spine of the blade along the web of your hand and into the saya which makes it much quicker and easier to sheath without looking or fishing around for the opening. There is an entire martial art that is devoted purely to sheathing and unsheathing the katana called Iado which is rather unique AFAIK compared to European tradition and takes advantage of these relative peculiarities. One such technique involves bringing the saya up perpendicular and against your chest to strike downwards as you sidestep. Another technique begins with a reverse grip (thumb on top) that allows you to cut upwards in one fluid motion with the blade oriented downwards. One note is that in japanese martial arts (partially due to the fact that they are using differentially hardened blades and not spring steel) they do not use many 'binding' techniques as you see displayed in european treatises, so there was not as much need for a crossguard. That being said, most of the examples we see of katana are from the edo period, which was the height of their legacy in many ways. These weapons were largely status symbols and so while functional weapons, some details such as the tsuba would have been largely ornate and became smaller over time as they adapted to this use. In post warring states(sengoku) period, weapons were largely made illegal, but the Daisho were allowed to be retained by the noble class because they weren't really considered true battlefield weapons. Like many european analogues these would have been a side weapon and a spear would have been the primary infantry weapon. That being said, earlier examples of katana from pre-edo, did have much larger tsuba, often more square, that would have better protected the hand. I'd almost point to the small sword as more of an analogous blade: something that could be and probably was occasionally used in war, but was primarily mean to be a status symbol of nobility and a self defense/dueling weapon for matters of honor. To wrap this up, I greatly enjoyed this video and appreciated your insight, just wanted to humbly add my two cents and maybe shed some light on a couple things
Wheel of Time hits me, Brother Shad, as a book of reality check and philosophy much like Romancing of the Three Kingdoms or The Art of War. You made a living version of the blade from said books.
A lesson I learned in grade 3 or 4, the merging of cultures tends towards are greater result than either before. This applies just as much to physical products like swords. Seeing cultural mergers like this video series has been very fascinating to watch.
If I recall, there were larger subas that were better for blocking. More like proper disc guard. I imagine you could even create holes for your thumb to slip in to thumb the blade like a european blade.
@@MW_Asura I'd like to see that field tested. Some disc gaurds can almost reach the length of the shortened crossguard on this kamitar. You don't need that much length to avoid blade bounce. And on top of that, there are benefits to an enlarged suba/disc guard over a crossguard, same reason ring guards have advantages.
Add a ring guard to the Kamitar. It's similar to disc guards/tsubas, but it can be add to crossguards and you can still use the thumbgrip. It would protect you hands better from the side
Dont know if it was mentioned already, but Shad, and the crew, should comment on Senki Sensei's video where he tests a western sword for the first time.
Continuing to ask for a video on the misconceptions of Medieval themed weddings and on the practices, customs, and traditions of medieval weddings. And how if wanted they can be integrated into our fantasy stories or TTRPGs.
@@Problemsolver434 oh I thought it was. Also what I want to know is if all Medieval weddings were arranged or if there were genuine marriages out of love. Also what happens if someone goes against a tradition or runs away from an arranged marriage (something that happens in my fantasy story) especially if it’s in a royal case.
Depends only on one factor: Are you using it like a curved style saber OR are you using it as a Katana. The crossguard makes a lot of actions typical to kenjutsu really awkward.
They definitely seem much more trained in western style sword techniques, and it would be refreshing if they had a guest on their show that is a well trained in kenjutsu. They could have him try out the rehilted swords and see if what you say is true, that the cross guard interferes with the eastern sword techniques.
@@lightsabermario A good example is when preforming kesagiri (a straight downward cut), you can't have a crossguard. That's why with an arming sword or longsword, you cut vertically by starting on either side of your head. It changes depending on the profile of the guard. Also with a crossguard, preforming Noutou might be really awkward too due to wrist positioning if you were doing the horizontal sheath.
@@lightsabermario agreed, I love shad and crew but they're definitely biased towards what they know/are familiar with. Would be very interesting if they brought on someone with kenjutsu training to test this sword out
The correct name should be the Falkatana. Sounds like falcon(which is cool). Reminds you of a falchion. You could also read it as a False Katana. Finally consdiering the naming schemes of regular katanas (o, dai, etc), a prefix fal works great. Ps. Actually considering the heavy eastern themes to the wheel of time and descriptions of some of the cities, a falkatana does fit.
Hey guys just wanted to bring to your attention that there is a katana for sale from Swords of Northshire based on Mugen’s sword from Samurai Champloo. It has a sort of cross guard, but it’s shaped more like a guard from a Sai, and it also has a partial double edge that runs from about half way up the spine to the tip of the blade. I don’t work for them, and I’ve no idea what kind of quality it’ll be, but check it out if you’re interested.
I made a katana model like that in oblivion once where it was two katana blades side by side to make a double edged sword but it did not look too good in my opinion, I Wish you the best of luck on that irl request Tyranth XD
There is a VERY simple way to thumb grip a katana, you just lower your grip to make room for the thumb on the handle... whis would also give you a couple inches more reach on that strike over thumbing the blade itself...
That's more a cultural shift than anything super tactical. The goal of the Meiji Restoration was to become more western. Western clothes, foods, and ideas became a part of Japanese culture. Obviously, swords are not that important in the late 19th and early 20th century. There are Japanese court swords in that period that are modeled after European smallswords. In the 1930s, a wave of nationalism caused the military to transition back to a traditional Japanese design, so there really wasn't a tactical reason for the shift at all.
@@andrewli6606I don't know about in Japan, but you'd be shocked that Sabers had a pretty damn respectable kill count in the WW1 locations that weren't just muddy holes. Swords held up a bit longer than many think
You should try to recreate a katana rehilted to fit a 1875 pattern japanese army sword. It would be a great way to explore some history and test its characteristics.
These re-hiltings are so interesting. Skallagrim recently reviewed a middle eastern kilij that has these interesting quillons on both sides of the blade above the crossguard. I was wondering how useful those are and how useful would it be if something similar was added to a longsword crossguard. Any chance you could test them in the future? :)
How similar is this to a swiss saber of the mid-16th century? (Schweizersäbel). They were long sword class in blade length, single edged, slightly curved, and used a sinilar gaurd and grip. On the same note, I would absolutely love to see some content on Sabres in general!
Shaddy if the swords were sharp and you were actually striking with the intent to kill your enemy the swords would be way less likely to bounce take the loss on that one
I think the Samurai wore the Katana edge up to avoid dulling the razor sharp blade they honed very painstakingly. Walking with the blade edge down pushes the edge into the scabbard's walls dulling it by some percentage. The ninjas had frequently oversized tsubas. The Samurais main weapon on the battlefield was the Naginata. The Katana was reserved as a last resort weapon.
I don’t know if it’s been stated but I feel that I should. The round hand guard on a katana is because you traditionally use the flat of the katana parry, since the edges were more likely to chip. So it was to keep the sword from going down the side of the blade into you hand. But with a spring steel blade you can use the edge to block and parry
BIG SUGGESTION...Sort of. I created a sorta double-katana for a character in the story I work on. But both blades face in the same direction, the blade in the back is blunt and it's rather meant to capture an attack of the opponent inbetween the blades and...well.. break the opponents sword in one go. Both blades are connected at multiple points to strengthen them, otherwise this move would risk breaking them and they touch at the top for a devastating frontal attack. I would love to see something along these lines actually done in reallife, just so I can adjust my ideas in the story to something..."more realistic".
I think that while the smaller sword should be called a scimitana, the longer one should be called an o-kamitar instead of just kamitar since it's made from an O-katana and not a katana. Awesome stuff though guys.
You recently tested the sakabato and said the tip was the effective part of the blade. So, you already proved having a false edge blade at the tip would be of effective use and seeing as how the main section of the blade was not as effective, that could be an interesting working concept of a sword.
I feel like if you had used guard rings on the side like a montante or zweihander, or the katsbalger guard, both of which would be better guards than either the cross or tsuba, and better blend the two, with even more hand protection.
The only thing I think its missing is the more traditional katana handle wrap. if you could add the wrap but keep the pommel I would be pleased beyond belief!
How to wear the kamitar: the nibble where the rope is attached to should face outwards, however, if it was a tachi rehilted, then is should've been blade down, because the saya of yhe tachi ware mostly made to hang down. Lets ask seki sensei recently made a video of a samurai master trying out a longsword, highly recommend checking that video out. It also pointed a problem with a cross guard
So I, as a kendoka, noticed some mistakes you made in regards to the way a katana is carried and I wish to provide you with the correct information to avoid such mistakes in the future. You said that katana are traditionally worn blade down, however that is not true. The katana is traditionally worn blade up. This is for multiple reasons. 1, as one of you pointed out, having it blade up prevents from cutting into the saya, and respecting the blade as well as it’s parts is a big deal for us. 2, you were mistaken in saying it would be faster to draw it blade down, in iaido we draw the sword with the blade up (depending on the specific strike we may turn it with the left hand, but generally speaking) because of the way the sword is held up high in the obi it is good to draw it from blade up and you can immediately go into a downward strike. Furthermore when utilizing such a strike I’m not sure if this is a thing in HEMA but in iaido we pull the sheath back with the left and draw with the right. 3 simple bio mechanics of the human body. If you notice in the video when you draw it blade down in your belt your joints are fully flexed in order to draw the blade because of the way it is and its clear you’d be struck in the process of drawing since you had to twist your torso just to fully unsheathe it, while when holding it low like a European sword it’s clearly easier and you even mention it feels more comfortable drawing that way and how you can move straight into a combative position. Drawing blade up is sort of like that with it up close to you to put it simply, when drawn correctly you end up in a good offensive position without strain on joints. 4, it’s actually easy to draw while in seiza (traditional seated position). This was not meant with any malicious intent I just thought I would correct a mistake which I believe comes from a lack of expertise in the particular field of traditional Japanese swordsmanship considering you three seem more experienced with European swordsmanship.
Honor Harrington has a planet in the second book that has swords like this. They were a lost space colony of people from North America, and they recreated an entire sword tradition from samurai movies they brought with them and thought were documentaries (this was like 1000 years before we meet them, or something like that).
The direction you wear a katana traditionally depends on the time, if it’s wartime, blade down, if it’s peacetime, blade up, because it is harder to initiate a fight with your blade facing up, as mentioned in the video, it adds extra movement to the draw, so the direction of your blade was a sign of peacefulness or hostility, the same as which way you display a Katana on a rack, handle on the left is peaceful, right is hostile, because it is faster and easier to grab and draw if it is displayed to the right.
What would make an interesting point of reference or comparison (in my humble opinion) is a sabre. To make it period accurate - a turko-mongol sabre. It seems like a kind of in-between thing with traditional, but minimalistic guard and a curved blade that could be single or double edged
I feel this is more of a hybrid than an evolution. For an evolution I would have liked to retain the diamond wrapping of the katana and have the pommel be something that stylistically fit with the diamond wrapped handle. The pommel would probably be an entirely custom piece and maybe it should draw inspiration from the tsuba.
Hmm, in case no one commented. The katana has its own set of kata/move set, where you draw the blade while sitting down and defend against possible attackers. I think that is one reason to wear it blade up…. I don’t know, sitting in seiza and drawing the blade with edge facing down seems kind of difficult for me :)
If I had to describe this show it’s like a absurd hilarious medieval version of Top Gear. Replace the cars with weapons and it’s just perfect entertainment.
This is FANTASTIC!!! It so amazing to see this sword in real life! I actually wrote a book about this exact sword years ago and it so wonderful to see it come to life. I know I'm not the only one to think of a sword like this but its still amazing nonetheless.
I do like how the name 'Kamitar' includes 'Kami,' lending an extra link to Japan, as well as the supernatural, since its clear that this sort of weapon is beyond reason.
I believe someone had mentioned this in one of the early videos but the name I propose for this monst- *cough I mean magnificent creation! Is '洋刀' '洋' means Western/European -its used in words referring to Western things like food, clothing, etc- it's pronounced as 'Yō'. The Kanji, '刀' -the Kanji for sword. Is pronounced as 'Tō' Or -the word everyone knows, 'Katana'. When added together it would be pronounced either 'Yōtō' Or as I would suggest, 'Yōgatana'. Basically means 'Western sword' and Or 'Western style Katana', Lemme know what y'all think o this name.
Tyranth: Yes, I can make one but Shad is so excited to see if he could, he never thought to ask if he should.
I saw him die a little inside for that request.
I have to jokingly wonder if Shad or Tyranth is gonna get haunted by the ghost of a traditional Japanese Swordsmith or Samurai for this "monstrosity" 👀 😂
Katamitar was way better
Add anymore blades and Shad is in dangerous territory of creating the "Mall Samurai" style.
@@CptZargon Then he will have become that which he hates....
And Shad is going to feature himself in the next Cursed Mall Ninja weapons vid!
The visible confusion and disgust on Tyranth's face when Shad was describing the next abomination was priceless.
Fool should have asked to make the Scissor blade from kill la kill
Or from Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, Sundowner has a Scissor sword too.
@@Deathbrecht that too
"You were the chosen one! You were supposed to criticize dumb weapons, not create them! Bring good weapon design to the world, not leave it in ignorance!"
@@KaiHung-wv3ul BUT IT'S COOL! *in anikin voice
That double katana is going to be one of the most cursed swords I'll ever see... and be real... I look forward to seeing it!
Me a blox fruits player on roblox
It was a suprise but a good one to be sire
Agreed. I want to see it too lol. an O-val Katana.
I believe the current format of Shadiversity videos is a real winner. It scratches that "Mythbusters" itch, and from the outside looking in it appears that you 3 have a good chemistry onscreen. A bit of Kirk, Spock and McCoy, perhaps? :D
The foray into experimenting with weapon designs is entertaining; I really enjoy these videos. From the Shabbard (back scabbard) Shad came up with to Tyranth's rehilted weapons, this is all great content. Nate seems to be the real wild card in my opinion; I never know what he is going to do lol.
Can someone remind me what those drinks were called that Shad, Oz and Nathan were drinking on Knight's Watch?
I've seen something of Shad's back scabbard in an anime from the 90's called Ruin Explorers. It did address carrying a longsword or great sword in a back scabbard to an extent. I know it appears in at least one scene and I thought it was great that they did that.
If they picked up the pace about 10% it would be perfect in scratching the Mythbusters itch
Right now it feels like commentary of a Mythbusters episode
Ither way I'm 100% happy
Been watching shad for about 8 years and it just keeps getting better
I dunno. The shabbard videos were closer, while these lean a bit more in the performance to be compared to mythbusters.
I remember Bundaberg ginger beer, but I don't remember what the fruit ones were
100% mythbusters itch
If Shad had used the quillons guard of the bastard sword he would easily have a more than perfect replica of the Heron Marked Blade from The Wheel of Time.
That is what I want. The 'original' or at least 'first version' of the Heron Marked Sword with an O-Katana length blade.
I came here to say the same thing!
That is litteraly all they did...
I think this look like vampire hunter D's long sword(yes, it's what it's called) especially with the handle curves with the blade
So I'm not the only one, huh? Just some quillons and bend them away from the hand and...maybe also that really strong sword blade... then all you need is the actual Heron and you'd have the closest we could get to a Power-Wrought Heron Mark blade. Though don't forget he gets the brands on his palms, so there'd have to be some kind of metal heron on the grip...
Wheel of Time fans, rejoice
This is pretty much exactly how I pictured the heron-marked blades of the borderlands.
My thoughts too
Exactly!!!! This was my mind canon
The O katana with crossguard and pommel looks almost identical to the two handed falchion/saber, especially from a distance.
Yea the big thing is the blade geometry.
I still think you should add Japanese style wrap to the kriegsmesser that had the sharp corners on the grip.
That's such a good idea! Hope they see your comment :)
The katana with a back edge not only could be done effectively, it HAS been done. Japan had swords like that, and given that the kamitar is made of spring steel it likely could handle it. But I'd suggest buying another of the katanas you got to make the kamitar and use that, rather than messing with the one you already have, just in case.
Edit: In fact, what I'd like to see you fellas do is what we don't have evidence of the japanese doing... sharpen the entirety or the majority of the back of a katana.
Tyranth said it clearly that it wouldn't work for this blade because the inside of the steal is likely made from a softer metal, and the spine is so thick that you couldn't get much of an angle properly.
No one said that it is impossible to make a katana-like blade with a double-edged end. They said that they cannot make THIS sword have it. Those are two different things, seeing as crafting a sword with a double-edged tip from scratch allows you to make it in whatever way is necessary to make it work.
@@kikixchannel he's making an assumption. He doesn't know it's softer inside. As for the thickness of the spine, I find that hard to believe that matters given the unsharpened part of the spine of the kagarasu maru is probably comparably thick.
18:01 Interestingly enough, there are double edged katanas online, where the second edge starts halfway on the back of the katana blade. You can look it up.
You can never have too many swords
Before continuing into the video; I propose the Katamitar. Feels like the syllables fit/flow together a bit better (for my feeling at least).
Too similar to catamite...
I SECOND THIS.
We need a Shadiversity Grand Tournament!!! The three of you build your own swords then go through different trials with the blades. At the end, the blade that performs the best and is still functional wins.
My girlfriend of 4.5 years just broke up with me this weekend and your videos are the only thing that’s made me happy. I have been watching them all nonstop.
MY EYES IT BURNS MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT IS PERFECT SWOORRRDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shad please test bigger tsuba . Historical tsuba are anywhere from 7.5 cm to 10cm, modern day replica only has the smaller of tsuba, and it would be interesting to see the bigger ones being tested.
Also, Dao guards. The upturned lips mean they’re potentially a point catcher and something for the edge of a sword to bite into, preventing glancing. Also, Karan just means sword so yeah, this particular sword is better than all Japanese sword. That is almost as ignorant and oversimp as katana is just better of ten years ago and oversimp of saying metal codpieces and breast armor are the same. Also, the brigandine counterpoint isn’t as good as Shad things cus they also made brigs which are essentially covered breastplates riveted to canvas. Corrazine. Same glancing surfaces on a brig
This is why the very katana like sword lk chen makes crossbowmans dao interests me. It "fixes" lot of my peeves with katanas it has longsword lenght spring steel blade 33 inches something like that, through tang, and larger disc guard than most modern tsubas. Japanese guards also could have kinda like rings often that style is associated with musashi, and if the rings would be large enough you could even thumb the blade i guess if you want to use more longsword techniques with disc style guard
Still wouldn't be as effective as a crossguard
The handles of Japanese swords are often very long for there blade length, the further away your hands are from the guard, the smaller guard size you need to protect yourself. Just at the crossguard length to handle ratio on messers. The crossguards are often shorter than longswords and arming swords. @@MW_Asura
I came here from Odysee to find cope in the comments. Surprised I had to scroll so far to find it.
Love these rehilt videos, especially because of the extra detail you guys go into, giving special considerations for _why_ the blade may behave a certain way.
Also I like how you guys hold different opinions and have totally different personal preferences to weapons-it is a priviledge to hear Thanks for the hard work as always.
Also, I have an idea for a video that might fun to you guys, maybe:
You could independently brainstorm your one dream armament (dagger, sword, axe, what have you).
Then have the editors produce a combined presentation where each of you indepedently introduce your concept via pre-recorded video, and together you all watch to the end with intermissions between each favorite weapon/weaponconcept video when you share your opinions.
Then you guys try your best to verbally rip each other’s ideas to shreds lol. And maybe share what you like. I dunno, maybe there’s a fraction of an interesting idea there… whatever happens I know you all will make cool stuff B)
Thanks for reading and have fun
That sounds fun to me lol.
Glad a video came out today, just got my wisdom teeth pulled and I love the new sword hybrid videos.
@Shadiversity Not to make more work for Tyranth but... What would be really cool, is if somehow you can make them detachable and re-attachable, so you can go from dual-wielding two Katanas, then joining them together to single wield a double sided one. Just imagine fighting someone wielding a single odd looking sword and then all of the sudden mid swing out of nowhere they have two swords and are dual wielding.
some notes on drawing the katana. The habaki and saya form a 'lock' and to draw the thumb would be placed on the tsuba to 'pop' that seal open the first inch or so, the katana and saya would then be rotated while drawing so that it can draw and cut in one fluid motion. you would not draw the sword upside down and then flip it as shown. Part of the reason that the katana is secured with the sageo rather than frogs, is because you need to be able to move the saya and position it around your body. when drawing, the saya is actually pulled back out of the way of the sword for the last 1/3rd of the blade or so, and when sheathing the saya is brought out to meet the blade. Part of the advantage of having a single edged blade stored blade down is that when sheathing, you can guide the spine of the blade along the web of your hand and into the saya which makes it much quicker and easier to sheath without looking or fishing around for the opening. There is an entire martial art that is devoted purely to sheathing and unsheathing the katana called Iado which is rather unique AFAIK compared to European tradition and takes advantage of these relative peculiarities. One such technique involves bringing the saya up perpendicular and against your chest to strike downwards as you sidestep. Another technique begins with a reverse grip (thumb on top) that allows you to cut upwards in one fluid motion with the blade oriented downwards. One note is that in japanese martial arts (partially due to the fact that they are using differentially hardened blades and not spring steel) they do not use many 'binding' techniques as you see displayed in european treatises, so there was not as much need for a crossguard. That being said, most of the examples we see of katana are from the edo period, which was the height of their legacy in many ways. These weapons were largely status symbols and so while functional weapons, some details such as the tsuba would have been largely ornate and became smaller over time as they adapted to this use. In post warring states(sengoku) period, weapons were largely made illegal, but the Daisho were allowed to be retained by the noble class because they weren't really considered true battlefield weapons. Like many european analogues these would have been a side weapon and a spear would have been the primary infantry weapon. That being said, earlier examples of katana from pre-edo, did have much larger tsuba, often more square, that would have better protected the hand. I'd almost point to the small sword as more of an analogous blade: something that could be and probably was occasionally used in war, but was primarily mean to be a status symbol of nobility and a self defense/dueling weapon for matters of honor. To wrap this up, I greatly enjoyed this video and appreciated your insight, just wanted to humbly add my two cents and maybe shed some light on a couple things
Well said.
There is a double edged katana exactly the style you suggested! It's called the Kogarasu maru
love a little crow
Wheel of Time hits me, Brother Shad, as a book of reality check and philosophy much like Romancing of the Three Kingdoms or The Art of War. You made a living version of the blade from said books.
A lesson I learned in grade 3 or 4, the merging of cultures tends towards are greater result than either before. This applies just as much to physical products like swords. Seeing cultural mergers like this video series has been very fascinating to watch.
Yeah if we all could get together we could make things boom and no we aren’t using bombs… or are we 😏
If I recall, there were larger subas that were better for blocking. More like proper disc guard. I imagine you could even create holes for your thumb to slip in to thumb the blade like a european blade.
Why do you even need to thumb the *blade*? Can't you just grip lower and thumb the handle? They're plenty big for that.
They still weren't as effective as crossguards
@@steelwasp9375 The higher up on the hilt your hand is the more control over the blade you have.
@@MW_Asura I'd like to see that field tested. Some disc gaurds can almost reach the length of the shortened crossguard on this kamitar. You don't need that much length to avoid blade bounce. And on top of that, there are benefits to an enlarged suba/disc guard over a crossguard, same reason ring guards have advantages.
Add a ring guard to the Kamitar. It's similar to disc guards/tsubas, but it can be add to crossguards and you can still use the thumbgrip. It would protect you hands better from the side
Dont know if it was mentioned already, but Shad, and the crew, should comment on Senki Sensei's video where he tests a western sword for the first time.
Continuing to ask for a video on the misconceptions of Medieval themed weddings and on the practices, customs, and traditions of medieval weddings.
And how if wanted they can be integrated into our fantasy stories or TTRPGs.
They murdered the groom's family and poisoned Kings during the weddings. It was custom 😅😂
@@Problemsolver434 that was a custom? In real life or in fantasy? If so why?
@reeceemms1643 I was making a 'Game of thrones' joke
@@Problemsolver434 oh I thought it was.
Also what I want to know is if all Medieval weddings were arranged or if there were genuine marriages out of love. Also what happens if someone goes against a tradition or runs away from an arranged marriage (something that happens in my fantasy story) especially if it’s in a royal case.
@@reeceemms1643 I suppose it depends on the culture. I'm African. I know nothing about Medieval Europe
It reminds me of the actual description of the heron marked blades from Wheel of Time.
Depends only on one factor: Are you using it like a curved style saber OR are you using it as a Katana. The crossguard makes a lot of actions typical to kenjutsu really awkward.
They definitely seem much more trained in western style sword techniques, and it would be refreshing if they had a guest on their show that is a well trained in kenjutsu. They could have him try out the rehilted swords and see if what you say is true, that the cross guard interferes with the eastern sword techniques.
@@lightsabermario A good example is when preforming kesagiri (a straight downward cut), you can't have a crossguard. That's why with an arming sword or longsword, you cut vertically by starting on either side of your head. It changes depending on the profile of the guard. Also with a crossguard, preforming
Noutou might be really awkward too due to wrist positioning if you were doing the horizontal sheath.
@@lightsabermario agreed, I love shad and crew but they're definitely biased towards what they know/are familiar with. Would be very interesting if they brought on someone with kenjutsu training to test this sword out
Next up, a lightning bolt that end in a fireball.
The ultimate evolution of the lightning bolt!
These cursed sword builds are so much fun. Stunning work from tyranth to make all these. His maker is showing
Still vote Fal-tachi.
Falkata-na?
The correct name should be the Falkatana.
Sounds like falcon(which is cool). Reminds you of a falchion. You could also read it as a False Katana. Finally consdiering the naming schemes of regular katanas (o, dai, etc), a prefix fal works great.
Ps. Actually considering the heavy eastern themes to the wheel of time and descriptions of some of the cities, a falkatana does fit.
Every so often Shad puts out a video where you can just tell there will be five or so follow up videos on the same topic, and they'll all be bangers.
Hey guys just wanted to bring to your attention that there is a katana for sale from Swords of Northshire based on Mugen’s sword from Samurai Champloo.
It has a sort of cross guard, but it’s shaped more like a guard from a Sai, and it also has a partial double edge that runs from about half way up the spine to the tip of the blade.
I don’t work for them, and I’ve no idea what kind of quality it’ll be, but check it out if you’re interested.
Do a double bladed Naginata instead of a double bladed Katana. The longer polearm staff would make it less unwieldy and more useable.
In the 8th century in Japan there was a double-edged katana Kogarasumaru.
You guys are forgetting the sword doesn't make the man. It's the technique of the Wielder that makes the sword a dangerous weapon.
I made a katana model like that in oblivion once where it was two katana blades side by side to make a double edged sword but it did not look too good in my opinion, I Wish you the best of luck on that irl request Tyranth XD
Love how Shad is just like a mad scientist in these, I respect the drive, he may seem mad, but true brilliance always seems insane at first
Now do a Nodachi with claymore fittings
Isn't a Nodachi already the heavier of the two pretty often?
Might get pretty unwieldy
@@1stCallipostle or other appropriate Western fittings.
Put a saber hilt on it and give it to cavalry.
So… you've basically made Robert Jordan's Heron Marked Sword (Wheel of Time).
There is a VERY simple way to thumb grip a katana, you just lower your grip to make room for the thumb on the handle... whis would also give you a couple inches more reach on that strike over thumbing the blade itself...
18:50 Shads face 😂XD
Anytime that Aussie, gasps excitedly, means that pure gold is about to happen
A cool video would be how Japan adapted to modern militaries with their swords. You can see the transition in their early military sabers.
I do remember seeing Japanese sabers with Gunto (basically Katana) blades. Or more accurately, Gunto fitted with saber style hilts.
That's more a cultural shift than anything super tactical. The goal of the Meiji Restoration was to become more western. Western clothes, foods, and ideas became a part of Japanese culture. Obviously, swords are not that important in the late 19th and early 20th century. There are Japanese court swords in that period that are modeled after European smallswords. In the 1930s, a wave of nationalism caused the military to transition back to a traditional Japanese design, so there really wasn't a tactical reason for the shift at all.
@@andrewli6606I don't know about in Japan, but you'd be shocked that Sabers had a pretty damn respectable kill count in the WW1 locations that weren't just muddy holes.
Swords held up a bit longer than many think
It's not complete - It needs built in Nunchucks!
No we need long and thick stick with two of these swords attached on each end like Sword numchucks then it's perfect.
You should try to recreate a katana rehilted to fit a 1875 pattern japanese army sword. It would be a great way to explore some history and test its characteristics.
still think it should have been called the Warder, in homage to the Wheel of Time
if they make the two katana bladed sword thing, they NEED to call it a duotana
Yes!!! I have always wanted to see a sword like this! A combination of East and West! This makes me so happy! 🤩
These re-hiltings are so interesting. Skallagrim recently reviewed a middle eastern kilij that has these interesting quillons on both sides of the blade above the crossguard. I was wondering how useful those are and how useful would it be if something similar was added to a longsword crossguard. Any chance you could test them in the future? :)
How similar is this to a swiss saber of the mid-16th century? (Schweizersäbel). They were long sword class in blade length, single edged, slightly curved, and used a sinilar gaurd and grip.
On the same note, I would absolutely love to see some content on Sabres in general!
Shaddy if the swords were sharp and you were actually striking with the intent to kill your enemy the swords would be way less likely to bounce take the loss on that one
I think this look like vampire hunter D's long sword(yes, it's what it's called) especially with the curved handle
It's a "FALTANA" Tyranth and Shad's sticking to it! I actually love that sword! I like the half back edge being sharp idea sound cool!
Send this over to Seki sensei and see how he feels about this!
Gotta say, it must be a blast to work with shad on videos.
Tyranth's emotional damage at 19:09
Have you guys tried to make indeed, a bigger tsuba ? Maybe with a oval kind of shape like some chinese swords and stuff ... would be fun
😂 in modern time every one can say you can do this and that but I am sure that they tried it already and saw that it bring more problems than good 😂
I think the Samurai wore the Katana edge up to avoid dulling the razor sharp blade they honed very painstakingly.
Walking with the blade edge down pushes the edge into the scabbard's walls dulling it by some percentage.
The ninjas had frequently oversized tsubas.
The Samurais main weapon on the battlefield was the Naginata. The Katana was reserved as a last resort weapon.
I don’t know if it’s been stated but I feel that I should. The round hand guard on a katana is because you traditionally use the flat of the katana parry, since the edges were more likely to chip. So it was to keep the sword from going down the side of the blade into you hand. But with a spring steel blade you can use the edge to block and parry
BIG SUGGESTION...Sort of.
I created a sorta double-katana for a character in the story I work on. But both blades face in the same direction, the blade in the back is blunt and it's rather meant to capture an attack of the opponent inbetween the blades and...well.. break the opponents sword in one go.
Both blades are connected at multiple points to strengthen them, otherwise this move would risk breaking them and they touch at the top for a devastating frontal attack.
I would love to see something along these lines actually done in reallife, just so I can adjust my ideas in the story to something..."more realistic".
I think that while the smaller sword should be called a scimitana, the longer one should be called an o-kamitar instead of just kamitar since it's made from an O-katana and not a katana. Awesome stuff though guys.
Should be Kamitar, Kamihamitar, then the bigest version Kamihamihatar.
You recently tested the sakabato and said the tip was the effective part of the blade. So, you already proved having a false edge blade at the tip would be of effective use and seeing as how the main section of the blade was not as effective, that could be an interesting working concept of a sword.
I feel like if you had used guard rings on the side like a montante or zweihander, or the katsbalger guard, both of which would be better guards than either the cross or tsuba, and better blend the two, with even more hand protection.
It's Rand's Haron Marked Sword.
The only thing I think its missing is the more traditional katana handle wrap. if you could add the wrap but keep the pommel I would be pleased beyond belief!
How to wear the kamitar: the nibble where the rope is attached to should face outwards, however, if it was a tachi rehilted, then is should've been blade down, because the saya of yhe tachi ware mostly made to hang down.
Lets ask seki sensei recently made a video of a samurai master trying out a longsword, highly recommend checking that video out. It also pointed a problem with a cross guard
When drawing a katana, you also have to pull the saya back, so you don't have to reach as far as shad is doing
The enthusiasm of the trio was quite funny whenever they cross-breed two kinds of swords
Shad channeling his inner He-Man at the begging 🔥🔥🔥
So I, as a kendoka, noticed some mistakes you made in regards to the way a katana is carried and I wish to provide you with the correct information to avoid such mistakes in the future. You said that katana are traditionally worn blade down, however that is not true. The katana is traditionally worn blade up. This is for multiple reasons. 1, as one of you pointed out, having it blade up prevents from cutting into the saya, and respecting the blade as well as it’s parts is a big deal for us. 2, you were mistaken in saying it would be faster to draw it blade down, in iaido we draw the sword with the blade up (depending on the specific strike we may turn it with the left hand, but generally speaking) because of the way the sword is held up high in the obi it is good to draw it from blade up and you can immediately go into a downward strike. Furthermore when utilizing such a strike I’m not sure if this is a thing in HEMA but in iaido we pull the sheath back with the left and draw with the right. 3 simple bio mechanics of the human body. If you notice in the video when you draw it blade down in your belt your joints are fully flexed in order to draw the blade because of the way it is and its clear you’d be struck in the process of drawing since you had to twist your torso just to fully unsheathe it, while when holding it low like a European sword it’s clearly easier and you even mention it feels more comfortable drawing that way and how you can move straight into a combative position. Drawing blade up is sort of like that with it up close to you to put it simply, when drawn correctly you end up in a good offensive position without strain on joints. 4, it’s actually easy to draw while in seiza (traditional seated position). This was not meant with any malicious intent I just thought I would correct a mistake which I believe comes from a lack of expertise in the particular field of traditional Japanese swordsmanship considering you three seem more experienced with European swordsmanship.
Ironically, it is a Heronmark Sword.
Honor Harrington has a planet in the second book that has swords like this. They were a lost space colony of people from North America, and they recreated an entire sword tradition from samurai movies they brought with them and thought were documentaries (this was like 1000 years before we meet them, or something like that).
Even that recent "samurai with a longsword" video the katana instructor admits the cross guard makes for more stable blocking than a tsuba.
The direction you wear a katana traditionally depends on the time, if it’s wartime, blade down, if it’s peacetime, blade up, because it is harder to initiate a fight with your blade facing up, as mentioned in the video, it adds extra movement to the draw, so the direction of your blade was a sign of peacefulness or hostility, the same as which way you display a Katana on a rack, handle on the left is peaceful, right is hostile, because it is faster and easier to grab and draw if it is displayed to the right.
kind of reminds me of the byzantine parameion
Wouldn't the ultimate version of a katana have a complex guard?
Pommel go bonk. sorry did you feel "harrassed" lmao
18:44 The only fitting name for this would be the "Katwona".
What would make an interesting point of reference or comparison (in my humble opinion) is a sabre. To make it period accurate - a turko-mongol sabre. It seems like a kind of in-between thing with traditional, but minimalistic guard and a curved blade that could be single or double edged
Samurai ghosts punching the air right now
Tyranth had that look of when your boss has some stupid idea, but your the one who is going to do all the work to achieve it.
I could see the two-blades back to back with one of them being the Sakabato-style, so that the curvatures compliment each other
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought of back to back katana blades. Also proposing the name Duokatana for that abomination.
I feel this is more of a hybrid than an evolution. For an evolution I would have liked to retain the diamond wrapping of the katana and have the pommel be something that stylistically fit with the diamond wrapped handle. The pommel would probably be an entirely custom piece and maybe it should draw inspiration from the tsuba.
16:44 Don't be so modest Shad. "Flaming hot garage" is the proper description.
Hmm, in case no one commented. The katana has its own set of kata/move set, where you draw the blade while sitting down and defend against possible attackers. I think that is one reason to wear it blade up…. I don’t know, sitting in seiza and drawing the blade with edge facing down seems kind of difficult for me :)
Until you build the helo-hilt and attach that to a blade, you will never be able to fly. 🙃
Needs a nagel.
They need a heron engraving then!!!!
If I had to describe this show it’s like a absurd hilarious medieval version of Top Gear. Replace the cars with weapons and it’s just perfect entertainment.
Saw the first few seconds muted, and I'm disappointed Shad didn't scream I HAVE THE POWEEEEEER!!!
This is FANTASTIC!!! It so amazing to see this sword in real life! I actually wrote a book about this exact sword years ago and it so wonderful to see it come to life. I know I'm not the only one to think of a sword like this but its still amazing nonetheless.
I enjoy the wordplay possibilities of having a smaller kamitar and a larger O-kamitar/Okami-tar.
Should be Kamitar, Kamihamitar, then the bigest version Kamihamihatar.🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I do like how the name 'Kamitar' includes 'Kami,' lending an extra link to Japan, as well as the supernatural, since its clear that this sort of weapon is beyond reason.
Shad seems to have so much fun these days. ^_^
I believe someone had mentioned this in one of the early videos but the name I propose for this monst- *cough I mean magnificent creation! Is '洋刀'
'洋' means Western/European -its used in words referring to Western things like food, clothing, etc- it's pronounced as 'Yō'. The Kanji, '刀' -the Kanji for sword. Is pronounced as 'Tō' Or -the word everyone knows, 'Katana'. When added together it would be pronounced either 'Yōtō' Or as I would suggest, 'Yōgatana'. Basically means 'Western sword' and Or 'Western style Katana',
Lemme know what y'all think o this name.
Good suggestion! Since the blade is of the larger variant, it could also be expanded to "O YoTo".
This comment deserves more attention because this is brilliant