The Sword THROW Re-Visited: How Practical is it Really?
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- This an updated discussion of sword throwing, as mentioned by the 14/15th century Italian sword master Fiore de'i Liberi. I made a video about it back in 2015 and figured that revisiting it might be interesting.
• Throwing a sword - Cra...
So in this video I talk about the potential risk and reward involved in such a tactic, and try out a few different ways of throwing a longsword.
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** Music **
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
vindsvept.band...
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom....
it only works if you say "parry this you f*cking casual" before
throwing it
In the halls of madness, dwells a mad philosopher. \[T]/
I can imagine Fiore dei Liberi saying that before any encounter. Just imagine being a thug and doing thug things with your band of thugs while somewhere in the distance you hear "parry this you fucking casual" and a spear flies right through your friends skull while the other thugs suddenly realize they got nailed by thrown daggers and javelins. A man covered in gold appears outta nowhere and all you see before your death is the swirling guard of a fancy sword.
THIS MADE MY DAY XD
@@MedievalSolutions Then he pulls out his famous notebook and writes down how easy this was. Which is how he got his nickname.
No lie there's a comment with that sentence below yours on my end xD
Hmmmm, interesting technique. He is throwing the pommel with the sword still attached!? Weird.....
It's too weigh the pommel down. A special variant of the technique that deals less damage if the thrower wants the target alive momentarily.
@@jerichtandoc7789 Aaah, that explains why he throw it backwards, with the pommel trailing. Thanks for the explaination!
It's a technique for the times where screwed on pommels weren't a thing
It´s based on roman times.
@1misanthropist I don't get it. If the point of throwing the pommel is to end them rightly, why make it less deadly?
In fact, why have a sword at all when one could have a backpack full of pommels?
Thought the bit about the duelist who stabbed each other with their swords being able to continue fighting was cool. Adrenaline and pride are a hell of a drug.
And rage.
So does that counts as double penetration?
Depending on the wound channel it can take minutes to loose enough blood to be incapacitated (e. g. a stab through the liver). The captains Fairbairn and Sykes created table that lists how long it can take to loose conciousness or die with stabs and cuts in different regions of the body.
Kinda reminds me of a scene in Highlander
yeah things like this can really take time. And when the hit is not even mortal as long as the sword or whatever weapons sticks inside this means trouble. Someone not checking is own safety is a great risk.
Now we need a penetration test of the "surprise throw" vs "Fiore's throw"
Its pretty obvious the Fiores throw will be better. Its closer to a javelin/spear throw, the body mechanics are way better.
@@Debilinside Yes but how much better? Because the other throw is faster, the trade-off might be worth it, but it won't be if it can't put your enemy out of combat.
Steeve Martial Well as mention in the video, it doesn’t need a whole lot of power, it Depends on where you hit. Furthermore they might not drop instantly anyways.
@@stitchowi A hit in the face is pretty unlikely and against an opponent wearing some measure of armor I imagine it would be difficult to injure them with either throw with a torso hit.
@@steevemartial4084 A "surprise throw" with a knife is strong enough to get stuck in a solid door made of tar soaked wood (idk what wood, it was already covered in it when I was born). A sword is heavier, period swords have more "stabby" blades than that particular knife, and it had the added benefit of making you trip and potentially cutting you all over your arms even if you mess up the throw :D
BUT
Pen testing is always fun, gib content
Sword 1: Parry this you filthy casual! *throws sword*
Sword 2: *smacks the sword out of the air* The F- was that?
Sword 1: A Distraction. *Throws Pommel*
Sword 2: NANI!!!
POMMEL TO END THEM RIGHTFULLY
wtf was that
a plot twist
The sword throw is a mere distraction for the ultimate weapon that is the pommel
Sword 1: 9:51
Nani!
Bob was ended... however, he wasn't ended rightly, so he may still rise...
He was ended wrongly. He will be avenged.
@@appa609 should pommels do smite damage to the undead?
Spruce Twigs Radiant damage with wis save for half?
This is the ultimate pommel throw, he's just holding it backwards.
The pikes must be together at the raising of the guard
By the raising of the guard...
Is it possible he was trying to say "If someone is going to be stupid enough to try and throw a sword, this is how they'll throw it and you can easily defend yourself against it" as opposed to "If you want to throw your sword at an opponent, this is how you do it. However since I'm me and you're not, I would be able to easily defend it"?
Possible, but Fiore seems to be a bit of a troll in his own manuals...
Lol when i was 8 i did this exact throw at another kid when we fought with wooden swords and it worked! So can confirm it whack a child but I've never gotten it in my experience sparring in hema as an adult lol. I feel like fiore comes in two portions one is his techniques, he shows hanging parries, grappling and stuff like that but there's another group of techniques like this one that seem like pure tricks, something that could work if you fought a drunken peasant and wanted to show off
No throwing your sword when you have a dagger can distract your opponent and when he blocks it draw his sword to the side. This allows you to tackle him to the ground and dagger him. The weight of armor adds to your advantage making it harder to get you off him.
I suspect that part of the throwing of it is more of a ' you wouldn't kill an unarmed man, but I want to tell everyone that I fought to the end. '
Additionally the manuscript mentioned advancing. I somewhat suspect that this was how to deal with someone threatening to throw the sword. Advancing in a guard, particularly one that will use the false edge to parry, and in the parry ready for a proper strike seems helpful.
@@ScottKenny1978 Yeah there's some really strange stuff in there ; like grabbing opponents sword after a bind and such. We tested it at my club at approaching full speed and the consensus was that if you tried that against a sharp sword, you'd be looking for your fingers ^^'
Oh well, Fiore is full of dirty, tasty tricks: pommel strikes in the face, kicks to the knee to make it fold backwards, joints fracturing and so on. I think he's one of the most brutal masters out of the early Italian ones
Eldritch Knights in D&D 5e can teleport their weapon to their hand as a bonus action. This video has interesting implications for that.
If I were going to do something like that, I'd go with a purpose-built throwing weapon (ie one with the Thrown quality), rather than a sword. I can think of one or two cases where it might be useful, such as running out of movement 10 ft away from your opponent, but I think a misty step might be a better use of your bonus action, especially if you're 5th+ level, and can attack more than once on your action.
@@TheodoreMinick I don't see a problem with using a sword as an improvised spear, per the improvised weapon rules. Having watched this video I might even be tempted to give advantage on the thrown weapon attack, depending on the monster's passive perception or something.
If you have extra attack, you can even divide up your attacks either side of your bonus action, making this move even stronger. You throw your sword, close in while they're dodging, and then stab them when they think you're disarmed. Seems like a creative way to get advantage on two attacks on round 1.
Pure EK doesn't get 2nd level spells until level 7. As a caster with con proficiency, high AC, and very limited slots, you're better off using those higher level spell slots on valuable concentration spells.
@@saltypork101
Fair point. I don't think I'd grant advantage on that first attack, what with the weakness of a throw vs a thrust, but the second one, which is coming in after your foe thinks you've disarmed yourself, would definitely get advantage.
Rolled an eldritch knight on an out of the abyss playthrough and stayed attuned to a spear for this reason.
"Theres a drow up on that ledge!"
"Gotchu, fam"
*YEET*
Bonus action
*YEET AGAIN*
I played a dragonborn admiral named Montgomery who had this, used a trident and it worked wonders
Hans... call the guardsmen... the neighbor is throwing swords again....
Huh?
Is this some warhammer nazi reference?
@@exitiokaoset2319 No....
ColCoal then what is it?
@@exitiokaoset2319 Warhammer is Communism bro, especially guardsmen. They follow Russia and Chinas goblin tactics.
I was talking to a blade smith in Texas, about a sword that I’d taken to him for sharpening, we were in his yard and he was talking about different ways to attack. He suddenly, threw the sword underhanded, right into a tree that was 6 feet away. It stuck perfect and was almost perfectly vertical. I never forgot it. I was 18 when it happened and it was humbling to see that a heavyset older man, would had killed the hell out of me in a fight.
Thinking along those lines, I do wonder what an extremely strong and skilled swordsman could pull off. I mean there's only so much force you need to fuck someone up right?
@@bg3841 poor bastard staying out of cut range could have been killed by surprise. 😲
Yep with fat people its actually a pretty good chance they are really strong. Guys in my family are hard working class guys, slow metabolism tho so were sorta chunky..lol. But I have big arms and shoulder muscles swole like frickin barrels.
Like seriously if it looks like ive been swinging hammers my whole life its because I have been my whole life.
When you mentioned the people surviving being run through by a sword, I remembered a story about a bank robber that actually managed to run several blocks even though he was shot to the heart and the bullet was still there when they found him collapsed... sometimes it's really crazy what our bodys can survive.
9:22 “..and you nail him, and he still has a sword..”
Two swords, he now has TWO swords Skallagrim.
Seems like a good reason to triple wield swords.
🤗
Was gonna say this is the proper reason for duel-wielding lol.. but your genius took it to the next level already.
@@MarkVrem
Gotta be able to throw one and still dual wield.
👍
@@americanfascesparty3935 M-MASTER!?
it seems you have not heard the way of the 3 swords....get rekt scrub :p
Ah yes holding a sword in the mouth
it would seem to me the main reason he writes to deflect in such a way is the exact scenario you show at 10:20. if you bring that sword up while you move you can both deflect the opponents throw and be in a good position for a downward cut should he rush you with a side sword or dagger. as for why one would throw? i can imagine a low grade sword breaking down over an extended duel, right before the blade gives out you throw it at them as a distraction or cheap shot to draw your sidearm more safely and possibly break some of that sword off in the opponent. a quick throw more to disorient and maim then to kill quickly so to speak.
@13falcon_ :-] Standard sword is a sidearm, greatsword or halberd is the main weapon, dagger is the backup weapon. Dirk is the backup weapon in the boot.
I don't think that any sword was made so cheaply that it would break simply because it was used in an extended duel. First off, duels typically didn't last that long. Secondly, it wouldn't have been like what you see in the movies and TV with lots of swinging about and parrying dozens of attacks. It would have been just a bit of posturing, a few attacks and it would be over because one person is dead or, in the case of a duel to first blood, bleeding. The only way a sword is going to break down during a duel is if it was made of super soft or super hard metal that's not steel and is already starting to fall apart at the shop.
My uncle taught me the second throw technique when I was in his Dojo. He said it exactly as you do; it's not a kill move, it's a distraction to rush them with something else.
@@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410 😂😂😂😂😂
Personally, it feels to me more like something seen or heard about in a judicial bout - although it may be anachronistic, some of the weirder forms were coming in by Fiore's time IIRC.
In a judicial bout in which the first blood could play such an important role, this sort of "sideways" tactic has some value.
I am no expert - this just feels somehow... anecdotal...
2015? God, that felt like just a year or two ago.
Yeah, I still remember watching that video on throwing.
Dude, I was thinking the same thing. T-T
Would you like time too move slower?
I kind of feel like throwing a sword can also be pulled off when there's multiple people on both side fighting, throwing the sword of a downed enemy or friend at an enemy that is a few steps away and is currently being occupied by one of your friends seems logical to me
Honestly shit that's a really good point
In a battle or brawl, I can see it, but there’s a few problems. you waste time picking up a second weapon, you lose some control of your main weapon (assuming it’s 2 handed), you are likely throwing with your non dominant hand, and it would take time to switch to the throwing grip
@@sonofcelebrimbor7481 sure if its improvised. If you actually trained the technique it should be fairly quick and just switch your main weapon.
Remember the idea isn't for when engaged it's to take advantage of the chaos of battle
@@sonofcelebrimbor7481 Aw... Never knew swordsmen have one dominant hand. I think it used to be two dominant hands per single fencer. You know, a left-dominant and right-dominant.
Nah Just kidding, but still, with a saber, you want to learn fencing both hands equally.
Honestly, if your foe is distracted fighting somebody else, you're best bet would just to move a few steps and take a full power, controlled swing at then rather than taking the time to look away from your enemies, pick up a sword on the ground and throw it with less than half of the force of a normal strike and a chance of hitting your ally if you miss.
Musashi threw his sword and short sword many times to great effect. I think it is viable, and something you might be able to risk if you have multiple arms on you. Also the throw you did at 2:43 was a thing of beauty. I have no doubt that would skewer an unarmoured opponent.
A sword saint could always just pull them out of you later.
“Parry this you filthy casual!”
Please test the sword throw on a ballistic gel dummy
Ballistics gel is pretty springy if it does penetrate the lack of mass/momentum is the problem it’ll just stop and the hilt will fall to the ground.
@@alecnolastname4362 Isn't a ballistic gel dummy supposed to model a human torso?
@@Gabenmon No, it is sometimes supposed to model a human torso in regards to bullets, hence the word ballistic. The ballistics of a bullet and a thrown sword are so wildly different that you'd need to redesign the gel significantly. Same reason why some bulletproof vests aren't stab proof.
So... Test it on a Part of a dead Pig?
@@JohnAndJohner interesting! I never knew
@Skallagrim, this could be useful If there is a spare weapon lying around. Maybe on a Battle field, or i dunno in a rare occasion where youve got a sword which isnt your main near you.
Nice way to Open Up your opponent for an Attack.
Could also be useful as a bit of a disctration, like "Ending him Rightly". You throw the sword, and if it hits he might get injured... and right after you can follow up with your dagger, even if he isn't injured.
Speaking of battlefield, throwing a sword would probably be far more effective if your target was looking at another person, who was also trying to kill them
Nice video Skall! Happy to see you working on Fiore!
Cheers!
Your videos are always full of great information. Also, I like how you use primary and secondary sources to make your point.
Could you conceal the throw behind a sheild to make it more of a surprise? Then your able to charge and still have protection.
I like that. Maybe you could conceal the throw, knock them down with the shield and follow up with a dagger.
@@MrBiggins9999 that's kinda what I was thinking. A well placed bash while drawing your dagger then finish up with a well placed stab then its done
If you're fighting with a shield, there's a good chance your enemy has one too. Blocking a thrown sword with a shield would be ridiculously easy!
Edit: a typo
Me learning Fiore Footwork:
"Teacher how do I do this weird step?"
"you cross your legs!"
"what?"
"you cross your legs!"
"... but .... every other martial arts teachers say that you lose stability when you cross your legs."
"do it!!"
*cross my legs* "wow this is strangely stable"
I was about to make a comment about how you could throw the sword from a different position... but then you where like "but you can also throw the sword like this". How dare you make a cohesive video it was great I loved it.
5:11
"What you really wanna do is get... OFFLINE"
Video ends.
Love the re visit to this idea. Especially since your first throwing swords video is how I found your channel
“Catch!” It’s always nice to give a person a heads up.
i remember the first of these vids you did. I always thought it an obscure technique that was probs never used. but in certain circumstances it can be very effective. I also love the way you explore the techniques as a human. I mean you dont go by the manuals to the letter, you feel for the right way to do it to and say. Thanks for that insight into ancient combat.
Last time I was this early, Skall shot a sword with a gun and said it was trash!
How?:)
7,62x39!
@@HanSolo__ Nice blade cross section. ⅓inch spine.
still probably one of the dumbest things i've seen skall do. its ok tho we all do stupid things from time to time. and i cant say it wasnt a cool thing to witness.
Hey, I really enjoyed this video. I recently started practicing Fiore's system and actually finished learning the sword in one hand section.
Thug: hey look it’s fiore!
Fiore: sup guys you want my signa-
Thug: yeah the so-called “sword master” why don’t you parry this you f*cking casual! *throws sword
Fiore: little do you know you have triggered my trap card
Thug:NANI?!
Several years ago I discovered this channel randomly. I own no swords probably never will. But here I am
So i can see this being practical in some situations. So let's say for some reason 2 men approach you. They came for a fight or maybe it just escalates to that point. And they are not wearing any real protection. So a 2v1 is not ideal. So you throw the sword at the best target pull a dagger. Or you run. Sword may be expensive but your life is far more so.
Especially if the only guy that was armed now has a sword in him.
5:05 in regards to this, this is the correct way. Because it's a fundamental movement in boxing, or martial arts in general. Which date back thousands of years; this is generally the footwork you'd utilize when stepping off to get an alternate angle of attack or defense on an opponent while maintaining your stance
Its the natural evolution of throwing a pommel!
i love the "surprised enemy" face impression, LOLz :D
Anytime I think of sword throwing, I think of the movie Ladyhawk.
Anyone else here know the scene I am talking about?
I actually thought of The Black Knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
@@downunderrob A man of culture I see.
@@adambielen8996 Well it's been twenty years since I've seen Ladyhawke, so my memory was fuzzy on the scene, Geno was referring to.
Though I'm sure it involves Rutger Hauer and the evil Priest.
One of the images showing this is Fiore vs the 3 ruffians which would probably be a good use for it, you throw your sword and the guy has to parry it while your 2 buddies also attack him. You might already have the advantage but he could be a renowned Italian sword master. The Archer's guard he shows for this with sword in two hands has him holding the tip, feigning the half-sword, and in armour holds the hilt normally and talks of it as an actual fencing guard as opposed to just for throwing the sword. You could make a 1 or 2 handed thrust, throw the sword or use it as a lever during grappling. It's surprising how often it comes up, I wonder if it was that common, or if it was something people just heard/worried about.
Death really is a funky thing. You get stabbed in one spot, your dead before you hit the ground, you get stabbed a quarter inch in a different direction, you live to tell the tale. Sometimes people get hit and just freeze up from the pain and go into shock (like in the movies), with others the adrenaline kicks in and they go into a mad rage (as mentioned in the video).
Can you throw it underhanded?
Edit: I'll just keep my questions to myself until the end...😖
MY BOY HA GOTTEN THICC -- its been a while since ive been here but nothing but love for Skallagrim
5:10 What you really wanna do is to get... offline
*closes UA-cam, turns off pc*
I'm trying to create a D&D character who's able to throw any weapon short range without it losing effectiveness, and then it immediately returns to their hand. I could imagine larger axes tumbling like their smaller brethren and larger hammers moving straight like Thor's, but I've been having trouble figuring out what a sword would do. Thanks for the real-world grounding!
In a group skirmish where there is a numerical advantage a sword throw might be useful to create an opening or attack a group who are focused on other opponent.opponents, or to allow for "ranked" attacks.
Of all the videos I dont get notifications for it's when Skall does some Fiore.
I really enjoyed this one. I learned and I giggled, what more can I ask for?
Thanks once again.
Wow, I've just started practising this for fun with my friend and we get more stuff about it! (We already mastered ending enemies rightly)
9:20 Maybe you run, after you hit him? I can't imagine someone with sword in their abdomen being able to run for very long...
Edit: Note to myself - watch whole video, than comment
As someone who carries 20 swords on the regular I gotta say it's hella useful. It allows me to pick of enemies before they can close the gap. Plus since I'm not longer carrying 20 swords I'm now a lot more nimble and able to really have at the troublesome raspcallions.
Getting chunky man, you looked healthier a while ago. Take care of yourself. Enjoy your vids!
Its the Covid-15(lbs) all the white women on Twitter are saying that anyway... I don’t know how staying inside stopped anyone from doinv situps, pushups, and dead lifts with a box from storage....
What, precisely, is the benefit to commenting on Skal's weight? How is it anyone's business but his?
Didn't anyone ever teach you the wise old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, shut your fucking mouth." ? Skal already talked about his weight. Let the man make his videos and deal with his own life.
@@septegram Agreed buddy. Also this misconception that you have only to be skinny or ripped to be healthy always kills me.
I think it’s just a puffy jacket
This is why I love skal excellent video
Great info, i can use this maneuver on my main protagonist in my novel that i work on, as he's able to recall his longsword.
It seems to me that it would minimize the tell to start the throw from a wrath guard variation with the dominant or throwing hand already in position. In that case the only tell should be the shifting of the blade with the fingers. Although based on the picture the hand is fully telegraphed like a javelin or spear throw. I guess the method of choice depends on the distance and whether or not you value power or subtlety.
That bit about Dying Mans Rage reminds me of numerous samurai films and tv shows where it's even a calculated move to get close enough to a superior foe. Or even like in Ricky-oh. Where one bad guy goes as far as disembowling himself, and when the hero rushes forward to say goodbye, the baddie smiles, takes his entrails around the neck and proceeds to strangle the hero.
Putting scenes of merriment like that aside, I imagine the sword throw could be more applicable in a battle scenario where you may grab the sword sticking out of a fallen comrade. Chuck it at a villain with one hand and follow up with your own sword in a more traditional manouvre on that same person if the throw failed or move on to the next assailant if it succeeded.
Though I have nothing more than guesses to back up that theory.
The thing about the follow up attack makes sense. But if you had a dagger wouldn't you just throw that instead of your main weapon?
A sword has more mass than a dagger, so it'll travel further and straighter and deliver more impact. And you do actually see some dagger throwing in later rapier treatises.
But wouldn't the dagger be faster and harder to deflect.
@@becausewhynot3567 If you're fighting with your sword, especially if it's a longsword, you don't really have time to put it aside, get your dagger out and start throwing. It would leave you open for way too long
@@attano2993 guess that's true but this move seems useless in all scenarios, if your too close then your enemy would just kill you and if your too far then the damm sword will be too slow to hit anything. Funnily enough I think this technique would only be somewhat useful if you had the famous high ground.
@@attano2993 second thought would this technique be able to kill you. I mean you would either be wearing chain mail or many layers like a gambison.
I’ve been subscribed to you for a good bit now and while many channels get stale and boring, your videos and content have maintained quality and entertainment. You are awesome and so is your wife.
I do have a suggestion... bark or the old leaves for a cushion for falling swords & such. I’m sure the gravel did a number on your sword
Good to see your arm is much better :D
Some Chinese shield infantry used to carry a messer and a javelin. There was a page in the manual that shows a quick throw like the 2nd throw you did with the javelin to get the opponent to break his guard and deflect it Then he immediately close in while drawing the messer to follow up. I think that sword throw can definitely be used if you have a suitable sidearm to immediately follow up. People usually can't handle 2 surprises one after another.
You should do some test to see what a sword throw can do vs armor ( gambeson, chainmail and maybe some scale or lamellar armor ). I think that would be very interesting to see.
6:50 =D that bottom throw looks like the thrower suddenly decided "screw your silly ass and this silly combat we're having, I don't care anymore" =D =D
Throws are pretty good in general, even if they don't actually hit. I was doing some sword and dagger sparring, and I blocked a hard strike with the dagger causing it to fall out of my hand. I managed to catch it midair, but not by the handle; rather I was awkwardly holding it upside down by the base of the blade. I tried flipping it back into my hand but couldn't, so I chucked it at my opponent. He was caught by surprise but managed to deflect it to the side, but not the sword thrust I did right after.
Add a cord that you can connect to the pommel and around your thumb you can perform something like an Atlatl
in RPGs they have a spell called return where any thrown weapon returns to its user. Either teleporting to it's scabbard or flying back which becomes quite fun with the weapons path
Something i’d like to point out - Starting with your sword sheathed, if you draw the sword by the crossguard you’ll practically be in this sword-throwing position, the only thing you need to do is tilt your wrist back so the point is aimed at your opponent. There are three scenarios where i think this could make it a more viable tactic to throw your sword.
The first is on the battlefield. As many people have pointed out, throwing your main weapon is probably not the best thing to do. However, we mustn’t forget that, on a battlefield, a sword is likely not your main weapon, it is more likely to be your sidearm. What this could mean is that you could take one of your hands off your main weapon, likely some form of polearm or spear, draw your sword by the cross guard, throw it, and then rush in with your main weapon as they are distracted dealing with your flying sword. Worst case scenario, you end up in the same position you would have been in before throwing your sidearm, as you weren’t using it anyway because you still have your main weapon.
The second is again on the battlefield but this time as an archer. Here’s the scenario: You’ve just shot an arrow and notice another archer getting ready to shoot you. You aren’t going to be able to draw another arrow and hit him before he hits you, and he’s too far away for you to draw your sword and charge him as you’ll likely be shot before you reach him. What do you do? You could draw your sword and throw it at him. If you hit him, great, he’s probably not going to shoot that arrow now. If he dodges, thats still fine, because if he’s dodging he’s not shooting, buying you some time to draw your own bow and finish him off.
The third situation is to use it as a deterrent against someone attacking you. For example, some thugs intend to draw their weapons and attack you. What you could do is draw your own sword in this sword-throwing position and threaten to throw it. If they charge you, you throw your sword. If they try and switch their grips to throw their own weapons, you throw your sword. If they try anything funny, you throw your sword. Yes, you only have one sword so could only kill one of them, but think about it from their perspective. Would you want to be the one who tries something and gets a sword thrown at you for it? My guess is probably not. In this situation, the technique is not meant to win your fight through conventional means, its meant to win it through threat and intimidation, turning a bad situation into something you might be able to work with.
Thanks for the demonstration. I am writing a story right now where the protagonist throws a sword at someone at one point in the story and was wondering how feasible that would be.
Really enjoyed this one man (: looks like you’re making good progress on your weight as well. Hats off to you mate. 🖤🌲
If I were leading a Medieval army I would make great efforts to see to it my potential adversaries were taught to throw their swords. Easy to side-step or block, no power when it does hit (especially a protected soldier), with the bonus that the enemy loses his primary weapon. Winning is sooooo much easier when your opposition disarms themselves. Mountain Men had much the same issue with knife and tomahawk throwing. These are great throwing edges for logs and trees, not so much for live attackers. Lots of fun to kill time around the camp fire, but the only combat effectiveness would be to throw at a fleeing adversary's back.
The grip with the index finger over the guard remembers me the "Finnish grip" used in olimpic jabelin throwing, where the string wraped arround it proyect a little, not as much as the guard, but the effect lever over the index fingers should be similar.
You could also use the 'palo conejero' throwing technique wich the initial positions are also is similar to preparing to swing the weapon.
Saving your buddy seems like the most practical use for throwing your sword. If you see your buddy being overwhelmed, it might be faster to throw your sword than to run over. Even if the opponent avoids your sword, your buddy will have an opportunity to strike while the opponent is out of position.
Hey Skall , love the videos. Do you think you could upload more sparring videos and slow-mo break downs of techniques?
Would be cool to see you do throwing test against ballistic torsos to see how effective it can be
While playing Blade & Sorcery in VR, I found that the underhand throw works really well if you yourself are sprinting towards the enemy, as it makes up for the initial weakness of the throw.
as my instructor explained it to me arrow guard/ throwing your sword isn't meant to be a devastating attack (though it can be ofc) its mean to force your opponent to deal with it whilst you come at them with a dagger or a punch or what have you. so basically a distraction, an unskippable side quest.
In the clip of the sword being thrown from guard it looks like he could grab it in air and the follow up. It could be an interesting way to get passed your opponents guard.
There is a joke about the pistol in the German military. It goes somewhat like "15 shots and one lethal throw". Basically poking fun at tossing the gun after wasting/missing all shots.
Similar jokes are around tossing ones magazine in many firearms training situations. So I can see that this is the medieval equivalent of such jokes.
Attach it to a chain to gain the "centriFUGAL" force multiplier. That overcomes not being attached to your weapon. I remember Shad making some videos about it with some wooden weapon.
Lifting the right foot forwards and to the right to add power. This interpretation matches the section on sword in one hand. Best reason I have found to through your sword is in the duel if you are also armed with a spear. This will mean you are engaging at a longer distance then your opponent expects.
9:50 I very rarely like videos because I never think about it but I have to like this one because of that Fist of the North Star reference lol
I find the grip well suited for a surprise thrust from a lower position. I used it against a significantly taller opponent and managed to hit him square in the nose.
Best moment - him yelling "get lost" at the bug. =)
When the guy with the arming sword you’re duelling in mord decides to fuck your day up
I’ve managed that deflection against a thrown spear (rubber head) with a sword in friendly sparring, which is easier than deflecting a thrown sword since it was a bigger object
I think an underhand one-handed throw is best. In the first drawing you see them using the index finger to fling the blade. Bringing the hand back and throwing from the shoulder by drawing the arm across the front of the body at waste height. You need to use a loose grip to allow the tip to stay on target. If the opponent uses his sword to block it lets you run in under his sword and tackle him. This puts you in a prime position to dagger him in the face.
I've been waiting for this.
There's a scene in Netflix the witcher where he (Henry cavill) throws a sword killing his opponent was a short sword and from a couple of meters but your video does show some credence to that scene that it's doable. Thanks great video as always. 👍
You could also do this in combat if you happen to find a weapon on the ground from a dead enemy that you can throw and still rely on your own weapon if you miss or there are multiple enemies.
I'm pretty sure if the enemy has good armor like plate armor it could just deflect the sword, even leather armor and chain mail could protect the enemy to some extent wouldn't it? Because throwing a sword like that is like having a weaker arrow shot at you. Idk maybe it could also depend on strength of the thrower and the quality of the armor being worn by the victim. Still is a nice surprise attack and could confused the enemy or have them focus on the sword while you draw another weapon like you said. These videos are awesome
If I was someone who carries a sword, I would practice that, but in conjunction with a follow up attack with a secondary weapon. Then maybe there's some sense to it.
If there are several attackers, you could quickly pick out the least alert looking one and make the throw. Providing you land it, you have one less adversary to deal with.
Also, if you are in some battle or skirmish, and you spot a comrade out of reach, about to be slain, you may do well to employ this technique to save his bacon.
I think it’d make the most sense if you wanted to run away, but worried about being struck while attempting to disengage. It might not do damage, but you could get several steps away from them while your opponent is forced to deal with the flying sword.
So if ending them rightly with a pommel fails, just chuck the entire sword then?
Thanks for the vid! Very useful for my research. i imagine someone with super strength or telekinesis would make this technique very effective
ever did some olympic spear throwing? try it with that technique, i'm curious if it'd help for distance, as the only way i could ever imagine throwing a sword if you see some bad guys about to get away. otherwise i'd always rather go up to the person and not throw my best weapon away
i'm pretty sure you would deflect the thrown blade to the left is to insure they cant move as directly away from you. In my mind that would eliminate the threat of them drawing another weapon before you approach.
I wonder if some of the prescribed technique is to knock the sword where you can see it... A dodge leaves it behind you... Which should be ideal since you're then fully in between the thrower and the sword... Harder for them to get to it to pick it back up.
While watching this I was reminded about something I heard about Sai. I was told the Okinawan farmer would throw one and then, while the other was dodging/defending, close the gap and stab with the other.
... the most important thing I learned is what the shinderou line actually means.
Though seriously, this is actually really interesting.
I really wished that you made some gel or something to show the amount of damage it would make, also dress the gel with minimal and basic amount of cloth/light armor.
Can you do a video on the dying man's rage? It sounds absolutly terrifying