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Which SWORD would MODERN PEOPLE Wear for Combat? Part 2
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- Опубліковано 17 лют 2022
- Which type of sword would most modern people choose, if they because standard weapons of self defence? Part 1 of this series can be seen here • Which SWORD would MODE...
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I should reiterate that I think modern people would be HEAVILY influenced by movies, TV shows, even music. And I don't think it would be the same everywhere. But just as lots of people choose a relatively small range of knives or pistols for EDC, I think in a place where carrying firearms was prohibited, but carrying swords became popular, we would see certain types of sword predominate for practical reasons.
Going by that, I could easily see some people carrying absolutely ridiculous looksng and completely worthless swords because their favorite celeb is caryring one just for looks and becasue they're never likely going to use it because that's what they have bodygyards for.
You have a good point on Film/TV influence. Various film and TV productions did help sell a whole lot of Glock pistols. Rob Roy might have helped sell a lot of claymores and rapiers. Ditto on Princess Bride and rapiers, or Pirates of the Caribbean and cutlasses and hangers.
Maybe you have a video to point me too but I am curious. If Rapiers are so advantageous, why did they fade out?
I love this. In modern times (In free places) we carry firearms for personal protection. The most commonly used and carried types are 9mm semi-automatic compact pistols like the Glock 19 or smaller Glock 26. (Or a myriad of others in that basic category. Smith and Wesson M&P Shields, Sig Sauer P365, etc)
Nobody (who isn’t an idiot) runs around on a daily basis with a giant .50 AE Desert Eagle as their everyday day concealed carry weapon. Practicality wins every every-time
So being that you understand this, maybe you could answer my question. What ancient weapon would you consider to be the “Glock 19” of personal defense?
@@dashcammer4322 I disagree. Glock is ubiquitous because it is practical, lightweight and reliable. It’s why most federal law enforcement agencies (including the FBI) carry them. If people carried guns based on movie influences you would see a lot more Beretta 92 FS’s than anything. But that gun is too clunky, heavy and unwieldy to be a practical EDC firearm for most people.
A cutlass would be a good choice. Pretty good hand protection and short enough to be used indoors. And well suited for chopping/slashing, which is what most untrained people will use a sword for.
That would be my choice as well.
Yes, for everyday use a cutlass would be good. Anything longer would be too inconvenient to carry around all the time.
You really want to wear a huge bowl guard on your belt all day? The cutlass was kept in racks aboard ship, hangars with D guards were worn by officers.
@@jaxraxx3509 not all cutlasses have these bowl guards
@@jaxraxx35091) I wouldn't need to wear it all day. At home, I would keep it handy. While driving a car I would not wear it. I would have it where I could quickly get it. 2) Given modern materials, the guard could be made substantially lighter. 3) Given the premise that everyone would be carrying swords, I would want something that offers good protection to the hand.
I'm honestly surprised to see nobody mentioning small swords- they were, after all, basically little rapiers more convenient for everyday carry and wear.
I came here to say pretty much this. Small Swords and Court Swords are exactly the evolution of blades described.
- Thick (usually by triangular cross section) to deal with heavier blades in the opponent's hands.
- Shorter for convenience of carry.
- Mainly for thrusting, but could be given an edge if required.
- Decent hand protection.
A light pointy sword with cutting ability? Like that historical chinese sword you made a video about "Royal Arsenal Han Dao"?
With a basket made of titanium.
Lee enfield bayonet? Its almost like short rapier
I'm completely biased since I study Bolognese treatises, but I would pick a sidesword. Good hand protection, but not so wide a hilt as to get in the way too much in everyday carry, and good for cuts and thrusts. Plus they look cool. I would probably have some sort of fancy swept hilt rapier or maybe a schiavona for more formal attire, though. Which, incidentally, feels like a time when I would be more likely to have to use it... Hmm...
I study the I.33 but I would totally agree with you. When Matt did his category description I instantly thougt of a sidesword. I may be biased too, because my favourite sword in my possesion is a side sword, but I think it combines the advantages of a rapier perfectly with the advantages of shorter, lighter swords. If money wasn't a question I'd propably use a sword like the Longsword of Maximilian the I. (Currently displayed in vienna) in more formal situations, simply because I think the craftsmenship behind that sword and the possivility to engrave storys into the longer blade would be perfect to just impress people. For fighting in a formal situation I'd use much simpler crafted one handed swords like an engraved rapier, sidesword or smallsword.
The style of the decorations of those swords went hand in hand with the fashion, the clothes of the time. A modern sidesword should have its hilt designed to adhere to modern fashion standards. And another important element is how to carry the sword, a belt is out of the question, it's incompatible with modern suits, the only viable options are a baldric, or simply carryng tye sword in the hand like a cane or umbrella.
Belts might not be completely out of the question in some form or fashion. People deploy rigid gun belts for many positions of pistol carry, and many pistols are carried in shoulder holster rigs for various reasons. I think the fashion of the suits would change if sword carrying became fashionable again.
In my HEMA groups private discord we kinda discussed this. Most of us went with a sabre or sabre like weapon. I personally go back and forth between a dussack or alehouse dagger. Probably the AHD on the longer end of the spectrum (~24") for the basket and best reach compromise both in and out of doors.
The problem with an alehouse dagger is the same as anything with a basket hilt. Carrying the damn thing around would be a pain.
@@shinobi-no-bueno at that point doesn't it turn into a basket hilted dussack?
@@josephdedrick9337 That would be an awfully large dusack, but not that wrong.
Another vote for a sabre. Especially if thinking more in terms of multiple opponents with knives, and relatively little training for the principal, swinging a sabre around might keep the attackers back long enough for help to arrive.
Saber I think would be too long but thats what makes it good to a degree.
Since its too long, if you use one you will have a huge reach advantage over everyone.
Until soneone pulls out a gun...
The Cold Steel Cutlass is the perfect "modern" carry sword. It's relatively short length and good hand protection are exactly what's needed for a modern daily carry.
The one thing I would say though is that, to me, it looks ugly.
@@kickslinging There is an old Latin phrase that speaks to this: "De gustibus non est disputandum est," which translates loosely to "There is no argument in taste."
@@cleophusA Very true.
i have the og 1917 cutlass. on its own it isnt a very good sword. however, ive hand filed a distal taper onto it, thinned down and texturized the handle scales, and im going to make a new heavier and a better (for me) designed guard (heavier to bring back the pob and design features on it i just want). with the improvements ive made i can say its at least an alright sword if not a good one (along with the distal taper i improved the edge geometry of course and ive added a false edge). this would be my edc sword for the hypothetical. with extra modern technology why not strap a bottle of pepper spray onto the sheath to use as an “aoe attack” and you could have a flashlight on the sheath too because you can. thesere my takes at least
Yes and yet it’s a bit tip heavy. (I have one)
I’m making brass handgrips to shift the balance back a little .
i'd pick a messer. should be convenient to carry and/or use in confined spaces and tight crowds.
To be honest, i think it would be the same as with pocket knives today. People would choose what they like the looks of, maybe "rotate" their sword carry like they do with pocket knives and change it for the occasion.
So for example: Someone who likes big tactical pcket knives might go for a two handed sowrd or a sabre with a broad blade, those who prefer to carry a Laguiole or thin elegant pocket knife would go for a rapier or smallsword. ect.
I agree. Pocket knives are quickly becoming something to show off and are getting more attractive and in some cases plain weird. But yeah, I can see swords doing the same thing.
The thing is your average person doesn't give a damn about pocket knives. Like HEMA it's kind of a niche interest. Your average person doesn't give it a lot of thought. They'll picks whatever happens to be on the store shelf when they decide to buy one and will choose what's cheap but looks good to their uneducated eye, so you know, something shiny.
There would be a lot of people picking what you or I would term walhangers.
@@scottmacgregor3444 If it were more normal though that'd open up a whole lot of avenues for conversation. Discussing with someone why their carry sword isn't actually reliable for self defense, showing them yours and explaining how it might be better, giving recommendations. You've just connected with someone and helped them be safer in the future. Even if someone has a gun, they don't always want to kill you. Seeing someone with a sword just means they must kill you. If they tried to do their schtick of pressing it against you as a threat it'd end in a struggle, and you or them getting hurt. If they're just looking to intimidate they aren't likely to desire that situation, and will just look for someone else. More people owning swords would also make people more comfortable about carrying something that is first and foremost a weapon, and might make them more comfortable about purchasing a handgun, even something like a .45 derringer.
"A shorter rapier, with some cutting capacity" - so, a spadroon!
Mwahahaha!
But seriously, a quality spadroon would be great.
Decent reach, good at both cutting and thrusting (perhaps with a backsword blade to help with rigidity, and with a false edge).
Good hand protection without the guard being too voluminous (unlike that of a rapier).
Also can be quite fancy and elegant looking, so possibly quite fashionable.
When it comes to compromise designs and versatility, this might be the best.
Shout out to Nick Thomas from AHF, who made (certain types of) spadroons appealing to me.
I was thinking more a transitional rapier
@@MichaelHaneline That too, but I wanted to make a joke about spadroons, since Matt used to rant against them, back in the day.
To be honest a beefed up spadroon might be a perfect every day carry type sword. That or an early rapier like we see in Meyer.
@@MichaelHaneline tbf the difference between a spadroons transitional rapier and a broadsword is functionally very little. i mean, even straighter footmen sabers as essentially spadroons by another name. relitively light one handed cut and thrusters of a decent, but not extreme bulk and full size. in between a smallsword and a cavalry saber.
It could fit well in modern minimalistic estetics.
So on the last video, I think the re-framing of the question lead to more "it depends" answers.
The question that people want to know is...if people wore sword in daily life today, for self-defense, fashion and/or utility...what would you say as an expert they SHOULD be carrying? Like, what would be your recommendation to your average viewer to carry about in the modern world?
This video answers that, I think :-)
@@scholagladiatoria nice! Sorry for commenting before viewing, but it was too late for my comment to be seen on the last one.
@@scholagladiatoria My personal thought of "short sword for practicality, rapier for quality" is affirmed by the authority from on high. My hat size has increased in circumference.
I would go for a hanger, something similar to a Police cutlass. As it is easy to carry indoors or in crowded areas. Can be drawn easily and has some hand protection but not so much it is inconvenient to carry.
I had the same thought for the reasons you stated. Additionally, I think most people would gravitate toward a cutting sword with some thrusting capability rather than a thrusting sword with some cutting capability. No disrespect to Matt, but a rapier is pretty much a weapon for people with significant amounts of training and practice. In reality, most people wouldn't train very much and in extremis would fall back upon the natural instinct of striking. When an untrained person picks up a sword they always swing it. The best weapon for an expert is often not the best weapon for a novice. On sort of a tangent, this is why competitive shooters, self-defense instructors, etc. are a crap source of advice for what firearm a beginner should purchase.
I agree - look at the swords Police and other law enforcement carried in Victorian society not totally dissimilar to ours. Cutlass type swords
Exactly what I was thinking, easier to stow inside a vehicle as well. It's been a long time since I did fencing, and I've never done any HEMA, but I wonder if it would be more viable to basically dual-wield hangers, or hanger and dagger, to help with closing in on an opponent with a longer blade. 2 short blades might be more convenient to carry than 1 long one.
Yes, I'm a great fan of 19th century police hangars and always suggest them when this topic comes up.
Same.
I think the Gladius with a bit of modern hand protection would be an amazing combat weapon for our time!
Too thick, too much weight.
My choice is always between machetes, for simple and easy to find and Gladios, for being a weapon with double cut and ideal for edge attacks. Both are easy to carry and if we combine it with any type of shield, the great advantage of the other weapons in terms of range falls apart.
The machete is okay, but most are only meant for slashing/chopping, plus they have no hand protection, unless you get one with a D guard. And usually the blade is not the best quality steel. Unless you get one from Condor tool and knife :)
Nothing beats a good old Imacasa or tramontina machete affordable and indestructible
Totally! Gladius for mort thrust and a proper short sword, and machete for the equivalent of military spec ammunition that can be found in abundance cheaply pretty much anywhere.
Just get a messer or falchion, its practically a machete designed for combat.
They are lighter and more properly balanced. Both swords can also be quite small as to not be an inconvenience.
The only problem is affordability, especially for a falcion. But I believe if swords were to be common we would see more in production and messers should become cheap because it is a really simple design. Especially if you downsize it a slight bit for modern carry.
Bucklers, chain mail, protective clothing etc would also become fashionable and modernized. Recognizing my skill level and goals, I would prioritize investing in protection, myself.
Chain male might be made lighter, stronger, more flexible and "woven" tighter. It's beyond my knowledge base, but maybe it could counter some of the effectiveness of rapiers. Pierce and slash resistant clothing would be developed and prevalent as well. I bet hats ( disguised helmets) would return, too.
Yeah a rapier won't pierce chainmaile unless to particularly design the tip of the blade to be thin enough to fit between the rings. But doing so to such a large sword would ruin the structural integrity of the blade.
Thats why historically people would carry a rondel dagger. The dagger was short enough for the blade to be thin but still sturdy. These Rondel daggers can pierce chainmaile and other gaps in armor.
Only problem with maile is its expensive, but we may be able to use different modern materials to replace steel in terms of affordability and potentially weight.
You also must consider that hard armor thats meant to stop blades won't stop gunfire so It may be pointless and just be unnessesary weight.
With modern materials and manufacturing techniques I think scale mail could make a comeback. It could be made with metal, ceramic, or reinforced polymer scales and designed into coats or jackets to be unobtrusive. With proper design it could be quite flexible. There's already a ballistic body armor made with scales, called Dragon Skin.
It doesn't need an edge, so fine woven titanium, with dedicated machines for it, would hold up pretty well.
Something not quite as fine as milanese loop, but more that direction, made of titanium for weight.
It's basically Frodo's mithril shirt. :-)
A hat could also be a buckler in disguise. Made of composite material for light weight and with a handle inside.
Some considerations from a particular rural perspective. I live in very hilly terrain composed primarily of pasture land interspersed with thick wood. Most of my immediate neighbors are cattle while coyotes and feral dogs can be serious concerns. Because of this a walking stick and a belt knife are my common companions out on the property. If mortal combat with edged weapons was to be added to my list of considerations when out in the field I think I'd be inclined to not pick a sword per se but replace my regular tools with something like a jaegerstock and a bauerwehr.
Since we're talking about modern materials, I could imagine a guard that deploys as you draw the sword. It would make carrying a sword less obtrusive & afford protection.
To compensate for it catching on things such as clothing, the guard could be somewhat flexible and closer fitting, especially at the wrist. I'm thinking of something mechanical, not "Stark tech." It could incorporate a cut resistant fabric.
There are examples of sword sticks that have such a mechanism where a crossguard deploys and locks open when the sword is drawn. It's pretty cool, though I'm not sure how effective they were.
@@mindsliver2245 I dont suppose you can provide any links? That's sounds awesome
The "self-deploying guard" is a very interesting idea! How about carrying it one step further and design a type of spring loaded colichemarde in which the blade collapses in on itself upon sheathing and extends to full length automatically when drawn. Modern materials and technology could make for very interesting "what if's."
@@cleophusA for that matter any mix and match fittings could be applied to any blade given they are made to the grip construction. This puts the discussion to which blade style and guard do you want. I stick to a workshop most of the time so i would look to some sort of short sword i can strap to my edc pack.
Asssuming modern technology, a spring-loaded telescopic blade could give the reach of a rapier but the convenience necessary for getting into cars and so on. I am sure a weapons artist could make a nice guard that starts as the shell/scabbard of the unextended blade but flips back as the blade extends. Colour-changing LED light show to confuse the opponent and show off. Or would you have it all in the blackest black?
I think the best would be a cutlass - 1) the right length for confined spaces 2) curve allows easy edge alignment 3) a D guard is balanced between good hand protection and ease of carry
Correct
Very interesting as always. I will say that I think in the US any swords that became popular would likely be on the shorter end for one practical reason: lots and lots of cars. It would be very difficult for me to carry something of any real size into and out of my vehicle easily and quickly. I could see large knives being the go-to in the US. Though I did have the thought that one could probably design an individual short sword rack that would fit between the driver's seat and the car's frame. You would wear the sword into the car, you would take it off your belt and fit it into that rack.
Yeah being stateside with all of the getting into and out of cars, you wouldn't normally see anything much bigger than a small machete or large Kukri.
Makes me wonder if someone would figure out practical folding swords
That's exactly why I'd go for something like a shorter messer or a cuttoe. Plus having done historic reenactment for a couple decades I know that carrying a sword with a long blade can be an incredible pain in the ass.
Good point, perhaps a very large knife, similar to a 12-15 inch double-edged arming dagger, might prove popular. Bowie knife?
@@dashcammer4322 Yeah, I was thinking a Bowie would be about as large as you could go before it gets too cumbersome in a modern (car culture) setting.
I said in the last one and I will say it again: Messer. Cut and thrust, doesn't have to be a massively long one so easy (or easier) to wear, nagel with cross guard so some decent hand protection, can even be used in limited ways as a tool. In my opinion it's perfect for everyday carry in that sort of society and I would wear one now if it was legal and accepted.
Or perhaps something more like a hanger with a knuckle bow for better hand protection. I agree with your take, a short saber would be the way to go. A wakizashi is mostly in the same category.
i mean… is there a term for this general catagory of sword? because those traits are not specific to messers, they are the same/similar to a cutlass or a dussak or a wakazashi or a hanger, or maybe even a mechete. I guess you could call them all short swords
In other words, a cutlass
Matt, would you consider doing a video discussing the progression of the carrying of swords, from maybe the medieval or renaissance period, up through 'gentlemen' carrying small swords as part of being a gentleman (that subject in and of itself would make an interesting video) to the time when carrying swords fell out of favor. the focus being the motivation for carrying a blade.
Did walking sticks purposefully take the place of a small sword when dueling became illegal? I note that they have a similar form factor.
Did carrying a walking stick become a part of a gentleman's wardrobe for the same reason he carried a small sword previously?
As an American, I'd also appreciate a discussion on what it meant to be a 'gentleman'. Is it part of the social structure, such as lord, baron, marquise, knight? Is it part of being the 'gentry'?
Here in the colonies, we think of a 'gentleman' as someone who conducts himself in a certain way, by certain standards. But I think in the UK it means/meant something a bit more, socially.
Just a couple of things I've been curious about and you seem well placed to shed some light on these things. Thanks for your content! It's entertaining and educational.
I’ve been thinking about this all week.
I have a small collection of swords and replicas. The one I keep on hand for defense (right next to my bed, instead of on display) is a sturdy cutlass: shorter blade good for cut and thrust, robust hand protection that can also be used to punch someone really hard, still long enough to have reach advantage over any knife or machete.
It is always interesting to see two people tackle the same subject and come up with similar, but still very different opinions. Shadiversity took a look at the same thing and came to the conclusion that it would be the gladius that came out on top for modern carry. He had many of the same reasons you mentioned for the wakizashi, but he pointed out that the double edge and far easier thrusting attacks would make it preferable to a single edged blade. On a related note however, I'd be more in agreement with the "reach is better" side. I'd personally pick a Patton trooper sword if I could carry a sword. Not just for practicality. but because my grandmother had an uncle who was one of Patton's troopers.
Spadroon for the undecided. Or cutlass. With modern plastics used in tools you could even enlarge the hand protection without changing the balance. I think "tacticool" sword with black polymer hilt would look fashionable enough.
Taking into account the characteristics for carrying modern weapons, like pistols, comfortablity is a big deal. Often people dont carry because they are not comfortable. I think I may wield a small sword.
Sword in one hand, gun on the other XD
@@fallencrusader2975 "Froggie went a-courting he did ride, sword and pistol by his side..."
@@daveh7720 i understood that reference 🤭
I think my choice, as having no more than casual training with long weapons, a rapier or even a small sword being much beyond my capabilities, wold be a short kind of sword like a cutlass, a hanger, a wakizashi, or even a large bolo knife. It's convenient for use in confined spaces, easy to carry even in cars, and can give a reasonable reach in a self defense scenario. Of course, dueling is another issue, but it doesn't seem to be probable in a modern western society
I think that would be a pretty common option. seeing as it was the default sidearm in the early modern era in situations as close as you are going to get to the modern world. Id say a smallsword wearer in coffee houses in the 1700s has more in common in the day to day of normal first world people in the 21st century than most any other major sword weilding demographic.
In a way, it was pretty much made to adress this very question in history as a less bulky rapier. Its literally made to maximize comfort with the greatest amount of dueling potential in a civilian society. its basically what matt said about a lighter rapier. I find it weird that he didnt mention it. because to me “light rapier”=smallsword or transitional rapier (proto smallsword).
I say we give Cinquedea a chance, small yet space to throw a design for style. Or Dussack simple and cheap.
I said on the other video I thought saber/oxtail dao/gladius would be my pick (a convenient saber hilt would especially fit in as I live near the sea). In that comment I said wakizashi was basically the ideal in terms of style, price & and quality. However, based on the rapier analysis I'd also include the dark horse pick of paired butterfly swords where you get two swords from one scabbard. Deals with rapiers, not any worse to carry in cars or indoors, and an interesting conversation piece.
Personally, I think with all the time we spend indoors and in transit, that we'd all end up carrying daggers or dagger sized versions of historical swords. That way people could show off the different styles they like and still have a manageable weapon that's not super in the way
I feel like the emphasis on getting in and out of vehicles aspect makes rapiers unlikely. Carrying on that train of thought though there is a weapon that was invented to solve that problem, the naval cutless. I think the compromise weapon might land somewhere closer to that or a sabre as a shorter cut and thrust blade with good hand protection that won't get caught and tangled indoors
Carrying a rapier on a train is a problem, but imagine drawing and using it on the train.
I was thinking a cutlass for indoor/urban wear, and a saber for outdoor wear.
I also consider the "wait my weapon is stuck again in your curtains" factor. I find that ancient 2000 years ago dao, especially those without guard with the handle continuing the shape of the scabbard very interesting for that. The whole thing is slick like a stick, is one of the easiest thing to carry around.
And again, the style of those makes them incredibly modern, with materials like cord and lacquered wood, and with the minimalist approach and the ring pommel.
Accepting a sacrifice of hand protection for ease of carry and wielding may be seen.
For indoor purposes I expect we'd be looking more at something along the lines of a long bauernwehr knife. I designed my Kingfisher Machete as a modern sword, however, for emergency contexts such as after environmental catastrophes where there are periods of civil unrest. Firearms can't just be handed out willy-nilly for defense to untrained persons even if you have them available, while a 24" bladed machete is intuitive and may be used much like how artillery swords were used for brush clearing, stretcher making, shelter construction, and so on, despite being a defensive weapon first and foremost.
I was kinda thinking artillery sword too.
Personally, I feel the hilts/scabbards will have a great deal of influence, and could see some tech being introduced into them. One thing I could see would be some sort of camera set on the guard, doubly so if fights to first blood are common. I'm sure younger folks would have lots of fun with the scabbard decoration, as well.
I'd personally go with something like yeh Chinese butterfly swords, because they can catch larger swords and they work well in tight spaces
Perhaps a dagger-axe made of carbon fiber with an umbrella handle or cane like would be more suitable for a world where most people think a rapier is better. It can be hooked into the handguard to disarm, pecked pass the handguard and hit the hand, then gouged into the sword bearer's forehead.
@@user-bf7tz8xf7y I mean there'd be no need for it to be carbon fiber, and what are you gonna do with multiple opponents because second you land that sucker into somebody it's stuck, a light fighting axe would probably be the more economic option but I feel like with what we wear today a cut focused sword would be a lot better option
I'm actually somewhat wondering what we would build such a thing like nowadays. I'd expect it to be made from composite material, UHM carbon fibre and aramide make amazing blades, with modern tech we can probably have an embedded steel cutting edge, or even ceramics. The possibilities are endless and that's before we even consider integrating fun stuff like electric shockers :D
Hm. I'm thinking tungsten carbide cutting edge. Want a sword that can *really* cut other swords in two?
@@markfergerson2145 sexy. Now I want to build it XD
@@markfergerson2145 I am sure some mixture of cubic boron nitride, sialon, tungsten and titanium carbide would be perfected for the edges. Asssuming modern technology, a spring-loaded telescopic blade could give the reach of a rapier but the convenience necessary for getting into cars and so on.
Think mall ninja, it would be fashion after all and the one thing fashion isn’t is practical
@@richardgould-blueraven we need the galaxy watch of blades.
That longsword looks like one of the prototypes you've been teasing for weeks. I love how they keep making casual appearances. I've been teased to the point of torment. I'm ready to give Windlass my damn money.
I think something along the lines of a naval cutlass might prove popular. Relatively short blade, fairly easy to wield but with a hilt that offers some protection while still allowing it to be deployed quickly
This seems to pertain mostly to a civilian context. For military purposes, I think it would mostly be short swords for CQC.
Also, Miyamoto Mushashi recommended the wakizashi for indoors and katana for outdoors.
For military purposes the rocket-propelled sword battery might be preferred.
Miyamoto musashi also taught me that a paddle is mightier than the sword
wakizashi should respect the elders and stick to its only intended usage
It's a fun thing to think about and I have two points to consider:
1) Even if it became fashionable or trendy, it may not actually be popular. You mentioned watches in the first vid IIRC and even though luxury mechanical watches are desirable and seen on celebrities, that doesn't mean fans of the celebrities care enough about them to seek even more affordable timepieces. With actual fashion, a lot of people who are fashionable don't chase trends either.
2) Convenience really does matter as you mentioned and even with firearms there's an observation that people who carry a concealed handgun eventually get tired of even compact size guns and switch to even smaller pocket sized guns.
I love the look of the 1788 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper Sword you showed on this channel. Looks perfect.
I still think a short sword - a kindjal, a hanger or a cutlass - would be the most likely.
I actually disagree with the hand protection and length argument, modern life is way to cramped for long weapons that stick around. Think about the amount of times youd clang into things all the time and they're annoying to take off and on.
I would actually guess that things like Jian, the Migration Era swords, gladius and katana would be most preferred. They're easy to take on and off and shorter and were often carried point down and easy to draw in a surprise.
Most people wouldn't actually use them fighting, and it would mostly be used for show of intent and having most effective blade would probably would not be that important as most people wouldn't be great swordsmen anyway. Most people I think would go for something that's useable enough but not in the way, the same way that people go for concealed carry handguns that are smaller and carry less bullets than full size military handguns. It doesn't have to be the best, it just has to give the other person pause for thought or carry you through in a pinch, something smaller cutting swords are better at imo.
I think it would be some kind of tool& sword combination, like kukri or machete or axe, since quite rarely you would get into melee fights you most likely going to need to cut some bushes but could be utilized as melee if need be for self-defense.
I would have a few choices.
- Smallsword/court sword
- 35" Spadroon
- 36" Rapier
- Dagger
Or maybe it's a custom made sword with certain features added to it.
Maybe I'd like a Spadroon, but with a stiffer militerized blade, larger shell guard, steel shell guard,sharpened edge and a reinforced tip.
Clearly these swords vary in their features, uses, weight,cost, materials and purpose.
I would also add either a Fist Buckler or just a medium size buckler.
Convenience is also a factor as is encumbrance.
Match your gear wisely to what you are doing.
You can't leave out style. Some people like gold damascene. Some like precious stones. Art can influence so many people.
A shortened rapier I can see coming about. A custom sword market might even fill that need.
Matt, wouldn't today's combat clothing cause some change here though? I don't know how good a stab proof vest would be or how effectively such things could be added into jackets... But if we had simple and effective protection in sleeves (acting as a buckler) and the body being hard to stab, might fights become either super sniping stabs (rapier) or a brawl?
Would battleaxes also be legal to carry? Or would it be considered ungentlemanly/unsporting to wear armour?
you have perfectly discribed ... the spadroon
How dare you.
@@scholagladiatoria i dare, for who would dare for me?
With regular (at least twice a day) subway commute and working in a store where I carry a lot of goods up and down stairs, I see my everyday sword as something short enough that it would not risk tangling with other swords on the commute and not getting in the way while lifting and carrying. So maybe a gladius or something like a butterfly knife for better hand protection. A short sabre maybe?
I love that you came back on and talked about indoor use. Glad you also briefly mentioned cars. Context is so important to this discussion. Where would the blade be primarily used. Some context on why people started carrying blades again might help. Is the reason that blades are popular again because somehow technology has made guns impractical? Are they more popular again because people have some kind of energy/ kinetic shield like in the movie Dune? Do people cary blades because space combat is more prolific and no one wants to shoot a hole in the side of their space ship. Context context context.
I love this. In modern times (In free places) we carry firearms for personal protection. The most commonly used and carried types are 9mm semi-automatic compact pistols like the Glock 19 or smaller Glock 26. Nobody (who isn’t an idiot) runs around on a daily basis with a giant .50 AE Desert Eagle as their everyday day carry weapon. Practicality wins every-time.
Rapier for the win! I'm always shocked by how many people ignore it and just focus on Longsword and Sabre. I think deep down in our monke brain we just like hitting things XD
What about the two-handed rapier that Matt and Dr. Tobias Capewell ran across in one of their Wallace Collection dives?
Effective rapier use (thrusting) takes training. Bashing something with an edged blade is very similar to clubbing something, which the human species has done for tens of thousands of years, if not longer. It's likely, in a world where carrying swords becomes the norm, that a lot of carriers would have zero training, just as today where many people concealed carry with a distressing lack of real training.
Rapier for the win when all you have to do is get in your car and drive to practise. You probably have never carried one so your opinion is pretty invalid.
@@chroma6947 Oh don't get me wrong, I've carried a rapier many time at events and in crowds and even on shuttles from one area to another and there is certainly an inconvenience factor especially with very long rapiers in the 42 - 45 inch blade range. That said, it's certainly no more than a long sword and as Matt said in the video the mostly likely scenario would be a rapier of 34 - 36 inches which still grants a reach advantage against most cutting swords but is still competitive against even longer rapiers. I personally have not found these to be significantly more difficult than carrying a saber or similarly sized cutting sword. But that's just my experience, Cheers : D
@@kirkwagner461 I read some years ago now, a paper talking about the human predilection for hitting things as if with a stick. That bashing action and how it translates to cutting swords popularity over thrusting swords. It also talked about how men trained and armed with thrusting swords would often default back to cutting when in real conflict due to some kind of instinctual response. I wonder now if I could find it again haha.
I'm a sci/fi writer, and one of the books I kicked around but never finished was an alternate history where an early SCOTUS decision had limited the right to bear arms in the US to what arms were available when written.
Go forward to modern-day, and lawyers were carrying around rapiers to defend their clients in legal duels to settle court cases :)
a short spear defeats almost every sword
Indoors and in and out of vehicles I think a modified Gladius with a bit larger hand guard would be very handy. It takes less space and has a simple cut and thrust either direction use. Seems like it might not require as much specific training either. And would be short enough to get in vehicles.
I’d carry a Korean Whando (환도). The reason for this is because it has a similar length and size profile as the wakizashi but is more ideal for carrying due to its hinge mechanism. It is worn on the belt and allows the user to switch which side (front or rear) the sword handle faces. They were also made with lighter material ideal for everyday carry.
Smallswords evolved for just this reason, not too heavy, not too long, compact hilt, mostly thrust but capable of cut. Rapiers are far too long, heavy, and bulky hilt, very cumbersome to wear. Katana also is too long and heavy with two hand grip. Jian with medium length blade or smallsword with plain guard would be most practical.
Outdoors - Pattern 1908 British Cavalry Sword
Indoors - personal preference? A Kris Panjang, 22" to 24" blade (25-60 cm) - they are utterly stylish ... and deadly sharp (40 years ago I did own one). Plus that scabbard is a useful offhand weapon
One thing I feel that's over looked is concealability. Even in an open carry state, many choose to conceal so that they aren't a target for bad guys.
Second would be weildability in tight spaces and at grappling distance. You would need something that you could deploy quickly with limited space from a concealed position. Which brings us back to knives. I think a large knife, somewhere between a short one handed sword and a big Bowie. Hand protection I feel is important as well.
Robert Earl Keene says it well in his song New Life In Old Mexico, "He reach for his .44 as I reached for my knife, he never fired a second shot, he was much too slow..."
A cane sword, or maybe even a sword store inside an umbrella. Double edged, tapered to a sharp end, and less than 18" long will serve well in both outdoors and close confined spaces.
My prediction is that the most fashionable sword would be the katana, largely because of the media influence, but also because it is objectively an easy and compact sword to carry and wield in urban or close environments.
Cutlasses could also be functional, but I think that they would either use the cross-guard and knuckledbow hilt, of have an asymmetrical and/or foldable handguards like some naval officers sabres. Large handguards are great in a fight but also quite cumbersome, and these swords would spend most of their time hanging from people's belts rather than in their hand.
I also think that the smallsword could be quite popular: not only is designed to be comfortable to carry, but I could imagine it become again a fashion-item, maybe even with designers partnering with blacksmith. And functionally, while thrust-centric, it does its job and offers reasonable hand protection.
Personally, I would go with something inbetween, a compact sword that can cut and trust, offers some hand protection without being cumbersome. I am of course talking about the the spadroon.
Messer as primary weapon and Liuyedao as side weapon for combat inside a town or city. Hanger as main sword and Tactical Falcata as sidearm for forested combat and homes near a forest. Short Nimcha with modernized tactical hand guard for combat inside jungle and Smallsword as backup.
Katana and Miaodao as primary weapons with Short Infantry Saber as sidearm in open grass plains and deserts. Oxtail Dao as primary sword for naval ship boarding and Smallsword as sidearm. Nagamaki as pressure point with helping Basket Hilt Broadsword wielders with infiltrating upstairs of a more spacious building and having Cutlass as secondary weapon for all. Infantry Saber for defending party upstairs in more spacious building with Short Kilij as a fallback. Long Rapier for fighting both ways on stairs in more cramped building and Hanger as sidearm.
Very interesting topic. I would probably go for a cutlass or short sabre in the style of the 1838 danish infantry sabre. Maybe a short messer. All relatively convenient indoors. In the outdoors it would be longsword all the way.
Schiavona, town guard swords, something that was cut and thrust but had a complex hilt, not just for protection but because it looks fancy.
As I was watching this video, I was looking at my 1867 Saxon Infantry Officer's Degen. Fair cut and thrust blade, not terribly short, but quite manageable when carried in a frog, to easily remove when getting into a car.
I suspect later 19th century, or early 20th century military swords/sabers would be the most likely styles worn in Europe and North America. They are fairly long, but not too long to be carried, and they offer good hand protection. They also represent the apex of military sword design for use on the battlefield, a battlefield that included repeating firearms, so they are from a period that most closely represents our time.
The hilt designs also allow for enough decoration to be stylish as well as functional.
The evolution of repeating or automatic firearms saw a fading of edged weapons on the battlefield or on the frontier in North America. When revolvers became more reliable, bowie knives went out of fashion. Submachine guns made trench knives, -swords or clubs, obsolete. The heyday of swords was, when firearms were single shot only, and barely reliable (flintlocks).
Japanese daisho, for me.
Long bladed daito with the shorter shoto.
But in regards to the primary question about "What would the general populace carry?" Either modernized rapiers or military style sabers. And likely there would be standard sizes and shorter variations for being indoors or having to use public transportation.
For self-defense indoors & in other confined spaces, the classic katana design strikes me as quite solid. Modern people tend to care a lot about stopping power, & cuts have more potential in that regard than thrusts. Some tweaked katana or similar short hand-&-a-half sword provides a lot of options in a convenient package. As mentioned, the long grip can make things easier for beginners compared with strictly single-handed swords. A cutlass-type sword with only modest hand protection for convenience likewise would fit the bill. For outdoor carry, try-hard folks might choose a good-sized two-handed sword with a quick-draw back scabbard (like the Shabbard).
As I said in the previous video, less than 20" is where it's at. Most modern people work indoors. That pushes people into the short sword, wakazashi, kinjal, etc area. They're also easier for an amateur to use, and open up back carry which is both fashionable and convenient to avoid bumping into things.
Being Basque, I would go with a cup hilt rapier for formal ocasions, maybe with a titanium cup and hilt for weight saving and aesthetics AND a main-gauche (That in Spain is called "vizcaína") for every day carry.
The rapier would be used when appropriate and the dagger would always be by my side, even having more than one depending of the ocasion
For my money it’s either a cutlass or a Jian.
The cutlass is made for confined spaces and should chop through modern fabrics with ease. There’s a variety of guards available too.
A Jian is a compromise, it might not be the best for tight corridors, but it’s a sweet showpiece.
The more I watch your videos (they're excellent, by the way), the more I see the value in shorter and lighter varieties of cutlasses and sabers, especially those with a moderate amount of curve and with a sharper point. I'm sure there's a million arguments about compromise. I'm seriously considering one for home defense and something in the 1000 gram 30" blade is starting to appeal.
I stay with Katzbalger, langes Messer or Cutlass for urban environment. For outdoor / rural environment / hiking maybe a Shepherd’s axe, working as a walking stick and tool too, or the swiss two handed saber.
Or you build your short sword with a hollow girp, so you can stick a pole in it, for a makeshift swordstaff/spear/polearm. With modern material a threaded shafts maybe are strong enugh, so you can carry you shaft in pieces in a backpack, and if you have preptime ...
I’ll add a selection criteria if I may. As someone who’s had to carry a sidearm at work, while leaving his battlefield weapon at the door, the important thing is that you can wear it while sat down.Spadroon is good - but a slim Gladius would be better.
Modern Sword carry would be as diverse as the clothes we wear. Ale house dagger or a simple hilted cutlass would be my every day carry. But it's undeniable how esthetically pleasing a wakasashi would be hanging with a nice tailored suit. But some days a rapier or shearing sword just might be the ticket. And of course, the sword chosen to be worn would reflect upon the calendar events. But upon further reflection the rise of the long dagger in a multiplicity of forms would explode in popularity.
I would think that modern versions of Messer or falcion would be popular. They are relatively short, effective against target's without armor, they can have a lighter and more thrust centric blade and they look intimidating.
A major limiting factor would be getting in and out of automobiles. Even a short sword would be problematic in this context unless the sword and scabbard could be easily removed. I'd probably just carry a Bowie Knife and wear cut/stab resistant clothing and hack at the limb that most offends.
I asked Skalagrim this very question and he said a messer would be a good option. Hard to deny that one. Good hand protection. Decent close quarters and not entirely useless outside either.
Wakisashi/pistol with cut resistant turtleneck, minimalist plates, and night vision spectacles. Also micro drone with police record referencing facial recognition and pepper/skunk spray.
I posit a hand guard added to an 18" to 22" machete, EDC for utilitarian cutting and offensive lethality. Lightweight and easy to use, I carry them camping and base camp hiking, without a guard of course. As modern people primarily kevlar vests for armor, the machete is effective. Also battle proven in Africa, Central and South America. Short enough for vehicle carry, indoor and outdoor convenience. Yes, reach has advantage, so does skill, and a block and slide up a longer blade will get you in close enough to put a longer blade at a disadvantage. I am a martial artist, fencer and trained in European and Asian melee and ranged weapons, modern and archaic.
A major flaw of a slim, thrust optimized blade like that of a rapier is shown in the final duel in Rob Roy: Gripping the blade can make all the difference, that is needed. And this also answers the question of what to do with the other hand. Modern protective gloves would become a popular accessoire and enable the duelist to make this move without even his hand bleeding. This wouldn't help very much against a broadsword, saber or wakizashi, but against a rapier or a smallsword it could be very effective.
I would expect it to come down to a choice between the sword most recently worn: a) in social situations i.e. the small sword; and b) on the battlefield i.e. the sabre. Presumably those were preferred because they offered better trade-offs than other types of sword.
Rapier would probably win. However one only needs to look at how what people use for their outer garments over the last 150 years. Gone from long coats some eminently useful like the trench coat to shorter and shorter coats into jackets primarily because car use has become more and more popular.
I would still wear my highland basket jilted broad sword.
From an Australian perspective, a rapier would fit for city peoples, regional and rural areas I definitely see something like a long seax/Messer/Bauernwehr or Cutlass/pioneer sword (upon further thinking, I think this would likely be the best bet) would be more common simply due to the fact that it would have a utilitarian approach that suites the area. I know many guys around the area that have machetes in their utes already for clearing brush and light cutting work. In the more lower economic areas/public housing areas I imagine something like a very crude smallsword showing up simply due to affordability.
The worst part that I can see happening, would be the eventual "bogan-isation" of those weapons, you only have to search "Ute Muster" to see what I mean in that regard lol.
My personal pick would probably be some variation of a Jian. Something fairly small, light, incredibly nimble, and simple but beautiful, with the versatility to both cut and thrust.
We should also discuss the suspension system for carryng the sword. With casual outfits anything goes, belts for carryng the sword at the side, straps for carrying it on the back etc. With formal attires like suits however belts are out of the question, a nice leather baldric could be acceptable, or maybe just carryng the sword in the hand like a cane or umbrella.
In this case I'd imagine a short sword for indoor use, and some sort of pole arm like a spear while outdoors that could double as a walking stick. I'd also imagine modern innovations on the pole arms such as build in umbrella and phone mount so you can keep dry and face time while also keeping another hand free to open doors or carry a drink or something.
People are indoors a lot more often, and if we're imagining that this is replacing something like an everyday pocket knife, I'd think something shorter with some multipurpose utility would be popular. Maybe a seax, machete, falchion, cutlass or messer (all kind of the same family of swords). Given some modern design tweaks these could all be useful for outdoorsmanship, self-defense, amazon package opening, flash-mob-crusades or any number of modern cutting tasks.
I'm partial to curved swords on the most practical: The mugger is hardly shouting you hand over your money from yards away, so you'd need to be able to draw and attack at once.
It depends a lot on how likely you are to use it, and in what context. Most people today never need to draw a weapon in anger. If the likelihood of using it is small, people will emphasize ease of carry. A short blade with an un-intrusive hand guard makes the most sense. Something like a hanger or a cuttoe. If the likelihood of violence is higher, a long/short sword combo for outdoor/indoor engagements makes sense. Something like a katana/wakazashi, or indeed like you mentioned a rapier/dagger.
The other issue you didn't mention, concealability.
Even when short swords and daggers were fashionable, people would like to have a backup/sidearm that was less conspicuous. Back to modern materials to evade metal detectors or other scanning devices.
That said, a short sword, in a deep triangular grind or diamond grind for double edge, with possibly a hybrid hilt (finger-ring&mail or "soft cup" from modern materials) could be compact, light and fairly discrete with proper fashion
Complex question, as you said it depends...in Argentina, talking about regionalisms. knife (like a butcher's knife) facones (a long knife with a small double edge at the tip) or caroneros (short sword). They are still produced, they are used every day in the field like the bowie and many of us have
I’ve settled on a Marbles MR374 machete. It’s got a curved blade, utilitarian look, and I love it.
A suggestion for modern blade material; A titanium spine with a bonded tungsten edge. Titanium bonds to tungsten and it would function like a diferentially hardened blade. It would cost as much as a car.
I really like a basket-hilt broadsword. But, for ease of carrying full time a stiff double-edged blade that ends in a sharp point 16"-20" long or a Filipino style bolo blade, I'm looking at Cold Steel's 21" version. Those blades would let you deflect longer blades and still have a cutting power, not to mention the "knuckle duster" option when you get really close. This size would be fast to deploy, as well as, being good indoors.
Some modern soldiers carry something approximating a large knife/short sword, and they tend to prefer simple guards that do not get caught on things as easily. Granted, this is more of a backup weapon and not their primary means of defense. As a primary weapon, one would want a bit more reach/protection, while still being able to wear it comfortably all day while working, getting in and out of vehicles, etc. A sword that can slash would be better in a melee situation, or perhaps as an improvised tool of sorts. You could definitely go the modest-sized rapier route, but I would want a dagger or some other accompanying weapon. If you must pick *one,* I would likely choose a cutlass/wakizashi/hanger sized weapon--basically a lengthened Bowie knife. Rapier is the king of duelling, but who knows how much of that you'd see versus things like gang brawls or home invasions. Just as an aside, I have seen modern self-defense blades with aluminum and/or carbon fiber construction with a small steel insert on the edge, simply to reduce weight. You may see things like this happening to improve ease of carry, but it would likely be a luxury for most.
So glad you came back at the end there and mentioned that people are frequently indoors these days! I’m firmly in the camp that believes the wakazashi would be the go-to EDC sword in the modern world. They’re easy to carry, easy to wield, can be used in tighter spaces with lower ceilings, they’re fashionable, and I think the first group of people to adopt EDCing swords are the sorts of people who are very into Japanese culture. They’d set the trend. Additionally, I really can’t imagine modern people would care about the increased hand protection of a lot of European swords. Dueling isn’t popular anymore and I think fights are too rare to justify the extra bulk and weight of more complex hand protection for most people. It’s the age of convenience. People are going to tend towards the minimum viable sword, and I think that would be the wakazashi or something approximating it
I would have to suggest a Mortuary Sword. It has a fairly short blade and usable in almost any space. It has good hand protection. It is a cut and thrust weapon. As for the "reach advantage" George Silver would have something to say about that. Perhaps the best reason is the guard is decorative and with a number of Kevlar liners in a number of matching and contrasting colors, it would be able to accessorize any number of clothing choices.
Another thing to consider is, what if you have to fight multiple opponents at once? In the modern world, this is a serious consideration, particularly in bad parts of town. In that case, a cutting weapon such as a sabre, dao, or katana might be preferred. Also, the Samurai carried two swords, a long and short sword. This apparently was practical to wear around even in peacetime. This might be a practical option, especially for people who hang out in bars and mean streets, where they might get in fights with multiple opponents in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
I'm envisioning a whole line of modernized sabers, rapiers and sideswords with customizable hand protection options, not too big, usually one-handed for easy carry. Handles with modern grip tape in addition to classic leather options. The mounting systems would have quick-detach brackets to carry knives, bucklers, lights or first aid kits.
Katanas would have their own dedicated fandom simply down to cultural clout and there being some very well preserved schools of "katana fencing". Not bigger than saber fencing and "knightly" styled swords, but it would be strong.
All of these things would stylistically adapt to contemporary pop culture.
I am with you on context and would suggest there would be different sword for differing situation. But would also add in respect of modern materials that defensive armouring would be more effective and easier to accommodate than historical types. Reducing the ability to cut, probably the effects of blunt impact. Therefore a nod to stiffer piercing weapons.
I think a type of bowie knife around 16" to 20" would be more commonly used than a sword. Mainly because you need to sit down with it allot. An other possible option is sword canes if we are consider fashion. If we would use a sword today it wouldn't be one we carry in a scabbard on our hip. It would be something we can carry in our hand or shoulder or be carried like the Japanese swords in a sash/belt.
I think you are right in that the rapier would be amount the top choices fore a few reasons 1 it is very visible, and there by tells any one that you can and will defend your self, 2 if you carry a rapier you will not do so if you are not skilled in it use to some degree, especially if you are expected to use it. 3 It is a beautiful and elegant weapon compared other swords/weapons, and there fore it is a safe fashion choice, and so on. you can think of more reasons yourself.
indoor defense is a bit harder to predict it depends on several factors like hove much space you have, and how you have furnished/decorated your home, but in my case would a sort stabbing blade be my choice, I would actually prefer something like a long stiletto about 50 cm in length fore home defense. but that is my choice you might prefer something with a bit heavy you can use for cutting.
I am left in agreement, Either a shorter heavy blade, IE a katana, or something like a small sword, or rapier. Something not too long to get in the way, not too heavy to be uncomfortable. I being the type of person I am, would have to pick something totally different, and learn how best to use it against the more common weapons, because I like being atypical (still in love with the Swiss Saber in the Wallace Collection)