This "War Knife" Doesn't Messeround (LE Rotmilan Review)
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- The good old kriegsmesser comes in many shapes and sizes... let's see how this version stacks up in practical terms. Landsknecht Emporium has delivered impressive quality so far.
** Specifications **
Overall length: 119.5 cm (47'')
Blade length: 93.3 cm (36-3/4'')
Blade width: 3.7 cm (1-3/4'')
Blade thickness: 7.8mm (5/16'') tapering to 2.5mm (1/8''), with 3.8mm reinforced tip
Weight: 1.42 kg (3 lbs 2 oz)
Point of balance: 16 cm (6-1/3'')
Price: 850 EUR / 887 USD / 1193 CAD (as of November 2022)
** Pros / Cons **
+ Hefty blade (powerful cutter)
+ Rock solid construction
+ Very good edge & blade profile
+ Costs half as much as the Albion Knecht
- Hefty blade (somewhat less nimble)
- Hard corners on the handle
- Cosmetic flaws in the finish (which were common in history)
These are subject to change in the future, particularly the handle shape which they seem willing to refine. Overall this is a well made, functional sword that deserves the label "battle ready". The handle could be more comfortable but it's perfectly workable. It also seems like a good representation of medieval originals from the 15th century.
** Where to get it **
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
landsknechtemporium.com/produ...
** Music credits **
“Heroic Demise” by Matthew Pablo
opengameart.org/content/heroi...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
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** Time stamps **
00:00 - 00:44 Intro
00:44 - 01:19 What is a reproduction?
01:19 - 01:51 Historical accuracy
01:51 - 04:06 Fit & finish / quality standards in history
04:06 - 08:09 Handling / reinforced tip
08:09 - 11:06 Cutting & other practical tests
11:06 - 12:09 Accidental edge damage & repair
12:09 - 13:03 False edge & hand test
13:03 - 14:56 Grip shape
14:56 Conclusion
#skallagrim #sword #review - Розваги
it's a replica of a kriegsmesser in the sense that if a person from the 1500's would see this sword they would say "oh, yeah, that's a kriegsmesser"
Aside from how little they cared for specific names for sword types.
@@gormold4163 Well, they cared a slight little more than average English-speaker, who can't tell sword from saber))
@@nikmenn2751 Certainly more than whoever designed the "Invader's Falchion" in LotRO ... or visually identical "sharp sword of Mordor's Bane" ... or "Two-handed Sword of the Vales" ... or "Sword of the Steady Mind" ...
@@nikmenn2751 I mean, a saber IS a sword. That's like saying you can't tell a feline from a tiger.
Actually, they'd likely say "Wow, that's an awesome kriegsmesser."
Big F**ing Knife 9000
The question is: can it used to butter bread?
this
@@witoldczarkowski5211 It can be used to cut the bread into slices, then butter both your bread _and_ the guy across the table's bread at the same time. And if an assassin bursts into the room and interrupts your feast, you can defend your friends with it, too. It's basically the perfect tool.
Or the B.F.K. 9000
Amazing
Skall: "You can have two of these for the price of one Albion"
That's fair point - you can dual wield them for same amount of money!
Right up my alley.
could you even disassemble the thing to flip the T-shaped crossguard?
Just asking to imagine the possibility.
@@carlorielmendez6505 Probably not, but LE let you choose which side the nagel goes on
At just over 3 pounds I would say that's definitely in the realm of possibilities. I myself own an RK Euro #10, it is similar weight and I find it surprisingly easy to wield one-handed!
Dundee: "That's a knife."
Skal: "Hold my tankard."
Reinforced tip makes sense, its a common thing in larger bowie knives with what is considered a clip point. And this is a big big beautiful knife.
I’m noticing a good trend in your video production, the amount and quality of information contained in your videos has been ramping up bigly for a few years! You’re in a pretty good spot now, I was hardly bored with your script and felt like you were very engaging. Likely due to the quick scene change editing. Very well done!! Such a ways you have come from the first days.
I didn't use a script, so I guess I can take that as an extra compliment. :) Anyway, thanks!
bigly
@@ogloc6308 biglike
Bigesque
@@ogloc6308 he invented a new word.. genius
@@ajhxz3446 nah that word's been a meme for almost 7 years now
Your pronunciation of Rotmilan ( Red Kite( Milvus milvus)) was pretty much on point
Yea the "R" is still to soft though. Otherwise it was almost perfect.
@@OneAngryVelociraptor That one could be regional pronounciation.
@@TheZinmo Nah. He still. pronounced the R the englisch way. A german R sounds different
Confirmed from another German; the R may be different between regional dialects and speakers and on the "weak end" here, but not an error.
Also, "Rotmilan" is German for "red kite", a falcon/harrier species of Central Europe.
@@OneAngryVelociraptor It's very much on the weak end but still within range for native German speakers.
Reference the fit and finish you have to remember that, for the most part, swords that have survived over the years tend to be high quality items that have been preserved as heirloom/art pieces. Any lower quality ones, even when they were perfectly serviceable when made, would have just ended up going to the scrap man and getting melted down for the steel content when they broke or wore out.
This is pretty much where the notion of Japanese swords being superior came from. Their best swords were preserved while anything held as subpar often didn't even make it past the forge. Most swordsmiths had really high standards.
Their steel had plenty of impurities and flaws which needed technique to overcome.
@@SergioLeonardoCornejo also, I'm no expert on Japanese history but wasn't it illegal for people not of the samurai class to have swords? If that's true then it's in stark contrast to some European cities where every citizen was required to be armed in case of an attack. This would also result in higher quality swords in general since they are all being made for wealthy clients.
@@Ilzhain Quality would be more related to feedback from soldiers using swords on the battlefield, the ones with better weapons would survive, go back to their smiths with new data, and improve the swords, which is why they evolved as time went on, while swords made for the wealthy might have been good, they were more likely to be very expensive dress swords with little real function while when and if those wealthy clients went to battle, they would probably carry the same swords their best soldiers and peers would be using.
@@ArcticGator From my admittedly limited knowledge of Japanese history I understood that your average levied soldier did not have a sword as they were reserved for people of the samurai class. Normal soldiers would've been equipped with spears and bows. I think your point stands more in a western context where a sword was a common side arm, but even then cost came first, and even if the sword carried by a commoner had the same profile as one carried by a noble you could be sure that the noble's one was made of better materials and with much more care put into its construction, likely commissioned for them specifically and costing many times more. A bladesmith in Europe who made swords for commoners would still sell a blade that was warped or had other defects because soldiers needed swords but in Japan only aristocracy needed swords so the average quality of surviving examples is much better.
Yeah, I find that very noticeable when looking for original swords with battle damage... quite hard to find. Either they're in great condition because they're been maintained meticulously and preserved well (probably not used) or they're so poorly preserved that you can't really tell what's damage from back then and what's corrosion.
Conspiracy theory: the real reason Skall tests all of his nice swords so brutally is because he wants them to have battle scars.
Came for the title pun.
Stayed for that _sexy_ knife tip.
Liked for the sword wobble.
"Liked for the sword wobble" Don't you mean the hilt slaps? :D
@@Skallagrim
09:28-09:59
For sword spanking & jiggle physics.
Rotmilan is a birds name, meaning red kite. Quite an epic nomenclature for a swift killing instrument.
quite an epic bird as well, its the biggest bird of prey in germany as far as i know
@@jonasgutjahr546 Germany does have golden eagle populations as far as I know, but (as unsurprisingly as unfortunately) they are heavily endangered.
The red kite is one of the bigger ones that are still widespread.
Ah, I didn't know that. Neat!
@@Skallagrim And if you are interested in a native speaker's comment on your pronunciation: It was spot on. Rotmilan as red kite is composed of "rot" (=red) and "Milan" (=kite).
Oh, by the way, there is also a ATGM called "Milan". And the birds are absolutely gorgeous. The area of Germany I live is is home to some breeding couples.
@@rockyblacksmith yea I've seen some
Ok that hand wound was GNARLY. Wild the amount of force you can deliver with such a quick short motion
It's become very popular lately to point out how original European swords sometimes have imperfections in fit and finish, and this is not an incorrect statement. However, many surviving Medieval originals ARE so well-made that they look like they could've been made with a CNC machine. This is especially true of Japanese swords, but it's also true of many European swords.
Yes but those examples are usually top of the line examples wielded by useless nobility of both Asian and European origin. Who usually if they bothered to fight did so with less expensive pieces.
So it's like comparing a Lambo kept in a heated garage to some Farmer's field truck.
As a professional craftsmen (carpenter, not a swordsmith) I find it interesting how many flaws I can find in any piece I stumble across. I think it's really a mass production thing. If you're making pieces for people who are specifically seeking you out, that's high end stuff, but the guy everyone goes to probably spends more time making horseshoes than swords. So quality is available, but the quantity speaks for itself.
Yep, that's always the problem with any kind of generalized statement. There was so much variation in the quality of craftsmanship that you'll always find exceptions to any observation.
@@clothar23 yes useless like the polish winged hussars or knights in general, which never fought in battle, right 🙄.
@@babbiification it's always a mass production thing. Someone making something for themselves or someone they know is often more willing to put in the time to do it right.
Someone cranking out as many of something as possible will not care about the little details.
This type of mass production is actually why so much of the embellishment on old furniture, walls, buildings, different types of jewelry, filigree, engraving, etc are not economically feasible at all anymore, sadly. When mass produced garbage takes up the entire market share, the time spent on something nice is just not really possible, unless maybe on consignment. But even then, very few customers would understand the amount of time & effort it would take to get things to say, Victorian or Edwardian (weird we call those time periods by british monarchs) levels of detail. So even then, it's really only possible as a labor of love.
Of course, because of that we haven't gotten that knowledge passed down from the masters. With apprenticeship being so superior in teaching anything of any depth, it's often necessary to learn directly from someone if you want to get it right.
Definitely my favorite ’knife’
Square handles are great for encouraging edge alignment, at the cost of comfort. There is a reason the design looks like a kitchen knife.
Love that you still do these good 'ol fashioned reviews, thank you for a very informative video.
The thing about hitting a hand, if you cut it even without breaking bones, it's likely that fixing it will require a surgery.
I have a left-handed, sharp Dorthea Dussack from Landsknecht Emporium. It also has a slightly wider tip, reinforced for thrusts. It is a well made sword.
That Messer looks so awesome. I personally prefer the other kinda slimmer ones you have shown, but this one has a solid look to it that I actually appreciate. Also, great content, really engaging and entertaining. Keep up the great job you're doing bro!
Haven’t watched a video of yours in a while, was definitely a good listen while I worked on a project. Forgot how informative and relaxing your vids are 🤙
I have to say that I am a big fan of Landsknecht Emporium's "rustic" finish on their messers. They feel more "authentic" as a lower-than-elite sidearm compared to the industrially produced competition.
I have two LE blades in my collection, and absolutely want more.
Great review and nice to acknowledge that very often average quality swords made now are - in comparison to medieval average quality swords - much better.
Skall slowly turning into The Dude of the historical arms and armor community.
Kinda like the imperfections, makes it more "real"
To be fair, from everything you've said on the subject, the Knecht is one of the finest Kriegsmesser reproductions ever made, so it's sort of unfair to compare something to it. But I understand what you were going for. The Rotmilan is half as expensive, so if it's more than half as good, then it's a good value.
Thank you for the glorious cut tests.
I think people forget that balistics dummies in no way actually simulate real human bodies.
It's more useful to think of them as showing what types of forces are transferred to different areas.
For instance, clean breaking through the entire hand on a dummy would probably mean some cutting and maybe a bit of fracture on the first finger in real life.
Yes
I'm loving the reviews!
Great in-depth analysis.👍
Always happy to watch another review. Hope you’ve been doing well and thanks for the vid :)
Yess I was waiting for this one! I had already ordered one, and am happy to see a positive review.
I appreciate what companies like Albion have done in terms of tolerances and overall fit and finish but when I buy a sword (partly because cuz I don't ever have a lot of money) I care more about steel quality, weight, balance & how solid a sword is. I personally like some "personality" in a sword like many antiques have; makes them feel more unique even if they are factory made swords.
Great Review
yes i enjoyed it very much, especially how you put your own preferences in relation to give it a fair review
You are one of the best creators on UA-cam.
Wonderful review on the rottmillan Skall! We were choosing between reviewing this and the Pavel Moc Kriegsmesser, and ended up reviewing the latter. The rottmillan is still one I'd love to one day get my hands on. Thanks for the video
Another great video, thanks skal!
Finally, a review of the Adorian is on the horizon, looking forward to that one :)
It looks like a perfect sword for a reenactor. Relatively cheaper, looks historical and is very durable. Also the "battlefield balance".
Your growth has been insanely fast lately. Congrats ^..^
Pronunciation is correct since naming is most likely german. Rotmilan is a pretty big bird with red/orange feathers. I think it might be the same as or relative to red kites.
Video title on point btw! 😄
Best regards from Germany.
The Gottfried I have from LE also has a swell (reinforced point) near the tip.
My spontaneus and completely unprofessional take of the Knecht was that the curve looked a bit excessive, while this Rotmilan with a much gentler curve could perhaps be just a tad shorter? Would help with handling and I like its overall look.
There are many original messers with very significant curve. Matter of taste and expectation likely.
That curve on the Knecht is what gave me the cursed idea of messer in a full katana getup. Would be so cursed and cause much crying.
@@AlexanderVonMalachi Did you just suggest mounting a Messer onto a Katana style hilt ?
@@AlexanderVonMalachi Such heresy, I like it!
@@clothar23 hilt, sheathe, tsuba, handle wrap, all the good stuff.
When looking at the kriegsmessers available from LE, this was the model i liked the look of the most (I prefer the straighter profile to the considerable curve of their Falke model you reviewed). So I am quite happy you were able to review it, and more so that you would recommend it. It is probably the kriegsmesser i will get when i feel like spending the money for one.
I appreciate the addition of the hand dummy.
What, no Crocodile Dundee joke?
"Don't you see he has a knife?"
"That's not a knife. {ssssschhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop} *THAT's* a knife."
it took me a minute to get the pun in the title..you absolute madman XD
I have this. Unbelievable weapon. It feels like nothing else I've ever wielded. Mine has none of the finish issues you show. Best used with gloves IMO
i am actually here for your ramblings (like from 2014. I remember that I was looking for a decent knife and found your review of a Kershaw Oso Sweet).
Great Video as always. But can we please talk about how perfect the pronounciation of the German Words is? Even the ch in Knecht is perfect while most People pronounce it as K
Excellent video Sword Jesus. I have always wanted a Messer.
was thinking if i should watch this new skallagrim video right now or some times later .... saw the messer pun in the title and i am watching right now
I like the blade shape and tip, looks more like the swords that were commonly used and that have been found. Also seem very functional as well as versatile.
New roleplaying goal: play a character whose primary weapon is a Kriegsmesser, who when threatened by someone with a knife uses the Crocodile Dundee line.
i really need to get a kriegsmesser. ive liked all of them you have had on the channel
German here. A Rotmilan is a raptor (eagle) which is common in middle europe. You pronounced it quite right. :)
This messer looks beautiful
I love how kriegsmessers look. They're the epitome of a fantasy adverturer/ranger close quarters weapon to me.
Make a tierlist of your favorite Kriegsmesser's.
I was really hoping this would be more around the $375ish USD range to compete with the Coldsteel messer. Also you should have mentioned the steel type.
I know its not perfect, but I Love my Cold Steel Grosse Messer. I've worn it to a few Ren Fair's and It has always attracted attention. And yes, its a big bloody knife. Also my Mother is half German. I'm glad you mentioned Blunt Impact Strike. I've always thought that would be a good idea, if you had to fight some one in heavier armor.
Hey Skallagrim, great content as always! As a German I just wanted to say that Rotmilan is a bird of prey called red kite in English :) Just as elegant as this beautiful weapon (and its wielder, of course) Have a nice day!
Edit: typo
the variations of messers and falchions differed even more that double edged swords such as longswords and arming swords
Beautiful blade
This video is particularly good (I'm also biased and watch the Messer videos more often)
Great review, and it seems to be a pretty good sword for the money. The others may be a bit more dynamic in hand, but this seems to be pretty good. It would be interesting to feel the extra heft vs the Knecht in terms of handling, back to back. The Knecht is one of the finest handling swords I've ever used, it's such a high bar of comparison.
Skall, 1st off, I really enjoy all your content. Thanks for making all quality, thoughtful and funny content I've been able to enjoy.
Secondly, what is the purpose of, and excuse my spelling I am unfamiliar with the kriegsmesser, the nogil? nogiler? I have some assumptions but would rather know the correct answer. Thanks man, hope you are well!
Niiiiiight of the long knives!
I haven't even watched the whole video. The pun in the title deserves a Like and Comment.
The video title was not lost on me. I had a nice giggle.
This is a pretty devastating weapon design. I have always been a fan of the Italian longsword because of its mixture of length, speed, and versatility and I feel like this is a worthy competitor
can't help but notice the similarity of the blade to a katana's, at least from a quick glance
I feel like I'm sensing the power of Matt Easton being channelled through this video.... ;)
Me: spends week trying to find what kind of sword would be the closest to Yoru from One Piece
UA-cam: here’s a present bud
Your pronunciation of Rotmilan (Red kite) is spot on 👍
I gotta say, even though the way the Nagel is peened isn't the way other repro's have, I very much like the rough look
Your pronunciation of Rotmilan is excellent, the one of Kriegsmesser at 90%
That's a big knife. I need one for my kitchen.
greatest crossover ever:
SKALLAGRIM & TOD'S WORKSHOP
holy hand grenade, your german pronounciation in the beginning was almost flawless
Your pronunciation of Rotmilan is on the spot. It's a middle-sized bird of prey, by the way.
YES SWORD REVIEW
Personally I like the allegedly rough peening for the nagel. It's pretty clean in all honesty and makes that side of the sword look a bit more... I dunno, brutal, and visually interesting than if it was smoothed out to the point of vanishing into steel oblivion.
"Seid gegruesst, edler Recke!"
You´ve pronounced it just perfectly! F#ckin´ rockin´ greetings from Germany🤘
I absolutely love those swords.. or.. knives..
Other than the one you like.. I like the rotmilon and the 2 small ones
Pronounciation on point btw.
Perfect is the enemy of good enough, when everyone needs a sword corners get cut to speed production. You get the same thing in just about every trade. I think that Rex Kruger actually has a series where this is brought up in furniture making. If i need a chair then i go buy a chair it doesn't necessarily have to last for generations or be perfect for me to use it
I’d love to get one one of these days. An otachi was one of my dream swords and this was one of the others because it looks like the sword my character had in a book I wrote a long time ago when I was really cringy.
The pronunciation for Rotmilan was pretty good. Greetings from germany. ;)
this sword is a great example of "not wrong, but could be *more* right"
As a knife user, I can confirm that this knife truly doesnt *messeround*
Little known historical fact: they were called 'messer' because they mess you up
Any weapon is a messer if you have the right attitude
When i first heard the term "bastard sword", I assumed it was called that because if you got hit by one, it hurt like a bastard.
Your "Rotmilan" was spot on in terms of intonation.
The only thing a native German would pronounce differently would be the "R", in the typical german gutteral, raspy manner rather than the rolling english one.
You pronounced it correctly the first time Rotmilan is a bird of prey. The translation in english is the red kite, species in latin is milvus milvus. Milan is kite, rot is the colour, red. All correct.
That's a beautiful sword/knife.
Please review the Adorian!
that would definitely be a nice sidearm for an early 16th century crossbowman
Thats such a cool lookin sword
I have a blunt and sharp version of the Gottfried (smaller one handed Messer from LE). I love the balance and weight on them both, they perform fantastically, and the company couldn't be better if they tried, they are wonderful people that are responsive and take every bit of constructive criticism into mind and improve their products. I personally feel their knives perfectly encapsulate what it is to carry one of these delightfully brutal cutting weapons. Also my sharp is like a 2 foot scalpel, you can almost cut yourself just looking at it.
My guy is that full tang? Cuz it looked like the tang went all the way, also the flex on that blade is smexy as hell
I'm not going to act like an expert on single edged medieval and renaissance blades, but the thing that stood out to me about that blade is how far forward the edge bevel starts. Don't most messer bevels start further back; giving a finer edge, all else being equal?
Do you have plans to test your recent swords on ballistic gel dummies? I ordered the gustav and günther a week ago and wonder how they may hold up
Can you measure the sword on screen from now on I really liked that. The balance and overall weight to.