What is the Best Sword? (Not as Simple as You'd Like)

Still one of the most frequently asked questions on my channel. People are looking for the ultimate sword of perfection, superior to everything else... Which does not exist. The same weapon may excel in one situation but be a major disadvantage in another. Two-handed greatsword in the jungle? Terrible idea. Gladius without shield in a one-on-one duel on an open field? Good luck. Katana without armor against archers? You get the idea. So in this video I talk about some of the many factors that we have to consider when asking such a broad question. I also warn against over-stating the point that all swords were flawlessly design to be 100% efficient at their intended purpose in a given culture and time period. Humans aren't perfect, and their creations aren't either. **The examples in this video ** 1.) The Marxbruder grosse messer by Albion https://albion-swords.com/swords/albi... 2.) An old (mid-90s) Roman gladius by Raven Armoury http://www.raven-armoury.co.uk/ 3.) Pappenheimer rapier by Darkwood Armory http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/ 4.) Type XVIIIa 15th century longsword with bronze hilt by Stephan Lockwood (affiliate link) http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htm?go=kult... 5.) Nodachi from Swords of Northshire (affiliate link) https://shrsl.com/2rcvv  ** Support the channel ** Help fund future videos, get bonus content and other rewards:   / skallagrim   https://www.subscribestar.com/skallagrim    / @skallagrim   For one-time donations: https://streamlabs.com/skallagrim1 https://www.paypal.me/SkallagrimYT Books about history and/or martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend (as an Amazon Affiliate I earn commission through these links): US - https://www.amazon.com/shop/skallagri... Canada - https://amzn.to/2HeOCMA Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links: Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc: http://ww4.aitsafe.com/go.htm?go=kult... Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords: http://www.woodenswords.com/?Click=1799 Knives on Gearbest: https://www.gearbest.com/knives-tools... ** Social media & merch ** How to contact me:    / skallagrimnilsson   See a list of my video uploads:   / _skallagrim_     / skallagrimyt   Channel-related shirts and other merch: http://skallagrim.spreadshirt.com/ https://teespring.com/stores/skallagrim My side channel (for rambles, vlogs, opinions, gaming, etc):    / @skallhalla   ** Music ** Intro song: "Illuminate" by Vindsvept https://vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/... Outro: "Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records http://theslantedroom.weebly.com/