Which SWORD would MODERN PEOPLE Wear? Fashion, Law, Culture, Practicality?
2024 ж. 21 Мам.
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If sword wearing became normal somewhere in the modern world, what types of swords would people choose and why?
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Signup for your FREE trial to Wondrium here: ow.ly/Rh2230s9buJ What sword or swords would YOU wear on a day to day basis, taking everything into consideration?
at 8:05 is that a pipeback sword? what sword would i wear? a sharpened fencing saber and a barong as a long knife, i want something lite and fast and i have both and they are lite and fast
I would carry an umbrella-concealed cattle-prod tipped carbon-serated small sword with a highly coiled spring release mechanism.
people would probably carry a sword around, if they could somehow connect it to their phones ^^ or if they were their phones I guess.
I wear a sword every day. The California State laws here regard them as dirks or daggers. The point is, I'm not getting jumped when I can just chop the mugger's head off. I for one am greatful to not live in a little bitch country that bans weapons.
I personally carry a skegax, sverd, Type II AKM bayonet, and a 1911. Bare minimum I have my 1911 and AKM bayonet, which is most of the time. Next most common is to add my skegax, because it's a useful tool in the woods, and sometimes I wear my sverd. I'd wear it more often if the sword carriage I have for it were easier to use. If i had a Falchion / Messer I'd possibly wear one of those instead of the sverd on occasion. - a Hoosier Personally, I believe that the majority of people in Europe and the U.S. would go for an arming sword, katana, saber/cutlass/hanger, rapier/small sword, or sverd, since those are the most popular sword designs in entertainment. No one group would be uniform, though. The modern world is far more individualistic than the old world and we have a higher knowledge of more weapons, so everyone would go for what they think is coolest or, once they actually try using swords, easiest/most comfortable for them as an individual to use.
In Poland, you can walk around with any kind of bladed weapon. There are only two rules. 1. It has to be secured. You can't walk around with something that can hurt someone by accident, so no naked blades. 2. You can't walk around with a weapon that pretends it isn't one, so no cane-swords. As for what sword would I wear? Polish saber of course.
So, halberds are also prohibited? 🙂
I secretly would incline towards rapier for personal preference, or longsword for the ability to use, but I know that generations of my ancestors would look at me with unbearable disdain. So yes, batorówka for the win.
Same in Germany.....it just said by law, that it couldn't draw easily and no hidden weapons, no chain weapon (so throwing blades, butterfly knifes and knuckle dusters are illegal). Securing swords some kind of string is acceptable. You aren't allowed to bring swords or any weapon to certain events and buildings. If i choose it would be a falchion or one of those two-handed sabre.
@@midora588 *incline
@@konstantin.v I think halberds aren't prohibited in Poland, the weapon law is similar to Germany.....for transportation you need a sheath.
I get the impression that if swords were worn today, it would be for fashion. And with most peoples' fashion sense today... I could see a lot of people carrying around over-designed, cheap, fantasy, mall ninja wallhangers.
^this. I mean, unless I'm wrong, even modern ballistic armor can stop blades as well.
@@AvengerofWarcraft Knives can go right through Kevlar.
Just go to a ren fair if you ever wonder about that lol
I suspect swords would be comparable to watches or phones. A jewelry, but also heavily focused on highly technical performance swords that has an app on your phone.
Just look at all the mall ninjas with their "tacticool" AR-15s.
Here in Brazil we use a lot of machetes (Brazilian ones) for practical uses, and it's kind of a small sword, but I assure you it is very effective at chopping people up. Actually, it happens all the time that people fight each other and kill with it, specially in the north and northwest regions. Also, you can carry one to almost everywhere since it's a tool. In the end, I can assure you that it is a good "sword" to carry in modern times.
I agree. Unless one is a highly trained martial artist carrying a blade for which he or she is trained, it makes no sense to carry something useless -- the machete is the most practical "sword" to carry since it is not unweildy, can be used in close quarters AND is a useful tool.
But they aren't elegant. I can carry a machete to camping or a walk, but i wouldn't carry it to work(in a hypothetical universe were swords are a fashion sense)
@@Vajrapani108 but they can be. My father has a forged one with a handle made of solid metal with black leather stripes around it, and the pommel is the head of a Jaguar. It's quite badass.
I’ve seen some pretty ones from Argentina
@@raydrexler5868 - I would be elated to find one from anyplace other than China.
The commentary about size and weight is accurate. Living in America and being allowed to be armed, most people tend to start out with larger weapons, and end up downsizing to something more comfortable to be able to manage on a daily basis. This is also affected by the weather. Heavy clothing will typically go with larger weapons, and hot weather usually ends up with smaller lighter weapons.
I could definitely see shortswords becoming a utility option, akin to how compact and subcompact pistols are en vogue among the concealed carry population relative to those of us who prefer full-size carry pistols. Lighter frames (blades/materials), smaller grips, concealability (kydex scabbards), etc…
@@FyremaelGlittersparkleI fall into the full size camp, can't stand the subcompact carry weapons. With a good holster, I don't find carrying my Springfield XD a problem. Wife on the other hand is opposite, she prefers a little.38 revolver. So for a sword I would probably still just carry a Benchmade and rely on my 9mm for protection.
@@CollinKillianSame here, I carry a full size Glock, and if swords were a thing we could carry nowadays, I would either go for a cutlass, or a just carry my grandpa's old carpenter's hatchet. Small, lightweight, functional, has a built in hammer, and will do nasty things anything it hits.
@CollinKillian yeah but nobody wants you walking into a restaurant with their kids face 2 ft from your holster
I can't help but think if swords were a common fashion item how other things would change to accommodate them. Maybe your car would have a special spot in the center console to hold your sword while you drive, or restaurants might have tall wire baskets to slide your sword into before you slide into a booth. In movie theaters, the cupholder armrest might also be able to hold a sword.
Like in Kill Bill, on the plane that take the bride from Okinawa to Tokio they have katana holders…
Propable, like a rifle rack, in my hunting car.
@@shaidrim That immediately came to my mind when I read OP's post; that scene is hilarious. :D
I’m sure politeness would increase instantly.
Definitely the sword holder in your car in the center console or trunk spaces like the other person said like rifle holders on there Probably sword cases on flights and the like would be made in vogue
The machete is the working man’s sword I think. It’s cheap, rugged, and small enough to go anywhere. I can imagine more flashy types like pimps and artists would carry something impractical but highly customizable and impossible to ignore.
Not to mention on pimp side would prob just have crew to protect em anyways lol
I used to carry a nice old billhook [or an axe] at work; I was a forester. Found it heavier duty that a machete & depending on the type of billhook you have you've got hooking options as well as heavy chopping action. As you say, easy to carry & a lot of power in a relatively small tool. They also kind've bring out your "inner orc" when handling.
Machete was a tool I also thought about. IN Outdoor-Circumstances I often carry a samekniv as a tool for food making, wood working, (skinning animals would be another point, if I would be a hunter). So I think looking on the tool perspektive, Machete-like tools, or for carpenters for example some hammer / axe like tools could be a typical solution. Small knive and an axe on the belt? something between status symbol, identification with your profession and useful tool.
Yeah, came here to say machete. There are plenty of tropical places where people just legit carry machetes already. And it's about the biggest thing you could conveniently carry getting in and out of cars, or buses, or trains.
I had a small experience of carrying an unhidden wooden sword in a daily basis on daily life on a huge city. Sitting down without losing more than two seconds with it is the biggest differential I can imagine. So a small sword to the side of the leg would be highly beloved by the more practical people
The problem is that, historically, civilian fashion (including sword fashion) has been greatly influenced by military fashion because the military aspect of life has a huge impact on society. But today swords are seen in the military only in some countries and only in ceremonial circumstances. You don't see officers going around carrying swords anymore. So, I believe the only way swords would come back into fashion is that at least a few celebrities, actors or singers start carrying swords and their fandom follow them. And I do hope this happens 😂
Considering the architecture of modern buildings, a shorter sword would be necessary for indoor use, interior of public transport etc. However this might lead to a samurai type situation where two swords are carried. A number of years ago, I was making a sword at work (a machine shop), it was a short sword. One of my colleagues asked why I wasn't making a two handed sword. My reply was that if I ever had to use a sword, it would be at home, as it is socially unacceptable to carry a sword around. Besides destroying the interior, and contents of my home, a long sword would catch on things and inhibit it's own use, a short sword however would not.
true, but if we look historically in urban areas. light thrusters were also common. I think urban paris around 1750 is pretty equivalent to the modern day and smallswords (and dueling) were all the rage then in the urban centers of europe. though I could also see sword and dagger being a thing. And in less urban areas I could see more utility focused things like cutlesses and machetes being more popular.
Naval cutlass in modern steel.
@@midshipman8654 small hands spears lol
I always imagined there would be biker swords, not dissimilar from the cavalry saber. But I hear most of those degens just use machetes.
I’m think wakizashi style. Maybe slightly straighter with a tanto point for better stabbing.
"If we accept the hypothesis that the shape and configuration of a sword usually fits the type of society it's being used within to be true, then logically it follows, that a sword for modern people would be one that's apt for stabbing someone else in the back." - Conan the Barbarian, probably. As a programmer by profession, I'd probably be inclined to wear a big sword that'd be useful in my line of work. Mainly something that could seem intimidating to people working in marketing and capable of "fixing" a computer with a gentle tap. Like a big two-handed mace-sword. Well just a big two-handed mace really. Or a chainsword.
thanks, I needed a good laugh today. The notion of cutting 'the regular's computer in half with a chainsword is cathartic.
The real question here is if you need more to "fix" the computer, or to "fix" the marketing guy using it.
Worth mentioning, in context of this video, that the UK has one of the worst statistics in terms of of assaults with dangerous tools or so-called knife-crimes, although legally you can't even carry pepper spray out there. In Poland or Czech Republic on the other hand, you can carry almost all sorts of bladed weapons, tasers, butterfly knifes are sold in every second supermarket with no restrictions whatsoever and the rates of dangerous tool/weapons offences in those countries are tens of times lower. Which begs two hypotethisis' ; either central European Slavs are way more civilised and gentle than whatever the current population of the UK consists of (which I would say is probably true, having lived in the UK for 2 years), or it that the possibility that a victim is able to pull out a symmetric or even an overwhelming response, makes potential offenders think twice. In any case, I'm glad that Poland is safe it terms of being able to safely walk around, and as a sword fan, I'm happy that I can walk around with a sword with my only reason being that it's cool.
Oh that was a good one! Made my day. Hats off to you, good Sir.
Conan can be so erudite sometimes
I would be wearing a gladius, mostly because I like their size. I work in an office and commute on my bike so anything bigger than 24 inches is going to get old fast. The gladius is big enough to be useful and small enough to not be too much in the way. They also have so much variation, you could own dozens of them that look completely different and have different levels of ornamentation or utility. You can wear them almost anywhere, and they look awesome. You can even have some that have different mass distribution so some are more like weapons and some are more like tools. It would be fun to make it into a brand, have a gladius for literally every occasion.
I carried an Enfield bayonet inside my bicycle tire pump. It looked very stylish but I did need to cut off the 'Lug" area to allow it to fit inside the shiny aluminum pump.🤠
Well thought out explanation. As an accessory to a Gladius a small buckler IMHO would make a good option to look into.
Strangely enough that's exactly what I thought office workers would wear as it's better for being sat down all day
@@carldehaven7672 start wearing steel bracers instead
That was one of my first thoughts too, I've always liked the gladius. I could see a small sword too for the extra reach without much weight but that would be more cumbersome to wear.
Alaskan here, I often go out into the frontier to go adventuring and a langseax has been a great use to me, it has the functionality of a machete, but it is also a civilized looking blade and so I don't get weird looks when in town. Even took the bus with my more than two foot weapon hanging from my belt.
To be fair, seeing some dude with a two foot knife hanging on their belt on a bus ride, is probably the least weird thing they've seen that morning, it's Alaska after all..
I would assume that if swords were to be used only as an accessory, they would be as different as each owner. But if they were to be used as a weapon, they would gravitate to only a few types, and would follow a similar evolution as we had in the past. Your opponents have a crossguard and you don't? Better get one too.
Katzbalgers, english backswords, basket hilted broadswords, all have extensive hand protection. I think the more practically minded would pick those as their swords for their convenience of carry, versatility. and superior hand protection.
@@ironstarofmordian7098 I'd personally lean towards a kodachi. The hand naturally perches on the scabbard and its built around the philosophy of iaido. First to draw is first to cut. You make sacrifices in the protracted engagement, but in return you'll be able to respond to a threat as soon as it's presented. Similar mindset to having a smaller and lighter pistol. Though katana type weapons are actually relatively heavy, they make up for it in their form. You could "modernize" the blade with a distal taper, but then you're just sacrificing power on that opening cut. Works better when your mentality is to throw a punch before putting up dukes. But I think practicality could lean toward many different approaches.
Depends on the culture and its use. If traditional Filipino blades can be considered "swords", it's still pretty common to have these blades on your side while on rural areas because most traditional Filipino blades are commonly used for fieldwork even to this day. I remember strolling on a Sunday market on my way home after buying a 22" blade talibong, it was a non issue to people.
Yeah, I was thinking machetes especially people working near forests or trails.
Machetes are helpful when clearing brush and doing some simple work on my garden.
Most people look at my bolo knife as a sword (crocodile Dundee would have to rethink his tagline). Very practical for field work, cut and thrust blade - you know, kind of perfect for a zombie apocalypse. Not that fashionable, and too weighted for cuts to be a good dueling weapon.
You mentioning rural areas and blades reminds me of when I was a kid and pretty much every man and many women used to walk around with a culling knife on their belt. Even quite common and unremarked in rural townships.
Two thoughts: 1) if carrying a sword becomes a fashion must do, then probably the hilt and scabbard become the critical elements, as they are the most often seen parts of the sword. That said, perhaps transparent scabbards could become a thing to show off nice blades without needing to worry about sharp edges all the time. 2) I think we can consider umbrellas a good example of the range of swords we would see. We're legally allowed to carry umbrellas when needed, yet the type of umbrella people carry is very driven by both their needs and their preferences. For example, I keep a smaller umbrella at my house, and my biggest umbrella in my car's trunk. I could see something like that easily happening with swords as well...
Crowbar. It's durable, cheap, versatile as both a weapon and a tool, and in some cases depending on your person and fashion you could easily conceal it. Downside is that if you're not familiar with it or don't lift it's a heavy thing to lug around.
Valentin Pasco il y a 1 seconde I can imagine that you have never worked with à crowbar neither fight with a sword to think it is wearable or comparable it's heavy as fuck , dull, impossible to carry !
Except. If you have no reason to carry a crowbar, hammer or pretty much anything that falls under such laws you cant and probably shouldnt. Many nations roll in everything from icepicks, hammers, saws and so on with knives as in its the same thing. You cant carry one in public. Without actual need as in you are building "that house" over there. But then it gets even more interesting its your obligation to remove anything that could fall under such laws before leaving the site. You may be allowed to carry them to your car but some countries even frown on that.
I think in the US the katana would be highly fashionable. It is light, has a pretty scabard and hilt, and we watch too many Samurai movies. Also you can find really cool obi's, so the fashion extends to the sword belt.
The most American of all swords is the saber, or perhaps the cutlass if you are more navally inclined. Personally, I think the cutlass is the ideal self-defense sword, because self-defense is much more likely to be needed indoors. Since swords today are outreached by firearms, do as the pirates did, carry a cutlass and a pistol. If even a cutlass is too long and unwieldy in daily life than the Bowie knife is the obvious choice. Other cultures may wish to choose tantos, kukri, or whatever. But Americans should go with a pistol, because they can, and either a cutlass or Bowie knife. If it's a barbecue, consider a 1911 with ornate handle and an elegant smallsword. For daily life, carry a large capacity striker fired semiauto and your most practical cutlass. For real combat, leave the swords at home; carry an AR-15 and some kind of tactical knife attached to your plate carrier.
I think I'd go for a machete. Sure, it's not the most elegant or fasionable thing, but you can't deny that it's a practical weapon. It'd be useful as a tool as well as for defending yourself without needing to worry too much about fancy techniques. If you get a solid swing on someone, it's going to give them a very nasty wound. Not only that, they are the perfect size for the modern world. You can easily wear one in even the most cramped areas and it won't really get in the way.
"Machete" is a rather broad term though. The thin flimsy stamped sheet metal Machetes from places like Wal-mart would be terrible deffensive tools. However ones often sold in farming communities as "cane knives" or "corn knives" with thick forged blades having sharp pointed tips and generally being under 20 inches would probably be great. Africa has proven this sadly :/
A fancy alternative for parties would be a shortsword unless you have a gold engraved machete hehe
Literally anyone with any other sword and equal training would easily kill you. The machete is for chopping vegetation not people.
Yeah, people don't consider just how much of a hassle carrying a longsword around is. I love it, I own one that is absolutely beautiful, but I wouldn't carry it around everyday. Something lighter like a machete or smallsword fit the bill wonderfully. Also, even stamped mass produced machetes make for effective weapons. There are countless deadly "incidents" with machetes here in South America and they are no joke.
A gladius should be a straight upgrade over a machete
In the USSR and Russia, the laws on swords have remained the same since the 20s of the 20th century - sashko and large daggers can be worn with the national clothes (these are the peoples of the North Caucasus, mainly) and the uniform of the Cossacks. If the sword is blunt or made of mild steel, everyone can wear it. Things like wakizashi or khukri are considered household knives and you can carry them almost everywhere. In real life - sashka and Caucasian-type large daggers (really swords they are!), worn during national holidays and performances of dance groups in national costumes. Even in the North Caucasus, no one wears sashko and large daggers outside of holidays, since the 1930s.
To bad what the ussr did to the Cossacks
Wait so if I’m in Russia I can carry a wakizashi?
@@AryaOghuz New rule: if it rhymes, you can wear it
@@danielowenes3059 I wouldn't be too sad, the Cossacks did some pretty horrible things to other peoples. Don't forget the pogroms.
@@Theduckwebcomics 100% this. My family, the "Zevin" family escaped to the United States just prior to the USSR forming. They were Jewish Ukrainians who were hunted by the Cossacks in pogroms. My great grandma had stories about hiding in walls as Cossacks, shashka in hand searched the house. Other families in the neighborhood were slaughtered. The rest of my surviving family that stayed in Ukraine was killed in WW2, many Cossacks collaborated with the Nazis to hunt Jewish families. To be fair some Cossacks also fought the Nazis with the Red army too, but the history of the Cossacks and their treatment of Jewish people isn't forgotten.
I also imagine that more people would become interested in making their own swords. A few people I know like to customize their clothing or make new clothing from vintage materials, so I can see that happening with swords.
Yeah I mean we already do it with our guns, too
My question would be which lifestyle/fashion brands would get into the wearable sword business and how they would look.
I’ve given this subject a lot of thought lately. At my age, (almost 70) and medical condition, l’ve concluded that a short sword of some kind that is lIght and wieldy. I’ve narrowed it down to several of the TFW Models, probably a Ginunting or shorter. And looking closely at some of the Seax because of the carry system. Already having quality knives both Bowie and Kuhkuri, I’m thinking along the lines of holding someone at bay while I reach for the pistol. Granted as a retired army guy I realize that the pistol is carried so you are armed while you take a dump, otherwise I’ll be reaching for AR or Benelli.
Filipino weapons are the most beautiful imo. Also usually designed for powerfull cutting and stabbing.
I was thinking about getting a sansibar.
The best weapon for you would be Gandalf's Staff " You would not part an old man from his walking stick? " And we all know what that " walking stick" was capable of 💥
I wear over the top, old school, dress-y clothes(vests, pocket watches, ties, also silly socks) so I would probably look for a fancy hilt, something like a basket hilt with purple (or the classic red) on the inside. Incidentally I love the protective symbolism of it, I am a doctor after all, so it would really suit me... Maybe I should try finding one to buy...
Classy and effective, I would look into a Schiavona. Or if you really wanted to stick to the 19th century theme, a scroll hilt Wilkinson saber with a purple liner on the hilt would be pretty slick.
@@-Zevin- noted, thank you very much!!
Medical,? if so you could offer the full service. They would probably not want to kill you, as your handy for patching them up afterwards. I’m a butcher so know how to take apart, but sticking together is not something we do.
Perhaps a small lively sword designed long and thin with a thin profile guard as well I think the basket would get old quick getting caught on stuff I also think that due to heavy cloth worn in a business environment you would be better suited wearing a thrusting blade as I'm sure in the universe a thin Kevlar vest worn under your fashion items would become popular and further make slashing weapons less useful in a clinical setting The long hallways also do not favor slashing weapons
Gotta protect those fingers. Thats your lively hood right there.
I feel like some form of folding or collapsible blades would inevitably come along as a trendy thing that might eventually even be practical in such a society, almost like something from Dune. I think it's possible there would even be unfolding bucklers people could wear on their forearm or wrist if they wished. The technology would adapt to the needs of the market as always, and I would be curious what would come if the need or desire was suddenly so vast for a practical weapon or system.
yes thank you I was thinking like really sturdy ones like one or two folds cos no one will engineer that and the sports model one that u just electrically fold like cars and stuff what a hassle tho
I think I would choose some sort of a sabre or cutlass, paired with some sort of dagger. On the one hand, I want something that doesn't get in the way of my day-to-day too much, but on the other, if LITERALLY EVERYBODY ELSE has some sort of long bladed weapon, I would certainly feel safer with something like a sabre or cutlass rather than anything less robust. ...and the dagger would be great for situations where said sabre or cutlass would be too unwieldy to have with me. I'd probably also carry some sort of cut-resistant gloves with me too, if we are talking about defending ourselves from bladed weapons. God, I REALLY don't want to live in a society where I might have to duel somebody. The more I think about it, it sounds like too much work.
Better than the risk of getting shot. The skill of a bladed weapon is higher than guns, and finding quality swords is harder, even a hi-point will kill you if the first shot doesn't jam. I imagine more people will question their oponents skill more than they do in a gunfight, or most fist fights, and I bet the streets will be littered with broken wallhanger swords.
@@positiveanion4085 They do, I've had gun classes.
"Into The Badlands" is a great series set in a future where the knowledge of guns of any kind has been lost to history (no idea why or how, doesn't really matter lol but motorcycles, cars, electricity etc.. is still widely available) so everyone carries swords (there are some stunning John Woo/Quentin Tarantino like fight scenes using swords in every episode) for defence and attack, status etc.. stars Daniel Wu. Anyway this series alone could cover a lot of the scenarios you have brought up in this video and give an idea of what a world would be like if we all carried swords but also knew how to use them! I highly recommend you watch the series anyway.
Thats right the more poor people use everything to get to defend themselves BUT the Rich have special Weapons who are made some times in large Number under aestehtical aspects to fit in the Style of the "Gang" and when things get really dirty every Knive or Rock is used ^^
It's a very good series IMO. I think they were struggling to find materiais to make gas and gun powder where they were living (they didn't say all the entire world was in the same situation) so only the very rich could use it, and the feudal lords didn't wan't the people to develop much
@@marcosyy87 I think the idea was they had forgotten the technology, like they forgot what cities were etc.. then if you remember the very end of the last ever episode they find something that will change everything (I don't want to spoil it for others but you must remember what I'm talking about?) Sort of an unexpected twist like in the last episode of BSG or the first POTA film.
@@georgegonzalez-rivas3787 Well obviously! LOL but great choreography and stunning cinematography not to mention stunt artists.
@@georgegonzalez-rivas3787 okay, ballet with swords then.
This one was fun! Living in the USA I often hear these discussions only with firearms. My personal choice would have to be something akin to a bowie, parang, or golok for daily carry and maybe a cutlass or hanger for a "traveling "blade, something for when trouble may be more common.
I'd love to wear a sword. Out here in the boonies, wildlife and stray aggressive dogs are common enough to the point everyone has at least an "experience" in life.
If you live in the USA, and your threats consist only of humans, a gun would be better
A knife or 2 is very good daily tool. I wore a bowie to build a modern house/tent in my first year in University. The lecturer in charge then looked at me every time I drew the bowie to construct my house. A knife at home is also very useful. Often I have to draw a knife to fashion some parts immediately. A knife is also very useful when I walk through my garden or park. There are lots of things that need to be cut down all of a sudden. But people who think they are good and pacific have lots of problems with blades. So it is dangerous because such dangerous folks are around.
I would like something like a Seax or a Kukri, something that is useful as a tool as well as a weapon, also good examples can be beautiful.
@@MtRevDr against wildlife I'm convinced a single edged blade that emphasizes an uncompromising thrust is key. I think sabers will invariably be the catch all weapons for several reasons. -You fall down or have to hold the blade for other reasons against an animal attack. You don't want anything past a modest false edge which is likely to be further from your torso, in case the blade gets pressed back onto you. -Animals are very fast and they will close distances of a 100 meters or 300 feet in seconds. -Animals will bite the closest extension of your body, they'll go for your hand, and some of them idiots will bite your sword. Weapons without a good guard will be a liability as they'll go for them or your lower legs first (which is their natural defense move). If a dog managed to knock you down before you unsheathed, drawing your arm and hand in the direction of it is unlikely to end without your wrist and hand mauled. -Did I mention animals are dumb? Your sword must be thrust centric enough that the blade's curve doesn't deflect momentum sideways and leaves them cut, instead of skewered. Killing most animals with a cut is hard, as their skin isn't firm but is actually loose enough to keep edge, teeth, and claws away from their vitals, not to mention alignment at high speed interactions. Cuts are more effective against apes. And a thrust or "brace" can keep the animal out of reach, every boar/bear spear has a cross bar to stop over-impaling, (no good waiting for the animal's heart to give out as it's mauling you). I'd worry less about your sword getting stuck in an animal than taking 40/60km (25/40mph) of animal being absorbed by your wrist. Because defensive use of a sword against an animal will 90% of the time end with a beast impaling itself on a blade. Animals don't conceptualize sharpness well, like a couple of months ago I stopped a German shepherd with a fear of machinery from biting a running chainsaw in the saw end. Last thing we need is a sword coming back on us from a leaping animal anywhere near 60 pounds/30kilos of weight and up, hence anything curved past a katana/Polish sabre would seem questionable for safety reasons. -But knives? No, knives are the worst for defense, it's literally just offense unless you're good at throwing them. A raccoon or cat in a bad enough mood will literally shit on the laws of physics. You will blink, and they'll have run up your arm, biting and clawing their way to your face before your eyes are open. Any cat of any size can get to your face in 0,2 seconds, and stay there until it decided how much of it you're allowed to keep. You need the reach of a sword. Although a knife is always a good secondary. -And no, I'm not prepping for a world war against dogs. -P.S. I have clocked lot of machete hours, blade deflection is a very very real a threat. I've used quite some differing shapes of machetes and rinkydink knock offs and makeshift or less common garden blades. On the swing a curved blade is probably a lot safer to use. It's easier to align, and doesn't bounce like a straight edge, but it will wobble violently when stabilizing stressing the wrist more while lowering your chance of eating your own sword. Point being is that edge deflection and alignment are horrible factors in real life; "I hit something other than my intended target". Grip ergonomics are massive, and I've found flexible steel gives worst hand shocks, as well as straighter and forward angled blades giving most hand shocks making for worse weapons for the untrained/casual. (Although I'm aware sword tapering removes a lot of these vibration issues, the phenomenon stands).
for commuting in denser urban environments, id probably go with a gladius. When in more spacious environments id lean towards a falchion.
I actually have a theory on the gentleman's canes. It was a way to be somewhat armed and be fashionable. I imagine you could use several fencing techniques with the canes. With many of the exotic hard woods it could be a status symbol as well. The metal cap at the end gives durability, but also a potential point for thrusting. The solid tops and handles of said canes could be used as a mace head.
Not a teory at all! just search for "cane fencing victorian manual " : and usually, the XIX Century manuals for military sabre had an appendix about it
@@pexobestia Seriously? Thank you! Not sure how I missed it. Apparently there is a martial arts called Bartitsu where cane fighting is a part of it.
And if you watched his explanation of just how practical and useful a mace was, in battle, or individual combat, you’d appreciate more how a cane would become as popular again, as were the swords most people started carrying.😉
Even with in Texas, as I am a Texan, I could see this being amazingly diverse within the state. With different styles being worn by individual localities and communities due to the diversity of modern life in Texas as well as historical cultural differences due to immigration into Texas. Would be fascinating personally I think I’d be a saber man daily and would dress up to a small rapier or small sword for more formal outings.
I think most woul dcarry an oversize bowie knife, because it is a "texas toothpick"
As a fellow Texan I agree with previous fellow most carry knives but not Bowie’s there heavy unwieldy and the sheath gets stuck on seat coming in and out of cars. Folding knives are popular as utilitarian uses in the country are innumerable and doesn’t get caught on things .I personally use one for every day work as I live out in the sticks. As for swords I think civil war reproduction sabers and machetes are most likely going to be the most popular and my choice
I think it’s reasonable to pick up a saber and pistol as part of any outing!
@@jonathanwessner3456 In my case, it is an Arkansas Toothpick. As a former member of the 39th Infantry Bde (Bowie Brigade) I would totally carry a Bowie Machet.
As a fellow Texan I think I would see almost everything I can imagine walking down the street in Austin on 6th street. LEDs down the scabbard and wacky jagged nonsense all the way to straight plain blades of incredible quality. I have probably 50 blades of different types I've been given most for birthdays fathers day ect. I keep one or two with me. One nice one for clean things (my daughters food) and another for everything else (toy repair) I only wear a non folding knife if I'm going out camping or something.
Given that in my job I need to be able to type, I'd pick something with hand protection, i.e. probably something with a Scottish basket hilt. And because it would fit well, one of Tod Cutler's Scottish dirks to go with it for the fancy occasions. Actually, a dirk might be good anyway because you can easily wear it on bikes and public transport without it getting in the way. No idea, though, how fencing a Scottish dirk against a smallsword would turn out. Adding a modern polymer buckler to the set would probably be wise.
Given the annoyance of a full basket, i'd say a naval cutlass fits well in a modern urban environment.
Well it depends how good you are at dodging.
I have a 36” hand and a half broadsword. 2” at the base. It has a custom longer handle to allow some of the leverage accomplished with the katana. Black leather handle, black leather scabbard. I’d wear that today.
My choice has long been an officer's feather staff. Extended length if need be. The triple bladed design is very handy for repulsing an attacker. Twisting it in a garment so you have control they can either run away nor approach closer. Easy to deploy with a simple swing the blade comes out and locks in place. Simply squeeze 22 blades on the side so they line up for the center blade and it all drops back into the staff. I would love to see one in one of your videos
For me, I would take a leaf-bladed short sword for my every day carry, like a modernized Xiphos. For travel and being out and about, I would probably opt for a grossemesser or arming sword.
Windlass makes a really great modern Xiphos, It's not totally historically accurate but the grip fits my hand perfectly and it is light and well balanced. They call it the "Classic Hoplite Sword"
I love that blade shape :) I have a Zombie Tools Xiphos and it's just my perfect dream sword.
Having worn my rapier at events, while doing everyday things, I will say something that long, and with such a large guard, is somewhat inconvenient. Sure it looks great, but doors are a problem, jostling is a problem, and not to mention using a car. So I'm thinking something shorter is most likely, without the basket style hilt design, or with an asymmetric guard like a shell guard.
Maybe a transitional raiper or smallsword for you. since both are essentially different degrees of addressing that very problem for rapiers. And evidently they succeded with how popular they were in the 1700s and 1800s.
Another consideration is the weather. Not in the sense of rain or shine, but rather winter or summer. Admittedly, this is more of an issue for concealing a pistol, but regardless, what sort of wardrobe you have in mind has a definite impact on your choice of carry piece. If you're bundled up in heavy coats, you could have anything riding that hip - but if it's t-shirt and shorts weather, you'll likely be going for the lightest option in your arsenal that you can get away with. Maybe it's a bolo or Bowie knife for summer, a wakizashi or gladius to go with light jackets in spring and fall, and an arming sword or dao for pairing with heavy winter coats. Additionally, there's the question of formal, informal, and business dress. Maybe you have a lovably battered cavalry saber for weekends, your job's dress code specifies something professional but utilitarian and understated like a grossemesser, and you have a high-chrome basket-hilt you first wore at prom, and now mostly wear to weddings and funerals.
Would actually love this trend if it where to happen. I would own several. A traditional long sword/hand and a half for dress up/church. A high tech long sword and a high tech katana that I would switch between for edc. (I am fluent with styles using both those swords ) Great conversation, thanks.
what do you mean by “high tech”? like modern materials, or something with electonicss in it? And personally, id imagine people would in general would go for more convenient 1 handed swords. I think the early modern period and its use of smallswords is the closest analogy of modern situations. so I think stuff like smallswords or one handed cut and thrusters like cutlasses or messers would be more popular. Remember even in dueling societies, the sword is in its scabbard 99% of the time so convenience is hugely important.
@@midshipman8654 I've had this conversation with a few people, some very capable with any length of sword, and most agree with you that a shorten sword, about the size of a gladius, would be their preferred carry. But the question was not what I thought others would carry. For high tech, yes. Modern materials and building techniques and electronics, although I don't have any good ideas as to what. But just as the electronics market for firearms has grown, I think if this was a thing, you would see a market.
@@RikScarborough Ah, ok so you were talking about what you would carry. Also, just to add onto your first point, i don’t think its just length that makes things easier to carry, but general heft as well. I think I mentioned it, be smallsword are not particularly short (as compared to smaller swords like hangers, gladius, tucks, cutlasses, etc), but they are particularly light for their length. And they were common for gentile civilians to wear. I find the tech point interesting, because to a certain degree, I think it defeats the point of modern sword carrying. like, if you put a gun in the hilt, is it still really a sword for dueling, or more of a gun with a blade? Of course this doesnt apply to using modern materials, but “gadgets” within them might bring up some questions.
@@midshipman8654 Yea, I'm a gadget lover. I would probably have a few just because I would. Probably not a gun. I would keep them seperate. Modern materials and building techniques could be used to make a longer sword lighter, but still have the strength it would need. For instance, instead of a fuller, the sword could have an empty space in the center of the sword, but not weaken the blade terribly (for a two edged sword). A katana type sword could be thinner, etc. Remember the question was if swords were fashionable to carry in the open. Otherwise, we'd be looking at cane swords, etc.
And I've had some serious reconsiderations about actually carrying bokken or wasters and using Musashi's bokken style.
If I were to start carrying a sword I would probably go for a short bladed weapon like the fall sword or maybe the naval hanger which is a cousin of the Cutlass or maybe a single-handed falchion
I for one would definitely embrace a cultural change towards making wearing swords a common practice. I'd love to walk around everywhere with a sword. much like how I do with a pocket knife right now.
You got a loicence for that letter opener 🚓
I assume it would be forbidden in most private places (like shopping centers) to wear them there anyway (houserule). Most likely it would be a pure fashion statement with the blade unusable / cut short only to look good in the scabbard. Personally I'm ok with not allowing swords etc. to be carried around everywhere. Wouldn't want to get attacked by some lunatic with a Bidenhander because he thinks I took his parking spot and his girlfriend broke up with him the day before.
And today even with a pocket knife you often get strange looks for wearing one, especially with ones that are opened with one hand and lock the blade. Until people realize it's very practical sometimes in everyday situations to hold something you want to cut with one hand and have the knife ready in the other. I mostly got my Swiss army knife though, that seems to be socially accepted.
I collect ancient antique edged weapons and modern ones. I’ve carried multiple weapons as a police officer for 33 years. Comfort and practicality comes into play heavily when carrying weapons. For me the Japanese katana is probably the most practical sword for its design and excellent cutting ability. Now if people started wearing armor again that type of sword would not be as effective. Living in the US I can carry just about every weapon that you can think of, but I never really thought a sword would be a weapon all that practical to carry now. I stopped carrying a baton early on as a cop just because it was so hard to move around with.
Katana is awesome but in modern times most interactions would be in cities, would the Katana's size be a hinderence in CQB
Dude as a police officer, you should be aware that body armor that is also stab proof already exists..Since as a police officer it's usually issued..
@@CollinKillian body armor in general is designed to defeat bullets not sharp edged weapons. You have to buy specific body armor for edged weapons and most cops don’t wear that type.
@@craigthescott5074 My department issued a soft body armor that was also stab proof..Guess we were lucky..A lot of guys said fuck it and went full plate carrier with front and back ceramic plates.
When it comes to the fashion aspect, blade design is going to matter so much. Watching various blacksmithing videos and seeing what kind of feathered damascus on a gunblued blade is designed for the niche market that swords currently are, I can only imagine the blades, guards, and hilts that would be designed for fashionable wearing.
If swords can be created, then why wouldn't firearms also be available as well..This scenario seem irrelevant, why would people choose an inferior weapon system?
I imagine if swords came back into fashion with modern technology/transportation they would likey be very long knives or very short swords, depending on culture or taste (the US specifically is a cultural melting pot so it would likely be a mix) but I imagine small swords, wakizashi, a messer (perhaps a Breughel Messer) but it would likely be small, compact and easy to interact with the modern world. That being said I'd probably go the lange messer or arming sword route for day to day, a Breughel Messer like the one Tod Cutler offers a smaller more convenient option when a longer weapon would be annoying and a small sword for more formal social events...then I'd train like crazy in the use of all of them.
Baselard
Bowie Knives for size. Probably see a lot of rapiers or similar in formal settings.
I'd go for a Falchion all the way, basically a glorified version of what cold steel offers in terms of big knives. it's versatile, not too cumbersome, it's impressive (the wow factor with large blades can play a lot in agression, you basically win the fight without having to fight)...
And a falchion is pretty good at standing in for a machete (to a degree) for everyday utility outdoors. Namely clearing brush and cutting thin branches.
@@TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight sorta; won't do the heavy work a machete does
@@thekaxmax Indeed. Hence what I meant when I said “to a degree”. I also got the idea from Shadiversity’s video on what an adventurer/ranger should carry.
There is a short version of the machete used in the Caribbean locally known as "Perrillo" (little dog). It is basically a Falchion, and it doubled as a military knife or fighting weapon in the old days. With a nit of a guard it'd make for a really nice everyday "sword".
I actually have two "machetes" that are technically not machetes, but shorter and heavier bush cutting blades. Both would be serviceable as short swords/long knives although the thrusting wouldn't really be there. One happens to be US Army issue, both similar to a falchion style blade.
I think the point made about a sword you can detach easily to carry in the hand/ put down when sitting/ in the car is excellent. I imagine that you'd have a mechanical or electronic mechanism to quickly (with one hand) detach or attach a scabbard to a belt for example (at the press of a button). Something akin to a much stronger peg to clamp onto the belt Or a side release buckle would work fine. This would also make it easy to incorporate similar attachment sites onto couches, seats, cars, making it easy to quickly detach it from a belt and onto the side of a seat for example.
There are gun holsters (like the SERPA) that can detach from a mounting plate from your belt. You can even have a mounting plate attached somewhere in hour car or under a desk. So you can swap from the belt, to the car, back to belt, and to under your desk at the office.
I can already tell with how much fun this topic is, that the subject or discussion of whether a sword should be rigid or flexible will come up when deciding what kind of blade you'll buy as your first. Which to me is a side topic of whether people would build their own blades out of improvised bits and pieces available to them. Hell, I predict we might even see pick and choose websites /shops spring up to offer that fantasy crafting experience to people who play rpgs, mmos, and game in general.
Personally my everyday sword would be a 26" total length naval cutlass that'd be good on the cut and thrust in tight confines with a really good hand guard of brass (or maybe more modern materials) blued to a midnight colour and as mentioned in this thread a buckler (or forearm pavise) that I could have different art interchangeable insets based off my mood of the day for display. Also a sabre/yataghan cross styled blade with a more ornate hand guard might be my dress option
Good choice! Especially pairing it with a light, portable shield. Personally, I'm thinking more soft shield, like a Kevlar satchel, purse, or ruck... something that can be fitted with arm straps and a hard back for maximum mobility, yet a practical application and more subtle carry (I wear a satchel most places, and I'm thinking how easy it would be to slip my arm into some straps along the back and bring it up to defend before I can even attempt to reach for my blade). Cutlass hilt lends itself wonderfully to ornamentation, while the short, choppy blade is an excellent all-rounder
@@SilentSooYun that satchel hiding a hard plate is clever
I live in Texas and actually have carried a sword around occasionally. I found the sword cane/sword stick to be the most convenient as it is light, not too conspicuous, and can be set aside easily without worrying about scuffing the scabbard (given it already has a foot).
Well, there is the factor where a sword cane can, in fact, be used as a cane...
Fellow Texan - there's also the fact most people aren't going to see it and realize you're carrying a sword. Important, since generally, most people here would think you're weird waving around a sword. My father was a martial artist and actually just carried a normal cane. Totally legal, and if you know how to use it, you basically have a club and something to trip and twist/break limbs with.
Since having a mild stroke a few years ago as well as just getting old I've been going out with a cane. It has evolved into a short staff over the last year. With either I feel the sword is almost unnecessary as you can pound an opponent pretty hard with a solid rod, and even with rubber tip on it a direct thrust to the gut with a cane or staff can be almost as devastating as a stab.
From 2008-2013 I suffered from back spasms so severe that they had pulled apart the ilium and sacrum bones of my pelvis...kinda weird to literally tear my own ass apart. Most of the time I could still get around even if I was taking four Aleve a day to do it, but there were some days when I had to go ahead and walk with a cane. Since I had to do it I "did it fancy"...I owned two canes, one a nice blackthorn cane from Ireland, the other was one of the older models of Cold Steel City Stick...I went with the plain, polished head rather than the skull head because I'm the sort of person where cops look at me and automatically assume I have a sword cane, especially when I don't. I still have and love that City Stick though...classy as hell for "dress" occasions (black with a stainless steel head), and damn strong...stainless steel core with nine layers of fiberglass, and yes, it could smash cinderblocks.
I think the sword frog/sword carriage would be quite common. If one-handed swords were most common, I think the buckler, perhaps the arm targe, would come back too, but no bigger shields. The back scabbard might be popular from games & films, but when I think of the hassle of wearing one on the bus, say, or dealing with jackets, or having to unsling it to sit down, I would bet against it.
I like the idea of something the size of a dirk or dagger, maybe short-sword sized. Specifically, something that is no longer than a single body-unit, that being any measurement from point-to-point on my person. Elbow to wrist, hip to knee, side to side (for carry on the waist across the back), and things like that. To me, practicality and utility always come first before looks, or even cost. =^x^=
If I were to carry a sword around town and be seen, I think I would choose a Messer or Sabre. They're my preference of length for carrying. They don't weigh a ton. And I feel I would prefer a versatile, cut-and-thrust blade in the case of self defense against a possible other person carrying a sword. Also as a white man, I feel I would definitely get weird looks from people if I was seen carrying a sword that came from say Japan, China, the Middle East, or Africa so im sticking to European.
I was thinking in terms of a messer & buckler for everyday practicality too. Maybe with the addition of a knuckle bow, which I guess would make it more like a dussack
Same here. If other people were carrying longer weapons, then a saber, if not, then a messer.
As far as dating and wearing swords goes, that puts a whole new level of understanding on several classic pick up lines and certain inuendo's. Such as ' Show me yours and I'll show you mine ". And " How big is it " reffering to a man's sword or dagger instead of his middle leg. And I can see some dialogue from commercials like " I don't often wear swords, but when I do I wear ....... ".
I’d keep my Gurkha styled work machete on days I went out to do my job, but for a trip to the city? A 1908 Patton US cavalry saber! Full basket hilt guard, pistol grip, full tapered double edge, and a metal scabbard with heavy duty fittings and a sturdy design!
Well done info vid! Thanks!
I reckon things like the Messer or basket hilt would prove popular in western Europe, relatively small and light, practical one handers with decent protection, very solid cutting and thrusting capacity, and can be used for other tasks too. Either those or something like a Kukri or khopesh as more fashionable items (given I think they look very cool and threatening)
I had a sword with high voltage capabilities modded in. it made it so that when I toggled the trigger it would be charged with 500000volts. was mostly for fun since even with high voltage protecting gloves it would be uncomfortable to handle. however it would be effective in disarming someone to have a high voltage pulse send to their sword whenever you touch it. in my case it was just mostly for the looks to have a nice plasma corona glow around it and have it shoot sparks. however it might be altered to be used quite practical.
That's pretty sweet.
500000 volts? Damn, thats a lot of zeroes.
No, you didn’t. The power source needed to produce that much voltage could not fit into a sword hilt. And there are no gloves that can protect against it. I have high voltage gloves for my job and they only protect against 15,000 volts.
@@Shozb0t I know that there aren't really gloves on the open market which protect against that. however as I mentioned in my comment it didn't feel nice to use which refers to some shocks getting through. I also used custom/modified protection and shoes which also were good electrical isolators and even a ground wire. so I had quite propper protection, but still got somewhat shocked sometimes. the voltage source did easily fit as well, you no longer need ratio tubes or 500k batteries to get to that voltage, all I needed to do was to get a battery pack which could handle enough power, next the DC input was converted into a much higher voltage AC using a simple slayer coil. after that I just needed to multiply the output a few times using a diode(small sparkgab casted in epoxy) and capacitor multiplier to get to 500000V. it is simple enough and it reached the voltage needed which is easy to confirm using math, but even more easy using the spark length. that setup wasn't big at all, the isolated wire to pass one of the 2 output voltages to the earth was probably as big in volume as the entire rest of the cirquit. and even if it wasn't this small, the argument that it wouldn't fit into the handle doesn't make sense at all. I didn't mention what kink of a sword it was, I didn't even mention it was placed in the handle I think. I could as well have generated it externally from the sword and used high voltage isolated cables to pass it to the sword, I could have made a big fictional style sword. I could have made something with a laser saber like handle(in which such a system would easily fit). in my case it was a kind of rapier so everything could be easily hidden in/behind the dome shaped handguard without even needing to place it inside of the handle, and everything could be kept in please using knots and ofcource tape which worked well enough, especially when putting the parts on a side people won't normally see, on a sword you won't really use. it wasn't to practical due to the uncomort of using it, needing to charge it quite often, wearing bulky DIY high voltage gloves and shoes, and several other reasons such as that you can't really take a high voltage sword to a sword fight(dangerous). I also didn't state it was high voltage and high amperage as well, I didn't need the sword to instakill anyone it touches or comes close to, I just needed a sword which looked cool had a high voltage/plasma corona glow around it, and which could shoot sparks. so the amperage needed to be high enough to make it look well, as well as to make sure the multipliers worked like a constant stream(fast enough that it seems to be a constant stream) instead of short noticeable pulses. this was seen in the poor battery life, but right now such a cirquit really doesn't need to be large since even 40W is really high and unsafe at those voltages, yet a modern small formfactor general mosfet, or transistor can easily handle it. I have mosfets which are rated for over 3000W peak(I didn't use those in this project), and those are of the general hobbyist sized type. the main thing is that the internal resistance and voltage drop is just really small with modern parts, this means that they can handle extreme wattages while wasting a very small amount making it generate a lot less heat, allowing it to to handle those extreme wattages. and I used low voltage batteries(+-7,2V) which means I could use very low resistance and low voltage drop fets in there. it isn't weird to find mosfet which can handle 50A constant current in a small formfactor and on a budged, even back then. so it is really easy to generate those high voltages from a small formfactor, and if you are really good at it then a lot smaller, especially if you design it for lower amperage. but due to modern day transistors/fets, diodes/capacitors and epoxy which allows you to cram everything together without getting sparks(allowing you to use small components instead of those bigger ones).it is really easy to make a very small high voltage generator, the batteries and wires are the hardest and biggest in general depending on how long it needs to last and how safe it needs to be.
I think I'd desire a relatively short blade, that favors the thrust and can be comfortably carried under the arm. I would want it be able to cut, but with the focus of the geometry on an effective thrust through multiple layers of clothing.
Super fun video Mr. Easton!
I seem to remember an interesting story from the UK. An older gentleman had an antique saber and it was the first thing to hand when a younger man broke into his home. So the older man successfully used the sword to defend his daughter who was also home, but when the police finally showed up they confiscated the sword and didn't let him have it back for over a month because of their interpretation of the curved sword laws. I'm sure you know that story better than me since it was international news for me, but I thought it was an interesting instance of defensive sword use in the current century. I also remember a man in Utah chasing off a mugger with his katana. The mugging was very loud and woke him up so he ran outside with his bedside sword! :)
As a security guard, my most frequently worn hat is part of my uniform. It is interesting to imagine what an armed security uniform issued sword might look like.
I'd bet it'd be a short cut and thrust sword or a longer arming sword or sabre
@@SonsOfLorgar Quite possibly. Knowing how they handle other things, ease of carry and simplicity to use would be fairly important, and you'd need a permit to carry on the job, at least in blue states.
As a fellow gun for hire, I've been engaged in long graveyard shift discussions of use of a sword in private protective services in the modern era; the consensus is that even in this era of the gun it's not a 'dumb idea'. For those on duty a ballistic rated shield in conjunction with a light one handed sword could be extraordinarily effective in the confines of a building in dealing with an armed aggressor without having extra bullets in the air putting bystanders and clients at risk. A large blade with a good edge can cause as much tissue destruction as a 12 gauge shotgun discharge. The other issue is preventing an aggressor from entering a facility. It is unwise to pull a pistol and point it at aforementioned subject to bar their entry. However, drawing a sword and keeping one's sheild up could effectively bar entry till backup arrives. The aggressor to get past must contend with a sharp piece of steel, it is also a more "defensive look" than a drawn firearm. Might need more training however no one suffers from getting more training. Just my two cents, ymmv.
I imagine a buckler that looks like a riot shield and some blade like a slavic razor, or seeing most security gaurds are just that, gaurds, a jitte instead of a blade
@@ItsDaJax There are plenty of positions that have armed security guards with license to carry various weapons already, from batons to hand guns, even the occasional rifle or shotgun. So in this hypothetical scenario, im not sure any sword would be entirely inappropriate, provided it was still somewhat convenient to carry.
Nice brainstorm with many aspects touched, 👍
I think if swords were allowed again with duels and stuff, a lot of regulations might come to place. Some of the ones I think would be in place would be minimum length (so is not concealed) single handed with a certain limit of weight and angle of the blade (that would be likely as flat as possible to avoid cutting TOO well), same with the shape of the tip ( probably roundish) maybe even with only one side sharpened (Idk). . So, something like a dulled small sword?
Man, I totally love this video. I can feel the passion. The idea of a specific sword for clubbing is just so funny. Myself I’d go for a kukri (like the one from Extrema Ratio): small and practical as a tool as well.
wouldn't a club be the perfect thing for clubbing? 😉 (low hanging fruit, i know)
Such a thought-provoking video. Cultural and city/rural considerations aside, would say the best sword to carry is the one you trained and are proficient with. Would be fascinating to see how that would manifest in a ‘young’ country like the US, where there’s not hundreds/thousands of years of sword influence. Thank you for the great insight!
They would copy a anny sword from anywhere and all technigues and claim it their own
I think it would be more like guns. Some would carry a traditional European arming sword, some might carry a katana, or they might go for a short sword of various styles. The fashion conscious, artsy fartsy types would gravitate towards whatever is considered "fashionable" ATM, and the tech savvy would want the best modern design and materials.
I was going to say something like a short cutlass, then I went looking for pictures and found the Alehouse Dagger (trust an Englishman to bring a sword to a knifefight 🙂) So, a 24 inch Alehouse with a titanium guard in something like EN45 (not the best blade steel in terms of edge retention, but its as tough as hell). Backsword grind, spear-pointed and a sharpened short false-edge (about five inches, if you haven't hit anything vital by the time you're that deep you'll probably miss everything with the rest of the blade) Carried in a spring clip scabbard hanging behind my right hip for a backhand draw, on a baldrick which also has "Armed" written on it and a mounting point for a bodycam........ Not that I've thought about it much 😀
Very interesting video! Please more like this
Does anyone else think Matt sounds particularly excited in this video? I hope that's an indication that things are going well in his life =)
Without considering combat performance, i.e. just for the aesthetics and style: a medium-sized Langmesser forged from modern steel, but with the traditional knife hilt design. Just love those!
If it did become common, more technological research would go into it. I think that in short order the creation of a real 'Mono-Blade' would become reality. (Mono-Blade is a material blade with a sharpness of one single molecule along it's edge)
I wore a Cold Steel 1917 cutlass almost every day when I lived in New Hampshire. Often I had a (legal) pistol on my other hip. I had a bunch of friends into alternative currencies, and so I also had a bag of silver in my pocket. That's the closest I've ever been to being a proper pirate.
Thanks for adding thoughts on that high-tech aspect of totin' swords around. I think I'd want a medium sized bearded hatchet (for carving use at home), accompanied by a nice wakizashi which was equipped with a monomolecular edge and a DNA safeties on both so only I could wield 'em. I don't know fashion and would likely laugh at most social/fashionable carries (quietly, behind their backs so as not to attract an edge)
I would go with a Wilkinson 1897 pattern sword. The dumbell cross section of the forte is good for parrying and the steel guard offers excellent hand protection. I've handled a couple of these & my practice rapier is a clunky bar of iron in comparison. Most people don't protect their extremities very well so a quick jab/slice to the wrist or forearm should do the trick.
I feel that Damascus and Hamon (differential hardening) would be very popular, for how eye-catching yet subtle they can be.
Then you might also see plexiglass/transparent scabbards for those kinds of blade too
If it was me, i would prefer something with good utility first. The current example in my head is the kingfisher machete which seems potentially good for short combat scenarios, as well as having the design of an overbuilt machete.
Great topic, Matt. Personally, I would choose a small sword (functional piercing weapon with reach for self-defense) and a kukri (versatile weapon/ tool with chopping power).
Suspension systems would be very important I think, both in terms of practicality and style. I'm sure there'd be great demand for 'day-night' swordbelts that can carry you from office colichemarde to evening shamshir. I imagine that many people, along with an easy on-off 'clip' as Matt mentions, might favour a fairly vertical and high carrying position, perhaps a shoulder holster-like baldrick with the throat around the lowest ribs, the chape of the scabbard about knee-level. Otherwise we'll see no end of entangled scabbards on the street. I can definitely see legal and/or customary limits on size as in Elizabethan England - someone with a long blade hanging at a low angle might be seen as dangerous, aggressive, unseemly, advertising the longer reach of their weapon and their acceptance of inconveniencing others. Thinking of our contemporary interest in technology and gadgetry, and Napoleonic era attempts with hinged guard sections to reduce wear on clothing, I can see collapsible solutions to hand protection being popular (e.g, a knucklebow with a pair of spring-loaded side bars, cup hilts irising out, or quillons that fold forward, securing the blade in the sheath, and open out to the sides with the touch of a button.) Accidents and theft might be a concern, so perhaps we'd see attempts to e.g fingerprint lock the throat of a scabbard. Even beyond that, there's potential for gimmicks like telescoping blades or electrified swords, causing a huge shock to anyone who attempts to parry with a regular steel blade. The buckler is an almost inevitable accessory, a tastefully monogrammed leather-faced one hooked to your briefcase, a carbon fibre pentagram hanging from your belt with pointed studs branded by your favourite metal band.
I was just thinking and formulating my reply to the main thread that bucklers and small shields might end up carried and highly decorated.
I was pondering bucklers while looking at my perspex saucepan lids, and think 'clear' would be the way to go. You would no longer have the problem of the buckler blocking your vision, and you could have a tactical torch built into the central boss to disorient your opponent.
Arizona in the US is also a state where any bladed weapon is perfectly legal. People don’t generally do it, but it’s still legal to walk around with a sword at your waist.
But not your nunchucks
@@danielowenes3059 nunchucks are legal in 48 of the 50 states…
@@mistahanansi2264 Is Arizona one of them though?
@@Likexner Yes, though I think since just 2019.
I've been quite partial to the Type 18e longsword. It's definitely a bit too large to draw suddenly or in tight spaces. I'd wear it for show and something to draw once the situation allows it, with something like a parrying dagger as my primary. A lesser basket hilt to balance maneuverability and hand protection, a stout single-edge blade to prioritize defense while allowing for some cutting and piercing. I'm thinking something like the bowie knife but longer and narrower, stout with little distal taper.
You make the best videos! Thanks! 🙂
A bowie knife, or something similar that can fit in a shoulder sheath. People spend a lot of time sitting down these days, and people wouldn't put up with taking off the sword every single time they had to sit. I think this is especially true if firearms are allowed to be carried, then this cutting tool would be a back up to the firearm, and the longer length wouldn't be as crucial.
similarly a pair of shoulder sheathed Chinese butterfly swords would be neat ( espeically in a world were people open carry swords commonly, as the Chinese butterfly swords were designed as a pair weapon to counter swords. A kukri mounted in a similar position would also be good. There is at least some utility too in carrying a large knife comparted to a sword.
Just as long as you pronounce "Bowie" correctly...
Outside of some _extremely_ niche circumstances, modern firearms have largely rendered swords obsolete, imo. While daggers and knives can be advantageous at very close proximities, I think almost any distance greater than that is where a firearm will be preferable to a sword as well. I have also worn around swords for conventions and the like before; they require a _very_ different belt setup from most historical ones in order to not be an utter pain in the ass where you have to half-undress repeatedly. They _can_ be rigged to work more seamlessly with modern lifestyle, though it requires a suspension system where the sword and scabbard can be easily removed while leaving the belt on.
Can also go for a horizontal belt sheath.
Hm. I have a sirupate (longer slenderer relative of the kukri) that's my go-to EDC when hiking or camping. It would also be my EDC in "civilization" if blade restriction laws went away. The sheath is adaptable for both vertical and horizontal wear but typically lives on the small of my back to keep from catching on branches and whatnot.
Personally, I'd go with tomahawk and knife. I think there cool and it has some utility. I suck at fighting so I wouldn't exactly be looking for the most effective option.
I was also thinking along similar lines, my choices being a cross between a tomahawk and bearded axe, with a large seax, or a bowie knife with a knuckle bow. Perhaps a hybrid of bowie and tanto with the same kind of knuckle-duster-ish guard, between long knife and very short sword length, say 12"-16" blade.
@Matthew Schultz Nice utility theme. tomahawk + K-bar definitely makes a statement. @@rickanderson8683 I do have an issue with your knuckle duster long knife/shortsword. the knife guy will either call out your bad form for bringing that thing to a proper knife fight or make a joke about you over compensating for your small dick. But lets set aside the value of an opinion from a person you are already gonna stab anyway. Sure you have a reach advantage in a knife fight but it comes with the cost of being too big for proper knife work and would get in its own way in a grapple. While at the same time being so short as to give away that same reach advantage to anyone with an actual sword. (unless you have unusually long arms for your frame and they have a small sword) And it still is taking up as much space and weight on your hip as any sword might with that knuckle guard. you sure arent tucking that long knife behind your back. Or letting it hang in a shoulder scabbard under your off side arm. Tucking it in a boot is right out unless your boots are up to your knees. However if you were to make the blade size of your knuckle-duster/bowie combination to something about the size of a machete ... now you; functionally at least, have a Messer.
@@StumpyDaPaladin knucklebow bowies are an American 19th century historical weapon, often made from cut down or broken US or Confederate sabers. Matt has had videos in which they've made an appearance. Iirc, it may have been comparing kukris, bowies, the Napoleonic French "short sword", and other sword/knife like tool-weapons.
I'd wear a Kriegmesser when I feel like bragging, a Rapier when I'm feeling sexy, and a Bastard Sword for everyday use.
Excellent video! If I'm thinking about something compact and effective then I'd probably wear something like a Wakizashi, a Gladius, or a short Hangar. If the concern is more a matter of fashion then I'd keep a few swords of different types. For going out on the town? A naval midshipman's sword, one of the models with a straight blade and simple hilt. Classy and understated. For formal occasions? Complex hilted Rapier in the German style. Imposing, but not ostentatious like some of the Spanish and Italian designs that I've seen. For informal events like clubbing? A Sabre of the style used by steppe cultures like the Avars. Good for the sorts of dances that would likely come into fashion in a blade heavy environment. On the topic of establishments like nightclubs. You'd probably see a bit of pushback from the owners of bars and other such venues if people brought fully fledged swords into places where alcohol is sold. In that case you might find an alternative sword type being employed for party purposes. The Schlager You can't run someone through with one, or lop their hand off, but you can duel with them. And if a fight breaks out you'd be able to defend yourself against pool cue and bottle wielding hooligans.
Well I think there would be two types of people: those who would wear zweihanders on their backs, and those who are wrong.
You may of just won the Internet
My two cents: I live in rural Vermont, USA, and I feel like people still do carry their sword here because it is Cültürälla acceptable and necessary. We all pretty much have long switch knives, usually 3-4 inches on a daily basis. The reason is that there is currently no need for self defense on a daily basis but there is a need for a quality cutting tool - whether we need to pay something, cut a line or god-forbid a nice piece of rope, or to skin a kill in a pinch. Also there are plenty hunters here, it's no uncommon to see someone with a rifle or shotgun or to hear the report of one. The sidearm is the self-defense weapon of choice, and it is not uncommon to see a holster on someone's belt. Generally it's good not to bring a sword to a firearm-party, so the idea of carrying one for self-defense in the States is hard to imagine. Although that said I saw Mythbusters do a thing on how far away someone needs to be in order to draw and fire on the and it's about 30 feet at least, less with a good rapier. Which brings me to my second question. If, fashion aside, We all started carrying sword for defense and dueling, which would be your choice - among all of the sword people might be wearing - to have for potential business? Mine would be Ràsier and dagger.
You're making the assumption that the only people who will try to harm me will have guns. But you know that isn't true. For those people who decide to try their fisticles on me, the knife might be a more appropriate reaction, it's better than a gun in close quarters, and you're far less likely to injure bystanders. Plus not everyone can afford a carry piece, so a knife would be their next best option.
@@abeclark524 and that's a good point. Comparing my two 'handiest' weapons or things that could be used as such: Muzzle-Loading revolver (Remington New Army Replica): $300, Cold Steel Machete? about $30, Maglite (the big six-cell kind)? $40. The bow was $50, but anyone with a knife is *definately* gonna get to me before I loose a shot.
The hat comparison that you made I think is a really, really good one. Absolutely drives right to the heart of your point.
When going to work or grocery shopping I'd go with a pair of sai. Not really swords, but they don't get in the way and are versatile when used. In my spare time I would choose a nice pair of tiger swords (or hook swords), because I think they look great and are once again versatile. The only disadvantage would be carrying them around since there aren't any scabbards for them to my knowledge so I'd have to commission them. If there's a formal event the rapier fits best I think so I'd have to go with that type of sword.
If I was going to carry a sword in my hand, I would want one I could use as a walking stick. It could be quite large, I often use a 5 ft thumb stick when in the countryside, although 3-4 ft would be more suitable for a city. Also a scabbard that could he used as a club, with or without the sword inside, would be useful as a less lethal option. If being carried as a fashion accessory, perhaps a transparent plastic scabbard could show off the blade. That could also be used to have a sword stick, that is not a concealed weapon.
If scabbards were designed to be quickly removable, because of the need to quickly remove them to drive/etc, then it would make sense (given modern materials) to design the scabbard as an off-hand shield/club. (Provided the rules/traditions of society which are the reason we start wearing swords allow it. Ie, duels.)
I think Japanese swords would prove quite popular for their sheer amount of customizability and, equally importantly, the compatibility of these individual components with almost any katana or wakazashi blade. Even nowadays you can readily find from Japanese sword dealers and shops a staggering amount of options; whether you're browsing for a tsuba, habaki, menuki, kashira, ito, or a sageo that can all be individually bought off the shelf and swapped out on a whim at any moment to colour coordinate with whatever you're wearing or to quickly replace a damaged part on short notice. This versatility would likely make them very good value for most people; there'd only be an upfront cost for the blade with everything else available aftermarket.
If swords became fashionable, industry would start up to offer the same sort of options for everything that sells.
@@cainrahl Custom forging is the opposite of what he meant. If you go looking for a katana, you will find that there are a couple dozen standard choices of tsuba, habaki, kashira, sageo, menuki, tsuka, and saya. Since these are pretty standardized items from the design of a katana, they're mass produced, and since the way a katana's hilt and guard are put together, they're pretty easily interchanged by the owner. You can buy them on AliExpress. You do not find the same thing for European blades. Partially because peened hilts don't come apart, but also because there is such a wide variety, standardized parts don't work. But, if sufficient demand for, let's say, arming swords grew up, someone would jump on the opportunity to create a standardized screw tang/crossguard hole and start producing a wide variety of pommels, grips, and quillions to sell to people so they can customize from off-the-shelf parts. Even change them out on a regular basis. "Tonight, I want the black leather hilt and the gold guard and pommel to go with my tux for the premier!" I know a bunch of the cheap stuff coming from India is kinda being made that way, but it's not being retailed like that...
Matt brought up the importance of being able to mount and dismount the sword while using our various means of transport, ie bike, train, car and so on. I know some Japanese blades were suspended from a harness similar to western swords, but many of the katana and wakizashi were slipped into the sash. I can see this being a popular option as well as the iado style of defense straight from the sheath
@@cyberkender1949 ahhh customisable in that regard. As in swapping bits about for fashion & taste at will. Gotcha & thanks.
@@robsarnowski6313 That method has the disadvantage of being more prone to moving around on you (although that is also beneficial for quick-drawing techniques), although I totally agree about the issues with interfering with things like vehicles. Swords are also obnoxious to deal with regarding benches and many types of chair.
Thank you for this video, it is important to get ahead of these fashion trends and be prepared with the correct daily open carry sword! :) Actually very cool, and it would cater to my fantasy about living in a steam punky style world.
In certain circles of men residing in the American Ozarks(SW Missouri/NW Arkansas) a great many men openly wear a Bowie Knife with a 10-15 inch blade typically with an "S" cross guard. I saw at least a dozen men thusly equipped on a pedestrian lakefront mall. Some of them with matching scabbard, belt and sometimes pistol holsters with all manner of fancy stitching and tooling.
I know that if I had to begin carrying a sword, I would focus largely on practicality and universal utility. As someone who carries for self defence, I know the qualities I look for are things like ease of use, weight and size, and something that can quickly and easily be drawn and used. Therefore, I think I'd want a blade capable of both thrusts and cuts, is short (no more than 2 feet) and compact (no complex guard), as well as sturdy. In the end, I think I'd settle for something like a gladius, or a cinquedea, or even more along the lines of a hunting sword or a shorter messer.
Three options 1: If I wanted a fashionable symbol, an epee or sabre, either of italian or scottish design root sot honor my ancestors. 2: A short dagger like blade that can be affixed to the hip or small of the back. I'd probably chose a wakizashi or similarly curved elegant to accent my clothing. It will be dull obviously tied with a peace knot. 3: A knife on the hip attached to the belt, about 10 centimeters, leaf bladed, a useful everyday tool that can be stylish. I already wear a box cutter at work all the time, I may as well make it look snazzy.
Probably my favorite scholagladiatoria video yet!
Great topic. I would go between a Polish saber and Vikingr sword. Thank you
I think you missed one consideration that would limit the amount of variety in swords people might wear even if the fashion changed - training. If a particular sword style needs long and intense training then people are less likely to change the sword type they carry and will stick with the one they are good at and have invested time and effort into learning. Indeed carrying some particularly hard to use weapons might send the message 'I know how to use this and have trained for years so show some respect...' Also, unless you had the time to master multiple styles of fencing, it would make sense to stay with the weapon you know and not change to another type that you are not as proficient with. A second factor that might limit variety in a whole society not just for an individual is cultural. Fencing styles and weapon styles both need a shared culture to work - eg when dueling you expect your opponent to carry a similar weapon and follow similar rules of engagement - so normally a duel would be rapier vs rapier or katana vs katana (obviously with exceptions) and this norm is a cultural one - everybody carries a similar style of weapon so they can engage 'correctly' with opponants in a 'civilised' way. So in this way certain forms become the normal and expected ones and weilding something different marks you out as odd or even socially excludes you from your community. There is enormous pressure to conform in all societies!
I thin you don't really understand what fashion is about. Are you gonna tell me that everybody you know that have the last iphone know how to really use all it's features properly ? Of course no, the main feature is just the ability to be seen with it, the rest is details.
I am not sure fencing styles are as important as fighting style. Yes, there IS a difference. Someone who fights "sword and board" mixed with barroom brawling might parry an attack and step in to punch, or grapple. Your sword means little if the opponent uses a throw on you. It might also bother you if they aren't worried about minor damage, and use some of the fighting tricks like stepping into your thrust to trap your blade and close.
@@lolaa2200 This might be a guy thing: But posers who show off things they don't actually know how to use, very quickly become the butt of cruel jokes. There are few things men enjoy more than exposing posers, because men usually value substance over form.
Consider also that if carrying swords became more common, training in various styles might also become common as an accompanying fashion statement.
Lack of training doesn't seem to affect car ownership much. And people actually use their cars. There would be a lot of morons who wouldn't realize they've picked the wrong weapon unless and until they get in a duel and end up lying on the ground bleeding out. Actually, scratch that. Lola a's iPhone analogy is better. People buy a $1,000 pocket computer, then proceed to leave all of the settings on default and only use it to access social media.
I live in Texas and my brother carries a sword almost everyday.
What kind? And how does it look?
Some sort of transitional rapier (between a rapier and small sword) would probably be what I'd carry, though depending on how common sword fights were I could see a late 19th C saber being a viable option as well.
I read that as transgender rapier???
THOROUGHLY enjoyed your video!! Now, I live in Texas, and, while it is legal for almost anyone to "carry" a handgun, there are many scenarios where a knife, or short-, to mid-size would actually be more feasible. So I've definitely thought about this topic more than most, probably. There would definitely be those who would prefer the stylized look, and the antique looks, but if swords were to become fashionable today, here, their popularity trends would probably follow those of the gun market, where "modern", "reliable", "practical", "convenient" and "effective", are the most popular criteria. Personally, I'm not quite old enough to carry it without garnering unwanted scrutiny, but the 1st longblade I would probably carry would be a cane sword. However, until I'm a tad older, and/or have a tad more discretionary money, I'd probably carry a high quality machete. The knife-/sword-/etc-making company, Cold Steel has several excellent options. I'm rather partial to their kukri-influenced machete, because it's of its excellent slashing ability, extremely flexible blade, and decent edge retention.
I think i would carry around a falcata. I really like the combination of the kukri-esque blade and a good amount of hand protection.
I think I'd go either for a type XIV arming sword or a similar length Langes Messer. They're my favorite types of sword anyways, relatively small and easy to carry, cut and thrust, low profile.
Love the video, my choice would be a Cutlass style