DARTH MAUL STAR WARS FILM!!!

Samurai Weapons You’ve Never Heard Of

The Katana, the Wakizashi, the Tanto – these were the agreed-upon mainstays of the Samurai arsenal. During their time, every Japanese warrior worthy of the noble rank would wear all three at all times; removing them only indoors, and then only the long sword, or Katana.

Now, augmenting the Samurai’s armaments were an assortment of deadly implements that we all have maybe heard of, but not necessarily seen except for modern cinema and a handful of armorers in the modern day:  

The Yumi Bow for battles from horseback:

The Naginata, a spear-like weapon with a long curved blade at the end of a long handle:

The Yari – a pike like weapon similar to the boar spear, but (most times) without the crossguard

But for all of Japan’s homogenous tendencies – their people, at least in the 16^th century, adopting similar dress and mannerisms in service to their Shoguns and Emperors – they did have very unique flashes of incredible individuality when it came to the brutal breaking of bones, and the cleaving of one’s enemies.

Come along while we explore some of the more unique options for taking the light from a man's eyes, hmm?

The Tinbe Rochin:

The Spartan, the Viking, the Templar Knight…the Okinawan Warrior? Each one of the aforementioned death machines in human form relied on a sword/spear/shield combination in battle to skewer and slice their enemies and claim victory. Some even developed some of the greatest formations in history because of it – the shield wall (maybe), the Spartan phalanx, and others.

But the Tinbe Rochin is unique because it is a Japanese weapon system that seems to be influenced by Chinese or even Western martial arts. But how can that be, you ask? Japan wasn’t discovered until the 1700’s by the Portuguese, and by that time, Japan had already been a military superpower in its own right for something like 500 years!

The origin story is a bit hazy, but one of the main schools that still practices this weapon - indeed cherishes its capabilities - is the Matayoshi Kobudo School, run by the Matayoshi family of Okinawa. Used in traditional forms of the Ryukyuan martial arts (not on the main island of Japan), the Tinbe Rochin has a long and deadly legacy that has been passed down through the generations.

Legend says that, as a young boy, Sensei Matayoshi Shinko traveled to Manchuria, Shanghai, and other foreign destinations throughout China and beyond. Here, he supposedly learned exotic forms of main-hand/off-hand fighting techniques; eventually bringing various sword/spear & shield styles with him when he returned home.

By combining the abundance of turtle shells (apparently there is a tradition of armor made from such material on the island) with the sword/spear/dagger weapon, the Tinbe Rochin came to be in Okinawan Kubudo such as it is today.

Whatever the etymology, you can be sure that it is something to watch!

This short sword/spear and shield combination relies on the blade (or stick with sharp point) being hidden in the shield (the tinbe). When the warrior holding the tinbe is attacked, they can use the shield to deflect, while the stick/blade (the Rochin) shoots out at an upward angle to do the offensive damage.

I’ll let the video do the talking and walking: 

The Oni Axe:

Though many cultures in Asia transformed their farming implements into devices of death, the Oni Axe stands out among them as particularly eccentric. Massive, broad-bladed, and more akin to a European halberd, the Oni War Axe was over 6 feet long and the favorite of Japanese warrior monks, as well as Samurai.

The Kanabo:

A favorite weapon of Oni demons, the Kanabo was an ideal delivery system for blunt…force…trauma. More than 4.5 feet long and studded with flat metal disks, the Kanabo bypassed the intricate plate and lacquer armor of Samurai warriors and delivered crushing strikes against its target with a satisfying “thunk!” that could be heard across the battlefield.

Whew, nasty!

Whatever method Samurai (and other warriors from Japan) used when dealing death, they perfected their use of the weapon to become one of deadliest fighting forces in the history of combat itself. 

Are there any others what I missed on the list? Let me know through the comments below! 

The Top 6 TV Shows About Swords You Should be Watching

Black Sails:

Captain Flint. Captain Charles Vane. Captain Edward “Blackbeard” Teach.

All of these men know how to wield a blade, steer a ship, win a battle, and inspire absolute terror in their enemies. And it is just so fun to watch! Taking place during the battle for Nassau in the Bahamas around 1715, this show grabs you by your puffy pirate shirt and absolutely never lets go.

In the early stages, you are hoping that Captain Flint will just kill Charles (or the other way around), take Elenor Guthrie to bed, then go and grab some treasure. And sometimes they do just that! But it is the amazing sets, characters, plots, and intrigue that truly set this show apart. You are keel-hauled into intricate stories of the politics of the street, and the secret lives of some of the most notorious men and women of history. 

It’s on the Starz network, so dig up that booty and pay yer way to the good life of blood and fire, sex and cannons, and everything that goes with it! 

Beowulf:

Beowulf is an absolute sleeper on this list, but essential to anyone who loves the epic. On the Esquire Network, it is a diverse and modern take on the original epic poem. Hrothgar is dead. His queen, Rheeda, has taken over as Thane of Herot Hall, and his conniving (yet likeable) son, Slean, was passed over quicker than Fredo from the Godfather. It definitely makes for an entertaining story and a terrific appetizer for more established shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones.

While this Beowulf is kind of a dandy:

there are other amazing characters to help him and the plot move right along:

Like this man: RATE 

Actor must be of the method variety because he is more warrior then any man I have seen in a long time on any show. He has a battle cry. He has stunning warrior raiment, and he wields a Viking-era sword without fear or mercy. I want to know more about him, don’t you!?

Also, please forgive Beowulf’s ridiculously large sword. I think he’s overcompensating because his…legend…has gotten smaller.

(Still better than Gerard Butler)

Vikings:

When Vikings exploded onto the scene in 2013, I had my doubts. Gabrielle Byrne was about as Viking as my Italian grandfather, and Ragnar Lothbrok was a simple farmer. But now? Oof, ferocious! 

The rage of the Berserker (turned traitor, again!?) Rollo. The cunning mind of the shipwright and Norse priest, Floki. The gorgeous and deadly grace of the shieldmaiden queen, Lagertha. And of course, the man who embodies all, King Ragnar Lothbrok. Every other scene is a battle. Every other scene is blood and death, gods and thunder. It is so simple, yet so amazing. The language is easy. The swords and axes, sharp. The ships, busy. Give a watch on History Channel.

The Last Kingdom:

Now, take Vikings and turn it around. Change perspective and see things from the Saxon side. Defend against the raids of the Northmen, but still as a Northman yourself! 

This is EXACTLY what BBC America does! 

The warrior Utred, Son of Utred was banished from his home and robbed of his inheritance. Forced to fight for a foreign (sort of) king who only needs him b/c his kingdom is almost lost, he's threatened with death daily while trying to make his way by the edge of a sword. Add a grizzled Saxon warrior, Leofric, who will try and kill you in the morning, and drink with you at night, and you’ve got the makings of an amazing show! 

Oh, and did I mention it is based on the books of legendary epic author, Bernard Cornwall? Well it is, and it is spectacular! 

Outlander:

Like rugged, red-haired Scottish Gaels in kilts bringing down evil one basket hilt sword fight at a time? What about lots of drinking? Songs? Boning at free random in like every other scene? Yeah, me neither (I love it!). 

But what about an incredible story of love, time travel, wild hunts, Celtic tradition and celebration, history, nobility, muskets, and breaking the bonds of oppression? Dig that right?! 

Outlander, coming up on its second season in 2016 on Starz is just a straight up boiled haggis of all that and more, and a show absolutely not to be missed if you can swing the premium package from your cable provider. 

Check it out:

Game of Thrones:

Of course, HBO’s Game of Thrones. Of course! 

The Night’s Watch. House Lannister. House Stark. Queen Daenerys. The Ironborn. The international phenomenon that has brought us so much blood and fire is simply incredible. 

But, it should be watched for other reasons this season as well! For Season 6, the producers of the show have OUTPACED the author (George R.R. Martine) who provided the source material! That means that both the show and the books (whenever Martin chooses to finish it) may/will go in completely different directions! 

It’s like a two-for-one sale on Kult of Athena! You know I am in.

Forged In Fire:

This show holds a special place in my heart because it is bringing an ancient and sacred art back to the forefront of modern society. 

Bladesmiths are chosen from forges across the country, and have the opportunity to test their metal (ha! See what I did there?!) against some of the toughest challenges devised by man. It’s Chopped, the real game. 

Along with the entertainment value that History Channel provides, it also gives valuable lessons to amateur smiths, and gives us, the salivating public, some truly incredible works of steel art that we can drool over:

Set your DVRs boys and girls, because this show cuts the friggin’ mustard (and everything else). 

****BONUS****

Outsiders:

Not truly sword related – though they do have some very competent knife work going on during the action sequences – WGN’s (a network?) story about a mountain clan defending their home in Kentucky is so much fun. From the moonshine to the “couldn’t give a shit less” attitude, to the defiant natural spirit - complete with old druids - this show is definitely worth a watch (but don’t take it too seriously).

So there you have it! Free up some space, grab your favorite weapon and an ice cold beer and enjoy the fast-paced sword-swinging action that will make your life complete. 

   

  

   

New Sword Cutting Videos

Evening my brothers and sisters of the sword! As of tonight, my blog is officially going MULTIMEDIA! 

"By Crom, what a magnificent idea!"

Just a little bit of background before we begin: I found someone right down the street from where I live in Plymouth, MA - Peter Hamlin of Precision Sharpening- who put an absolutely SURGICAL edge on one of my blades. 

The result so far have been incredible, and I plan on bringing more swords to him as they come in. If you own knives or swords, live on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and are in need of a perfectly-honed, single, or double-beveled edge, this guy is your man. 

Ok, down to business. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of these are great, others, well, I'll let you be the judge... 

Enjoy!

"DSA Claymore"

"DSA 11th Century Viking Sword"

"DSA Guardian"

"Gen2 Templar Sword"

"Ritter Steel Lioncrest Sword"

So, what did you think? And please be brutally honest, or I'll never get any better.

Thanks for tuning in! Let me know what sword you would like to see featured next, and I'll see what I can do.

Keep cutting!

The Generation 2/Legacy Arms Templar Sword

It must have been my birthday last year, 2014. As a father, husband, and proud owner of a shiny new mortgage (2 years in), I don’t know when else I would even THINK of purchasing a new sword for myself. 

But, I had ordered it, and it had finally came:

I remember coming home from work, and seeing it. It was an unadorned brown long box that could have been anything to someone else. However, to an active sword collector, practitioner, and school-boy fan, it was like Christmas in August. That day, there would be a holy unveiling ceremony somewhere outside/around my house, with lots of room, and plenty of time to strip her slow.

The moment came.

After tearing, cutting, gnashing, and pulling my way through ungodly amounts of packing tape, cardboard, and newspaper wrapping….she need to be cleaned.

“Ha!” I thought, “at least they're thorough.

Cleaning the clinging oil from the blade, her shiny metallic appeal began to shine through at last. Then, she was clean. Gleaming there for me, for all the world, inspiring fear in every 12oz, 2 liter, and milk bottle in my recycling, I saw it in it's full glory:

The Generation 2/Legacy Arms Templar Sword

It was everything I had waited so long for. My credit card debt? Forgotten. My wife’s complaints and objections? A mere memory. It was thick and sturdy in my hand. Light and fast. (Factory) sharp and taking me back to the desert sands of Damascus.

Great choice…or so I thought.

Let's go back...

General Stats:

Overall Length:43''

Blade: 34 1/2''

Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel

Weight: 3 lb 6.8 oz

Edge: Sharp

P.O.B.: 6 1/4''

Thickness: 5.1 mm - 4.1 mm

Width: 49.1 mm

Grip Length: 5 1/2''

Pommel: Peened

Fit:

The fit was excellent. Nothing rattled. Noting wobbled. Everything was tight. The length was good. The handle, rounded and covered with black leather. The cross guard, long enough but not flared or ridiculous. I had no complaints. A solid sword.

Finish:

The finish, same thing. The blade was polished to a fine silver sheen. The cross guard rounded and polished and to the same high quality. It’s length, adequate.

The leather of the handle was purposely, and minutely, cratered (I assume to give a better grip), and the red Templar cross in the peened pommel was that fiery deep red that just screamed “Knight of Christ.”

Handling:

Deadly. The hilt was long enough to go two-handed but still hit like a hammer, one handed. Slicing, no problem. Cutting? Right through...as long as you went parallel to the ground. 

Wait, what?!

Nothing, keep reading... 

It felt light and fast, and yet had some good heft so you know it could take a beating if crashed up against it. It fit snugly in my fist and promised both offense and defense, attack and parry, reach and reaction. A great combination.    

Construction & Durability:

AND THEN EVERYTHING IMPLODED.

While cutting on the pell post, I used a 2-liter Coca Cola bottle as my target. I sliced across, no problem. Water and neatly-shorn plastic everywhere. I set up another.

But on this go around, I decided to use the Posta di Coda Longa by Fiore, and come up from the ground at a diagonal angle:

Big mistake.

I hit the bottle wrong, missed the bevel of the blade's edge, and struck with part of the flat. 

THE SWORD BENT LIKE A PIPE CLEANER!

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! 

After my initial shock and disgust, I unbent my sword-like object in the vice in my garage back to normal, but was now less sure about the blade I had only just pulled from the box! I felt I couldn’t trust it in battle. I couldn’t count on her to counterstrike. The best she could do was offense, and even then…(sigh)..

I researched. The temper is too SOFT. With a hard steel edge outside, but a tempered core of steel that was softer on the inside, one wrong hit and the blade would predictably warp and bend; giving you an almost wall hanger-like quality to your once mighty Templar brand. No.

See HRC Scale and heat tempering for more.  

Scabbard:

To add insult to injury, the sword did not fit in the cheap scabbard it came with! The scabbard was plain black, unadorned, and ill-fitted to the sword. I even had to send the sword BACK TO KOA to see what the issue was. They claimed it was nothing and the sword fit fine. Wrong. 

Worse still, even drawing out the sword was a challenge! The scabbard squeezed so hard, it wouldn’t let go of the blade. This could lead to serious injury to the “less than patient.” No thanks.

What did I just pay for??

Overall Rating:

What do I think now of The Generation 2/Legacy Arms Templar Sword? I cut with it. I practice with it. I sharpen it. I like it.

Do I trust it now? To a point, but less than I should.

I trust it to cut with the edge I put on it with the Accusharp. I don’t trust it to parry. I don’t trust it to respond to my moves, poste, and cutting angles. That can't be right.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely not. For $300 and above, I could name any number of long swords that bladers could buy and get much more for their money.

The Albion Crecy comes to mind.

The Valiant Armory Special Edition Sword of War, as well.

My Advice: Pass over this blade, save your hard-earned cash (as sword collectors are some of the poorest people in the world), and buy a sword that is DUAL TEMPERED with an HRC in the 50’s and 60’s, inside and out. You want to be sure you're getting everything you want for your money, and this blade simply comes up short. 

So ends my tale of steely woe….

Collector's Rec.

One lesson every sword collector learns is that not all "battle-ready" (groan) swords are meant to be champions. Before investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your next blade, I highly recommend reading The Sword in the Age of Chivalry by Ewart Oakeshott. No single book has done more to help collectors understand medieval sword design, handling, and what separates a true weapon from wallhanger trash.

The Sword in the Age of Chivalry by Ewart Oakeshott

BATTLE READY HIGH ELVEN WARRIOR SWORD

Once again, Scorpion Swords has come through in the Elvish clutch. Their newest creation, the Middle Earth Warrior Sword, is a unique take on the swords used by the elves of the First Age from the Lord of the Rings series.

While less artistic than their United Cutlery counterparts (now unavailable almost everywhere), for the FULL TANG, BATTLE READY, peened-hilt functionality, I will forgive them the less-than-Sindarin aesthetics.

Oh, and did I mention the price? $269 for one of these bad boys! $318 with the sheath to carry it!! And, best of all, they are hand-forged for heavy cutting!!!

Yeah, ring me up. Thanks.

Important Note: the boys at Scorpion Swords will customize your weapon (make it a bit longer, possibly paint vines around the handle, etc) in most cases, if you email and ask them. I know from experience. I have asked them to do just that with their take on Hadhafang.

So check out the photos of this amazing weapon:

Give Scorpion Swords a call, 417-773-0304, and get your FUNCTIONAL ELVEN WARRIOR SWORD before they take off into the West.

The William Wallace Sword

It’s that sound at the end of Braveheart, right?

That moment when Hamish, that huge Celtic ginger beast, is about to lose his mind on an overwhelming English army, remember? And he pulls William Wallace’s sword from the half sheath on his back?

“Scchwiissht!!”

Whoa…

It’s just seems tiny in his fist, but, at the same time, also ready to drink a river of English blood.

It’s all leather and steel, tied up with the battered and bloodied piece of tartan cloth from the wedding - you know, the one that looks like it could take out like 3 guys by itself?

Somehow, in that scene, the sword becomes a lightsaber  - ready to take out every smug, slimey Brit on the field.

I love that bit.

But that’s the effect movie swords, and swords that are owned by famous warriors, have on us. Conan’s Atlantean, Arthur’s Excalibur, John Snow’s Longclaw - it makes no difference. I think if our heroes were swinging sporks around at their enemies, we’d be clamoring for the replicas.

Never mind that the Wallace Sword is a prop. Never mind that it had a retractable blade that never really went through anyone (they’d have to pay actors extra for that). Never mind that the real Wallace Sword looks nothing like the one in the movie.

That piece from the film "Braveheart" is remade by everyone from factory wall-hanger sword makers in Pakistan to the boys at Del Tin (la dee da). And it is just plain iconic.

But where did the inspiration for the Braveheart sword come from? The mind of Mel Gibson?

Nah.

Let’s take a look at the real Wallace Sword, shall we?

In Scotland, there is a monument to this giant of Scottish independence (William Wallace) - and his giant balls - that the public can tour. It’s called The National Wallace Monument. And it’s in Stirling, Scotland.

Visiting there, you’ll be ushered into what I can only imagine is a small, dank-smelling, stone room that holds what could be one of the coolest swords in history.

As you stand there and marvel at it, you realize that The Wallace Sword, as you might expect, is no frills at all. It’s just a 5-foot long piece of rugged iron and brass (??) that probably ended many a family line on some mossy battlefield.

The Stats:

Total Length: 5 feet 8 inches including the hilt
Blade: 4 ft 4 in.
Breadth: Varies from 2.25 inches at the guard to 0.75 inches before the point.
Weight: 6.0 pounds

Imagine the strength it took to wield just such a weapon?!

I highly doubt that Scottish peasants, even ones raiding English military supply trains, would have the sophisticated technology to know how to worry about balance, center of percussion, or perfect taper.

Wallace probably just worried about having the juice to show up to the battle and the guns to swing that thing around all day.

Beastmode.

The Guy:

But aside from William Wallace back in the 13th century, and some other kilt-wearing caretakers over the centuries, who makes sure this thing doesn’t go to rust now?

That would be this man: Dr. David Caldwell

He is the one who, everyday, applies all the soothing oils, protective goos, and sweet soothing lullabies to this mega tool of metal death to keep it pretty (and hopefully sharp). He is also the man, I think, whose job I envy most in the universe.

 Today’s Wallace Claymore:

The movie Braveheart did an incredible job of designing, using, and marketing its version of the Wallace Claymore for today’s modern audience. But how do you know which one is the best?

As we stated before everyone has their own versions of this sword:

• Del Tin
• Darksword Armory (Discontinued as of now, no!!)
• Gen2/Legacy Arms
• TraditionalFilipinoWeapons.com
• Even the untouchable Albion (though called the Tylorean)

And, as always, I think it comes down to individual choice. But, there are some general guidelines you can follow to choose the best version: 

Look for the basics: carbon steel blade with a Rockwell hardness, full tang, attractive realistic hilt furniture, the best PRICE, and the right color. Some of the variations come in black or brown or another color, but, again, it will be all up to your preference. 

One thing that might make all the difference: a video.

TraditionalFilipinoWeapons.com has a pretty boner-inspiring video that might tip the scales, if you have the green to support it.

CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE: BRAVEHEART SWORD CUTS

 

Better still, Tony Swatton, the freak wizard of worthwhile custom steel, created a video of him and his team forging their version of the Wallace Claymore (also 6 to midnight, almost instantly).

CHECK OUT THE YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE: TONY SWATTON'S BRAVEHEART SWORD

For my money, I’m going with the Gen2/Legacy Arms. Their blades are well built (I have 2) and you cant beat their prices. Consult Kult of Athena if you dont believe me. Second place goes to Traditional Filipino Weapons for their rendition (but not their price).

So there you have it. The movie Braveheart has had some pretty blatant historical inaccuracies. And apparently, the sword is one of them.

But, truth be told, I like the movie sword much better!!

What do you think? What is your favorite version?

Alba gu Bráth, brothers!

Collector's Rec.

If today's journey into the legend of William Wallace has you wanting to revisit Scotland's greatest cinematic epic, I highly recommend:

Braveheart (Blu-ray / 4K)

While it certainly takes liberties with history, few films have done more to inspire generations of sword collectors, history enthusiasts, and lovers of the Scottish claymore.