Samurai JamesThis is part four of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
Seven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 4 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-03-21 | This is part four of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesIs 2025 the year of the Samurai Gamer?Samurai James2025-05-26 | ...Valiant Armory CrecySamurai James2024-12-01 | Review of the Valiant Armory Crecy sword. Cutting done with the factory edge. Special thank you to Sword Friend Nate for loaning me the sword to do the review and letting me cut with it!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesAntique armor pieces unboxing and first lookSamurai James2024-08-01 | Unboxing some antique armor. These are a first for me.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesStoneBuiltKnives giveaway - 1,000 subscribers, thank you!Samurai James2024-04-25 | To enter, just say "I want to win that knife!" as a comment below. Must be 18 or older and in the continental United States.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesRyanSword customized 9260 tachi reviewSamurai James2023-12-15 | Review of my RyanSword tachi. Standard customization options as well as a 9260 blade (custom) with midare hamon, and a black saya instead of the standard red and black style. Unboxing, initial impressions, and cutting!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesOnimusha Anime on Netflix: Spoiler Free review, with background from the games and mangaSamurai James2023-11-12 | Spoiler Free review, with background from the games and manga.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesBlue Eyes Samurai and Castlevania Nocturne: Seen them? Your thoughts?Samurai James2023-10-08 | ...Samurai Armor Review: Iron Mountain Armory Taisho class custom suit (part 3 of 3)Samurai James2023-07-27 | A long overdue full review of my custom taisho armor from Iron Mountain Armory. Since it was so lengthy I broke it into three separate parts. This is part three, the mempo and the iconic samurai helmet, the kabuto.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSamurai Armor Review: Iron Mountain Armory Taisho class custom suit (part 2 of 3)Samurai James2023-07-20 | A long overdue full review of my custom taisho armor from Iron Mountain Armory. Since it was so lengthy I broke it into three separate parts. This is part two, the do, kote, and o-sode.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSamurai Armor Review: Iron Mountain Armory Taisho class custom suit (part 1 of 3)Samurai James2023-07-13 | A long overdue full review of my custom taisho armor from Iron Mountain Armory. Since it was so lengthy I broke it into three separate parts. This is part one, the haidate and suneate.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesAntique Edo period armor pieces - my first hands on experience with real Japanese antique armor!Samurai James2023-06-03 | A hands on look at my first pieces of antique Japanese armor. Unboxing and the initial impressions and thoughts. Estimated to be from the Edo period. I am so excited to own actual pieces!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesDisplaying Samurai ArmorSamurai James2023-04-29 | Key clips from the full video of how to display samurai armor. Check out the full version with explanations here: youtu.be/8OGI0TAU0Wc
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesPutting on samurai armorSamurai James2023-04-22 | Key clips from the full video of putting on samurai armor when you have an assistant, based on a historical document. Check out the full version, including imagery from the historical source, in the full video: youtu.be/cN4imtLaKn8
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors shortSamurai James2023-04-20 | This is a quick sneak peek at the full mini series available in my regular videos.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 8: The Bonus (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-04-18 | This is part eight of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor - yes part 8, a bonus video. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 7 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-04-11 | This is part seven of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 6 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-04-04 | YES, the kikko gane obi is still available! $200 shipped in the United States. Black dragon fabric, black hishinui knots. Original price was $308.95 plus shipping.
This is part six of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 5 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-03-28 | This is part five of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 3 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-03-14 | This is part three of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 2 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-03-07 | This is part two of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesSeven Supplemental Samurai Armors - Part 1 (With a hands-on example!)Samurai James2023-02-28 | This is part one of my seven part series on supplemental pieces of samurai armor. It will cover what the particular piece is, as well as some of the variations of it when applicable. This video is informational about the historical armor. I will have a separate video series for a review of each piece of the armor. Did you know what this piece of armor is, or what it does, before watching the video? Comment below!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesCustomized+ katana from Hanbon Forge (in honor of my father, who passed away a few years ago)Samurai James2023-02-12 | A sword that I had made by Hanbon Forge. It has the usual customization options, and another one off-menu that I asked for beyond that. My father passed away a few years ago and I was having some substantial emotional turmoil a couple months ago, as it was the anniversary of a few heavy life events. This was an attempt to cope with things.
While it has helped a bit with losing my father, I don't think anything will ever truly heal that; not even time. My father was wonderful and I have so many happy memories, and mementos when he was alive. The pain may dull off a bit over time, but it will never go away.
Despite multiple attempts at a few things (not just swords) to cope with the miscarriage, the only thing that ever helped me was when my daughter was born. I had a surreal moment in the hospital while my wife was in bed recovering and I was looking at my baby girl in her little crib. I'm still bitter about the miscarriage, and it will stick with me forever, but her birth is helping me to move past it as best as I can.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesKatana from countries other than Japan (response to Lets Ask Shogo video)Samurai James2023-02-05 | Quite a few Youtubers have been posting video responses to the video by Let's Ask Shogo where he talks about why he won't buy a katana made in other countries. This is partially a response to that, and partially a question of "what exactly makes a katana?" with a comparison to historical katana as well as European sword replicas too.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesUnboxing something Ive waited 11 months for. A new type of samurai thing. What is it?Samurai James2022-12-06 | Unboxing of something that I waited 11 months for. So excited to get it! Looking forward to some hands on videos with it soon too.
Please subscribe if you haven't yet but find the content interesting. It helps me know that there is interest, and keeps me going to film, edit, and post new videos!DIY Cutting Stand: How To Make OneSamurai James2022-11-29 | Gave away my cutting stand to a friend earlier this year. Made a new one and took some pictures along the way to make this video. Designed to be made with just a few common tools and for reasonably cheap. This design is for tatami and pool noodles.
I'll have a follow up video that shows a few options for cutting other types of targets such as water bottles / milk bottles / etc.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesHow To (maybe) have a sword in Renn Faire / Renn Fest that dont allow weapons (Use common sense!)Samurai James2022-11-08 | Disclaimer: This is what I have used for RENN FAIRE and PRIVATE Halloween parties. In the case of this particular renn faire, they do not allow weapons, but the security guards do allow this type of modified sword. Most of us probably have a wall hanger or two we wouldn't mind chopping down to use for this.
We have used swords like this for years and faire checks them every time. At one point we tried gluing the cut off blades into the scabbard to prevent them from falling out, and they were rejected because it was essentially a wooden bladed sword at that point (which they also do not allow).
ALWAYS be respectful of the rules. Ask in advance before cutting down your sword, if you aren't sure.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesHow to Tie A Kabuto - 3 Ways (with and without a mempo / mask)Samurai James2022-10-04 | How do you tie a kabuto? There are lots of ways! Here are my three favorites. Two that are very secure, and one that is very easy.
Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 00:16 Method One 03:17 Method Two 04:22 Method Three 07:17 Wrapping Up
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesArmour of the English Knight - Book 3 Preorder available!Samurai James2022-10-02 | The third installment of Dr. Tobias Capwell's book series, Armour of the English Knight, is available for pre-order. I have the first two books in the series and have pre-ordered the third as well. Estimated publish time is December; that's coming up soon!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesHow Do You Wear Samurai Armor Alone? (From an Edo period manual, 1735)Samurai James2022-09-06 | How do you wear samurai armor by yourself? Here is one way, from the clothing all the way to fully armored. Following along with pictures from the Tanki Yoriaku Hi Ko Ben.
#samurai #japanese #armor #tutorial #howToHow Do You Wear Samurai Armor By Yourself? (From an Edo period manual, 1735)Samurai James2022-08-30 | How do you wear samurai armor by yourself? Here is one way, from the clothing all the way to fully armored. Following along with pictures from the Tanki Yoriaku Hi Ko Ben.
#samurai #japanese #armor #tutorial #howToUnboxing a REAL Japanese sword!! No Chinese replica here! What kind? Who made it? Watch to find out!Samurai James2022-08-16 | Unboxing a REAL Japanese sword! No Chinese replica here! What kind of sword? Who made it? Details are in the video. I am so happy with it!!
Music credits: Nagoya by Nikproteus on pixabay Instinct by Bensound | bensound.com
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesBirthdays, getting older, two movies, and getting close to 500 subs!Samurai James2022-08-12 | ...Samurai Surprise! What happens next?Samurai James2022-07-18 | Something big is happening for me. Can you guess what it is?
** Music by Twisterium from PixabayHow To Get A Suit Of Armor - Part 1 - BasicsSamurai James2022-06-21 | Some general overview questions on buying a suit of armor. This is the first in the series. Other videos in the series will focus on specific areas of interest. This is mostly a "talking head" video with a few photos, as there is not much to show with it.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesLessons learned, short stories, & reflections on working as a swordfighter at Renn Faire since 2012Samurai James2022-06-18 | Ten years ago, we did our first medieval combat demos at a Renaissance faire. A few weeks ago, we finished up for this season. A recap of how we got started, my previous armor experience, how things evolved over the years, my favorite moments from my fights, and what's up next for the channel.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesHands On Look at the Evolution of Samurai Swords (Japanese swords)Samurai James2022-06-15 | There is no exact recorded year that the first sword of each type was made, since there were many smiths working in many areas with different ways of making even the same kind of sword. As such, this is a general progression of how the swords evolved. Lots of overlap since a new type of sword didn't make the old one immediately obsolete, especially not nationwide.
General Timeline
Tsurugi: 200BC to present Chokuto: Kofun (300CE) to Heian Warabite: 6th to 8th century Tanto: Mid-Heian to present Kogarasu Maru: 8th century to ??? Tachi: Heian to present Nodachi: Heian to present Nagamaki: Kamakura to present Uchigatana: Muromachi Wakizashi: Muromachi to present Katana: Early muromachi to present
Ancient: Pre 710 Nara: 710 to 794 Heian: 794 to 1192 Kamakura: 1192 to 1333 Muromachi: 1336 to 1573 Azuchi-Momoyama: 1573 to 1603
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesCRKT Hissatsu knife unboxing & reviewSamurai James2022-06-11 | An unboxing and review of the CRKT Hissatsu knife. This is a modern take on a tanto, with a one piece rubberized grip based on the historical style of a Japanese tanto. It comes with a sheath and belt clip. The hardware for the belt clip is plastic, I would suggest getting some stainless steel hardware if you're going to use it.
This video is completely unsponsored, I got it for 25% off as part of a regular Amazon sale, nothing special.
CRKT Hissatsu Link: smile.amazon.com/dp/B0016CT78W (apparently sold out a week or two after I bought it, but maybe they'll come back in stock again? or find it for sale on other sites)
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesHow Do You Display Japanese Swords? Blade up or down? Handle left or right? What about multiples?Samurai James2022-06-04 | Talking about the most common ways to display Japanese swords. Does the blade go up or down, is the handle to the left or right? What kind of exceptions are there?
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesWhy Are Japanese Sword Handles Made Like This?Samurai James2022-05-29 | Why Are Japanese Sword Handles Made Like This? Discussion of the pieces of a Japanese sword handle and how they work together as a cohesive system for a beautiful and functional handle.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesMenuki: What do they do and how did they change over time?Samurai James2022-05-08 | Some information on menuki, the decorative pieces on Japanese swords that are wrapped under the cotton / silk / leather of the handle. Where they started, what they did, and how both of those things changed over time.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesOmote and Ura of Japanese swords - what are they?Samurai James2022-05-01 | Japanese swords have an omote and an ura. What are they?
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesDIY: Wall Mounted Sword RackSamurai James2022-04-19 | Building a six tier rack for my wall. I used part of an existing one as a template. Since this is above a shoji screen, I had a specific amount of height to work with.
For the horizontal pieces, if I did it again I would make the side rails that hold the swords come out further. I traced the existing rack, which had thinner horizontal pieces. I test fit before doing the final assembly and that's when I learned that the 3/4" horizontal pieces would touch tsuba on the inside of the rack. If you are only displaying large swords like katana, tachi, and such then this wouldn't matter because the tsuba would always be on the outside of the rack.
There would be no issues with tsuba if the depth was a bit more, but it worked out fine. Since the original rack has been disassembled for a few years, I'm not sure if it has the same problem with wakizashi and tanto or not.
Floating shelf hardware won't fit behind the 3/4" sides without sticking out. I considered D-ring hangers with bear claw screws, but hanging a thousand bucks worth of stuff on a couple small hooks to screws in drywall sounded like a bad gamble. I may lightly decorate the horizontal pieces later.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesStoneBuiltKnives Winner (second drawing)Samurai James2022-03-14 | In the previous drawing, the winner was outside of the USA and due to postal regulations I could not ship the knife to him. He graciously said to do another drawing and pick a new winner. Round two, here we go!
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesWas Medieval Armor More Dangerous Than None??? (Responses from a historical armored combat fighter)Samurai James2022-03-13 | My responses to Weird History's video about how medieval armor was more dangerous than not wearing any at all. This is a much longer video than I usually do, but I had a lot of points to make on it, especially as someone who has experience fighting in armor with historical techniques.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesExciting announcement! I am an Iron Mountain Armory affiliate now!Samurai James2022-02-15 | I am extremely excited to announce that I am the first person to be granted an affiliate program with Iron Mountain Armory! Using the link will get me a small commission on the sale, and does not cost anything extra for you. Proceeds from that will go towards more purchases from Iron Mountain Armory and provide me with things to review for this channel. I appreciate the support!
The link will take you right to their home page so you can start shopping, and will tag your purchase(s) with my affiliate code.
My Ko-Fi page ko-fi.com/samuraijamesReview: RyanSword Naginata, unboxing, initial impressions, and cuttingSamurai James2022-02-12 | Unboxing and checking out my RyanSword naginata. Not many places offer a naginata, so I had to check this one out. Purchased by me, not sponsored in any way. Targets are water bottles, two liter soda bottles, and some thin bamboo (approx 1/4" to 3/8").
TIMELINE 00:00 Intro 00:06 Unboxing 03:56 Cutting water bottles 05:18 Cutting two liter bottles 06:05 Cutting bamboo 08:22 Player two has joined 09:28 Naginata tries again 09:55 Close Up photos 10:16 Conclusion
Artist: http://incompetech.comInterview with StoneBuiltKnives, and a look at a bunch of his custom made knivesSamurai James2022-02-04 | An interview with the owner of StoneBuiltKnives, and a look at a bunch of his custom knives for sale. His etsy store is here:
CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:17 Boar Tusk 02:21 Tanto Variation 03:38 Personal Eating Knife 06:00 Bushcraft Knife 07:20 Coffin Nail Dirk 09:12 Kreig Schwein 11:30 Star Captain 12:08 Custom Designs & Requests 13:33 Modern Tanto Variant 14:45 Knife Giveaway!Ronin Warriors - Analysis of the HeroesSamurai James2022-02-01 | Part 2 of the 4 part series on the Ronin Warriors Anime. This video is an analysis of the Ronin Warrior's weapons, and some official artwork showing them in historically inspired gear.