Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Back in 2020 I reacted to a video of nutjobs fighting with sharp swords. This is not that reckless, but definitely something I highly advise AGAINST every trying.
It's a sparring match with semi-sharp replicas of 16th century fencing swords (Federschwert) with no protection except light gloves and modern Mensur style goggles with nose guard. Their goal is to produce a bleeding scalp cut, as was common in duels and recreational fencing in the 16th century.
Obviously most HEMA practitioners would not approve of this practice, and it's extremely unsafe. I try to be fair in my reaction, without holding back on concerns and criticism. Recklessness aside, the skill displayed here is impressive.
The videos I'm commenting on (by @nikm2106):
Blossfechten 2026: A longsword fight to the first bleeding wound
youtube.com/watch?v=XyXhOcjqSa4
HEMA historical fencing longsword exchanges exchanges
youtube.com/watch?v=unwqK5iCdHI
16th Century German style longsword no gear fencing to first blood AUG 2021 (DON'T TRY AT HOME)
youtube.com/watch?v=etSGIADm87s
Pictures:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Menzura-Korporacja_Sarmatia_2004.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mensur_W%C3%BCrzburg_1868.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%BChlberg_-_Auf_die_Mensur.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corps_Rhenania_Mensur_1898-99.jpg
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Paulus_Hector_Mair
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Joachim_Meyer
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Fiore_de%27i_Liberi#
Article about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
neurosciencenews.com/blood-brain-barrier-sports-injury-cte-30361
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Merch:
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #hema #swordfighting #commentary #reaction
Back in 2020 I reacted to a video of nutjobs fighting with sharp swords. This is not that reckless, but definitely something I highly advise AGAINST every trying.
It's a sparring match with semi-sharp replicas of 16th century fencing swords (Federschwert) with no protection except light gloves and modern Mensur style goggles with nose guard. Their goal is to produce a bleeding scalp cut, as was common in duels and recreational fencing in the 16th century.
Obviously most HEMA practitioners would not approve of this practice, and it's extremely unsafe. I try to be fair in my reaction, without holding back on concerns and criticism. Recklessness aside, the skill displayed here is impressive.
The videos I'm commenting on (by @nikm2106):
Blossfechten 2026: A longsword fight to the first bleeding wound
youtube.com/watch?v=XyXhOcjqSa4
HEMA historical fencing longsword exchanges exchanges
youtube.com/watch?v=unwqK5iCdHI
16th Century German style longsword no gear fencing to first blood AUG 2021 (DON'T TRY AT HOME)
youtube.com/watch?v=etSGIADm87s
Pictures:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Menzura-Korporacja_Sarmatia_2004.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mensur_W%C3%BCrzburg_1868.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%BChlberg_-_Auf_die_Mensur.jpg
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corps_Rhenania_Mensur_1898-99.jpg
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Paulus_Hector_Mair
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Joachim_Meyer
wiktenauer.com/wiki/Fiore_de%27i_Liberi#
Article about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
neurosciencenews.com/blood-brain-barrier-sports-injury-cte-30361
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
Merch:
bonfire.com/store/skallswag
If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804
Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
#skallagrim #hema #swordfighting #commentary #reaction
