Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
People expect too much from swords. This is a conversation with fellow historical weapon enthusiast Kane Shen, in which we look back at a test of the Albion Principe from 2020. It was rigorous but not unrealistic use, compared to the harsh reality of medieval combat. The edge damage was severe, which caused some reactions in the HEMA community, but this was not the maker's fault in any way.
Even if you don't expect anime stuff like slicing through boulders or chopping another blade in half in one swing, you may still have unrealistic expectations about what a historical sword (reproduction) is supposed to withstand without taking damage.
It may be easy to forget that a sword was primarily a consumable tool. It wasn't intended to be a pristine art piece (except when it was)... in reality swords made for battle were meant to be used, maintained, damaged, and repaired. Even eventually discarded or remade into something new (like a dagger perhaps).
Background music:
“Mystic Journey” by Tausdei
opengameart.org/content/mystic-journey
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
*** 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
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#HEMA #Swords #AlbionSwords #SwordTesting
People expect too much from swords. This is a conversation with fellow historical weapon enthusiast Kane Shen, in which we look back at a test of the Albion Principe from 2020. It was rigorous but not unrealistic use, compared to the harsh reality of medieval combat. The edge damage was severe, which caused some reactions in the HEMA community, but this was not the maker's fault in any way.
Even if you don't expect anime stuff like slicing through boulders or chopping another blade in half in one swing, you may still have unrealistic expectations about what a historical sword (reproduction) is supposed to withstand without taking damage.
It may be easy to forget that a sword was primarily a consumable tool. It wasn't intended to be a pristine art piece (except when it was)... in reality swords made for battle were meant to be used, maintained, damaged, and repaired. Even eventually discarded or remade into something new (like a dagger perhaps).
Background music:
“Mystic Journey” by Tausdei
opengameart.org/content/mystic-journey
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
*** 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
#HEMA #Swords #AlbionSwords #SwordTesting
