Giant Catapulta tour with Jorge Sprave Tods Workshop 2021-04-12 | Jörg Sprave is filming in the same location Tod made his Giant Catapulta for a TV production , and it's still there! We take a tour and discuss collaborations.The original TV show this was made for is available here youtu.be/BqpxiGpzAfUNOTE: The Romans would have call this a "Cataputla" and it shoots spears/arrows.If it shot rocks they would have called it a "Ballista".Confusingly in Medieval Europe a "Catapult" would shoot stones or round shot, but this is a "CatapulTA"According to the Roman author Vitruvius Catapulta were made in three sizes1 span catapulta (also called a Scorpion), 2 and 3 span. Each based on a multiple of the previous size.This "Catapulta" is a "6 span" design (or it would be if the Romans ever built one that big) so it is twice as big at the largest Roman (3 span) machinesFor further reading, I recommend searching for the Greek and Roman Artillery treatise by "Marsden et al.If you would like to help support the channel please visit my sites https://todcutler.com for excellent budget historical weapons https://todsworkshop.com for custom historical work and for T shirts and merch please visit todsworkshop.creator-spring.com
Trebuchet vs Longbow Tods Workshop 2022-11-09 | Trebuchets and longbows were used at the same time in the same places but of course in very different ways, in this film Luke and Louee from History Hit, challenge Joe Gibbs and me to a shoot out. Joe with his 140lbs longbow and me with my bowling ball tossing trebuchet.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comIf you would like to watch the History Hit version of this film, please check them out here youtube.com/c/HistoryHitJoe Gibbs/Hill Billy bows can be found here facebook.com/Hillbillybows
CATAPULTA INCREASING POWER PT 2 Tods Workshop 2022-11-02 | 9 years ago I lead the engineering on a TV show and made a giant Roman arrow thrower called a catapulta. I loved everything about it so much I made my own, but never quite finished it..........so I pulled it out of storage and started messing about with it. Now in part 2 of the 'Increasing power' film I start to wind the power up a bit more and it is starting to get some good numbers.But not everything is good news as I also need to make a repair; but that means another film!Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
CATAPULTA Increasing Power Pt1 Tods Workshop 2022-10-24 | 9 years ago I lead the engineering on a TV show and made a giant Roman arrow thrower called a catapulta. I loved everything about it so much I made my own, but never quite finished it..........so I pulled it out of storage and started messing about with it. But just in case it decides to destroy itself I talk you round the machine and start to dial up the power.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet CLUSTER DARTS! Tods Workshop 2022-10-11 | I love lots of things. Trebuchets, history, technology, invention, weapons (and of course family!).And it was clear to me that trebuchets, giant darts and plumbata needed to get combined, but to do this in a meaningful way a reliable timed release was required; so I made a version that could have been made all the way back to the Greeks and certainly in 14thC Europe - If only if they had thought of it.This film includes medieval timed release triggers, tiered plumbata giant sabot cluster munitions, a trebuchet and a pinch of failure, but just enough success to show the possibilities of the device.If you would like to support this channel, visit the websites and sign up for the news letters, subscribe here and of course shop!Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Testing a medieval anti-armour dagger Tods Workshop 2022-09-26 | Medieval anti armour dagger ? Really? Yes really. That is exactly what rondel daggers were for, so I set out to make and test one to find out what they really did. For as long as I remember I have loved the A726 Rondel dagger in the Wallace Collection. It is a beautiful and iconic dagger and an absolute favourite of mine, so it became the focus for 3 films; this is the last in the series, where Matt Easton uses the dagger against mail, plate and fabric armour.The first film in this series "Making the rondel' can be found here youtu.be/R8cGQ6ztao4In the second and I take my dagger to the Wallace Collection and compare it with the original with Dr Toby Capwell youtu.be/f2kTXm2G4q0 You can find budget reproductions of this dagger here todcutler.com/collections/medieval-daggers-and-large-knives/products/wallace-rondel-dagger-tc101The full range of Tod Cutler weapons here todcutler.com/collectionsCustom pieces like the dagger made here can be found on these Tods Workshop pages todsworkshop.com or a Tods Workshop version here https://todsworkshop.com/collections/...Leather work by Lisa EllettYou can find The Wallace Collection here wallacecollection.orgMusic by J.Sayleshttp://www.jsayles.com/familypages/earlymusic.htm
Medieval Rondel Dagger - THE ORIGINAL Tods Workshop 2022-09-20 | For as long as I remember I have loved the A726 Rondel dagger in the Wallace Collection. It is a beautiful and iconic dagger and an absolute favourite of mine, but they have also wondered how well they work, so I have made three films about this dagger and this is the second. There first film in this series "Making the rondel' can be found here youtu.be/R8cGQ6ztao4Luckily I got to handle and measure the dagger and luckily I have the skills to make one - so I did. In the first film you get to see every step of the manufacture.This is the second and I take my dagger to the Wallace Collection and compare it with the original with Dr Toby Capwell and in the third I hand this dagger over to Matt Easton who mercilessly attacks fabric, mail and plate armour samples to see how easy or hard they are to defeat.You can find The Wallace Collection here wallacecollection.orgYou can find budget reproductions of this dagger here todcutler.com/collections/medieval-daggers-and-large-knives/products/wallace-rondel-dagger-tc101The full range of Tod Cutler weapons here todcutler.com/collectionsCustom pieces like the dagger made here can be found on these pages todsworkshop.com or a Tods Workshop version here todsworkshop.com/collections/historical-daggers/products/wallace-rondel-mid-15thcLeather work by Lisa EllettMusic by J.Sayleshttp://www.jsayles.com/familypages/earlymusic.htm
Medieval Rondel Dagger - FULL MAKING PROCESS Tods Workshop 2022-09-12 | For as long as I remember I have loved the A726 Rondel dagger in the Wallace Collection. It is a beautiful and iconic dagger and an absolute favourite of mine. Luckily I got to handle and measure the dagger and luckily I have the skills to make one - so I did. In this film you get to see every step of the manufacture.This is the first of three films, and in the second I take this dagger to the Wallace Collection and compare it with the original with Dr Toby Capwell and in the third I hand this dagger over to Matt Easton who mercilessly attacks fabric, mail and plate armour samples to see how easy or hard they are to defeat.You can find budget reproductions of this dagger here todcutler.com/collections/medieval-daggers-and-large-knives/products/wallace-rondel-dagger-tc101The full range of Tod Cutler weapons here todcutler.com/collectionsCustom pieces like the dagger made here can be found on these pages todsworkshop.com or a Tods Workshop version here todsworkshop.com/collections/historical-daggers/products/wallace-rondel-mid-15thcLeather work by Lisa EllettMusic by J.Sayleshttp://www.jsayles.com/familypages/earlymusic.htm
Tods new artillery piece - BALLISTA or CATAPULTA? Tods Workshop 2022-09-05 | 9 years ago I lead the engineering on a TV show called "Beat the ancestors" and we made a massive Roman arrow thrower called a catapulta. I loved everything about it so much I made my own, but never quite finished it..........and now I have.There is likely to be strong discussion on what this is called (the comments will be on fire), but my understanding is that ballista shoot stones and catapulta shoot arrows/bolts/darts. The machines look similar, but in fact are different. This is the first film where I get it out of storage and start to explain it to you. From now on, let increase the power and find out what it can do.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comThe clip shown came from here youtu.be/CgNlPOMOps0and then many years later with Jorg Sprave youtu.be/YezJogeFizE
FORGING AN ARROW HEAD, full process. Tods Workshop 2022-07-11 | Will Sherman is an amazing Fletcher and Arrowsmith, I went down to see him at his workshop to talk and chat about making arrows and to watch him forge a "type nine" medieval arrowhead of the kind we will be using in our upcoming tests.The reason was to make a fundraising film for our Arrows vs Armour2 project, but it was funded almost immediately (thank you equally amazing people), so this film was not needed. But we decided to put it out because we really like it, so just ignore any references to fundraising because we have all the finance we need.We hope you enjoy this film and rest assured, the preparation for the Arrows vs Armour2 film is well underway.You can find Will and his arrows here here: medievalarrows.co.ukProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet - Giant Darts! Tods Workshop 2022-07-01 | I have a trebuchet and so it is a requirement that I mess about with it, but obviously in a historical way, but sometimes I do just like to mess.....If you look around you can find pictures by Mariano Taccola and Frederico Martini from the 15thC that show darts get ready to be shot from trebuchets. The Arabs have loads of pictures of them, so it must have been done, but do they work and even if they do; what is the point?And even if they do work and are awesome, can I make them even more awesome? Yes I can.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing up for the news letters and subscribing to the channel is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Meet the Archer - Joe Gibbs, the shooter for AvA2 Tods Workshop 2022-06-20 | Joe Gibbs is an amazing archer, shooting up to 215lbs longbows (that is not a typo by the way), but he also makes amazing medieval warbows. I went down to see Joe Gibbs at his workshop to talk and chat about makeing longbows and to watch him shoot. The reason was to make a fundraising film for our Arrows vs Armour2 project, but it was funded almost immediately (thank you equally amazing people), so this film was not needed. But we decided to put it out because we really like it, so just ignore any references to fundraising because we have all the finance we need.We hope you enjoy this film and rest assured, the preparation for the Arrows vs Armour2 film is well underway.You can find Joe and his bows here Hillbillybows@gmail.com. and Joe on You Tube here youtube.com/user/Joe8GibbsProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet - 100 Darts Tods Workshop 2022-06-06 | I made 100 crossbow bolts for the stock cupboard and so this was a perfect opportunity to use the trebuchet to throw them around and see what they do.So I did.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing up for the news letters and subscribing to the channel is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Arrows vs Armour 2 - THE HELMET (fundraiser) Tods Workshop 2022-05-30 | Arrows vs Armour is back! to shoot proper arrows at properly made armour, including the helmet, visor and collar. In this film Toby Capwell and myself talk about the helmet and the project and what we are likely to see and learn.This project is unique in that it has TV budgets and TV crew filming it, but without TV producers and script writers telling us what to say and it will be presented by Tod, Toby Capwell and the crafts people who actually made and know about the pieces. This comprehensive test will show how effective the helmet and neck armour was and whether it can be penetrated during the best and most exciting test we are able to construct, we even get to see and hear from inside the helmet. It is now the turn of the head and neck armour to get pounded for REAL, not ‘TV real’.You will of course get to see the main film here on You Tube, but please have a look at the Kickstarter page to see everything we have planned and all the amazing rewards on offer from back stage footage and Directors cut versions of the film to shooting Tod's Trebuchetand the most ridiculous reward bundle of all time.The English longbow is laden with myth; of its origins, its power, its achievements. The captains and commanders that once knew its’ true power in physical and in military terms, are long dead. The knowledge is lost. But we will find it again with real armour, amazing archers, stout arrows and every detail captured on multiple and slo-mo cameras.Please be part of the Arrows vs Armour team; please help make it happen.kickstarter.com/projects/ava2/arrows-vs-armour-2The original Arrows vs Armour film was self funded and can be found here: youtu.be/DBxdTkddHaEWe imagined what we could do with funding, so we asked and you delivered, but now we have enough - thank you.
Picking up a BIG bundle of BIG arrows Tods Workshop 2022-05-27 | Will Sherman of Medieval Arrows is an amazing fletcher and really nice guy and as I was visiting him to collect a massive bundle of arrows for an upcoming project it seemed like a great opportunity to have a chat whilst he worked a little.So we talked arrows and making arrows and then talked a bit more.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing up for the news letters and subscribing to the channel is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comYou can find Will and his lovely arrows here medievalarrows.co.uk
Weird Weapons - Bike chain flail Tods Workshop 2022-05-24 | Weird Weapons with Matt Easton returns with a 1530's German chain flail that appears to have a modern bike chain connecting it together......But it isn't a modern fake, it is a real 16thC weapon.Why use a 'bike' chain rather than a conventional chain? Let's find out whilst Tod and Matt talk about it, Matt uses it and his students spar with it.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing up for the news letters and subscribing to the channel is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comMatt Easton can be found here youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoriaFight Camp can be found here fightcampevents.com
Trebuchet- Baskets of Rocks Tods Workshop 2022-05-16 | We all know trebuchets threw rocks, big rocks. But I also believe that they threw baskets of smaller rocks to create an 'anti personnel' effect; so I think we need to try it! My brave 'men at arms' are lined up and are ready to get pelted - but can I hit them when I get the trebuchet equivalent of a shotgun out.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing ups for the news letters and subscribing is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Giant Spear Thrower Tods Workshop 2022-05-10 | It seems that the medieval period was full of all sorts of throwing darts as well as spears and javelins and I am interested in them all. And then of course there is the classical world of Rome and Greece and then those naughty Vikings and Saxons and they all had throwing 'spears' of some kind that I really want to investigate. But I can't throw very well, so I made an adjustable, massive, rubber powered throwing thing that I can set to replicate throwing different darts, javelins and spears. If you have ideas of how you want to see it used, just let me know.If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing ups for the news letters and subscribing is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet - Why wont the darn thing shoot further? Tods Workshop 2022-04-11 | After much messing around with the trebuchet, I have extended the arm, shortened the sling, bent the pin and increased the weight and although it is throwing calmer, it just won't throw further.What the heck is going on? Clearly I am supposed to know the answers here, but I don't and I have no idea why not because it should all be so simple.....If you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing ups for the news letters and subscribing is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
War darts. Every dart. Every way Tods Workshop 2022-04-04 | I find war darts in all their assorted forms really interesting and judging by the number of comments so do you. They are all over medieval artwork (although not in the museum records), so I have got all my assorted darts together and thrown them in every way that I and you can think of to see how they work.How can they be thrown? How far do they go? Which is best? And after all that; why not just use a bow?Long war darts can be seen here youtu.be/cJotBsrqbwIPlumbata can be seen here youtu.be/vNlgb79A4mMWeird mid fletched darts can be seen here youtu.be/FT4ayMTFTm8Shield darts can be found here youtu.be/dSIrR0Jo09YIf you would like to help support the channel, visiting the stores helps, and signing ups for the news letters and subscribing is a great help.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Colour, Preconception and Dover Castle Tods Workshop 2022-03-17 | In the Medieval world you had to look like Royalty; it was part of the deal. That meant that you, your clothes, your jewellery, your homes and everything in them had to look the part.Medieval people spoke the language of wealth in a far more sophisticated way than us and so they could see what we cannot, in the fabrics and the colours and spices and the precious stones and even the cut of your clothes.But this whole aspect of life is utterly overlooked in TV and film and so castles are perceived to be for fighting, for war. But of course they were being used for giving the right impression every day and only occasionally for war, so in fact their role has been largely misinterpreted by Hollywood.This just gives a slight look at the castle as a royal house.Many thanks to Dover Castle and English Heritage for letting me film here.english-heritage.org.ukProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comChannel 4 documentary on Dover Castle youtu.be/VlHnG1dNppA
Trebuchet gets BIGGER! better???? Tods Workshop 2022-03-14 | The trebuchet problem sorting story continues. The ratios of arm length, weight etc were all wrong for what I want to do now so it was going to self destruct. I have now made the arm longer to soften its shaking - will it now throw better? Oh and I also added smoke grenades to act as tracers.If you want to help keep the channel going, visit the websites, sign up for the news letter, buy stuff and don't forget the merchandise shelf!Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Dover Castle - Some things I made Tods Workshop 2022-03-10 | The films about Dover Castle continue and this one shows you around some of the pieces that I made for the exhibit in the Great Keep.Swords, knives, ladles, lances, hammers and even anvils are on this list and I have something to say about lots of it.Just clarify; after watching this film back, one possible interpretation is that I made the iron bound doors and that I work for Dover Castle or English Heritage and neither of these is the case. I made loads of piece and then clean and renovate them each year.Many thanks to Dover Castle and English Heritage for letting me film here.english-heritage.org.ukProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comChannel 4 documentary on Dover Castle youtu.be/VlHnG1dNppA
Maille Making at Dover Tods Workshop 2022-03-07 | 13 years ago English Heritage and Dover Castle decided to fill some of the rooms with artefacts and decoration that would or could have been around when it was built in 1188. I had a large part in making artefacts for this project and so every year since, I come back to clean and renovate my work, and have continued to make the odd piece for them.As part of this I made the volunteers a display bow about maille making so they could talk the visitors through the process of how and why maille was made. This short simply talks you through some of the talk that they give.Does wax on arrow heads do anything? youtu.be/oC30A6noRmYChannel 4 documentary on Dover Castle youtu.be/VlHnG1dNppAMany thanks to Dover Castle and English Heritage for letting me film here.english-heritage.org.ukProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Dover Castle - Tods, for two days a year! Tods Workshop 2022-03-04 | Dover Castle is amazing! It has continuously been a military base for approximately 2500 years until very recently, but it also has a place in my heart for other reasons beyond this, because for two days a year it is mine.....13 years ago English Heritage and Dover Castle decided to fill some of the rooms with artefacts and decoration that would or could have been around when it was built in 1188. The idea is that it will help visitors see what a royal household and castle may have looked like rather than the sterile stone walls most castles have now.I had a large part in making artefacts for this project and so every year since, I come back to clean and renovate my work, but the best bit is that I am on my own in the entire Great Keep for two days. What a privilege.Many thanks to Dover Castle and English Heritage for letting me film here. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castleProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet and fire - Did not go to plan! Tods Workshop 2022-02-28 | Seeing as the last filming day was long and we were going to run into night time, some burning shots seemed appropriate and we had the knights set out in the field............I am currently obsessed with medieval incendiaries, but this had to be 'quick and dirty', so these are not actually how they would have formulated and constructed theirs, but proper medieval incendiaries will be coming and the next film you see will have the arm extended, but whilst I struggle on with this, visiting my websites and going shopping helps and while you are there don't forget to sign up to the news letters and my "Running Knight" T shirt is available from the Merch shelf below the video. As well as the T shirt, I will be making the "Running Knight" target available on my website directly so you will be able to buy digital artwork and posters of it, but it will take a little time for me to organise, so not quite yet......Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
TREBUCHET BOWLING!! Tods Workshop 2022-02-21 | It is a simple thing - I have a trebuchet that throws bowling balls, so sooner or later I had to actually go 10 pin bowling! Clearly we needed suitable targets for the pins, so the 'running knight' target was born.This film was supposed to show the knights being obliterated, but clearly my trebuchet is misbehaving, so the quest will go on to sort it out and one day I am sure I can take down the vanguard with ease.....(just not this day).The arm of the machine will be extended and we will start the whole process again, but whilst I struggle on with this, visiting my websites and going shopping helps and while you are there don't forget to sign up to the news letters and my running knight T shirt is available from the Merch shelf below the video. As well as the T shirt, I will be making the "Running Knight" target available on my website directly so you will be able to buy digital artwork and posters of it, but it will take a little time for me to organise, so not quite yet......Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comBy the way....Although it appears I must be on some pretty fast drugs, as my editor pointed out "when you turn 5 hours of filming into 5 minutes you get pretty full on" - apologies, I may try to be calmer next time.
SWORDS, STUNTS and REACTIONS in THE 13th WARRIOR Tods Workshop 2022-02-08 | I love the 13th Warrior film, it has one foot in some real history and the other foot in complete fantasy. Along the way we get Vikings, a real life Arab ambassador, Tartars, cave men, duels, language lessons and some very memorable armour.... Definitely weird, occasionally great, but continuously fun, and yes, I really do love it.Matt Easton is a HEMA fight instructor and Alexander Holloway teaches screen and stage combat, so between the three of us we have plenty to say, but do they love it as much as me? If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comMatt can be found here youtube.com/channel/UCt14YOvYhd5FCGCwcjhrOdAAlexander can be found here http://nzstageandscreencombatschool.com
Crazy War darts Nailed it! Tods Workshop 2022-02-02 | I have a 'thing' about war darts - I love them and find them fascinating. So imagine how interested I was to find a drawing from 1433 by Mariano Taccola of a different kind of war dart.Then imagine how annoyed I was to find that I couldn't throw them.Now imagine how thrilled I am to have worked out how they work and that they are awesome!!!!The first film on these darts is here youtu.be/ju6DZgAAezUIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Reproducing Cromwells sword Tods Workshop 2022-01-27 | Oliver Cromwell was an extraordinary man in British history; controversial? Abosolutely; but undoubtedly extraordinary . Rising from fairly ordinary beginnings he became ruler of Britain as ‘Lord Protector’ in just a few years during the English Civil wars of the 1640’s and 50’s. I now have the privilege of reproducing one of his swords as closely as possible.The film talks about the sword, the man and how I plan to reproduce it. The forms and sizes of the hilt will be recorded using a technique called photogrammetry, this will be tidied up with 3d sculpting software in virtual reality, 3d printed to create a form and then the details will be hand sculpted onto the forms and then the investment casting process will be used to create fully detailed castings of the hilt. Oliver Cromwells story is complex and the times and causes were complex and of course our interpretation of the morals and practices of the time are seen through a lens looking back 400 years. Both he and his story and especially his role in Ireland still cause heated debates, but nothing is simple, so if you want a truly balanced view, visit the extraordinary Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon. Stuart Orme the curator very kindly took part in this film and more particularly gave me access to the sword with the aim of reproducing it and once I have done so, the plan is to bring it back in for a later film, so watch out for that in a few months. For every sword I do eventually reproduce, I will be making a donation to the museum.The Cromwell museum can be found here cromwellmuseum.orgTheir You tube channel can be found here youtube.com/c/CromwellMuseum and a much longer version of this film will be going up there in due course.If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine. Production replica weapons are available here todcutler.com And T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.com Custom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Trebuchet. EPIC FAIL? Not yet...... Tods Workshop 2022-01-21 | I started this film meaning to tune my trebuchet to make it throw to the best of its potential - instead I saw how dangerous it really is and how close it must be to self destruction. I also test a camera dart with mixed results and what would have been the death of another GoPro....So now I have to extend the arm to try and save my machine.If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
REALLY weird war darts Tods Workshop 2022-01-17 | I have a 'thing' about war darts - I love them and find them fascinating. So imagine how interested I was to find a drawing from 1433 of a different kind of war dart.The drawing comes from 'De Ingenesis' by Mariano Taccola and shows a throwing stick with a cord and a fletched dart that has the fletchings halfway down the shaft - altogether really weird.So I make them, I throw them and I love/hate them!!!! If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Weird weapons shield darts Tods Workshop 2022-01-07 | Weird Weapons continues and this time with something very weird indeed - 5 throwing darts built into a shield and based on pictures from a 1433 manuscript by Mariano Taccola.As ever Matt Easton from Schola Gladiatoria has come to share his thoughts; so we talk about them, think about them and then of course use them!If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps, as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com I have made two films on the fletched javelins previously youtu.be/cJotBsrqbwI and here youtu.be/lLx0ZRqHYPIMatt Easton can be found here youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoria
Trebuchet: Improvements - and now it is ready!!! Tods Workshop 2021-12-29 | I made a trebuchet for a computer game launch and it wasn't quite like I would have made it for myself; they gave it to me afterwards so I needed to improve it. This film is about those changes.The film is a bit detailed and a bit talky, but from now on I will be throwing more and talking less, so here we go!We have a great new Trebushirt available here todsworkshop.creator-spring.com/listing/trebuchet-tee?product=389If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine.Production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comJem Stansfield is an extraordinary engineer particularly talented on anything kinetic and is available for consultation jem_stansfield@hotmail.comDaniel Bertrand and his trebuchet can be found here youtube.com/channel/UCXIB2SLLkMPzr6BjajJe_DATom Stanton and his channel can be found here youtube.com/c/TomStantonEngineeringTrebuchet stats for this filmArm tip to pivot 3.6mArm pivot to counterweight pivot 1.25mCounterweight pivot to centre of mass of counterweight 1.25mGround to arm pivot 3.2mWidth of trebuchet 3.8mLength of trebuchet 6.1mCounterweight 420kgSling length 3mProjectile weight 6.1-6.8kg Range circa 135m
Swords, Stunts and Sparring! Tods Workshop 2021-12-22 | I make both real and prop swords. Matt Easton teaches and practices historic fighting methods. Alexander Holloway teaches stage and screen fighting and works as a stunt fighter. Put three of us in one place and we have a lot to talk about and demonstrate......After a quick introduction Matt shows how he would enter a fight and end it quickly; Alexander shows how he would make the same situation look cool as heck for film.And just for the record; I loved making this film!!!!If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comMatt Easton and Schola Gladiatoria youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoriaAlexander Holloway and the New Zealand Stage and Screen Combat School nzstageandscreencombatschool.com
Bushcraft crossbow bolts and arrows Tods Workshop 2021-12-16 | For years I have wondered if I could make a survival bushcraft crossbow using just a knife and the hedges around my field; with the release of the new Tod Cutler bushcraft knives it seemed like the perfect moment to find out. The first film shows you exactly how I made this (rather ugly) crossbow using only my knives.https://youtu.be/ViQF11GPhtIIn this film I explain how to think about the bolts. what the parts do and how to make them work together, giving you the mental tools needed to make bolts out of whatever you can find. It is really simple to make bolts that work well - you just have to understand them.Tod Cutler bushcraft knives can be found here todcutler.comIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
SWORDBREAKER - IN ACTION Tods Workshop 2021-12-10 | In the spirit of "weird weapons", In the first of two films, I decided to surprise Matt Easton with a 'sword breaker'. They were rare and we don't know much about them - but most importantly how were they used and what were they for?In this episode we look at two rapier fighters, one armed with the sword breaker and discover a bit more about them.........and get more confused.Part 1 of 'Weird Medieval Weapons - Sword Breaker" can be found here youtu.be/ibtU6E7Q-CwI have looked at this before (without Matt but with Hobb), and my first video can be found here youtu.be/jr8tSuMyGOIIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comSchola Gladiatoria. youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoria
Towton: Bows, wind and distance Tods Workshop 2021-12-06 | In 1461 at The Battle of Towton, a decisive victory was won by the Yorkists by using a gale to their advantage to carry their arrows much further than their enemies - great story, but could it be true?Clearly a strong wind will make a difference, but by how much? I take my bow and shoot one particularly windy morning to find out.You will find the first Lock Down Longbow vid here - where it all began youtu.be/l9vWXVbvOas. and the playlist here youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIUWkznLJcsHEqN0d2iei8iHo7Dcr99GvMy vid about elevation is here youtu.be/J51zzPQTCpsIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comYou are interested in battlefield archaeology, Towton or indeed just want to be reminded just how very grim and not at all glamorous a medieval battle was, have a look at "Blood Red Roses" 978-1842170250You can find Joe Gibbs and his shooting here youtube.com/user/Joe8GibbsWill Sherman and his arrows are available here medievalarrows.co.uk
An Armful of Daggers! Tods Workshop 2021-12-03 | Over the years of making historical replicas I have learnt so much; both about the pieces and how to make them and I have forgotten just as much, but this is a walk through and talk through of a whole bundle of them. Every dagger has something about it that is worth talking about and that is what this film is about. Depending when you watch this video, some of these pieces may still be available here todsworkshop.com/collections/in-stock-historical-swords-daggers-crossbowsIf you would like to support this channel, buying stuff on my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fine, but both is better!Excellent replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch, see below the video on todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com"The First book of Fashion" ISBN 978-0-85785-768-2What colours can you dye leather and with what? http://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=36473&highlight=leather+color+colourPortable antiquities scheme finds.org.ukThe inscription I forgot was "The right hand of God makes wonder"
Feasting daggers - A Tod Cutler advertorial! Tods Workshop 2021-11-25 | Popular myth and especially Hollywood believes with a passion that everyone in medieval times, ate with their daggers and threw food over their shoulders and out of this misconception 'Feasting Daggers' were born. Table etiquette did exist though and clean hands and utensils were part of that; and no daggers!So, as far as I know, Feasting daggers never existed (please correct me if I am wrong), but, Tod Cutler does sell all manner of daggers and table knives and there is 15% off until December 5th 2021, across the site, not just daggers and I don't care what you call them. todcutler.comSo if you want to carve your Turkey with a rondel dagger this Christmas and tell everyone it is a feasting dagger - you go for it! If you would like to support this channel, buying stuff on my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineExcellent replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch, see below the video on todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
SWORD BREAKER Tods Workshop 2021-11-23 | In the spirit of "weird weapons", I decided to surprise Matt Easton with a 'sword breaker'. Yes I know it is not medieval, but in fact Renaissance, and some of you will think it is not that weird as most of us have seen them, but make no mistake about it, they were rare - but more importantly how were they used and what were they for?We look at this example, chat about it, mess with it and will be coming back for a sparring video in a 'part 2'I have looked at this before, but Matts opinions and thoughts are always worth listening to, but my first video can be found here youtu.be/jr8tSuMyGOIIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comSchola Gladiatoria. youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoriaP.S. if you say "They were for breaking the attack of an opponent" or similar, can you list the source as I would love information about them from the time.
So... I HAVE A TREBUCHET Tods Workshop 2021-11-19 | In this episode of "I have a Trebuchet" I start the process of tuning and improving the machine to take it from "TV works" to "Really works". And of course we throw some stuff! Pumpkins, GoPros, Bowling balls and.... well, watch it and find out!I was commissioned by Xbox to make and operate a trebuchet for a film celebrating the launch of their new game Age of Empires IV and it is now mine!What???? Simple really, they wanted one, I built it, they paid me and then needed to dispose of it after the film; I simply helped with all stages of the problem............and here it is and Nearly ready for flinging. I had to make some design choices for the original film that I would not have made if I was just building it for myself so I have to go back and make those changes before I can really start to use it.It goes without saying I have always wanted to build one and discover all about them and this is a perfect opportunity to do just that, so over the next few months I plan to tune it and shoot it - a lot. Understand it, explain it and film it all. If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comThe original launch event film is here youtu.be/PDjIebYvsJ0
WEIRD MEDIEVAL WEAPONS - POLEAXE, SWORD HAMMER THING - PT2 Tods Workshop 2021-11-12 | In the first film about this weapon youtu.be/XyLA2O1ytXU Matt Easton and I discuss it and use it.In this film Matt and Friends spar with it and Matt and I watch the action.Many thanks to Tempus Fugitives for the Axe components (then grossly modified for this by me) tempusswords.co.ukIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comLockdown longbow and brigandines youtu.be/DCf-CnjbWcgSchola Gladiatoria can be found here youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoria
My new Trebuchet!! Tods Workshop 2021-10-31 | I was commissioned by Xbox to make and operate a trebuchet for a film celebrating the launch of their new game Age of Empires IV and it is now mine!What???? Simple really, they wanted one, I built it, they paid me and then needed to dispose of it after the film; I simply helped with all stages of the problem............and here it is and ready for flinging.It goes without saying I have always wanted to build one and discover all about them and this is a perfect opportunity to do just that, so over the next few months I plan to tune it and shoot it - a lot. Understand it, explain it and film it all. I want to look at how they work, tuning and aiming, accuracy large projectiles, multiples, weird loads, incendiaries and who knows what else. Anything you want to see?If you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comThe original launch event film is here youtu.be/PDjIebYvsJ0
BUSH CRAFT 2 weeks later Tods Workshop 2021-10-18 | For years I have wondered if I could make a survival bushcraft crossbow using just a knife and the hedges around my field; with the release of the new Tod Cutler bushcraft knives it seemed like the perfect moment to find out. It turns out I can make a crossbow using only my knives and this film shows you exactly how I made this (rather ugly) crossbow using only my knives.Because the wood had been cut a few hours before shooting it carries a lot of water and therefore weight, and that stops it working really well......so what happens two weeks later?Tod Cutler bushcraft knives can be found here todcutler.comIf you want to watch the 'making' film you can find it here youtu.be/ViQF11GPhtIIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
Bush Craft survival crossbow Tods Workshop 2021-10-15 | For years I have wondered if I could make a survival bushcraft crossbow using just a knife and the hedges around my field; with the release of the new Tod Cutler bushcraft knives it seemed like the perfect moment to find out. The film shows you exactly how I made this (rather ugly) crossbow using only my knives.Tod Cutler bushcraft knives can be found here todcutler.comIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.com
WEIRD WEAPONS 2 - Swordhammer? Polesword? Tods Workshop 2021-10-10 | The "Weird Weapons" series continues with Matt Easton and a 'sword axe', pole axe or whatever you want to call it from The British Museum.What is this thing? The simple answer is 'for hitting people', but there are lots of things we don't know about this very rare weapon type, so Matt (who really knows how to use weapons) and I (who know how to make them) chat about it, use it and hit things with it. We don't even really know when it was from; the British Museum piece is dated 1649-53 - But was it? - Royal Armouries date their version with a 300 year spread from 1400-1700.We will come back for a second film with sparring versions.The first 'Weird Weapon' film can be found here youtu.be/MpIPX30v62cIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comLockdown longbow and brigandines youtu.be/DCf-CnjbWcgSchola Gladiatoria can be found here youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoriaBrigandine sample by ASH armour-services-historical.co.uk
LAWN DARTS (Jarts) vs ROMAN PLUMBATA Tods Workshop 2021-10-01 | Lawn darts are legendary; sold under many names and famously as 'Jarts' in the US and they were a toy so dangerous they were outright banned in the US and controlled in various ways in Europe.Their parallels with the Ancient Roman Plumbata; flighted war darts is quite clear but how dangerous are 'Lawn Darts'?I recruited a band of 1970's reenactors (yes they really do exist) and threw some darts about......Many thanks to the 1970's camping reenactors of Kentwell Hall, Daddy two and daughter two and the 'geniuses' who thought they could tame a lethal weapon and give it to children. Throwing plumbata in every way I could think of youtu.be/vNlgb79A4mMIf you are interested in historic weapons sign up to my news letter on the home page of my sites.Custom work from https://todsworkshop.comBudget production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comKentwell Hall is where my reenacting started and the reason that I make medieval weaponry now - a very special place to me and thanks for letting me film kentwell.co.uk
Another Weird Weapon Coming Soon... But what do YOU want to see? Tods Workshop 2021-09-24 | The Medieval and Renaissance world was a time of experimentation and discovery and of course warfare. This lead to some unusual weapons being used and I decided to investigate some of these with Matt Easton. Basically he can use them and I can make them - a perfect combination (and he also happens to be a great guy).On a museum trip to London, I saw this (currently secret) weapon and thought it perfect for the next film so this is a just a teaser to say "More weird weapons are coming soon".Matt Easton is a massively accomplished European Martial Arts practitioner and instructor and I make Medieval weapons so if there is something that has interested you or is just plain mad/weird/odd/wft???? let us know.Original flail film youtu.be/MpIPX30v62cIf you would like to support this channel, visiting my sites really helps as does signing up to the news letter on the websites, either one is fineProduction replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comCustom pieces are available here todsworkshop.comSchola Gladiatoria. youtube.com/c/scholagladiatoria
The BEST power hammer ever! Tods Workshop 2021-09-20 | Power hammers are large and powerful that rapidly deliver massive blows for forging hot metal and have been the workhorse of the smithing industry for hundreds of years, and operate using a few different principles.In this film I show you a very special Massey power hammer from around 100 years ago and I have never seen anything like it - truly fantastic.If you are interested in historic weapons sign up to my news letter on the home page of my sites.Custom work from https://todsworkshop.comBudget production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comMassey forging can be found here http://www.masseyforging.com/home.htmOwen Bush and Bushfire forge can be found here owenbush.co.uk
Knight Vision - SHOT IN THE FACE with arrows Tods Workshop 2021-09-13 | If bows are your thing, one of 'those questions' would be what would it look like to get shot at by a body of archers? Well to some extent this may answer that.I was on a reenactment at Kentwell Hall with a load of friends so we got the bows and the cameras out and filmed 10 archers shooting at a helmet. Sorry about the quality from inside the helmet, but hopefully it gives you a flavour.My interpretation is that you would have enough time to know that trouble was swiftly coming, but not enough time to know which one the lethal arrow was going to be.Thanks for taking part guys.If you are interested in historic weapons sign up to my news letter on the home page of my sites.Custom work from https://todsworkshop.comBudget production replica weapons are available here https://todcutler.comAnd T shirts and Merch todsworkshop.creator-spring.comKentwell Hall is where my reenacting started and the reason that I make medieval weaponry now - a very special place to me and thanks for letting me film kentwell.co.uk
