@lindybeige i just meant if you could bring up any illustration of how they might have worn the sword and drawn it in the anglo saxon times due to that issue
@Th3UprightMan I approve 99.2% of them. By requiring them to be approved, new ones are brought to my attention, which means that I can reply to them, and do so quickly, which would otherwise not happen. The main reason for non-approval is when one commenter is very rude to another, even if that other was attacking me. I want people to feel that they can comment without being insulted for it.
the whole "Sword on opposite side of the drawing hand" stuff is for a few reasons. FIrstly, if you do that you wont elbow the person behind you in formation, and so you can swing the sword while drawing it.
@MrBlah15000 There is no risk of elbowing the man behind me when I draw from my right hip. My elbow goes forwards, I invert my hand, then my elbow goes up.
Seems to me, if Your wearing the sword and for whatever reason you have to run from A to B.(and lets face it if Your a warrior in a military campaign, Your gonna have to run from time to time) You'd want to hold the handle of the sword to stop it flapping about, I'd rather wear it on the left in this case to keep my right arm free for e.g swinging back and forth engaging in said running.
This is completely circumstantial. It's not generally better to draw it on the right side, it's just better in certain circumstances. It's also very much depending on where the soldier was trained, not simply which is better.
You made the 'whssshit' noise that was to signify a 'shhhhing' noise. Fail,considering your first point video about drawing swords was basically ranting about how they do NOT make that noise. XD I love you man.
Great vid you are selling me on the idea that you are the leading authority on weapons of the pre-gunpowder world. Shield handles: check. Sword use: check. What really got me was the throwing axe vid. I am a fan. Thanks for being you.
If you even feel like another sword drawing video, I'd like to see you talk about the typical, very dramatic, "whipping-it-out" movement used in movies and things. Is that really the most efficient way to draw a sword? Like with pistols in a cross-draw holster, so many people have this bizarre notion that you're legally required to whip the gun around in a half-circle, riddling everything to your left with bullets. I really doubt that whipping the thing around is best, for swords or pistols.
I've also seen pictures where knights wore their swords in the middle. At the front. No idea if that's really convenient. Might have been done merely for aesthetics reasons.
You make a pretty good case for wearing an arming sword on the right for shield or mounted combat. I can't imagine this works well for longswords (two-handed, well over a meter in length), though. But I'll give it a try.
@lindybeige I can't understand how you stab someone when drawing a sword from your right hip if you have a shield. Just wait til you actually have the sword fully drawn, a shield gives you plenty time, or don't go into battle without a sword drawn. It makes a lot more sense to draw a sword from the left hip if attacked without a shield(not everyone always has one lying around(or with them)) especially if you have chain mail under your clothes.
@deathsminion25 If you're a professional soldier and don't have a shield while wearing chain mail only, you're pretty much an idiot. And what are you doing without a shield and your sword sheathed when in combat? You're going to get fired if you manage to survive.
Thanks for making this video, I'm ashamed to say I never thought about drawing it from the right. My arms are a little short and I've always had trouble reaching across to draw, but last time I went to a sparring session I wore my metal trainer on my right( a replica of a norman sword) and I was able to draw it faster than my training partners. Feel like an idiot never figuring this out.
The distinction betwenn long sword and longsword has been made quite often, but still people do not seem to agree on what is what. In german, the term "Langschwert" refers to a long, one handed sword. Just a long piece of sword really, as opposed to a short-bladed sword. The term "Langes Schwert" on the other hand refers to the mainly two-handed, very long weapon, as described in the fencing manuals of thahofer, danzig, ringeck, etc.
On drawing the sword with a shield on the left hip, the trick is to draw th1 sword across your body, so that the flat side of the sword runs across your belly (or parallel to, so to avoid injury). The only problem is the it causes the scabbard to stick out, and could hit the guy to the left, but that really is only a problem in a dense formation, but when on your own, or in a loose formation it works rather well. You just need to get use to it.
@deathsminion25 Yes, and from the right hip. From the right hip you can draw and stab to the right, and you you can draw and stab forwards while holding a shield. Such techniques, though, are not much use in large battles. There is a convention in wild west films that people cannot draw their pistols until immediately before shooting them. I doubt this was adhered to in reality.
@whowantsabighug No, that is a Norse/Viking/Saxon sword. There is no need to call it a longsword because it is not longer than other swords of the period. A REAL longsword is more commonly known as a bastard sword (or a hand-and-a-half sword). The term "longsword" has somehow attached itself to every sword that is longer than a short sword, which bugs the hell out of me.
@StormchaserKnight I think we have distinguish here between longsword and long sword. Whereas a longsword might be a specific style of sword, a long sword is any sword that is long as opposed to short. My apologies for ambiguity.
@Halofreakanoid You're right. But truth to be told, most people think of the generic 1,5-handed (you know, usable with one and two hands) western European sword, the longsword. It's called a longsword, because it is a long sword, but of course, not all long swords were longswords. I think a rapier is quite long, for example.
I can draw my bastard sword from my right side with my right hand and after testing it a bit it feels like its the most practical and fastest way to get it in action.
And i think that from horseback drawing it from the right woud be the only way that woud actually be easy and practical.
Just out of curiosity I tried this trick with a 15century-style two-handed sword. You know these things, long and slender, kind of Oakeshott-XVIIIb-ish...the blade alone measures more than 3 feet in length (which I estimate is roughly the entire length of your Dark Age sword). It was pretty easy to draw even a sword that long from my right hip and as opposed to you I do NOT have particularly long arms.
I have just got myself a new Saxon broadsword, so I tried drawing it from my right hip and managed to hit myself in the nose with it. That's not cool!
I did just try out left hip drawing with my roundshield and it wasn't really an issue at all. If I was facing the shield there was no room but if you stand diagonally or side on (as I'm sure they would have done in the shield wall, until the moment of impact when everyone was flattened against everyone else) there's plenty of room and it really isn't an isse. Drawing from right hip wasn't an issue either, but I found that getting the sword back in the scabbard is a real pain in the arse.
I am making a videogame containing some swordfightery, and am tempted to take a few lessons from you sound effects wise and character design wise.
So, where would one wear one's 17th century rapier were one left handed,
what sort of scabbard (if any) would it sit in (meaning what is the sound your ears would like to hear after "en garde"), and is this a likely weapon at all for a french capitaine de frégate?
@revesvans I think most 17th C rapiers were worn on the left hip, but for a left hander I'm not sure. It was a gentleman's personal side-arm, and I suppose that he would wear it wherever he pleased. Left handedness is an advantage in fencing, so he might want to advertise the fact. Yes, it would be in a scabbard, possibly a fancy one. It wouldn't make much noise.
Out of curiosity, are you able to draw a katana in the same fashion you drew the longsword/arming sword? That is, from the right hip and with thumb downwards and palm facing away from you?
(Also, if you don't mind answering, how long are the blades and hilt of your arming sword and katana?)
@ShadowForge762 The Saxon sword is 34" long (6" hilt + 28" blade). The katana is a bit longer, but I'm sure I'd have no trouble drawing it from my right hip.
@lindybeige Great videos, quite funny and informative.
In response to this statement, I'd like to point out that while a katana *can* be drawn from the right hip, it unfortunately makes most all of the traditional Iai combat kata impossible to perform. Samurai would have drawn the sword quickly, using the left hand to twist the scabbord and confuse the opponent as to the direction of attack, draw the sword and cut all in one motion that takes less than a 5th of a second.
I feel like such an idiot. I totally didn't think about a lot of those. I'm glad I saw this to improve the quality of my writing stories. Thanks for this. (And now, I feel stupid.)
I've always used swords on my left hip, and one thing I noticed is that when stanging sideways (so you'd be perpendicular to the shield), like the "barbaric" peoples would have done because they wouldn't worry about formations, you can draw the sword easly, easier (in my mind at least) then on the right hip. Also, just to specify, I'm using a bastard sword 47in long (36.75in blade) without using a sheath.
@legendsofgrine Without a scabbard? I take it that the sword is either blunt or all your friends are very tolerant of cut knees and shredded trousers.
@lindybeige Right now it is blunt. I most don't use the scabbard because it a movie-replica sword, so the scabbard is metal so it goes "SHING!" when I draw it, as well as not helping the dull blade point.
do that, with the scabbard on the shoulder! and downwards! go the full 9 yards and make the ninja katana face downards from your earlier video! that's what I want to see ;D if you have (sorry), I'll know soon enough, I'm watching your vids from beginning to end pretty much that solves the crawling and the drawing thing
also, think about how rifles are slung, swords would be similar
the sword worn on the left hip gives you a block when drawn. but your right when used with a sheild it is easier to pull from the right hip. unless you extend the shield out from your body a bit
@pancakesnowmobile :P soz not responding to ya just addint another comment lol i can draw a 41 inch sword from my right hip so its possible for it to be longer then 18 inches yes i cant w8 for some 1 to tell me its impossible so i can prove them wrong >:D
A word to the author, if I may. Sir, with all due respect where I come from long sword = hand and a half (=bastard), which certainly isn't the case of the blade you're displaying in the movie, and which is probably the main cause of your misunderstanding with the authors' writings. I do own a few blades, and despite being 6ft5inches tall I can only draw my 37 inch bladed longsword from the right if I use a reverse grip on the hilt.
@stridingshadow That's right - you reach over the pommel and have the back of your hand next to your body, and the thumb at the bottom. The 'longsword' refers to the war sword of the later medieval knight, used without a shield, and sometimes called bastard or hand-and-a-half. It is longer than a normal one-handed full-length sword, which is about three feet. I am certainly not talking about short swords.
@lindybeige Then maybe you could refer to them as arming swords, or Oakeshott Type X/XI/XII, that could help you deal with a misunderstanding or two. BTW: I just watched your Katana video, you did a good job on that one.
@lindybeige I think stridingshadow means that the authors mean are longer sword, there is the bastard sword that is longer than a normal one, the long sword that is longer than the bastard and there is still a longer type that is almost as long as the Claymore, that last one is the one most likely that he means the authors meant
@lindybeige Out of curiosity, are you able to draw a katana in the same fashion you drew the longsword/arming sword? That is, from the right hip and with thumb downwards and palm facing away from you?
(Also, if you don't mind answering, how long are the blades and hilt of your arming sword and katana?)
@stridingshadow I've got a 45 inch medieval waster (wooden practice sword) and I have no trouble drawing it from the right with a standard grip. I am considerably shorter than you (in the 5' 6" range), which means you must be doing something wrong. I am guessing you are grabbing near the pommel instead of down by the handguard. That or you have really tiny arms.
but having the swor on the left side does not necessarily keep you open...wouldnt it be easier to jus put the shield in front of you and draw the blade while the shield is in front of you?
@lindybeige but what if your sword was already in your hand before you loose your shield???? (not complaining just want to know where to put my sword at!)
It is impossible to draw from the right side if the sword is any higher than the second position you showed.. well atleast it is for me, and with a 15th century longsword thats about 48 inches long.
Also, have you ever noticed how hard it is to draw a spear from it's scabbard if it is suspended on the left thigh? Also quite hard to walk that way, one gets rather a silly walk - without government grant for developing it.
One more point: While travelling the shield would have been on the back. So when ambushed, you'd need to draw both shield and sword across, if the sword hang on the left. Pretty awkward.
I've tried this and can tell for a fact: the time it takes to fire an arrow at 30 yards is more than it takes to grab the shield hanging on the left shoulder and draw a sword from the right hip.
I love your analysis. In fact a lot of uhm archaäologers would do well to do the kind of research and reasoning you employ. Of course they could also just ask you.
Hve you ever considered writing a bokk of your own on these matters?
While it might not make the bestseller lists (sigh) I am pretty sure that there are people out there who would appreciate it.
there is another way that you hadnt mentioned in the video. you could in fact draw a sword from your left hip with your right hand with a shield if you were to use a reverse grip (grabbing the sword in your hand facing down) and then simply flipping it upwards with your hand
I have wondered if the gladius was actually drawn downwards. The scabbard is set high on the right, catching the hilt and moving the hand down and back pivots the scabbard tip upwards and frees the (short) sword which is then ideally placed for stabbing. The local Tesco appears to have sold out of gladii and shields so I have been unable to test this.( It is however still rich in barbarians)
i always was shown that despite the type of sword or the area its from, the reason for placing it on your left hip is that when you whip it out, it acts as an opening strike in which you slash across your opponents abs when you bring it to the right
How do you do this when you are carrying a shield? You'd have to open yourself up. There is a difference between battles and everyday use. In a battle, you are seldom ambushed from within sword reach, and you'd have your shield. A nice feint with two free hands is to move as if to draw across your body, but then draw with the other hands and thrust the other way. This is only useful if faced with more than one opponent.
@lindybeige that would actaully depend on if you are carrying a shield at all. in some situations certain individuals did not have shields at all. i know thats the case with the katana, in fact its one of the moves they teach you in classes for it
"Stop doing that, it's impossible!' Hm. Another point would be, even though it is possible to draw a sword from your left hip from behind a shield if the scabbard can move relatively freely, if you did so while in formation, you would smack the guy to your left firmly in the butt with the scabbard, and he might not appreciate that too much. He would need to step forward for you to pivot the scabbard enough to actually clear your shield, which is obviously not a bright idea while in a formation.
I always thought that the reason for having your sword on your left hip if right handed was so that you could swing your hip back and draw your sword with your right hand, allowing you to get a wide, quick slash across. Any thoughts?
You flatter me. I have several more views, actually, but finding the time to make videos is not always easy. I made ten videos in one day this summer when the light was excellent. Making videos in the harsh low winter sun of Newcastle is sub-optimal, but I shall try to find a way...
Well that comment was somewhat ironic. I know why you do not have more views, but I am glad you haven't sold out by interspersing clips of laughing babies and people hurting themselves. Do you know anything about plate armor? I'd love to see a video about that.
I think it was just easier to have their swords on the opposite hip as their hand. And that point you made with the shield is defenatly valid. I think if I had a shield, ill sling my sword on the right hip, but if I didnt, id sling it on the left.
Surely in a dense infantry formation with shields any sword would be best drawn from the right, but any soldier that was not in such a formation loses most of his reason to draw from the right doesn't he? Perhaps I am mistaken, but I believe we have the convention of mounting horses from the left side because the scabbard hung from the left hip of mounted knights and other cavalry, particularly those who had a polearm.
There are several good reason to mount from the left. One is that everyone rides on the left side of the road, and so you start pointing the way you want to go. Another is that it is natural for a right-sided person to swing the right leg over.
No offense, but both your arguments are rather weak, are they not? war horses were trained to respond to pressure from the legs as often as reins, to give the enemy one less thing to grab at, cut up, or otherwise mess with. Also, drawing a sword above your reins isnt much of a problem at all. put the reins in your left hand and reach over with your right. drawing behind a shield is also very possible without turning your body. just push out your shield and reach under your left arm.
It is possible, yes, to keep your shield in front of you and draw a sword, but it is awkward. We know that many soldiers wore their swords on the right hip.
Hmm - I obviously should have posted my Ukrainian sabre anecdote here - about a tall Ukrainian cavalryman who lopped bits off his horse's left ear every time he drew his shashka from his left hip. Oh well. If you like, I can go on to Chernobyl stories....
Really? What's the evidence for this? Sword fittings found on the right side of the body in inhumations? Vase paintings? The famous warrior vase doesn't seem to show scabbards at all.
I've always known that it was possible to draw a sword from your right hip while right handed, but it always felt slightly uncomfortable to me. Is it just something you get used to?
It mostly depends on the length of the sword, honestly... but if you draw it with your sword hand reversed its much easier. (reversed meaning the point will be down when u pull it)
Another excellent video. What's your opinion on ancient cavalry sword carry? For example, some coins depict Celtic horsemen carrying longswords on the left. Might the horse's head/neck hinder a right side draw and explain left side wear?
I have seen depictions of Celtic horsemen drawing from the right, but I don't know on what these are based, but they were in an Osprey book, so presumably based on something.
Would you indulge me by experimenting with this when it is convenient? I'd do it myself, but my only sword has no scabbard. I don't mean of course that you go find a horse that will let you draw a sharp blade near its ears, but it might be done astride a barrel, a trash can or a large ball, etc.
Thanks for your two replies. I like that sword design. May I ask, how much did it cost to make the sword? Did you make the tip round for safety while re-enacting or where they designed that way?
I can't remember the costs exactly, but they were very low. Much of the metal was from a scrap metal yard. I think the whole thing well under £15 in materials.
The end is more rounded than a sharp sword, but these swords did not taper to a point like late medieval ones. They ended like a Norman arch.
The blade is sprung steel. I didn't hammer it out. Thick and thin sheets of brass for the hilt, with leather washers, brass rod rivets, wood carved into shape for the handle and middle parts of the pommel and quillons. Thonging wrapped around the handle for grip. Saws for cutting the metal needed, drills and files, a hammer for riveting, a vice held the rods while hammering a mushroom head onto the end. A punch for the decoration on the thin brass.
Thanks for your detailed reply. So if I get it right basically all I need is to find a huge piece of spring steel from an old truck, cut it to the desired shape with a saw, polish and sharpen it and then add the hilt made of those various materials? May I ask, what are the dimensions of your sword?
No, the left hand held the shield, the right hand held the sword. I'm just saying that sometimes they hung their swords on the right hip, not the left hip.
Samurai would step forward with their right foot before drawing their katana and slashing an opponents., they placed their scabards on their left side so that they wouldnt slash their leg..
just thought i might add a reason :) great informative video..
I know this is an old comment, but I find it too peculiar not to respond.
With the scabbard on the left side, one would step forward with the right foot when attacking to extend the right arm as far as possible... So if they had the scabbard on the right side, they wouldn't draw their right hand across the body and wouldn't risk slashing their leg anyway. If they DID still draw across the body, they'd move the left leg forward because they would hold the sword in their left hand... No?
another reason for having it on your right side is multiple weapons notice that in many times in history even by the Spartans Greeks Archers and more. they have many weapons so it just helps to have many places for a weapon to be look at the ninja they uses 3x as many as a foot solider and used bith sides and every part of there body they could hide stuff
Well, there are advantages to either. It really depends upon what position you are taking and what your fighting style is. For someone in a shield wall or acting as cavalry, you'd want it under your preferred hand. If you are merely strolling about or are carrying a small shield, you might want it across from your favored hand, as when you draw it, it acts as an attack and could slash an oncoming opponent.
that is not what the video shows. you have to draw it straight up first, which is pretty awkward. it ismuch faster to repel an attack with a draw from the left. furthermore, many types of armor inhibit or completely prevent shoulder movement straight up making drawing a longsword from the right impractical. another pint with regards to cavalry is that when on horseback, your legs are bowed out to the side, meaning the scabbard would not fall straight down but out to the side. again its awkward.
I find I can draw straight into a thrust from my right hip without trouble. On horseback the scabbard is suspended at an angle closer to horizontal. I've never known armour that prevented a right-hip draw. Roman lorica segmentata would perhaps be the most restricting kind of armour, and we know for sure that they had a right-handed draw. I'd not want to go into battle with armour as restricting as types you suggested were used.
aren't long swords meant for slashing, not thrusting? plus, a slash is defensive, a thrust isn't. If its horizontal, you have the same problem - youre drawing it out, not up, and are limited by arm length. I would think that plate armor with large pauldrons would be fairly restictive and require more effort. Also, if you have a long scabbard on the same side as your sword arm, it would get in the way. if there was a good reason for a right handed draw with long swords they would have done it.
Yes, I think most late medieval long swords were drawn from the left hip. They weren't using shields much by then anyway. Of all swords in the past, though, this is a small category. I'm just pointing out in this video that a right-hip suspension is perfectly feasible and was used by some. Both thrusts and slashes can be offensive or defensive.
anychance you could illustrate the anglo saxon way of drawing a sword?
im quite confused since some text say of them wearing it across their chest
Arwyroe 1 month ago in playlist More videos from lindybeige
@Arwyroe Possibly this refers to the use of a baldric.
lindybeige 1 month ago
@lindybeige i just meant if you could bring up any illustration of how they might have worn the sword and drawn it in the anglo saxon times due to that issue
Arwyroe 1 month ago
Your, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.
...though my admiration is now lessened somewhat as I see the comments are vetted before they're shown. FOR SHAME!
Th3UprightMan 1 month ago
@Th3UprightMan I approve 99.2% of them. By requiring them to be approved, new ones are brought to my attention, which means that I can reply to them, and do so quickly, which would otherwise not happen. The main reason for non-approval is when one commenter is very rude to another, even if that other was attacking me. I want people to feel that they can comment without being insulted for it.
lindybeige 1 month ago 2
could a roman helmet stop an arrow ?
EphraimRodrigez 1 month ago
@EphraimRodrigez It could, yes, but not perfectly reliably.
lindybeige 1 month ago
the whole "Sword on opposite side of the drawing hand" stuff is for a few reasons. FIrstly, if you do that you wont elbow the person behind you in formation, and so you can swing the sword while drawing it.
MrBlah15000 1 month ago
@MrBlah15000 There is no risk of elbowing the man behind me when I draw from my right hip. My elbow goes forwards, I invert my hand, then my elbow goes up.
lindybeige 1 month ago
@MrBlah15000 I think if you're in a situation where you need to swing the sword and you don't have it drawn yet.. you're already dead.
Ryfasol 2 weeks ago
Seems to me, if Your wearing the sword and for whatever reason you have to run from A to B.(and lets face it if Your a warrior in a military campaign, Your gonna have to run from time to time) You'd want to hold the handle of the sword to stop it flapping about, I'd rather wear it on the left in this case to keep my right arm free for e.g swinging back and forth engaging in said running.
mcbrideless 2 months ago
@mcbrideless Your shield is in your left hand.
lindybeige 2 months ago
This is completely circumstantial. It's not generally better to draw it on the right side, it's just better in certain circumstances. It's also very much depending on where the soldier was trained, not simply which is better.
DrSulfurious 3 months ago
@DrSulfurious My contention is merely that it is perfectly possible.
lindybeige 3 months ago
what about a two handed 47" long swprd
HairEBallzack 3 months ago
@HairEBallzack Not a weapon designed for a quick draw!
lindybeige 3 months ago
You made the 'whssshit' noise that was to signify a 'shhhhing' noise. Fail,considering your first point video about drawing swords was basically ranting about how they do NOT make that noise. XD I love you man.
regiroiseel 3 months ago
of course if your left handed, it makes more sense the opposite way.
kankunation13 3 months ago
Great vid you are selling me on the idea that you are the leading authority on weapons of the pre-gunpowder world. Shield handles: check. Sword use: check. What really got me was the throwing axe vid. I am a fan. Thanks for being you.
lebarosky 3 months ago
Nice video, i had thought it to be impossible to draw from the left as well, until i saw this little gem of a video here :)
TheAzuremight 3 months ago
If you even feel like another sword drawing video, I'd like to see you talk about the typical, very dramatic, "whipping-it-out" movement used in movies and things. Is that really the most efficient way to draw a sword? Like with pistols in a cross-draw holster, so many people have this bizarre notion that you're legally required to whip the gun around in a half-circle, riddling everything to your left with bullets. I really doubt that whipping the thing around is best, for swords or pistols.
arrkhal 4 months ago
I've also seen pictures where knights wore their swords in the middle. At the front. No idea if that's really convenient. Might have been done merely for aesthetics reasons.
You make a pretty good case for wearing an arming sword on the right for shield or mounted combat. I can't imagine this works well for longswords (two-handed, well over a meter in length), though. But I'll give it a try.
mcvos 4 months ago
I think my sarcasm-o-meter just blew up
MatteV2 4 months ago
@lindybeige I can't understand how you stab someone when drawing a sword from your right hip if you have a shield. Just wait til you actually have the sword fully drawn, a shield gives you plenty time, or don't go into battle without a sword drawn. It makes a lot more sense to draw a sword from the left hip if attacked without a shield(not everyone always has one lying around(or with them)) especially if you have chain mail under your clothes.
deathsminion25 5 months ago
@deathsminion25 If you're a professional soldier and don't have a shield while wearing chain mail only, you're pretty much an idiot. And what are you doing without a shield and your sword sheathed when in combat? You're going to get fired if you manage to survive.
Nardypants 4 months ago
Thanks for making this video, I'm ashamed to say I never thought about drawing it from the right. My arms are a little short and I've always had trouble reaching across to draw, but last time I went to a sparring session I wore my metal trainer on my right( a replica of a norman sword) and I was able to draw it faster than my training partners. Feel like an idiot never figuring this out.
wolfdragga 5 months ago
well, you are clearly not right. But i like the way you think so here is a like for you!
ShaggyLunchCake 6 months ago
awesome video!
BuFufilms 6 months ago
Please make a point about drawing two handed swords.
TheArtistOfKuroo 6 months ago
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
Dokph 7 months ago
Today I learned something on the internet.
I'm scared.
willfreedo 7 months ago 3
@willfreedo So quotable.
steamboat28 6 months ago
what witch craft is this that spits in the face of well educated people that write books.
LancePoint9 7 months ago 3
make point about medieval fencing manuals:D
TurboRatownik 7 months ago
The distinction betwenn long sword and longsword has been made quite often, but still people do not seem to agree on what is what. In german, the term "Langschwert" refers to a long, one handed sword. Just a long piece of sword really, as opposed to a short-bladed sword. The term "Langes Schwert" on the other hand refers to the mainly two-handed, very long weapon, as described in the fencing manuals of thahofer, danzig, ringeck, etc.
MoonfaceMartin88 7 months ago
On drawing the sword with a shield on the left hip, the trick is to draw th1 sword across your body, so that the flat side of the sword runs across your belly (or parallel to, so to avoid injury). The only problem is the it causes the scabbard to stick out, and could hit the guy to the left, but that really is only a problem in a dense formation, but when on your own, or in a loose formation it works rather well. You just need to get use to it.
legendsofgrine 8 months ago
What is that thing in the background below the collage?
whowantsabighug 8 months ago 10
@whowantsabighug That's me.
lindybeige 8 months ago 61
@lindybeige I really enjoy your videos
lewisgunner1 8 months ago
@lindybeige lol xD
SniperRulez89 7 months ago
@lindybeige i think he means the lounge thing :)
roosterofjustice 5 months ago
@lindybeige Drawing the sword from the left hip allows for an attack or parry on the draw.
deathsminion25 5 months ago
@deathsminion25 Yes, and from the right hip. From the right hip you can draw and stab to the right, and you you can draw and stab forwards while holding a shield. Such techniques, though, are not much use in large battles. There is a convention in wild west films that people cannot draw their pistols until immediately before shooting them. I doubt this was adhered to in reality.
lindybeige 5 months ago
Not a real longsword, I want to see if you can do it with a proper longsword, like a XVa. Like an albion Talhoffer.
EPU01 8 months ago
@EPU01 It's a celtic/dark-age/early medieval longsword, not a high medieval or renaissance longsword.
whowantsabighug 8 months ago
@whowantsabighug No, that is a Norse/Viking/Saxon sword. There is no need to call it a longsword because it is not longer than other swords of the period. A REAL longsword is more commonly known as a bastard sword (or a hand-and-a-half sword). The term "longsword" has somehow attached itself to every sword that is longer than a short sword, which bugs the hell out of me.
StormchaserKnight 8 months ago
@StormchaserKnight I think we have distinguish here between longsword and long sword. Whereas a longsword might be a specific style of sword, a long sword is any sword that is long as opposed to short. My apologies for ambiguity.
lindybeige 8 months ago
@EPU01 : Longsword is classified as being anything from 3-6 feet long. It's a very broad term.
Halofreakanoid 8 months ago
@Halofreakanoid You're right. But truth to be told, most people think of the generic 1,5-handed (you know, usable with one and two hands) western European sword, the longsword. It's called a longsword, because it is a long sword, but of course, not all long swords were longswords. I think a rapier is quite long, for example.
DiabolusIgnis 6 months ago
I will admit that this is something i have never thought about before. As soon as he mentioned the point about shields though it made sense.
Farseli 8 months ago
I can draw my bastard sword from my right side with my right hand and after testing it a bit it feels like its the most practical and fastest way to get it in action.
And i think that from horseback drawing it from the right woud be the only way that woud actually be easy and practical.
Rhonerin 9 months ago
My personal Instinct is simply "don't start a fight with your sword sheathed" :P I really enjoyed this video, thanks for posting.
Traith01 9 months ago
Just out of curiosity I tried this trick with a 15century-style two-handed sword. You know these things, long and slender, kind of Oakeshott-XVIIIb-ish...the blade alone measures more than 3 feet in length (which I estimate is roughly the entire length of your Dark Age sword). It was pretty easy to draw even a sword that long from my right hip and as opposed to you I do NOT have particularly long arms.
MrMartinito 9 months ago
I'd say that another reason to wear the sword on the right would be it is a faster draw. The quickest way from point to point is a straight line.
FutureUSMC12 10 months ago
I have just got myself a new Saxon broadsword, so I tried drawing it from my right hip and managed to hit myself in the nose with it. That's not cool!
666satanification666 10 months ago
* 2:29
PresidentDRCI 10 months ago
Is it just me, or does the sword make the "shhhing!" sound when he puts it back in the sheath with his shield? go to 2:31 and listen...
PresidentDRCI 10 months ago
@PresidentDRCI The noise you hear is made by my mouth.
lindybeige 10 months ago 2
@lindybeige no, right at 2:31, there's a sound effect, I'm sure of that. your mouth is in the middle of a sentence when it goes 'shhhing!"
PresidentDRCI 10 months ago
@PresidentDRCI At this point, I have already dropped the scabbard. The tiny sound is probably the blade scraping against the inside of the shield.
lindybeige 9 months ago
I did just try out left hip drawing with my roundshield and it wasn't really an issue at all. If I was facing the shield there was no room but if you stand diagonally or side on (as I'm sure they would have done in the shield wall, until the moment of impact when everyone was flattened against everyone else) there's plenty of room and it really isn't an isse. Drawing from right hip wasn't an issue either, but I found that getting the sword back in the scabbard is a real pain in the arse.
666satanification666 10 months ago
cool
brentontstumpf 11 months ago
I am making a videogame containing some swordfightery, and am tempted to take a few lessons from you sound effects wise and character design wise.
So, where would one wear one's 17th century rapier were one left handed,
what sort of scabbard (if any) would it sit in (meaning what is the sound your ears would like to hear after "en garde"), and is this a likely weapon at all for a french capitaine de frégate?
revesvans 1 year ago
@revesvans I think most 17th C rapiers were worn on the left hip, but for a left hander I'm not sure. It was a gentleman's personal side-arm, and I suppose that he would wear it wherever he pleased. Left handedness is an advantage in fencing, so he might want to advertise the fact. Yes, it would be in a scabbard, possibly a fancy one. It wouldn't make much noise.
lindybeige 1 year ago
Out of curiosity, are you able to draw a katana in the same fashion you drew the longsword/arming sword? That is, from the right hip and with thumb downwards and palm facing away from you?
(Also, if you don't mind answering, how long are the blades and hilt of your arming sword and katana?)
ShadowForge762 1 year ago
@ShadowForge762 The Saxon sword is 34" long (6" hilt + 28" blade). The katana is a bit longer, but I'm sure I'd have no trouble drawing it from my right hip.
lindybeige 1 year ago
@lindybeige Great videos, quite funny and informative.
In response to this statement, I'd like to point out that while a katana *can* be drawn from the right hip, it unfortunately makes most all of the traditional Iai combat kata impossible to perform. Samurai would have drawn the sword quickly, using the left hand to twist the scabbord and confuse the opponent as to the direction of attack, draw the sword and cut all in one motion that takes less than a 5th of a second.
onotadaki 1 year ago
I feel like such an idiot. I totally didn't think about a lot of those. I'm glad I saw this to improve the quality of my writing stories. Thanks for this. (And now, I feel stupid.)
WritingFighter 1 year ago
Dude, you're still a crackup! Long may you post.
goldenscales 1 year ago
I've always used swords on my left hip, and one thing I noticed is that when stanging sideways (so you'd be perpendicular to the shield), like the "barbaric" peoples would have done because they wouldn't worry about formations, you can draw the sword easly, easier (in my mind at least) then on the right hip. Also, just to specify, I'm using a bastard sword 47in long (36.75in blade) without using a sheath.
legendsofgrine 1 year ago
@legendsofgrine Without a scabbard? I take it that the sword is either blunt or all your friends are very tolerant of cut knees and shredded trousers.
lindybeige 1 year ago 2
@lindybeige Right now it is blunt. I most don't use the scabbard because it a movie-replica sword, so the scabbard is metal so it goes "SHING!" when I draw it, as well as not helping the dull blade point.
legendsofgrine 1 year ago
do that, with the scabbard on the shoulder! and downwards! go the full 9 yards and make the ninja katana face downards from your earlier video! that's what I want to see ;D if you have (sorry), I'll know soon enough, I'm watching your vids from beginning to end pretty much that solves the crawling and the drawing thing
also, think about how rifles are slung, swords would be similar
noobler9 1 year ago
I didn't know I gave a dam about this stuff, but I can't stop watching your vids. Fascinating.
newclarence 1 year ago
the sword worn on the left hip gives you a block when drawn. but your right when used with a sheild it is easier to pull from the right hip. unless you extend the shield out from your body a bit
multiplemes101 1 year ago
XD thank you finaly some 1 makeing a vid of this
hellwolf882 1 year ago
just to make a point. thats a broadsword not a longsword
walnut1337 1 year ago
i like this
pancakesnowmobile 1 year ago
@pancakesnowmobile :P soz not responding to ya just addint another comment lol i can draw a 41 inch sword from my right hip so its possible for it to be longer then 18 inches yes i cant w8 for some 1 to tell me its impossible so i can prove them wrong >:D
hellwolf882 1 year ago
A word to the author, if I may. Sir, with all due respect where I come from long sword = hand and a half (=bastard), which certainly isn't the case of the blade you're displaying in the movie, and which is probably the main cause of your misunderstanding with the authors' writings. I do own a few blades, and despite being 6ft5inches tall I can only draw my 37 inch bladed longsword from the right if I use a reverse grip on the hilt.
stridingshadow 1 year ago
@stridingshadow That's right - you reach over the pommel and have the back of your hand next to your body, and the thumb at the bottom. The 'longsword' refers to the war sword of the later medieval knight, used without a shield, and sometimes called bastard or hand-and-a-half. It is longer than a normal one-handed full-length sword, which is about three feet. I am certainly not talking about short swords.
lindybeige 1 year ago
@lindybeige Then maybe you could refer to them as arming swords, or Oakeshott Type X/XI/XII, that could help you deal with a misunderstanding or two. BTW: I just watched your Katana video, you did a good job on that one.
stridingshadow 1 year ago
@lindybeige I think stridingshadow means that the authors mean are longer sword, there is the bastard sword that is longer than a normal one, the long sword that is longer than the bastard and there is still a longer type that is almost as long as the Claymore, that last one is the one most likely that he means the authors meant
foe2002 1 year ago
@lindybeige Out of curiosity, are you able to draw a katana in the same fashion you drew the longsword/arming sword? That is, from the right hip and with thumb downwards and palm facing away from you?
(Also, if you don't mind answering, how long are the blades and hilt of your arming sword and katana?)
ShadowForge762 1 year ago
@ShadowForge762 Yes, no problem. Dark age sword somewhere around three feet. Katana a bit longer.
lindybeige 9 months ago
@stridingshadow I've got a 45 inch medieval waster (wooden practice sword) and I have no trouble drawing it from the right with a standard grip. I am considerably shorter than you (in the 5' 6" range), which means you must be doing something wrong. I am guessing you are grabbing near the pommel instead of down by the handguard. That or you have really tiny arms.
demomanchaos 1 year ago
but having the swor on the left side does not necessarily keep you open...wouldnt it be easier to jus put the shield in front of you and draw the blade while the shield is in front of you?
bagosk8r 1 year ago
@bagosk8r It is isn't impossible, but it is awkward, and a bit slower.
lindybeige 1 year ago
what about having the sword scabbard built in behind the sword wouldnt that make it even more easier???
bboishowoff 1 year ago
@bboishowoff Do you mean built in behind the shield? I'd say not. For one thing, every time you put down your shield, you'd be disarmed.
lindybeige 1 year ago
@lindybeige but what if your sword was already in your hand before you loose your shield???? (not complaining just want to know where to put my sword at!)
bboishowoff 1 year ago
That's all very well, but I was really looking for some tips on illustrating archaic weaponry?
Colourfulify 1 year ago
It is impossible to draw from the right side if the sword is any higher than the second position you showed.. well atleast it is for me, and with a 15th century longsword thats about 48 inches long.
Also, have you ever noticed how hard it is to draw a spear from it's scabbard if it is suspended on the left thigh? Also quite hard to walk that way, one gets rather a silly walk - without government grant for developing it.
IcEye89 1 year ago
That makes me think. ("see another point about drawing swords")
Maybe it would have been easier for ninjas to attach the sword on the right thigh.
I tried it whit my (fake) katana and it seemed to work.
However i am not shure if you can run like this.
Bemolendeprime 1 year ago
LOL!!!!
heirofthenight 1 year ago
Heh, when my brother linked this to me I thought it was about 'drawing' in the way of putting a pencil on paper.
FrisianDude 1 year ago
I learned something here.
o0smokingmonk0o 1 year ago
That was fuckin awsome dude
TheVoraciousSnapmare 1 year ago
cross draw is the quickest draw
ibakunawai 1 year ago
I thought the purpose of having the sword on the left was for being able to cut somebody with the draw.
deathsminion25 1 year ago
@deathsminion25 with a curved sword like a katana yes you can.
kokofan50 1 year ago
One more point: While travelling the shield would have been on the back. So when ambushed, you'd need to draw both shield and sword across, if the sword hang on the left. Pretty awkward.
I've tried this and can tell for a fact: the time it takes to fire an arrow at 30 yards is more than it takes to grab the shield hanging on the left shoulder and draw a sword from the right hip.
Tasselhoff88 1 year ago
@Tasselhoff88 Of course it isn't sporting to have more than one guy shooting the arrow at a time...
DonMeaker 1 year ago
Thumbs up ´I `aka * * * * *
I love your analysis. In fact a lot of uhm archaäologers would do well to do the kind of research and reasoning you employ. Of course they could also just ask you.
Hve you ever considered writing a bokk of your own on these matters?
While it might not make the bestseller lists (sigh) I am pretty sure that there are people out there who would appreciate it.
take care and have a nice day
silk
;-))
blacksilkblacksilk 1 year ago
what about a claymore?
noradgamer 1 year ago
there is another way that you hadnt mentioned in the video. you could in fact draw a sword from your left hip with your right hand with a shield if you were to use a reverse grip (grabbing the sword in your hand facing down) and then simply flipping it upwards with your hand
ramarler 1 year ago
My sword has a 34 inch blade. Drawing it from the right hip is a bit challenging
Kingofsomething87 1 year ago
I have wondered if the gladius was actually drawn downwards. The scabbard is set high on the right, catching the hilt and moving the hand down and back pivots the scabbard tip upwards and frees the (short) sword which is then ideally placed for stabbing. The local Tesco appears to have sold out of gladii and shields so I have been unable to test this.( It is however still rich in barbarians)
Srpent 1 year ago
i always was shown that despite the type of sword or the area its from, the reason for placing it on your left hip is that when you whip it out, it acts as an opening strike in which you slash across your opponents abs when you bring it to the right
ramarler 1 year ago
How do you do this when you are carrying a shield? You'd have to open yourself up. There is a difference between battles and everyday use. In a battle, you are seldom ambushed from within sword reach, and you'd have your shield. A nice feint with two free hands is to move as if to draw across your body, but then draw with the other hands and thrust the other way. This is only useful if faced with more than one opponent.
lindybeige 1 year ago
@lindybeige that would actaully depend on if you are carrying a shield at all. in some situations certain individuals did not have shields at all. i know thats the case with the katana, in fact its one of the moves they teach you in classes for it
ramarler 1 year ago
the bayeux tapestry actually shows the scabbards on the same side as the shield.
dejawolf 1 year ago 2
Yes, some swords were suspended on the left and used with shields. In my video I do not make the claim that all swords were worn on the right side.
lindybeige 1 year ago 10
Excellent point! The warriors from Illerup Adal wore their swords on the right!
kingolaf99 2 years ago
"Stop doing that, it's impossible!' Hm. Another point would be, even though it is possible to draw a sword from your left hip from behind a shield if the scabbard can move relatively freely, if you did so while in formation, you would smack the guy to your left firmly in the butt with the scabbard, and he might not appreciate that too much. He would need to step forward for you to pivot the scabbard enough to actually clear your shield, which is obviously not a bright idea while in a formation.
arrkhal 2 years ago
I always thought that the reason for having your sword on your left hip if right handed was so that you could swing your hip back and draw your sword with your right hand, allowing you to get a wide, quick slash across. Any thoughts?
xXDraethXx 2 years ago
Possibly, for a samurai, but if your sword is for battles, not duels, and you are using a big shield this would be a minor consideration.
lindybeige 2 years ago
i saw a few videos of you and it was realy good information, so thank you for the research and the work with the videos!
hurt4fun 2 years ago
How would you draw a falcata or kopis(or makhaira) if you are using a shield?
Druidbg 2 years ago
Never having done it, I'm afraid I could only guess.
lindybeige 2 years ago
HOW DOES THIS GUY NOT HAVE MORE VIEWS
one of the most entertaining on youtube!
marshalexander 2 years ago 80
You flatter me. I have several more views, actually, but finding the time to make videos is not always easy. I made ten videos in one day this summer when the light was excellent. Making videos in the harsh low winter sun of Newcastle is sub-optimal, but I shall try to find a way...
lindybeige 2 years ago
Well that comment was somewhat ironic. I know why you do not have more views, but I am glad you haven't sold out by interspersing clips of laughing babies and people hurting themselves. Do you know anything about plate armor? I'd love to see a video about that.
marshalexander 2 years ago
I think it was just easier to have their swords on the opposite hip as their hand. And that point you made with the shield is defenatly valid. I think if I had a shield, ill sling my sword on the right hip, but if I didnt, id sling it on the left.
LotusDragon09 2 years ago
The end of the blade looks to be rounded, was that how they truly were designed originally, or is that just the replica's peculiarity?
blackshade9 2 years ago
The sword I'm drawing is a re-enactment sword, and is blunt for safety.
lindybeige 2 years ago
@lindybeige
Oh, I get ya. That makes sense. Don't want to lose a finger. Or a head.
I STILL want you to do a kukri video. It would be awesome.
blackshade9 2 years ago
Surely in a dense infantry formation with shields any sword would be best drawn from the right, but any soldier that was not in such a formation loses most of his reason to draw from the right doesn't he? Perhaps I am mistaken, but I believe we have the convention of mounting horses from the left side because the scabbard hung from the left hip of mounted knights and other cavalry, particularly those who had a polearm.
NoTalentBen 2 years ago
There are several good reason to mount from the left. One is that everyone rides on the left side of the road, and so you start pointing the way you want to go. Another is that it is natural for a right-sided person to swing the right leg over.
lindybeige 2 years ago
No offense, but both your arguments are rather weak, are they not? war horses were trained to respond to pressure from the legs as often as reins, to give the enemy one less thing to grab at, cut up, or otherwise mess with. Also, drawing a sword above your reins isnt much of a problem at all. put the reins in your left hand and reach over with your right. drawing behind a shield is also very possible without turning your body. just push out your shield and reach under your left arm.
Blademasta989 2 years ago
It is possible, yes, to keep your shield in front of you and draw a sword, but it is awkward. We know that many soldiers wore their swords on the right hip.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Hmm - I obviously should have posted my Ukrainian sabre anecdote here - about a tall Ukrainian cavalryman who lopped bits off his horse's left ear every time he drew his shashka from his left hip. Oh well. If you like, I can go on to Chernobyl stories....
thetwentinch 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure the Mycenean Greeks did wear their swords slung under the right arm like that.
CountArtha 2 years ago
Really? What's the evidence for this? Sword fittings found on the right side of the body in inhumations? Vase paintings? The famous warrior vase doesn't seem to show scabbards at all.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Whoops - that's under the *left* shoulder.
And that's based on classical sculpture and pottery - not Mycenaean, I know, but strong evidence all the same.
CountArtha 2 years ago
I've always known that it was possible to draw a sword from your right hip while right handed, but it always felt slightly uncomfortable to me. Is it just something you get used to?
xXDraethXx 2 years ago
It mostly depends on the length of the sword, honestly... but if you draw it with your sword hand reversed its much easier. (reversed meaning the point will be down when u pull it)
Blademasta989 2 years ago
The back of my hand is next to my body as I grip the hilt, and my thumb is pointing backwards.
lindybeige 2 years ago
also, the scabbord might be in the way and clank against the shield if its on the left side as opposed to the right side, just a thought
Guacamole4sho 2 years ago
Another excellent video. What's your opinion on ancient cavalry sword carry? For example, some coins depict Celtic horsemen carrying longswords on the left. Might the horse's head/neck hinder a right side draw and explain left side wear?
logartist 2 years ago
I have seen depictions of Celtic horsemen drawing from the right, but I don't know on what these are based, but they were in an Osprey book, so presumably based on something.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Would you indulge me by experimenting with this when it is convenient? I'd do it myself, but my only sword has no scabbard. I don't mean of course that you go find a horse that will let you draw a sharp blade near its ears, but it might be done astride a barrel, a trash can or a large ball, etc.
logartist 2 years ago
where did you get that sword?
92rofoan 2 years ago
When I was a member of a re-enactment society, and I and one of the other members made it.
lindybeige 2 years ago
I was going to ask that very same question. I suppose it isn't sharp?
Templarium 2 years ago
No it is blunt, but it would still kill you if I hit you hard enough with it.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Thanks for your two replies. I like that sword design. May I ask, how much did it cost to make the sword? Did you make the tip round for safety while re-enacting or where they designed that way?
Templarium 2 years ago
I can't remember the costs exactly, but they were very low. Much of the metal was from a scrap metal yard. I think the whole thing well under £15 in materials.
The end is more rounded than a sharp sword, but these swords did not taper to a point like late medieval ones. They ended like a Norman arch.
lindybeige 2 years ago
So, other than the materials what else did you need to make the sword? Did you hammer it out yourself?
Templarium 2 years ago
The blade is sprung steel. I didn't hammer it out. Thick and thin sheets of brass for the hilt, with leather washers, brass rod rivets, wood carved into shape for the handle and middle parts of the pommel and quillons. Thonging wrapped around the handle for grip. Saws for cutting the metal needed, drills and files, a hammer for riveting, a vice held the rods while hammering a mushroom head onto the end. A punch for the decoration on the thin brass.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Thanks for your detailed reply. So if I get it right basically all I need is to find a huge piece of spring steel from an old truck, cut it to the desired shape with a saw, polish and sharpen it and then add the hilt made of those various materials? May I ask, what are the dimensions of your sword?
Templarium 2 years ago
you are a genius congratuatios!!!!!!! thanks for showing the truth!
sofialarrain 2 years ago
They use to wear their sheild on the right side and the swod on the left hand? what if you are Right-handedness ?
Youse to use the weapon with the hand you are bether no? Just wanted to know
kingduqc 2 years ago
No, the left hand held the shield, the right hand held the sword. I'm just saying that sometimes they hung their swords on the right hip, not the left hip.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Samurai would step forward with their right foot before drawing their katana and slashing an opponents., they placed their scabards on their left side so that they wouldnt slash their leg..
just thought i might add a reason :) great informative video..
unnamed901 2 years ago
I know this is an old comment, but I find it too peculiar not to respond.
With the scabbard on the left side, one would step forward with the right foot when attacking to extend the right arm as far as possible... So if they had the scabbard on the right side, they wouldn't draw their right hand across the body and wouldn't risk slashing their leg anyway. If they DID still draw across the body, they'd move the left leg forward because they would hold the sword in their left hand... No?
Roxfox 1 year ago
Thank you for this.
Witangemot 2 years ago
another reason for having it on your right side is multiple weapons notice that in many times in history even by the Spartans Greeks Archers and more. they have many weapons so it just helps to have many places for a weapon to be look at the ninja they uses 3x as many as a foot solider and used bith sides and every part of there body they could hide stuff
MrCookie537 2 years ago
Well, there are advantages to either. It really depends upon what position you are taking and what your fighting style is. For someone in a shield wall or acting as cavalry, you'd want it under your preferred hand. If you are merely strolling about or are carrying a small shield, you might want it across from your favored hand, as when you draw it, it acts as an attack and could slash an oncoming opponent.
JamesMRusch 2 years ago
I find that I can draw right-handed from my right hip straight into a thrust.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Oh.. Well, then I guess it would be best for me to carry a sword on my right hip from now on. I'll remember that!
AS I said on one of your other videos, these are really informative and I'd like to see more if you can make 'em.
JamesMRusch 2 years ago
I wonder, why the Swords moved to the left hip over the time...
LutzDerLurch 2 years ago
Well, one idea is that shields went out of favour.
lindybeige 2 years ago
Okay, thank you.
LutzDerLurch 2 years ago
that is not what the video shows. you have to draw it straight up first, which is pretty awkward. it ismuch faster to repel an attack with a draw from the left. furthermore, many types of armor inhibit or completely prevent shoulder movement straight up making drawing a longsword from the right impractical. another pint with regards to cavalry is that when on horseback, your legs are bowed out to the side, meaning the scabbard would not fall straight down but out to the side. again its awkward.
mittROMNEY666 2 years ago
I find I can draw straight into a thrust from my right hip without trouble. On horseback the scabbard is suspended at an angle closer to horizontal. I've never known armour that prevented a right-hip draw. Roman lorica segmentata would perhaps be the most restricting kind of armour, and we know for sure that they had a right-handed draw. I'd not want to go into battle with armour as restricting as types you suggested were used.
lindybeige 2 years ago
aren't long swords meant for slashing, not thrusting? plus, a slash is defensive, a thrust isn't. If its horizontal, you have the same problem - youre drawing it out, not up, and are limited by arm length. I would think that plate armor with large pauldrons would be fairly restictive and require more effort. Also, if you have a long scabbard on the same side as your sword arm, it would get in the way. if there was a good reason for a right handed draw with long swords they would have done it.
mittROMNEY666 2 years ago
Yes, I think most late medieval long swords were drawn from the left hip. They weren't using shields much by then anyway. Of all swords in the past, though, this is a small category. I'm just pointing out in this video that a right-hip suspension is perfectly feasible and was used by some. Both thrusts and slashes can be offensive or defensive.
lindybeige 2 years ago
I love the videos, and I'd be happy to see more. But just wondering, do you own, or have you considered owning, a gladius short sword?
000majorwinters000 2 years ago