The difference between the FALCHION and MACHETE - why one is a sword and the other is not

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  • čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
  • What's the difference between a falchion and machete?
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Komentáře • 796

  • @ethannumberc-1379
    @ethannumberc-1379 Před rokem +738

    I'm a professional bladesmith and I was planning on using a machete to make a falchion for myself simply because I knew it was a good steel and a close enough profile that I could make a reasonably good blade out of it, I'm tempted to send it to you now once it's done for abusive testing 😂

  • @zaqzilla1
    @zaqzilla1 Před rokem +426

    I love how there's a warning label on the machete. If you don't know a large sharp blade is dangerous you're not a big reader.

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před rokem +60

      expecting someone who doesn't know that a sharp blade is dangerous, to be able to read, is a level of faith in humanity that i can only envy.

    • @harbl99
      @harbl99 Před rokem +45

      Seems to be a "We did warn you, it's on you" precaution.

    • @slimetank394
      @slimetank394 Před rokem +28

      Those label are more to avoid lawsuit tbh.

    • @Benw8888
      @Benw8888 Před rokem +4

      @@windhelmguard5295 the point is to warn the user that the blade is sharp; a normal person might not know whether it's sharp or not, and doesn't feel comfortable testing the sharpness by touching the edge

    • @nathanbrown8680
      @nathanbrown8680 Před rokem +4

      @@Benw8888 You mean the purchaser. The user never knows for sure unless they've just sharpened it because edges blunt with use.

  • @metalchungus6241
    @metalchungus6241 Před rokem +45

    Hi, just a little fact. The machete with the orange grip is from the mexican brand "Truper". Truper is the top brand regarding tools here in Mexico. As a mexican I can confirm that even if you neglect that machete (no maintenance and a lot of work abuse) that machete will keep its shape and will be as easy to sharpen as new. That machete will also exist across generations in your family. Also please note that all brand new machetes sold here in Mexico are always dull. You have to sharpen it. This is primarly to make them a bit cheaper aswell to be sharpened to the user preference

    • @maddraugr4667
      @maddraugr4667 Před rokem +6

      Calidad🇲🇽

    • @juanarredondo9763
      @juanarredondo9763 Před rokem +13

      dont forget the cultural importance of the machete since our grandpas faught the devil on the top of the mountains 🇲🇽

    • @metalchungus6241
      @metalchungus6241 Před rokem +4

      @@juanarredondo9763 The Mata-Chamucos 3000

  • @poilboiler
    @poilboiler Před rokem +207

    My favorite wrongly named weapon is the Ogre Morningstar from Gothic 3. It's a big and heavy sledgehammer and the description mentions how it's not actually a morningstar but are you really going to explain that to an ogre?

  • @brothersliutgeryitzchakjea7889

    Unfortunately when it comes to big name manufacturers they don’t know what a falchion is, the condor one in the video is a great example. Windlass actually had a decent model for under 160$ usd for years but they discontinued it as they had quality control issues with the thinner blades warping during heat treatment.
    If you want something good it’s going to hurt the wallet. So we actually did what you are planning with the machete, it works, so good luck and can’t wait to see results.

    • @grbdevnull5611
      @grbdevnull5611 Před rokem +3

      It looks like Windlass may have the "Medieval Falchion" back in production. It is listed on Kult of Athena anyway. It is no Albion (the Windlass Medieval Falchion and the Albion Vassal are the only falchions I have owned, and I ended up having to sell both), but my example was decent.

  • @soopahfly6692
    @soopahfly6692 Před rokem +547

    The machete reminds me of my childhood in the Philippines. When I was young, we were expected to help keep the grounds clean at my school. Students are grouped and are expected to take turns removing weeds growing from the school garden and the premises. Once a week I would board the bus carrying a machete and half of the passengers too would have a group of young teens with blades on them. Nobody bats an eye.
    Well, it was a rural school I attended and we had some kids that were in the agriculture club that actually had to work a 6-hectare land to grow produce or they don't get a grade at the end of the term. The 2 farm water buffalos we were using became our mascots.

    • @Nil_Sama
      @Nil_Sama Před rokem +76

      Same here! Except my "machete" was about as sharp an a baby's butt and was so rusted over that the only real use for it was to dig out deep rooted weeds! Honestly, at that point it would've been more accurate to call it a shovel 😂

    • @Rakanarshi2
      @Rakanarshi2 Před rokem +14

      wow holy shit that is badass. Cool!

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před rokem +32

      @@Nil_Sama interestingly, i had worked as a sort of janitor at a public pool and they had a sand box for the small children, that sandbox i had to sort of flatten with a spade once per day in the morning and one thing i had noticed was that thrusting a spade into wet sand over and over actually honed the damn thing to a jagged, but still very sharp edge, that could easily take your toe off if you weren't careful.

    • @Nil_Sama
      @Nil_Sama Před rokem +25

      @@windhelmguard5295 Yeah, I can see that happening because sand is very abrasive. Actually, the only non rusted part of that old thing was the tip I used for digging. 😂

    • @Nil_Sama
      @Nil_Sama Před rokem +27

      @@Rakanarshi2 Souds cool, until the teachers ask you to uproot weeds and till tightly packed soil (and carry buckets of water to water the plants). It's been like 10 years since I last done it and I can still remember how sore my palms and figers were after everything was done. It was a good experience though, taught us hard work and responsibility.

  • @greatestcait
    @greatestcait Před rokem +209

    Falchions and messers are possibly my absolute favorite kinds of swords/bladed weapons out there. I just love the shape of the blade, its so lovely.

    • @crossfade330
      @crossfade330 Před rokem +5

      I am with you on this one. I find so much beauty in its pretty brutal overall form.

    • @MizraimEvans
      @MizraimEvans Před rokem

      that's nice

    • @johnedgar7956
      @johnedgar7956 Před rokem +1

      I agree! I would love to have a nice Gustav-type messer with a nice scabbard. Sadly, my budget dictates otherwise. One of these days, I WILL have one, for the same aesthetic reasons as yours. 🙂

    • @Raso719
      @Raso719 Před rokem +1

      Yeah Messers have really grown on me on recent years.

    • @code066funkinbird3
      @code066funkinbird3 Před 3 měsíci

      Same with katana

  • @Gendo3s2k
    @Gendo3s2k Před rokem +87

    The cameraman deserves a lot of credit! The panning and zooming is perfect

  • @titusjuventiuscelsus9758
    @titusjuventiuscelsus9758 Před rokem +20

    Machetes were used as weapons by the Cuban Liberation Army in the Ten Years’ War and the War of 1895 as cavalry weapons and infantry sidearms. The common availability of these instruments combined with the military tactics used by insurgent generals allowed for devastating attacks and conservation of scarce firearm ammunition.

  • @Swedishmafia101MemeCorporation

    What if we made a... Machalchion? Or a falchete?

  • @triumphant39
    @triumphant39 Před rokem +72

    I am extremely familiar with machetes, I own 100-200 of them. For me they are very nimble.. I'm not saying there aren't drawbacks, but I personally feel very confident with them as weapons (I prefer them over swords, because at the end of the day it's a tool), especially in a modern context.

    • @williambennett7935
      @williambennett7935 Před rokem +19

      Why do you have so many?

    • @squiresnake
      @squiresnake Před rokem +16

      I love how you have so many that you dont even know how many you have exactly

    • @windhelmguard5295
      @windhelmguard5295 Před rokem +7

      i own only one machete, but if i had to defend myself it would be my go to over any other tool i own, apart from maybe the felling axe.
      a lot of machetes would make for amazing swords (some are better at being swords than machetes even)
      in many ways just adding a cross guard to some machetes would make them better swords than most reproductions you can buy, for a much lower price too.

    • @triumphant39
      @triumphant39 Před rokem +17

      @@williambennett7935 I have bought surplus packs of them. I own maybe 20 special ones. I love them, but I can also sell the surplus ones if I need to. I may also turn some of the surplus ones into other things, like you could easily use one to make a sword or knife by cutting it or reshaping the blade.

    • @Elmonsoon
      @Elmonsoon Před rokem +19

      I am sure you have a perfectly reasonable explanation for owning hundreds of machetes, but maybe don't mention it on a first date.

  • @Hawk013
    @Hawk013 Před rokem +4

    When I lived in Florida I owned 3 machetes for maintaining my yard. One was a great big 3mm thick plank with a deep bevel, it was an amazing chopper but it was tiring to use. The Fiskars was thin and light, great for grass and weeds, but just couldn't cut deep. The $1 unbranded one from a flea market bucket was balanced and had a nice taper and held an edge well, it was a great compromise. I was rather annoyed when it got stolen.

  • @jameshamaker9321
    @jameshamaker9321 Před rokem +9

    Since, there's a cutlass in the collection shad has, I'd like to see him cover pirate sword styles. That would be amazing.

  • @johnedgar7956
    @johnedgar7956 Před rokem +25

    Thank you Shad! This was a GREAT video. (Greetings from Missouri in the USA. 😊) I have actually wondered a few times if a common machete blade is anything approaching the "threshold" of what a falchion should be. I found your video to be EXTREMELY useful on this! I seriously want a short-ish falchion or a messer with a nice scabbard; your expertise on these is just wonderfully helpful.

  • @fedorapug8501
    @fedorapug8501 Před rokem +8

    I was feeling bad this morning, but than I saw that Shad uploaded!

  • @robertross5201
    @robertross5201 Před rokem +9

    I wasn’t aware that falchions were so thin historically but then that’s not a blade type I’m familiar with. Thanks for the info

  • @Sir_Rioghain
    @Sir_Rioghain Před rokem +28

    It struck me today that Shad's hair/beard combo REALLY looks like a medieval aristocrat or a knight errant. Looking sharp, Shad!

  • @mansfieldtime
    @mansfieldtime Před rokem +9

    I'm glad you talked about the weight. Because pictures and movies do not do it justice. I've used a machete before but never a falchion or supposable falchion. I noticed that the machete was a great hacking tool like an ax, so when you started talking about falchion I thought they would be used more like an ax then a sword. Thankyou for correcting that.

  • @marcussherlock6318
    @marcussherlock6318 Před rokem +7

    I love how you have knowledgeable peers to chat with now. You guys look like you have a lot of fun together making these videos.

  • @Eramiserasmus
    @Eramiserasmus Před rokem +20

    Thank you for the explanation, now to challenge the nearest underbrush with the correct blade!

  • @MadNumForce
    @MadNumForce Před rokem +4

    Machetes evolved from sailor's hangers. The "fullers" we still see on many machete patterns are remnants of the fuller from 17th century Dussäge/Sinclair hilt hangers ships were armed with and that were used as bush clearing and bivouac tools when landing in the Caribbean or other parts of Latin America. Blade manufacturing centers like Solingen and Sheffield simplified the design over time to make it easier to manufacture, but the advent of the industrial revolution, mass production of cast steel, steam powered rolling mills and stamping press turned the manually forged blade of the early 19th century into the modern mass produced machete. But while machetes made in Solingen and Sheffield were flat with distal taper, the machetes made in France have no distal taper but a proper grind from spine to edge.

  • @jacobweaver368
    @jacobweaver368 Před rokem +5

    Never really thought too hard on how similar the two are but I definitely am now!

  • @edgarburlyman738
    @edgarburlyman738 Před rokem +38

    Shad you're the #1 swordtuber now, you can't have things like "falchion stand-in"s anymore.

    • @toddkes5890
      @toddkes5890 Před rokem +13

      So until he gets the correct sword, you'll be on edge?

    • @wompus_king
      @wompus_king Před rokem +2

      But only a single beveled edge

    • @DZ-1987
      @DZ-1987 Před rokem +7

      ​@@toddkes5890 Trust me, that's just the tip of it.

    • @hyperion3145
      @hyperion3145 Před rokem +1

      ​@@toddkes5890 Yes, we will riot until he has exactly the proper sword

    • @MrDibara
      @MrDibara Před rokem +1

      ​@@toddkes5890_Ayyyyy!_ 😂

  • @Ranstone
    @Ranstone Před rokem +6

    Shadiversity: *Uploads*
    My left mouse button: "I AM SPEED!"

  • @WesternIronwoks
    @WesternIronwoks Před rokem +20

    I like how you touch on how much variety in a single type of weapon there would be. The shape and weight of a weapon would depend on the enemy you are fighting. Armored enemies would require heavier weapons.(without considering piercing weapons) The light razor type weapons would do great against unarmored enemies. I use to make swords for Botn and other armored combat groups plus I have spent decades doin mostly SCA and other groups like Botn and some Larp.(I use to be a pro athlete playing american football) So I understand the Combat quiet well.

  • @johnpavy6130
    @johnpavy6130 Před rokem +5

    Thank you Shad! You have confirmed my decision to make a cheap replica falchion from a 28" Gavilan machete, adding a crossguard and pommel. The handle is messer rather than falchion but easily disguised. It is probably closer to a historic cleaver falchion than anything commercially available. Slices light targets like the proverbial hot knife through butter even if it looks a little clunky. 😊

  • @MephiticMiasma
    @MephiticMiasma Před rokem +6

    "the blades were so thin that the rusting has put holes in them"
    ...sounds like the sheet metal on my first car....

  • @LiverpoolReject
    @LiverpoolReject Před rokem +79

    I like how slowly he's moving from leather bound peasant fighter to full plate knight!

    • @SergioLeonardoCornejo
      @SergioLeonardoCornejo Před rokem

      Normally it is the other way around, and ends with unarmored children.

    • @darthjarjar8
      @darthjarjar8 Před rokem +2

      Ikr, loving the transformation!

    • @Ryu1ify
      @Ryu1ify Před rokem +17

      Low-level fighting man accumulates dungeon treasure to pay for better armor, you love to see it

    • @Anegor
      @Anegor Před rokem +7

      What he wears isn't leather, its Brigantine and it's full of steel plates. He wore a gambishon before he got it.

    • @LiverpoolReject
      @LiverpoolReject Před rokem +1

      @@Anegor that pretty cool I'll have to check that out, thanks for the info.

  • @m.shields1270
    @m.shields1270 Před rokem +4

    Falchions always felt super under appreciated to me. It’s not as iconic or flashy as a Longsword, Scimitar, or Katana, but dog goneit if it ain’t a reliable weapon.

  • @danielsieber4809
    @danielsieber4809 Před rokem +22

    Love falchions. Would be interested in an assessment between standard falchions (which were thin and designed to take on gambesons and other lightly armored individuals) and the cleaver falchions (or whatever other names they have) that did seem to be depicted as beefier and being used against armor.

    • @spades9681
      @spades9681 Před rokem +1

      “Cleaver falchions” didn’t exist. They look beefier, but they were just as thin as the rest and thus still quite light.

    • @danielsieber4809
      @danielsieber4809 Před rokem +1

      Well it'd be interesting to see if depictions like in the Maciejowski manuscripts were based on real (is not necessarily popular) weapons that were seemingly used as anti-armor options or if it is not feasible and is artistic exaggeration. I can't say definitively either way but it seems plausible that there were 2 different types that had superficial similarities but different functions.

    • @spades9681
      @spades9681 Před rokem

      @@danielsieber4809 Ah, you’re referring to those somewhat spiky looking falchions often seen in the Maciejowski Bible. I’m not so sure they really served a different function, as in the Maciejowski they’re still primarily being employed against unarmored opponents. The difference in blade profile could just have been an aesthetic choice. Dunno, I’m sure J.G. Elmslie would have an explanation.

    • @spades9681
      @spades9681 Před rokem

      Hm, curiously enough, Elmslie seems, at least in the past, to have labeled it a “proto-messer”, the evidence being a table knife of a very similar form found elsewhere in the Maciejowski. This, of course, tells you nothing about just how heavy or thick they were, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

  • @adventureindustries
    @adventureindustries Před rokem +9

    Speaking of the machete, have you ever done a video on movie serial killers, like Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Leatherface? I know this isn't Medieval per se but it would be interesting to see a comparison between the effectiveness of using a machete vs a chainsaw vs a large kitchen knife as a weapon. Maybe throw in Freddy Krueger's bladed glove for fun. Just a thought.

  • @DarkTau
    @DarkTau Před rokem +1

    My paternal grandfather at one point worked in a steel mill in his life and he got his hands on a chunk of railroad steel that he cut, forged and hardened into a really nice machete (total length was about 23" long) with a wrapped wooden handle that I used to take when I'd go hunting or fishing with my father as a 8 and 9 year old child. Was really lightweight for what it was and quite easy to wield for a small child, did a great job chopping through brush and small trees. Unfortunately it was one of those items that got sold or lost when he passed so I was not able to keep it for myself, which is a shame as it was truly a beautiful blade.

  • @phaylnx
    @phaylnx Před rokem +608

    Last time I came this early, my wife was disappointed!! lol

  • @KnifeChatswithTobias
    @KnifeChatswithTobias Před rokem +1

    I have to tell you, the machete also has numerous blade profiles in the family. Depending on what the machete is designed for the blades can be thicker. The one you were flexing was a lighter grass machete and what most people would consider the stereotypical machete. I believe machetes of the Central American region evolved from the Cutlasses via deserters from Spain, France, and England. So it would make sense that there is quite a bit of similarity.
    Thanks for discussing the cross section/distal tapering, etc. and what really makes the difference instead of just basic profile! Learned a lot!

  • @goosemanVEVO
    @goosemanVEVO Před rokem +8

    You should DIY a new hilt for that machete to give it a crossguard and a pommel.

  • @Kveeni
    @Kveeni Před rokem +1

    Whatever Shad told I take that granted. We could end all disagreement just listening him and agreeing obvious wisdom of his words. So simple so easy.

  • @johnedgar7956
    @johnedgar7956 Před rokem +5

    I seriously wish I could click the "like" button more than once on this one. 🙂

  • @O_Nao-Conformista
    @O_Nao-Conformista Před rokem +6

    I have the impression that the falchion is a type of sword made to cut through gambeson, I remember from a Skallagrim video where he tests multiple kinds of blades against gambeson that the swords with thicker blades and thicker edges didn't get through the gambeson at all while the thinner swords were able to cut through it, so I'm thinking that's the reason why the historical falchions were razor sharp and the reason why it's a broad sword in profile is so it has more space to get thinner towards the edge, not to be heavier and hit harder, probably a kind of sword more likely to be found as a secondary weapon at the battlefield rather than as a personal defense weapon at the streets, a anti light armor weapon

    • @r.a.4190
      @r.a.4190 Před rokem

      Dont Fall for it. Its a scam

    • @lalli8152
      @lalli8152 Před rokem +1

      I would think falchion would be pretty good civilian sidearm because medieval people wore quite thick clothing in streets, and i think they actually did carry quite lot of falchions, and messers that has similar blades to falchion in civilian life. Not to mention later they carried falchion type blades just with more complex hilt design closer to the cutlass shad used as example for good falchion blade

  • @TheShieldery
    @TheShieldery Před rokem +8

    A real expectional Flachion can be seen in the Maciejowski Bible (f.14) , where you can even see a two handed version (first one of ´f. 3). I think that type is for cleaving, because of the top-heavy-ness.

  • @ferespinoza8053
    @ferespinoza8053 Před rokem +2

    Some time ago I decided to make a falchion with a machete, I've never had a sword but there are things I learned about machetes. The first one is the quality they have, the main brands that distribute them in America are the following and they handle different qualities/characteristics: Acorn, their machetes are of excellent quality, they have a marked distal cone (2/1.5mm at the base and less than 0.7mm at the tip). They use 1060 steel if I remember correctly, with a treatment that makes the blade extremely flexible and resistant, although their models vary in specifications, in this case I am referring to the standard model (known as the Latin machete) with a red handle. Their blades vary in size from 12" to 26" and 28" in the case of Acapulco/Caguayan machetes, they would be one of my first options in the case of starting another similar project. The next brand is Tramontina, until a few years ago their The quality was deplorable but they have already improved their steel (1065) and heat treatment, I don't know if they have a distal cone but their thickness is around 2mm, together with acorn they are the best commercial machetes that can be obtained in North America. There are also brands like Truper, made of steel 1060/1065 with chrome, although its quality is not bad, it is not ideal either because they have an irregular or crooked blade many times, just like the visel, and the chrome makes the blade brittle after long and exhausting days of work. but they are cheap and abound. Other brands that stopped being commercial a long time ago due to the closure/purchase of their company are Legitimus Collins and Campos Hermanos (CH), they used 1095 steel with an excellent heat treatment, they had at least 3mm at the base and a blade with a distal cone (from 3mm at the base to 1.5mm at the tip in the case of my 26" blade CH machete) its edge retention is very good and there were specialized heavy-duty or combat models in the case of both brands. (Collins wielded 4.5 mm thick machetes, 26" long blades and others that were practically sabers, while CH made machetes known in Mexico as "guaparra" with a longer blade, made to be wielded on horseback by charros. Both brands can be found on the second hand market for $40/75/100 dollars depending on the brand and condition. I am personally using a CH 26" blade machete for my project and I am quite happy with the result One more detail, the new machetes are "despalmed" with a triangular file to finish sharpening them, new from the factory they come with an unfinished bevel.

  • @weq3ei8u42
    @weq3ei8u42 Před rokem +1

    these videos on falcons are very helpful to me as someone who has no personal l experience with them outside of silly video games and other stuff.

  • @hawkknight4223
    @hawkknight4223 Před rokem +2

    God bless you and excellent video! These are the types of swords you need to be doing one-handed reverse grip with.

  • @1thevm1
    @1thevm1 Před rokem +5

    The "Falchion" Shad got looked like they googled what a Falchion was supposed to look like and just mindlessly copied it without understanding its core design principles.

    • @frosticle6409
      @frosticle6409 Před rokem

      Hope Shad looks at the Fire Emblem Falchion: Marth/Lucina/Chrom

  • @JP-xg6bv
    @JP-xg6bv Před rokem

    As soon as I saw you with the sword in hand I was like "Yes you beautiful beast you gave us a double feature!" We love you Shad, keep it coming

  • @EthanBlakeProductions
    @EthanBlakeProductions Před rokem +2

    You had me at “swelling at the tip”.

  • @eduardoferreiradesa5716
    @eduardoferreiradesa5716 Před rokem +4

    Not a falchion fan myself, none the less it is still very usefull information. Maybe I should create a character which uses one. Thanks Shad!

  • @OverlordIcy
    @OverlordIcy Před rokem +1

    Thank You Shad!!! I'd commented on the last Video you showed us that Machete on(I think it was the Messer Video iirc) asking about that Machete and who made it because I wanted one and couldn't find it online myself. At around 4:50 in this Video you finally answered that question for me by telling us, so thank you very much!!! I very much doubt it, but I'm going to keep telling myself that you were responding to my comment question, knowing you'd be doing another video soon showcasing it again. xP Thanks Shad, love the content, keep it up mate!

  • @commissarf1196
    @commissarf1196 Před rokem +3

    Machete, or as we call it here in Indonesia: a common farming tool or gangster weapons. Seriously though it's called parang/golok in Indonesian.

  • @keithrobicheux4749
    @keithrobicheux4749 Před rokem +2

    The best machetes have distal tapers, but I imagine the machetes spine is a little thinner

  • @alexc8209
    @alexc8209 Před rokem +5

    Its clear that falchions came in all shapes and sizes, it was a feature of the middle ages that everyone was doing their own thing. i have no doubt that some falchions wielded in 1275 somewhere in germany were exactly the same in every respect to a modern machete. Still, its a good video. thanks.

  • @tons241
    @tons241 Před rokem +2

    Hold up, are we witnessing the beginning of fit Shad? You're looking good mate!

  • @Olumin37
    @Olumin37 Před rokem +1

    A few points:
    - Many machetes before (& during) the 19th century were hand forged with often quite aggressive distal taper. The thin, cut-out blades without distal taper did not come in until the mid to late 19th century.
    - The type of grind & edge bevel varies enormously between knives, machetes & swords. Making any kind of generalization is not useful.
    - Many swords (especially sabres, but also machetes) DID in fact come with a single bevel; meaning a zero ground convex edge without a secondary bevel. Kukris also often have a single bevel DESPITE them being heavy duty choppers (mentioning this because of the "fragile edge" comment).
    Really the only meaningful differences between swords & machetes are: Type of guard (or lack thereof) + the fact that one is primarily intended as a weapon and the other as a tool.

  • @dlatrexswords
    @dlatrexswords Před rokem +3

    Hey Shad, fun discussion; Falchions as you point out are a very broad topic since there are all sorts of different blade types across the centuries and their cross sections and properties change as we go through time. Since you are focused on earlier types in this discussion, let's stick with these Elmslie F1a style falchion for now. You are spot on about modern production falchions. On the market, as far as affordable flachions are concerned there is basically nothing out there that replicates how an actual medieval falchion operated. They typically exhibit minimal distal taper, and because of the very wide blade profile will carry too much weight far out from the hilt leading the the impression that these were perhaps percussive weapons. To have any idea of how a real falchion handles you will need to have a custom ordered sword at this time; I would always recommend ordering one from James Elmslie himself, but there are a few other bladesmiths that have taken the time and research to make reliable blades from historical examples as well (for example Maciej Kopciuch).
    As to Machetes; the steel used in machete's tends to be durable, but as you have pointed out in part they differ from swords by several notable ways. Their edge is put on completely differently as a secondary bevel to sheet metal body. They exhibit limited (or NO!) distal taper, and their tangs are often slab much like a knife/messer construction. All of these will make it difficult if not impossible to convert a typical machete blade into a faithful sword representation. For example, trying to turn a standard latin style machete into an F1a falchion would need a machete that starts at the shoulders at between 4-6mm. This is very atypical where most machetes as you point out are usually closer to 1-2 mm even at the base. Also, you mention re profiling the edge, in the case of faithful falchions the edge is not just apple seeded as on some other historical swords, but a continuous edge all the way up to the spine, which would require a tremendous amount of fineness in regrinding.
    I look forward to your next project!

  • @LeChevalierduLys
    @LeChevalierduLys Před rokem +2

    Loved the video, very informative.
    I would love a video about Scimitars. For the longest time I thought Falchions were bigger Scimitars. I blame D&D.

  • @brandanpalmer9712
    @brandanpalmer9712 Před rokem

    Ever since your video on the weapons a ranger would carry I’ve fallen completely in love with the falcion,

  • @trathanstargazer6421
    @trathanstargazer6421 Před rokem +3

    Heres to hoping we get a scythe demonstration video! Wanting them to really debunk how useful it is in a fight.

    • @brumbybailey6599
      @brumbybailey6599 Před rokem +1

      Lindybeige wasn't to your tastes?

    • @ric270
      @ric270 Před rokem

      The scythe is the strongest melee weapon in battle cry of freedom

    • @trathanstargazer6421
      @trathanstargazer6421 Před rokem

      @@brumbybailey6599 I like having multiple view points. I like his takes but like seeing others as well. Also I just love scythe bashing so the more of it I see the better!

    • @brumbybailey6599
      @brumbybailey6599 Před rokem

      Hey, no scythe bashing around me; I love mine😂

    • @trathanstargazer6421
      @trathanstargazer6421 Před rokem +1

      Also just to clarify, I'm not talking about War Scythes, they are great. Just the regular scythes media seems to love misrepresenting.

  • @camdenharper7244
    @camdenharper7244 Před rokem +1

    Shad's looking good. Beard game is on point. Hair is good. Armor, as always, is great. Oh and super great analysis

  • @moisesrosario9716
    @moisesrosario9716 Před rokem +1

    It's interesting to see a truper machete all the way up to Australia, I though they were only sold here in México

  • @glennnanod3160
    @glennnanod3160 Před rokem

    I train in FMA and we use dull Machetes as realistic trainers. It is a cheap and easy way to start training Eskrima. It's also historically accurate for us in Hawaii as our forefathers immigrated from the Philippines to Hawaii to work in Sugar and Pineapple Plantations. Money was tight, a good machete was invaluable for work as well as for around house and garden. Especially Sugar Cane workers. So FMA practitioners unable to get authentic Filipino blades such as Bolos or swords, utilized Machetes. Our system is a Bolo fighting system as opposed to a Stick fighting system so we are particularly focused on blade work. I own over 50 Machetes mostly Latin type, and yes the Ring of the blade is really indicative of quality. I greatly enjoyed this video about the resemblance of Machetes and Falchions and eagerly await any more videos on this topic. ⚔🤺🗡🤩

  • @paranoidyouth
    @paranoidyouth Před rokem

    I’ve been a fan for a long time I just wanna say you look absolutely amazing. I know you’ve had a lot of hardships and stuff but you look like you are at your best.

  • @ShagadelicBY
    @ShagadelicBY Před rokem +2

    That's Skallagrim's cutlass!
    I recognize the dent he put in the guard

  • @defaultytuser
    @defaultytuser Před rokem

    I'm diggin' this new hairstyle Shad

  • @Joshuazx
    @Joshuazx Před rokem

    I have been waiting for this video since you made the video of you cutting plants on your property. Once this video is finished, your task here on youtube will be complete.

  • @jameshamaker9321
    @jameshamaker9321 Před rokem +1

    I appreciate this, I really need this video right now.

  • @thewinterprince1731
    @thewinterprince1731 Před rokem +1

    2:58 "We're talking about Distilled Tapah! So now Distilled Taper-"
    That moment when you slip your own accent. XD

  • @thedmdidit9842
    @thedmdidit9842 Před rokem +1

    worried seeing the fatigue behind Shad's eyes. Thank you for the videos and dedication Mr. Brooks. Stay well.

  • @CharlesZane_
    @CharlesZane_ Před rokem

    The Windlass falchion that Matt Easton helped with and also did a video on, is a beautiful piece.

  • @alchemik666
    @alchemik666 Před rokem +6

    Now I want to see a full review of the Kult of Athena "falchion" as a machete that it truly is. ;)

  • @JCOwens-zq6fd
    @JCOwens-zq6fd Před rokem +7

    The issue w/ most modern machete is how flimsy & flexible they are. Not all are though. Cold steel, Aranyik & Condor are all examples of brands that are reasonably stiff for machete.

    • @Immopimmo
      @Immopimmo Před rokem +4

      It depends on what you're cutting with them. Thin light machetes are great for cutting things like light vegetation and cane, but if you're cutting tougher material like wood you need a stouter blade.

    • @JCOwens-zq6fd
      @JCOwens-zq6fd Před rokem +1

      @@Immopimmo agreed. Though I was speaking specifically on what would be best if one wanted to use it as a weapon like a falchion. A slightly stiffer blade is better for such, especially blocking etc. I have some "fighting machete" & they have a lot more stiffness. One even has fullers & it def makes a diff when cutting dense targets.

  • @carnotauruskun742
    @carnotauruskun742 Před rokem +1

    i didn't know the difference now i do thanks shad

  • @skiveman
    @skiveman Před rokem +1

    I'm like 2 and a half minutes in and my immature ass can't help smirking every time Shad says "swelling at the tip". I just can't help it.

  • @thomasray9830
    @thomasray9830 Před rokem

    Not that I don't like the other guys, I subscribed this channel because I liked Shad, it's nice to get a more shaddish vid

  • @alasdairmackintosh
    @alasdairmackintosh Před rokem +1

    Tramontina makes excellent full tang high carbon steel machetes. Got myself a short latin style blade since typically in Canada we use machetes for light chopping tasks and as a backpacking tool rather than clearing bush down to foot level. It is a beast, just didnt come with a sheath but I only paid $30 CAD for it

  • @Randomdudefromtheinternet

    Machetes are so good that they’ve become the weapon of choice for revolutionaries around the world, the weapon used by Mexican farmers to literally chop down the elite French army, (even made a whole cavalry unit), and folkloric dances have been made in honor of the machete all across Latin America, and Angola’s flag 🇦🇴 has a machete.

  • @robertlewis6915
    @robertlewis6915 Před rokem +1

    Well, now I've got to add falchions to my story.

  • @connordwyer1209
    @connordwyer1209 Před rokem

    I was looking this up last week as I have a cheapish machete I wanted to change the handle on, so it was a little more falchion like. Perfect timing

  • @redheadontheinternet6714

    Your videos have really motivated me to learn more about swords/medieval culture and even working on my health. Thanks shad and crew for everything you do.

    • @r.a.4190
      @r.a.4190 Před rokem +1

      Dont Fall for it. Its a scam

  • @histhoryk2648
    @histhoryk2648 Před rokem

    Finally, content is back

  • @nardgames
    @nardgames Před rokem +1

    Falcons also likely have a harder edge than a machete wood since a machete needs to be more worried about the edge cracking or chipping on impact with a hard object.

  • @theupsidedowngame9194
    @theupsidedowngame9194 Před rokem +1

    Hey guys I'm here to watch!!

  • @myklsteel8486
    @myklsteel8486 Před rokem +1

    Before watching this, I thought falchions were a fire emblem thing lol. Glad to know a lot more now!

  • @hyliarmetancanira
    @hyliarmetancanira Před rokem +11

    the Falchion is a faaar more stylish name! only that suffice!
    furthermore it is made to "easily cut leeks and enemies" bravo to those with the obscure reference.

  • @sleipnirthe8th339
    @sleipnirthe8th339 Před rokem +3

    In Paraguay where I live, machetes are common tools, i held them,
    And they are Heavy, and don’t have a mobile grip.
    Wich I bet a sword made for combat doesn’t have.
    Also btw, I don’t know if it’s accurate for machetes to bend that well, they are extremely thick for blades.
    Tho idk if those produced in South America are more traditionally produced or are just Crappy made.
    Cause I know South America likes to be cheap

    • @sleipnirthe8th339
      @sleipnirthe8th339 Před rokem

      @@jasonbrody8724 ye, those are the kinds of machetes we have.
      They are absolute hacking beasts

  • @davidbriggs6086
    @davidbriggs6086 Před rokem +1

    U. S. military special ops capable units have adapted various traditional martial arts styles, (with modern input,) to use machetes in combat. And yes, they do use tomahawks, longbows, etc. along with the traditional knives. One advantage is that they are all silent.

  • @brianmoyachiuz905
    @brianmoyachiuz905 Před rokem +1

    Danny Trejo would definitely love this video
    Plus I like categorizing all these weapons like if they had types
    Falcion: Steel Fighting
    Cutlass: Steel Water
    Machete: Steel Grass

  • @deathless_actual4936
    @deathless_actual4936 Před rokem +1

    My roommate just walked in at “swelling at the tip” so I said “what, you don’t have swelling at the tip? I don’t have swelling at the tip either. That’s what I’m not a stereotypical falchion.” He didn’t know what was a falchion was so I guess I’m stuck with him thinking I was talking about something else. 😂

  • @trevorgreenough6141
    @trevorgreenough6141 Před rokem +1

    Interesting. A fun comparison.
    I did find the video informative.

  • @sleepydragonzarinthal3533

    I've always considered a machete a smaller falchion lacking a hilt, never really considered blade thickness and bevel since there's so much variation in both categories, but it makes sense considering the intended use is a bit different

  • @lordnul1708
    @lordnul1708 Před rokem +1

    When I was a kid I always wondered why a machete wasn't considered a sword. I think I heard someone joke that it's for the same reason that not all knives are considered daggers.

  • @philiplewis8213
    @philiplewis8213 Před rokem

    I look forward to seeing a video with stress testing the falchions and the machetes.

  • @livecatgrenades
    @livecatgrenades Před rokem

    Wow! What a wonderful video! The falcion is one of my favorite sword designs and it's interesting to learn more about it here. I look forward to seeing more on the topic, as well as my other favorite sword someday: The Falcata

  • @yanniskusogaki
    @yanniskusogaki Před rokem +1

    I have made 3 practice swords from Tramontina matcetes to date. They are awesome and dirt cheap. My falchion and saber trainers are both re-shaped tramontinas.

  • @Shirocco7
    @Shirocco7 Před rokem

    Nice content. Great explanation of a sword type I apparently knew nothing about!

  • @justin1730
    @justin1730 Před rokem +1

    I have finally been click-baited into one of these videos. For some reason, I have a weird fascination with the falchion. It is like the glass cannon of medieval swords.

  • @zumbimaluco
    @zumbimaluco Před rokem +1

    turning a machete into a falchion seems like a good video idea

  • @Manco65
    @Manco65 Před rokem +1

    Some of those heavy machete and falchion blades remind me of the Ontario Knife Co. XL machete I bought a long time ago. It has the "Blackie Collins" polymer handle. Over the years I've been tempted to regrind it and make a falchion or messer out of it.
    But I'll have to take my time so as not to make a mess of it.

  • @ZoeLycan
    @ZoeLycan Před rokem +1

    From my time large fields in South America (dry areas, almost cowboy life style) I have experience with machetes, as out main (non gun) tool. So I think it IS true that many modern machetes could become proper Falchon swords. And Yeah is best to have a very THIN blade, even with a wider end is good to hack and chop vegetation, and it sure does a lot of damage on flesh.
    I remember a worker had part of the skin on one of his legs sliced clean off like slicing ham by a machete that just fall odd the horse. Very good blades as doing what they are built for.

  • @ecargfosreya
    @ecargfosreya Před rokem

    Living in the country as a teenager I always loved singing my machete. They just feel so satisfying to swing

  • @maximusjoseppi5904
    @maximusjoseppi5904 Před rokem

    Finally a shad video 🤍

  • @imperialofficer6185
    @imperialofficer6185 Před rokem

    Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a distal taper.