What Does An Actual Templar Sword Look & Feel Like? Balaur Arms Knights Templar Cutting & Review
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Flawless Victory! The new Balaur Arms Knights Templar sword is a collaborative model between Kult of Athena and LK Chen. In this video, I put the sword through its paces and show every aspect of it, from the historical authenticity of its design to all the details of its fit and finish.
I'm confident that by the end of this video, you will reach the same conclusion as mine that this is currently by far the best model on the sub-$800 reproduction market to represent Templar swords, from its faithfulness to the originals of Oakeshott Type Xa swords hailed from the late 11th to early 12th century, with a 35" blade with a historically-accurate 3.5" short grip, but coming in at only 2.5 lbs and a point of balance 6" (15 cm) from the hilt. The masterful mass distribution is ensured by the excellent distal taper from 5.7mm at the base of the blade, to 3.4mm at midpoint, 2.1mm at the termination of the long fuller, down to 1.5mm at 2" from the tip. It also features the correct lenticular cross section, true to most swords of the High Middle Ages, with a beautiful singular bevel terminating to a well-apexed edge. The sharpness and bevel are so well one that at test cutting, the mat cut in half refused to fall down even after a few seconds. The hilt components are also well designed to feature the correct tapering in thickness. The cord impression and risers on the grip leather wrapping also make it extremely ergonomic, and enable a comfortable handshake grip around the tapered wheel pommel with edges rounded.
The heat treatment of the blade is so evenly applied that whenever there's a impact--whether with the target or when you knock on the blade with your finger, there's a harmonic ring tone that reverberates long and loud. It also tells you the harmonic balance about this sword, and how the nodes are in the perfect place and how sound the hilt is constructed. The blade is fairly rigid for such a length, but properly flexible in the last 1/3 of the length below the tip, made from a high carbon, high manganese, and high silicone spring steel.
As if it doesn't check enough boxes, the sword also comes with a well-made scabbard with a slender wood core, and bold red leather wrapping. The throat is enveloped by rainflaps adorned with a golden Jerusalem Cross, and the chape also comes with perforated cross symbols paying tribute to the Templar motif. The scabbard retains the sword perfectly well with zero rattling, but the unsheathing is quite smooth despite the blade length.
I can't say enough good things about this sword, if you are interested, head to Kult of Athena www.kultofathena.com/product/...
00:00 Intro
01:48 History of Knights Templar
06:28 Arms & Armor of Templars
07:28 Period Swords Contemporary to Templars
09:21 Typology of this Templar Sword Model
11:51 Cross Section
14:13 Distal Taper
16:12 Comparison to Other Types
20:21 Usage Alongside Shields
21:13 Fit & Finish
31:30 Steel & Heat Treatment
34:19 Test Cutting!
39:07 Final Conclusion & Scabbard - Sport
Such a gorgeous looking sword. Props to the collaborators for bringing it to life using modern techniques to enhance its beauty.
Indeed. Pure joy to handle and cut with, not to mention all the components dead on in the historical accuracy department.
The structure of Kane Shen’s reviews shows that he is a trained academic and lecturer, as opposed to many of the so-called reviewers making wild unsupported claims.
Wow, I don’t know if I qualify being called an academic, possessing only a master degree in science. But I do try to demonstrate evidences and argue on the merits of those. Maybe not the most popular way to speak on the Internet, but it is the way I choose.
Fantastic review Kane . You always do a great job of explaining swords to both casual and serious enthusiasts.
Thank you so much! I feel so vindicated by your kind words🙂👍
Awesome review Kane! Thanks for going into such a great historical overview and your usual very detailed analysis of the sword. Looks like a winner at this price point and count me eager. Also love the shield and the cutting you did with it in hand. Keep it up mate!
Thanks, Dlatrex! It is without a doubt the best offering for swords of the High Middle Ages on the sub-$1000 market. Albion Squire Line comes close, but you still have to sharpen the blade yourself, and commission a scabbard for that, which is probably going to boost the cost to over 1000 dollars. This comes in at even under 400 dollars, is not just a steal, it's a heist!
Very well done video Kane! Definitely seems like quality exceeds cost in this case. LK Chen is putting out some incredible budget swords of different historical eras and cultures. I’m definitely putting this sword on my “buy soon” list.
Thank you, Kevin! I can’t recommend this model enough.
Great job, Brother. The cutting was just incredible. A Well thought review with all the fixings. The quality keeps going up! Kane Shen, mini-documentary director, in addition to all other accolades, Lol.
Thank you once again for all the brotherly support! I had a lot of fun in addition to tons of work over this review. But I anticipate even more fun to review your regal bowie, which would be an annihilator!
Looks like they nailed it this time.
They absolutely have!
Great review per usual. But I'm mildly annoyed because after watching this I have to have one. I need a cheaper hobby 😂
Thanks, guys! Although this is the classic conundrum for every sword collector, isn't it? Sort of a first-world problem, but I feel for you, haha.
Thanks for the review Kane. It looks a lot like my Albion Arn sword. I always enjoy your reviews, hope you keep them coming.
Thank you very much. Stat-wise, it is indeed very close to the Albion Arn.
A good review in that the reviewer backs up his opinions about the sword with fluent cutting.
The sword backs itself up. It's as good as it can get!
I saw your review pinned on Kult Of Athena website. You totally nailed this one!
Thank you. I am very grateful that Kult of Athena is now featuring my video reviews on their product pages.
Holy moly (pun intended) that thing is sweet 🤘 i was considering getting a Alexandria from BA but now i don't know the cutting performance of this one is pretty insane... ah its easier to pick two Lol. And I could have sworn i heard you say this is the best sword of its type on the market!? You have pretty high standards so that really says something. 🤘 daaaamn. I think i have some budgeting to do now
How about both? I certainly consider the Alexandria worthy (review coming in early July, I had to pass on the June 15th release window as I am on jury duty for a 3-week criminal trial and will soon be sequestered), especially after the new batch got rid of the locket that unintentionally dull the edges when you unsheathe the blade. I like the design pf the locket, they didn’t need to completely do away with it, just making the steel part not enveloping the mouth of the scabbard but at least now it is functional.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold lol I probably will get both! (Eventually) Good luck with jury duty, that sucks. I liked the Lockett too I guess they just decided to get rid of it instead of getting guys to file them down or changing the mold maybe the way they make them it wouldn't be easy to fix? Idk. I was sort of think I might get the Alexandria and the one with the finger ring(blanking on the name) both are from the Alexandria arsenal if memory serves so I think they would be a good pair.
@@sinisterswordsman25 The one with the finger ring is the Milanese arming sword called Ribaldo by LK Chen. I don't know why these few new Euro models (including the ones under the Balaur Arms brand) made by LK Chen have not been more popular, people in the market doesn't know what they are missing. The quality is so far above and beyond what the sub-$1000 market precious had to offer.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold the Ribaldo ya that's the one. You're right about that, they're extremely good products especially for the price. I think maybe once they've been on skallagrim they'll be selling out of everything instant they're posted lol. I also think maybe the made in China stigma doesn't help. I mean you know what people say about stuff from China, it gets dismissed out of hand. Doesn't matter if it's decent or even superior to other products people just hear china and they're like "nope". People looking for Chinese swords obviously don't have that bias but alot of European replica collectors do unfortunately. Not for no reason either there is alot of crap out there.
@@sinisterswordsman25 Sadly, many collectors are not practitioners, and they never actually handle the swords other than hanging on the wall and occasionally applying wax to them. To them, possessing the swords is only to have the bragging right of a few supposed big names they "commission" from, not at all different from the few billionaires who went on the ill-advised OceanGate "Titanic Trip".
The sad thing that you can get them only via koa which makes economically unviable to buy if you live in Europe like me. And the LK Chen BA Line really fills a gap regarding price to quality ratio.
True. How much does Kult of Athena charge European customers for shipping?
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold something around 100$ which by itself wouldn’t be an issue especially if you buy several swords. It’s the taxes. After taxes each sword is around 600-700$ if I remember correctly (koa has a tool which adds them to the price after you type in your address I tried it a while ago). There is an export tax which was something around 100$ per sword and for import it’s 20% of the swords price + shipping cost.
Good lord, they say tax is theft, I don't generally support that mentality but in this case, theft it sure is! Maybe wait for some on the second hand market, if the seller is willing to accommodate to write a lower value on the custom form so you get charged less for duty and taxes?
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Hit me up if you want to part with yours :D Regarding the scarcity of pommels tapering towards their end on budget swords..the two deepeeka swords i bought so far had this too
@@r.h5550 Interesting to learn that. Yeah I definitely will let you know if I ever let the BA Templar go. There was one in the classified section on SBG but it was gone within 24 hours. Who knows, in the future there could be more pre-owned available.
Great cutting. Rather impressed with this sword design considering how early it was. Definitely did its job in its day.
Thank you! Indeed, earlier medieval swords are cut-centric designs that primarily used on the large swath of unarmored enemy combatant in an age no plate existed, elite troops are covered by only maille and the overwhelming majority of the combatants on the battlefields were unprotected by anything but their shields.
LK Chen nailed the design of this historical piece to a tee. Everything about this sword is historically accurate not to mention the absolutely insane performance, even next to competition cutting gold level offerings like the Albion Principe (used on the same day on same tatami mats but did worse than this sword).
I regret not pulling the trigger on this sword a month ago, now it's back ordered.
It will come back in stock in a few months time, I am certain of it.
Very complete information on this sword. Salute to you, sir!
Much appreciated
About the best cutter I’ve seen on CZcams.
Indeed, it’s an incredible arming sword.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold you sure did a great job cutting with it.
@@stephenfields6236 thank you for your kind words. It wasn’t particular hard with this sword.
What a great job explain why this sword is made in the right way while the others are not. All the theories are also backed up with awesome cutting, too!
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation!
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold This is a very underrated channel with lots of documentaries of swords and artistic cinematography. It deserves greater success in the future!
@@salvadordali3566 thank you for your blessings!
Great review my friend!! Love the cuts!! That ring when you pass through the targets………like music to the ears!
Indeed. For that I decided to not play any background music for cutting in this video. There’s enough music from the sword cutting alone.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold I’m quite impressed with the quality and attention to detail shown on this piece. I’m in the process of reviewing and enjoying the Balaur Arms XVIIIc. LK Chen are masters of sword handling characteristics. I have now owned 5 swords produced by them, all of them have danced beautifully in my hands. Kult of Athena/balaur arms choose a great partner for this sword line.
@@mattamathics1108 LK Chen absolutely makes amazing swords. Not only historically authentic, but also having great handling dynamics. Looking forward to your review of the sword!
They did a good job, but is it fair to call this sword an early Templar sword?
I mean, yeah you can call it that, considering that the type Xa swords are more popular in the late 11th and 12th century.
This is the best sword that comes out of this brand.
Yeah at least it's one of the best. All 3 of the latest offerings made by LK Chen are awesome but this one really nails the typology and historicity.
Great review, thank you! As a random comment, the moment I saw the Reeve, I went: "Oy, Ulfberht, howya doin' mayt?" 😂
And as another random note, I paused when you marked the differences (mainly, the diamond cross-section) on the Windlass sword, then checked the St. Maurice, and also the original, and indeed, I believe Windlass tried to replicate the St. Maurice, but failed with that not-so-small detail, and what surprised me, is the immense amount of manufacturers who produce St. Maurice swords with the diamond cross section instead of the proper lenticular. Great call there m'friend!
Thanks a lot! The Reeve is one of my favorite earlier medieval swords. It handles so gracefully but has excellent authority in the swing.
I’m not sure that Windlass Accolade tries to replicate St. Maurice, which has a Brazil-nut pommel but the Windlass pommel is a wheel but with sort of a cross done ahistorically. Also the blade is 32” long while the St. Maurice is 37” long. That one basically has done everything wrong, the cross section, the complete absence of distal taper (the base and the tip carries the complete same thickness), the weight (3.6 lbs for a one-hander with an average length blade). I think Windlass also makes a St. Maurice model and manages to do practically everything wrong.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold You're right! The pommel, too. That would rule it out. I mean, they do indeed produce Ulfberhts, that means they have access to Brazil-nut pommels, so there's no excuse. Gonna keep watching, found your channel yesterday, really liking... the view... Jeez, you live in a paradise! Anyway, was gonna say, love your sincerity no matter the sword's price or manufacturer. Also really like (watched a vid where you showed your fireplace and saw a couple swords I own), that if the sword's good, you get it. I too, enjoy finding those jewels made by brands no one would've imagined. Have a good one!
Thanks so much for the encouraging words. Glad that you enjoy the videos!
And you are absolutely right that to find excellent examples of production swords on a budget is a treasure hunt of its own reward. Like finding diamonds in the rough. I have some upcoming video in a fee months about how some not-so-great budget swords can be improved by the right craftsmen spending dozens of hours into the right places. And some comparisons on budget offerings of longswords and arming swords and which ones are more bang for the buck.
Very slick cutting!
Thank you! Cheers!
After king Philip make the thing, Portugal embraced the templars and they change name for the Sagrada Ordem de Cristo by the king D. Dinis in 1318, so they did not "ended" as a organization just changed the name and local.
I'm aware of that. However, if an organization has the majority of the members imprisoned or killed, being able to operate in no other region than the only one country that provide sanctuary to them, while being forced to rebrand, I consider that organization effectively dead. You can say only a spiritual successor exists.
Which one is the better cutter, that Irish Gallowglass war sword you have reviewed, or this Templar sword?
Hmm, that is a difficult question. I suppose the Irish war sword is a more powerful cutting sword in that it can cleave through greater mass because of the off hand being on the grip to support the stability, and the great mass than the one-handed BA Knights Templar.
başarılar
Thanks!
For EVERYONE Interested In Viking Age And Medieval Swords They MUST SEE Peter Johnsson's "THE VIKING SWORD WHAT IT WAS AND WAS NOT'' This Video Should Go VIRAL !!! But Read The Newest Comments To Really Understand.
Gotta use mine soon. Any handaxe recommendations?
I think Arms & Armor gets a few good models!
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Thanks. Dagger/knife recommendations?
@@arcaneknight9799 Tod Cutler and Arms & Armor, and if you are willing to spend top dollars, Tod's Workshop, too!
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Thanks!
Glad to be of help!
I know it been awhile but can anyone tell me the title of the book with the hand drawn illustrations, I want that book but wound up ordering the wrong one from Amazon though it's still a good book
No problem. It's Codex Palatinus Germanicus 152 --a late medieval manuscript of the former Bibliotheca Palatina in Heidelberg.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold No thanks, I meant, Warrior, Tuetonic Knight 1190 to 1561, illistrated by Graham Turner, published by Osprey books 2007
Great review man but the audio in this video needs a lot of work it was hard to listen to with headphones. You should get a dead cat if you must film outside. Honestly though film inside or away from a city if it must be outside. Will you make a follow up to how this arming sword is holding up after a while?
I start to use a wireless mic in more recent videos that filter out about 98% of the ambient noises.
@@FortuneFavoursTheBold Yea it sounds way better in the newer videos but still this video was an excellent review sword friend.
@@bobnewby8229 Thank you.
Too bad it is back ordered. Anybody know how often they resuply?
Every 3 months or so. When they come in stock, they are gone almost within 24 hours. So keep your eyes peeled.
Is it too heavy to wield?
No, it’s quire lightweight for its size. I talked about it extensively in the video, please watch it.
First
Indeed you are!
Crusader sword. Do Christians understand how to make good swords?
Well you pagans would be shocked to find it out.
The presenter is WRONG in his assumptions . There is only one sword attributed to the Knights Templar It lays in the London Museum . Oakeshott has it listed in his book " The records of the Medieval sword Page 99 Oakeshott type XIIIa . Its was found in the Thames next to temple bar [ headquarters of the Knights Templar in London ] Its always been attributed to the Knights Templar because of the inlayed "Latan "Cross in both sides of the Pommel . A 1 meter long Blade . I've made two of them one for the Templars to use in there Knighting ceremony . It is a two handed war sword , not an arming sword as was carried by knight . This XIIIa is for use in Battle armour of the time ….
Are you absolutely out of your mind? Type XIIIa is a cut-centric sword, most specimens have very short and rounded even spatulate tips. They are by no means to combat “armor of the time”, which would be maille armor, coat of plates and some limb armor in late 13th and early 14th century. Swords especially the cut-centric types could in no way defeat armor such as maille and piecemeal plates. Type XIIIa were used by men-at-arms with increased protection to combat enemy troops that were NOT armored, or dressed in gambeson which is protective against cuts, which demands swords of greater cutting capabilities.
Swords used by members of the Templar Order were not issued like in the US army, they are private purchases of swords of their times (12th to early 14th century). The most prevalent sword types in the 12th century is type Xa, you are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT wrong that Templar only used ONE type of sword in their two centuries of existence. Of course throughout the most part of their existence they would have used single-handed arming swords, as two handed swords such as type XIIa and XIIIa only appeared since the late 13th century. So what you were indicating means Templar Order members either used no sword at all, or rode a time-travel machine to 200 years later to purchase some futuristic type XIIIa swords before returning to the 12th century. Learn some history first before making these mind-blowingly ignorant comments.
I watched your “making of Templar swords” video. First of all, they are not “greatswords”. Type XIIIa are “grete swerdes of war”, meaning bigger “swords of war” which indicates they are just bigger than the typical swords of war which are single-handed swords. They are not greatswords as most are only 110-125cm long.
Secondly, the ways you “forge swords” are utterly wrong. You just heat the steel flat up and bang it with a hammer for no reason or objective. You are not shaping the steel bar stock in any way. Learn some forging, the purpose of which is to shape the bevel, properly cross section and distal taper. You are NOT doing any of that, you are just pounding on it so at the end of the all the “work” it’s still the same modern homogenous piece of steel bar stock--completely pointless. You have no idea what you were even doing, just relying on stock removal later to shape the bar stock, so the heating up a steel bar to bang it with a hammer is just a show for nothing. I don’t even know when you actually finished the so-called Templar sword but judging by the way you went about during the "making" of it, it seems to turn out to be something embarrassing. Learn some history, and forging first before going to somebody’s well researched video to make these ignorant comments.
OMG I just watched your “forging” templar “swords” videos, and it is worse than I even thought. It is beyond embarrassing. You have zero clue of how forging should work, and what physical properties period swords like type XIIIa at the beginning of the 14th century should have. They should have a lenticular cross section, no central ridge at all, the cross section should be shaped with hammer (it’s fine if you want to use modern tools like power hammers), and grinding should be simply to smoothing out the surfaces, not drawing out the shape. You also ground a central ridge to the “short sword” on that Templar set, which is once again, completely wrong. Swords in the late 13th and early 14th century would not have ant central ridge. That’s only found done swords after the late 14th century, Oakeshott type XVIa, XVa, XVIII, etc. You completely lost the plot, and didn’t even finish the blade with any bevel, or polishing them (what is even the point? They were made wrong to begin with), or even made any hilt at all.
I don’t know even know why I bothered to reply to you, but this is shameful.