Medieval swords were (usually) awful - A response to Matt Easton
Tod's Workshop・20 minutes read
Tod argues against seeking perfection in medieval sword replicas, emphasizing functionality over aesthetic flaws due to historical craftsmanship. Matt discusses the lack of care in historical sword pieces, highlighting imperfections like rattling handles and poorly assembled guards and pommels.
Insights
- Tod stresses the practicality and functionality of medieval swords over aesthetic perfection, using historical context to explain asymmetry and imperfections in replicas.
- Matt highlights the discrepancy between modern expectations of precision and historical craftsmanship, discussing the lack of care in assembling guards and pommels on medieval swords, emphasizing the unique imperfect charm of historical pieces.
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Recent questions
How do modern sword collectors critique swords?
They often overly critique for minor imperfections.
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Summary
00:00
"Modern vs. Historical Sword Critiques"
- Tod's range is out of action, prompting a response film to Matt's "The problem with medieval swords."
- Matt highlights how modern sword collectors often overly critique swords for minor imperfections.
- The discussion revolves around the balance between historical accuracy and modern expectations in sword replicas.
- Tod emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of medieval craftsmanship when evaluating swords.
- He argues against seeking perfection in medieval sword replicas, as historical pieces were not flawless.
- Tod uses examples like the Writhen Hilt Sword to illustrate asymmetry and imperfections in medieval swords.
- He stresses the functionality and practicality of medieval swords over aesthetic perfection.
- Tod contrasts the modern desire for precision with the historical emphasis on functionality and appearance.
- He discusses the discrepancy between modern perceptions of medieval craftsmanship and the reality of historical production.
- Tod concludes that historical craftsmen prioritized functionality and appearance over perfection due to practical and economic considerations.
11:57
Medieval Sword Crafting: Historical Imperfections vs Modern Precision
- Matt discusses the fit and finish of guards and pommels on swords, highlighting the lack of care in historical pieces.
- Medieval swords often had poorly assembled guards and pommels, leading to rattling and loose handles.
- Swords were put together with various materials like lead, copper, bronze, and wooden wedges to make them fit.
- Blade hardness varied greatly in medieval swords, affecting the polishing and finishing process.
- Imperfections like ripples and wobbles in blades were common due to the limitations of medieval manufacturing techniques.
- Modern swords surpass medieval ones in quality and precision but lack the imperfect charm of historical pieces.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between historical accuracy and modern expectations in crafting medieval replicas.
- Personal preferences and adherence to historical essence play a significant role in determining the authenticity of crafted medieval weapons.
