One thing I love about Kenshin over other characters with a vow against killing is that Kenshin is well aware of what it feels like to end a life, and he's actually willing to weight the option when it become necessary instead of just rejecting it outright. He's well aware it's his own guilt that's the cause of this so he doesn't hesitate to go Assassin mode when lives are on the line and obeying his personal morals would result in someone else paying the price.

Maybe it's time to build a double edge katana

I love seeing Tyranth and Shad arguing over silly things, reminds me of how petty my siblings and me get; also, Tyranth's face when he realized that making it double edged would improve it was hilarious.

This video just makes Kenshin seem even more badass. Pointing out the flaws in the Sakabato shows just shows how skilled Kenshin is to be able to fight and defeat foes like jine Aoshi and Shishio with a sword that is made to be defective.

Such a sword does exist in the Philippines. No one has ever made a longsword-length version, though. Yet.

I love Nate's "Why am I the only responsible adult here?" attitude.

Might I recommend checking the Let's Ask Seki Sensei's video on reverse edge katanas. It wouldn't offer much to your analysis on cutting technique quality, but seeing an actual master using traditional techniques with a sakabato is just fascinating to watch.

Even weebs should know that the Sakabato is a bad fighting sword. That's kinda the reason Kenshin chose to use it after he swore to never kill again. That's why we love Kenshin, a renowned swordsman who intentionally chooses to cripple his effectiveness so he cannot kill.

I love that the findings included that, while yes, it could cut as a sword would, it wasn't the cleanest or easiest to use. Which, when you think about it for his character, it's just further testament to Kenshin's ability to wield it effectively, when it is needed. I also like the idea that it's still effective on it's blunt edge. Imagine using that as a warning strike on an attacker. If they persist, you then have the option to use the bladed edge to further defend yourself.

The inner edge sounds almost like a scythe sword. Really cool concept, and I've always heard the argument that it would hit the opponent around their guard, but I'm not so sure I buy that, even in theory.

There's a video of a katana expert (edit: Seki Sensei) using it and he's surprisingly appreciative of it. He showed many tricks that could be used to surprise an enemy. It does rely a bit on being unusual, so using strikes that can't be done with a normal katana, but it isn't that bad.

I didn't know Shad likes Rurouni Kenshin too, yes, it's a tremendous story 😄💪🏼. Little info: "Rurouni" means "Wanderer", so "Kenshin The Wanderer" is the title, a fictional story based on true events with fictional characters mixed with historical ones 👍🏼💯🌟...

I loved the leaf suba. It's a wonderful representation of the design ethos of a reverse blade katana. Makes me think of "the way of the leaf" from the Wheel of Time.

Now this makes me think about how a katana with a double edged would work

5:39 Kenshin was called Hitokiri Battousai. The literal meaning of hitokiri is manslayer or mancutter, but the word hitokiri is used to describe an assassin. Battousai means someone who regularly uses battojutsu (now Iaijutsu). Kenshin's former name Hitokiri Battousai means the assassin who uses iaijutsu. Why is it impressive to be known for killing using iaijutsu? Because Iaijutsu is about drawing a sword from its scabbard and striking in one motion, meaning Kenshin was so good as an assassin that he killed his targets and ended the fight in the same motion of drawing his weapon. If you read this comment, that is proof that you are still a bigger nerd than me.

These newer videos are such good quality. Love the whole crew, really adds to the videos

I’ve been waiting for this one. It’s a personal favorite. Another favorite is Death’s use of double scythes from Darksiders 2. The way he does it has potential to be legitimately viable.

I literally just found out they've already released a remake of Rurouni Kenshin today. How has it taken an entire month after it started for me to see any news on it, now it's everywhere all at once!

Loved the camera quality. Tyranth’s swings are a work of art. Nate’s knowledge and attitude brings a lot to the video. I was sceptical with the move towards more action packed videos over the more video essay style back in the day. But you’ve dome a fantastic job Shad. Keep up the amazing work.

I feel this would make a better bone breaker than most clubs

Hey guys! Thought I'd help/clarify the Falx reference. The Dacians used the Falx which was shorter and also used as a farm impliment (harvesting grain). Apparently the Romans had to re-enforce their armour at the time to specifically combat this weapon. The Rhomphia was more of a Thracian weapon and was basically a reverse Katana, it was also highly effective and sometimes used in conjuction with a sort of strapped bronze buckler on the forearm. Hope this helps!

I mean, it's supposed to not be for Killing The Protagonist purposefully is using a sword not to use for killing He only uses the Killing Edge when he's intending to kill By the way, that Sword with the Blue wrap handle reminds me of a Video Game Protagonist's Main weapon shown in artwork

I'm glad to see this video! I love Rurouni Kenshin and been waiting for a video like this for ages. Great video!

Comes down to blade geometry. When you cut meat/cheese/etc, you want to SLICE. Its much less effort to draw the knife towards yourself (or push away) than it is to just bear down on the blade. This is enhanced in slashing blades, which are typically curved back towards the wielder like a katana, as the curve works in tandem with the arc of a strike to create a drawing motion (from the perspective of what is being cut). Many curved blades are found in regions where distinctly European advances like plate armor or chainmail are prevalent, making slashing more effective (not necessarily more than stabbing, just more worthwhile in general). European advances in armor dictated a need for weaponry that could pierce or bypass it. Thus, more versatile weapons would be more helpful, and getting hit by a mace doesn't hurt any less in a suit of plate armor than it does if you're in breeches. based solely on the reverse blade, I would guess that the primary use case would be to force an opponent into unfamiliar territory. It's not a weapon that most would encounter, and that could give you an advantage. the other use case is more for dueling. if you aren't confident in dispatching a solo opponent quickly but you have plenty of time and space to maneuver, you may be better off harrying your opponent. While you won't achieve deep slices due to the blade (between the geometry and the arc of a slash, you get MORE resistance the longer the slice is), you CAN more easily make smaller cuts with the tip. Even little cuts can hurt, especially if they are located in sensitive areas and cuts bleed. The human body can only lose so much blood before it begins to slow down, so literally bleeding out your opponent may be an option. It's Death By A Thousand Cuts, but a victory nonetheless. DISCLAIMER: not a swordsman, just analyzing based on random bits of knowledge

Shad should watch the live-action Kenshin films. They're really solid, entertaining movies that faithfully adapt the source material.

I found one of these in a flea market and actually quite enjoy it as a weird sword no one else around me has. I never thought of reverse edge cuts but what it did do was make thrusting feel more intuitive in my opinion. Never was a huge fan of thrusting with katanas but this made me feel like I could even thrust one handed or throw out a quick thrust comfortably.

Only a couple channels I’ve subscribed to this fast lolz you guys are awesome and hilarious😂 keep up the great work! Love your videos!

Listening to you explain the story and geek out about kenshin brings me joy for some reason lol

There are Nagamaki's (half sword-half pole arm) that have a false edge that could easily get sharpened to function.

This is really interesting. I saw a video a few weeks ago with a traditional Japanese sword master giving his input on the reverse edge, and he obviously had a much more technique-focused take on things. He showed how many of the standard techniques could be used differently, some better, some worse with the reverse edge. Some no longer worked at all, but there were also some new moves. He never brought up the European style reverse edge cut, though, because it's not really a thing in his style. I would love to see him react to this video and these guys watch his. Also, the obvious benefit of a reverse edged katana is that Japanese swords are far more standardized in shape and technique than other regions. I could see someone going around with this in the Edo period and taking out more skilled opponents before they noticed that wrong end was sharp and their techniques and strategies based on protecting from the normally sharp end left them vulnerable.

I just came from your response video. I missed that you guys made this video and was happy to check it out.

That's a crazy sword! Great video guys! Love it!

Kenshin, my favourite. I love the chemistry between you guys. Watching Had and Tyranth argue while Nate calmly keeps in the middle, lol.

Absolute bangers coming out lately Shad and crew. Keep em coming!

There's an excellent video from Seki Sensei where a master of forty years - Seki Sensei - tests a sakabato blade and demonstrates techniques with it, both traditional and improvised. Those videos have been extremely educational for me as a martial artist and I can't recommend the channel enough!

This was really interesting to watch. I would love to see more reviews of unconventional weapons in the future!

Kenshin is my favorite anime protagonist of all time!

The great thing is they found a REAL LIFE VERSION of this blade. At first it was stuck in the Mythology stage, and then they dug up a real version. I think it was technically more in the "assassain's" length like 12-14 inches, and was used for throat slitting, but it did technically exist. I don't remember what they dated the blade at. Since I don't know enough about the japanese periods, even though I do love the Anime and Samurai X is great.Edit: Kenshin was a manga. Your weebness is waning.

this is one of my favorite videos you guys have done

Loved Kenshin and those cuts you guys did was clean and I understood all of the criticisms in real combat vs Kenshin's path.

I’m curious how well a slice would work where you’re pulling in towards the body during the cut. Drawing the blade along the target and pulling the tip inwards as you do so. The curve reminds me of a silky hand saw I use as an arborist.

Day gosh knows how many times I have been asking for a video on the misconceptions of medieval themed weddings. From the engagement and how that differed between the presents and nobility, to the ceremony itself, to what happens after the ceremony. Mostly because I know I definitely got some misconceptions when writing the wedding scene between the two main characters in my fantasy novel. It would also be interesting to learn about the consequences of the actions of the characters going into and after the marriage. Just encase we want to add something like this to our own novels or roleplaying games if it fits the theme and the setting. Since my story has a theme of being free to do what you want regardless of societal views the wedding shows the main character the princess of the kingdom that had been taken over by the big bad, running away from an arranged marriage to the big bad and after some shenanigans going on to marry the other main character out of genuine love for each other. Despite the fact that the other main character is a disowned exiled Nobel turned Rogue.

Great video and an interesting sword. I’m keen on seeing the blue one, that looks absolutely gorgeous 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks for this. It’s cool to see Kenshin’s sword being tested.

I've always wanted a double edge katana that had a traditional katana profile. Boshi, kissaki and yokote features all still present. Just with the back/mune also being sharp. All the ones I've seen online don't look like a katana blade. They all have a drop point tip.

It is good against another katana when your opponent doesn't know about it, there is a video from Seki sensei talking about it.

I see a vid coming where they acquire a 2 edged katana and than testing it. Love all your vids shad and crew!

This reminds me of a video of a modern day samurai displaying and describing how to properly use the reverse blade, even alternative method to the traditional technique due to it unusual nature of being a reverse blade.

Ruruon Kenshin (known as Samurai X here in the Philippines) is what introduced me to anime. I'm so glad they are remaking it, and it's been amazig so far!

Y.... yeah. It's supposed to suck. Kenshin wanted to avoid killing as best he could after doing so for quite some time.

awesome vid! Thanks for making it

What I love about anime characters is there is moral and emotional weight even in the heat of battle. For reverse edge, the Aztecs, Romans and Persians did that. Two edges would make it a pirate cutlass or an early American saber.

I hope you guys know that now you have to get a double edged katana to try out.

Me personally, I kinda see Kenshin’s sword as like a Rhomphaia, a Greek incurved sword used by gladiators.

this is perfect timing actually, I started watching Rurouni Kenshin two days ago!

The smoothness of Shad’s transition from cutting edge to blunt edge was 👌

I think its a mistake going in like its supposed to have an advantage. Isnt it specifically reverse blade to be less deadly? Looking it in the context of viable primary weapon, youre missing the little point this weapon has. Its basically less lethal arms. Its like rating a flashbang for explosive lethality military conflict.

Doesn’t matter if the sword doesn’t function well: the point of it is to have a sword designed not to kill. Kenshin was basically super human, and still he overcame the issues in the blade without ever having to take a life… and Shisho even commented that a “reverse blade sword will be slower to swing” and “lacked the edge alignment of a normal sword” the first time Kenshin faced down the psycho apprentice boy… and his sword shattered. So, yeah… it’s a sword meant to keep the one holding it in check.

Holy crab do these tests make me jealous! I'd love to be there for the testing and discussion

I got one from Amazon several years ago, it's interesting to practice with it.

Shad... You're stating the obvious

Ngl not even gonna watch this one cause that one channel with the Samurai master already showed how good it could be 😭

Awesome videos, can’t wait to see what you do next

fun fact, back in roman days the getae tribes of dacia had similalrily shaped swords known as sica, falco or falx and rhomphaia, which were really quite effective. mostly used to get around shields

so it's basically a falx?

Wow. Shad says a katana sucks... who could have seen that coming....😒

The Falx has been one of my favorite swords ever since I saw Skallagrims video on one, long ago. This should be interesting!

I love Kenshin and love the anime weaponry you have been doing.

HOLY CRAP!!!! You literally read my mind, I was literally thinking of this just 2 days ago! LOL

Shad talking about something OTHER than nunchucks and sticks? ... I'm excited😊

Great show, really cool concept. Good to see comments have little to no pushback against the show/story due to the author. Great video!

1st time I've seen the brigandine matched pauldrons (Tyranth)- Awesome! Reversing grip on this sword also raises the question of reversing grip on a normal katana. If armed with one of each, you could be incredibly unpredictable !!

I'd love to see further exploration of this with more footwork involved.

ye I've seen a vid where a master was showing what you can do with a reverse katana certain techinques becomes simpler and gives advantage they also showed how to bring it out from sheath and doing quick strikes

the back of the blade is also softer to help absorb shock without breaking. also swinging the thick side first has more drag than leading with sharp edge thus slowing kenshin's slashes.

Rurouni Kenshin IS awesome! I've rewatched the anime and reread the manga many times in the last 25 years.

Love the family vibes between you guys. You have the parent and siblings.😂

I love how even though he said it at the beginning, but Nate just drills it in that he hasn't seem the anime.

The channel "Let's ask Seki Sensei" did a video on that Katana with a kendo master using it and techniques he consider more viable for it. I think it would be cool to do a follow up or maybe a few shorts testing some of those method out.

This might be my favorite episode, about my favorite anime and a katana which might be the only katana I would actually consider buying. ❤

This video made me think I'd be interested in seeing you review a Kukri sword.

For your next project in line with this video and the revolting ones, you should test a double edged Katana

what an amazing sword. it shows that our glorious 3 are not really used to katanas, you guys chop more then you slice with it :P - great review.

Rurouni Kenshin is one of my favorite manga/anime. Glad to see the reverse blade in action!

I saw the machicolations at Castello Odescalchi and thought "Shad would appreciate someone mentioning those."

well.. i asked about the reverse blade katana in an earlier video and i now know my answer. gread video, lived it as i do all your videos

This is SUCH an INTERESTING sword, with so much potential, requiring sooooo much practice

The back edge is striking with way more surface area before biting in, too

For the blunt attacks, you have to remember that it's going to be hitting with a more focused impact instead of having a spread out impact like normal clubs, this would make breaking bone even easier, the only caveat is that it has less mass than a club would as it is a sword, meant to be light and nimble.

thats so cool thank you for the video

I have watched Rurouni Kenshin several times and it is one of my fav animes

We have got to get Shad some shock stickers to measure the damage it can do on the blunt side.

Is this channel still going? Wow. I did not see that happening. Good for you Shad, defying the odds.

Watch more Seki Sensei videos, especially on drawing, and sheathing the katana. Also the one with sakabato, and all the trick shots

Shad weebing over Rurouni Kenshin/Samurai X is quite delightful and I would love to see Shadiversity do a video testing out Commodore/Admiral James Norrington's cutlass from POTC in the future.

Well dang, this anime sounds awesome. Imma have to look it up.

I train with a live version of this sword! It's definitely usable but it does have some limitations and some advantages!

If it were used more as a shotel with targeted strikes on joints (like thumbs)... Also, you can gain rotational transfer length assistance by twisting your hips when drawing

Hey Shad, love your videos! I would love to hear your thoughts on the practicality of the holster that Jetstream Sam has in Metal Gear Rising

19:00 the EXACT moment that realization kicks in lmao :D