I once tried dual-wielding a sidesword and a backsword. Got stabbed in the front.

"I do have a particularly large rapier."

"I do have a particularly large rapier"

There he goes bragging about the size of his Rapier.

Sideswords are awesome. Cool stylistically, interesting transitional period. What's not to like?

Nice to see you still have your sponsorship deal with superdry. Get some official t-shirts made up. You never know your viewers might even like to buy one

In italian, generally speaking in catalogue museums and related texts, the term "spada da lato" means "civilian sword", in contrast to the various military type swords. Rapier in italian is generally translated with "striscia" that means "stripe", and it stands for "spada da lato a striscia" so "civilian sword with narrow blade". Of course I don't know how old this terminology is, but it's generally accepted in the collector and reaserchers world.

"I have used and handled other people's sideswords over the years"

Matt, could you please do a video discussing the historical use of the arming sword WITHOUT the aid of a buckler? Also, it would be great if you could discuss dual-wielding sword with spear, as it is most definitely addressed in period sources. Thanks!

I have two really nice spada da latos sideswords made by del tin, they are customs not in his catalogue. It was a treat to see you review a different and favorite sword of mine. I hope you do a cup hilt rapier review in the future. Thanks Matt, gorgeous sword for the price.

I love that sword. I never knew what a side sword was and it’s freaking awesome. Seems like a great transitional compromise piece. I would prefer a wider blade as well

You know, I love the fact that this channel has so much interesting information in their sexual innuendo videos...

I fight with a sidesword in the Florentine tradition according to Marco Docciolini, a thinner blade is pretty nice as the Treatise on Matters of Defence was published in 1601, so moving into rapier.

I would love to see a video or two on Katzbalgers, the short (sometimes VERY short) sword favored by the Landsknecht.

Finding good gloves for use with sideswords has been a neverending quest. I've done bolognese fencing for over six years now and am still waiting for someone to come out with a glove that satisfies on all points. The problem is that you need a glove that protects the fingers really well since they are exposed and tend to get hit a lot. And a sidesword swung at full contact level of force can easily break unprotected fingers. Red Dragon gloves are the bare minimum we require of our students for full contact sparring. They have two pros: Low price and mobility. I, myself have had to make due with them for budget reasons. There are some interesting new gloves on the market, which I have not had the opportunity to try and there are some new ones coming. I'm personally holding my fingers crossed for the Thokk WeaponMaster Gauntlets. I did support the Pro Gauntlet project but I'm not holding out much hope that the finished product will ever see the light of day.

I an open relationship with swords. I have my main sword, but I occasionally like to have other swords on the side.

In Spain it was common to have paws instead of a ring to protect the index finger from a blade siliding downwards. For an example check internet for Francisco Pizarro's sword, although replicas tend to have that piece reversed

Aesthetically, it appeals to me, I like simple clean lines in a sword hilt, and this one does that to a T

We have side sword model #2 if you want to cut your friend badly!

Were the swords carried by the early conquistadors roughly along this type, or would they have been closer to what we think of as arming swords in blade shape?