The Best Sword for Post-Apocalyptic Self-Defense?
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- Опубликовано: 16 ноя 2023
- A dark industrial, post-apocalyptic, rugged "tactical" gladius to pierce the skulls of ravenous undead hordes... The Zombie Tools Legionnaire sure fits that description.
So let's take a closer look at how well it's made, how it handles, and whether it will cut (and thrust).
In this review I'll be testing the blade on various materials and give you my opinion of the value you're getting. It's obviously designed for collectors, but it's made to be fully functional (or "battle-ready", if you will).
Since I briefly mention home defense without going into detail, here are older videos on that topic:
Home Defense in Canada... How Far Can You Go (Legally)?
• Home Defense in Canada...
Sword Against Bat / Maglite / Crowbar? (Home Intruder)
• Sword Against Bat / Ma...
A Good Dword for Home Defense? (Viewer Question)
• A Good Sword for Home ...
** Specifications **
Overall length: 68 cm (26-3/4'')
Blade length: 49 cm (19-1/3'')
Blade thickness: 6.3 mm (1/4''), tapering to 4.8 mm (3/16'')
Point of balance: 5 cm (2'') from the hilt
Weight: 1.12 kg (2-1/2 lbs)
** Pros / Cons **
+ Excellent fit & finish
+ Exceptionally strong & durable
+ Comfortable handle
- Edge grind sacrifices cutting ability for durability
- Unnecessary extra mass in the hilt
** Where to get it **
zombietools.net/collections/b...
** Music credits **
"Space Ambient" by Osmic
opengameart.org/content/space...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
"Small Loss" by HorrorPen
opengameart.org/content/small...
CC BY 3.0
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission
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#skallagrim #sword #review #zombiesurvival 
Развлечения
Having a sword that doesn't reflect in sunlight seems very useful
Especially if you have migraines.
Do an etch then use a bluing compound.
Imagine paying for patina. God does it 4 free
God I wish I had a big hunky can of spray paint that can take care of me-
@@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850
Not as well or as consistantly.
Nobody is going to talk about that clean sword throw at 6:42? How many takes did that take you Skall??
I wager just one, he gets enough practice from throwing with pommels.
I was just going to comment on that.
a true son of fiore
That was a good throw!
1st try
An apocalyptic style Khopesh could be something very, much. 🤩
That'd be awesome
I feel like they once had one offered in their store but upon checking its not there. Maybe they will see your comment and add it to the list.
@@SeemsLogicalOh please! And it could be called the Montu 😁
10/10 want one
That would be……SICK!!!!!🤘🤘
the Gladius is a simple compact overall design that will be useful in various different context in different time periods
Romans that were fielding these were absolute chads. I wager the extra arm strength was extremely commonplace among them.
Out of every sword I've used, Gladius Espana was the 'best'. It felt like it was just part of my arm. Easily controlled and responsive, with useful reach and force to it. Wonderful design.
Он больше похож на скифский акинак чем на гладиус.
Zombie Tools could make a version of the British Navy Cutlass, perfect for confined spaces and the bowl guard would be perfect for punching zombies who got past the blade.
They had the original D'Capitan which was a cutlass, but they've replaced it with a sabre version.
That's exactly what a trench knife is made for. I have to say ww1 and ww2 trench knives are by far the most all-around useful weapons ever made. They are great for close quarters , with handle , hilt, or hand guard, also great for hunting and fishing, hold and edge and don't rust very easily. Sometimes we look to far back or to modern, tge weapons used during ww1 and ww2 for trench warfare are amazing and well made.
As much as I like this. It is basicly a gladiolus, very cool, but honestly, for close quarters I'd prefer something smaller and safer for my own hands and that allows striking without needing so much h room for a strike or cut, close quarters is a very real danger in Amy situation , also the fact you dint always want to kill your enemy, or make noise , a quick blow to the head can disable an enemy or if needed kill them, hopefully not though. Learning to use your weapon is absolutely mandatory in my book, and I carry my weapons at all times, obviously not all of them, but in a life and death situation, I have those I am very skilled with, comfortable with , and can choose what the end result will be, I'd prefer to injure the leg, hands, or knock them out.
Although I enjoy training wuth all sorts of weapons and having some skill with them. I have those I have mastered, and I can carry with me now and since this is not a fantasy world, a sword isn't my best bet if I dint want to rot in a cell forever Lavelle the dragon slayer lol.
If it gets to real, that's what my force multiplier is for. Until then, I'll use my trench knife and do everything to onky harm as much as I have to lol.
I have a gladiolus. I most likely wouldn't buy this one. Tgere are great black Smiths oit there that can make one custom to your needs and designs.
@@Aiuralionthey have a smaller companion to the full size D’Capitan. Absolute perfect size for confined spaces and hand guard that can do some damage. Own many Zombie Tool blades from their beginnings, they make some tough stuff, never disappointed.
Love to see old Skall content referenced with the “unreasonable abuse”
ah... the days of "extreme testing" with 762... fun to watch, anyway
This will summon Metatron.
Metatron as in that fictional metal in zone of the enders?
@@newCoCoY6, no.
I’m talking about the RUclipsr.
You mean @Metatron ?
@@galaxya40s95, Mr. Unironic Sicilian? Yeah.
It's historically incorrect. There's no evidence for Roman terminators!
ZombieTools as usual. You really can't go wrong with an adamantium sword.
I went by ZTs shop in Montana while on a road trip, and got to handle all of their blades. The truth is that it's really, really hard to tell how any of their weapons are going to feel in the hand until you try them in person. The DeCapitan, for example, felt like a crowbar to me, while the Zakasushi felt sublime, even though they're the same length. The blades I thought I would like I mostly didn't, and most of the ones I was skeptical about were amazing. The best of the lot was the Diphos (also the most expensive), and I was amazed by the Sharkalope, Japanese blades (which was a little depressing, because weebs), Scyllis, and Vakra. The Deuce was unwieldy, the Rat Bastard, Felon, and Reaver Cleaver were absurdly heavy, and the Spit and Kraken were just a little too short. The Hellion, Legionnaire, and Traumahawk were fine.
So that's my flash review of their lineup. If it were my own money, I think the Zakasushi offers the best bang for the buck. Your mileage WILL vary.
i do LOVE the zombie tools weapons, their entire library of blades is amazing
They look badass, but heavy and a bit pricy. But I pretty much agree with Skallagrim that you could request the blade to be a bit thinner if you wanted and the craftsmanship does justify the price.
As someone who also owns a legionairre from ZT, I am happy with it since I can abuse it more than I could with another type of blade.
As someone who has both the Kraken and the Diphos from ZT, can confirm they are quite thick and will survive hell and back. Great products for if you want a weapon that will survive Armageddon.
Jealous, I want a Kraken lol
Is the kraken good for wood chopping and such? Also I want the diphos but I had the apokatana but katanas are kinda wack
I've had a 1st gen hellion for about 10 years now. Thing's a damn tank
@@gloving4hire I've got the smaller Skeggox and had a tree come down in a thunder storm. To hook up the generator, I had to clear some thick branches. I just had to raise and let my arm fall; and let the axe do the work on absolutely green wood. Did just fine.
Zero tolerance knives is ZT. Not this zombie survival crap.
Ive got the kraken, traumahawk, the spit, reaver cleaver, and dcaptain sabre. All are amazing pieces and great quality craftsmanship.
D'Capitan Saber, Mauler, Xiphos, Ferrous Wolf, Felon, Spit, and Scyllis myself. I want a Legionnaire and its companion Centurion Dagger so badly.
To me, it looks like if Caesar's Legion actually gained some industrial capability, as opposed to making them out of salvaged paper slicers.
This will summon Fallout: New Vegas fans.
...I'm partially sorry.
Patrolling the arabian desert almost makes you wish for a volcanic winter
@@fatman4792 That'll work.
Those dudes called a Kukri ""Gladius""" and don't even issue scutums.
Yeah, i'd rather give Mr. House his chip or even start working for that funny robot over there.
Delivery of the Platinum Chip is non-negotiable.
@@arya31ful I cast my lot with NCR. My ideal ending is that the Courier sides with NCR, but still acting as governor of the Mojave & Vegas--using the securitron army and loyalty of its factions/settlements as leverage.
7:05 I love how your neighbor is mowing his lawn and being all normal in the background of your cut test footage.
good for goblins? asking for a friend
Zombie Tools' weapons are peak edgelord cringe, but they've committed to the bit so hard, and with such a degree of quality that I can't help but appreciate them.
Dont need to look at them in the mindset of apocalypse fanatics either, in my eyes they just seem like durability focused weapons and tools, id gladly sacrifice some extra weight for a tool that promises to outlive me no matter what i put it through
Thank you for pointing out that there's a lighter version of it. I got that one instead after handling my classmate's standard version. I just love how it balances! Thanks again!
Hey Skall. Very long time viewer. First time commenting I believe. Thanks for all the work you put, not on this video especially but in all your videos in general. Your reviews are always insightful and honest. I known takes time and dedication. Thanks again and cheers from France.
hell yeah, its been quite a while since the last zombie tools review, always been a fan of these
Legionary terminator reminded me of Pious Augustus.
He definitely did a mashup of Terminator and Eternal Darkness and I'm here for it.
I would like to see a comparison to the Cold Steel Gladius Machete. That one is my favorite because it actually *looks* like a Gladius just black and with modern materials.
Cold Steel is both overpriced, and overrated.
@@GuitarGuy057 cold steel gladius machette is $41.95 on their website.
The Zombie Tools Legionnaire is $575.95 on their website.
I always love it when people have no clue what they are talking about. Took me about 2 minutes to look up.
Glad to know $42 dollars is too steep for you.
For $42 dollars you aren't going to be getting a Busse combat sword.
As for overrated i have a Cold Steel Espada xl i have cut trees down with.🤣 easy as an axe.
I absolutely need one of those!! I appreciate the review and I'm definitely getting one!
I have the centurion dagger which is shorter and liter and like it a lot better. The dagger and my hand forged tomahawk that took me two tries to forge out is the best fighting combo in my opinion. But my friends and I practice with an instructor in this style of fighting. Our instructor also practiced the Japanese martial art that involves the short staff. Here he advertises it as walking stick self-defense. He completely changed my mind about a very well made 5 foot long walking stick. Great video.
The staff is great
I'd been eyeing their Hellion since before they discontinued it in 2015. I checked a year ago and finally bought one because they resurrected the design, justifying the purchase as a solo trainer for sabre fencing. I really like it, but that 5mm spine makes it a stamina trainer or a machete rather than a badass kopis-style sword. I never thought to ask about getting one with a thinner spine, but I can still make my neighbours curious (or nervous) when I practice.
Just get stronger, I use a barbell for a staff. (It’s a standard barbell from the 80s so it’s a 5 foot perfect cylinder the width of a broom)
Works well for that particular blade design since its chopping focussed, if im not mistaken.
@@FuknKms You're correct, but if I'd had the choice, I'd have gone with them shaving a millimetre off each side. It would still be pretty robust but a bit more lively. As it is, it's still handy and functional for stamina with one handed swords. I still have to justify the $625 CDN I spent on it. :D
Looks like something you would find in a dungeon quest. Very cool.
"Roman Terminators"
Ultramarines?
I, Cato Secarius of the legendary and famed 2nd Company, approve of this glorious (but not as glorious as I, Cato Secarius) Comment
I love my ZT Tainto and Felon! I remember it was YOU, Skall, that introduced ZT to them via a review on the channel YEARS ago...Zombie Tools make great stuff!
Happy to see ZT blades back in your videos, I wanna get their new dagger version of this sword, the centurion dagger; but the economy is bad right now so I'll have to save up a little.
I'VE BEEN WAITING SINCE IT CANE OUT FOR SOMEONE TO DO A GOOD REVIEW OF THIS BLADE! THANK YOU SKAL, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. ❤
Quick update. I got mine in .204 steel. POB is actually the same as with yours Skall, I think they thinned up the handle scales to accommodate the thinner stock so that the POB wouldn't be inside the handle. It feels great, and it's VERY stabby. :D Also got the Vakra alongside it with standard blade stock. Plan of giving a small review once it stops raining long enough for me to get out and test them.
Another banger of a review!! that was some great cutting all things considered from the points you made
Seeing you play with this makes me wonder what you think of the Viking Wood Splitter sword? I used to chop wood daily but not so much these days. I've seen others use it & it seems pretty handy at what its designed for. Would be interesting to hear an opinion from someone who also has done HEMA.
Next video could be ‘which weapon is best for home defence?’ From gladiator scissor to double bit axe, having the options be the most unique historical weaponry would be fun to see
Terminator Roman Legioneers is one of the coolest freakin things anyone came up with ever
Been waiting for this review for years..:)
The idea of using G10 for the handle is a great one. Like a giant survival knife. Or a shrarpened pry bar
The opening was hilarious. Thank you.
i think the thinner blade and g-10 or micarta scales would be a cool option
The reason extra mass in a sword "weighs you down" even when balanced close to the hand is that more mass means more inertia, no matter how it's distributed. While balance is a very important factor in how difficult a weapon is to rotate, it's only part of the equation there, and it has no affect on how difficult the weapon is to _translate_ (ie, moving it up/down, forward/back, left/right).
Perhaps a good way to think about it is to imagine making cutting/thrusting/etc motions with a heavy dumbbell in your hand. The dumbbell may be symmetrical, and therefore "perfectly balanced," but you still can't move your hand as quickly/easily as if it was empty.
Excellent review as always Skal, keep up the superb work
Great vid, Skal! Thanks!
awesome review. funny you should mention it for home defense, and i appreciate that you acknowledge it may not be the best option depending on where we are. those of us here in murka have guns. it's not a bad second choice thought!
Cool review. A video about the (dis-)advantages of a sword or even different types of melee weapons for home defense would be awesome 💪🏻
I think he's made that one. Do a search for it.
Could be my imagination, but I think the design really has a slightly futuristic touch. For terminators, though, I'd expect something mirror polished without any nicks and stuff. That would look so awesome!
T-1000, "I am the sword".
really cool looking piece. I haven't bought anything sharp in quite a while.. and hooooo boy does this tempt me.
Looks well balanced for fast action. Thank you
I hardly comment, but for the algorithm why not say that I’m loving the review series. Brutality honest sword review at the same time I feel the need to say that a helmet is probably for the best when experiencing that much bounce from a duel edged blade.
I still have my Reaver Cleaver. It's 9 years old, but it still looks amazing. Zombie Tools did a great job on this model.
Hey Skallagrim, just saw your "these videos didn't make nearly as many views as other ones"-post and noticed that those videos weren't even recommended to me. They still don't show up in my subscriptions. Very weird, but I'm going to watch them now. RUclips algorithm striking again
Well that's on my Christmas list now!
Gotta love a Skal Zombie Tools video. I aspire to have enough spare cash to buy some ZT gear.
Excellent review
great video
The ending concept of a home defense self defense tool is interesting. Honestly as far as non-firearms go my bet would be a mace. Blunt instead of a blade so you can't really miss even when panicked, shorter length for close quarters without being knife range, and not nearly as much of a mess as a blade which could be a problem with disease, damage to other things, etc. If you really need a blade too, you can always have a spear tip on the mace head.
You should review the saber they make
Are you referring to the D’capitan? He reviewed that sword a few years ago.
@@TealScarab I must have missed that one
The d'captain Sabre is so legit, I have one and I love it
@@Elite02k oh I definitely want to get one myself
0:31 Ngl, you wearing that shirt while saying that made me laugh ^^
Years ago you made me aware of ZT! Still loving my deuce 2.0!
DONT SHOOT AT IT !!!
The Cleaver Reaver will not be forgotten.
Bro I can see you have lost some weight there, getting back in shape!
I bought the Spit many years back when you did that review that said it was discontinued and I got it for cheap on a clearance of theirs
Then they brought it back and now it's almost $670 when it got discontinued at $500 lol
Thanks to getting that I got a Sharkalope, the Kraken, and the Diphos. I been debating this or the Rat Bastard. Been waiting your review on this and just now remembered to check.
Been saving up for ZT blade. I got to meet them a few years ago. Unfortunately at the time a few t-shirts was all my budget allowed. Cool guys.
Hi Skall, love your videos. What shield would u you pair with this? I'm just an enjoyer of sword and sorcery in VR and love the short sword and shield. Thinking about buying this and a shield just cuz it's awesome.
Skall, have you considered making a supercut of all of your reviews in one video? I've seen ultra long form content and compilations doing well on many channels lately
Nice vid, but they would prefer a phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range.
Hey pal only what you see
Zombie Tools , buying some stuff from them is in my bucket list
I just had a look at their website, the names they give to their blades are hilarious.
This will be a handy part in my very real stash for the inevitable adpocalypse.
Fair do's - that is a damn nice sword.
Sorry to hear the last few videos haven't done as well as hoped. Always Wish you the best
I’d love a “modern” messer. G10 with a blade finish like this and maybe some sci-fi geometry
Very good sword for the "intended purpose" let's say. If well it may not be an exact replica, the durability and modern applications are well appreciated at least to me. 👍
That's a cool looking blade, if i was a videogame character i'd like to wield one the size of a war sword
6:03 the sound made me feel the handshock
For modern post-apocalyptic self-defense, I'd take the thicker blade. You'd want something that can hold an edge after lots of hacking through kevlar, bones, and branches, while also being able to pierce through a car door if needed. I'd want something that can be used like a machete and hatchet in addition to a short sword for a do-all blade.
Indeed
Considering most people wont be having swords on them, when the ammo is spent, it could be an advantage.
Кавказский " бебут" больше подошёл бы для выживания
I’m personally gonna have the diphos for my daily chopping and a long sword for fighting other swordsman
I think you would have liked the Zombie Tools Sinbad. It's the most quick and agile ZT sword on my collection. It thrusts well and it is also a great cutter. I've used mine so much the finish is pretty much gone. Unfortunately they no longer make it.
Great video dude glad your doing well :) you also seem to have lost some weight good for you :)
This appears to be a high end custom made collector's sword.
From your various cutting demonstrations with it, I believe that the Cold Steel hybrid Machete Swords seem to be just as capable without the extravagant cost for a collector's item.
Imagine trying to block a 100% full power swing at your face, from this “collectors piece” with your CS machete🫡
I was wondering when Skallagrim would review Zombie Tools. Their blades are awesome.
I own two of Zombie Tools Blades, and I have to say...
Worth
Every
Penny
i've had the sharkalope for a while now, and after some time putting it through some probably abusive "tests" it's not had maintenence, other then oiled, and it's basically a sword shaped machete at this point, i could recommend
Skall! Please livestream a game again soon. Love the content anyway, cheers!
Hi all from England UK. This video came up in my YT feed for some reason. Glad it did.
I have always wanted a sword.
(Though not as home defence, of course. Here in UK, if you fight back against a burglar with a bladed weapon, it is considered malice aforethought. Ho hum! And only criminals and certain police have firearms!).
But probably because I loved the Conan books and comics.
And also the film Excalibur.
And also the films of Akira Kurosawa
I do not yet have a sword.
But I have a Japanese diver's knife that I have had for over 40 years (I am 59). The blade is 6 inches with a plastic grooved handle and a round end that can be used as a hammer.
It is stainless steel, with a wide thick saw edge at the top (for cutting rope?).
The lower is half cerrated ending in a point.
The trademark on the long corroded sheath said 'Eternal.'
Craftsmanship
I got to meet the Zombie Tools guys at their old place a long time ago. They were crazy they we drinking beer and fencing hard one dude tackled the other it was awesome.
Низкий поклон и уважение мастерам, за шикарный тактический меч👍👍👍😀
I saw your recent posts about collaboration on RUclips.
I could see Jörg from the slingshot channel being really Into this sword. Perhaps it's not possible but I'd love a skallagrim and slingshot channel crossover
Would love your opinion on what weapons would pair with bending from avatar
Now that I think about it, if the zombie apocalypse did happen the zombies probably wouldn't be the biggest threat out there...all the perfectly healthy but mental people that wander around or hide away in the wreckage always seem a lot more of a threat to me 🤔
Depends on the type of zombies. Fast zombies are probably more of a threat.
Looks like it belongs in Caesar's Legion.
There are some very classy g10 micarta and carbon fiber they could use for handle scales. I get the aluminum, but there are different options out there.
I absolutely love my Zombietools!
This was my first sword and I agree that it's a bit unwieldy in terms of weight and balance, but I like that it's essentially indestructible
Would prefer hot blued to the ferric chloride etch..durability/rust inhibitor vs. Looks cool.
I would request no secondary bevel rather ground all the way to the edge.
I really like it, and for me the balance is excellent.
Since i just discovered your videos and haven't looked yet mind you i was wondering if you could suggest any decent Viking style sword by chance ?
Zombie Tools products are always so fascinating, theyre tacticool, but actually kind of cool for once.
What's actually important that's being overlooked is. The sheath. How it carries strap vs belt hook remember that you're going to be laden with the other accoutrements of said apocalypse .
Have a blade from Zombie Tools. It's incredibly well made
Looks good. i have a saber in kinda the same style and these things give much more reach than you would expect.
Good video. I think their other weapon The Spit might also he a solid choice
Terminator Romanum dicit: "Terminatus es."
"Ego esse redibo."
😂
If a terminator went Back in time to try and kill Jesus