This 'War Knife' Doesn't Messeround (LE Rotmilan Review)

The good old kriegsmesser comes in many shapes and sizes... let's see how this version stacks up in practical terms. Landsknecht Emporium has delivered impressive quality so far.

*** Specifications ***

Overall length: 119.5 cm (47'')
Blade length: 93.3 cm (36-3/4'')
Blade width: 3.7 cm (1-3/4'')
Blade thickness: 7.8mm (5/16'') tapering to 2.5mm (1/8''), with 3.8mm reinforced tip
Weight: 1.42 kg (3 lbs 2 oz)
Point of balance: 16 cm (6-1/3'')

Price: 850 EUR / 887 USD / 1193 CAD (as of November 2022)

*** Pros / Cons ***

+ Hefty blade (powerful cutter)
+ Rock solid construction
+ Very good edge & blade profile
+ Costs half as much as the Albion Knecht

- Hefty blade (somewhat less nimble)
- Hard corners on the handle
- Cosmetic flaws in the finish (which were common in history)

These are subject to change in the future, particularly the handle shape which they seem willing to refine. Overall this is a well made, functional sword that deserves the label "battle ready". The handle could be more comfortable but it's perfectly workable. It also seems like a good representation of medieval originals from the 15th century.

*** Where to get it ***

*** Music credits ***

“Heroic Demise” by Matthew Pablo
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)

*** Merch ***

*** Support the channel ***

Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:

Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:

Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:

Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:

Want to treat your face fluff? I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:

Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:

*** Social media ***

*** Time stamps ***

00:00 - 00:44 Intro
00:44 - 01:19 What is a reproduction?
01:19 - 01:51 Historical accuracy
01:51 - 04:06 Fit & finish / quality standards in history
04:06 - 08:09 Handling / reinforced tip
08:09 - 11:06 Cutting & other practical tests
11:06 - 12:09 Accidental edge damage & repair
12:09 - 13:03 False edge & hand test
13:03 - 14:56 Grip shape
14:56 Conclusion

#skallagrim #sword #review

[EmmanueleZanotto]

it's a replica of a kriegsmesser in the sense that if a person from the 1500's would see this sword they would say "oh, yeah, that's a kriegsmesser"

[LuxisAlukard]

Skall: "You can have two of these for the price of one Albion"
That's fair point - you can dual wield them for same amount of money!

[Vikingknight]

Reinforced tip makes sense, its a common thing in larger bowie knives with what is considered a clip point. And this is a big big beautiful knife.

[Pageousphere]

Dundee: "That's a knife."
Skal: "Hold my tankard."

[Meineself]

I’m noticing a good trend in your video production, the amount and quality of information contained in your videos has been ramping up bigly for a few years! You’re in a pretty good spot now, I was hardly bored with your script and felt like you were very engaging. Likely due to the quick scene change editing. Very well done!! Such a ways you have come from the first days.

[bigmikenbr]

Your pronunciation of Rotmilan ( Red Kite( Milvus milvus)) was pretty much on point

[silverjohn]

Reference the fit and finish you have to remember that, for the most part, swords that have survived over the years tend to be high quality items that have been preserved as heirloom/art pieces. Any lower quality ones, even when they were perfectly serviceable when made, would have just ended up going to the scrap man and getting melted down for the steel content when they broke or wore out.

[ericm]

Ok that hand wound was GNARLY. Wild the amount of force you can deliver with such a quick short motion

[Indigo_Gaming]

Came for the title pun.
Stayed for that _sexy_ knife tip.
Liked for the sword wobble.

[stevemora]

That Messer looks so awesome. I personally prefer the other kinda slimmer ones you have shown, but this one has a solid look to it that I actually appreciate. Also, great content, really engaging and entertaining. Keep up the great job you're doing bro!

[chickenlegg]

Love that you still do these good 'ol fashioned reviews, thank you for a very informative video.

[PitchIncorrection]

Conspiracy theory: the real reason Skall tests all of his nice swords so brutally is because he wants them to have battle scars.

[giggityguy]

To be fair, from everything you've said on the subject, the Knecht is one of the finest Kriegsmesser reproductions ever made, so it's sort of unfair to compare something to it. But I understand what you were going for. The Rotmilan is half as expensive, so if it's more than half as good, then it's a good value.

[Bubu]

Square handles are great for encouraging edge alignment, at the cost of comfort. There is a reason the design looks like a kitchen knife.

[kultofathena]

Great review, I just finished editing my review on it. The back edge cuts were so fun and they make some really unique blades.

[Sceadusawol]

I have to say that I am a big fan of Landsknecht Emporium's "rustic" finish on their messers. They feel more "authentic" as a lower-than-elite sidearm compared to the industrially produced competition.

I have two LE blades in my collection, and absolutely want more.

[bdjcasar]

I have a left-handed, sharp Dorthea Dussack from Landsknecht Emporium. It also has a slightly wider tip, reinforced for thrusts. It is a well made sword.

[daemonharper]

Great review and nice to acknowledge that very often average quality swords made now are - in comparison to medieval average quality swords - much better.

[andreweden]

It's become very popular lately to point out how original European swords sometimes have imperfections in fit and finish, and this is not an incorrect statement. However, many surviving Medieval originals ARE so well-made that they look like they could've been made with a CNC machine. This is especially true of Japanese swords, but it's also true of many European swords.

[fettmaneiii]

You are one of the best creators on Youtube.