This is a great series! I've got a sword I'm interested in now and learned a thing or two, or three! Thanks for posting Michael. I really enjoyed it!

I like this spectrum style review, its quite informative. You answered my big question about the guards with the stab test.

Awesome content. Just ordered the Katana for a Black Friday sale and looking forwards to it even more now for backyard cutting and quick draws.

Thank you for the always extremely interesting videos. Watching your channel l am expanding my passion for blades to swords and katanas.

Thanks for sharing these. These may be an answer for me.

Thoroughly enjoyed the content.

@michaelrizzo5523

3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

These are great to customize

You rock! Fantastic content. I received the Dragon King katana as a gift. I am very happy with it, for it trims my hedges nicely! pluR

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Cheers and Congrats. ☘️

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Happy that you like the katana! An eye opener: the use of an archery foam target for stabbing.... I have one of those things for archery & never thought about using it for stabbing! & the workhorse for holding cardboard! Another Ah ha! moment! Drawing was fantastic as well as resheathing! Now, I am super slow with resheathing for fear of injury! Still humming & hawing over the Hanwei Tactical Katana...

@mattjack3983

8 ай бұрын

I agree, that archery target was definitely an excellent idea! I've got several I've used for archery that are pretty worn out that would make excellent targets for blades.

I bought the gladius last year as my first sword purchase. I dig the shape of the blade and it's a two handed shorty but the edge definitely needs work. Fun to swing around the apartment.

@mattjack3983

8 ай бұрын

I've got the gladius and cutlass, and love them both. If you order from Kult Of Athena they will put a nice razor edge on there for $20 bucks extra. It's definitely worth it, as the factory edge is pretty poor.

Great review! I've wondered how the APOC series would perform. Might have to add them to the collection.

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

If you want something you can use hard, I'd say they're worth it.

Your channel is so underrated

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm still pretty new to this.

@ashtongaston3904

Жыл бұрын

I agree your channel is underrated

Hi Mike. I really appreciate your reviews, please keep them coming. I own 5 APOC swords and 1 APOC Tanto knife, am quite happy with them all, especially the Jian. In addition to rounding edges of quillons and G-10 handles on all the APOC swords, I've used a triangular-section file to cut "traction notches" (1/4" spacing) across the G-10 corners for a more secure bare-handed grip with less hand squeeze. I also re-sharpened 3 of the swords, preferring a convex edge on them; as delivered, the Jian had the best edge. I've been undecided for a long while about buying the APOC Longsword and Sirupate, I hope you'll get to reviewing them soon.

@michaelrizzo5523

8 ай бұрын

The Longsword has been chronically out of stock, but I have been considering the Jian.

@mattjack3983

8 ай бұрын

I've been looking everywhere for the Longsword and can't find one. I have the cutlass and gladius, and they are both excellent blades.

@jacksonterrance8833

3 ай бұрын

How hard is it to file away the metal on the 9260 steel?

Best review I found for the katana I want. They should pay you if they haven't

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! But no, no sponsored content around here.

@JordanClymer-fh3pf

6 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 Good on you and much respect.

Thanks for the video! Super informative 👍

You even went steel on steel. 10/10 review. Respect

very nice sword themed machetes! 👍🏼

@michaelrizzo5523

8 ай бұрын

That's a good way to describe them!

@JordanClymer-fh3pf

6 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 honestly I disagree. These things have meaty blades and heavy handles (FAT full tang) and you wouldn't want to use them on real light stuff as the heft would tire you out unnecessarily for the job. I got the Yataghan with that idea in mind and it's a hard nope. Though I may try lightening it up, then maaaybe. I would consider calling them weeb themed swords instead. I'm happy to own a couple or more.

@michaelrizzo5523

6 ай бұрын

@@JordanClymer-fh3pf A big choppy knife like a Bowie or Kukri would be less tiring against wood and branches. Conversely, yes, a lighter better-balanced backyard cutter would be my choice for soft targets. These are basically for beating on, and they're pretty hard to damage.

I'd be very interested in a take from you on the APOC Survival Longsword. Thanks.

@michaelrizzo5523

10 ай бұрын

It had been sold out for a frustratingly long time. I may get my hands on one eventually.

@trasher2848

10 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 I'm looking forward to it!

DLC is extremely durable. If it shows marks from the cardboard, it's most likely just cardboard on the surface. I didn't realize they used DLC though.

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

It's odd because they all say "oxide coating" but the katana and cutlass have a hard deep matte finish that looks like Parkerizing, but the Broadsword and Butterfly swords have a gloss finish that's tough but has worn off in a few places, more like bluing (which would make both a kind of oxide finish, just very different surfaces). I just tried lacquer thinner and it didn't touch it, and the more I polish it the more it does look like bluing.

@saigudbai

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 interesting, good to know. I have a couple nice knives with DLC and that stuff is extremely durable and definitely wouldn't come off. It's a bit expensive too I believe.

"Magic threshold of 1,000 subscribers" and a year later you are well over double. The momentum is building! Great review and very helpful and thorough. I'm highly likely to get the katana, but I was highly likely to get it before I saw this. When addressing the scabbard issues- the leather you put in, was that strictly to fix the rattle or was that what you did for the snug fit of the sword in the scabbard? If not, can you please elaborate on how you made the scabbard snug? I have a couple ideas but you have the experience of actually doing it. This is one major problem/flaw in an otherwise fantastic value line of really usable swords that you aren't afraid to beat because they weren't that pretty to begin with and you know it can take it. Thanks again!

@michaelrizzo5523

6 ай бұрын

The newer models all seem to have a rectangular slot insert in the scabbard to fit the blade better. The katana was an old model with just a hollow tube. I cut a rectangle of about 3mm thick veg-tanned leather, folded it into a taco and shoved it in. Didn't expect it to work as well as it did.

@JordanClymer-fh3pf

6 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 Oh! I see. The Yataghan I have has that insert but those indentations to hold the scales gave up in a real hurry so I'm going to try my own fixes. I appreciate the response!

Between the cutlass and the broadsword, which do you prefer and why?

@michaelrizzo5523

4 ай бұрын

That's the eternal straight sword vs saber debate: they are very different tools for me, and my preferences keep shifting over the years. The Broadsword has a better cutting edge vs the thicker Cutlass, but the cutlass feels more like a sturdy "field" tool, so that's the one I'd take out into the weeds with me.

Opinions or review on the apoc longsword?

@michaelrizzo5523

4 ай бұрын

Don't have one as it was sold out when I was looking for it. Looks promising though.

I’m new to sword collecting and usage, how should I properly sharpen and take care of these swords

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

Some sort of mineral oil to keep them clean and rust-free. I personally use firearm oils like CLP or Rem Oil. For sharpening, it depends on your budget, workspace and comfort with power tools. A couple of grades of fine sharpening stones is a good start for touch-ups. I use a 1X30" belt sander with grits from 600 to 1000, but a WorkSharp is a good entry-level tool.

How do you sharpen your swords? Im only used to filling my machetes and maybe a puck

@michaelrizzo5523

3 ай бұрын

For monosteel through-hardened blades I have both a Worksharp and at 1X30 belt sander with grits up to 1200. For serious reprofiling I use my 4X36 belt sander. For fine honing I have a variety of stones and ceramics, and have been using a WorkSharp Field Sharpener quite a bit.

@ChrisvilleUSA

3 ай бұрын

@michaelrizzo5523 I love the field sharpener. I have recently bought some 18" + stuff and that length is new to me. Thanks for the input

@michaelrizzo5523

3 ай бұрын

@@ChrisvilleUSA Any time. Glad I could help.

Im thinking about getting one of these. Im on the rather poor side, right now. Im thinking either the broad sword or the cutless. Im a bit more for the cutless. My training is FMA. Im mainly short sword machete type. If messed around with a few guys that fence HEMA . Im thinking the cutless is the most versatile. What's your opinion if you could only afford one ? I gave you a idea of my machete training. Filipino martial arts is mostly machete and large knife combat. I train all the time. I want something that will blend in well. Is there anything else i should look into ive got a $150 budget for worthwhile sword. Im looking for useful i can sharpen so that's not a issue i have a belt sander as well as other tools. I'd very much appreciate your assistance?

@michaelrizzo5523

3 ай бұрын

For FMA the Cutlass would be my choice. If you want something shorter, their Yatagan is also well-suited to FMA.

@richardhenry1969

3 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 thanks I really appreciate taking the time to answer. Have a good one.

@michaelrizzo5523

3 ай бұрын

@@richardhenry1969 Any time, glad I could help.

Do the tac brutus!

@michaelrizzo5523

Жыл бұрын

I may indeed get around to it, but the Yatagan is ahead of it on my wish list.

AR bolts get DLC... it's pretty tough stuff.

@michaelrizzo5523

9 ай бұрын

I don't currently own an AR, but I'm thinking about how well the coating has held up on my original Mark I Desert Eagle gas system.

@jimmyjames4003

9 ай бұрын

@@michaelrizzo5523 Sounds like you need an AR lol..

Lol. You can't be serious

The way that you are attacking that sword with those Epoch swords is pathetic and you are obviously try not to damage The Cutting Edge when in fact some of those were designed to go as to edge. Like the broadsword that was designed to Dish up punishing blows. The Cutlass was designed for Close Quarters combat and the katana well we all know it's just for slashing. And you're testing these items like a 12 year old would test items. You're not showing us anything good about these swords other than what we already know what they're capable of doing.

@JordanClymer-fh3pf

6 ай бұрын

He isn't sponsored, which means these are HIS, that he paid for (or were gifted from a friend as mentioned here). Why don't you go buy a nice sword and immediately beat the shit out of it and make a vid for us? I'll give you a Like.

@jorynickila7760

6 ай бұрын

@JordanClymer-fh3pf I do. Except they don't show them to just regular people online they show them to high stakes gamblers in Vegas Atlantic City stop Paulo Brazil Munich Tokyo Johannesburg South Africa. I belong to an underground full contact full blood sword and knife fighting association. Our only rules are do not delimb your opponent on purpose and do your best not to kill your opponent and first blood drawn from the Torso wins. So I go full-on Berserker combat twice a month and if you want to count the scars on my body from all the stitches you will notice that there are close to 3000 scars on my body from my almost 29 years of full metal combat. I go up against and hack and slash my way through 290-pound steel reinforced men holding 25 lb steel reinforced Shields swinging weapons that Ragnar Lothbrok himself would be terrified to go up against! And if you want to see it, you have to be at the Bellagio next weekend with a 60,000 Buy in cuz I'm going up against the top two fighters in my league at once just to prove a point that they are not as good or skilled as they think they are! Oh, and if they are his, he should be testing them to show what they can do, not what they sort of look like when they're doing it. And if they're borrowed, he shouldn't be making a video like this about them at all!

@JordanClymer-fh3pf

6 ай бұрын

@@jorynickila7760 Cool story bro. And I've heard enough crazy stories that I know are true that I'm willing to believe what you're saying. It still doesn't pertain to this video or conversation. For someone so hardcore, you're wasting your time watching videos like this. I wish you luck and health in your... occupation?

@jorynickila7760

6 ай бұрын

@@JordanClymer-fh3pf you are absolutely correct. I am wasting my time with videos like this. But the sad problem is is that assholes like him think they're doing something new and special when in fact they are not doing anything worth of value at all except showing us exactly how dumb they are! And if you're not prepared to make a proper video then don't make the video at all!