This Japanese blade is 600 years older than its hilt. With Assistant Curator Scot Hurst

The Type 95 Shin Gunto was a mass-produced NCO sword for the Imperial Japanese Army, adopted in 1935. It mimicked traditional katana styles but used machine-made components like cast aluminum handles and steel blades without a hamon. Variations exist in arsenal markings (Tokyo, Nagoya, Kokura) and construction details, with late-war examples simplifying materials due to resource shortages.

This video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of a katana sword and its scabbard. Royal Armouries conservator Vicky Garlick discusses the meticulous processes involved in maintaining these historical artifacts, focusing on their longevity and care.

This video explores the intricate process of forging a blade, specifically focusing on the creation of a katana. It offers a glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship involved in producing such edged weapons. The Royal Armouries, the UK's national collection of arms and armour, presents this behind-the-scenes look, inviting viewer questions about their extensive collection and the history of arms and armour. The content is educational and showcases the artistry behind historical weaponry.

This YouTube video title suggests an experimental comparison between a katana and a Viking helmet. The core of the video appears to be a destructive test, aiming to determine if a katana can cut through a Viking helmet. The title promises "surprising results," indicating an engaging and potentially unexpected outcome. Given the absence of a transcript, the analysis is solely based on the title's premise of a weapon test.

This video showcases a Katana's cutting power against a watermelon, contrasting it with firearms' destructive force on the same fruit. It highlights the tactical lifestyle of the host, Tara, who also engages in community outreach by distributing watermelon and ice cream to children. The content blends weapon demonstrations with philanthropic activities, featuring a modified Honda ice cream cart.

This video delves into collecting WW2-era Japanese samurai swords, distinguishing between machine-made and handmade blades. Key identification points include the scabbard (Army vs. Navy Type 97), the Hamon (temper line), and Hada (steel grain). The tang's markings, such as the Army 'Star' or Navy 'Half-Chrysanthemum' stamps, indicate production quality and value. Condition is paramount for collector value, with prices ranging from $800 for machine-made to over $3,200 for high-quality handmade pieces.

This video features Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson in a 60-second challenge at the Royal Armouries to find three unique firearms: a Charlton Automatic Rifle, a Schwarzlose Model 1898 pistol, and an early SA80 prototype. They discuss unusual mechanical operations and limited historical impact, highlighting experimental designs like the Sterling 7.62mm prototype and the Mars .45 Automatic Pistol.

The Knight's Armament KS-1, designated L403A1 by the British Army, is a new AR-15 platform rifle adopted for specialized units like the Army Special Operations Brigade and Royal Marines. It features a 13.7-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and is equipped with a Vortex 1-10x LPVO and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for versatile engagement ranges. The rifle utilizes a KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor and is part of 'Project Hunter' to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

This video details the armor and weaponry of an 11th-century Norman knight, emphasizing the evolution of protective gear. It covers the padded undergarments, the mail hauberk constructed from thousands of iron rings, and the nasal helmet for head protection. The kite shield offered significant defense, while primary weapons included the lance and a one-handed sword.

This video explores a unique modernization attempt of the Martini-Henry rifle using Captain Harston's Patent Magazine. Jonathan Ferguson details the Mark IV rifle's features and the external magazine's mechanism, designed to convert the single-shot rifle into a five-round repeater. Despite its ingenuity, the system faced issues with reliability, high conversion costs, and was ultimately overshadowed by superior bolt-action designs like the Lee-Metford.