Which sword is best in a one-on-one duel?….. Historical fencing

I'd go with with a basket sword, or similar kind. Making this comment 1/3 through this video and not looking at the comments. Let's what your verdict will be )

The downfall of the rapier is if an opponent gets inside the length of the blade. The cutting edge isn't suitable enough to counter. From what training I got and my style I would take the medieval sword first then Katana and then backsword

No gladius = instant failure… sorry!

I prefer a battle axe but I have also had a lot of practice with them because my family are Norse Paganists

Wow what do you do with that katana break stones?

Like the guy that almost killed jorah mormont in the fighting pits? That was sort of a rapier wasn't it?

Cool stuff ! Subbed. Question: have you seen the duel in Rob Roy? Saber vs rapier.

The problem with the rapier is that it gets parried by a smaller sword, the opponent closes in with a quick stab, and you're finished.
You didn't even consider the messer.

I think rapier is probably easier to learn as well, and harder to master. Rapier is like a small spear, and spear is notoriously the weapon of militias and warriors with low skill level in battle – but not to say that it is easy to use spear masterfully.

'rapierist' XD

I have been up against all different types of weapons with my katana I still have my head .

Scottish Claymore with hand guard

interestingly he picked weapons he's most comfortable with. Suggesting that the ideal choice depends on your skill level with it. And if you are a complete noob, I'd recommend a good pair of running shoes.

professional duelist? yeah rapier. two amateurs, grabbing a weapon? saber or long sword for hacking, slashing and stabbing

You're so right about the khukri and the machete, these are highly specialized weapons which are normally used as a standard close quarters weapon only by those who have trained extensively for many years in the martial art which makes them useful. Between India, Britain (by extension), and a certain formerly french colony in the Caribbean. One would be better off, at very least, using a light, medium sized blade.

 Not that I would at all advocate for a death match involving one without extensive formal training, and a legacy to follow them, just saying…

Tape your ears back before you play with swords, you could get hurt bro.

Late to the party and have not read all comments but do Schiavona/mortuary/scot backsword types not get a look in?? 🙂

I think the roman gladius deserves a mention here. Great video though.

Bring a Howland Reed

I find the Longsword is the best.

“Folded fifty-zillion times and can cut through tanks“ fking dead

the way i see it , gauntlets would be best vs rapier ,parry and grab opponents sword followed by disarming.

Best sword in a one on one sword fight? The one attached to the AK-47

Baseball bat

Okay, so now I know Zoro's swords are called "katana".

… easy: Light saber.

what about epee?

Would you pick a rapier if both opponents would be wearing mail armor? Does it change the equation significantly?

Squall's Gunblade is the best. The pommel is the butt of a revolver and I can end you like Wyatt Earp would that is to say properly.

Interesting, my thought exactly almost, when choosing a weapon choose the one your most familiar and skilled with…

Lightest, straightest and longest is best.

"Rapierists"

pretty obvious really, that's why in the last 200 years only rapiers were used in duels. With armour it's a completely different story though.

gotta watch out for those rapierists

he forgot the chinese straight sword, broad sword etc..

But if your opponent has a shield — totaly different story, right?