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Post by Matthew.Jensen on Aug 3, 2020 18:19:47 GMT
Hello there sword friends!
I was hoping to pester everyone for their thoughts on YouTube sword reviews. More specifically I am looking to answer one or all of these questions. What makes a sword review good or bad? What do think is missed by the various folks you watch? Lastly, and most indulgently, What could I specifically do better? If you are unfamiliar with my channel, skip that last part.
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Post by 28shadow on Aug 3, 2020 18:56:56 GMT
When I watch reviews, I look for those that feature the sword specifically. I don't want someone reviewing an Albion Kingmaker to tell me for 10 minutes of the review how a thrusting oriented sword is bad for cutting so they won't attempt any for the review, I want to see them discuss the merits of the specific model in their hands. How well it's constructed, the handling characteristics (it's fine to be subjective on that) and perhaps even a few comparisons with things like it.
I used to watch plenty of reviews over various swords before making my purchasing decisions, but over the years I have grown tired of several. In particular I used to enjoy watching videos of reviewers who had found diamonds in the rough or were willing to do some minor modifications in order to bring the piece in line with what they like. One major example is a very popular channel, now over 1 million subscribers, who used to review swords no matter the price point from a non-biased and objective standpoint. As he grew in popularity he mostly stopped doing reviews and those he did were very biased.
I've been watching your channel for years now and have always enjoyed your content because you don't pretend to be someone your not. You're a very down to earth, realistic reviewer who admits when something may not perform well in your hands due to your own unfamiliarity with the weapon. Not everyone can afford an entire collection of swords that each cost over a thousand dollars (though there are SOME around here, lucky bastards) and so for those of us who might splurge only once or twice above our usual price range I've always found your reviews helpful for getting an opinion on so many things out of my own price range.
On the topic of improving your own content my only suggestion is two fold: either condense your reviews as much as possible to under ten minutes or do a longer video followed by a shorter one that contains most of the major talking points. I know in terms of YouTube analytics the ten minute mark is generally preferred and my own personal preference is for the seven to ten minute sweet spot.
These are just my observations and are in no way meant as any sort of attack on anyone, just my opinions.
Good luck!
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Post by paulmuaddib on Aug 3, 2020 19:53:38 GMT
My only suggestion is to do more drunk reviews. Loved the one.
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Post by alexkjren on Aug 3, 2020 21:09:33 GMT
I really enjoy the way you do reviews and I don't mind if they're long. I especially enjoy the few reviews you've done which are followed by an interview with the sword maker in which they respond to your review points and other questions. I especially love the one you did with Tinker, that was great!
Actually, the only criticism I can give you is to say please do more interviews!
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nddave
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Posts: 4,042
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Post by nddave on Aug 3, 2020 21:27:55 GMT
Overall as many are have agreed more reviews. You have a very unique collection that deserves to be shown off. Your delivery is spot on as you definitely have a voice for narration and your destructive testing is both reasonable and conclusive.
Honestly one thing I'd like to see from sword reviews is details on statistics, which is why statistics are a big factor in my video reviews. I mean if I'm not seeing it might as well bring it to the audience right, lol?
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on Aug 5, 2020 1:49:34 GMT
Hi Matt - really enjoy your reviews! I'll give my $0.02 for what it's worth ($0.02 Canadian, so not much lol). I agree with much of what was said above.
What makes a review good or bad? I think that's difficult to answer, since people collect for so many different reasons. I think the better reviews i've seen on YouTube have a combination of historical aspects, fit and finish, handling, cutting, destructive testing. I guess, to be as inclusive as possible, one must cover as much ground as possible in a limited time. Also, for me, I take more seriously the reviews that try to be objective.
What i'd like to see more of, from any and every reviewer, are 2 things: 1) I collect more for historical and martial reasons than for test cutting. So i'd personally like to hear more about how a sword compares to it's historical counterpart - did they get it right? What did they miss? Is it still a plausible historical weapon? 2) Along the same lines, i'd like to see more comparisons of similar swords. Either swords in the same price range (i.e Comparing similar swords from Windlass to Hanwei; or Valiant to Darksword; or Albion to A&A; etc...); or the same sword over various price points - to see if the higher price tag actually gives you a much better product / is it worth it? I know you have done some of these types of reviews, and i absolutely loved them!
P.S. Your Kit Rae Anathar Best Sword Ever !!! - was just epic lol.
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Post by knightfox on Aug 6, 2020 2:06:55 GMT
I watch reviews to help make informed decisions when I'm going to purchase a sword. I like the long review videos with lots of detail. I appreciate up close imagery of the sword, as well as the full view of the sword from different angles. It's also useful to see the sword in hand.
I'm a hema practitioner and I use my sharp swords for; dry cutting, flourishing drills, and tatami cutting. Detailed information about how a sword handles and comparing it to swords of the same type made by other manufacturers is useful.
Lastly I think you've got the best sword reviews on YouTube. You mention in your videos that you don't practice hema. One thing that could add to your reviews on euro model swords could be to take a few lessons in sword and buckler and longsword fencing. It could aid you in understanding some subtleties hema students might be looking for in a review. If you're ever in Portland Oregon my club would be happy to give you some classes.
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