#tod's workshop

[severalpossiblemusiks]

Have you learned any fun history facts recently?

Thanks for the ask!

I don't think I have a "short and sweet" fact that could be summed up in a sentence, but I did watch a cool video about fire arrows.

They were basically a lot of animal fat and such with a lit match that would stay burning while the arrow was in flight. The nasty bit was that once the arrow was burning, you couldn't really pull it out of the target, so any poor sod who got hit with one just kinda had to burn. Very nasty.

I'll find the video if you want to watch:

The YouTuber is Tod's Workshop, he's an engineer and historical weapons creator, he did some of the weapons for the Witcher TV series, and has a line of medieval cutlery under the name Tod Cutler, while his weapons are sold under the Tod's Workshop name. He does a lot with archery in his videos. He's very easy for me to follow in terms of video topics and presentation, and he has good quality production. One of my favourite medieval hsitory and warfare YouTubers.

[erikacousland]

Iklwa | Miscellaneous Gallery - Tod's Workshop

[victoriansword]

Italian Stiletto, 17th Century Style, by Tod Cutler

I rarely buy replicas, but every once in a while I find something that I can’t resist. A few weeks ago, having just missed out on an antique sword I wanted, I consoled myself by buying a steel stiletto from Leo “Tod” Todescini of Tod Cutler/Tod’s Workshop in the UK. 

I’ve always been intrigued by the stiletto, and not having the budget for an original, I thought I would get a replica. I chose Tod Cutler’s stiletto because Tod is an amazing and clever craftsman whose work I have admired for years. He has a fantastic YouTube channel in which he shares his knowledge of period weapons, including demonstrations with weapons like longbows and crossbows. Tod has also done a lot of work for television and film, including the swords used by Henry Cavill as the Witcher on the Netflix series. 

The stiletto was well-packed, and arrived with a light coat of oil to prevent rust while in transit. The weight and feel are great, the fit and finish are outstanding, and the sheath (while not a thing of great beauty) is nice enough and a welcome bonus considering the already low price of the stiletto. I’m very happy with this dagger, and I will definitely be a repeat customer.

[armthearmour]

Wearing swords by Tod’s Workshop.

[writing-challenges-and-prompts]

Six Medieval Arrow Types - What are they for?

[armthearmour]

Just how fast is the Longbow compared to a crossbow? Which is more precise? Tod continues his tests with the English longbow, now pitted against a powerful medieval crossbow.

[erikacousland]

IRISH SKEAN - The Dagger that Disappeared - YouTube

The Irish Skean was the traditional fighting knife of Ireland until at least 1700 and I was inspired to make some from reading 'The Skean' by Robert Gresh simply because they are so strange and unusual and frankly because in 30 years of making knives I haven't made one of these. Whilst talking to Robert he asked if I could make a Tod Cutler version and here we are. Find the Tod Cutler skeans here: Skean Fada (Long Skean) Miodag (Short Skean) The knives are big. The blades are broad and thick and in the case of the long skean, could be very long indeed up to 55cm/22". The handles are intricately carved and fitted together in a very curious way….. Since becoming interested in these knives I found an even earlier reference to an 'Irysshknyff' being used in a murder in London in 1325. Perhaps an early skean? The word Skean is actually an anglicised version of Scian, but I have followed the book title to save confusion.

Long Skean Informational - YouTube

Short Skean Informational - YouTube

[varanusniloticus]

130lbs Stone Bow - full making process