"Awful" Medieval Swords VS. "Perfect" Modern Swords

What makes a historical reproduction good? Is it authentic representation or high quality? Both? What if perfection actually contradicts historical accuracy?

Nowadays sword collectors and reviewers have certain expectations and quality standards... flawless finish, tight fit, and machine-like symmetry are usually among them. Those are things that craftsmen in medieval Europe did not necessarily care so much about, as evidenced by originals you can see in museums. They may be uneven, have asymmetrical fullers or central ridges, loose guards, inconsistent distal tapers, etc.
Perhaps (and I'm just speculating here) this is part of why the katana came to be seen as superior to European swords, considering how much emphasis Japanese culture put(s) on diligently going the extra mile?

So in order to be accurate, should modern reproductions be deliberately flawed? Personally I don't think so. Let's discuss the topic of "perfection" in historical weapons.


The video I'm responding to:
"Medieval swords were (usually) awful - A response to Matt Easton" by Tod's Workshop
   • Medieval swords were (usually) awful ...  


** Music credits **


Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission


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