Debunking some myths about swords and shields

I ran across some great videos today that I just had to share. Have you ever really wondered about the SHHHHHING! sound of a sword being drawn in the movies? I never had until I saw this video:

If you watched the video, you probably got a clue about what he thinks of the mystical katana. If not, this video will make it very clear indeed:

Although I’ve never held the katana in the mystical esteem held by some, I had bought into the idea that it was at least superior to other swords in some ways. And finally, a similar debunking of shields:

The fine fellow who did all these videos has quite a lot of them, all very interesting. I recommend his YouTube page, or just click on some of his related videos on one of the previous links.