User blog comment:123chaseyoung/Knights Hospitaller vs Sohei Monks/@comment-422690-20171101042159

So...

Short Range: "Knightly Sword" wins. This kind of blade, traditionally called an Arming Sword, is a versatile all-rounder. It can slash, it can stab, it's typically thin enough to get through weak spots, and it's mobile. Historically speaking, most Japanese steels were, frankly, terrible. Most of them were comparable to cast iron; it's why a lot of Japanese swordplay focuses on deflections and dodges rather than full blocks. Unfortunately, the Hospitaller's swordplay and armor is not focused on such, and will badly damage the Sohei's katanas. Edge: Knights Hospitaller.

Mid Range: Halberd wins. This is a pretty simple comparison. The Halberd is better able to counter various types of armor and rip a rider from the saddle; the hook was known as a "dismounting hook" or a reason. The Naginata has a much simpler design, and is as such easier to use. However, it is poorly matched against the Hospitaller's armor, and suffers from the same metallurgical drawbacks mentioned above. Edge: Knights Hospitaller.

Long Range: Crossbow wins. This goes counter to how I usually score these, but there's a reason for that. The Yumi was primarily a short-range projectile weapon. Most actual combat that saw Yumi use was at far closer ranges than that of a crossbow; as such, the relative power of the bows are different. Further, a crossbow is far easier to use and can be used form horseback more effectively. An archer required, on average, 14 years of training to be useful in battle. A crossbowman could be effective in 14 weeks. Edge: Knights Hospitaller.

TBC