Sword and Scale
True crime podcast review — 2026
"Sword and Scale pioneered the use of real crime audio in podcasting — if you have a strong stomach and want raw, unfiltered true crime, this is the deepest and darkest dive available."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations
- ✓Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders
Pros
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
One of the original true crime podcasts, using raw unedited audio — 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom recordings — to immerse listeners directly inside real-life crimes without softening the edges.
Best episode to start with
Episode 68 (Dee Dee Blanchard) or Episode 1 for chronological context
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
Community ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sword and Scale
What is Sword and Scale about?
One of the original true crime podcasts, using raw unedited audio — 911 calls, police interrogations, courtroom recordings — to immerse listeners directly inside real-life crimes without softening the edges.
Is Sword and Scale worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if niche interests you". The community has rated it 7.0/10 overall. True crime veterans who want visceral, no-holds-barred storytelling with authentic audio evidence; not suitable for beginners or those sensitive to graphic content.
Who is Sword and Scale for?
Sword and Scale is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations; Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders.
What is the best episode of Sword and Scale to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 68 (Dee Dee Blanchard) or Episode 1 for chronological context. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
What podcasts are similar to Sword and Scale?
If you enjoy Sword and Scale, you might also like: Casefile True Crime, Crime Junkie, Profiler: True Crime Africa, MURDERISH. See our full "Podcasts Like Sword and Scale" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Dark, intense, immersive, graphic
- Episode length
- ~60 min per episode, 340+ episodes since January 2014
- Country
- United States
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