irish sword in the works

[steve sells]

I just finished rough grinding this 24 inch Irish leaf blade, out of 5160H. The width at the buldge is 2 inches, the widest part at the base is 2 1/4. thickness at base is a little over 1/4 inch and less than 1/8 at 1 inch from tip.

The fittings will be continuing the willow theme, in Wrought Iron/Tool steel damascus, with some 5a figured walnut for the grip and scabbard.


I will post more when I get her polished, and mounted

[Feukair]

Yeah! I love it!

[pete46]

That Is Fine!!!!!!!

[Rravan]

awesome
could you please post some pics as it is being assembled, that would help me and my sword journy alot.
thx

[Gobae]

If you're not already aware, there are two FANTASTIC books related to Celtic swords and Irish blacksmithing.

"The Celtic Sword" by Radomier Pliener and "Early Irish Ironworking" by BG Scott.

Are you with a re-enactment group?

[steve sells]

I will post more pictures as I can get them taken. Before I can finish, I have to line my gas forge, so I can harden this blade as well as a pattern welded katana, as both are ready toi finish and go to their new owners.

[ThomasPowers]

I own "the Celtic Sword"; but must say I don't recall any irish iron/steel blades of that shape; of course the Irish re-enactment group I was president of did Y1K Ireland so my early research is not as strong as I would like; can you tell us what it's based on?

[steve sells]

This is the pic I was sent by my client I have no clue as to origins, or time, but since his deposit check cleared, I am happy to do it for him.

I am not sure if he is a re-enactor, but I was told he is big on RPG's. While I don't do pure fantasy, I liked this idea of a willow leaf theme. If this is way off of histotic design, please don't tell him until after I get paid

[ThomasPowers]

My lips are sealed!

[Gobae]

Originally Posted by ThomasPowers

I own "the Celtic Sword"; but must say I don't recall any irish iron/steel blades of that shape; of course the Irish re-enactment group I was president of did Y1K Ireland so my early research is not as strong as I would like; can you tell us what it's based on?

You're right on the nose Thomas. Iron blades of that style typically show up during the transition from the Late Bronze Age into Early Iron Age because the Continental metalsmiths were often reproducing bronze styles in iron. However, that doesn't seem to have occurred in Ireland. Other than some socketed axes, the Irish seem to have quickly ditched bronze styles and chose not to attempt to recreate them in iron, unlike the Continental Celts.

If there were are any surviving swords of that shape found in Ireland they were almost certainly an imported item and not a native item. (Just like the single anthropomorphic sword found in Ireland).