Sam Salvati Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Here is a Shamshir, or at least what I would call a Shamshir. Blade is 1075, cut and ground from a scrap bit of steel I found at John's, the handle had to be forged to get the bulb shape though. It got real warpy in HT but John managed to fix it (this was AWHILE ago, almost 1 1/2 years). I recently visited John and picked up some blades and this was among them, and today I decided to finish it up. Handles are green G10, which is a high tech sort of material like carbon fiber or micarta, 3 brass pins with a thin wire wrap at the top of the handle. The blade, handle and guard are all antiqued to make it look like...uhhhh.. an antique. Comments and critique welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Hey that looks good enough to start a whole new Guild or Re-enactors: Guild of Saladin maybe? Nice Job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 Thanks Charlotte! I am down with that, would be cool to do period warmaking kit of middle eastern peoples. Here is the specs: Overall roughly (curvature, it is hard to meaure) 32 3/8" overall Blade is 27 1/2" Hilt is 5" Width at the base of the blade is 1 1/4", one inch from the tip it is 5/8" POB is 5 3/4" out from the guard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Nice looking but my son just walked by and though that the grip looked rather uncomfortable. Is it?:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 No not at all, I will see if I can get a top down shot, it is nice and oval and the lower lobe tucks under your hand and it is a snug fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I've actually seen a shamshir swung by someone who knew what he was doing. It's used with a loose wrist and large arc so the knot on the end of the handle hangs in the hand to keep the weapon from sailing away at the wrong moment. The blade swings in a big circle and slashes - very effective against an unarmored foe or an enemy's horse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Another nice blade Sam. You are a prolific little dickens aren't you? Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 I've actually seen a shamshir swung by someone who knew what he was doing. It's used with a loose wrist and large arc so the knot on the end of the handle hangs in the hand to keep the weapon from sailing away at the wrong moment. The blade swings in a big circle and slashes - very effective against an unarmored foe or an enemy's horse. And that's just what they were made for, slashing on unarmored horses and opponents. To the extent of my limited knowledge, I don't think heavy armor was very common in the arid hot areas of the middle east and Mediterranean, so a sword for cutting/slashing would have been ideal. I would love to see some traditional martial arts involving swords from this area! Frosty, you bet :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonflySmithy Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Thats one nice blade sam. With that curve how did you heat treat it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlotte Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 And that's just what they were made for, slashing on unarmored horses and opponents. To the extent of my limited knowledge, I don't think heavy armor was very common in the arid hot areas of the middle east and Mediterranean, so a sword for cutting/slashing would have been ideal. I would love to see some traditional martial arts involving swords from this area! Frosty, you bet As a side note we should also point out that they were incredibly sharp and often made with wootz steel.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Sam, That is a really nice sword. I think it is my favorite of yours, that I have seen. Only because I like the graceful curved shape. Many people make the cut and thrust type of swords, but not as many (here) make this type. Really cool, and it looks like it would mow 'em down if you could time that thing while on horseback. And yes, you are turning them out at a good clip. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 As a side note we should also point out that they were incredibly sharp and often made with wootz steel. As a side not it should also be noted they were also pattern welded :cool:, but I claim no historical association other than style or shape. Thanks Kevin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messerist Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Sam! Good looking sword! Been a while since I've posted(new babies suck all my time away. I haven't even forged one blade this year!). Maybe will have time to light up the forge this weekend. Once again, Love the sword!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 Thanks Troy! Atleast you have kids for an excuse, I haven't even forged one sword this whole year either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonjic Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 looking good sam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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