Stormcrow Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 These are a couple of bush swords I forged at the same time that are kind of linked in my mind, though they went to different customers. The top one was ordered up by a fellow on an archery forum who was directed my way by a guy who uses blades extensively, who wanted an 18" blade. The bottom one was a first for me in that the customer had no e-mail or smart phone that I could send him pictures of it before shipping it. He had based his decision to ask for a bush sword from me on an article by Joe Flowers in the final issue of the lamentably-out-of-print Tactical Knives magazine. Since it had been several years since I had made the blades for that article, I let the customer know that what he got would, of course, be a bit different and hopefully better. tharkforged by James Helm, on Flickr What links them in my mind is that when I had forged them out and had them laying side-by-side, I immediately saw them as Barsoomian short swords being wielded in the lower limbs of a Thark to ward off any blows that might slip through larger, longer-range weapons wielded by the top pair of arms. Very different blade shapes, but kindred spirits, if you will. These are also a jumping-off point for me as I have been making bush swords for years now with integral socket handles. While I still feel that they make great handles if done correctly, I think that I have refined my multi-layer cord wrapping technique to the point that it is more comfortable than what I am able to do with the integral sockets. I still built them with Turk's head knots fore and aft to provide a good mechanical lock in the hand. The longer blade has a black-over-black wrap and a thin false edge that could have a secondary bevel added to sharpen it. The customer initially wanted a 21" blade, but I felt that I could give him better balance at 18" and he let me go ahead. thark04 by James Helm, on Flickr We set up his Kydex sheath for baldric carry, with a double-adjustable, quick-detach shoulder sling like I use on my tomahawk sheaths. thark05 by James Helm, on Flickr I believe the blade may have picked up a bit of negative sori during the quench as the slight recurve seems more pronounced in the post-heat treatment photos. thark06 by James Helm, on Flickr The shorter bush sword has a 15 1/2" blade. The top edge is fully sharpened. thark01 by James Helm, on Flickr The wrap is tan over black, with a tan Kydex sheath. thark02 by James Helm, on Flickr I have to say that I firmly believe that the customer got a better bush sword than the one in the article that caught his attention. He was certainly happy with it. Couldn't ask for more than that. thark03 by James Helm, on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Nice work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubalcain2 Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 I had to look up what a thark was. SWEET swords. I love your blades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 You start having visions of Tharks and it may be time to come in out of the sun and drink a lot of water an a little Gatorade. Love the blades and the concept of the bush sword in general as a sort of "tactical machete" item. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheoRockNazz Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Always a fan, well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick L. Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Really nice ! The forged finish really makes it.The handles are another craft by themselves and very well done. What did you use for material if you don't mind me asking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormcrow Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 Thanks, guys! Dick L. - The blades are 80CrV2, the handles are paracord over paracord over neoprene, all impregnated with marine epoxy to make a composite material in place on the tang. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
templehound Posted September 17, 2017 Share Posted September 17, 2017 I like them both, but the upper piece is awesome....what an aggressive profile...wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will52100 Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Looking good, love the profile on both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John in Oly, WA Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Nice look to those blades. I can picture them in action on Barsoom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 20, 2017 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Well able to cut a thoat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John in Oly, WA Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Or a thoat's throat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MastaStan Posted September 21, 2017 Share Posted September 21, 2017 Nice work! Love the wrapping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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