Steve Sells Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 (edited) I just finished rough grinding this 24 inch 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 :D Edited November 3, 2012 by steve sells typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feukair Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 Yeah! I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete46 Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 That Is Fine!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rravan Posted March 23, 2008 Share Posted March 23, 2008 awesome could you please post some pics as it is being assembled, that would help me and my sword journy alot. thx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gobae Posted March 23, 2008 Share Posted March 23, 2008 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 23, 2008 Author Share Posted March 23, 2008 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 to finish and go to their new owners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 24, 2008 Author Share Posted March 24, 2008 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 :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 My lips are sealed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gobae Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 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). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 Gobae Go to the top of the forum page and click user cp click on edit profile go to the bottom of the page, enter your location and save. We would like to know where in the world you are located. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 STeve, looks like yuo are lovin' that Bader! Blade looks great the leafs are always fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete46 Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 I Don't Care If It's Irish ,swahilli ,or Klingon .i Would Like To See Some Pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Dwyer Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 History, cultural context and customer aside, that is some fine looking work. For my book, forging two straight lines with four curving mirror image bevels all symmetrically is no small feat. Heck, for me, not melting the tip off is an accomplishment. Great work! I too will enjoy and appreciate any photos you post. Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden_eagle Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 blades that look THAT good make me drool... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 I just sent this out today: total weight 1.174 kg / 2 lb 9.4 oz. PoB @ guard 25 inch blade of 5160, double tempered. over all length 33.75 inches. cross guard width 11 inches. All fittings are of old wrought Iron, folded 4 times, etched with dilute ferric chloride. Wood stabilized hybrid English x Clairo fiddleback walnut. satin finish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 "total weight 1.174 kg / 1 lb 9.4 oz. PoB @ guard" Steve you got a typo in here as 1kg is 2.2 pounds; shouldn't that be 2lb 9.4 oz? Sounds a bit hefty probably has a real solid "chop" to it; where is the COP on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 "total weight 1.174 kg / 1 lb 9.4 oz. PoB @ guard" Steve you got a typo in here as 1kg is 2.2 pounds; shouldn't that be 2lb 9.4 oz? Sounds a bit hefty probably has a real solid "chop" to it; where is the COP on it? Thanks for pointing that out Thomas, I just corrected my typo on the weight. My scale is only metric, and I misread my math. Weight is in part due to spine of .31 inch thick. till the 1/3 nearest the tip. Percussion: I don't know exactly. Before mounting I hacked a 3inch limb off the maple tree, it cut clean. I didn't really feel anything, very solid on the cutting through most the middle portions of the blade.. This was commissioned for a LARP, by a sword forum member, who is a Japanese martial artist. Client didn't want any nickel or brass on it, so I went for the restored antique look with the wrought, and the grain of the wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welder19 Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Very nice! As always. welder19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Steve, I like this a great deal. I would have tried to put less guard on, but I see what you were going for and why. It is jut me. Plus, I couldn't have done as well overall as you did. It looks like it is a strong and solid sword. Where does a "short" sword end and a "sword" start? great job. thanks for showing. kc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 11, 2010 Author Share Posted March 11, 2010 Thank you for the comments, the Client wanted a Willow leaf theme, so I did the guard as down swept branches, and the blade is the shape of the leaf. I don't really do fantasy but this one got my interest, took longer than planned but I like the final result, but as always I wish I had more time to do more to it. My First pommel was a failure in that it did not match the pattern of the other wrought, so I remade it and folded one extra time to thin it out and its much better this way. Personally I like a sword to have the smallest guard possible. But this has perfect balance, I am just waiting to hear from client after he uses it, as that is what really matters most. the focus is bad, but here is a rear shot showing how it attaches to a belt. also wrought and pinned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin (the professor) Posted March 12, 2010 Share Posted March 12, 2010 steve, very nice. Please don't think I was criticizing when I mentioned small guard. This one has a look that is consistent with a lot of the fantasy stuff while still being unique. I really do see what you were trying to accomplish, and I think you did a very good job. I like what I have seen of the sheath, too. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat pete Posted March 12, 2010 Share Posted March 12, 2010 Nice job Steve...looks sharp...no pun intended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted March 16, 2010 Author Share Posted March 16, 2010 Very punny Pete, and no problem Kevin. Part of my problem was getting the size to look and feel right to me, as we both agree smaller guards are preferred, Unless the man paying the bills says otherwise, but it worked out, and he seems to be pleased. Now, may I PLEASE have a normal blade order? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.