Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 20, 2009 1:38:29 GMT
I really like my Windlass classic medieval Sword, but I just didn't like the large guard which measures 9 inches. I was already going to redo the grip, so I thought I would change the guard a bit also. I was looking at a Del Tin 5149 14th Century Sword, and I loved the size and how the guard looked on it. Sooooooooo.. I would like some opinions on some customization I plan on doing to my Windlass medieval classic sword. BTW.. after reading many of the posts here, you folks have given me a burning desire to drag out the hacksaw and leather!! I find the projects on this site so interesting. The picture above is how the sword comes. Now the picture above is fake. I am pretty handy with computer graphics, so I created this shot to see what it would look like. The grip above is actually one I put on another sword, and I cut and pasted it to fit on my "classic". I have “virtually” shortened the grip to 6.5 inches. What do you think? I like the looks of it, and it is pretty much what I was looking for, but I am open to any suggestions or comments. If there is an interest (and I think there would be), I will be happy to show all of the steps as I customize this sword. -gaffer
|
|
|
Post by ShooterMike on May 20, 2009 3:20:32 GMT
I think it looks outstanding. If I were to change anything at all it would be to leave the guard 7 to 7.5 inches long, at least as a start. When they start getting close to 6 inches on a sword blade this wide, I think they begin to get a slightly earlier "Vikingesque" look. And that may not be what you're going for?... But if you are, this is perfect. And in any case, I am a fan of shorter guards, so I like it very much just as you have it depicted.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 20, 2009 3:37:56 GMT
Looks good! The re-grip alone will make worlds of difference. I like your proposed guard mod too though. Please do post a walk-through as you go.
|
|
|
Post by Brendan Olszowy on May 20, 2009 4:20:08 GMT
Very Cool The grip will be a big improvement. For me I like two risers in the middle to help fill up the dip in the palm of my hand a bit. But it's all good. I always wanted to see a guard on one of those along the lines of this: It wouldn't really save you much weight but I just think it looks cool, though obviously not everyones cuppa. Cheers
|
|
|
Post by shadowhowler on May 20, 2009 6:00:46 GMT
I really like the look of the guard in your pic, Brenno.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 20, 2009 14:52:18 GMT
I think it looks outstanding. I think they begin to get a slightly earlier "Vikingesque" look. And that may not be what you're going for?... But if you are, this is perfect. And in any case, I am a fan of shorter guards, so I like it very much just as you have it depicted. Thanks so much for the input, and yes, I am after a bit of vikingesque (earlier) look. -gaffer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 20, 2009 14:58:27 GMT
Very Cool The grip will be a big improvement. For me I like two risers in the middle to help fill up the dip in the palm of my hand a bit. But it's all good. Something like this? If so, I think I like it too :>) damn.. I like this one too! I will need to buy a dozen or so of these classics, and just tear loose on them! thanks for the comments and ideas brenno! -gaffer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 20, 2009 15:07:38 GMT
Looks good! The re-grip alone will make worlds of difference. I like your proposed guard mod too though. Please do post a walk-through as you go. Thanks! Will do. I will be away from my workshop for a few days, but hopefully get started when I get back. -gaffer
|
|
|
Post by Brendan Olszowy on May 21, 2009 6:40:49 GMT
Ahh yes theres always too many options on these swords.
Yes that's how I like the grips, personally, I like how it feels like theres more contact with the dip in my palm. And it looks cool. I also like to do 3 risers in the middle 2mm / 3mm / 2mm for the same reason.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 21, 2009 15:58:27 GMT
I agree with ShooterMike about the length of the guard...althought shorter gives it a "earlier" look indeed, it's also pretty nice if that's what you want to go with.
For my part, I would like that sword with a straight narrow guard: how would you suggest I achieve that?
Cheers
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 21, 2009 16:29:23 GMT
I like the idea, Gaff...the shorter guard would definitely suit that sword. It was the long guard that kept me from buying it in the first place- I do not have the customization talents or time to do this stuff on my own. Maybe one day...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2009 0:42:25 GMT
Great job you made a nice sword even better
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2009 23:48:19 GMT
Custom Windlass "Classic" PART TWOI have moved along a bit more on this project (I have several going on right now :>) and thought I would share what I have accomplished so far. I created a quick and easy "mitre box" to guide me in cutting some of the guard off. I just drew the guard on a piece of wood and then cut them out with my bandsaw. This allowed me to cut boths side of the guard equal in length, and at the same angle. It also made sure that I wouldn't slip with the hacksaw. I then clampled the sword in, cut one side, flipped the sword over and then cut the other side. See two pictures below. BTW.. this is a sharpened sword, and I try to work with it in the scabbard, or I wear heavy gloves. Next I sanded and polished the two ends of the guard that had been sawed off. Here is a look at the finished guard. My next step will be to apply a leather grip with some risers. See picture below: Thanks to all who have chimed in! -gaffer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2009 4:07:04 GMT
Very nice work! I like a lot the new looks of it...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2009 19:38:56 GMT
That does look very nice, I like the new size of the guard, before it looked just a bit too wide for that sword. One thing I wonder though, does removing that much metal from the hilt have much of an effect on the balance of the sword?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2009 23:21:24 GMT
Very nice work! I like a lot the new looks of it... Thank you! That does look very nice, I like the new size of the guard, before it looked just a bit too wide for that sword. One thing I wonder though, does removing that much metal from the hilt have much of an effect on the balance of the sword? Yes, I agree, the guard was just a bit too wide, kind of reminded me of "Howdy Doody", but I did like everything else about the sword. That is a good question. Actually there wasn't that much removed as it looks (see picture below). I just dropped the pieces on my scale and they weigh in at 1.5 oz total. The COG was at 6.125" and is now at 6.375, a change of a 0.25 of an inch. It was already blade heavy so this little change shouldn't make any difference, at least none that I can tell. -gaffer
|
|
|
Post by kidcasanova on Jun 16, 2009 23:45:31 GMT
The leather and glue wont weigh much, but it would be nice to see the final COG once the hilt is complete.
Great work (per usual) Gaffer! +1
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2009 4:03:53 GMT
I had one of these a while back, and the lose, oversized guard made me want to get rid of it. It's not a bad sword, just rather blade heavy.
M.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2009 12:21:33 GMT
Nice job so far. Can't wait to see the re-wrap.
Edit: Eversberg, the guard on yours was loose? Eww..
I wonder how Windlass decides what to use for grip material.
That one appears to be poplar. Same as on mine. The shrewsbury had a plastic core, the Towton, the 15thC longsword and an older unnamed one I bought second hand all had macassar ebony grip cores.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2009 15:32:52 GMT
Nice job so far. Can't wait to see the re-wrap. I wonder how Windlass decides what to use for grip material. That one appears to be poplar. Same as on mine. The shrewsbury had a plastic core, the Towton, the 15thC longsword and an older unnamed one I bought second hand all had macassar ebony grip cores. Thanks.. I will be doing some sort of risers, and finishing in a dark brown. Hopefully work on it this weekend. My guess is that they use whatever they have on hand. This does appear to be poplar. My Windlass Type XIV appeared to be mahohgany, though I will admit I am not that familier with the more "exotic" species of wood. I wouldn't know macassar ebony if I saw it. -gaffer
|
|