Fableblades (Customized) Yataghan Review
Jul 30, 2009 17:05:43 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2009 17:05:43 GMT
Fableblades ‘Trochilin’ Yataghan Review - Larry
Introduction
It all started off as a casual forum discussion concerning custom-made swords (I think) when the topic of Yataghan surfaces. I lamented the lack of affordable Yataghan in the market and the next moment, I received a PM from Brendan (Fableblades) indicating his interest to kickstart a Yataghan project for me – and the rest is history…
Though this sword cost twice the SBG Forum range, Brendan is kind enough to work out a payment plan with me, so it became affordable to me.
Brief Historical Overview– Extracts from Wiki
“It (Yataghan) consisted of a single-edged blade with a marked forward curve and a hilt formed of two grip plaques attached through the tang, the end of the hilt being shaped like large ears. The gap between the grips often being covered by a decorated metal strap. The blade varies from 60 to 80 cm in length and is curved forward (like the Iberian falcata, or Greek kopis), sometimes reclining backwards again towards the very end. While the back of the blade is made of softer steel, the sharp edge is made of hard, tempered steel for durability.
The hilt has no guard, with 'bolsters' of metal connect the grips to the shoulder of the blade. The grip plaques are typically made from bone, ivory, horn or silver, and spread out in two 'wings' or 'ears' to either side at the pommel (a feature to prevent the sword slipping out of the hand during cutting). Regional variations in the hilts have been noted: Balkan yatagans tend to have larger ears and are often of bone or ivory, whilst Anatolian yatagans characteristically have smaller ears which are more often made of horn. Sophisticated artwork on both the hilt and the blade can be seen on many yatagans displayed today, indicating considerable symbolic value. Having no guard, the yatagan fitted closely into the top of the scabbard, which was customarily worn thrust into a waist sash, retained by hook..”
Initial Impression
The sword arrived in a compact and well-secured package. The slightly re-curved blade and the ‘big ears’ pommel posed quite a big challenge in packaging the shipment, I realized, and I applaud Brendan for a rather innovative packaging job which consist of a PVC tube, amongst others.
Unpacking the Yataghan (from shipping package) was no mean feat - partly because I was extremely cautious not to scuff the blade in any ways, and also, my hands (because the blade is very sharp!)
The Yataghan seems rather heavy (to me) and possess a point-of-balance too much forward (I feel). The circumference of the hilt is kind of thick for my small hand due to the relatively squarish panels that form the hilt. Combining these factors, and I have the fear of swinging the Yataghan hard in cutting action, for fear of losing grip… and most importantly, the sword
Statistics
Ok, I’m too lazy to verify the specifications on the actual piece, so I’m going to trust what Brendan specifed on Fableblades website:
Overall Length: 890mm (35”)
Blade Length: 700mm (27.6”)
Weight: 1,186g (2lb 9.8oz)
Point of Balance: 110mm (4.3”)
Hilt constructed using Western Australian Jarrah Hardwood.
The Blade
The Yataghan blade was done through stock removal method (I believe) with a satin-finished surface. The blade was constructed in ‘full tang’ fashion, which goes all the way in between the panel. It possesses the sort of katana-like sturdiness, meaning, I can’t determine the Point-of-Percussion by simply hitting the pommel and watching the blade vibrates because... it simpy won’t!
The cutting edge is scaringly sharp and the tip is steely pointed! Brendan did very good job in shaping the blade such that the blade transits smoothly – cross-sectional wise - from the back towards the sharpened cutting edge, without any secondary bevel. Sweet!
The Hilt
The hilt panels were beautifully crafted out of Aussie Jarrah hardwood. I picked this wood (from the numerous offered by Brendan) for the hilt because the even, mellowed, dark reddish-brown coloured surface contrast with that of the steely blade perfectly.
The ‘ears’ (pommel) are superbly crafted with superb craftsmanship.
However, the hilt lacks the distinctive brass ‘bolster’ as mentioned in the Historical Overview section of this review, but instead of that, 2 brass panel were added to both sides of the blade in a ’sandwich’ manner.
This was not an oversight on the part of Brendan or myself; it was intentional. Brendan does not possess the necessary tools/machine to construct the brass ‘bolster’ I wanted (much to my regret on the hindsight), so the brass panels were added to make the Yataghan as authentic-looking as possible, without which, the Yataghan may lose its form and resembles a large knife.. I feel.
Both these panels were engraved with a Humming bird motives which was what gave the blade it’s name ‘Trochilin’ (Turkish for ‘Humming bird’).
Handling Characteristics
As mentioned earlier, the blade has quite a bit of blade presence; this actually was not a big problem had not for the rather thick handle: my hand (palm) is relatively small and can hardly close my grip on the squarish (cross-sectional) handle. Thus, whenever I try executing some cutting/chopping actions, it always give me a creepy feeling that the sword is going to slip out of my hand! To be fair, I’m not saying this to be a flaw because I’ve never handled any authentic Yataghan before. Perhaps the blade presence is also intentional in authentic ones in order to assist the cutting actions (just my opinion).
Conclusion
Overall, I am rather pleased with my Trochilin Yataghan from Fableblades because besides being one-of–a-kind custom made sword, it afforded me great experiences in working with a smith on custom manufactures.... and it's really been a pleasure liaising with Brendan (Fableblades) throughout the customization processes!
Pros
- Sturdy construction with full-tang blade tightly secured to hilt by 2 brass rivets
- One-of-the-kind Yataghan
- Beautifully crafted hilt panels & pommel ‘ears’
- Very sharp & no secondary bevel on cutting edge.
Cons
- Lack brass ‘bolster’
- No scabbard
- Slight blade presence
Bottomline
I would recommend this to anyone who possess larger hand size and willingness to accept deviation from historical authenticity. Brendan's great personality is certainly another 'Plus' factor for anyone looking towards building a custom-made piece, too.
Introduction
It all started off as a casual forum discussion concerning custom-made swords (I think) when the topic of Yataghan surfaces. I lamented the lack of affordable Yataghan in the market and the next moment, I received a PM from Brendan (Fableblades) indicating his interest to kickstart a Yataghan project for me – and the rest is history…
Though this sword cost twice the SBG Forum range, Brendan is kind enough to work out a payment plan with me, so it became affordable to me.
Brief Historical Overview– Extracts from Wiki
“It (Yataghan) consisted of a single-edged blade with a marked forward curve and a hilt formed of two grip plaques attached through the tang, the end of the hilt being shaped like large ears. The gap between the grips often being covered by a decorated metal strap. The blade varies from 60 to 80 cm in length and is curved forward (like the Iberian falcata, or Greek kopis), sometimes reclining backwards again towards the very end. While the back of the blade is made of softer steel, the sharp edge is made of hard, tempered steel for durability.
The hilt has no guard, with 'bolsters' of metal connect the grips to the shoulder of the blade. The grip plaques are typically made from bone, ivory, horn or silver, and spread out in two 'wings' or 'ears' to either side at the pommel (a feature to prevent the sword slipping out of the hand during cutting). Regional variations in the hilts have been noted: Balkan yatagans tend to have larger ears and are often of bone or ivory, whilst Anatolian yatagans characteristically have smaller ears which are more often made of horn. Sophisticated artwork on both the hilt and the blade can be seen on many yatagans displayed today, indicating considerable symbolic value. Having no guard, the yatagan fitted closely into the top of the scabbard, which was customarily worn thrust into a waist sash, retained by hook..”
Initial Impression
The sword arrived in a compact and well-secured package. The slightly re-curved blade and the ‘big ears’ pommel posed quite a big challenge in packaging the shipment, I realized, and I applaud Brendan for a rather innovative packaging job which consist of a PVC tube, amongst others.
Unpacking the Yataghan (from shipping package) was no mean feat - partly because I was extremely cautious not to scuff the blade in any ways, and also, my hands (because the blade is very sharp!)
The Yataghan seems rather heavy (to me) and possess a point-of-balance too much forward (I feel). The circumference of the hilt is kind of thick for my small hand due to the relatively squarish panels that form the hilt. Combining these factors, and I have the fear of swinging the Yataghan hard in cutting action, for fear of losing grip… and most importantly, the sword
Statistics
Ok, I’m too lazy to verify the specifications on the actual piece, so I’m going to trust what Brendan specifed on Fableblades website:
Overall Length: 890mm (35”)
Blade Length: 700mm (27.6”)
Weight: 1,186g (2lb 9.8oz)
Point of Balance: 110mm (4.3”)
Hilt constructed using Western Australian Jarrah Hardwood.
The Blade
The Yataghan blade was done through stock removal method (I believe) with a satin-finished surface. The blade was constructed in ‘full tang’ fashion, which goes all the way in between the panel. It possesses the sort of katana-like sturdiness, meaning, I can’t determine the Point-of-Percussion by simply hitting the pommel and watching the blade vibrates because... it simpy won’t!
The cutting edge is scaringly sharp and the tip is steely pointed! Brendan did very good job in shaping the blade such that the blade transits smoothly – cross-sectional wise - from the back towards the sharpened cutting edge, without any secondary bevel. Sweet!
The Hilt
The hilt panels were beautifully crafted out of Aussie Jarrah hardwood. I picked this wood (from the numerous offered by Brendan) for the hilt because the even, mellowed, dark reddish-brown coloured surface contrast with that of the steely blade perfectly.
The ‘ears’ (pommel) are superbly crafted with superb craftsmanship.
However, the hilt lacks the distinctive brass ‘bolster’ as mentioned in the Historical Overview section of this review, but instead of that, 2 brass panel were added to both sides of the blade in a ’sandwich’ manner.
This was not an oversight on the part of Brendan or myself; it was intentional. Brendan does not possess the necessary tools/machine to construct the brass ‘bolster’ I wanted (much to my regret on the hindsight), so the brass panels were added to make the Yataghan as authentic-looking as possible, without which, the Yataghan may lose its form and resembles a large knife.. I feel.
Both these panels were engraved with a Humming bird motives which was what gave the blade it’s name ‘Trochilin’ (Turkish for ‘Humming bird’).
Handling Characteristics
As mentioned earlier, the blade has quite a bit of blade presence; this actually was not a big problem had not for the rather thick handle: my hand (palm) is relatively small and can hardly close my grip on the squarish (cross-sectional) handle. Thus, whenever I try executing some cutting/chopping actions, it always give me a creepy feeling that the sword is going to slip out of my hand! To be fair, I’m not saying this to be a flaw because I’ve never handled any authentic Yataghan before. Perhaps the blade presence is also intentional in authentic ones in order to assist the cutting actions (just my opinion).
Conclusion
Overall, I am rather pleased with my Trochilin Yataghan from Fableblades because besides being one-of–a-kind custom made sword, it afforded me great experiences in working with a smith on custom manufactures.... and it's really been a pleasure liaising with Brendan (Fableblades) throughout the customization processes!
Pros
- Sturdy construction with full-tang blade tightly secured to hilt by 2 brass rivets
- One-of-the-kind Yataghan
- Beautifully crafted hilt panels & pommel ‘ears’
- Very sharp & no secondary bevel on cutting edge.
Cons
- Lack brass ‘bolster’
- No scabbard
- Slight blade presence
Bottomline
I would recommend this to anyone who possess larger hand size and willingness to accept deviation from historical authenticity. Brendan's great personality is certainly another 'Plus' factor for anyone looking towards building a custom-made piece, too.