DIY Iklwa
Aug 24, 2009 22:23:30 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 22:23:30 GMT
Recently I stole oops I mean downloaded Warriors- Zulu Siege.
I really liked the Zulu spear or iklwa and decided to make something similar (the real thing greatly exceeded my meager budget....)
It was pretty obvious that the Zulu's in the documentary used Indian-made spearheads.
I decided to walk (or stumble...) the same path.
Prototype:
I do not want to go into the historical facts, those interested can access Wikipedia or similar sites.
I figured the blade looked too european so I grinded the "shoulders" off and etched the blade with vinegar & salt.
This is usually a hit & miss affair and much to my surprise the result was a beautiful "craquelé"-like structure.
Iklwa shafts usually flare outward for balance and as extra grip in case the weapon gets slippery and/or stuck in the ribcage.
I this case I decided to go with a metal "butt" to offset the extra-large spearhead.
Etching didn't work as it's apparently a layer of nickel or aluminum, so instead of weathering the metal I polished it extensively.
*Bling* ;D
Tiny spear with huge head next to a normal-sized weapon:
As I'm pretty much a sword-nut I wanted this thing to be functional, and will probably use it for tameshi-giri and soda bottles and such.
Therefore it's got a modern-ish construction with perfectly shaped shaft glued to the head, and additional screws.
The butt got a similar treatment.
The (gilt brass) wire and leather on the grip and butt are just for looks and serve no real purpose.
For the same reason embellishments were kept to a minimum as I don't want exploding parts when I cut with it.
The antique iklwa I've seen pix of look a bit more utilitarian, and I guess mine is more of a fancy-pants iklwa.
Well so be it. I like the looks. A lot.
And a final pic of the whole thing:
This was a fun project. Easy to do, very cheap @ about 50 euros, and it greatly exceeeded my expectations.
Much to my surprise this is a really, and I mean really, fearsome weapon. It's technically a spear but actually handles like a sword.
Very fast and nimble too, at 116cm and 920grams, with a balance point that's located somewhere near the index finger.
This thing will not decapitate, but it will definitely remove an arm without problems, and probably do a leg too.
I really liked the Zulu spear or iklwa and decided to make something similar (the real thing greatly exceeded my meager budget....)
It was pretty obvious that the Zulu's in the documentary used Indian-made spearheads.
I decided to walk (or stumble...) the same path.
Prototype:
I do not want to go into the historical facts, those interested can access Wikipedia or similar sites.
I figured the blade looked too european so I grinded the "shoulders" off and etched the blade with vinegar & salt.
This is usually a hit & miss affair and much to my surprise the result was a beautiful "craquelé"-like structure.
Iklwa shafts usually flare outward for balance and as extra grip in case the weapon gets slippery and/or stuck in the ribcage.
I this case I decided to go with a metal "butt" to offset the extra-large spearhead.
Etching didn't work as it's apparently a layer of nickel or aluminum, so instead of weathering the metal I polished it extensively.
*Bling* ;D
Tiny spear with huge head next to a normal-sized weapon:
As I'm pretty much a sword-nut I wanted this thing to be functional, and will probably use it for tameshi-giri and soda bottles and such.
Therefore it's got a modern-ish construction with perfectly shaped shaft glued to the head, and additional screws.
The butt got a similar treatment.
The (gilt brass) wire and leather on the grip and butt are just for looks and serve no real purpose.
For the same reason embellishments were kept to a minimum as I don't want exploding parts when I cut with it.
The antique iklwa I've seen pix of look a bit more utilitarian, and I guess mine is more of a fancy-pants iklwa.
Well so be it. I like the looks. A lot.
And a final pic of the whole thing:
This was a fun project. Easy to do, very cheap @ about 50 euros, and it greatly exceeeded my expectations.
Much to my surprise this is a really, and I mean really, fearsome weapon. It's technically a spear but actually handles like a sword.
Very fast and nimble too, at 116cm and 920grams, with a balance point that's located somewhere near the index finger.
This thing will not decapitate, but it will definitely remove an arm without problems, and probably do a leg too.