|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 10, 2011 8:57:13 GMT
I recently ordered the Albion Augustus Gladius II Maintz. It seems to be the same blade as the Gladius I but with a darkened handle...allegedly 2 months away from shipping. Does anyone know if it comes with a scabbard? All the other the manufacturers seem to include ornate scabbards. I neglected to ask if this sword does. If they do not, what would be my options?
|
|
|
Post by Vincent Dolan on Dec 10, 2011 9:03:03 GMT
It does not. No Albion has a scabbard, unfortunately. Your best bets would probably be Sonny Suttles of Valiant Armory or Christian Fletcher; both do some outstanding work, though Sonny would likely be cheaper if cost is an issue.
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 10, 2011 9:20:20 GMT
Vincent, after the Dinari I plunked down on the sword...price would be an issue indeed. Thanks again.
Do you know if they would need the sword in hand to create the scabbard?
|
|
|
Post by Vincent Dolan on Dec 10, 2011 9:33:58 GMT
They would indeed. But you just reminded me of another option: DBK. They make amazing scabbards and their base models are probably the cheapest of the three. Regardless of which you choose, it will be a solid, well made scabbard that you can be proud of, though it may not be exactly historically accurate (assuming that matters; I know it does to some).
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 10, 2011 10:03:59 GMT
Unfortunately all the custom scabbards are cost prohibitive for me. I will find a cheaper sword w/ scabbard that I can fit the Albion to and just discard the SLO. I have and 8 year old boy and I just need a scabbard to protect child and sword.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent Dolan on Dec 10, 2011 10:42:12 GMT
Hm, in that case, it's too bad that Kult of Athena quit doing their custom scabbard option; a Roman scabbard that was basically just a leather sheath to protect the blade was like 100$. You could always try just making your own, since it looks pretty easy to do, particularly with Gaffer's tutorial to speed things along; if that's not possible, though, you could try asking around here for members who do leather work and see if they can whip you up something.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2011 15:11:11 GMT
Well I know Mark Morrow makes some simple and historically accurate scabbard: swordsmith.net/roman.htmlMight also want to consider Matt Lukes from Canada (panzerknacker AT shaw DOT ca) makes great period scabbard. If I were you, I will wait a couple of weeks with the gladius in hand before deciding on a scabbard. If you've decided that your sword is a keeper, I personally doubt would be interested in a cheap scabbard and would prefer a scabbard that commensurate with the quality of your Albion. Custom scabbards are not cheap + long wait time and worth taking the time to think about it. Of course if you have decided on making one (which is not too difficult if you have the right tools, time and materials), you might want to give this a read too: www.larp.com/legioxx/gladius.htmlCheers
|
|
Lunaman
Senior Forumite
Posts: 3,974
|
Post by Lunaman on Dec 10, 2011 17:28:57 GMT
I keep my scabbard-less swords in locked plastic rifle cases. If price and safety are your top concern, they really can't be beat--you can grab one of those and a lock for $20 or less.
|
|
|
Post by Svadilfari on Dec 10, 2011 20:20:57 GMT
Another posibility is , wait till you recieve sword, check blede dimensions and check out one of the DEEPEKA range of gladius, maybe one of their SLO's have a scabbard that will fit. I know the swords aren't great..but their scabbards look OK and are reasonably well made.
|
|
|
Post by Odingaard on Dec 10, 2011 21:25:21 GMT
I always plug for people to simply learn to make their own scabbards. You would spend about $20-$30 in materials and you do not need alot of tools to do so. The only way to learn is to jump in an do it, which is what I did myself a few years back. Even if I do not go all out with a leather cover, chape, locket, and suspension - I will still cut out a wood core and just keep the sword stored in that until I get ready to finish it when I am bored (pun intended). Here is a good tutorial: yeoldegaffers.com/project_scabbard.aspNaturally, this would not all apply to you, due to the type of sword you are fitting the scabbard for. But, the wood core instructions are exactly what you would need. If making your own is a bit too challenging, I simply suggest to store it in the Albion white box, then send it off to Sonny at Custom Sword Shoppe for some clothing. His basic scabbard packages are only $200ish, and he will dye to match the gladius hilt perfectly.
|
|
jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
|
Post by jhart06 on Dec 11, 2011 0:15:23 GMT
Sonny does good work, but I and several other members have had some issues getting responses out of him regarding work. I'm 5 weeks + out without a reply at all to the email(s) I sent to him on it. I'd suggest DBK personally, or Fletcher, if you must go elsewhere. But with the 'sandwich' method Gaffer shows, it is very easy to just whip up a cheap block/core for kid proofing.
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 11, 2011 17:17:09 GMT
Excellent idea...after my initial Albion purchase I can't really swing a $200-$300 scabbard and afford Christmas for my family.
|
|
|
Post by Mr.Wallace on Dec 11, 2011 17:40:36 GMT
You could allways do a quick kydex sheath just for storage, if the leather work makes you uncomfortable. Its what I've done for a knife or two. All it takes is an oven and some pressure. Not that I advocate "tacticool" on an albion, its just really easy.
A rifle case is another excellent suggestion, all though it would be a trick to wear it on the hip.
I know how you feel with Xmas around the corner, definatly puts a pause on projects. Well worth it, I spoiled everyone to the best of my ability. Hopefully half a tank lasts until the 16th haha.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2011 17:51:44 GMT
If money is scarce during the holiday, there is no rush in getting a scabbard. Keeping them in a gun case or in Albion white box is great for storage. I've got a couple of scabbard less sword in their leather sheath and shipping boxes. Besides a historically accurate full blown Mainz scabbard are very elaborate and some would consider it gaudy with our modern taste. Here are some examples of gladius and its fittings: www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.htmlThe earlier Mainz scabbard are a lot simpler and are quite similar to the Mainz scabbard from Christian Fletcher's/Mark Morrow's website. If you have gotten a Albion Tiberius (Fulham, a subclass of Mainz family), you might be interested in Leo's scabbard here. www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=24396
|
|
|
Post by steelhound on Dec 11, 2011 23:26:38 GMT
I'd also recommend making a wood-core scabbard yourself, like Odingaard said it's cheap, fun, and relatively easy. I'd even have some chrome-tanned furniture leather that I could sell for a few bucks if you didn't want to buy a big piece off the net.
A temporary solution would also be to make a quick storage scabbard out of cardboard and lots of duct tape. You'll have to take care not to squeeze too tight when un-sheathing, but I've done this for a bunch of my swords and it's better than leaving a bare blade around.
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 12, 2011 14:16:34 GMT
I was cleaning the packing/shipping grease off my Maximus Windlass the other night and the blade ate through my polishing cloth like butter and sliced my index finger to the bone....yikes that friggin hurt! It bled for 2 days, and I had to go to work with this dripping, oozing bandage on my finger. My patients were asking me "what happened?" I blamed it on a lawn mower accident...no one pressed me about working on a lawn mower in December.
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 12, 2011 14:21:47 GMT
Jerry, those were excellent links..fascinating actually. Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by steelhound on Dec 12, 2011 15:06:36 GMT
Ouch! Sorry to hear that man. I've cut myself on a sword in the past and was amazed at how quickly it happened, and how serious the cut was. Doesn't take much with a sharp sword, and the story I told people didn't involve a sword either. Deep cuts on the finger can be a real mess to heal, and if you haven't gotten stitches I would recommend using some superglue and butterfly suchers to keep things closed. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
|
|
|
Post by isotop235 on Dec 13, 2011 17:49:14 GMT
I work at a hospital and I wouldn't even go to ER to get stitched, I used steri strips and after a week I was good to go...thanks.
|
|
|
Post by steelhound on Dec 13, 2011 19:24:12 GMT
LOL, well you've got better resources than I do for something like that. I have no medical insurance, so superglue is my friend when it comes to bad cuts. Glad to hear it's all good now.
|
|