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Post by john570 on Dec 26, 2013 13:11:13 GMT
If I were you I'd send Ernie an email and give Sonny a call to see about a time frame. I have a commission from Ernie going now. It should take about 20-25 weeks. So you might want to get the ball rolling now. If she likes the overall look of the VA Bristol I'd go with that. It has the total package going for it but get it peened. If she wants a one of a kind sword that only she has I'd have Ernie do a custom bastard out of a EMSHS. Either way you really can't go wrong. It just depends on what suites her tastes.
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Post by john570 on Dec 26, 2013 13:35:24 GMT
What's your budget on this project?
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Post by LemuelTheLemur on Dec 26, 2013 14:33:03 GMT
Yeah, Ernie's got quite a bit on his plate. he can probably get it done by next Christmas but I think July might be too optimistic.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 26, 2013 14:49:02 GMT
budget's between $700-900... since it might take so long to get done (assuming I go the custom route), might make it her birthday present in a couple years then. Thanks again.
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Post by john570 on Dec 26, 2013 14:52:27 GMT
Ernie does custom blades too if she wants something unique. I'm having him make me a XIVa double fuller with side rings. Do you think she would prefer a leather grip or exotic wood?
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 26, 2013 18:31:44 GMT
I'm thinking she'd rather go with a leather wrapped grip. I emailed Ernie with initial ideas, and will probably get Crusader Monk to wrap the grip and make the scabbard/suspension/belt once Ernie's completed the rest of it.
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Post by Voltan on Dec 26, 2013 18:42:18 GMT
Ernie is working with leather now too...
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 26, 2013 19:46:15 GMT
cool! I hard forgotten reading Ernie was doing leather now.
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Post by john570 on Dec 30, 2013 15:13:06 GMT
Have you considered getting a EMSHS bare blade then modify it and redo the grip and scabbard yourself?
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 30, 2013 16:56:38 GMT
I'm thinking of all the possibilities that have been contributed so far. To do my own grip/scabbard work, I would need to buy some equipment, but think the initial investment would pay for itself by my being able to work on swords I have/will get. Thanks again.
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Post by StevenJ on Dec 30, 2013 20:49:07 GMT
I think for a women of short stature, a short saber or cutlass would be a better choice. Something nimble with modest reach and light over all weight. Maybe the Cold Steel Shamshir or a light falchion. Just me though, that's great your wife loves cold steel!
Almost forgot, I'd also look for a type XIV broadsword. Something like the Albion Yeoman or Del Tin Moonbrand. That would work well for a lady also.
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Luka
Senior Forumite
Posts: 2,848
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Post by Luka on Dec 30, 2013 21:50:00 GMT
I wouldn't really recommend Del Tin's type XIV swords for a short and I guess not terribly strong woman. They are quite massive. Actually I do think light bastard with its ability to get a second hand on is the best choice.
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Post by StevenJ on Dec 30, 2013 22:30:44 GMT
I was thinking more of height wise, if you are short you would something with width to make up for length so you get strength and power in your cuts. I do agree stock the Del Tin XIVs are a bit heavy. However, I shortened my Moonbrand by about two inches and it made a world of difference in terms of handling. Yes I did give up on reach on an already short sword but it more than made up for it on speed and it is a fast well balanced weapon.
Really anyone who wants to be able to use a sword well needs a modicum of strength. This doesn't mean you need to be Conan, nor do you have to do it perfectly up front. Best thing to do is increase practice sessions and just practice moving the sword around in your hands. My wrist hurt after extended use also, men are not immune from that. However, in time with practice you can use the weapons more and more.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Dec 31, 2013 4:55:09 GMT
I don't think a falchion, sabre, or type XIV are right for her... I think the EMSHS made into a bastard would be the best bet. Her wrists aren't the strongest, and agree that doing some drills should get them stronger, but think the single handed blades would be too cumbersome.
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Post by LemuelTheLemur on Dec 31, 2013 5:25:36 GMT
best of luck with this project! If you've already come up with a hilt design, I'd love to see it.
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Post by john570 on Dec 31, 2013 23:23:21 GMT
Does she know about this project and if so what's her opinion?
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Jan 1, 2014 0:15:55 GMT
The only thing she knows is that I *might* get her a sword, but doesn't know the type, timeframe, or anything else. I want to keep it mostly a surprise. I've decided this will be my gift to her for our 15th anniversary... we celebrated our 10th this past summer, so I still have plenty of time to figure some things out and raise enough $ to do the project right. I might make a "his & hers" matched set since it's going to take longer than I was initially shooting for. That being said, this project won't find fruition until at least 3 more years, so keep your fingers crossed it all turns out well. Oh, and thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. Edit: I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to follow john570's/Findlithui's advice and do this from the ground up as it were. The very first "real" Euro I bought was back in late '04, a Gen2 Elvish King Sword I bought from Arms of Valor (after looking at reviews on SBG btw). The blade (around 38" if I remember correctly) is way too long for my stature (I'm 5' 9"), and the rest of the proportions are off for my size as well. If not for the fact that this was my first "real" Euro/a present from my wife, I'd sell it. Point being, if I had known then what I know now, I would have opted for a sword that would have actually fit me instead of me trying to fit the sword.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Jan 1, 2014 5:11:30 GMT
Thanks for the encouragement, your sword looks fantastic btw... I will try my best, but like I mentioned in a prior post, this will take a little longer than originally intended since I now am going ahead with a "his and hers" matching set for a 15th anniversary present.
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Post by pokey on Jan 5, 2014 10:44:32 GMT
nice work, you have managed to turn "have to buy anniversary present" into "add to collection" lol!
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Jan 5, 2014 18:05:56 GMT
I hadn't even considered that... of course, I'm also getting her some jewelry and/or a trip back to whee we spent our honeymoon - Nova Scotia.
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