Acer Saccharinum a.k.a. the Dragon Gutter
Jun 8, 2015 21:22:02 GMT
Post by chrisperoni on Jun 8, 2015 21:22:02 GMT
I present to you a truly fierce and powerful piece not for the feint of heart:
Acer Saccharinum a.k.a. the Dragon Gutter!
This monster slayer made from 1084 steel is an intimidating 46.75" o.a.l. with a 21.5" blade just over 3" wide at the belly, 10" tang, 8.5" of leather lace grip and weighs 5lbs 11oz (yup!). The haft/handle is made of Canadian maple, epoxied and brass pinned 10 times along it's length including 2 pins through the modified trailer hitch ball pommel. The p.o.b. is at the 3rd pin from the blade giving it a nice but not-too-much forward feeling when held at the wrap. The long haft/handle allows for a variety of grips all the way up to the steel so the wielder can neutralize the weight if desired. It's surprisingly quick and maneuverable considering it's heft, and as you might expect once this blade gets swinging it clears right through whatever is in its path.
Acer Saccharinum is the scientific/latin name for the silverleaf maple tree - a very fitting and pretty dang literal name for this weapon (and acer means sharp - also cool). Dragon Gutter is the name the steel maker has christened it and is equally fitting. Some other possible names that didn't make the cut were: 'swordbat' and 'killer Canadian canoe paddle'
Here's the original w.i.p. thread for this blade: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/38355/progress-blade-spear-fallen-update - check this thread out to see great progress pics from Fallen as he crafted this wickedly complex blade shape!
In finishing the handle I was originally going to do a natural colour finish, but I decided instead to dye the wood then buff it back with 4o steel wool; this helped to pop the light quilting in the wood better. The pommel and blade were also buffed with steel wool to give them a satin sheen. The 3000psi marine epoxy I used to bond each half is showing in a couple of places (it dries white unfortunately) - such is the way of my work lol. Handmade f.t.w. buddy! The leather lace was cross wrapped, ca glued on each end and sealed with thinned lacquer.
Once I find appropriate maple stock I will make a matching scabbard... hopefully that won't take another year to get done - hahaaaahaaa! Seriously though, Fallen has been waiting a long time to see this one done and I think I've given the blade it's proper dues at last.
Acer Saccharinum a.k.a. the Dragon Gutter!
This monster slayer made from 1084 steel is an intimidating 46.75" o.a.l. with a 21.5" blade just over 3" wide at the belly, 10" tang, 8.5" of leather lace grip and weighs 5lbs 11oz (yup!). The haft/handle is made of Canadian maple, epoxied and brass pinned 10 times along it's length including 2 pins through the modified trailer hitch ball pommel. The p.o.b. is at the 3rd pin from the blade giving it a nice but not-too-much forward feeling when held at the wrap. The long haft/handle allows for a variety of grips all the way up to the steel so the wielder can neutralize the weight if desired. It's surprisingly quick and maneuverable considering it's heft, and as you might expect once this blade gets swinging it clears right through whatever is in its path.
Acer Saccharinum is the scientific/latin name for the silverleaf maple tree - a very fitting and pretty dang literal name for this weapon (and acer means sharp - also cool). Dragon Gutter is the name the steel maker has christened it and is equally fitting. Some other possible names that didn't make the cut were: 'swordbat' and 'killer Canadian canoe paddle'
Here's the original w.i.p. thread for this blade: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/38355/progress-blade-spear-fallen-update - check this thread out to see great progress pics from Fallen as he crafted this wickedly complex blade shape!
In finishing the handle I was originally going to do a natural colour finish, but I decided instead to dye the wood then buff it back with 4o steel wool; this helped to pop the light quilting in the wood better. The pommel and blade were also buffed with steel wool to give them a satin sheen. The 3000psi marine epoxy I used to bond each half is showing in a couple of places (it dries white unfortunately) - such is the way of my work lol. Handmade f.t.w. buddy! The leather lace was cross wrapped, ca glued on each end and sealed with thinned lacquer.
Once I find appropriate maple stock I will make a matching scabbard... hopefully that won't take another year to get done - hahaaaahaaa! Seriously though, Fallen has been waiting a long time to see this one done and I think I've given the blade it's proper dues at last.
