Depeeka Celtic Bronze Antennae Sword - Anyone own one?

5½^# for a one handed sword! I hope that you have a strong arm, if not it will give you one in time.

Not sure if he's still taking commissions, but... www.bronze-age-swords.com/ has impressive stuff, European based though.  I've seen some of his work several other places and it looks pretty nice.

We were all lurkers once. I was until a few months ago... and yeah, the weight is absolutely absurd, didn't say that in my original post.  Probably because of the 9mm thickness, oof.  That's considerably thicker than most katana spine.

Thanks to all for the feedback and links. That Burridge Withamm antenae does look very nice - but no weight or length are listed. One reason i liked that Depeeka is the 27in. blade. A lot of bronze swords just seem kinda puny. I know, i can always shoot him an email.

Hi,

I just wanted to chime in as a fan of Neil Burridge's work. I own two of his swords, a Ewart Park and the Witham antennae sword about which you write. Both are special, and having talked to Neil several times before and after the forging process, can attest to his clear professionalism and dedication to his craft. He is a rare and welcome breed; a bit of the old school master in him--humble, clearly hard-working and skilled and who learned through long years of labor and experimentation; understanding that his craft is always growing...

The Witham is a beautiful piece. Neil understands the processes by which a bronze sword is made stronger. Given the higher density of bronze over steel, it may feel heavier than a steel sword of comparative length. However, it is not a heavy sword by any means, and given it's relatively short length, seems handy enough. With the relatively elaborate nature of the bronze handle, as well as the lines on the blade, itself, I would speculate this sword as being not just functional but also one displaying a certain a kind of bling, or fanciness--i.e., One made for higher status people, perhaps normal men or chiefs?

The antennae sword's handle isn't necessarily ideal for making cuts (i.e. The Ewart Park is more ergonomic and comfortable). I believe that the ergonomics may take a tiny bit of a backseat to creating something beautiful. And the antenna sword is certainly in my opinion more beautiful than the Ewart Park. I would guess that a bronze age warrior going into battle and thinking simply in terms of functionality, perhaps cost, would bring the Ewart Park would park; and the chief would wear the Witham. But that is only my speculation.

If you know guns, maybe think Glock versus pearl-handled Colt .45 :-) though to compare a handmade bronze sword to a factory made polymer Glock is not the best analogy. I hope you catch my drift!

Neil writes that the Witham is an import blade from the continent, found in Great Britain digs. Whether imported items from the continent had more cachet then locally forged ones is a question I would pose somebody who's done the proper research.

As things stand, Neil's Witham antennae sword is certainly functional and handy, enough--fantastically crafted, polished and finished and solid. It's simply looks beautiful, and with the handcrafted scabbard that Sonny Suttles made, it looks like it should be in a museum. I may do a post somewhere on this as well.

I would imagine that Neil has done extensive research on the creation of the sword, making it fit well within historical parameters, as per the original finds. If you look at Neil's videos, he certainly seems to prefer the Ewart Park for overall functional design, and has actually said that is his favorite sword, in public and to me. Yes spent years developing this sore. However, the Witham is no joke. It is beautiful, handy, and a work of art. If you are able to get one, you'll be very pleased.

Hope this helps!