Elmslie Type F1a Falchion by L Driggers (fallen)
Dec 2, 2017 19:55:57 GMT
Post by Aikidoka on Dec 2, 2017 19:55:57 GMT
Elmslie Type F1a Falchion by L Driggers (fallen)
Introduction
When I was in the market for a cleaver type falchion for use in test cutting, I knew I wouldn't be able to buy a production falchion that would suit my needs. I knew I would have to commission a custom sword. Having seen swords produced by L Driggers (fallen) of J&L Custom Cutlery over the years, I felt he was a good choice to make this falchion.
We discussed the design specs for a few days, trying to come up with appropriate dimensions for this type of falchion. Once we felt we were getting close, I showed the design to James Elmslie himself. He looked at our numbers and said "Give me 15 minutes..." A few minutes later, he posted this detailed, historically accurate drawing of an F1a falchion, along with distal taper measurements. Lyndle and I are both grateful for his generosity in sharing this design, which was the result of years of research.
This drawing gave us what we needed to move forward with the forging of this sword. Here are progress photos provided by L Driggers (fallen) of the forging of this blade, guard and pommel:
Once the blade and hilt were completed, the sword was sent to Tom Diamonte (tdiamonte) for a cord and leather wrapped grip:
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with Lyndle Driggers or Tom Diamonte. I paid for this sword with my own money.
Statistics
Blade Length: 22.75 inches
Grip Length: 3.37 inches
Overall Length: 28.25 inches
Guard Width: 6.25 inches
Blade Width:
Base: 1.5 inches
Max: 3 inches
Distal Taper: (Note:The sword was sent back and reprofiled to more closely match the original specs)
(New)
Base: 6 mm
Midpoint: 3.5mm
End of Fuller: 2.1 mm
1" from Tip: 1.7 mm
(Old)
Base: 6 mm
Midpoint: 5 mm
End of Fuller: 2.5 mm
1" from Tip: 2mm
POB (Point of Balance): (New) 4.75 inches
(Old) 5.25 inches
Weight: (New) 2 lbs 1 oz
(Old) 2 lbs 3.3 oz
The Blade
This type F1a falchion has a fuller that extends about 4/5 the length of the blade and is 3 inches wide near the end of the fuller. At that widest point, the spine is 2.1 mm thick. The blade profile is a full flat grind, resulting in a very thin cutting section, and a very fine and extremely sharp cutting edge.
(Old) The distal taper for this blade doesn't quite achieve the design specifications in James Elmslie's drawing. In the drawing, the blade tapers much more quickly and the thickness at the widest point of the blade is about a millimeter thicker than his design.
I recently sent this sword back to Lyndle to have it reground. Now the distal taper is closer to the design specs provided by James Elmslie.
Handling Characteristics
(Old) One result of the distal taper being less than in the original design is that the point of balance moved forward a bit from the original design to 5.25 inches on this sword. However, this falchion feels good to me in the hand. The sword cuts with authority, which I like in shorter swords.
This falchion is surprisingly nimble and quick in the hand. The sword cuts with a lot of authority, but is able to recover quickly.
Test Cutting
(Old) Today, I did some initial test cutting with my new custom Falchion made by Lyndle Driggers. It did well with used Japanese mats. It struggled a bit, though, with tougher Japanese "checkerboard" mats and double thick Mugen Dachi mat targets.
EDIT 1/1/2018:
This weekend, I did some more test cutting with this type F1a falchion. I recently sent it back to Lyndle to have it reground so that the distal taper is closer to the design specs provided by James Elmslie. Now the blade cuts amazingly well! The 6 basic cuts were very easy and clean. The falchion then cut a double thick target with ease. And then I did some falchion and buckler cuts including a double cut. This falchion is a very quick and powerful cutter!
Conclusions
Pros
- Powerful Cutter
- Light and quick sword
- Super sharp fine cutting edge
- Very sturdy construction
Cons
- Visible grind marks
- Small blemishes on the guard
The Bottom Line
I am very happy with the way this Elmslie type F1a falchion turned out. This sword is a dedicated cutter that performs at a very high level. It is a hand forged sword (blade, guard and pommel), which I personally really like, but it is worth noting that the finish is not at the level of high end reproductions. I can also speak to its durability as, after cutting several double thick tatami targets, the hilt is still completely solid.
I would highly recommend this Elmslie type F1a falchion from J&L Custom Cutlery
Introduction
When I was in the market for a cleaver type falchion for use in test cutting, I knew I wouldn't be able to buy a production falchion that would suit my needs. I knew I would have to commission a custom sword. Having seen swords produced by L Driggers (fallen) of J&L Custom Cutlery over the years, I felt he was a good choice to make this falchion.
We discussed the design specs for a few days, trying to come up with appropriate dimensions for this type of falchion. Once we felt we were getting close, I showed the design to James Elmslie himself. He looked at our numbers and said "Give me 15 minutes..." A few minutes later, he posted this detailed, historically accurate drawing of an F1a falchion, along with distal taper measurements. Lyndle and I are both grateful for his generosity in sharing this design, which was the result of years of research.
This drawing gave us what we needed to move forward with the forging of this sword. Here are progress photos provided by L Driggers (fallen) of the forging of this blade, guard and pommel:
Once the blade and hilt were completed, the sword was sent to Tom Diamonte (tdiamonte) for a cord and leather wrapped grip:
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with Lyndle Driggers or Tom Diamonte. I paid for this sword with my own money.
Statistics
Blade Length: 22.75 inches
Grip Length: 3.37 inches
Overall Length: 28.25 inches
Guard Width: 6.25 inches
Blade Width:
Base: 1.5 inches
Max: 3 inches
Distal Taper: (Note:The sword was sent back and reprofiled to more closely match the original specs)
(New)
Base: 6 mm
Midpoint: 3.5mm
End of Fuller: 2.1 mm
1" from Tip: 1.7 mm
(Old)
Base: 6 mm
Midpoint: 5 mm
End of Fuller: 2.5 mm
1" from Tip: 2mm
POB (Point of Balance): (New) 4.75 inches
(Old) 5.25 inches
Weight: (New) 2 lbs 1 oz
(Old) 2 lbs 3.3 oz
The Blade
This type F1a falchion has a fuller that extends about 4/5 the length of the blade and is 3 inches wide near the end of the fuller. At that widest point, the spine is 2.1 mm thick. The blade profile is a full flat grind, resulting in a very thin cutting section, and a very fine and extremely sharp cutting edge.
(Old) The distal taper for this blade doesn't quite achieve the design specifications in James Elmslie's drawing. In the drawing, the blade tapers much more quickly and the thickness at the widest point of the blade is about a millimeter thicker than his design.
I recently sent this sword back to Lyndle to have it reground. Now the distal taper is closer to the design specs provided by James Elmslie.
Handling Characteristics
(Old) One result of the distal taper being less than in the original design is that the point of balance moved forward a bit from the original design to 5.25 inches on this sword. However, this falchion feels good to me in the hand. The sword cuts with authority, which I like in shorter swords.
This falchion is surprisingly nimble and quick in the hand. The sword cuts with a lot of authority, but is able to recover quickly.
Test Cutting
(Old) Today, I did some initial test cutting with my new custom Falchion made by Lyndle Driggers. It did well with used Japanese mats. It struggled a bit, though, with tougher Japanese "checkerboard" mats and double thick Mugen Dachi mat targets.
EDIT 1/1/2018:
This weekend, I did some more test cutting with this type F1a falchion. I recently sent it back to Lyndle to have it reground so that the distal taper is closer to the design specs provided by James Elmslie. Now the blade cuts amazingly well! The 6 basic cuts were very easy and clean. The falchion then cut a double thick target with ease. And then I did some falchion and buckler cuts including a double cut. This falchion is a very quick and powerful cutter!
Conclusions
Pros
- Powerful Cutter
- Light and quick sword
- Super sharp fine cutting edge
- Very sturdy construction
Cons
- Visible grind marks
- Small blemishes on the guard
The Bottom Line
I am very happy with the way this Elmslie type F1a falchion turned out. This sword is a dedicated cutter that performs at a very high level. It is a hand forged sword (blade, guard and pommel), which I personally really like, but it is worth noting that the finish is not at the level of high end reproductions. I can also speak to its durability as, after cutting several double thick tatami targets, the hilt is still completely solid.
I would highly recommend this Elmslie type F1a falchion from J&L Custom Cutlery