Langes Messer by Lyndle Driggers of J&L Cutlery
Aug 30, 2019 20:37:18 GMT
Post by pellius on Aug 30, 2019 20:37:18 GMT
Langes Messer
Elmslie Type 5A+
Lyndle Driggers of J&L Custom Cutlery / L Driggers (fallen)
Introduction
Yeah. I’m gonna just go on and on about how awesome this thing is, so…
TLDR
This sword is magnificent; truly a masterpiece.
Disclaimers and Disclosures
I’m not an expert. In any of this.
I am a huge fan of Lyndle Driggers’ work. I have bought more items from him than I have from any other maker. Still, we aren’t buddies or anything. He seems like a pretty decent guy, though. I refer to him as “Lyn” only because “L Driggers (Fallen)” is just too cumbersome. If Lyn finds it unacceptable for me to take such casual liberty, I will gladly edit this review.
I have no stake in Lyn’s business. I paid my own money for all the J&L items I own.
One other thing - my word processor insists on changing “Lyn” to “Ly,” “messers” to “messes,” etc. If you see a typo, let me know, and I’ll fix it.
Origin Story
I’ve told this story before, so I’ll give the short version (well, you know, short for me).
At the time I commissioned this sword from Lyn, I already owned several of his most excellent creations. All were pieces he had already constructed; not commissions. Among them was a smaller Elmslie Type 1A falchion. It was, and is, a superlative sword of astonishing performance and outstanding craftsmanship.
Top: The Type 1A falchion by Lyn
Bottom: An awesome bolo, also by Lyn
Earlier this year (2019), a few bucks found their way into the hobby fund. While I am very fond of my little collection and feel lucky to have it, I had grown just a bit bored with it. Between my narrow tastes and general lack of dollars, my acquisition focus is frequently steered in the same old pleasant but familiar direction. Feeling adventurous, I resolved to branch out a bit, and seek out something unusual.
I contacted Lyn to commission a sword. Remembering how impressed I was with my L Driggers Type 1A, I asked him to make me a Type 3B falchion - for cut AND thrust swashbuckling fun and mayhem! Oh, yeah! Plus, it would be just a bit different from the hordes of Type 3C’s, D’s, and E’s already roaming the cosmos.
While patiently waiting in the build que, Lyn happened to post photos of a Type 5A messer he was shipping out.
This is the messer Lyn tempted me with
Normally, moving up in line is mildly pleasant news. For me, though, seeing that messer struck the chord I had been chasing. I contacted Lyn, who very kindly agreed to change my order to a Type 5A messer.
Price
When I commissioned this sword, it was very reasonably priced. Indeed, for the quality of materials and expert craftsmanship, it was mercifully underpriced. Nonetheless, it came in at the very top of my budgetary cap.
As of this writing, Lyn seems to be contemplating taking a break from sword making. If you are considering getting one of his fine pieces, you should hurry, and be prepared to pay a premium. You will be glad you did.
Historical Overview
I have a vague understanding that the langes messer was a civilian oriented side arm used in Europe from the 14th to the 16th Centuries. My impression is that the Type 5’s were mostly popular nearer to the end of the period.
I suppose this Historical Overview offers substantially less than a postage stamp size thumbnail of the rich history of messers. In my defense, virtually every fact on the subject posted to the internet seems to result in an equally self-confident “nuh uh” response. James Elmslie knows the truth! When he finally publishes, this planet will be a much better place.
www.elmslie.co.uk/index.php
Initial Impressions
This was the first and only sword I had ever commissioned. I had great confidence in Lyn’s ability and expertise, so I pried my fingers off the project and mostly just let him do his thing.
In discussing this build, I basically told him I wanted a really big Type 5A messer; as long and large as practical without compromising performance. He took the time to get a clear understanding of what I wanted and how I intended to practice with the sword. Sharing his considerable knowledge and experience, he helped me define some reasonable boundaries and expectations for the project. Beyond that, all of the details were left entirely to him.
Lyn completed this project ahead of schedule. As always, he shipped it fast, in secure packaging that was easy and clean to open.
Lyn sent a few photos before shipping out the sword. I was very pleased with what he produced. I must say, though, that the photos understated the beauty and elegance of this sword.
In person, it looks fantastic! Great lines, alluring proportions, precise fit and finish. The grips were outright gorgeous.
And for a one hander,
it
was
big.
As I had requested, Lyn had crafted a muscular sword. The long broad blade was visually impressive, appearing all the more prodigious being punctuated by a simple guard and compact hilt. While Lyn had committed to keeping the weight and balance within the bounds of full functionality, he had warned me that a big blade might carry significant weight.
Taking the sword in hand, my confidence in Lyn’s ability was confirmed. While not exactly a lightweight or nimble sword, the balance and feel in the hand was fast and controlled, with a distinct forward presence and a deft predictable recovery. While not a fencer, it was absolutely a fighter.
Oh, and it was shaving sharp, hilt to tip.
Yeah. I was impressed.
Overall Statistics
Overall Length: 36 1/2”
Overall Weight: 3lbs 2.1oz / 1,421g
Point of Balance: 5 1/4” from cross guard
Blade Statistics
5160 steel; thru hardened, spring temper; shaving sharp
Blade Length: 30”
Center of Percussion: 11” from tip
Fuller Termination: 7 1/2” from tip
Blade Height: 1 5/8” spine to edge
Bade Thickness: 7.5mm at pommel (exposed tang)
6.9mm at guard (exposed tang)
5.7mm at guard (blade side)
5.3mm at CoP
3.8mm at fuller termination
2.1mm at approx. 4” from tip
0.8mm at approx. 1” from tip
Grip Statistics
Brazilian Walnut scales secured to the partially exposed tang with epoxy and two hollow pins
Overall Grip Length: 6”
Grip Scale Length: 3 1/2”
Grip Height: 1 1/8” at its widest
Components
Again, the primary challenge for this build was to produce a large high performance messer with great dynamics, fast precise handling, and superior cutting ability. Lyn did a superb job designing a sword whose every component focuses on and furthers these ends. His execution was equally masterful.
The blade features very strong non-linear distal taper that begins all the way back at the pommel. The precision and symmetry of the blade is excellent. Lyn had commented that, to maintain strong performance in such a large blade, it would need a ton of distal taper.
To keep the overall weight down and maneuverability up, Lyn went with a small and lightweight hilt. The pommel is hollow. The characteristic full tang is somewhat abbreviated, rendering it partially hidden. The cross guard and nagel are plenty robust, but small in overall size.
The result is a truly fine weapon.
The Blade
The blade has a full flat grind with a uniform lenticular secondary bevel, similar to a hira zukuri cross-sectional geometry. It is great for cutting light to medium targets while reducing weight significantly. The sides of the blade taper to the edge and to the tip in flat, uniform, symmetrical planes. Very impressive.
I believe that this would be classified an Elmslie Type “+” blade, indicating mild positive curvature, with the tip above the line of the spine.
www.deviantart.com/shad-brooks/art/Elmslie-Typology-of-single-edged-medieval-swords-629294615
The blade’s profile geometry is reminiscent of a yanmaodao, being straight for much of its length with a turned up foible and a hatchet point. However, about one third of the blade is upturned. This places the Point of Percussion just within the curved portion, yet advances its leading edge near to the leading line of the overall cutting edge. When striking a target at or above the PoP, the initial force is ahead of the wrist and center line of the blade, giving a forward contact in the arc of the cut. As the blade passes through the target, the cutting edge trails off, imposing an exaggerated cutting motion upon the target. The blade’s narrow cross section follows easily through the target.
When the edge at the PoP meets resistance at the surface of the target, the sword offers all of its energy to the tiny point of contact at a continually oblique angle. Once the surface parts, all of the remaining momentum stays in the plane of the cut, with very little force being transmitted down the blade into the hilt. The result is a devastating cut that feels effortless, and an easy recovery that is comfortable and predictable. Again, masterful design and execution by Lyn.
The blade is fairly rigid, like a stiff spring. Though certainly favoring the cut, the sword poses a credible threat in the thrust. It is substantial enough to facilitate blocking, and accommodates maneuvers in which the spine is supported by the the off hand, arm, or body. While wrist cuts are possible, the sword is really too heavy for them to be quick and effective.
The blade’s upward curve is visually balanced by the downward curved pommel. This tends give the initial impression of an organic S-shaped profile, despite the sword being straight for much of its length. The blade has a nice ring when struck - just a bit of auditory bling. Again, it is super sharp, from tip to guard.
For strength, the relatively thin blade relies on the tempered toughness of its 5160 steel. It polishes out nicely, revealing that characteristic “ropey” grain.
The fullers are uniform on each side in their dimensions and placement. They are crisp, with terminations that are close to perfect.
The Hilt
The grip is generally constructed in the historical “large knife” method, but with a partially hidden full tang, and beautiful grip scales that are epoxied and double pinned. The grip feels secure and confident in the hand, gives excellent command over the sword, and intuitively communicates the blade’s location and orientation.
The height and width of the grip feels perfect to my average size hands. Again, to honor my request for a large but truly functional blade, the hilt is built as a dedicated one-hander to keep the overall proportions reasonable.
The Guard
The guard has a stout substantial character, compact in proportions but sturdy enough for the serious business of swordsmanship. It is very tight to the blade, and is pinned by the nagel. The quillons are tapered in two planes, maintaining their strength but shedding unnecessary weight.
The nagel is broad, and also tapers in two planes. It features a broad fuller and a scalloped distal end. It is quite sturdy, but manages an elegant feel. As is typical of Lyn’s work, the peen is absolutely fabulous.
The entire guard is symmetrical and practical, choosing to express its beauty by its performance. Besides, the grips kinda steal the eye candy show anyway.
The Grips
Lyn described the grip scales as Brazilian walnut. Apparently there are no walnut species native to Brazil. However, there are a few native species that are commonly marketed as Brazilian walnut. The one most similar to these grips to my untrained eye is the embuya (ocotea porosa), but I could be mistaken. Apparently, the tree is cultivated, but wild examples have become endangered, rendering grip scales of this kind no longer available.
Anyway, they are just beautiful, flaunting a sophisticated semi-burl pattern of depth and subtle activity. I would definitely consider these to be premium grips. Lyn very generously included them in the build at no additional charge. It was a nice surprise, and I really appreciate it.
The hilt has a rounded rectangular cross section that lends excellent grip and control while effectively communicating the blade’s location and orientation in space. The grip is comfortable and confident.
While it is just long enough to use a thumb-up grip, the sword is just a little too nose heavy for that. In a hammer or handshake grip, the sword really comes alive in the hand. It is not feasible to grip the hilt with two hands.
The Pommel
The pommel is lightweight and functional, with elegant compound curves that punctuate the flowing lines of the rest of the sword. Its downward curve visually harmonizes with the upturned blade, and keeps the sword securely in hand when moving all that mass with vigor.
This peen is also superb; all but invisible.
Construction
This is the place in a review where I can usually nit-pick a sword, and point out a flaw or two, no matter how tiny or insignificant. Regarding hand-made swords and knives, I usually excuse such minor inconsistencies as a desirable feature that displays character and respects the budget. Or something like that.
To the limit of my vision, all of the surfaces between the tang, scales, guard, nagel, and pommel are perfectly uniform, aligned, and meet cleanly with no gaps or deviations. At all. Amazing.
The Scabbard
The sword was sold without a scabbard.
[Insert lie that I will one day use hobby funds to commission a scabbard instead of buying another sword.]
Handling Characteristics
There’s not a lot to add that I have not already written.
The sword handles very well, especially considering its size. It exhibits a distinct forward presence and a fair amount of momentum and power in the cut. Yet recovery is quite manageable and control is confident. It is fast in the hand; perhaps not nimble, but certainly athletic.
It is not really a thrusting sword, though it is certainly capable of poking large gaping holes into unarmored tickle spots.
It is not a fencing or dueling sword, but it will lead the way into the thick of unpleasantness if you ask it to.
It is a brilliant cutter.
Conclusions
This is a truly fantastic sword, regardless of price. Lyn crafted a truly impressive piece that met all of my expectations, and then added a huge helping of excellence and beauty. This is a fearsome weapon that rewards respectful use with exquisite performance.
Yeah, it is pretty awesome.
Pros
This sword is a joy to handle. It is subtle in design, and delivers strong performance.
- Excellent materials
- Exacting tolerances
- High performance design
- High quality steel with a reliable temper; super sharp; excellent blade geometry
- Good handling; impressive cutter
- Looks awesome
- Excellent value
Cons
- Lyn may not be making these things anymore
The Bottom Line
Of all my modern swords, this is my favorite
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Elmslie Type 5A+
Lyndle Driggers of J&L Custom Cutlery / L Driggers (fallen)
Introduction
Yeah. I’m gonna just go on and on about how awesome this thing is, so…
TLDR
This sword is magnificent; truly a masterpiece.
Disclaimers and Disclosures
I’m not an expert. In any of this.
I am a huge fan of Lyndle Driggers’ work. I have bought more items from him than I have from any other maker. Still, we aren’t buddies or anything. He seems like a pretty decent guy, though. I refer to him as “Lyn” only because “L Driggers (Fallen)” is just too cumbersome. If Lyn finds it unacceptable for me to take such casual liberty, I will gladly edit this review.
I have no stake in Lyn’s business. I paid my own money for all the J&L items I own.
One other thing - my word processor insists on changing “Lyn” to “Ly,” “messers” to “messes,” etc. If you see a typo, let me know, and I’ll fix it.
Origin Story
I’ve told this story before, so I’ll give the short version (well, you know, short for me).
At the time I commissioned this sword from Lyn, I already owned several of his most excellent creations. All were pieces he had already constructed; not commissions. Among them was a smaller Elmslie Type 1A falchion. It was, and is, a superlative sword of astonishing performance and outstanding craftsmanship.
Top: The Type 1A falchion by Lyn
Bottom: An awesome bolo, also by Lyn
Earlier this year (2019), a few bucks found their way into the hobby fund. While I am very fond of my little collection and feel lucky to have it, I had grown just a bit bored with it. Between my narrow tastes and general lack of dollars, my acquisition focus is frequently steered in the same old pleasant but familiar direction. Feeling adventurous, I resolved to branch out a bit, and seek out something unusual.
I contacted Lyn to commission a sword. Remembering how impressed I was with my L Driggers Type 1A, I asked him to make me a Type 3B falchion - for cut AND thrust swashbuckling fun and mayhem! Oh, yeah! Plus, it would be just a bit different from the hordes of Type 3C’s, D’s, and E’s already roaming the cosmos.
While patiently waiting in the build que, Lyn happened to post photos of a Type 5A messer he was shipping out.
This is the messer Lyn tempted me with
Normally, moving up in line is mildly pleasant news. For me, though, seeing that messer struck the chord I had been chasing. I contacted Lyn, who very kindly agreed to change my order to a Type 5A messer.
Price
When I commissioned this sword, it was very reasonably priced. Indeed, for the quality of materials and expert craftsmanship, it was mercifully underpriced. Nonetheless, it came in at the very top of my budgetary cap.
As of this writing, Lyn seems to be contemplating taking a break from sword making. If you are considering getting one of his fine pieces, you should hurry, and be prepared to pay a premium. You will be glad you did.
Historical Overview
I have a vague understanding that the langes messer was a civilian oriented side arm used in Europe from the 14th to the 16th Centuries. My impression is that the Type 5’s were mostly popular nearer to the end of the period.
I suppose this Historical Overview offers substantially less than a postage stamp size thumbnail of the rich history of messers. In my defense, virtually every fact on the subject posted to the internet seems to result in an equally self-confident “nuh uh” response. James Elmslie knows the truth! When he finally publishes, this planet will be a much better place.
www.elmslie.co.uk/index.php
Initial Impressions
This was the first and only sword I had ever commissioned. I had great confidence in Lyn’s ability and expertise, so I pried my fingers off the project and mostly just let him do his thing.
In discussing this build, I basically told him I wanted a really big Type 5A messer; as long and large as practical without compromising performance. He took the time to get a clear understanding of what I wanted and how I intended to practice with the sword. Sharing his considerable knowledge and experience, he helped me define some reasonable boundaries and expectations for the project. Beyond that, all of the details were left entirely to him.
Lyn completed this project ahead of schedule. As always, he shipped it fast, in secure packaging that was easy and clean to open.
Lyn sent a few photos before shipping out the sword. I was very pleased with what he produced. I must say, though, that the photos understated the beauty and elegance of this sword.
In person, it looks fantastic! Great lines, alluring proportions, precise fit and finish. The grips were outright gorgeous.
And for a one hander,
it
was
big.
As I had requested, Lyn had crafted a muscular sword. The long broad blade was visually impressive, appearing all the more prodigious being punctuated by a simple guard and compact hilt. While Lyn had committed to keeping the weight and balance within the bounds of full functionality, he had warned me that a big blade might carry significant weight.
Taking the sword in hand, my confidence in Lyn’s ability was confirmed. While not exactly a lightweight or nimble sword, the balance and feel in the hand was fast and controlled, with a distinct forward presence and a deft predictable recovery. While not a fencer, it was absolutely a fighter.
Oh, and it was shaving sharp, hilt to tip.
Yeah. I was impressed.
Overall Statistics
Overall Length: 36 1/2”
Overall Weight: 3lbs 2.1oz / 1,421g
Point of Balance: 5 1/4” from cross guard
Blade Statistics
5160 steel; thru hardened, spring temper; shaving sharp
Blade Length: 30”
Center of Percussion: 11” from tip
Fuller Termination: 7 1/2” from tip
Blade Height: 1 5/8” spine to edge
Bade Thickness: 7.5mm at pommel (exposed tang)
6.9mm at guard (exposed tang)
5.7mm at guard (blade side)
5.3mm at CoP
3.8mm at fuller termination
2.1mm at approx. 4” from tip
0.8mm at approx. 1” from tip
Grip Statistics
Brazilian Walnut scales secured to the partially exposed tang with epoxy and two hollow pins
Overall Grip Length: 6”
Grip Scale Length: 3 1/2”
Grip Height: 1 1/8” at its widest
Components
Again, the primary challenge for this build was to produce a large high performance messer with great dynamics, fast precise handling, and superior cutting ability. Lyn did a superb job designing a sword whose every component focuses on and furthers these ends. His execution was equally masterful.
The blade features very strong non-linear distal taper that begins all the way back at the pommel. The precision and symmetry of the blade is excellent. Lyn had commented that, to maintain strong performance in such a large blade, it would need a ton of distal taper.
To keep the overall weight down and maneuverability up, Lyn went with a small and lightweight hilt. The pommel is hollow. The characteristic full tang is somewhat abbreviated, rendering it partially hidden. The cross guard and nagel are plenty robust, but small in overall size.
The result is a truly fine weapon.
The Blade
The blade has a full flat grind with a uniform lenticular secondary bevel, similar to a hira zukuri cross-sectional geometry. It is great for cutting light to medium targets while reducing weight significantly. The sides of the blade taper to the edge and to the tip in flat, uniform, symmetrical planes. Very impressive.
I believe that this would be classified an Elmslie Type “+” blade, indicating mild positive curvature, with the tip above the line of the spine.
www.deviantart.com/shad-brooks/art/Elmslie-Typology-of-single-edged-medieval-swords-629294615
The blade’s profile geometry is reminiscent of a yanmaodao, being straight for much of its length with a turned up foible and a hatchet point. However, about one third of the blade is upturned. This places the Point of Percussion just within the curved portion, yet advances its leading edge near to the leading line of the overall cutting edge. When striking a target at or above the PoP, the initial force is ahead of the wrist and center line of the blade, giving a forward contact in the arc of the cut. As the blade passes through the target, the cutting edge trails off, imposing an exaggerated cutting motion upon the target. The blade’s narrow cross section follows easily through the target.
When the edge at the PoP meets resistance at the surface of the target, the sword offers all of its energy to the tiny point of contact at a continually oblique angle. Once the surface parts, all of the remaining momentum stays in the plane of the cut, with very little force being transmitted down the blade into the hilt. The result is a devastating cut that feels effortless, and an easy recovery that is comfortable and predictable. Again, masterful design and execution by Lyn.
The blade is fairly rigid, like a stiff spring. Though certainly favoring the cut, the sword poses a credible threat in the thrust. It is substantial enough to facilitate blocking, and accommodates maneuvers in which the spine is supported by the the off hand, arm, or body. While wrist cuts are possible, the sword is really too heavy for them to be quick and effective.
The blade’s upward curve is visually balanced by the downward curved pommel. This tends give the initial impression of an organic S-shaped profile, despite the sword being straight for much of its length. The blade has a nice ring when struck - just a bit of auditory bling. Again, it is super sharp, from tip to guard.
For strength, the relatively thin blade relies on the tempered toughness of its 5160 steel. It polishes out nicely, revealing that characteristic “ropey” grain.
The fullers are uniform on each side in their dimensions and placement. They are crisp, with terminations that are close to perfect.
The Hilt
The grip is generally constructed in the historical “large knife” method, but with a partially hidden full tang, and beautiful grip scales that are epoxied and double pinned. The grip feels secure and confident in the hand, gives excellent command over the sword, and intuitively communicates the blade’s location and orientation.
The height and width of the grip feels perfect to my average size hands. Again, to honor my request for a large but truly functional blade, the hilt is built as a dedicated one-hander to keep the overall proportions reasonable.
The Guard
The guard has a stout substantial character, compact in proportions but sturdy enough for the serious business of swordsmanship. It is very tight to the blade, and is pinned by the nagel. The quillons are tapered in two planes, maintaining their strength but shedding unnecessary weight.
The nagel is broad, and also tapers in two planes. It features a broad fuller and a scalloped distal end. It is quite sturdy, but manages an elegant feel. As is typical of Lyn’s work, the peen is absolutely fabulous.
The entire guard is symmetrical and practical, choosing to express its beauty by its performance. Besides, the grips kinda steal the eye candy show anyway.
The Grips
Lyn described the grip scales as Brazilian walnut. Apparently there are no walnut species native to Brazil. However, there are a few native species that are commonly marketed as Brazilian walnut. The one most similar to these grips to my untrained eye is the embuya (ocotea porosa), but I could be mistaken. Apparently, the tree is cultivated, but wild examples have become endangered, rendering grip scales of this kind no longer available.
Anyway, they are just beautiful, flaunting a sophisticated semi-burl pattern of depth and subtle activity. I would definitely consider these to be premium grips. Lyn very generously included them in the build at no additional charge. It was a nice surprise, and I really appreciate it.
The hilt has a rounded rectangular cross section that lends excellent grip and control while effectively communicating the blade’s location and orientation in space. The grip is comfortable and confident.
While it is just long enough to use a thumb-up grip, the sword is just a little too nose heavy for that. In a hammer or handshake grip, the sword really comes alive in the hand. It is not feasible to grip the hilt with two hands.
The Pommel
The pommel is lightweight and functional, with elegant compound curves that punctuate the flowing lines of the rest of the sword. Its downward curve visually harmonizes with the upturned blade, and keeps the sword securely in hand when moving all that mass with vigor.
This peen is also superb; all but invisible.
Construction
This is the place in a review where I can usually nit-pick a sword, and point out a flaw or two, no matter how tiny or insignificant. Regarding hand-made swords and knives, I usually excuse such minor inconsistencies as a desirable feature that displays character and respects the budget. Or something like that.
To the limit of my vision, all of the surfaces between the tang, scales, guard, nagel, and pommel are perfectly uniform, aligned, and meet cleanly with no gaps or deviations. At all. Amazing.
The Scabbard
The sword was sold without a scabbard.
[Insert lie that I will one day use hobby funds to commission a scabbard instead of buying another sword.]
Handling Characteristics
There’s not a lot to add that I have not already written.
The sword handles very well, especially considering its size. It exhibits a distinct forward presence and a fair amount of momentum and power in the cut. Yet recovery is quite manageable and control is confident. It is fast in the hand; perhaps not nimble, but certainly athletic.
It is not really a thrusting sword, though it is certainly capable of poking large gaping holes into unarmored tickle spots.
It is not a fencing or dueling sword, but it will lead the way into the thick of unpleasantness if you ask it to.
It is a brilliant cutter.
Conclusions
This is a truly fantastic sword, regardless of price. Lyn crafted a truly impressive piece that met all of my expectations, and then added a huge helping of excellence and beauty. This is a fearsome weapon that rewards respectful use with exquisite performance.
Yeah, it is pretty awesome.
Pros
This sword is a joy to handle. It is subtle in design, and delivers strong performance.
- Excellent materials
- Exacting tolerances
- High performance design
- High quality steel with a reliable temper; super sharp; excellent blade geometry
- Good handling; impressive cutter
- Looks awesome
- Excellent value
Cons
- Lyn may not be making these things anymore
The Bottom Line
Of all my modern swords, this is my favorite
Thank you for taking the time to read this.