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Post by FLScott on Nov 15, 2020 21:11:15 GMT
I am looking to purchase a project blade. Basically something with some rust and needs some TLC but not something totally rusted trough and unrecoverable. I want something to work on and feel like an accomplishment when done.
Hoping to restore an actual antique but may start with someone's old junk sword.
I have looked at Ebay and found some promising. But alot seem to be way over priced. Others are labeled as "Antique" but look like 10 year old replicas someone just did not maintain. I tried Craigslist but most of the swords I have seen there are just wall hangers, and most really ugly.
So where have people found some nice gems? I want to balance challenge, cost, and fun. I am in Florida USA so thinking US Civil war era swords might be the most likely genuine antiques.
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Post by alientude on Nov 15, 2020 21:33:44 GMT
Might want to check some local pawn shops.
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,675
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Post by Scott on Nov 16, 2020 2:20:52 GMT
Put a wanted ad in the classifieds here, and check the for sale listings. eBay can have some good swords in need of a bit of work too.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2020 4:19:03 GMT
Hanwei/tinker has some nice bare blades and fittings if you are satisfied with just that level. If not, it can give a starting point. Maybe with fittings?
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Post by nebulatech on Nov 19, 2020 4:47:21 GMT
Keep checking ebay. Something will turn up.
A few tips which have worked for me:
Stick with sellers in or near your own country
Search "buy it now" listings with "make offer" options and lowball. If they ignore it, offer the same low offer 1 week later. The seller may be regretting loosing a sale.
Look at and "watch" auctions ending soon with no bids. Message the seller afterwards. Be polite and personable, but offer a lower price than their initial bid. Just explain your purpose and limited budget. Don't dare suggest their price was too high. (They already figured that out when it didn't sell.)
Be patient. It takes a lot of work to put together a sword. Get something you want for a price you can live with.
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Post by FLScott on Nov 28, 2020 0:22:51 GMT
Hanwei/tinker has some nice bare blades and fittings if you are satisfied with just that level. If not, it can give a starting point. Maybe with fittings? Really looking for blades not in pristine condition. Rust and scratches ok. Ideally something that is historical and can be restored to nice condition. But even if it turns out to be junk in the end it could be good practice and something to occupy time and a stress relief.
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Post by FLScott on Nov 28, 2020 0:27:09 GMT
Keep checking ebay. Something will turn up. I did manage to find a nice US M1840 NCO sword bare blade. Some rust but otherwise in good condition. Got a decent price on ebay. I will post before and after pictures once done removing the rust and polishing. Then I will see if I can figure out how to replace the handle.
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Post by nebulatech on Nov 29, 2020 4:38:33 GMT
Glad you found something! I don't know anything about those swords, but I imagine replicating original hardware would be difficult.
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Post by eaglepommeladdict on Feb 22, 2021 5:05:14 GMT
I think you should try to find a used Cold Steel sword of your preference as a “guinea pig” sword to practice sharpening, engraving, cold bluing, etc., and something like a French briquet sabre or an old Knights of Columbus sword if you want something to practice peening. Those brass hilted briquet sabres pop up on eBay for $200 or so without a scabbard sometimes, and are a good value for someone interested in history considering the fact that many are over 200 years old.
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