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Post by rodwalker on Apr 4, 2021 0:05:53 GMT
Hi, first post. I have been looking for someone to make me a kopis for a few years now.
Based on the posts and reviews here for Purna at GGK, I have been chatting with Purna and decided to commission a kopis from him.
The kopis I have chosen is from the Vassil Bojkov collection.
The specs are: Full length: 91 cm; Blade: 78 × 4 cm; Handle: 12 cm. Second half of the 4th c. BC. The bit I am missing is the thickness of the blade at the forte and its distal taper.
I was thinking that 8mm tapering down to 2ishmm at the tip would be about right?
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Post by pellius on Apr 4, 2021 0:51:49 GMT
Welcome.
Unfortunately, I’m of no help regarding blade geometry of an historical kopis.
Still, that looks like it will be a very nice sword when done.
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Apr 4, 2021 13:11:47 GMT
Don't forget the scabbard. That's a handsome sword I will add.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 4, 2021 22:44:54 GMT
PM sent Brother Nathaniel.
I'll make the period scabbard myself for it.
This kopis will go with this kit, and I'll be using it to cut from hosreback.
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Post by mrbadexample on Apr 4, 2021 23:23:45 GMT
That kit is awesome.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 5, 2021 10:28:01 GMT
Don't forget the scabbard. That's a handsome sword I will add. I just saw a scabbard he made for a kopis, very nice. I'll skip making one myself and just get Purna to make it. |
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 5, 2021 10:31:06 GMT
Thanks man, I made everything me and my horse are wearing except for the greaves and helmet.
And done.
Pulled the trigger and ordered a kopis from GGK!
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Post by randomnobody on Apr 5, 2021 21:47:54 GMT
That's a sexy kopis; I love the length, especially.
I kinda feel like 8mm is on the thick side, but it's gonna be pretty long so it might work out. I'm far from an expert on ancient weapons so I have no idea what they averaged, never mind examples this size.
Looking forward to seeing what Purna does this time.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 6, 2021 5:38:12 GMT
I have got to say that Money Gram is an absolute PITA!
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Post by randomnobody on Apr 6, 2021 5:45:42 GMT
I have got to say that Money Gram is an absolute PITA! Oh, yeah. I used MoneyGram when I ordered from James Raw, because as high as their fee was, it was cheaper than a wire transfer from my bank... Still a raging pain in the butt. |
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 6, 2021 7:44:28 GMT
Finally got it sorted and sent through. So here we go.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 8, 2021 9:07:52 GMT
And so it begins 
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Post by Murffy on Apr 8, 2021 14:20:09 GMT
I'm always astonished how that process can turn out such fine blades.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 12, 2021 8:55:48 GMT
It's the way it was done for thousands of years. I actually wasn't expecting to get a forged blade! I was fully expecting it to all be stock removal. So pretty damn happy!
And another update. We have changed the blade shape slightly, and I went for a 75cm blade as opposed to the 78cm of the original. This came about due to personal preference, and experience knowing what I like to use from horseback.
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pgandy
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Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Apr 12, 2021 12:46:12 GMT
On foot I can see where 75 cm would be handier but isn’t that a bit short for horseback? Generally for horseback blades start in about the 3’ range and grow from there.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 13, 2021 0:03:57 GMT
On foot I can see where 75 cm would be handier but isn’t that a bit short for horseback? Generally for horseback blades start in about the 3’ range and grow from there. 3' for a blade is a long sword, in fact my longsword does have a 3' blade! And in close quarters on horseback, against foot or other cavalry, it can be a PITA!
The blades we are using here were about 75cm long from memory. I am in the black.
The sword I am holding here has an 84cm blade, and it is a good size for the 14thc.
I would also think that a 75cm blade, this is still 2 1/2' long, would be on the longer side for an ancients blade.
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pgandy
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Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Apr 13, 2021 2:52:52 GMT
I said start in about the 3’ range, so give or take 2-3”. I based my opinion on the fact that many of the British enemies, Gorkas, Sudanese, etc., were no match for the cavalry and would lay on the ground out of sword reach then attack the horses as the passed then the riders before they could recover from the fall. It was just a passing thought I had so don’t get bent out of shape. After all it’s your sword.
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Post by rodwalker on Apr 13, 2021 3:32:14 GMT
Ahh, I wasn't bent out of shape.
I thought we were having a conversation about sword lengths.
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Post by jormungandr on Apr 15, 2021 18:56:14 GMT
nice
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Post by joeb on Apr 15, 2021 20:12:14 GMT
I have a really good kopis from this maker except I botched the grip length and do not blame him.
Find the exact inner grip you want and send that to him asap.
They tend to err on the longish side.
Historically these types of ancient swords had tight rather than long grips.
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