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Post by Lionhardt on Apr 29, 2021 14:30:37 GMT
  Hi friends. I finally finished this project I was working on over the winter. Being slightly obsessed with "functional" LOTR swords, and especially Aragorn's Ranger sword, I have been in love with and have been seeking out a Christian Fletcher Borderwatch since I learned of their existence. I know Valiant Armoury and even Greenshield Workshop make quite nice versions, but I decided to just make my own version, and let me say, I am extremely happy how it turned out! So, here is my Ranger sword. I built it around a 5160 H/T longsword blade, and combined it with a heavily modified and reforged Printed Armoury guard and pommel. I finished it with a 100% handmade by me handle; composed of one solid piece of birch, wrapped in cord, risers, and finished with a beautiful dark green leather that is sewn and glued on. I designed and forged the spacer from mild steel. It is incredibly light and well balanced, and dare I say, extremely pleasing on the eyes; everything a ranger sword should be. Specs: Length 45 1/4"       Blade: 35" 5160 Grip" 10 1/4" Weight: about 3.2 pounds. POB: 4 1/4". My original intent was to make one for myself, then if anyone wanted something similar, we could discuss building more either with the H/T blade or throwing an Albion on there. But first I just wanted to throw it on here and get people's feedback. So sword lovers, what do you think of my Ranger?! |
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Post by paulmuaddib on Apr 29, 2021 16:58:30 GMT
Looks great. Question, in the first picture looking up the guard did you use some leather as a spacer? Or is that something else? And if so why leather and not some thin metal epoxied in place.
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Post by Lionhardt on Apr 29, 2021 17:37:44 GMT
Looks great. Question, in the first picture looking up the guard did you use some leather as a spacer? Or is that something else? And if so why leather and not some thin metal epoxied in place. Thanks for the compliment! hmm....if the picture order shows up the same on my page, the first picture shows the guard gap, is that right? If so, there is no spacer at all. There is a quite small gap between the blade and guard. Anything that looks different is just shadows playing tricks. ha. |
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Post by joe_meadmaker on Apr 30, 2021 15:54:09 GMT
That is sweet looking! I love where you have the weight and POB. I think most reproductions of the ranger sword come out a little on the heavy side. But you've got that pretty much perfect.
No joke. If I was going to get a ranger-style sword, what you have there is what I would want.
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Post by karmasoft on May 2, 2021 22:02:49 GMT
If I were a Ringwraith I would not approach. Great work!
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 276
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Post by Jash on May 3, 2021 22:57:03 GMT
Wow, awesome job on your own build!
Will you be making a matching scabbard as well?
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Post by Lionhardt on May 6, 2021 21:46:40 GMT
That is sweet looking! I love where you have the weight and POB. I think most reproductions of the ranger sword come out a little on the heavy side. But you've got that pretty much perfect. No joke. If I was going to get a ranger-style sword, what you have there is what I would want. Thanks a lot man! |
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Post by Lionhardt on May 6, 2021 21:49:58 GMT
Wow, awesome job on your own build! Will you be making a matching scabbard as well? Thanks dude! I will probably have to make one. But that would be all new to me, so would be quite the learning! What do you think, make a couple to sell if people want them? Option of an Albion blade if they feel like waiting the year? |
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Post by AJGBlack on May 7, 2021 2:38:13 GMT
That looks amazing. GIMME.
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Post by Bryan Heff on May 7, 2021 8:49:50 GMT
Really nice work!
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 276
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Post by Jash on May 7, 2021 21:36:21 GMT
Wow, awesome job on your own build! Will you be making a matching scabbard as well? Thanks dude! I will probably have to make one. But that would be all new to me, so would be quite the learning! What do you think, make a couple to sell if people want them? Option of an Albion blade if they feel like waiting the year? Hahah I think you do have to make a scabbard, with matching knife, of course  For the Albion version - I think that idea would work on a person to person basis. As in, they send you the blade when they have it ready... I would shy away from having someone place an order with you, and then waiting the year for Albion to make it - as a lot can happen in that time. Plus, this seems more like a side hobby for you - so no need for extra stress. I do like the idea of you making a few for purchase. Hell, I might add my name to your list (price and time depending lol). The only thing I'd advise on is try to make it your own version? Not to copy Strider's sword or the Borderwatch too closely - so as to not step on anyone's toes. I mean if you're only making a single-digit-amount, I guess that would be okay too. I'm no legal expert lol. |
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Post by Lionhardt on May 9, 2021 21:02:33 GMT
So we'll see where I end up going with this. Thank you so much for the compliments and support! Feel free to ask any questions you have on the process or the construction. Or send me a dm if you don't want to ask or post it here.
In the end, I must say, that even if a Borderwatch does pop up for sale now, I no longer need it. I am 100% happy how this turned out, and while it is not an Albion blade, to me it is every bit as good quality as I was striving for or could have dreamed it to be!
I still haven't decided if the next project will be the latest rendition of Excalibur from Legend of the Sword, (as to me it is by far the most beautiful Excalibur ever designed.) Which would be a 5160 or possibly a folded steel ~30" blade with a long handle and brass hardware, about 40" overall, or a ~46" overall leafblade sword inspired by Glamdring. I already have a bare 5160 bar ready to go to forge/grind into the leaf blade. So that one would be totally from scratch! Excalibur I would probably build it up from a premade blade.
So we will see!
Suggestions?!
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Hi friends. I finally finished this project I was working on over the winter. Being slightly obsessed with "functional" LOTR swords, and especially Aragorn's Ranger sword, I have been in love with and have been seeking out a Christian Fletcher Borderwatch since I learned of their existence. I know Valiant Armoury and even Greenshield Workshop make quite nice versions, but I decided to just make my own version, and let me say, I am extremely happy how it turned out! So, here is my Ranger sword. I built it around a 5160 H/T longsword blade, and combined it with a heavily modified and reforged Printed Armoury guard and pommel. I finished it with a 100% handmade by me handle; composed of one solid piece of birch, wrapped in cord, risers, and finished with a beautiful dark green leather that is sewn and glued on. I designed and forged the spacer from mild steel. It is incredibly light and well balanced, and dare I say, extremely pleasing on the eyes; everything a ranger sword should be.
Things have changed!