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Post by Murffy on Jul 11, 2021 22:20:51 GMT
Given that my drawing skills stink, after much cursing and erasing, I finally got something on paper that resembles what I'm envisioning -- the mild curve of a wakizashi blade with a drop point, an S-guard and a kukri grip:  Blade length about 15 inches, about 21 inches overall. |
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Post by alientude on Jul 11, 2021 23:25:01 GMT
I like it. Kind of reminds me of the Windlass D-guard Bowie, with a little more flair and snazz.
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Post by howler on Jul 12, 2021 0:25:39 GMT
If the balance is right, that thing would be a killer.
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Post by Murffy on Jul 12, 2021 1:14:59 GMT
Looks good to me! I hope you end up having this one made. Any other specs you thought of for this? Starting to consider more detailed specs. Not sure all I need. I was thinking a Purna (GGK) project. Weight I want to keep around 600 grams (21 oz). My 15" sirupate from GGK comes in at 580 so I assume it's doable. I want a traditional stick-tang grip so I'm wondering if that's compatible with a guard. I assume so but I'm not sure. I'm thinking a base spine of about 7mm tapering to 5mm at the drop with a waki-like fuller running part of the way. Blade profile I was thinking would be like a wak with an acute wedge starting just under the fuller. Maybe that's not practical though, maybe the edge would be too fragile. I think I'd like the guard to be brass. As far as balance, I'm not sure. I like some blade presence but the guard will pull the POB back a bit, I assume. Anyway, it's fun thinking about it. |
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Post by durinnmcfurren on Jul 18, 2021 18:44:26 GMT
Given that my drawing skills stink, after much cursing and erasing
Have you tried using a program like LibreOffice Draw? That is how I do designs and sketches, because I cannot draw either. It snaps things to points, it lets you make nice curves using points and tangents, etc.
I use it not only for swords, but primarily for drawing technical diagrams of knots, which I have to do occasionally for my profession.
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Post by Murffy on Jul 18, 2021 20:46:30 GMT
Given that my drawing skills stink, after much cursing and erasing
Have you tried using a program like LibreOffice Draw? That is how I do designs and sketches, because I cannot draw either. It snaps things to points, it lets you make nice curves using points and tangents, etc.
I use it not only for swords, but primarily for drawing technical diagrams of knots, which I have to do occasionally for my profession.
Thanks for the tip. I had tried a simple online CAD program but got a little frustrated with it. I'll go take a look at LibreOffice Draw. Yet, despite my lack of talent or skill, there is something satisfyingly old school about pencil and paper. |
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Post by Murffy on Jul 18, 2021 20:51:23 GMT
Speaking of which, this is the latest refinement of my design. I shortened the handle some and widened the blade a bit. I wanted a lanyard peg at the butt end with the idea of hanging a tassel from it. I'm pondering the starburst idea at the base of the blade with the orange spot standing in for copper inlay.  |
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Post by Murffy on Jul 18, 2021 21:19:49 GMT
Looks really good IMO. Is this drawn to scale? I always felt like when I actually drew my stuff to scale, it helped a lot in refinement and such. Thanks, bro! Yeah, it's actual size. I forgot to put in something for scale ...  |
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Post by durinnmcfurren on Jul 18, 2021 21:27:59 GMT
That's the other nice thing about LibreOffice. It does scale stuff as well. You can even set the curves you draw to have a specific length, etc.! And then you can put in a dimension arrow measure thing so people can see how long it is without you having to type it out.
I'm sure there are better CAD programs out there, though!
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Post by RambleTree on Jul 26, 2021 13:56:14 GMT
Cool design.
I've been toying with a similar idea for a couple years, but with more of a Bowie/bolo/barong/smatchet type blade.
Like an unholy combination of a BK9 and Smatchet, masquerading as a sword-hilted knife or messer for Ren faire garb.
Max blade length, 12 inches - which I find as the upper end of usefulness for a bushcraft/camp knife.
The concept: Looks cool for Ren faire/fantasy garb, but functional as bushcraft/survival/self-defense tool.
Zombie Tools has some stuff close to this (i.e. the Parabellum), but I like more of a double-guard, as with your design.
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Post by Murffy on Jul 26, 2021 17:04:41 GMT
Cool design. I've been toying with a similar idea for a couple years, but with more of a Bowie/bolo/barong/smatchet type blade. Like an unholy combination of a BK9 and Smatchet, masquerading as a sword-hilted knife or messer for Ren faire garb. Max blade length, 12 inches - which I find as the upper end of usefulness for a bushcraft/camp knife. The concept: Looks cool for Ren faire/fantasy garb, but functional as bushcraft/survival/self-defense tool. Zombie Tools has some stuff close to this (i.e. the Parabellum), but I like more of a double-guard, as with your design. Thanks, I'd like to see your rendition of a Bowie/bolo/barong/smatchet. At 15 inches, mine is probably a bit much for camp utility work but might be all right for brush clearing if forced into that role. I mean it to be fighter. I'm thinking a kukri-style sheath and the belt loop would be positioned so the blade rides high on the waist, and the loop would have snaps and sized to be molle compatible so I can easily hook it to my day-pack and draw it from there. |
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Post by Murffy on Jul 27, 2021 1:03:33 GMT
I've worked out the dimensions, at least tentatively ...  I changed the starburst design, thinking this one fit with the overall "S" theme of the blade. I was thinking some sort of twig and leaf pattern on the handle would be cool. |
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Post by RambleTree on Jul 27, 2021 1:35:42 GMT
Dangit, can't find the sketch I did. I'll post it if I can find it, or do a new one. The Ka-bar Gunny comes close, in concept anyway.
Your updated sketch:
Nice.
That 'grind line' near the edge and clip - is that just for looks, or to indicate something like a Scandi grind or start of a convex/appleseed edge?
If you were doing that, you could probably get away with thinner stock, but still have some heft/strength. Sort of like the 'sword machete' cross-sections out there.
Speaking of that - this reminds me a bit of a Cold Steel Cutlass Machete that I cut down in length.
Maybe something like that could be an inexpensive base for a prototype?
Your design obviously has more style.
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Post by Murffy on Jul 27, 2021 2:28:48 GMT
Dangit, can't find the sketch I did. I'll post it if I can find it, or do a new one. The Ka-bar Gunny comes close, in concept anyway. Your updated sketch: Nice. That 'grind line' near the edge and clip - is that just for looks, or to indicate something like a Scandi grind or start of a convex/appleseed edge? If you were doing that, you could probably get away with thinner stock, but still have some heft/strength. Sort of like the 'sword machete' cross-sections out there. Speaking of that - this reminds me a bit of a Cold Steel Cutlass Machete that I cut down in length. Maybe something like that could be an inexpensive base for a prototype? Your design obviously has more style. Good question about the "grind line" and probably highlights my ignorance. I actually have a smith in mind -- Purna Darnal, a Nepalese kukri maker who also has done some wonderful custom swords. See the Purna Appreciation Society thread. I was thinking of an edge like Purna puts on his kukris which are amazingly sharp ...  I believe it would be considered convex but I'm not certain. The plan is for a 6mm base spine tapering to 4mm at the drop. I want to keep the weight under or around 600 grams (21 oz). Bro Nathaniel suggested I shouldn't overthink the edge geometry and just let Purna do his thing. Probably good advice. I do want the false edge to be sharp. |
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Post by Murffy on Aug 5, 2021 22:31:05 GMT
Getting close to being ready for prime time. This shows what I had in mind of the scabbard although I'm not 100% sure about it yet. I want it kukri-style with brown leather. I was thinking the triple-moon, flower and waves could be colored leather patches.  |
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Post by soulfromheart on Aug 6, 2021 7:23:40 GMT
Ooh, this is looking totally awesome indeed !  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2021 9:51:20 GMT
I'm digging it
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Post by Murffy on Aug 6, 2021 14:53:00 GMT
Thanks, guys. It's been fun working on it and thinking about it.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Aug 7, 2021 13:16:29 GMT
That's shaping up nicely.
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Post by Murffy on Aug 10, 2021 19:05:09 GMT
Alrighty, the specs have been sent to Purna. He says he's ready to make it. After supplying him with a couple of specs that I forgot to include, he said he'd get back to me with his own drawing. I was aiming for a weight 550-600 grams but Purna thought that would be challenging with the guard. I said it's fine if he goes over 600.
I'll probably move this over to the Fantasy Swords section once things get going.
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Things have changed!