Zen_Hydra
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Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659 
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Post by Zen_Hydra on May 2, 2024 15:15:32 GMT
I've historically been a regular contributor to these forums over the years, especially when it comes to making custom arms. I have more of an artistic background than one grounded in weapon smithing, but that's largely due to opportunity, and I'm always trying to broaden my skillset. My journey down this road has certainly been fueled by my childhood love of arms, armor, and fantasy, but along the way I stumbled into a love of linguistics, history, mythology, literature, storytelling, and far too many other sparkly bits of humanity's cerebral distractions to be worth listing here.
It's also worth noting that over the last couple years I've had more than a few serious health issues decide to run up and body slam me, but I'm currently in a circumstance where my health/energy level is building back up to a point where I think I'd enjoy getting back into doing custom builds again.
My intention is to start with an easy project. I have a couple of inexpensive Windlass pieces and a hickory haft that's already been shaped to fit the sockets of the Windlass head and butt cap. I just need to decide how I want to decorate this piece once assembled.
As this is essentially brainstorming, there are (generally speaking) no bad suggestions. Please feel free to toss your ideas on to the ice like octopodes at a Red Wings game.
I'm assembling a short spear/lance with an emphasis on it being a stout, nimble weapon easily utilizing both ends in combat on foot, but being a reasonable tool from horseback as well.
Components include:
- a Windlass lance head (#601110)
- a Windlass round ended butt cap (#600226)
- a 60 inch x 1.25 inch laminated, round staff from Purpleheart Armoury
As previously mentioned, the staff/haft has had the ends already shaped to accept the sockets of the Windlass parts. Assembled, the piece is slightly taller than I am (6.5 feet / 1.98 meters). With most of my socketed projects I use a combination of friction fit, adhesives, and pins/rivets to secure metal bits to the wooden one(s). Once everything has thus been secured, I typically combine a cord wrap followed by a leather one overlaying the location of any pins/rivets and across the transition from the socket to the haft. I have never had a polearm fail at one of my joins in spite of any glaring abuses I subsequently put them through.
I have a relatively broad variety of tools, and am always interested in picking up new tools and the skills to use them.
I could try and write up an exhaustive list of previous projects I've undertaken, but I honestly think that would be a waste of time, and possibly limit any suggestions given. I'll try to be timely in giving feedback to any replies I receive to this post.
I look forward to everything you lovely people decide to share with me.
Cheers.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on May 2, 2024 16:03:49 GMT
Once upon a time, I made a nordic theme spear and carved/woodburned a pattern into the shaft.
The idea was for it to be a legacy spear, passed on every 6 months to a new holder who was to engrave their name in the haft.
To keep them in line, I made a spiral nordic branch down the haft using 1/2 masking tape to keep the lines even, and did the initial name in it.
The rest of the shaft had oak leaves, kingdom insignia etc as part of the branch.
I wish I had pics, but it's 20 years long gone.
How's that for inspiration? Maybe do your favorite latin quote...
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659
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Post by Zen_Hydra on May 2, 2024 16:30:15 GMT
Once upon a time, I made a nordic theme spear and carved/woodburned a pattern into the shaft. The idea was for it to be a legacy spear, passed on every 6 months to a new holder who was to engrave their name in the haft. To keep them in line, I made a spiral nordic branch down the haft using 1/2 masking tape to keep the lines even, and did the initial name in it. The rest of the shaft had oak leaves, kingdom insignia etc as part of the branch. I wish I had pics, but it's 20 years long gone. How's that for inspiration? Maybe do your favorite latin quote... That sounds fantastic, but also perilously close to stuff I've previously done within the last few years. I have a Dane axe with a haft I pyrographed an intricate knotwork pattern down the length of. I have a Germanic shield where I acid etched my family's names around the outer edge of the steel boss in Elder Futhark. As part of a project series with motifs based on mythical serpents, I made a rattlesnake themed spear with a haft that had a trio of differing width spiral grooves filed/sanded into its length by hand (my fingers ache just thinking about it again). Don't get me wrong, I do love a lot of the traditional decorative elements we see in surviving Norse artifacts and art. I'd just prefer to do something that's not so close to what I've already done, and recently at that. That said, I still don't want to list things I've already done, because doing so might discourage someone from sharing something great they might otherwise keep to themselves. |
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Post by mrstabby on May 2, 2024 17:40:22 GMT
Personally I love the tufts some chinese spears have below the head. I'll probably put something like it on mine, even if it is a viking spear tip. Like this: maybe this is a bit much though  10000 projects, and the spear always seems to drop down the list when something else is done instead of going up.... |
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659
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Post by Zen_Hydra on May 2, 2024 18:17:10 GMT
Personally I love the tufts some chinese spears have below the head. I'll probably put something like it on mine, even if it is a viking spear tip. Like this: maybe this is a bit much though 10000 projects, and the spear always seems to drop down the list when something else is done instead of going up.... I have another project on the back burner which is to make an interpretation of Lü Bu's storied ji, and one of the decorative elements I decided on was to include a section just below the ji head covered in repurposed vintage black fox fur. The fur my partner was able to find for me is really quite beautiful, and I'm happy to be giving it a new purpose rather than consigning it to a landfill, or to be devoured by bugs in some storage locker. Anyway, do not purse Lü Bu. |
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Scott
Member
Posts: 1,680
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Post by Scott on May 3, 2024 13:03:07 GMT
Severed head stuck on the end? Might detract from the practicality a bit though.
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Post by mrstabby on May 3, 2024 13:22:35 GMT
Severed head stuck on the end? Might detract from the practicality a bit though. LüBu would approve I guess. |
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on May 3, 2024 14:03:00 GMT
Another thought...
What does the spear *say* to you?
Is it a Hussar spear?
Fantasy?
When and where could it have been used?
Look at it like a fantasy game 'artifact'.
Give it a history, then decorate appropriately.
I've got spear bits leaning on my office wall whispering to me.
Clearly they are drunk....
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Post by RambleTree on May 3, 2024 16:55:41 GMT
Cool project idea If you're into esoterica or weird decorative ideas utilizing paint/finishes, here are a couple ideas: Elemental colors, such as Golden Dawn working tools: www.goldendawnshop.com/product-category/wands/page/2/Marbling Like paper marbling - you'd probably have to construct a long basin/tray of some kind. Could experiment on dowels before committing to the spear haft. If you got the finish thick enough on either of these, you could sand it to a non-slippery grit, or even stipple it (a la pistol grips). I've never done either of these, just popped into my head as ideas for something unique. |
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Post by mrstabby on May 3, 2024 17:19:18 GMT
Also there are night-glow and UV colours you can't see during the day - just saying. Meet THE RAVE SPEAR!
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AndiTheBarvarian
Member
"Lord of the Memes"
Bavarianbarbarian - Semper Semprini
Posts: 10,346
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 3, 2024 17:36:04 GMT
... on a Musou black primer, pshykadelic!
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on May 3, 2024 17:38:48 GMT
Bedazzle it!
Glitter Glue!
Glow in the dark!
Pudding!
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Post by RambleTree on May 4, 2024 15:52:07 GMT
Clear acrylic staff embedded with sound activated LED's . . .
I fear I'm in danger of derailing OP's thread/query. Sorry, I'll stop now.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on May 4, 2024 17:53:22 GMT
Clear acrylic staff embedded with sound activated LED's . . . I fear I'm in danger of derailing OP's thread/query. Sorry, I'll stop now. So once upon a time, I made an SCA 9' spear, big crappy foam head, that I made look like a ferret with cleaver use of colored duct tape. What got me in trouble was the angled 'moo' noise make I taped behind the head. That was 20 yrs ago. I cannot imagine what could be added with micro electronics.... But stabbing a dood and having the spear MOO was hilarious. Yes, I got a *TALKING TO* |
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LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,185
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Post by LeMal on May 5, 2024 1:51:27 GMT
OK, less wild and crazy creativity here from me. ;)
But think about a full rawhide wrap, whole handle. With multiple layers you can carve into it; either carving or going a single layer you can paint designs. Then coat with linseed oil, beeswax, or a combination.
(In the same vein, mucho kudos for "Once everything has thus been secured, I typically combine a cord wrap followed by a leather one overlaying the location of any pins/rivets and across the transition from the socket to the haft. I have never had a polearm fail at one of my joins in spite of any glaring abuses I subsequently put them through"!! I do something similar with usually a rawhide sleeve, often with sinew underneath--been doing it for years. :) )
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izzy
Member
14 Day Ban - Politics
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Post by izzy on May 5, 2024 10:27:25 GMT
Once in a land and time far away I sent out two custom Tomahawks to be re-hafted. One came back with an easy to do, but unique finish: A spiral of darker stain contrasting with lighter stain spiraling down the handle...I think would look better on a throwing spear shaft than a throwing hawk.
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659
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Post by Zen_Hydra on May 6, 2024 18:32:46 GMT
OK, less wild and crazy creativity here from me.  But think about a full rawhide wrap, whole handle. With multiple layers you can carve into it; either carving or going a single layer you can paint designs. Then coat with linseed oil, beeswax, or a combination. (In the same vein, mucho kudos for "Once everything has thus been secured, I typically combine a cord wrap followed by a leather one overlaying the location of any pins/rivets and across the transition from the socket to the haft. I have never had a polearm fail at one of my joins in spite of any glaring abuses I subsequently put them through"!! I do something similar with usually a rawhide sleeve, often with sinew underneath--been doing it for years.  ) I wish genuine sinew (of good quality) was easier to get a hold of. I don't hunt and/or process game (or livestock) enough anymore to be able to provide my own, but as fibers go they are surprisingly tough. |
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Post by mrstabby on May 6, 2024 18:57:59 GMT
OK, less wild and crazy creativity here from me. But think about a full rawhide wrap, whole handle. With multiple layers you can carve into it; either carving or going a single layer you can paint designs. Then coat with linseed oil, beeswax, or a combination. (In the same vein, mucho kudos for "Once everything has thus been secured, I typically combine a cord wrap followed by a leather one overlaying the location of any pins/rivets and across the transition from the socket to the haft. I have never had a polearm fail at one of my joins in spite of any glaring abuses I subsequently put them through"!! I do something similar with usually a rawhide sleeve, often with sinew underneath--been doing it for years. ) I wish genuine sinew (of good quality) was easier to get a hold of. I don't hunt and/or process game (or livestock) enough anymore to be able to provide my own, but as fibers go they are surprisingly tough. Suppliers that sell mediieval or self-bow material might have some in stock, the modern strings are mostly sythetic but for backings and sleeves you need real sinew that constricts when iit dries. Another possibility are leathercraft shops. |
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Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,659
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Post by Zen_Hydra on May 6, 2024 19:23:48 GMT
I wish genuine sinew (of good quality) was easier to get a hold of. I don't hunt and/or process game (or livestock) enough anymore to be able to provide my own, but as fibers go they are surprisingly tough. Suppliers that sell mediieval or self-bow material might have some in stock, the modern strings are mostly sythetic but for backings and sleeves you need real sinew that constricts when iit dries. Another possibility are leathercraft shops. I'll take another look. In the past I was able to find some from suppliers for First Nations traditional costuming and crafts, but the one I used went out of business. The compression created from drying sinew and rawhide is one of their most appealing features. Bow backings for traditionally made bows does seem like a good angle for trying to get high-quality, long pieces of sinew. |
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LeMal
Member
Posts: 1,185
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Post by LeMal on May 7, 2024 0:51:07 GMT
3 Rivers Archery has a variety of real sinew! (Though I will also admit I use the artificial about 90% of the time, unless it's a special project. ;) )
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