My first project sword.
Apr 6, 2009 8:34:07 GMT
Post by kidcasanova on Apr 6, 2009 8:34:07 GMT
First off, I will state that this is going to be sort of a follow-through thread, with me posting periodic updates as I complete things. Let me say that I am not very far in this project and have had a difficult time since I lost funding to pay for tools. Now that I can gather these funds, I should be done relatively quickly (relative to how long it's taken so far). ;D
Quite some time ago, I bought one of the few remaining Sword of Reynald swords during MRL's clearance for 99 dollars. I didn't buy it because I liked the sword, I bought it because I liked the blade, and 99 bucks was a pretty good price.
First thing when I got it, I took the sword apart. I was a bit miffed to see that the wood grip was extremely cheap. It cracked in half while trying to fit it back on the grip (no undue pressure was used). The quality of the brass guard and pommel was quite nice, though. And the blade is not whippy at all.
The original stats had it with a 33" blade, but since I wanted to peen the sword after I re-hilted it, I am shortening it down to 30 inches. Grinding the blade down has been the biggest challenge so far. When Brenno and everyone says it's slow-going trying to keep the blade cool AND remove a lot of material, they definitely mean it! I'll be purchasing an angle grinder soon to get the job done. Files, dremels and bench grinders just havent worked worth crap.
I'll be making the grip from poplar planks, which I will also use to make the scabbard.
I've already reshaped the tip using a fairly aggressive file, since the sword, like most Windlass pieces, had a very uneven tip originally. I also wanted it to be a bit better at thrusting, though it is far from a cut and thrust. I started grinding the diamond cross-section into a lenticular one, but it's fairly slow-going. I'll wait until I get the angle grinder/belt sander.
To give you an idea of what I want in this sword, this is what I am aiming for with the sword, stats- and type-wise:
Blade, 30" long, 2" wide at the base, tapering to 1.75" eight inches from the tip. 22" fuller, lenticular cross-section. It is a standard type XII, really.
Grip, 4" long and 1.75" wide. Similar to the third grip in the article on MyArmoury.
The pommel is a variable at this point. I'm leaning towards a type I, but an H would be easiest and still look attractive. G/H/I are the choices, and all are correct for the type and period.
The guard is a type 2, not really much deviation.
The final piece should weigh quite a few ounces under 3 pounds, but I'm not sure exactly what it will end up at, so I dont have a goal other than between 2.5-3 lbs.
It's going to be a pretty standard type XII. It will be fairly plain, but I really like the type. I love the blade I got, I just want to make it much more historical. It has a lot of potential and I'm pleased with it. It flexes well while still being stiff, and I think it will be fast and powerful when it's done.
I also have a scale drawing done as to what it will look like when finished, if my clumsiness and lack of experience dont muck it up. I figure for 99 bucks, it will be a good learning experience for future pieces.
Its 4:30am so no pictures right now, but I PROMISE I'll update with some soon.
Also, if anyone knows where I can get small, grip-sized pieces of leather from, I'd really appreciate it. I've checked local craft stores and they only have suede, and Tandy only sells huge hides. I'll build a scabbard for this soon after I'm done, but I wont be leather-wrapping it for awhile, so I dont need such a huge piece.
Thanks for reading my long-winded spiel. I am looking forward to how this turns out. And sorry again for the wall of text with no pictures (yet! ). If you've got any comments, or suggestions, I'd be pretty open to them since I certainly don't know much about this stuff.
Quite some time ago, I bought one of the few remaining Sword of Reynald swords during MRL's clearance for 99 dollars. I didn't buy it because I liked the sword, I bought it because I liked the blade, and 99 bucks was a pretty good price.
First thing when I got it, I took the sword apart. I was a bit miffed to see that the wood grip was extremely cheap. It cracked in half while trying to fit it back on the grip (no undue pressure was used). The quality of the brass guard and pommel was quite nice, though. And the blade is not whippy at all.
The original stats had it with a 33" blade, but since I wanted to peen the sword after I re-hilted it, I am shortening it down to 30 inches. Grinding the blade down has been the biggest challenge so far. When Brenno and everyone says it's slow-going trying to keep the blade cool AND remove a lot of material, they definitely mean it! I'll be purchasing an angle grinder soon to get the job done. Files, dremels and bench grinders just havent worked worth crap.
I'll be making the grip from poplar planks, which I will also use to make the scabbard.
I've already reshaped the tip using a fairly aggressive file, since the sword, like most Windlass pieces, had a very uneven tip originally. I also wanted it to be a bit better at thrusting, though it is far from a cut and thrust. I started grinding the diamond cross-section into a lenticular one, but it's fairly slow-going. I'll wait until I get the angle grinder/belt sander.
To give you an idea of what I want in this sword, this is what I am aiming for with the sword, stats- and type-wise:
Blade, 30" long, 2" wide at the base, tapering to 1.75" eight inches from the tip. 22" fuller, lenticular cross-section. It is a standard type XII, really.
Grip, 4" long and 1.75" wide. Similar to the third grip in the article on MyArmoury.
The pommel is a variable at this point. I'm leaning towards a type I, but an H would be easiest and still look attractive. G/H/I are the choices, and all are correct for the type and period.
The guard is a type 2, not really much deviation.
The final piece should weigh quite a few ounces under 3 pounds, but I'm not sure exactly what it will end up at, so I dont have a goal other than between 2.5-3 lbs.
It's going to be a pretty standard type XII. It will be fairly plain, but I really like the type. I love the blade I got, I just want to make it much more historical. It has a lot of potential and I'm pleased with it. It flexes well while still being stiff, and I think it will be fast and powerful when it's done.
I also have a scale drawing done as to what it will look like when finished, if my clumsiness and lack of experience dont muck it up. I figure for 99 bucks, it will be a good learning experience for future pieces.
Its 4:30am so no pictures right now, but I PROMISE I'll update with some soon.
Also, if anyone knows where I can get small, grip-sized pieces of leather from, I'd really appreciate it. I've checked local craft stores and they only have suede, and Tandy only sells huge hides. I'll build a scabbard for this soon after I'm done, but I wont be leather-wrapping it for awhile, so I dont need such a huge piece.
Thanks for reading my long-winded spiel. I am looking forward to how this turns out. And sorry again for the wall of text with no pictures (yet! ). If you've got any comments, or suggestions, I'd be pretty open to them since I certainly don't know much about this stuff.