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Post by Uncle Mack on Dec 7, 2014 0:51:13 GMT
I'm in for the kickstarted as well. I'd love to see some options for the EMSH, including the type K and the octagon...
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Post by Uncle Mack on Oct 19, 2014 0:06:58 GMT
I know this is an older thread but thought I would offer the solution that I've used.
I found a guy on fiverr.com who made me DXF file (and a PDF) of my tactical machete blanks for $5. I just sent him a JPEG of my sketch and he did the rest. I've done the same thing a few times... I guess the $25 it takes to have the blank cut on a water jet is worth it to me when I think about time, cost of cutting wheels, etc.
If you want the username of the fiverr member who did my DXF, let me know. He did a great job and even made a few revisions.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Sept 23, 2014 21:18:36 GMT
Dang. I also put in a payment for the blue one and then got the "sorry but not sorry" email... Sounds like they really need to update their inventory tracking system.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Sept 6, 2014 12:48:43 GMT
From a blademaking standpoint, they could be useful for making some pommels... I can't think of many other applications.
Do you already have a mill? If had to pick between a mill and a lathe for sword making, I think I would go for the mill...
But hey, any time you can get a good machine at a good price, you gotta jump on it!
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Post by Uncle Mack on Sept 6, 2014 1:16:26 GMT
I have to second everything said here... From the time I joined this forum you were quick to offer suggestions and patiently answered any questions I've had along the way. I know you've done this for others as well...
Best of luck my friend... Your skills are an asset to this entire community. My only (selfish) hope is I can find the funds to commission a project before your backlog becomes 5-years deep!
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jun 29, 2014 15:46:35 GMT
I'm Batman! (said in a hushed yet authoritive whisper)
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jun 29, 2014 13:52:40 GMT
Packaging matters, sir. I believe that is what people are getting at... Your content can historically/academically correct, but folks won't care if it comes layered in misrepresentation and condescending tone. If you have the credentials you speak of, then stand proud and lose the act.
Otherwise I'm just going to start posting as Batman!
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jun 25, 2014 3:38:26 GMT
I have a Spyderco Delica 4 that I've carried every day for about a year now. It's probably the best EDC I've had after carrying Gerber, H&K, and Buck. I know it isn't a high-end list, but I am not going to drop over $75 on a EDC. The Delica 4 just feels "right" to me: thin but you can still hold on to it, it fits well in a pocket, the blade holds a good edge, and I like a combo blade. I got mine off eBay for just under $40 and would buy it again in a heartbeat!
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Post by Uncle Mack on May 15, 2014 2:33:55 GMT
I probably should have said that... I'm planning to start with a 4" angle grinder to cut the bevels around 25 degrees, but I have a much steadier of a hand with the belt sander.
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Post by Uncle Mack on May 14, 2014 23:41:07 GMT
For the longest time I've enjoyed the look of a few of the Zombie Tools offerings, but find their prices/wait times to be a little on the high/long side (personal opinion)... Keeping that in mind, this is my attempt to replicate their Rat Bastard machete while adding a little of my own style. I figured why make one when you can make two, and I figured the second one would make a good gift from my brother... I bought some 5160 from a local custom leaf spring manufacturer in the metro-Detroit area. Each plate measured 3" x 24" x .265", and I paid $50 for both plates (cheaper than ordering from McMaster-Carr). The original ZT model is made from .250" so this will add a little weight to my blade. I spent a few days playing around with SketchPad and came up with a DXF of the design. If you want the DXF, let me know and I can send it... Given the arcs of the design and some of the larger holes in the blade/handle, I thought having the blank cut on a waterjet made sense. I found someone who was willing to cut them for $25 each, as long as I wasn't in a rush. It seemed like a decent way to spend $50 and save me a few hours holding an angle grinder. Within 2 weeks I had my blanks... They arrived today and I love them. Again, I am so happy I decided to have them cut instead of grinding them out myself. Yesterday I made a jig for my 1" x 30" belt sander that I'll use for the bevels... I have been practicing grinding bevels on some old files I bought from at an estate sale. I'm finally comfortable enough to start a "real" project... I'll be posting progress pics in the next couple of days. Attachments:
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Post by Uncle Mack on Apr 3, 2014 1:55:41 GMT
I think you misunderstood the reason for my question... I would be really pi$$ed if I had put down a few hundred buck for an ATrim in 2011 or 2012, hadn't gotten that sword, but could buy new in-stock ATrims somewhere else ... Sure, a man has to eat, but he should fill the outstanding orders first.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Apr 2, 2014 16:08:16 GMT
I haven't been a member of the sword community for very long (under a year or so), so this scenario just baffles me... Is Gus currently making swords for retailers but still has backlog of orders from other (failed) companies/sellers? Could I go and buy a brand new ATrim somewhere? And people are ok with that? I'm sure Gus is a decent guy, but would it take much to create an email address, ask who is missing swords, and create an excel spreadsheet of unfulfilled orders? I know a few have said something, but it shocks me no one has tried to organize the group of buyers. Not to throw gas on a fire, but if DSA pulled something like this, I think members would crash the message board.
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jan 27, 2014 8:49:33 GMT
We were able to email back and forth a few times today... All of the comments about him being polite were spot-on accurate!
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jan 26, 2014 12:07:05 GMT
Thank you for the advice, Tseaton. I emailed him again this evening, so hopefully he'll get back to me. If not, I've got family in Poland who could try to get in touch with him for me.
Thanks again!
-Matt
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Post by Uncle Mack on Jan 24, 2014 4:57:13 GMT
So what's the trick to get him to email you back? I had emailed about an order, but I didn't hear back (I emailed him both directly and through his website). Any suggestions?
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Post by Uncle Mack on Dec 4, 2013 3:03:41 GMT
I was wondering if anyone has had the chance to take a look at the DSA Norman two-hander? It looks like DSA shaved off some weight and addressed some of the criticisms; it weighs 1oz more than the Albion Crecy but 12oz less than the Squire Line Great Sword.
It seems like when DSA is brought up, people right away say, "get a HT" or "wait for VA to have something in stock or pick up a used one", but I am looking for a review of the "new" Norman. Any thoughts?
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Post by Uncle Mack on Dec 14, 2012 14:58:05 GMT
This was my first attempt at making a scabbard for a Knightly I got about 2 months ago... I was much better at the woodworking part as opposed to the leatherworking... It is a wood core (about 1/8" slats I cut on the table saw), lined with felt, wrapped in linen soaked in hide glue, then I wrapped the whole thing in leather. I didn't want to incorporate a belt into the scabbard so I looked around for ideas and designed this set up which allows for a handle and attachment points. If I decide to hang it from a belt (it would be one of the belts I wear on an everyday basis), I can make something or just use a strap of leather and some spring clips for easy on/easy off. <br> Attachments:
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 25, 2012 21:30:37 GMT
Excellent work, Lukas! I love the shape of the axe-head, the handle, and the care taken with the sheath. It is all so clean and flows well... Bravo!
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 23:42:21 GMT
I will be in the Chicago area in January and may just have to take a side trip to KoA! I
As far as the fit of the sword: Thanks for reassuring me that I need to actually handle a few... I'm 6'2"and I don't have a hard time throwing around some pretty heavy things. On the flip side, I don't want a blade that feels cumbersome in the hand. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate all the suggestions that have been offered, but all I can say is they look nice. I have no idea how they feel.
Thanks again, fellas! I appreciate the insight/help!
Thanks again...
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Post by Uncle Mack on Nov 2, 2012 19:09:43 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions! I've read good things about VA and Hanwei (aside from the occasional dissenter). I've also read about DA but they seem to be a little more hit-and-miss among people.
I'm looking for a medieval style, one-hand or hand-and-a-half. Besides that, it's a big question mark...
Again, I would prefer to actually handle a blade before making a purchase... I have absolutely no frame of reference on this...
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