LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Sept 19, 2023 15:01:17 GMT
I've used JB Weld extensively--and going back decades, even constructed building up in layers entire handles out of that that are incredible.
That said, you're not wrong that having some flexibility/shock absorption can be awesome too. [Even if it annoys the "snobs" that there sure won't be a "ring." :p ] I've used historically plausible pitch, both botanical and asphaltum based, and my easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy go-to has become good hot-melt adhesive. Fills gaps perfectly, and any squeeze-out or run-over is cut off easily with a utility knife.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Sept 11, 2023 15:34:40 GMT
I'll echo the Windlass hewing spear suggestions. And in particular, trying it out on a short haft--my suggestion would be starting at what would make the whole thing longsword length--cutting actually gets harder, or at least more finicky, if the weapon's long.
And btw, what else I did with mine--if you're going shorter and like tangs--is just split a shaft in two and have a steel center "tang" run its length, sandwiched between the wood. I also added a buttspike, and the short "glaive" it made (~60 inches in total length) is one of my favorite weapons, maybe even my best bang for the buck. :)
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Aug 16, 2023 0:48:29 GMT
What's the fuel used on that coffee can forge?
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Aug 16, 2023 0:46:29 GMT
With fava beans. And a fine Chianti.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jul 21, 2023 2:45:28 GMT
(I nabbed the one I rehilted on Craigslist myself in Vegas in 2012. Steals on CL are rare, but worth browsing for. :D )
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jul 21, 2023 2:43:48 GMT
Alas, I have no plans to be in that area, but just saw today someone listed a CS nodachi for a mere couple hundred bucks. If any of you are in striking distance, thought I'd bring it to your attention.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jun 25, 2023 1:24:20 GMT
I have a hanwei tinker bas**** sword for 315 shipped in usa. Not viking, but close to your price if you're interested. Ach, no--but thank you. I'm afraid the specs for what I have in mind are pretty particular. (Though I'm kicking myself for not seeing how close the HT Viking blade comes to them YEARS ago. *facepalm* )
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jun 19, 2023 21:30:12 GMT
Got a wacky project in mind. KoA has them for ~300 bucks plus shipping, but I'd love to help anyone who wants to unload theirs and can give me a better deal. Even better if I can just get a bare blade at a good price, if you have one or just want to take off and keep the hilt furniture.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jun 14, 2023 16:08:57 GMT
Maybe this'll help garner responses. Imagine that (yes yes yes, "the horror") you could only, for the rest of your life, own only ONE sword. (Because, absolutely, all is context--but I'll reference what I said earlier about it being, optimal or not, the one you carry; from price, convenience of carry, cultural or legal restrictions, whatever, imagine you can only "afford" one.)
Three variations of the question.
If it had to be one whittled down from your current collection, which one?
If it does or did physically exist, historical, modern production or custom, which one?
If it hasn't or doesn't exist, but is still a physically possible design, which one?
There is/are your answer(s) to what you'd consider "best."
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Jun 10, 2023 2:37:58 GMT
The one you're carrying.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on May 29, 2023 23:00:00 GMT
Yeah, don't get me wrong, if they're super-affordable tearing off and tossing existing hilts is still eminently worth it. :p I just thought your model might involve a close relationship with the blade maker(s), enough to even get just blades. (Wouldn't even need hilt parts; I make or otherwise source them.) Anyway, if you DO end up with a close relationship with the blade maker(s) in the future, run it by them. Might be easier and more profitable for them, who knows.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on May 29, 2023 0:19:54 GMT
If by any chance you could make bare blades available that would be huge for some of us. (Ever since the HTs became almost impossible to find, a zillion customization projects have gone by the wayside. And it's galling to both have to pay for hilt parts you don't really want to use--and to disassemble!)
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on May 2, 2023 3:29:21 GMT
Hmm. Could be a wax. Besides ether you could try benzene or hexane. If those aren't handy, paint stripper, paint thinner and/or--good ol' gasoline. (Carefully.)
Though I'd first actually try heating up some oil (vegetable, olive, whatever) and wiping it on, then soap & water.
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LeMal
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Found
Apr 5, 2023 4:08:03 GMT
Post by LeMal on Apr 5, 2023 4:08:03 GMT
Well, if you ever have regrets about your regrets and want to unload the next one, you know who to call! ;)
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Apr 5, 2023 4:05:28 GMT
Did someone mention "layering"...? Seriously though, take it from an old hand at fitting gobs of swords in small living spaces--get one of these: www.target.com/p/3-tier-wide-wire-shelving-black-brightroom-8482/-/A-83500072You give up display aesthetics, but, standing them vertically, I can fit from at least 20 to over 40 swords in each of these puppies, depending how simple or complex the hilts. That's that many in 36 inches by 18 inches of space--a mere 4.5 square feet! :p
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LeMal
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Found
Apr 3, 2023 14:41:27 GMT
via mobile
Post by LeMal on Apr 3, 2023 14:41:27 GMT
Wut?? Waaaaaait, didn't I just get one from you --and a ridiculously good price?? š³
(Ain't gettin' it back though. š)
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Mar 26, 2023 3:59:49 GMT
This thing is awesome! Looks like an 1859 Seargant's Bayonet with a 1796 Light Cavalry Saber guard. I've been thinkingabout trying to get a poor condition French 1866 Chasspot (sp?) Bayonet and trying something like it. It's definitely awesome! I remember seeing these in antique shops as a teenager and thinking they'd be great hilted in a more sword-like way, and damn if that doesn't prove it and look wonderful.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Mar 7, 2023 0:26:59 GMT
Thanks for the responses everyone.
I feel like osoraku katana like this would have been useful in battle, much like how in Europe anti-armor sword designs were developed to combat full plate harness. Why would the osoraku katana be so rare then? Was there something about Japanese armor or fighting that made it unnecessary? You're thinking, by comparison, of severely tapered longswords and/or estocs? Well, remember they weren't super-common in Europe either. And in Europe they were a natural progression from certain existing longswords, design-wise and use-wise. (Similarly, the rapier from certain sideswords.) A single small step, not very radical. Plus the osoraku as I see here it is it only goes partway toward an estoc-like design purpose as it is. It's still curved, if slightly so; and still doubtless so sharp that half-swording--a necessity--is a bit daunting. (Even as probably sacrificing some cutting performance.) Still, I really, really like the aesthetics of it. And agree it could, in principal, have had utility; at least going all in on the thrust-centric idea and "nagamaki"-mounted.* Ripe, perhaps, for a writer of historical fiction to have wielded by some character creative and audacious enough to "buck convention?"* *(And now, dammit, you're giving me ideas. Both for a custom sword to buy when I don't have the room or the money--and fiction to write when I don't have the time! :p )
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Oct 19, 2022 21:14:55 GMT
Hmmm. I would've thought that registering a new account to get around a suspension would be, if not against the letter of the law, at least against the spirit. But whatever, dude.
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LeMal
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Post by LeMal on Oct 19, 2022 21:11:33 GMT
Now if you'll excuse me, I actually have to go deposit a new imaginary paycheck today, spend a couple of hours doing my illusory job (on a subject I know nothing about), fighting traffic across town to get there.
In my Hyundai that "no one is saying" is a mere bronze statue. (But might as well be.)
Pining for the beloved Wrangler--sorry, compact sedan-sized vehicle that handled like a truck--I once had. Which, though it saved my life in a triple rollover at 65mph, and could trail ride the desert and mountains here with the best of them, had no redeeming qualities.
(Listening to some jazz on guitars that someone was blasphemous enough to make into what they aren't advertised to be.)
(Hey, tonight maybe some beer pong. With that girlie underhand throw I like to use. My unavoidable and humiliating defeat at least, well, making sure the pathos of my miserable, deluded life is eased by my demon alcohol.)
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