Aculeus, a multibar leaf blade short sword.

[Salem Straub]

Howdy C&H, hope you all are well- here's what I just finished working on, check it out!

A short sword I call "Aculeus." That's the latin for "sting" specifically that of a scorpion's tail, as the tips of the guard quillons are made to resemble such. A client wanted me to make something inspired by the movie sword Sting, and this is my re-imagining without all the elvish script and stuff...

The blade length is 18", and the overall length is 25-1/4". The guard max width is just under 5-1/2". The blade grinds are hybrid 12/8" hollows, deeper toward the tip with significant distal taper, and the maximum spine thickness is just around .300" at the guard.

The blade steels are 1080 and 15n20, with a "coffee etch" to bring out the pattern, which is composed of 2 edge bars of 1400 layer hi-density, with 2 twist cores of 13 layers each for a rather Viking layup.

The grip is african blackwood with 8 vertical flutes, and the fittings are fine-grained wrought iron etched gray, somewhat then resembling cast pewter.

Overall weight is 1 lb. 11 oz, and it balances 2.5 inches in front of the guard.

Pics and a vid!

[video]

 

[erik markman]

Gourgeous!

 

[Dawkind]

My friend, your skills are extraordinary and World Class.....congratulations on such another stellar Work of Art.

 

[TE_Knives]

Beautiful work!

 

[Scott Hanson]

Absolutely stunning sword, perfection.

 

[DEllis]

It SUCKS!...........







.......That I don't own that sword!
Nice work Salem.

Darcy

 

[BP_]

Just absolutely outstanding. Functional work of beautiful art. I can't wait for the day I am able to afford one of your magnificent pieces. Amazing work!

 

[flatblackcapo]

Up until now, I had been able to convince myself that I did not need a sword in my collection. Thanks for shattering that, Salem!
Beautiful and wicked bad a$$ at the same time!

 

[Wilsonhome]

Just completely fantastic! The thought that goes into all the details in your work is impressive.

 

[john april]

the handle and guard look perfect, all of it does !

 

[i4Marc]

Well conceived and expertly executed. A stunning piece of work.

 

[Phixt]

 

[Murray White]

Well done Salem -- a piece that any collector would be glad to display.

 

[fishface5]

oooh, I WANT !!!! must win lottery . . . .

 

[Mecha]

Up until now, I had been able to convince myself that I did not need a sword in my collection. Thanks for shattering that, Salem!
Beautiful and wicked bad a$$ at the same time!

Don't be preposterous. Every serious blade person needs a sword or three.

Damn, S. Straub, you have some great forging skills.

 

[kevin (theprofessor)]

this is a great sword. I think you nailed it. I like the complexity of the blade, and the sweep of the guard, and the fluting of the handle.

 

[JParanee]

That is awesome

 

[Park Swan]

Literally breathtaking. Makes the movie sword look like a toy IMO. Amazing work.

 

[Willie71]

But, but, but, but..... it's not integral!

Great piece Salem. I'm making a 24" sword in a similar profile, but nothing like this one in terms of skill and execution.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Don't be preposterous. Every serious blade person needs a sword or three.

You're right, Mecha...what was I thinking?!