"Field Sword" for your consideration

TXoutback

TXoutback

Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
121
I've got a 18" Tramontina that I use for brush cutting and occasional critter-gettin, but I would like to make something more fun and weapon-like while I'm learning to use my grinder, sander, and files.

I know a futon is neither a good couch nor a good bed, but I went ahead and whipped up a design for modifying a 3mm Ontario 18" Machete to be a "Field Sword" that hopefully could serve double-duty as a machete and a defensive stabby sword of sorts.

Here's my diagram:
fs.jpg


The simple brass cross-guard is to give more confidence in thrusting and to add aesthetic and psychological appeal without being overly large and snaggy.

It is meant to have the utility of a 14-16" machete in scrub brush along with a stabby defensive bit at the end, plus enough reach to deal with venomous snakes from a safe distance.

My Ontario 1645 is on the way from Amazon. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
 
And here's what would need to be cut away:

fs2.jpg


The big difference between this and a real sword would be the lack of a distal taper...so I would still classify it as a "defensive machete", but I like the term "field sword" better.
 
Good point on the counterweight...but I think it might be beyond my skills and tools at this time. Maybe a "bolt-on" pommel that uses the lanyard hole is a possibility.
 
TXoutback said:
Good point on the counterweight...but I think it might be beyond my skills and tools at this time. Maybe a "bolt-on" pommel that uses the lanyard hole is a possibility.
Click to expand...
Do you have a disc sander with an adjustable work rest? If so, you could do it similar to how dovetailed bolsters are made.
 
I do have a disc sander with some rudimentary adjustment to the angle of the work rest (0-45°)
 
Ahh, I see what you mean. I could just get some extra thick brass stock when it becomes available out there and pin it on with some epoxy...that could be a phase II thing, too. :)
 
You could add weight to the handle by adding brass plate under the new handle slabs. like spacers. you could also drill out spots for weight like nuts or small chunks of metal in the handle slabs before you attach them.
 
I could probably get them thick enough to be a like pommel and scales combined. They would be more secure that way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top