Longsword

[Sam Salvati]

I finished this sword today. This was a study on a few different things, some different mounting techniques, blade geometry/shape, to better understand the pommel, forging guards, flex, a new steel, heat treating in a forge, testing out the park's #50 with that steel, polishing, grinding, it was basically practice and study all around for all the aspects that go into making a sword, as well as some realizations I had from handling other high end swords. Things were a resounding success. It is a very interesting sword to me, I look forward to handling and cutting with it, and maybe might send it to someone for a review. Stats are as follows:

46 3/4" overall
35 1/4 " blade
1 1/2 " wide blade
9 5/8" long handle
Steel is 1077 plain carbon type stuff, 3/16ths thick
POB is 5 " out from the most forward part of the grip

Comments and critique welcome.

Obligatory serious pictures

 

[JasonSCarter]

that thing is huge Sam! how long did the polishing take ya?


Jason

 

[Sam Salvati]

It only took a couple hours from HT, it is in machine finish now but I might hand sand it a bit up to 600 grit.

 

[v-6]

Nice job sam. you can stick and toast a hotdog with that
vern

 

[Burton Harruff]

Good work, looks like a nice piece.

 

[silver_pilate]

Good job, Sam! Now go out and video yourself chopping down a tree and post it here!

--nathan

 

[Big Smitty]

Try that for an EDC! Cool work. Call that the Ma Bell Blade, you can reach out and touch someone with it.

 

[grease-man]

That turned out great Sam! Good work man, keep it up! :thumbup: -Matt-

 

[Sam Salvati]

Thanks guys

Smitty, I like that hehe "Ma Bell"

 

[69_knives]

Wow! That thing is awesome!

 

[fortney]

Yours is an elegant looking sword. It is the first sword I have seen here.

Are these blades usually given a sharp knife type edge or more of a hatchet (chopping) type edge?

do you have any historical knowledge of how long a sword would last in ancient combat?

F

 

[Sam Salvati]

Thanks guys . Fortney, the geometry was usually relative to the armor the sword would be going against. More of a hatchet (convex meatier edge) for going against harder armor, finer edge for going against light armor. This has a tough yet servicable geometry, flat grind down then a convex edge bevel good for cutting and can handle some hard targets. I do not have any evidence, but swords usually outlasted they're owners by many many years.

 

[Sam Salvati]

Finished the scabbard tonight, the leather is drying and setting in shape right now, I will have some pictures tomorrow.

 

[Bruce Bump]

That one looks great Sam. I bet it handles good with that pommel and two fisted handle. Nice Work.

 

[Sam Salvati]

Thanks very much Bruce, it does handle pretty well, BIG but the balance makes it move smooth, like sliding your hand across velvet.

Here is a shot of the flex this blade has

Here is pictures of the scabbard. It is very supple leather, not overly thick stuff really. When the sword is out of it I can roll the scabbard up like a belt, it is that supple. It is sewn with a single seam, with synthetic sinew. I put two eyelets at the top for the parachord to thread through to make a sort of "peace tie" for lack of a better term, basically you tie the parachord in a bow tie or slipknot up and around the handle and it holds the sword in the scabbard. The scabbard fits the sword like a GLOVE, not too tight and not too loose, it is easily drawn and easily replaced. I still have to work out a suspension system, but at least the blade is protected.

Just a quick tug and the knot comes open and the sword can be drawn

I'll try to get some better pictures tomorrow during the day. I tell yah, this style of sheath is VERY challenging!