Manjushree Sword handle strength

[arty]

I rechecked the weight, and I found that it was really 26 oz., just as Yangdu listed it.
I don't know how I got 28 in the first posting.

The handle looks really nice after multiple coats of a wiping varnish.

I wonder if there is a pin through the handle and tang, but under the ferrule.
Does anyone know?

 

[Yvsa]

I wonder if there is a pin through the handle and tang, but under the ferrule.
Does anyone know?

Arty it would be impossible to have a pin under the ferrule because of the way the sword has to be assembled.
If an 1/8" diameter hole was drilled and a 1/8" brass welding rod inserted with epoxy and then gently peened over on both sides and then filed smooth and polished it would be damned near invisible on the brass ferrule, something to consider if you're worried about it.:thumbup:

 

[arty]

I didn't know how thick the ferrule was. I speculated that if it were relatively thin, it could have been formed in place, after the sword was assembled. If the brass is relatively thick, then this would not be possible.

You can see a brazing line where the brass ferrule was joined and finished.

I am not really worried about the strength of the handle, but was curious. The Ditka sword has a through tang peened at the end, unless I misinterpreted the photos on the site. It is unusual to have a sword without some additional attachment, like a pin through the tang.

I am not planning on cutting anything with it. It is just a beauty. It came pretty sharp, certainly sharp enough for the edge to catch on a fingernail. It has nice carving and good balance.

 

[arty]

I think that I answered my own question. The ferrule provides the strength.
The ferrule is brazed to the large, strong guard, and I am sure that the guard is mechanically or otherwise linked to the blade - probably by brazing.

A caliper tells the story.

The ferrule narrows toward the end where the wood is visible, i.e., toward the end of the handle. This would make for a pretty strong attachment (combined with laha), if the ferrule is a thick brass. I'd be willing to bet that it is.

My Marples mortise chisels are pretty strong, and all that helps secure the boxwood handles are the tang and a dimpled ferrule. they took lots of levering of chips without ever coming loose.