Maringer/Tendick Vorpal Side-By-Side

Dawkind

Dawkind

Platinum Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2000
Messages
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I was able to get #1 Vorpal from Ben and have a few from Tom.... :)

There are some slight differences but, Ben will correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think Ben has ever handled one of Tom's examples. If this is in so fact, Ben's done a remarkable job of bringing Tom's Vorpal design to life. :cool:

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Yes, it is.... :D

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Tom's stock is a bit thicker but his handles scales are thinner and taper to the back plus the jimping's in a different spot and a bit more of it.

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Tom's guard is a bit larger/taller on the top and bottom....

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An all around wonderful job and, considering it's #1, I'm very happy that the Vorpal Tradition continues through Ben and his very able hands....:)
 
It's great seeing them side by side!
Yes, I have never actually handled one before, only pictures. And most of them were your pictures!! :cool:

Yours is even a bit different than the templates I received from Tom. It seems they changed a bit through the years, as I am sure mine may evolve as well.
Vorpals really were a high performance blade first, not for show. So my versions focus on that. The flared tubes make for an extremely strong handle, in addition the scales are attached with Loctite structural adhesive. The blades and handles are blasted and tumbled for a very secure grip and a finish that will wear nicely with use.

I am using thinner stock, which is possible with my high performance CPM 3V.

This one has a my standard kydex sheath, which I find most folks nowadays like for the variety of carry options.
I am hoping to have a shoulder harness available soon as well, which will pair with the front exit sheaths I can make for these.

Thanks again for your patronage Dudley, I couldn't do what I do without collectors and buyers supporting it. You guys literally keep my lights on and put food on my table for my kids. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
As usual, it looks as though Ben has managed to improve upon the design, or at least certainly managed to make it his own, while doing justice to the original. I think it's fantastic that Mr. Maringer was gracious enough to let Ben license the models from him. Really, he's the obvious choice to do them - Dudley, your photos are proof positive of this.
 
Having handled both maker's versions, I gotta be honest and say I prefer Ben's handles. Tom wins for sure with the blades though. The tapered false edges he did are out of this world! Not at all implying anything lacking in Ben's blade grinds. Tom simply had some magic going on :) I love my Vorpal that Ben made for me and it is a pure real world fighter in every aspect!
 
First - it is awesome that Tom was doing that as early as 1993.
Second - the interpretation is awesome. I really love the trumpeted tube rivets and I think thinner stock is a great idea (especially with an improved steel).
Third - all this was done, "the right way." That is great to see, and hopefully, it will cause others to follow the example. The honor and dignity aspect of all of this is probably the best part.
 
Both are exceptionally well done but I think I like Bens a little better.
 
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