Proper Grip For Medieval Sword

DaveinNY · Nov 22, 2006

Greetings, I have an old copy of a Medieval sword that is missing its grip wrap. It had aircraft cable and duct tape on the handle when I got it. I would like to add something closer to a period wrap on it, any suggestions? I also got a shot of the blade mark, for ID purposes. My guess is its a stage piece or Renaissance Fair sword.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Loki · Nov 22, 2006

Take a look over at Albion - http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/swords-albion-mark-nextgen.htm. They have some excellent examples of first rate reproductions with an emphasis on historical accuracy.

DaveinNY · Nov 22, 2006

Thanks Loki, I found one that's pretty close to the style I have. They call it a Bastard sword, sure fits the shape mine is in. Could'nt help but notice that they are a bit pricey.
Dave

Bors · Nov 22, 2006

At first look Albions may seem a bit pricey but actually they are a bargin considering they are some of the best made swords on the planet.

Here is a couple of links showing how they put on the handles.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords-components.htm
http://www.albion-swords.com/swords-recreated.htm

DaveinNY · Nov 22, 2006

Bors said:
At first look Albions may seem a bit pricey but actually they are a bargin considering they are some of the best made swords on the planet.

Here is a couple of links showing how they put on the handles.

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords-components.htm
http://www.albion-swords.com/swords-recreated.htm

That is quite a process, lots of hand work. I did see a couple of grip applications I could use. I have seen bow riser tape that is very similar to what they were using for the grips. Worth a try. Thanks

M. Taylor · Nov 29, 2006

Another place to look would be Christian Fletcher's website. He has a lot of great hilt wrap examples.

You may also want to check out myArmoury and swordforum. I've seen article on both sites from people who have done their own hilt wrapping.

Good luck.

Mark

Andrew Taylor · Nov 29, 2006

Traditionally, it would have been a 3/4" strip of leather wound to overlap by a 1/4" glued with cow glue and pinned at both ends.

I have a very old sudanese kaskara which uses this method.

Macchina · Nov 29, 2006

Looks like a real sword to me! Maybe try some barbarian scalps, I hear those were used a lot in the Renaissance times. I think they're going cheap on eBay.