random pweld seax, broken-back.

[kevin -the professor]

Hello Everyone,

This is a 10" blade in the broken-back style, with a bit of Owen Bush's styling (the, "Kentish Notch").

The steel is Aldo's 1075 and 15n20. It has about 400 layers. Handle is walnut.

This blade has a story. A couple of years ago, Mannlicher asked me to make a seax for him, as a companion to a langseax that I made for him previously. I agreed and we settled upon a design and price. Then... well, life happened. People died, I got a divorce, things went bad. So I contacted Mannlicher and told him that I would not be able to fulfill the obligation and that he should ask someone else to make it.

He didn't want anyone else to make it (thanks for that!). Here was what we came up with - the next time I made a seax, I would give it to him for his trouble. Yes, give it to him. I do not want to be known as the guy who backs out of orders. Sam has been a top-of-the-line customer, and he deserves to be treated well.

I hope he likes this one. It is his, if he wants it! (in fact, he suggested the traditional rounded handle with little adornment but copper to match the previous one).

Thanks for looking,

Kevin

 

[Mannlicher]

Kevin,

I got your PM this evening. Been down in the Ocala NF for 4 days, squirrel hunting, blue gill catching, Dutch Oven cooking, and surviving the mini hurricane we had on Saturday.

Before going any further...........YES!!! Yes, I am more than happy to take that one. What a beautiful piece. Period correct, it will match my 22" langsax perfectly. I could not be happier.

You are correct in saying that no bladesmith other than you, would do for me on this sax. The langsax was perfect, and I knew that eventually, the companion would be as nice. I never lost faith in you or your skill. Thanks from the bottom of my heart, for making this one for me.

Sam

 

[Mannlicher]

Kevin's tour de force showed up on the big brown truck today. The pictures of the Seax do not do it justice, nor do my poor attempts at photography. This is one seriously good looking blade!
The pattern in the Damascus is just wonderful. it has depth, and definition. To really appreciate the craftsmanship, you have to look at the seax in person, and hold it.
Weight is 10 1/8 ounce. Balance point is just a finger width above the hilt. The copper bolster and cap are hammer finished, and provide a beautiful accent to the well figured Walnut handle. The handle is 5 3/4 inches long, and about .8 inch thick. Even for my large hands, it is filling, and very comfortable. The oval shape is perfect.
The blade is 9 and 1/4 long. Sharp? Well hell yeah!!!
Fit and finish are perfect. The fullers are exactly the same, the grinds are perfect. Oh my!

To say I am pleased, and appreciative, would be an understatement. The Seax is a perfect companion to my Langsax.

Thanks again Kevin