Vigilante - Old World Sword, New World Flair

EScott

EScott

Joined
Jan 1, 2010
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767
Scott spent last week taking a sword class with Sam Salvati and several friends. Vigilante - an Old World sword with New World flair - was born in that class. Scott still needs to figure out what type of permanent handle the sword will get, but she's nearly finished.

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Steel: Hand-Forged 1084
Finish: Draw filed and Parkerized
Overall Length: 35.75 inches
Blade Length: 29.25
Handle: TBD

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Scott added a temporary handle for pictures and testing. Vigilante will ultimately get either an all wire-wrapped handle or one with wire over black leather.

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Scott hand-forged the blade out of 1084 and peened the mild-steel guard in place. He added additional peen marks for a decorative effect.

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The entire blade was also draw-filed by hand (grinding blades was prohibited), and Scott decided draw-filing metal is Medieval form of torture.

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Check out the bar stock vs. the forged blade.

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With guard and pommel added, the entire sword weighed only 2 lbs 11 oz.

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Scott chose to Parkerize Vigilante, which helped protect the blade when testing on pineapples.

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Thanks for looking. More pictures are available at - http://guineahogforge.blogspot.com/2015/11/vigilante-old-world-sword-new-world.html

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That is really cool and I was right there until you "Parkerized" it :eek:

You did a great job on the blade and fititings for sure
 
Nice work.
If you are open to suggestions on the handle, a wire wrapped snake skin, (Python, rattlesnake, Cobra, etc) or ray/shark skin (both over a wood base) would be fitting a blade of that design.
 
If you are open to suggestions on the handle, a wire wrapped snake skin, (Python, rattlesnake, Cobra, etc) or ray/shark skin (both over a wood base) would be fitting a blade of that design.
Click to expand...

I'm leaning towards the wire over leather and ray skin is a definite possibility. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Outstanding my friend.....so well done! [emoji106][emoji631][emoji482]
 
I like very much such kind of performance. Members of the Bulgarian forum usually make them in May. This happens in a small town - Sopot. The atmosphere is wonderful and all we have much fun. Congratulations. The sword will be great.
 
I *really* like this. The Parkerizing just looks awesome, I think. Frankly, I think the temporary wrap looks pretty good, though a less hasty version for permanent would be neater. I'm digging the black-on-black effect. I think a bright wire could possibly contrast too much. But it is, of course, yours to build as you want. :)
 
I dig the parkerizing, too. Gotta be wire on leather for the handle...

Draw filing is cathartic. Forces you to slow down and feel the agony. :D
 
Very nice. Had to be fun stepping back in time with friends and contemplating the crafting and purpose of a blade like that. Impressive flexibility for such a stout looking weapon. I'd tend toward black leather myself, but wire wrap (with maybe some polished highlights elsewhere on the hilt and blade edges) would be attractive too.
 
Oh helllllllllll yes. That looks like the sword the bad guy carries.
 
So cool.

The sword looks fantastic!


One question about old files, how the heck did the cut the lines in a file in mid-evil ye-olden times?

Or did they use forge to shape, and use stones like Japanese swords.
 
the file teeth are just cold punched in... files/rasps are in use today but not definetely a modern tool; Medieval cutting instruments were mostly forge shaped and refined on the stone water cooled wheel but files and scrapers were also used.
 
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback and kind comments on the sword.

Matt: I'm still looking for that cathartic release, but definitely felt the agony:)

To stay ALL BLACK or add some shiny wire/highlights, that is definitely a good question. I'll probably play with both ideas.
 
Really like it, Scott:cool::thumbup::thumbup:. Even like it all black...but then I'm a bit partial to black forged knives;)
 
I saw somewhere recently a picture of one of your knives with a black blade, black handle, black handle fasteners, with charcoal as a background for the photo. It just worked so well for me. I'd say keep the sword all black.

You can do wire on the next one. :D
 
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