Where can I get somebody and forge a dream sword?

A

AerCroSai

Joined
Sep 27, 2000
Messages
4
I am new here. Would someone here kind enough to tell me where I can find a sword maker to forge a sword designed by the customer?

Historical swords are great but I am looking for MY sword.

Also, if it possible to order for specific steel?

Would somebody help me? Thanks a lot

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One without an opinion doesn't live a live!
 
Hi AerCroSai,

Yes, nearly anything is possible. But it can be expensive if you want quality.

Ultimately, the choice of steel will probably be the least important issue when it comes to quality. But what did you have in mind?

There are many talented makers, each with their own style, strengths, and limitations. It would be best if we have a better idea of what you're looking for so we can point you to the appropriet artists for the job.

 
There are many fine custom makers out there. Check them out, see some of their work and talk to them, see what suits you best. If you are really serious, check out Wally Hayes of Orleans, Ontario Canada. A great mastersmith, and a great guy. Amazing swords.
 
I agree with HJK, Wally Hayes is a great guy to deal with. And his swords are incredible. I have one on order and I can't wait to get it. I know it is going to be a while but I am still excited. It was the first custom sword that I have ever ordered. Take a look a his web site and you will see some pics of his work.

Rich
 
Dear all,

Thanks a lot for replying!
It would be my honour to have so much sword lovers advising me!

Basically, I am looking for a sword that I can pass through generations. Decoration is unimportant. A simple family symbol will do.

It should be a practical enemy-chopping sword. Though in real life, we do not have much chance of even chopping an animal, I still hope the sword can endure rough usage, which symbolize the vitality of the family.

That is why I would demand better steel. I am thinking of BG 42 which is a stainless steel.

By the way, I have decided on a longer blade - 1.25m or so, and a 2 hand grip - about 1.5ft, with no quillion or pommel. The shealth should be made of steel and its cross section should fit that of the grip so that when the sword is shealthed, I looks like one piece of steel rod. The width of blade should be within 2 inches.

Please give me more suggestions!

Thanks a lot.

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One without an opinion doesn't live a live!
 
So what you want is something like a 5 1/2 foot long steel rod with a 4 foot blade inside?

This sounds very heavy, especially if the diameter of this rod has to be 2 inches wide. Most swords world-wide are usually under 3 lbs, as they are meant to be fast and agile.

I would not advise the use of BG42 for a blade that long. It's an excellent knife steel, but not very tough by sword steel standards. Stainless steels are usually used for decoration swords. For sword making, the best materials are simple carbon steels.

Furthermore, knife makers familiar with BG42 are not likely to be familiar with swordmaking, they are very different items.

No one comes to my mind who did something like this. My advise would be, whoever you get, make sure the maker is familiar with making a traditional sword. Otherwise you'll probably get a giant knife.



[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 09-28-2000).]
 
So it sounds like, for the best result, the edge and blade should be of different material.

I understand your point on carbon steel. What about sandwiching a diffent material as the edge which is tougher than brittle carbon steel?

If so, what material would you suggest for the blade? And, should I use high carbon or medium carbon.

I intended for its weight. I will feel much safe for my children, since they would not have the strength of handling it by any means. And they will probably strong enough when they grow up.

By the way, this "thing" is of the class of great sword, which is originally designed in the medieval time for the chopping of a knight with his horse, together. Also, in China, they had developed swords of similar size.

The difference is that, in stead of chasing for larger power with larger blade, the Chinese version's blade is less heavy because of its smaller width compare to the western version. This is because they consider heavily combat without a horse - human against human, which need agility as you suggest, is common in Chinese combats. This is only balance and trade off.

Of course, the shealth would not be round as a rod, but ellipse just to hold the blade and fit the grip. That would cut off a lot of weight.

In other words, I prepared for the weight so, if it is not more than 10kg, I will still take it.

Looking forward to seeing replies!

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One without an opinion doesn't live a live!
 
Um...gee uhh...well....

How's about these questions...what price range are you looking at, what do you know about swords, do you know and understand their use? If you could do a drawing, it would be much easier to determine if what you want is in the realm of reason....

As for material, that depends on what you are willing to pay. For something good, you will not get it cheap. So let's work from there, gradually see about narrowing down the field.

OK?

Shinryû.

[This message has been edited by Robert Marotz (edited 09-28-2000).]
 
Well, since I am looking for something that I can pass along generations, I definitely will be extremely generous in paying adequate rewards.

I practice Chinese Martial Art.... Sword is the elongation of the arm, so that you can reach enemies out of your arm length. Yeah, sword is an agile weapon, and a great sword is an heavy weapon. My design is quite close with the chinese style great sword and is a compromise between the two extreme.

I will supply a drawing later....

Thanks again to all of you! Please continue to supply me with ideas!

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One without an opinion doesn't live a live!
 
For the right price, I would suggest a sword in pattern-welded steel. It will serve you well, you will have to take care of it, but that's a given with just about any good sword. It's a good thing too, adds a lil personality to the sword. As far as big swords go, I would personally suggest against anything that is excessively big. I would go with an acceptable style that could fall within parameters of a working design.

Since you practice chinese arts, I think a grand weapon would be a nice big Dao or something in a semi-traditional fashion. You know, your own design with some traditional flare, to give it an ultra-personalized look. I think you would personally get a lot of satisfaction and joy from holding it in addition to looking at it and maintaining it.

These are my opinions, so I am not trying to step on toes or anything.

But if yer willing to take this advice, I would like to suggest Kevin Cashen for the piece...You would not be disappointed.

If you have any individual questions to ask me specifically, feel free to email me, I'll help however I can.

Shinryû.
 
Just a couple of points. First as has been suggested before something within the parameters that you describe is going to probably be rather unweildy. This is not to say that it couldn't be done but I'm sure you would probably want something that you could use. I have heard rumors about chinese "horse choppers" and so forth but I would suggest that 10kgs (22 pounds?) is far to heavy for a reasonable sword. Historically most "great swords" probably didn't weigh much more the 4 or 5 lbs. Also a metal sheath (unless you are planning to line the inside with something) is going to mess up the polish on your blade.

Here is what I would suggest.
1) Do a lot of research. Although a new design may be very good typically the old designs are combat evolutions. Ancient swords look the way they do for a reason.
2) Talk to a smith, many smiths specialize in one type of steel or another. They will be more comfortable working with that steel and you will end up with a better sword. In my opinion you should avoid any stainless like the plague. Steel like 1086 or 5160 are about as good as it gets with proper heat treatment.
3) Be prepared to shell out some serious money. A good custom sword is expensive. I am sure you can even find someone to build the thing that you propose now (although after a little research I doubt you will want it) but something like that will cost you and I'm pretty sure you won't be happy with it.
4) Here are some names:
Howard Clark - makes custom katanas - not accepting orders right now but probably will be by the first of the year.
Randal Graham - might be your best bet, he likes an interesting new challenge. You have to work with him though.
Don Fogg - makes Chinese weapons as I recall
Kevin Cashen - beautiful pattern weld stuff
Al Massey - mostly leaf blades and basket hilts.
Tinker Pierce - excellent custom maker but overloaded right now.
5) Here are some links: www.swordforum.com www.netsword.com
They will help in your research.
Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Triton (edited 09-29-2000).]
 
Here's my question, if the sword assumes too much of your MA skill, do you think the sword is not very practical to your desendants? Or are you going to keep your MA down to your kids to last for generations as well as your swords?
 
If the only reason you want it heavy is to keep your kids from playing with it wouldn't it make more sense just to lock it up or put it out of their reach?

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I'm a Schizophrenic and so am I
 
AerCroSai,

I think you should look up David Goldberg for the job.

He is familiar with Japanese and other Asian swords and have done some beautiful cane swords as well as modern interpretations of classical lines. I don't have his contact information. But I'm sure the Custom Forum can help you out there.

Beware, going the custom route is not only expensive but can be very time consuming. I've never meet Goldberg nor comment on his customer service. But his work is a regular feature on Knife Illustrated Magazine.




[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 10-02-2000).]
 
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