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That is so beautiful and what a display of craftsmanship in several disciplines. How many artisans would it take to make something like that in 1500s 3 ?
On a average piece from this period there may be 2 to 4 artisans involved in such a piece. This one may have only included two, the bladesmith and the highly skilled swordsmith who could do the hilt work. One of the greatest frustrations of my life is that I only have one lifetime to try to accomplish what took several lifetimes for the originals, and thus my work will only ever get so good compared to what they could do. That is why I don't have much shame about using TIG, mills, digital equipment etc... they had their helpers, I have mine. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
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Truly an exquisite piece Kevin, especially the basket and pommel. Could you maybe expand a little on how that basket was constructed?
The pommel in particular, required that I develop a system to recreate, as it can profoundly effect the fine tuning of the sword. I use a spreadsheet to crunch the numbers on the cross sections in 1 mm steps and then chuck up a large piece of round stock in the lathe. Then 1mm by 1mm I cut in the stepped profile of the original pommel. This then has to be drilled and reamed for the tang and the whole thing needs to be hand worked smooth to the final dimensions. But before it is too finished I make an exact replica of the tang and drive it into the hot pommel to get an exact fit rectangular hole. This is then carefully worked with files until it comes to a little less than 1/8" from its final position on the actual tang. Everything is finished out and on final assembly the pommel is driven into position so that it is wedged very tight at the moment it touches the grip. Then the peen nut is placed on the back and the tang is peened down over it to hold it all solidly.
"One test is worth 1000 'expert' opinions" Riehle Testing Machines Co.
Kevin,
What a great piece of art and thanks for all the feedback you have given the previous posters. I learn so much from your posts!
Best regards,
Scott
Magnificent Piece Kevin!!
It's a real pleasure to see a piece that captures both the beauty & the function of a sword like this. This requires both an expert artist and a master craftsman.
Thanks for sharing.
