French Smallsword (1780 A.D.)

While at first glance it may look like a delicate weapon, it is in fact quite deadly.

Gilded hilt.

The blade, while lacking a cutting edge, is fluted in what appears to be something of a star-shape, making the sword very rigid and strong.  The purpose of this weapon was to skewer and kill your opponent.

The star-shaped cross section of the blade would leave a horrible wound that have great difficulty healing.  Any thrust to the torso would be a serious and potentially fatal wound, even if it did not instantly strike a vital organ.

The tip of the sword is very strong due to the fluting, and it would puncture heave, layered clothing. It is reminiscent of the chisel-tipped bayonets of the Russian Mosin-Nagant rifles of World-War II.  

The sword is on display at the DIA.

German Hunting Swords from the 18th century

Gilt bronze hilt and ivory grip.

The "hunting sword" was an evolution of the "hanger" sword that dates to about 1700.  The blades are shorter and slightly more curved, and the name derives from the motifs that decorate it (such as the bird or hawk on this example).  The hunting sword was popularized in Britain by Admiral John Benbow.

Historical Example of Viking Sax with a Hilt

I found a picture of this sax while I was doing background research for my backyard swordsmithing project. It was found in Oppland, Norway.

Screech Owl Visits the Forge

This Eastern Screech Owl decided to roost in the spruce right next to the forge today. I therefore decided not to do any bladesmithing, and let the little guy sleep.

Homemade Viking Seax (Single-edged sword)- Completed

Forged and finished by hand, this blade began as a discarded leaf-spring.

Inspired by the Norse sax.

Video series of the entire build on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq3MLsHe040

Knife forged from a Coil-spring: Day 1

Coil-spring in the forge today. I cut a piece of it off and started forging it into a knife. Coil-springs are supossedly high-carbon steel, so I should get some decent knives from it. 

The rough shape. With a clip point and narrow tang, it actually looks like a knife! 

Video coming soon to my Youtube channel.

Homemade Viking Sword- Pommel (Completed)

You can tell from the picture, but the three pieces of the pommel has two brass rods and some JB Weld holding them together.