184 replies to this topic

[Beowulf]

Howdy,
Does any one here make their own swords? I began grinding my own swords last summer and I was wondering if any one shares my interest.

[Xanadu]

I like to collect swords, but I have only made one attempt at actually making a sword. It was done by "advanced" means. I used a fly-cutter on a milling machine for the blade, and used a lathe to form the handle. And bandsaw & milling machine for the hilt. I assembled the two with force fit dowels (forget the term now).
I couldn't put an edge on the blade because the sword was to be used in a school play, but at least they let me keep it .

[solomon kane]

no but I study Iaido and kendo so i am learning to use them, IMO that's more fun.

[Orkin]

Good places to start are
http://www.swordforum.com/
http://www.netsword.com/

Any book by Ewart Oakeshott

[theGrayMan]

I file and grind some. But it's hard to think of them as really swords, when the purpose they serve is essentially no purpose. I've been told that few are left who can make a sword the weight and balance of which would let you live in the street with it, and that most of them who can are making a living some other way, because looks and price are king. I hear one of the best is in Arkansas, and makes not a dollar of his living from forging swords. Talked to him once, talked to his wife once. If he's hurt about it, he can hide it good, but it kind of pains her. She must like him.

So, to me, to make knives is real, but to make swords is a sort of a fantasy in itself, unless you are of the 10,000 or so world wide involved in the demonsration of old ways of combat, or in the oriental forms, where they had a philosophy at base to maintain the art past it's usefulness. European stuff seems to have been really pragmatic. Bring on the guns, forget the sword, live by the wit.

I use plain old bar steel, don't usually harden swords, and just try to get the shapes of the parts right. After which it is polish polish polish, as it rusts away, until the blade shapes start to drift, as on originals. Just sword shaped objects.

Got to see some new world swords once that survived in use into the firearms era. Came to the conclusion that in real work if it wasn't fragile enough to break in use, it was useless, because every one of those blades was extremely slim, hard, and light. Very very quick. No amateurs allowed, and no use if it's not with you.

Ever see any folding swords? Very cool.

[Beowulf]

I saw the sword from a kinights tale for sale in smoky mountain kinife works for an unbeatble $30

from what I hear its a pretty sturdy sword with a good temper all most battle ready.
If you are into swords you might wan't to check it out

They also have the sword used be Suen in gladiator for the same price

[Crom's Warrior]

Good find beowulf!

But,By Crom,"You need Arnold's Atlantian sword"!

[Beowulf]

Well next time I have $3000 of disposable income sitting around I'll get one, but 30 bucks is all I can swing right now. I do have a cheap pot metal conan like sword. I took the hilt and pommel of and saved them so I can grind a better blade for it some day.

[Crom's Warrior]

LOL! I understand!

But what can I say,that Atlantian Sword was calling my name,I even heard Arnolds voice saying "suffer no guilt yee who wield this in the name of crom"!

[Orkin]

But for $30 don't expect to use it to slay any dragons!

[Beowulf]

Ha. I use my bare hands to slay dragons, by Crom!

[Crom's Warrior]

That is good,that is good!

[Freebooter]

Hey y'all,
I don't know if anyone has mentioned it, but there is a "Blade Show" coming up in Atlanta, Ga.. I just thought someone might be interested in it. Here is the info:

Atlanta Blade Show is June 4th, 5th, & 6th at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Open to the public Friday from 2:00 - 7:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM..
Admission: $10 per day, $15 for two-day pass, and $20 for three day pass.
The website for the Blade Show is http://www.krause.com/shows.
Like I said, I figured all you hyborean world warriors and surfers might be interested in it. I am going to try to go if possible.
Take care,
Freebooter

[theBaba]

I'll be there with some 15 inch Italian folding pocket broadswords to sell!! (amongst other goodies!!!)





theBaba

[Kane1701]

hey guys!! Let me know what day you will be there and I'll try to drop in and say hello. I live 30min from the Cobb galleria. Just email me the specifics. We'll have a big ole' time!

[theBaba]

hey guys!! Let me know what day you will be there and I'll try to drop in and say hello. I live 30min from the Cobb galleria. Just email me the specifics. We'll have a big ole' time! :P

Saturday only for me. I live about 3,000 miles from the Cobb Galleria!! I'll be wearing the black TSF (The Switchblade Forum) t-shirt and a Latama baseball cap (me and about 200 other people!!! LOL!!).

Here's the one you need....Conan sized 74 inch folding stiletto (pixed with the Italian maker's daughter). Damascus steel blade (largest in the world!!). 77 lbs. total weight Made in Maniago, Italy (near Venice).



Only about $6k. Just write me a check!!! :o)

theBaba

[Freebooter]

Hey y'all,
I could not afford to go, but I was wondering if anyone went to the Atlanta Blade Show this weekend? If so, how was it?
Thanks,
Freebooter

[Kane1701]

Nope.... I couldn't make it...had to work....I wanted to go and see if anyone else showed up....be nice to put faces with the names on the board here..

[Freebooter]

I don't know about here at Conan forums, but several guys over at swordforum.com and netsword.com were talking of what all they did there, whom they met from the forums, etc, and some posted pics. It looked and sounded like a great thang and time. It just made me all the more disgusted that I did not go.
Take care,
Freebooter

[Kane]

While the following might not be from the Conan sagas, I still want it.

http://filmswords.co...n-longsword.htm