New Sword finished.

[Trooper224]

It happens to be my birthday, so this was a fitting surprise. I woke up this morning to a text reading, "Your sword is ready." Any sword lover knows what those words can do to a supposedly grown man. On its way from Poland by the end of the week.

http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528497.9eFsnsp5.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528512.fwksfm2A.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528503.Pa7HUqdE.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528507.FW4CQSOY.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528511.W9U3piUc.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528500.rEDn4Hc3.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528501.2HpBVWiV.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528498.wfwsu4wm.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g10/64/521964/2/168528505.yuCQyZzL.jpg

[donlapalma]

That is absolutely stunning.

[Totem Polar]

That is absolutely stunning.

This. Where did you oder it from?

[RoyGBiv]

Happy Birthday! Nice timing on a beautiful piece of work. :cool:

[Trooper224]

This. Where did you oder it from?

Polish smith..................
https://www.facebook.com/swordmaking/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

This is the second bit of business I've done with a Polish smith, those guys have it going on. A lot of guys working the craft could learn a thing or two about work ethic from their eastern European counterparts.

[Lester Polfus]

I had no idea how badly I needed a sword until now...

[Suvorov]

Beautiful Arming Sword!!!

Instead of reading through his FB page I'll just ask, are these actually forged the old fashioned way or are they laser cut (the old fashioned way LOL) like Albions? I've been pining for a falchion.

[Trooper224]

Beautiful Arming Sword!!!

Instead of reading through his FB page I'll just ask, are these actually forged the old fashioned way or are they laser cut (the old fashioned way LOL) like Albions? I've been pining for a falchion.

He works with the traditional process. No CNC or investment casting, ala Albion.

[Totem Polar]

...I've been pining for a falchion.

His website... is excellent...

http://artofswordmaking.com/category/falchions

Oboyoboy... I see money outflow in the future.

[Jay585]

Wow nice!

I've never really been a sword guy, but that makes me want to consider being one.

3 questions:

How long did you wait?
How much did it run you?
And where can I learn about swords and find current swordsmiths?

[Suvorov]

He works with the traditional process. No CNC or investment casting, ala Albion.

I was all excited when I found out about Albion. Their pieces are wonderful looking and then I watched their YouTube video showing how their swords are "hand made" and watched them laser cutting the raw form. Now I'll admit that I only minored in History from a simple state University - but I'm pretty sure they didn't have laser cutters and bar stock back in the 14th Century. Add to that their penchant for posting social justice threads on FB and well - I'm happy to know there are others out there.

[Suvorov]

His website... is excellent...

http://artofswordmaking.com/category/falchions

Oboyoboy... I see money outflow in the future.

Yep....... :(

Do I want to send a Beretta to Langton or Wilson, or do I want another sword........?

[Gun Mutt]

I had no idea how badly I needed a sword until now...

I can't think of a time when I didn't know I needed a sword.

[Suvorov]

Oh,

Somewhat related - Just discovered this YouTube Channel: Modern History TV
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjlDOf0UO9wSijFqPE9wBw)
Pretty impressed with what I have watched so far.

[Trooper224]

I was all excited when I found out about Albion. Their pieces are wonderful looking and then I watched their YouTube video showing how their swords are "hand made" and watched them laser cutting the raw form. Now I'll admit that I only minored in History from a simple state University - but I'm pretty sure they didn't have laser cutters and bar stock back in the 14th Century. Add to that their penchant for posting social justice threads on FB and well - I'm happy to know there are others out there.

Well, the folks up at Albion happen to be friends of mine, so I know the company pretty well. They do use modern methods of manufacture, but that's strictly to keep the costs to a manageable level and to speed production. In terms of form and function Albion's are as good, arguable better, than their medieval counterparts. As for their politics: Howard and Amy Wadell, the owners, are indeed liberal in their politics. Howard did work in the Clinton administration before hanging it up and following his passion. However, they are good people and I have no problem supporting them, as I've done since they were working out of their basement with one employee. I don't require people to tow my personal political bent in order to gain my support.

In terms of manufacturing process I'll always prefer the traditional methods myself, simply for their historical authenticity. You will pay more for it though.

[Lon]

His website... is excellent...

http://artofswordmaking.com/category/falchions

Oboyoboy... I see money outflow in the future.

MUST.........NOT.........CLICK.........LINK

[Lon]

Beautiful sword, by the way.

[Suvorov]

Well, the folks up at Albion happen to be friends of mine, so I know the company pretty well.

Well, allow me to wipe the egg off my face. Had I known you relationship with them I'd have been more polite. Enjoy the new sword.........

[Trooper224]

Wow nice!

I've never really been a sword guy, but that makes me want to consider being one.

3 questions:

How long did you wait?
How much did it run you?
And where can I learn about swords and find current swordsmiths?

I've been a sword guy since I first shit my diapers and wondered what that was.

I waited about two months for this one, which is unusually short. Maciej posted this one on his face page as a work in progress a couple of months back. The sword was almost complete but the scabbard hadn't been started. I put my name on it and that was that. He told me it would be done by December and here it is. As for a wait time on a commission? You'd have to ask him as this wasn't your typical timeline. I don't really seek out commissions any more. Most of these guys are as much "artists" as craftsman, with all of the positives and negatives that implies. They're working in a cottage industry rather than the corporate world for a reason. Honoring commitments and sticking to schedules are not among their strong suites. Examples: this particular acquisition is a retirement present to myself. I first went to a smith I've known for over fifteen years, who happens to now be acknowledged as one of the modern masters of the craft. I wanted the project to be special and unique. It didn't need to adhere to any strict historical pattern and I wanted to give him a free creative hand and see where it took him. We discussed themes for the project and he was very excited about it. When it came close to go time I shot him a message asking if he was still on board...................... crickets. Okay, went to smith #2 that I've known longer than #1. Discussed it with him, "Cool, let me think about it." Well, he must still be thinking because that's the last I heard. Things like that are far from unique in that craft and far too frustrating to deal with. So, when Maciej posted this one up I didn't hesitate to bite. It makes for a far less aggravating experience.

The price is $2900.00 USD. Not cheap, but if you compare that to some of the US competition and consider the quality v. price ratio, you're getting a lot for your money. There's a very vibrant medieval arms market in eastern Europe, especially Poland and the Czech Republic and the exchange rates are an advantage.

I may be biased since I'm one of the two guys who started the place, but myarmoury.com is an excellent resource for information.

[Erik]

I've been pining for a falchion.

http://artofswordmaking.com/gallery/falchion-around-1300

[Trooper224]

Well, allow me to wipe the egg off my face. Had I known you relationship with them I'd have been more polite. Enjoy the new sword.........

No egg thrown brother and no offense taken. I do understand your position. I don't agree with all of their political beliefs but they are good people, which means more to me than political affiliation. If they were raging liberals without the ability to intelligently articulate an argument and totally intolerant of another viewpoint, I wouldn't spit on them if they were on fire.

[Otaku.edc]

Really beautiful, congrats. 🔥🙏

[Default.mp3]

I've been a sword guy since I first shit my diapers and wondered what that was.Don't suppose you have suggestions for a jian?

[1slow]

Michael "Tinker" Pearce is a very good swordmaker. His book "The Medieval Sword in The Modern World" is informative.
Center of percussion is a concept that is important.

[Bucky]

Very nice. Hope you had a great birthday.

[WobblyPossum]

Happy birthday! Both the sword and the scabbard/belt are beautiful. I’m drooling over it and I’m not really a blade/sword guy but I can appreciate fine craftsmanship.

[Trooper224]

Don't suppose you have suggestions for a jian?

I'm afraid oriental weapons really aren't in my wheel house. You might contact Angus Trim. Before Gus was a sword maker he was heavily into Tai Chi and he's quite knowledgeable on things like the Jian. I'm sure he could point you in the right direction. These days the problem isn't finding someone who knows how to make one, which used to be the common hurdle. Today, cost is really the only obstacle. If you can pay someone can make it.

[Trooper224]

Well, this one seems to have dropped off into a black hole. Tracking shows the sword leaving Warsaw on the 27th and nothing thereafter. Somewhat of a delay was expected due to the holidays, but we're passed any reasonable expectation on that now. Whether this is due to incompetence, theft or the government shutdown effecting customs is unknown. At this point the best case scenario seems to be that it's sitting on a loading dock somewhere waiting for inspection. Worst case, it's gone.

[Totem Polar]

Well, this one seems to have dropped off into a black hole. Tracking shows the sword leaving Warsaw on the 27th and nothing thereafter. Somewhat of a delay was expected due to the holidays, but we're passed any reasonable expectation on that now. Whether this is due to incompetence, theft or the government shutdown effecting customs is unknown. At this point the best case scenario seems to be that it's sitting on a loading dock somewhere waiting for inspection. Worst case, it's gone.

Don’t freak out completely, yet. I recently ordered an antique instrument from Germany, and the thing dissapeared into a customs hole when it left Frankfurt. After week 5, I was pretty much starting to abandon hope, but the guy I bought from—who does a ton of biz with the US—kept telling me that somewhere between week 6 and 7, I’d get a notice that the package cleared customs in the US, and it would arrive at my home the next day after the notice, because they always do. He was right.

FWIW.

[Trooper224]

Well, after a nearly two month stint in purgatory it's finally here and the ordeal has reached a satisfying conclusion.

The sword and scabbard came packaged in a very nice plastic hard case, which was in turn packaged within a cardboard box. Happily, the contents made it halfway around the world without a scratch.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796084.R6z5ZbQx.jpg

Last year I reached what I felt was a significant milestone, the completion of my law enforcement career. Consequently, I felt a retirement present to myself was in order. I contacted a couple of smiths I've done business with about a custom commission, but neither attempt bore fruit. Then, I happened to see this sword listed as a work in progress on the facebook page of Maciej Kopcuich of Poland. The original upon which this sword is based is housed in the Musee de l'armee, Paris France.

https://a4.pbase.com/o12/64/521964/1/168796107.VzFEKv0B.small1544743506.jpg

Maciej had attempted this sword once before and I remember being drawn to that first effort. At the time I was disappointed that I had to let it pass me by. Usually, he doesn't repeat the same sword twice, but learned a bit of new information about the original and decided to give it another go. Understandably, I quickly decided this second effort would be mine.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796085.N9qtD4pq.jpg

Stats:

Overall length: 34.25 inches
Blade length: 28 inches
Grip length: 4 inches
Blade width: 2.55 inches
POB: 3.5 inches from guard
Weight: 2.86 pounds.

The original is dated to the early fourteenth century, circa 1300. This is the high medieval period in which a suit of mail that completely covered the body was state of the art. This is the period in which we see the thrust begin to take a place of equal importance to the cut. This sword is a good example of that philosophy. The blade is of moderate length with a broad cutting surface, but with a strong point as well. In Oakeshott's Typology this one falls somewhere between a Type XII and Type XIV. In other words, what we know as a "tweener". Sharing characteristics of both, but not strongly in either classification.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796077.IGDH0cE3.jpg

The swords over all size, being something more than a short sword but not overly long, makes for a very handy weapon and one well suited for sword and buckler work as seen in the I.33 manuscript, or for use in the battle line. In fact, this sword simply begs for use with a shield. This sword would be at home in either context. The hilt is neither too small or overly large, either one of which can be a common occurrence in modern historically based swords. The hilts size and grip length allows for a comfortable grip in several styles.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796074.QLVETZhC.jpg
https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796076.VH2JDfRh.jpg

The blade is well mounted into the hilt and the whole assembly is tight, providing a very solid feel. In fact, "solid" is the best descriptor I can think of for this little brute of a sword. The blade is broad and flat, with a lenticular cross section. Yet, it's still very rigid, more so than I would have expected. Maciej has stated he felt his first version of this sword featured a blade that was too thin and exhibited too much flex. If so, he's corrected that with this 2.0 effort. The blade has very little flex, with a weighty feel to it as well. Mind you, it's not overly heavy or cumbersome. But rather, the feel is that of solidity and strength. It really feels like a sword built for use in battle against armored opponents rather than in a dueling context, ala the I.33 manuscript scenes. The sword may have a weighty feel, but this doesn't hamper its maneuverability in transitioning between the cut and thrust and it follows the point well.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796072.L3zaDQFA.jpg
https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796071.a1iNv5aC.jpg

I had specified a sharp edge and Maciej assured me it was. However, I would classify the edge as keen, rather than a knife like sharpness. I think the edge is perfectly sufficient for a sword meant for use in armored combat. It's sharp enough to cut, yet the edge retains plenty of material at its shoulder to impart durability and strength. Still, for the modern hobbyist who views a swords cutting ability within the context of slaying grass mats and water bottles, this edge might be in need of a dressing up. The edge does exhibit a bit of a secondary bevel. Many enthusiasts feel a lenticular blade shouldn't have an edge with a secondary bevel. However, this is seen on many surviving original examples. Whether this is from design, or resharpening is impossible to determine. That being said, it isn't severe on this sword and wouldn't negatively effect the swords cutting ability or aesthetic appeal.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796078.1YHT3r2C.jpg

Regarding aesthetic appeal: this sword and scabbard combination has it in spades. The bronze, spherical and fluted pommel is what initially drew me to this sword. I find the shape unique, beautiful and quite interesting. I've also come to love the combination of the bronze pommel and steel guard. Once upon a time I couldn't stand the mixing of metals. Now, I simply adore the texture it provides. The guard is a variant of Oakeshott's Style 2, quite common for the period. The grips leather covering is quite well done in a pleasing oxblood color and the seam is invisible.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796067.yM5hXm4I.jpg
https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796069.TIyPVsr1.jpg

The scabbard is as eye catching as the sword itself. The leading surface of the leather is tooled in an elaborate, period correct pattern of intertwining vines surrounding stylized animal figures. The pattern is like that on several surviving examples, as well as that illustrated on period statuary. Maciej had asked me for input on the scabbard decoration and I simply told him to do whatever he liked. I always prefer to give a maker creative freedom with minimal involvement from myself. I feel this results in a superior finished work and that philosophy has never disappointed me. Secretly, I was hoping for just such embellishment and I wasn't disappointed.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796079.9mw3Pu2x.jpg
https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796080.ftOTdFoq.jpg

Maciej doesn't usually mount a chape on his scabbards, since a chape wasn't ubiquitous on original scabbards as it is on modern replicas. However, a scabbard just doesn't seem finished to me without one, so I requested the addition and Maciej supplied a period correct piece.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796081.RjdKEkYJ.jpg

The mouth of the scabbard is covered in red leather that is stitched to the so called "rain guard". This provides a nice bit of contrasting detail that works well with the over all style. The scabbards wood core is tightly fitted to the blade, enough so that the combined unit can be shaken while upside down without the sword coming loose. The scabbard is dyed something close to an Havana brown, with an interlaced belt of a contrasting darker chocolate color.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796083.K0EqOrPS.jpg

The belt is topped off with a bronze strap end and buckle that are heavy and well made, as well as other decorative bronze hardware. The belts adjustment holes also feature bronze eyelets. This is an uncommon feature on medieval sword belts. However, a similar feature is seen on the belt of the scabbard for the sword of Sancho IV, King of Castille, so there is some small precedence for such a thing. The only real criticism, though a minor one, I can make lies with the belts bronze hardware. These kinds of plaques and stiffeners aren't really seen on scabbard belts of this period. However, that is a minor quiblle, enough that I didn't request to have them left off and they are an attractive edition.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796082.aW5hAXy3.jpg

In terms of fit, the sword if prefect. Regarding finish, it isn't. The blades finish isn't picture perfect, containing evidence of forging and finishing. The fuller is centered, even and straight. However, there are a few small forging pits and finishing marks hear and there. These can be seen mainly at the base of the blade, on either side of the fuller.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796067.yM5hXm4I.jpg
https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796068.yF4Lpg52.jpg

The forged, fluted bronze pommel is quite beautiful and shows signs of its manufacturing process in the form of several pits on its fluted surface.

https://a4.pbase.com/g12/64/521964/2/168796070.L0ySQ1Bw.jpg

I don't mention these details as criticism. In fact, quite the opposite. The sword isn't perfect. But that's the whole point, it isn't meant to be. Maciej is quite clear when it comes to his aesthetic philosophy. The originals upon which his work is based are natural objects made by a natural process. Handmade imperfection is the guiding principle, not machine made perfection. The original antiques feature many such imperfections, often to a much greater degree than seen here. One only has to examine the bronze pommel of the original pictured above, then compare that to Maciej's reproduction to see the far greater degree of imperfection in the former. Many original blades have fullers that wander over the blades surface like a snake and guards that are horribly crooked, or off center. Yet, these were considered fine weapons for their day that merely exhibit the organic nature of their creation.

Maciej has tried to stay true to this spirit with his work and I think he's succeeded in fine fashion. I've seen shoddy work passed off as "handmade" and this is far from that. With that type of quality a sword will usually be found lacking in the mechanical areas of its manufacture. Many of the attributes that separate a sword from a sword like object will be missing. This isn't the case with Maciej's work. I've seen some criticism of this approach and, in my opinion, this illustrates a lack of understanding. It really takes the eye of an experienced collector and researcher to appreciate it. After handling enough real antique swords and gaining first hand experience with their quirks and imperfections, an appreciation for such things is developed. I still love modern swords, both custom and production, that illustrate the sword in its idealized form. However, after more than forty years of study, I've really come to appreciate these bits of texture that illustrate the organic nature of these objects.

My final comments concern the maker himself. Maciej was very understanding about some requests I made concerning payment which I greatly appreciated. Once the sword left Poland it disappeared for an extended period of time. I submitted a search request through the US Postal Service and never received a result. In fact, the only response I got on that was, "We can't find the package", which came on the same day that I finally received a tracking notice from the same Post Office. Apparently there were delays, both in Europe due to the year end holidays, as well as in US Customs due to the shut down of our federal government. So as a word of caution, don't have a sword shipped internationally over the holidays, or when your government reaches an unprecedented level of incompetence. On a positive note, Maciej was communicative and concerned throughout the entire time. The mans commitment to his customers seems equal to his commitment to his craft.

The smith and his product are highly recommended.

The makers website: http://artofswordmaking.com/

[RJ]

That's amazing. I feel like I am getting a free education in swords.

Thanks.






PS Note to self: Call Trooper224 first before dropping in unannounced. :cool:

[Duces Tecum]

It's early days yet, but if there were a "Post of the Year" category this would surely be amongst the candidates.

[Poconnor]

That is beautiful. I need to get a sword someday. I want to get a boat spear first

[Totem Polar]

Great blade; great post. Thanks for sharing both with us.

[Suvorov]

Very happy to see this piece of Art as well as hear it survived the journey!

[Trooper224]

That is beautiful. I need to get a sword someday. I want to get a boat spear first

Be careful, it's more addictive than guns. :)

[Trooper224]

Very happy to see this piece of Art as well as hear it survived the journey!

Thanks. I had visions of it rusting away on a loading dock somewhere. Fortunately it was very well packaged.