Trying to Fix the Confusion

OK. Its getting late and we've been out and about all day. So, this won't be a really long post. I'm sure K will get pics of the day's outing up sometime soon. I did some work this evening to create pictures of the various components that can be put together for your sword (should that be what you're here for). Scroll down the right hand side and peruse the "menu" choices. That should make choosing a sword much easier, but scale and wood choice still need to be decided upon. I'll try to get some example/suggested lengths up soon.

First Attempt to Answer the Burning Questions

Howdy! I know it has been a while since the last post. It is nice to see that a few folks have stopped by and expressed an interest in my swords. I know it seems like it should be an easy question to answer - "How much is a sword?" - but since I customize my swords it is not quite that easy. In order to answer that question, I need to ask a few questions. If you want to send an email to me, (it is on my profile) with the answers, I will put it all together and send you a sketch and a quote.

1. Whom is the sword for? This is to estimate the correct size (scale) of the sword style desired.
2. What do you want to do with it? If you just want to display it (like the crossed swords I have in our basement), then I use lighter wood and add more details. If you want to be able to do combat with it, then I use hard woods and make a sturdier variety. This will also make it heavier. For younger children, I recommend using pine instead of oak. It is easier to lift and hurts less if you are hit by it, but they do take damage and will not last forever.
3. What style do you want? Cutlass, straight blade, leaf blade, one-edge, two-edge, dagger, Roman, etc.
4. What shape/style of hilt? I have several different options for grip shape, pommel, and cross guard. I will post pictures of different options when I am not at work.
5. Do you want it painted or unpainted? We can discuss color choices via email.

Those are really the basics. Seems like a lot, but I want to make sure you have a sword that fits your needs and styles and will be enjoyed for a long time.

I also make shields and will post some pictures of those soon. In addition, I am working on some other types of weapons, like axes and maces. Someday, I hope to get adventurous enough to try bows. If you have a special request, fire away!

Now with all that in mind, a painted oak sword like “mine” with the blue handle would be $75.

A painted pine cutlass like the one shown would be $25, $35 in oak.

The straight sword under mine would be $15 in pine or $25 in oak (Recommended sword for children who are going to use them in combat against each other).

Short swords like the two with the ball and claw pommels would be $50 in pine/redwood or $75 in oak.

Long Awaited Pictures

Ok, it may not be loooooong awaited, since this blog has only been in existence for a couple of days, but pictures do seem to be in demand by those that have visited. So here is a picture of some of what I call "dress" swords. The red and blue pommels mark which son they were made for. I still have to make one for the youngest. I have the sword blank made, I just need to finish it.

These are made from red cedar and as such are way too soft to be used in combat. I found this out through experience. I then switched to pine, which is a nice inexpensive way to go, but also, not the longest lasting in heavy combat. Here is one made of pine around 1986, but not used in combat.

One day I was looking through some wood I had laying around, and this piece just cried out to be a cutlass.

These next two have seen extensive use in combat. They are both made from red oak. I recommend this as a wood choice, but it does double the cost. The blue-handled one is "mine" for those that wanted a picture of "my" sword.

I liked the way the flash bounced off this one. I'll put some close-up detail shots below.

Getting Started

Ok, someone special told me I should try out making my own blog to see if anyone has an interest in the wooden swords I make. So here it is. I'll get some pictures soon and start seeing if I get any response.