Phoenix Metal Schiavona
Original: Venice, circa 1750
This complex
schiavona consists of a single-edged backsword blade made by
Angus "Gus" Trim with a long single fuller mounted to a complex hilt forming a basket. The bars of the basket, arms of the hilt, and thumb-ring all connect to the cross-guard, which is the only contact point between the guard and the blade itself. A series of four side bars, going from the knuckle guard to the rear of the cross, and the arms of the hilt on both sides of the hilt offer excellent hand protection. Each side bar is connected with several smaller perpendicular bars.
The double strand over-wired black ray skin grip is finished with mild steel furrules. The bronze pommel is in the traditional "cat's head" shape and is adorned with hand-carved images of a grotesquely-styled creature with gnarled yet whimsical features.
The solid-cored scabbard, covered in leather and finished with decorative steel bands, throat, and chape is styled after many surviving
schiavona scabbards.
Overall length: 38"
Weight: 3.0 pounds
Blade: 31.5" long; 1.5" wide tapering to 1"
Fuller: 23.5" long
Grip and pommel: 6" long
Point of Balance (PoB): 2.25" from basket
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21" from basket
Maker: Erik Stevenson,
Phoenix Metal Creations of Colorado.
The general form of the basket on this replica is typical of many authentic originals, yet borrows details from these specific antiques.