I always like seeing build threads, and decided that I have a custom order that might be good for one. In the past, I have always had a bad habit of remembering that I should take a picture of something right after I finished doing it. Going to try and be better about that this time though.

The customer sent me several pictures of originals, we worked out what he wanted, and come up with a design based on a couple of the originals. I'll look into the source of the photographs and see if I can post them here or not. Mark at Ollin Sword Design out did himself on the blade. From the scabbard throat pieces we could tell that the edges of these swords were very thin. We asked him to go thin and he nailed it I think. The hilt will be holly, and the guard and pommel will have a bronze or brass decorative overlay.

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Shane

Great! Nice to finally see an attempt at doing a xiphos the correct way!

It looks lovely. I look forward to seeing your progress photos and am glad you decided to post them to share with us! I'm especially interested to see how you make the bronze hilt and pommel pieces.

-Gregory

Wow that blade looks sweet.

I think it's high time that xiphos got a little attention.

Can't wait to see some more pics of this one.

NICE!!!! The profile is similar to some the originals the late John Piscopo had in his collection.

I am looking forward to seeing the process and finished product on this one. The xiphos has been a bit of a mystery to me as far as accuracy has been concerned.

Just a few pictures of how things are going, nothing too exciting at the moment though. The first picture just shows some layout that I was doing. It is always important to label the sides and scales so that you are always fitting them to the same side of the tang. Also made sure to mark the top and bottom of the scale. The original board developed a cup as it dried, it should never be a problem now that it is dry, but is still something to keep in mind. I made sure to lay it out so that if it was to ever move that the center would be trying to raise against the rivets in the center. If done the other way, it might be possible that the edges would turn up away from the tang.

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First scale attached.

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Second scale attached.

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Final picture the scales have been roughed to shape and trimmed down to about 1/8" of the tang. Still need to thin the scale and then file the scale down even with the tang.

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Shane

Shane,
Things are looking great so far... What type of wood did you choose? Any particular reason for selecting this wood? I noticed in the drawing that there is an area near the blade that has a line drawn across the plan... Will there be an area near the blade that is of a different material. Also what did you plan to make the pommel from? Can't wait to see this sword finished. I have a soft spot for small swords.

Hi Luke,

I am using holly for the wood on this one at the customers request. The lines on the guard will be where a bronze/brass overlay will cover the guard. The pommel will be holly as well and have a similar colar that covers the back part of it. The original example we are following had a slightly fancier overlay and would have had gold covering the bronze.

Shane

Just a couple more pictures to show how this is moving along. Still trying to decide if I want to round the top of the guard area more or not. Some seem to show this being pretty flat, but the one main example we are follow is a bit more rounded. Hopefully my bronze will be here soon so that I can start forming it.

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Shane

Looking great so far shane cant wait to see the finnished product

Looking really good Shane.

I would appreciate some pictures of the original you are basing it on.

Love the work Shane!
Paul,
The original posts by the late and much missed John Piscopo may be still found over at Sword Forum International. You may have to log in to see the photos and references. Seehttp://swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t...ht=piscopo

Great work so far! I am most interested in Greek period weapons and armour, so this thread is like some sweets for me... Impatiently waiting for updates on this project!

Here are a few pictures of originals that I was sent to work from. The top blade is one from Joe's collection. The pommel design you can see comes from the one below that.
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The guard and general grip shape are inspired by this one.
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Shane

Here are pictures of how the project currently looks.

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It is getting pretty close, but the final fit and finish it taking a bit more work then normal.

Shane

Looks like it'll be a really nice looking sword. I have to say that I'm becoming more and more taken with this wood.

Thanks for the pictures of the originals as well. Looks pretty close!

Shane,
This project is looking excellent. I have a soft spot for short swords of all types, and this one is no exception. I was wondering something as I drooled over the pictures... Is the metal portion of the pommel open toward the end of the hilt? Otherwise how the heck did you get the wood in there? Either way this looks great! Also great job on the holly.

Luke

The bronze pommel piece is just a collar that the wood slides into. I then have a disk as well that goes on the top and the two will have a mechanical fit when it is done.

Shane