More engraving today, finished the bottom and just need to aise the main lines on the top.
[ Linked Image ]

Finished the shell guard, and started polishing the knuckle-bow today.
[ Linked Image ]

Oh, it is shaping up really nice, Ben! Thanks for posting the step-by-step progress report.

WOW that detail around the edge of the guard looks awesome ben keep the pics coming :D

Here are the hilt components polished and ready for welding:
[ Linked Image ]

I may not be working for a while, My wife has jury duty and I will be going with her into town, Please pray that she doesn't get on a jury.

Looks beautiful so far Ben!

Your shell guard looks beautiful! How long did you spend on it?

The Shell guard took almost a week.

And My wife got off easy this time :D

I have the hilt welded and am cleaning up the joints.
In other news I lost my memory card reader so I can't upload pictures :evil: till I find it(Lord willing I'll find it soon or I'll have to buy another one).

Can't wait to see it!

I found my card reader so here is the missing picture of the guard with the thumb ring welded on:
[ Linked Image ]

And here is the whole guard welded and ready for polishing:
[ Linked Image ]

That's really beautiful. Besides all the work on the shell guard, I like the curves made by knucklebow and guard. Once all the elements of blade and hilt get put together, that is going to be one great cutlass.

ben, you are a wizzard! thats very nice and good appology for not making celtic or norse stuff :-)

Very nice! I'm glad you found you card reader!

What material are you going to use for the grip?

Thanks for all the kind words.

Petr, actually the grip will be based on period celtic work, from Scottish dirks etc :)

A. Spanjer, I haven't quite decided, I think I might use teak, as I want this piece to have a slightly exotic feel and If I was a privateer I would want my sword to have a teak grip, holds up better in salt air (not to mention, God forbid, salt water)

Simply stunning, Ben. You are doing really fine work!

Finished polishing the guard today (tonight actually).
[ Linked Image ]

Here is yesterday's and today's progress (41 small brass rivets in and polished):

[ Linked Image ]

Interesting touch. I wonder how they'll look on the finished piece.

Good work!

Outstanding! I can't wait to see the rest of it. :cool: