Posts: 214 Location: Houston, TX
Wed 13 Sep, 2006 11:41 am
Thanks for the compliments everyone. The chape was probably the hardest thing to figure out because I wanted something unique and that would fit with the theme. I found several chapes on the net that were pretty; awesome even in some cases, and downright crazy in others. Unfortunately by doing the wood core in the proper way, none of the cast chapes would fit as they are ALL too wide for the thickness of the finished core. I also wanted to try just once to do something that fit in with the hand-made chapes I had seen in the museums. The historically cast ones are like you see in todays market, but the ones that were forged, beat, and hand-cut for design had a coarseness and individualist flair that I intentionally wanted to give this piece. Some people will like it and others will see it as crude or too unusual. I don't have a problem with that. ;)
Sean - wish I could make those pieces, hehe. The belt fittings are the only things I didn't make for this scabbard. Bought them from Raymonds Quiet Press. He makes a lot of cast belt fittings, etc, that are inexpensive, of good quality and service, plus most pieces being based on actual historic finds. Patrick has used them as well and can speak for the quality. Here's the URL:
http://www.quietpress.com/
Jean - You've been talking to Patrick and my better half haven't you? HA! What you said on doing this as a part time business is almost word for word what they are both telling me. Honestly I did enjoy making this one and do have plans for at least two more, one for the Gallowglass I have coming and one for Patrick's Reeve, and IF they turn out as I hope then I will offer to make them for others. After all it is an expensive hobby and I have to finance my babies some way. ;) :lol:
Many many thanks to Patrick and my loverly Linda for their advice and pointers. Would have been impossible to do without their help and suggestions! I can only hope to improve with practice. Now I'll shut up, go into my corner, and blush, hehe.