Stats:

Weight: 1 lbs 15.6 ounces
Overall Length: 25 inches
Grip: 5 and ½ inches
Blade Length: 19 and ½ inches
Point of Balance: approx. 5 inches from guard
Center or Percussion: n/a
Distal Taper
At Crossguard n/a
At COP n/a


Initial Impressions:
Looks fresh from the forge, dangerous, shield-splitter

This is a review of the first custom sword commission I have placed. The smith was Sam Salvati. My original specs to him were vague to let him have control of the process as much as possible. I told him roughly 20 inch blade and 4 inch grip, bolstered grip around the tang. Langseax appearance, modern flair. For the name of this piece, I have chosen Gullinkambi. In Norse mythology, Gullinkambi is the rooster whose crowing woke the warrior’s of Valhalla every morning, additionally his crowing will signal that start of Ragnarok.

Appearance:
It came out perfect, what can I say? The finish has a rough feel to it, straight from the forge. I really like the polished edge and the unfinished spine. The wood Sam used for the grip is beautiful, and the brass tang pins are a good color for the piece. The shape is ferocious. I think I will leave the pics to speak for themselves. The leather sheath is awesome.

Handling:
I won’t begin to guess if this handles like historical pieces. What I can say is that it is handy as a long knife or short sword. It is hefty, but it is not too large, not is it slow. Its certainly a chopping and slashing weapon, a real shield biter. It cuts through light targets like butter for such a small weapon. The 5160 steel should keep a good edge, and I hope to try it on some harder targets in the next few days.

What you should expect:
Working with Sam was a pleasure. We both were flexible as timelines changed to accommodate new ideas. I hope Sam felt the process went well. If Sam gives me the ok, I will mention the final cost, but I feel I got an incredible value, and I truly have a weapon I do not foresee selling. I am completely 100% satisfied with this commission.

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Outstanding! Congrats on your new piece!

Sam ... Great work!

It does look very nice. I am thinking about having something similar made after I do some more research and most importantly, after I can afford it. ;)

Congratulations, this one looks like a very nasty cutter. :D

I like the modern elements incorporated in the piece, they're giving it a very unique look. Can I ask how thick is the back of the blade ? Does it have some kind of distal taper ?

Brut de forge is pretty much in vogue in Europe too.

Took some measurements of the spine. It is .65inches at the base, about .6 inches at the midpoint, and a touch under .6 inches near the tip. I will get some pics up later of just the spine with something near it for perspective.

I wanted to add that the more I have handled it, the more pleased I am with it. The orientation of the handle and blade give it a very "kukhri-like" feel when being swung. It really powers through targets. I took it to a pumpkin the other day and was pleased with the ease of the cuts for a relatively short weapon.

Mike,
two questions: is Salvati found anywhere in our links and do you place your thumb in that position (first picture posted) when you are trying out the blade for its' cutting properties ?

here are some cutting photos with it. Enjoy

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Nice pics, what is it the pumpkin said exactly?

Brutally impressive seax: Really nice work. :D