Hello all,

This is my first sword. It's a Petersen Type X made by Paul Binns. I consider using some shoe polish to make the grip a bit more dark brown, and perhaps give the blade a light antiquing. The dimensions are as following:

Overall length: 91 cm/35.8"
Blade length: 74,5 cm/29.3"
Grip length: 11,5 cm/4.5"

What do you guys think? Personally I think the grip is a bit long, but other than that I don't have any objections.

- Sonni

Overall I like it, the blade has a nice shape and polish. Not a big fan of the hilt or pommel, both look a bit larger than needed to match the blade size. If they were smaller, I would think this is a nice piece.

For toning the grip, I would use "Narvsværte" (I'm not quite sure what the name is in english)
an alcohol based leather paint.
thinned down with alcohol so you get a thin solution and then apply it several times.
This way you will have more control over the color building up.

Where in sønderjylland are you living ?

I like tea cosies, but that is a big tea cozy, compared to say the Albion Reeve, its a monster!

Compared to The Reeve it looks big, but isn't that what you call a brazil nut pommel? You should rather compare it to The Stamford. :p

You are right, I wasn't thinking as I typed. But regardless its a fine sword!

I would not use "narvsvärta". I would rather use ordinary olive oil (the more the better). If it is vegetably tanned leather (wich it most likely is) then you should get a darker redbrown tone.

The reason that this sword has a large pommel is most likely due to it being a blunt (as in a fighting blunt). Pauls swords are well known for being as well balanced as a sword can be. With a heavier blade you need a larger pommel.

I think the sword looks great and I bet it handles very well in show fighting.

/Ville

I just tried olive oil, and I think it worked pretty well. It did get a nice and dark redbrown colour, as you said. I'll try and post a picture of it tomorrow.

I got it sharpened for free though, as I don't do re-enactment, but it's true that Paul Binns is well-known for the balance in his swords. I think mine handles well, but it's hard to tell since this is my first sword.

Hi Sonni.

It's good to see one of Pauls' swords here, as they don't seem to pop up too often. I'm also glad that you are happy with it. I'm hoping to pick up my first Binns sword later this month, if all goes to plan, and it's always encouraging to see a happy customer. When I spoke to Paul last week he had just finished preparing the bundles for the core, so I'm guessing that I may have been the next on the waiting list.

Cheers,
Darrin.

so you'r the guy stalling my order... well, as long as you'll put it to good use!
I also agree with type x being a nice and proper late viking age sword, and the pommel isnt really too big, i'm used to seeing them with longer crossguards but i see nothing wrong here. paul binns doesn't usually spend alot of time on details, but when it comes to function on the battlefield they are great swords!
congratulations, and oh, join your local viking reenactment group!

Looks like a real nice sword. Haven't seen him do that sort of grip before. Looks good. I have a Binns sharp that I like a lot. Probably still the best balanced sword I have.

Wow ! Now that's my type of sword... I should get a Paul Binn sword one of those days... when I'll be done paying Merc Tailor, Tomasz Samula and Jan Motycka for my current orders... ;)

wheres the balancepoint on this one? never handeled any of his sharp ones, and I suppose you would want it to be different than a reenactment sword?

The point of balance is about 8-8,5 cm (3.1-3.3") from the guard. I just wanted a nice sword that was as authentic as possible, and I believe that was what I got.

Sonni.

I've ordered a Pattern-welded sword, based on the first blade featured in Swords of the Viking Age. The migration era blade with the layered core. This will be finished off with a type 4 hilt of bronze and bone.

I shall definitely post pictures, although I'm still getting to grips with photographing swords to the best effect.

Cheers,
Darrin.