Just what causes the 'ring of steel'? Is it truly a sign of quality? Or is it simply a pleasant, if rare and unexpected, addition to a sword's features? When buying, is it something to look for?

I have a Samson sword that features the 'ring of steel' in that, if the blade is tapped, it will emit a somewhat high-pitched humming sound. Also known as a ringing sound. I usually test this by tapping the blade with one finger near the CoP and then moving the blade next to my ear (carefully!) to best hear the sound.

I've always wondered about this, and now having experienced it I think it really gives the sword character... and I am hoping it is a GOOD thing!

The "Ring of Steel" is simply an indication that the hilt components are nice and tight. A dead thud sound or rattle tells us there's something wrong. A cracked grip will give it's self away in this manner too.

One nice thing about dismountable swords is that you can fix that. On an ATrim, its easy. Just give the pommel nut a quarter turn, and your sword rings again.

Cool, thanks guys. The Samson leafblade really sings, but so do my CF/AT Redeemer and Albion Crecy II now that I've really looked at them. The Albion Migration D has more of a flat sound, but that is probably because of the variety of hilt components and complicated construction.

I don't know if it's necessarily an indicator of a tight hilt; my MRL two-handed flamberge needs some slight tightening on the hilt, but everytime I tap the blade lightly against something it gives a very nice, long-lasting ring. That may be due to the blade's shape, though(i.e., the waves)...

I have heard this on axes too, so I doubt the hilt explanation.

Ah, straight from the cutler's mouth :)

I tried out my remaining Albion, a First Gen Gaddhjalt... another singer. Man, that is such a beautiful sound.

Ringing must have something to do with unchecked vibration.When buying an anvil all purchasers look for the one that sings "like gunnar's bill". Once properly mounted on the anvil stump /some use leather,or rubber underneath/ RINGING STOPS .And that is a good thing because good hearing is hard to find in blacksmith shop...I suppose that blade that is properly mounted won't ring as much as the "floating" blade.
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The interesting thing about the "ring of steel" as it relates to most swords of some quality, it {the tone} will be different based on the "harmonic" node patterns.

And these don't really aren't "finished" until the blade is mounted..........

There are some great replies here... it's great to see some of the makers chime in :)

OK, this is goofy but . . . I just had a mental image of setting up my weapons collection like bells or chimes and playing them with rubber mallets. I know they have a wide variety of tones. One of the prettiest sounds comes from my A&A Danish Axe.

JSA on caffeine

LOL, kinda like an Armonica. Water Music? Naw, Sword Music!

A "steel harmonica?"

Allow a recovering junk sword collector to chime in. I have noted that even my Cas/Iberia swords and stainless wallhangers have a ring to them. I also have some cheap helmet gongs. Though I can't judge whether good quality swords have a better sound since my Atrim has not yet arrived. :( Due very soon. :cool: I imaging that any metal sword will ring as long as the hilt does not rattle or baffle the sound.

Do people recall the Stormtrooper xylophone from Jedi. How about toolbox music, I have the Christmass album.
Someone here should make an Amourer's Christmass cd: Track 1 "Carol of the Swords". :lol:

Nathan

Yeah, that's funny. I picked up my CAS Iberia Agincourt and flicked my fingernail against the blade... sure enough, it rang. It actually had a good, long ring too.

On the flipside, a Windlass Celtic Long Sword had no ring whatsoever. Thud. Great, now I'm going to be checking every sword I own... :P