http://picasaweb.google.com/JordanMAbernethy/...directlink

I’m honored to present Odinblades latest creation, a 16th century Zweihander.

OA-72 1/4
Blade length-53 3/4
Hilt-18 ½
Grip-14
Ricasso-8 1/4
Sharpened edge-43 1/4
Guard width-18
Width at lugs-5 ½
Blade width at hilt-1 7/8
Blade width under lugs-2 3/8
Blade thickness at hilt 5/16
Blade thickness at tip-1/8
Blade material-203E/W2
Guard/pommel-5160H
8 lbs on the dot

When considering a sword I knew I wanted a big one. Looking around on some of the sword and blade forums, I came across a custom smith known for making large swords. I didn’t want a production sword, I wanted MY sword. One that no one else would have. In the end, one that would be true to history while still being original. John Lundemo of Odinblades could fill that order. However, I wanted the greatest sword John had ever created and I know that’s just what I got! From his website and postings during the time I ordered it, I came across a beautiful pattern welded Zweihander John had made. I wanted one similar, only bigger and better. It needed Jerry Rados damascus for one thing and Jerry quickly agreed to the 6 foot project. I had originally intended on using damascus for the whole sword, but I’m so happy in the end with the darkened fittings I wouldn’t change it if I could. I also wanted a fish tail style pommel, but John pushed for a more traditional style when considering historical accuracy. I’m so glad he did. John had kept me in the dark of how the fittings would actually look. I had some general requirements of what I wanted but trusted in his ability and skill to make me what I really wanted. I can honestly say its better than I imagined, and I have a good imagination!

This sword is damascus all the way through to the pommel, no weld at the tang Its 8 lbs weight makes it feel “not to heavy” in the hand when considering its tremendous length. Its so well balanced. It isn’t much of a strain to hold the sword at your side and keep the tip off the ground. It balances perfectly when gripped in the ricasso. I’ve never held such a solid sword. It rings throughout the whole sword when it brushes against cloth. Its blade is truly stunning, high level random of 203E and W2. Jerry made it so the layers are very tight all along the edge.

I would like to thank Mr. Rados for his part in this amazing sword and wish him the best. Both John and Jerry’s last names are etched into the blade on one side near the hilt between the fullers at my request.

We looked at many examples of Zweihanders and took ideas from multiple swords. Sword weights of this kind at this length were between 8 and 13 lbs. I’m pleased to have it come in on the lighter end of the scale. I ignorantly wanted it to be a little heavier, closer to 9 lbs; but even at only 8 lbs it’s a beast. When held straight out, the tip dips very slightly, maybe ½ inch. I expected more. I thought being a big guy I would be able to handle this thing easily, I was wrong. Though most examples of battle swords of this style were shorter. I have a lot of respect for those soldiers in history who actually used something like this all the time. I am also a bit on the skiddish side because I don’t want to bury the tip in the ground or do something stupid in which I make it harder on myself than it really is to handle.

I can’t thank John enough for this masterpiece. He was great to work with, always letting me call to bug him and humoring me with his stories throughout the process. He has really become a true friend of mine as he would with any of his customers. I would recommend Odinblades to anyone looking for a real one-of-a-kind sword, especially a big one! He is known for his fantasy style swords, but I hope this and others show his skills that go beyond pre-conceived notions. He is able to create whatever you want, historical, fantasy or a little bit of both!

I apologize for the bad pictures; however, I will post better quality pictures in a few days. Thanks for your patience!
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Congratulations on a truly beautiful and impressive sword. It makes quite an impression in the photos, I'm sure even more so in person.

Thanks Patrick, it means alot to me coming from a guy with a most enviable collection of swords! It is very immpressive in person, I find myself just staring at it in awe.

Very nice, sir. Where's the balance point and center of percussion on that beast?

Thanks Josh!

pob- 6 inches from guard
cop- 19 inches from tip

Holy smoke! What a beast! It is gorgeous. I agree that you were right to trust John about the fittings as they are really nice. Those dopplesolders that would have wielded such a weapon were hard, no doubt there! Congratulations on a really impressive piece of work. How about a pic of you holding it for scale?

FYI that is the single largest piece of damascus on earth

congrats bro

Stunning sword by 2 amazing craftsmen! ... I'm looking forward to those better pics! :D

What to say?

It's truly marvelous!

It basically contains everything that I like about swords...

Congratulations!

Thanks everyone for your kind words!

Tim, I do plan on getting a picture of me with the sword. I just want to drop about 50 lbs before I do so :lol: ...nah, ill get one up soon!

Patrick, John was nice enough to make a scabbard for it. I wanted one to protect the blade from "touchers", and also my 3 year old daughter, its very sharp. Its a really pretty piece of heavy grain birch (I belive). I wanted to leave the wood exposed to see the grain, then laquered heavily. Unfortunately the scabbard was damaged by UPS during shipping. The chape took the brunt, and the finish on the wood is ruined. Luckily the sword is fine, but I'll have to refinish the scabbard. I'll get a picture of the scabbard with the next set of images. Its pretty neat, it has slots cut in the sides so the lugs slide in and out and remain exposed, while the blade and ricasso get encased.

Jean, I think Del Tins Zweihanders look awsome! If I hadn't gone for a full custom, I would have purchased a Del Tin.

Sean, I envy you for being able to see the process in person. I wish I could have seen the blade in its rough form straight from Jerry!

Jared, I dont know the exact mix ratio, but I do know there is alot more W2 than 203E. I don't understand the properties of either steel well enough to comment, I hope John or anyone else who might know could answer this question. The other damascus Zweihander John made had the same mix.

Ben and Bartek, thanks a ton! There is not a more happy sword owner in the whole world right now!

Im sorry Jared, I forgot the layer count. It is 512 I believe.

I found out that W2/203E is Jerry's premium blend. He is known for his turkish twist and uses this mix for all of it.

I hope she doesnt mind, but Jerry's girlfriend Cheryl posted on another forum in regards to this sword and had this to say:

"Jordan, this is Cheryl, Jerry Rados's girlfriend. I have been waiting to see how the masterpiece came out and all I can say is "OH MY GOD"!!!!! It's gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the pics with us. You will never know the hours we spent just getting the lugs the way they needed to be. At one time there was 5 of us working with a large swage block to get the lugs in shape. Congratulations on a great piece !!!!"

I thought it was neat to hear that Cheryl works with Jerry, and that there were others involved in making this sword!

p.s.-I hope I didnt do a no-no by copying a post from SFI and putting here. Let me know :\

I am not too surprised from the looks of it that it took 5 people at some points. (My guess would be multiple billets being worked until near the end when they were joined at manageable thickness.) I wish they had documented some it the work in progress with a video. The heat treat tank/facility for something of that length is on the verge of industrial grade scale too. 512 is an amazing layer count for something that large with no goofs. I really would like to know if the "random" just turned out during the grinding, or if they beat it with punches or something to upset the layers.

According to Verhoeven, pattern welding never completely died out. It may not have been common during the era of large two handed swords, but supposedly still existed. I am glad someone besides myself likes it enough to want it in a late medieval era style.

Congratulations.

Jared, when I asked Jerry questions like, "How did you do it?", he would say, "It wasn't easy!". I wish I knew the techniques he used to make it but I just don't. Maybe He or John could illuminate for us. I do however have some images you might like that Jerry sent me right before he sent off the blade to John to be finished. It also helps to scale this bad boy. The first few pictures are in John's shop, the 2 at the bottom are of Jerry holding the blade. I wanted to put together a journal type image gallery like you were saying Jared. But I didn't get enough images.

http://www.abernethy-zweihander.blogspot.com/

That's the most beautiful sword I have seen in some time. Congratulations!