I am documenting the process of making this piece on my blog and thought you might like to see it here as well.
I forged the blade a couple of months ago so this is about crafting the hilt.

[ Linked Image ]

Here are the steps so far.

Knuckle bow and thumb-ring after forging:

[ Linked Image ]


Thumb-ring after shaping and polishing:

[ Linked Image ]


Knuckle-bow in-let for the tang, and rough shaped:

[ Linked Image ]

Looks great so far. I will be watching this one for sure!

Ben,
When that cutlass of yours is finished I hope you'll show the pictures. ;)

I finished shaping the knuckle bow and forged the shell guard:
[ Linked Image ]

Whats the shell forged from? Is it wrought or something?

1018 mild steel, wrought it really hard to get on this side of the country, I'm looking for it but it is elusive.
Also, I thought that the steel would work better for this design,

nice design ben! I look forward to seeing this one progress.

cheers Jeff

Cutlasses are one of my favorite type of swords.Alas, my current financial state does not allow me to buy one and has reduced me to a window-shopper.

Nevertheless... you have an excellent sense of design and function, therefore i'd very much like to see, what will unveil.

Made it back to the shop today for a bit and shaped the shell guard.
[ Linked Image ]

Here is the days progress, Polished the shell guard, and started the engraving:
[ Linked Image ]

i like this one, not my period but beautiful

Lookin good so far Ben.

While not my usual interest, I will watch this as it goes along. Your projects are always interesting.

M.

I just have to say, I love this sword.

Great work!

Cut in and rounded the background and drilled the holes for the rivets today.
[ Linked Image ]

I like! Well done on the holes. I know how hard it is to get them lined up just right.

Getting the holes in the right places is a pain.
This piece is domed enough that I couldn't use the drill press and had to do it by hand to get the angles of the rivets right.

Here is another days progress:

[ Linked Image ]

I chiseled in the lines of the engraving and did some polishing. it is the details that take forever.