Hi all,

I just found those two websites presenting the works of an association of medieval french artisans and wanted to share those two links with you.

astelier-medieval-du-cuir: lots of stuff to be found there, but mainly a wonderful "baudrier" for the Albion yeoman.

http://astelier-medieval-du-cuir.over-blog.co...24352.html

A sample of Gaël Fabre's production, a bladesmith who apparently lives in Ardeche and who (sadly) doesn't seem to have a website. He makes historically accurate replicas of french medieval swords and from what can be seen here I found his work to be quiet impressive.

http://203977.aceboard.fr/203977-1809-9433-0-...e-2008.htm

Hope you enjoy.

Cheers,

J

While I am unable to read French, I think all those pictures represent AWESOME work. In particular, the Gaël Fabre stuff is spectacular. The very last picture in the second post is striking, as is the photo of the Spatha and scramseax together.

M.

Hi guys,

Been checking french swordsmith Gael Fabre latest work and I've been so impressed with what I saw that I can't help sharing a few pictures with you guys.

I'm especially impressed with his interpretation of the type XIV (one that can be seen on records of the medieval sword).

Enjoy!

J

Hello, Gaël Fabre is a friend of mine. He does very goodwork. All his production are hand-forged like in the ancient time. No industrial processus or backstand. He can make everything and also of course damascus. He is one of the best swordsmith That I saw in Europe. His swords are really good cutter and very strong and light. In addition, he is very friendly!

I'm now wainting for pompeii damascus gladius found in Saône et Loire, France.

Here is his blog :


http://gael-fabre-forgeron.over-blog.com/page...39117.html

wonderfull, i specially appreciate the first in your pictures, seems to be a more splendid variation of this http://www.myArmoury.com/desktop_typexi.html

The first in the pictures is made from the sword of Otton IV, the germanic emperor at the battle of Bouvines (1214). It was probably a ceremonial sword. This sword is made of damascus but this is not seen with this polish.

You are both right as this sword, a copy of the so called sword of saint Maurice, was also the coronation sword of the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.

The workmanship is remarkable but my personal taste inclines more towards that spendid type XIV, as I often wondered what this sword would look like when looking at the Oakeshott sketches in records of the medieval sword...guess I have my answer now :)

J

ps:

Gottfried P. Doerler wrote:

wonderfull, i specially appreciate the first in your pictures

these are not "my pictures". I took them from Gael's website/blog :)

Hello,

This sword is loosely based on the Saint Maurice sword in Vienna not the one in Turin. The customer wanted a blade a bit different and in damascus...

Hi,

Hand-forged gladius made by Gaël Fabre.

The blade is pattern-welded and the point is reinforced and hollow ground like the original one found in Saône et Loire (France) circa 50 AD.

The hilt is made of buffalo horn and mammoth ivory and copied from one exposed in the British Museum.

Blade length : 45cm
Blade width : 4cm
Blade thickness : 8mm
Total length : 62cm
Total weight : 700g


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Hi guys,

More great stuff from Gael on his website. Sample Below.

Enjoy,

J

More eye candy from Gael on his facebook page below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ga%C3%ABl-Fabre-Fabricant-d%C3%A9p%C3%A9es-forg%C3%A9es-swordsmith/1569663453312733

That type XIV is one of the most attractive swords I've seen in a while...

Beautiful - he has been to the HEMAC Dijon event many years and I have a medieval pocket knife from him which I use regularly and I've never had to sharpen! He does really excellent work and I may well throw some money his direction in the future.
Matt

Just wonderful work. Not being a FB person, how does one get in touch to discuss?

Many thanks Julien. Sets mouth to 'drool'.....

They look fabulously organic and artisan made. I want something with a personality which can't be achieved by other makers making lots of the same thing imho. Not that i don't have swords made by the usual well known makers though. Must be my age, my thought process has gone like this in 35 years..

Is it cheap?

Is it accurate?

Does it handle well?

Would I want to be buried with it?

:-)