Privateer Armoury is my new line of semi custom affordable swords.
Here is the prototype:
[ Linked Image ]
Overall length: 30 inches
Weight: 1lb. 7oz.
Blade: 15N20, 25 inches long, 1/16 inch thick.
Grip: full tang, hard maple with fencer's knot.
Guard 1/8 steel
Primary node: 15 in below guard guard.
Secondary node: 1 1/2 in above guard.
Point of balance: 3 in below guard.
Pivot point: 3 in from tip.
This is a "scratched" blade and has cut a variety of materials quite well.

SOLD

This one is an example, I will be taking orders for custom versions of this sword (messer, falchion, cinquedea etc.)
My goal for this line is to keep the prices between $200-500 USD. I will still be taking commissions for high end pieces but wanted to have a line that is more affordable in these hard times. Email or PM me for more information.

Hey Ben, great idea, nice looking sword, can't wait to see more.

I think it is a good idea and am looking forward seeing prototypes of a messer and a cinquedea.

Thanks for the kind words. I have the messer blade profiled and will be working more on it tomorrow.

These are not "production" blades they are one off so if you like one buy it before it is sold. I have had a fair amount of interest in them already and they will most likely go pretty fast once I post them on my web site.

I voted for " I would love too but ..... ", but more accurately it's more a question of seeing one that appeals to me of a different type than the cutlass shown in the pic: it looks real nice, it's just not in the period I'm more likely to want to buy.

But, Falchion, Messer, Cinquedea or others like Rondel daggers, polearm heads ( Early halberd maybe. ;) , Bill etc .... ).

From $200 to $500 making a snap and impulsive decision to buy is a lot more likely than in the $1000 and up price range where I have to " ration " myself to only a couple ( Or 3 ;) :p ) a year.

I'm going to second Jean's comments as I have the exact same thoughts. I would love to see your interpretation of an early 14th century polearm or rondel dagger. :cool:

My financial situation is such that a $200-$500 arms/armour purchase is a once a year, well researched event. I believe this is the case with many enthusiasts in the current economic climate. To see you offer a more basic line in this price range is very exciting. :D

I think that there is a huge market for a good quality Western-made blade in that price range.

I also like the design of this particular sword. I generally really like "basic" swords. After all, many original swords were basic.

I still voted "I would love to. But...", the "but" being that there are other styles of swords that are higher on my "want" list.

Thanks for all the input.
My goal with this line is to make custom swords available to everyone I will be making a few to sell on the open market but my main purpose with this process was to allow me to take commissions in a much lower price range then before. I really enjoy working with customers to get them the best sword for them in their price range and always regretted having to turn someone away because I couldn't work within their budget. So, I updated my tooling and worked out some new techniques that allow me to make quality pieces at lower prices.

If you are interested (or even just curious as to what I could craft for you) please email me with the following and I will do my best to work out a design that fits your needs.

1) A sketch, picture, or description of the piece, including and special features (left handed etc)

2) Budget (don't worry about the prices listed above if you want a piece contact me and I'll let you know what I can do)

3) any questions you might have

Thanks for your continued support and help.

Oh sounds neat. I bet this is right up the SBG's alley too. It maybe helpful to some examples of what's in each price range on your website once you get some pieces going tho. Also would you have an option for daggers for less then the 200 mark? If you can get some nice daggers for under 100 bucks I think there maybe a market for that.

Sort of agree with the dagger price point from the point of view of most sword collector's perceptions who assume that because it's shorter by half it should cost half, but this is because many have no clue how expensive custom " modern " knives can go for i.e. as much or more than most swords.

Now if we can get customs daggers at between $100 to $400 I won't complain I just hope that people appreciate what they would be getting. ;) :cool:

Personally this whole thing really excites me. it would be awesome to get piece of the caliber I'm sure these are (coming from such a great maker) for a bit more than the cost of an MRL/ Valiant/ etc. The cutlass looks fantastic to me, a very fun looking piece!

Thanks for the great response.

Lord willing I will have the messer done this evening and post pictures of it.

I am willing to take on most types swords, daggers, knives. At the moment I don't have a forge large enough for most ax type pole arms but spears, glaves, partisans, etc. are fine. I have made double edged pieces in the past but haven't posted them on my site.

As Promised here is a messer version:
[ Linked Image ]

Weight: 14oz
Length overall: 30 in. Blade: 24
Blade: 15N20 steel 1/16 in thiick
Guard: 1/8 in steel
Grips: red oak.

$275 +shipping

Wow, that is very nice. And for $275.00! I'm very impressed with that Messer.