Recently I obtained a lovely Hanwei skeggox which I've actually been drooling over for years.

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I really like the look of those, and very much prefer them to the Danish-style axes.
As I wanted to use it with a shield I decided to turn it into a one-handed version.

Recent unfortunate circumstances cost me 80% of my physical strength and the unmodified axehead was simply unmanageable.
Mr. Thibodeau probably wouldn't have a problem ;-) but a weakling like me, well...
So I had to remove a bit of material. Or a lot. Really.
I've always considered Hanwei products less than great, to say the least.
Much to my surprise the heat treatment on this product is very impressive, and grinding it into the shape I wanted well...I was more or less grinding the grinder, I'm not kidding.
Removing the necessary amount of material took just about forever.
Afterwards I attempted to harden the fresh edge but have no way to verify if this was succesful. (produced spectacular sounds though...)
I also wrapped the handle with thick leather cord.

I can sort of manage the weight and balance of the result and I'm happy with the looks too.
This object will make short work of anything and anyone, and easily destroy the armor they wear in the process too.

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I really like what you did to the axe Anton. I congratulate you on having the nerve to try it, no matter the cost of the item. I have not been able to bring myself to try a project such as this myself. As of yet at least.

Scott

Recently I watched Warriors- Zulu Siege.
In spite of the obvious shortcomings I liked and enjoyed the series.
I really liked the Zulu spear or iklwa and decided to make something similar (the real thing greatly exceeded my meager budget....)

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It was pretty obvious that the Zulu's in the documentary used Indian-made spearheads.
I decided to walk (or stumble...) the same path.

Prototype:

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I do not want to go into the historical facts here, those interested can access Wikipedia or Google "Shaka Zulu" or whatever.

I figured the blade looked too european so I grinded the "shoulders" off and etched the blade with vinegar & salt.
This is usually a hit & miss affair and much to my surprise the result was a beautiful "craquelé"-like structure.

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Iklwa shafts usually flare outward for balance and as extra grip in case the weapon gets slippery and/or stuck in the ribcage.
In this case I decided to go with a metal "butt" to offset the extra-large spearhead.
Etching didn't work as it's apparently a layer of nickel or aluminum, so instead of weathering the metal I polished it extensively.
*Bling* ;D

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Tiny spear with huge head next to a normal-sized weapon:

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As I'm pretty much a sword-nut I wanted this thing to be functional, and will probably use it for tameshi-giri and soda bottles and such.
Therefore it's got a modern-ish construction with perfectly shaped shaft glued to the head, and additional screws.
The butt got a similar treatment.
The (gilt brass) wire and leather on the grip and butt are just for looks and serve no real purpose.
For the same reason embellishments were kept to a minimum as I don't want exploding parts when I cut with it.

The antique iklwa I've seen pix of look a bit more utilitarian, and I guess mine is more of a fancy-pants iklwa.
Well so be it. I like the looks. A lot.

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And a final pic of the whole thing:

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This was a fun project. Easy to do, very cheap @ about 50 euros, and it greatly greatly greatly exceeded my expectations.

Much to my surprise this is a really, and I mean really, fearsome weapon. It's technically a spear but actually handles like a sword.
Very fast and nimble too, at 116cm and 920grams, with a balance point that's located somewhere near the index finger.

This thing will probably not decapitate due to the low weight and close POB, but it will definitely remove an arm without problems, and probably do a leg too. Without too much resistance.
Ouch.
Wielding this, would I want to face an opponent with a 1.5 hander? No I definitely would NOT! I don't have a crossguard and would probably die without realizing wtf is really going on.
Okay what about an opponent with shield & spear/assegai?
Ya gotta be kidding me the poor guy would be just about defenseless. I'll disembowel him in de first second.



[edit] Lots of st00pid problems with the pictures. Solved.[/edit] :D

My neighbour commented that I should quit my job (I'm actually on sick leave so that's really a non-issue) and make a living selling projects like these.
I'm so immensely flattered I'll probably be blushing for days to come. :blush:

I've been thinking of trying my hand at that or the Iwisa (?) :) Is the 'cub' a solid piece of wood? Unlike the Native American clubs that were stone bound to wood. or around etc.