Here is a one of a kind sword available on our Muster Page

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A really great feeling sword that flies in the hands, but gives one a sense of solid stability and power. The unique aspects of this sword that we were studying really make one realize how well they designed swords back then!

Wow, that is really nice. Are there historical examples that have the exposed tang like that? I don't recall having ever seen that before.

I don't think it's an exposed tang, but rather thin hollow metal half of a grip. :D
And yes, this sword is awesoooome!!!

I absolutely love this sword. I want it. I won't be buying it due to life being a big jerk to me.

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Text from Arms & Armor. Emphasis mine:

From A&A's Website wrote:

Gothic Longsword By Josh Davis A 15th century sword in the Germanic style based, loosely off many examples seen in paintings and sculpture. The blade is an Oakeshott type XVIIIa of stiff form, with a hand forged cross guard and wheel pommel in steel. Both are modeled after existing examples of the period. The grip is an experiment in the half wood half steel combination that appears in the later half of the 1400's. The lower grip is a hardwood core covered in tooled leather dyed a deep red color. The upper portion is the hand-forged tang of the sword shaped to form the grip. The very narrow upper grip, allows the backhand to float in place with little hindrance to the action of the sword as the tradition of Liechtenauer's verses on longsword combat advocates. This exaggerated form of the grip is one of several adjustments to the longswords of this period to enhance their use in the fight. The guard is of an S shape form of octagonal section with decorative file work on the ends of the terminals. The pommel is a type J1 wheel with recessed central boss. In period this area was often enameled or painted with a coat of arms or symbol meaningful to the owner of the blade. This is an excellent example of a high status longsword of the later half of the 15th Century, influenced in form by the combat techniques of the time. This light and deadly sword is truly a wonder to handle. Overall length: 49.25"; Blade Length: 36"; Blade Width: 1.75"; Quillon Width: 8.75"; Grip Length: 10.5"; Balance Point: 2.5"; Weight: 3.6 lbs 1620 gr

Hi Guys

Nathan is correct the upper portion of the grip is the exposed tang forged to a grip shape. They are rare but I have seen a couple of them. The first time i saw them I thought no way but it actually works quite well and can be an advantage in the way described if using windings of the sword as promoted by Liechtenauer.

Some of them have a worked surface usually ribbed but most I have seen are smooth like this example.

Many of the depictions of St Catherine have similarly shaped swords though in most its tough to tell if they are showing a metal upper grip.

Best
Craig

Yes please very much.

I love this sword style and this is better for the unique treatment you have given it.

They are always slim and purposeful and this more than usual - lovely piece.

Tod

Want!

I really like this. Someone buy it and remove all temptation!

Regarding the grip section of steel/iron, I'm reminded of these swords.

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That


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Awesome!

Been a while since I've really wanted a sword...and I do really want that one...price seems right too. I just do not have the income to do anything about it right now.

Beautiful piece!

With the exposed tang, how is the cross secured? Is it welded or is it held in place by the pressure of a very precisely-fitted wooden grip? Without the compression normally provided by the peen, is it expected that the durability of the grip would be reduced? Also, would the cross be fitted prior to final forging of the exposed tang, or simply initially made with an "extra large" hole to pass the tang, then hammered to final shape once mounted?

I suspect this piece was technically a bit more challenging than more traditionally gripped swords. You can't argue with the results, though - appears well worth that added effort!

Love it!

And I love how you, Josh, and the team keep pushing the edge like this.

Now, imagine what it would look like with one of his beautiful scabbards ... :D

Hi All,

Thanks for the kind words! It was a fun project with a lot of experimenting...and I am happy with the results. I have some in progress shots that I will put up soon to answer some of the construction questions.

Thanks again,

Josh


P.S. Don't worry Mark I have a few scabbards in the works with some nice detailing ;)

Hi Josh,

I, for one, would love to see the in-progress shots!

And if you happened to have any images of the pieces that inspired it also, that would be great to see.

Josh Davis wrote:

P.S. Don't worry Mark I have a few scabbards in the works with some nice detailing ;)

So I hear! Reckon you'll have any inspiration to make a scabbard for this particular piece after the European trip? ;)

And is it time to attempt making a chappe / 'rain guard'?

I love it, and I'd never seen a tang exposed in such a fashion before.

I think the slender grip really works from both the aesthetic and handling perspective with this sword type, very handsome piece.

Your customs never disappoint guys!

So who bought it? :D

Not me, I've already blown my A&A budget for the year...

Budget! HA HA HA HA HA!

Beautiful work Josh. Reminds me of Anduril from The Lord of the Rings movies. Not that I'm saying it looks like a fantasy piece. Definitely one of the nicest looking longswords I've seen in a while.

Hey guys,

Here are some of the progress shots I took, sorry for the quality of the pics it was on my phone. You can see more shots on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/davisreproductions

I will be updating my website soon too with some other projects as well. : )

To answer a few of the construction questions, the guard is fit to the shoulders of the blade as most swords do, it is set tightly with a metal shim and a gentle strike from the hammer ;) The exposed portion of the tang is then welded on after the guard is set. Then the smaller portion of the tang is cover with wood by means of epoxy and covered in leather with a simple overlap seam.

I will have to do some digging for the pictures I used for inspiration but will post them soon. And I look forward to making the scabbard Mark :)

Josh

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Aaaaaaaand it's already gone. I was about to snatch it up. Expect a call from me soon... beautiful work.