Up for sale is my coveted Ben Potter 'Die Fledermaus' falchion / messer. (Ben called it a falchion, we'd probably generally call it a messer ... I figure a modern master like Ben can call it what he wants!)
This piece features a wicked double-clipped point, as seen in the Paulus Kal fechtbuch. I've only seen this replicated by one or two other modern bladesmiths - it's a complex form to get right in both blade profile and taper, and Ben nailed it.
The hilt is a stylised bat wing. While I've seen elements like it in historical pieces, I'd call this more 'historically plausible' rather than 'historically accurate' ... but I'm sure Paulus would have thought it had just the right amount of protection and flair.
The balance on this piece is exquisite - it's incredibly light and nimble - and features great distal taper. It's also exceptionally strong, though: Ben has a video during making the piece, showing some cutting and flexibility tests he did before final polish. These tests are a testament to his blade profiling and heat treating.
The piece comes with Ben's custom heavy-duty leather scabbard. This is now a little darker than in Ben's pics - I treated it with a lanolin-based protectant, to both preserve the leather, and act as a form of permanent anti-rust protection for the blade (as recommended by John Lundemo for treating leather scabbards).
Price is US$1500 plus shipping from New Zealand via NZ Post. This is both reasonably-priced, reliable, and fast, and comes fully insured.
Please PM me if you have any questions.
I have another piece coming in this week, so keen to move this one quickly - if you want it, grab it!
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