For those of you who are familiar with Xa.1 from Records, how do you think this design would would as a short longsword? I'm thinking of basically keeping it the same, except extending the tang and not hollowgrinding the blade. The wieght in the handle should balance increased weight of the blade. The blade length would stay at roughly 34 inches and I'm guessing the weight would go up to just over 3lbs. I'd also change the pommel to a octagonal scent stopper simply because I like those sort better. Handle would be a snakeskin or sharkskin style similar to the Edward III sword.

The smith I would comission is Kevin Cashen, so he'll no doubt know what will work and what won't but I just thought I'd get some general opinions by the fine blokes here. :)

I think having it as a shorter longsword you would have a very interesting item on your hands, however doing away with the hollow grinding I think does away with a lot of what IS this sword. One of the most unique features about it to my mind is the cross section introduced by the combination of the deep fuller and the hollow grinding. However as a nice sword I think it would be fine although very far removed from its parent it seems. :)

For sure mate, but with the long fuller and blade shape that is unusual for a longsword it would be a fairly unique piece. I also really like the hexagonal section at the end of the sword too. It should be interesting anyway. :)

Oh absolutely... I think it will be very interesting indeed and look forward to seeing the completed piece. Now what is this you are saying about a hexagonal cross section at the bottom... hmmm I need to go back and look at that book again....

The blade goes from hollowground diamond section then to hexagonal section just as the fuller ends.

Yikes! You are right! Now I've got to do some rethinking... :)

This is what I think I'm after. Add in some sort of inlayed script down the fuller and a sharkskin handle wrap (probably dyed green probably) maybe with gilded silver mounts (or just polished steel?) and a mirror finish on the blade.

---

 Attachment: 39.01 KB

Not to shabby at all...

I think once the mechanics are worked out, it will look very nice.

I think you are right Joe. In any case, it'll be different from the norm, especially with a gold inlay. :)

Hey Taylor, where did you find that bit about the hexagonal cross section?

I think it was from Records, or maybe from Bjorn's site?