Alas, there is no scabbard planned for this commission (and I can think of a few things that would work for this).

This is the original concept sketch for the hiltwork and, hopefully, a clearer image of the pattern weld in the blade.

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I love the blade, John. I see what Patrick is saying, and I agree, but it's a damn fine blade.

Christian,

I love the pommel, the grip is fantastic, and the bar work looks perfectly organic.
My only sticking point would be the leaves. I know you were most likely following the customer's design, but they look like an after-thought to me. I think if the leaves had stems that incorporated them into the rest of the guard it would look more natural.

But that's my only sticking point. The total package looks fantastic.

Thanks for sharing.

ABSOLUTLY PIECE OF ART :)

...espesilly the balance between finished and "non finito " details of hand-guard ...really bauty :)

I would be proud to own that blade.
I understand exactly what Patrick is saying, but I still love it. I hope you two collaberate on more projects because that is stunning work by both of you.


...Dan

Fwiw, I think the blade is superb, even more so after seeing the pattern close up pic. Need a sturdy blade for orcs. Besides, there is some old saying about customer is always right? Not me, we all wish! (well, except maybe Patrick :-)

Dummy questions: Cool grip is carved wood & cleverly shrunk leather? Some leaves may gouge elf's fingers?

Well done, thanks for sharing.

Fantastic piece of art! I have to agree with Patrick though, "katanaissh" lines of the blade itself does not fitt the weapon quite as well as more slender, european style one would have - but it does not diminish the quality of a craftmanship, and overall it is one of weapons who'se picture I am going to keep close by to show people that fantasy styled weapons does not have to be those huge, cumbersone things that are often seen and give bad name to anything fantasy in regards to weapons and armour.

Oh My!

been a while since i posted but I just had to jump in on this one.

I remember back when John was working on this blade, around the same time he was working on my last batch of swords.
Its really nice to be able to see it finished.

EXCELLANT job on both makers parts!
Its a real shame there is no scabbard planned for it.

Wow, that is REALLY spectacular..... I love the hilt.

Absolutely beautiful! I agree with Patrick's sentiments about the blade, but the piece is gorgeous none the less, and I'm not one for fantasy swords but I do love this one. Well done, gentlemen.

Undoubtedly, this sword is a stunning work of craftsmanship. Viewed as "a beautiful thing", it's a complete success.

I can't help but fear for the weight, though. Those metal leaves on the basket must add a lot. I do love the shaping on the quillons, knuckle bow and pommel. But over-all, I think I preferred Christian's original Venetian Saber design.

If I had seen all the comments about my sword I would have posted earlier so please excuse the delay. First let me thank John and Christian. Both are top notch professionals and I highly recommend both of them for any custom piece. This was truly a joint effort as I started with a vision of an "Elven Saber" and took advice/suggestions from both John and Christian to create what you see as a finished product. My biggest desire was that the finished product be well balanced and "usable". It's like owning a car that does 0-60 in 4 seconds. You might never do it but knowing you could is enough. In any case, I cannot thank both John and Christian enough. I have already begun dreaming up my next commissioned piece and plan on using these gentlemen again. And to make a small correction, there is definitely a scabbard on the way. Christian has already begun work and I'm sure he'll post pics when he's finished. It was a very hard decision for me to hold off on receiving the sword in order to wait for the scabbard but I have no doubt it will be worth the wait. :o)

Here are photos of the now completed scabbard...

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Very nicely done! However, the overall look of the finished item confirms my first impression - it would look even more fluid, "elvish" with slightly more surved euroean style blade. However, if you look at the craftmanship of the weapon and scabbard, it appears to be superb.

Absolutely stunning combination! That scabbard is the perfect compliment to the sword while a piece of art on it's own!