Well I'm writing this about a week late, but after getting other informated people's opinions and thoughts I am posting this now. In short, I got my Tinker Type XIV sword back from Christian Fletcher and it has been reborn.

The major point of note, aside from the excellent scabbard and belt he made for it, was the regrip he made for me with a prominent central cord riser and leather regrip in place of the smooth pigskin grip it sported previously. In short, it handles fantastically better now than it did before!

In my opinion, the secret is the cord riser in the center. It helps by giving both a good grip retention,and by providing a good tactile point for edge alignment and hand placement. I also believe it is right over, or close to, the grip node so that it makes the sword faster when making cuts one handed doing moullinets (spelling?).

The center of balance is about two inches from the guard and the weight we estimate is about 2.5 lbs. Blade length is about 35-inches and grip length is about nine inches. I'm not sure exactly where the COP is, but it's about 4-5 inches from the tip.

One of my salle-mates said that it feels and cuts almost like a Katana in the feel of its weight and balance. It's a fast and nimble sword and points really fast. I'm in love again... ;-)

The picture that Christian sent me is attached. More pictures, including the hilt, will be forthcoming.

Regards,

Bryce

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Looks nice. :) I'm not sure, though, that you can call it a Type XIV if the grip length is 9 inches. It certainly would be atypical with that long a grip and with its straight cross.

Being a former owner of Tinker's work, though, I know he doesn't always bind himself strictly to the old types, preferring his own brand of creativity. :)

Christian's work is always nice, too. That's a nice and unique ensemble you have there.