My interests in swords span centuries, from the Bronze Age up to the Renaissance. I've been collecting since 2003, and each sword I own has an attribute that speaks to me, from a kind of grim beauty, symmetry, proportion, or understated elegance. But, of all the eras that swords were used, I'm partial to the Viking era.
I've never commissioned a sword before; I've wanted to, but life always intervened. But this year I got lucky, so after lurking some more on this site, I saw some creations of Jeff Helmes and knew that I had to have one of his pieces. I wasn't sure at first exactly what sword I'd want him to make, but I was impressed by his quality. After several pleasant correspondences with him, we both decided on a Ringerike style that would be, in his words, "Historically plausible, but flirting with the realm of myth". Jeff has been terrific, bouncing ideas off of me and guiding me towards what will be my ultimate sword. I've given him full creative license for this commission, and it’s really paid off. In coming up with a name for the sword, Jeff wrote, “I have named it Skautrir, which is as near as I can get to "border dweller". I named it that because it represents a number of thresholds for me and primarily it represents the fine line it stands in between a historical replica and a mythological fantasy sword”.
The blade is composed of a combination of steels – 430 layers – to achieve a bright, lively pattern. According to Jeff, it’s 31 inches long, 54 mm wide at the tang, and weighs 2 lb, 12 oz. which should make it a fearsome chopper (but I wouldn’t dream of swinging it at something and possibly marring the blade). The pommel and guard inlays are of silver and the grip is carved reindeer antler. Jeff is in the process of creating a scabbard, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with!
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]





[ Download ]

The original [ Download ]

[ Download ]