[J.G. Grubbs]

The Odinblades Warder was my first project received from John Lundemo, received last summer. I have posted a few pics and some “mini-reviews” since then, but never one that the sword “deserves”. What follows, finally, is my review of the sword.

The Warder is a piece inspired by Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I find the sword has mixed elements of Both Far and Middle Eastern swords as well as the European Swiss saber. The basic sword statistics are:

Overall Length: 42.50
Blade Length: 30.75”
Width of Cross: 7.5”
Blade width 1” from tip: .75 .”
Grip Length: 8.50” (11.65” including pommel)
Weight: 3lbs. 2oz.
POB: 4.75” from the cross
COP: 20.5 ” from the cross

Initial Impressions
The sword was ordered after I saw it on his site. As my background is in JSA, the curved blade held a natural appeal. My first impression was one of size. I have owned Japanese style swords that were longer, but the fittings made it seem much more massive. My next immediate thought was how handsome it was! I asked for something a little “different” with regard to fittings and left them to John. He came through wonderfully.
Fit and Finish
I would describe the blade finish as satin. The blade is differentially hardened 1075 but not polished to the degree that the resulting “hamon” is readily visible. It can however, be seen in certain lighting conditions. The sword’s edge is very sharp and is of convex (or “apple seed”) type. There are no discernable secondary bevels. The hilt is a single section of amboyna burl dyed a deep red, with a “swell” mid way between the cross and the pommel. The ferrule at the cross is steel, but the one at the base of the pommel is a reddish bronze. (a very unexpected but interesting touch but not the only one on this piece) The pommel is forged as are all the fittings and they are antiqued. I felt (and still maintain) that the treatment lends character to the overall look. The cross was the real surprise for me. The steel is “twisted” and terminates in floral finials. I found this design to be very nice, in and of itself, but John also added “rings”. They are small, extending 1” on either side but still would provide protection for the hand. They have the appearance of a small tsuba and have a small lobe design element themselves. I am ordinarily not a fan of ring hilted swords but I quickly became enamored with this both for its “uniqueness” and the way it fits into the overall sword design.
Handling Characteristics
The sword is well balanced and quick during changes of direction. It responds well when wielded with one or both hands. The curvature does not begin until the upper third of the blade and feels very authoritative in the cut. The burl grip is very secure and tracking is good. I have been very pleased with this sword and have worked with the smith since on my Peacemaker, reviewed here previously. I look forward to more projects such as this is future. Pics are viewable in the Albums section of myArmoury.

Thanks for looking!

James