[Julian Reynolds]

With the way the economy is going, my dream of owning an Old Dominion Forge hanger is unlikely to turn into reality.

By way of consolation, I spent last Sunday hacksawing, hammering and carving, and transformed a very beat up Hanwei Hutton Sabre I haven't used in ages into the Clam Shell Hanger below.

It's a little rough-and-ready to my perfectionist eyes (it's my first attempt at such a design) but it will do for the salle.

It's still a lot better looking than what it started out as!

The ugly duckling transformed into a swan........or maybe not.

[Jo Thomas]

That hilt looks great. And when you're seeing all those little imperfections that those who make things often do, remind yourself that it's an impressive example of elegant simplicity.

Edit: PS. Can I have one?

[Julian Reynolds]

Hey, Jo

Hi to a fellow SSS student! I understand you're with Sheffield? I'm with Durham, in Brancepeth Castle.

It's a small world, as the saying goes.

Thanks for your comments. I know form follows function, but those Hutton Sabres are just plain ugly. I had to do something to improve it.

Joolz

[Jo Thomas]

Yes, I'm with the Sheffield branch / chapter / whatever the proper word is. And this means I may have the opportunity to mug you for that hilt at some time in the future

[Nathan Robinson]

That looks really very good. Nice improvement and good work on the shaping.