[G. Ghazarian]

...and an identical twin sister with the same sterling silver ornaments, but no gilding.

Thanks for looking,

Gabriel

[Scott S.]

Both of those swords are to die for! (yes, pun intended.) Relatively speaking, these swords must be a "quick and easy project" for you in comparison to your amazing ship models.

[Jared Smith]

I liked both versions of the sword very much as well.

I wondered how many "first time skills" (gold leaf?, engraving, etc.) were involved in it for you?

Also, as you have taken on gold gilding, it is a step towards the ability to emulate Sutton Hoo style cloisonne with gold and garnets (possibly glass substitute for the garnet as a matter of practicality). Patrick Barta is the only one I have seen reproduce it on his reproduction of the sword from Blucima. I think your choices of decorating in moderation might result in a gorgeous Migration Era reproduction that people like myself would actually prefer over the actual period style originals.

[G. Ghazarian]

You are right Scott, I make swords when I am taking a brake from my model shipbuilding, it's kind of like a distraction.

Jared, I'm glad you brought up the subject of cloisonne and jewelry in general. I am a master jeweler even before I did my masters in engineering. The jewelry business runs in the family for 3 generations now. When I started making swords the only thing new to me was to grind and make the blades. Turning blades into swords was just a matter of adapting all other skills to new shapes and dimensions.

In fact I am presently planning my next project which will be a sword inspired by or similar to the sword of Maximilian I with a hilt of steel, wood, sterling silver and hopefully solid gold, carved, engraved and the background enameled with pieces of rubies or garnets or my favorite lapis lazuli. I'm sure it will be a long while before this project materializes, but hey, the fun is in the making.

Thank you guys for your comments.

Gabriel

[Aaron O'Bryan-Herriott]

Astonishing and beautiful work... And given your nature and the quality of the rest of your work, it definitely keeps company well. Huzzah!

[G. Ghazarian]

Thank you Aaron,

I'm glad you do appreciate my work.

Gabriel