Michael Pikula Viking -- myArmoury.com

William Swiger · Posted: Fri 20 Jan, 2012 8:48 am Post subject: Michael Pikula Viking

Overall weight: 2lb. 9oz.
Point of Balance: 5.3" forward of guard
Point of Percussion: 22" forward of guard
Blade Length: 31.8"
Blade Width: 2.6"
Length Overall: 37.7

Photobucket image

Tim Lison · Posted: Fri 20 Jan, 2012 9:18 am Post subject:

This is just awesome. Michael is so damn good! Really cool sword. What was the inspiration or thought process that went into it. The pommel looks like that of the Cawood sword but with a type L guard to me. I like it a lot! The close ups really show what Michael is capable of. The detail and crispness of the hilt fittings is just fantastic. Congratulations on a real winner!!!

William Swiger · Posted: Fri 20 Jan, 2012 9:29 am Post subject:

Thanks Tim. I told Michael the Cawood sword was one of my favorites but that I did not want an exact copy. He came up with the design and I stepped back and let him run with it. He did an excellent job on this sword and exceeded my expectations.

Myles Mulkey · Posted: Fri 20 Jan, 2012 7:43 pm Post subject:

Oooooooh... That's a nice one. Very impressive Happy

J.D. Crawford · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 5:39 am Post subject:

William, that's a beautiful sword. The Cawood-like pommel is particularly fine, I think its the best I've seen even comparing to swords that were supposed to be Cawood replicas. The blade reminds one of the big X in Paris, but its lines a very crisp and perfectly formed. Altogether a great package. Another masterpiece from Michael Pikula. Congratulations, JD

Jeremy V. Krause · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 7:32 am Post subject:

That's a very handsome, and intimidating package, right there. I'm also loving the pommel detail.

The blade slot into the guard is nice, tight, and crisp, as well.

Eric G. · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 9:10 am Post subject:

Wow. That pommel is really nice. I mean, the whole package is very good looking, but the pommel is just beautiful.

Just a little rabbit trail... I have noticed that a lot of the pommels on the viking type swords have those little rivets on the underside of the pommel. Why? What are those about?

Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team

Matthew G.M. Korenkiewicz · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 10:03 am Post subject:

Another handsomely executed broad blade from Mr. Pikula, whose work I continue
to enthusiasticly admire along side my fellow-forumites. Kudos to Mr. Swiger for
choosing a swordmaker who would do justice-and-more to the Canwood-like
design ( and who makes what looks like a darn good packing crate too !!! ) ... and
kudos as well to a neat presentation; simple pics, but with excellent angles that
reveal the qualities and details of the project ...

David Wilson · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 2:06 pm Post subject:

Michael always makes such nice swords! Such clean lines, such attention to detail. An awesome sword!

Christopher Gregg · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 3:18 pm Post subject:

Awesome...want! Multi-lobed Vikings are among my favorite swords, and Michael pulled this interpretation off very nicely.

Jean Thibodeau · Posted: Sat 21 Jan, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject:

Great work from Michael as usual. Big Grin

In addition to the great aesthetics Michael puts a lot of effort in getting his heat treats right and tests all his blades for durability before putting on the final touches to the finish.

He checks for chipping or rolling of edges as well as flexibility and return to true after being bent and tested for flexibility.

So, not just " pretty " swords they are also made so that if one was in period one would have confidence in them as functional weapons as good as the materials allow.

At some point Michael may have the time to elaborate more on his quality control testing that he does on every piece before it leaves the shop.