Removing the pommel on a hand and a half sword? -- myArmoury.com

Alec Wilkas

I just recently bought this 15 century hand and a half sword on Ebay. The blade itself is actually very strong and after sparring with a friend for at least and hour the blade hasn't even scratched much, besides some nicks from a few edge to edge hits. The blade is made for cutting so it is quite thin. After all this, I've noticed the handle started to have some give to it, along with the cross guard. I'd like to remove the pommel so I can rework things, but I can't figure out how... I'm sure it's threaded, but it's on there good. Any advice?

Ralph Grinly · Posted: Sat 16 Mar, 2013 2:21 pm Post subject:

Maybe if you posted one or two pics of the sword, someone here might be able to identify it and let you know if the pommel is screwed on or peened.

Alen L · Posted: Sat 16 Mar, 2013 5:02 pm Post subject:

Yes, pictures would be most welcome. It might be screwed on AND peened, which'll make taking it off and putting it back on a bit of a hassle, or it might be simply filled with Locktite and won't budge because of that. If the whole handle, not just the crossguard, started rattling, it's usually a bad sign - don't fight with it any more, just in case it has a rat tail tang - sometimes, the blade is made OK, but doesn't gradually become less wide through the handle - it just becomes one rather flimsy thread of metal somewhere at the crossguard. Also, if you provide pictures of the sword itself, someone will probably be able to tell if they recognize the maker or if it looks like a display piece.

Alec Wilkas · Posted: Sat 16 Mar, 2013 10:55 pm Post subject:

Oops! I tried attaching pictures from my phone but I guess they didn't attach.

Here's a picture of the hilt. I can get more if needed.

Vincent Le Chevalier

This is not an answer to your question but...

Colt Reeves · Posted: Sun 17 Mar, 2013 10:17 am Post subject:

It looks like the Strongblade Warspike to me. http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/strongblade.html

I don't own it, so I can't go by anything but the review, which is favorable but also shows the sword isn't exactly the most solid thing in the world, which you already knew.

As mentioned by others, I wouldn't want to engage in free-play with a sword intended for cutting and not bouting. (I drove my friend to the ER after slicing open his lip with a Cold Steel waster, so you can see where I'm coming from. You can easily do some cutting with even an unsharpened blade...)

Alec Wilkas · Posted: Sun 17 Mar, 2013 7:25 pm Post subject:

It really isn't the best idea, but my sparring partner begged me to bout it out with him...
I'm in love with this sword, so I'm going to fix it up, but I can't seem to remove the pommel. I thank you Colt for finding my sword! Now i know for sure its only threaded. There must be a glue seal on it. Im hitting it with a hair dryer to try and break down the glue. Any other advice that may work better?
Thanks!

Luka Borscak · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 8:07 am Post subject:

You need much more heat, you'll do nothing with hair dryer. Happy

Try blowtorch.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 8:09 am Post subject:

if you have access to a bench vise with rubber jaws, just firmly mount the pommel in that, blade pointing up, and use the cross as a lever, turning counter-clockwise. If it still sticks, tap the top of the pommel firmly with a hammer to see if that will break free the threads.

Alec Wilkas · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 9:27 am Post subject:

I'll break out the vise as soon as I get home! I figured it'd go in this direction; I just wanted to make sure there wasn't any magic to it first lol.

l keep you guys updated on my progress, as I might have a little project on my hands. I also gotta give it to the Darkspike. I love this sword! Feels great in the hand and I love the style.

P. Frank · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 11:49 am Post subject:

Matthew P. Adams · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 12:12 pm Post subject:

I would try a heat gun before I resorted to a torch. You know, like a hairdryer but stronger, used to remove paint? That might loosen the glue with less risk of igniting the grip.

Alec Wilkas · Posted: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 8:47 pm Post subject:

The torch worked like a charm! I heated it for a good two minutes, and it twisted off with no resistance at all Happy

I also fixed the empty space inside the hilt and tapped it back in place with a hammer and repositioned the cross guard a bit. It's sturdy as a rock now.

I most likely won't be sparring much with it. If I do, it will just be light and predictable. Until I get a nice blunted sword for that purpose. I thank you all for your help!