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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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 Posted: Wed 19 Jun, 2013 11:12 am Post subject: Hungry Seax & Serpent Sword by Pikula, in-progress |
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A happy Wednesday to everyone!
I wanted to take a few minutes to share two projects that are currently underway, and looking for a patron. The first is a pattern welded sword that is inspired by very early viking/migration era blades. There is no fuller, and the pattern is heavily influenced by the theme of the serpent. The core is composed of 9 rods, the central rod being a slowly creeping serpent of wrought iron, the patterning achieved by twisting the rod back at froth approximately 90 degrees, then forging flat, and is the same rod on each side. Next there are two bundles of 4 rods, on one side they form circles, or diamonds to symbolize the spots found on the back of snakes. On the opposite side the twisted sections are twisted in a similar proportion, but are offset to form the visual pattern of a snake moving across the ground, weaving back and forth.
I am really happy with the way that it turned out, but have yet to come up with a design for the hilt. If someone is interested in becoming the patron for this sword, I am very open to discussions as to what direction to take the hilting and scabbard making.
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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Wed 19 Jun, 2013 11:27 am Post subject: |
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The second piece is a pattern welded seax, which I have named "Hungry Seax"
The pattern has a series of triangles formed by twisted sections across 3 rods, each pointing toward the edge. A wrought iron serpent separates the body from the monosteel cutting edge. As with most historic specimens this blade developed quite a bit of a nose curve in quench, and when combined with the angle of the grip, it gives it a very hungry feel. The spine is decently thick on this one so it has a very significant amount of mass as well, adding to its over all presence.
I have a grip planned out for this blade, and have not yet formed a solid design for the scabbard, so if someone is interested in the piece please get in touch!
Thank you for taking the time to look at my work and I'll be posting updates as progress is made!
Michael
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Robert Muse
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| Posted: Wed 19 Jun, 2013 2:02 pm Post subject: Sword |
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Michael,
The sword blade is stunning! I would dearly love to have a migration period sword based on that. but it goes without saying that it is far out of my reach now. Some lucky owner will be very pleased to have this as the center of his collection.
Your blades are always a work of art.
That pattern welded, inlayed langsax I have from you is one piece that I will never sell.
Robert
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Tim Lison
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| Posted: Wed 19 Jun, 2013 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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Holy smoke! Those are excellent Michael! I really like the sword blade. A bit too early for me to consider but someone sure will be lucky to have this one! WOW is all I can say! Looking forward to seeing how you finish them off...
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Robert Môc
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 1:00 am Post subject: |
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Perfect.This is really high level of craftmanship.Congratulations Michael.
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Paul Mortimer
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| Posted: Thu 20 Jun, 2013 2:45 am Post subject: |
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Wonderful work. Both fantastic. I especially like the sword blade.
Paul
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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Mon 24 Jun, 2013 6:48 am Post subject: |
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Thank you so much for all the comments gents! I have more pattern welded pieces that are being made this week as well as two shorter knives made from high carbon crucible steel. Your comments and encouragement are warming as always. 
Michael
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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Thu 22 Aug, 2013 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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I have put the final finish on the Serpent Sword and it turned out absolutely beautiful! I couldn't be happier with it. Here are a few shots, and a link to my Facebook page that has more images of the patterning.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaels-Smithy/271965196223148
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Patrick Kelly
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| Posted: Thu 22 Aug, 2013 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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Michael, that's an absolutely stunning pattern on that sword blade.
"In valor there is hope.".................. Tacitus
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Jean Thibodeau
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| Posted: Fri 23 Aug, 2013 5:12 am Post subject: |
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| Patrick Kelly wrote: | | Michael, that's an absolutely stunning pattern on that sword blade. |
Yes that is seriously beautiful just looking at the pattern, the whole finished sword should be scary beautiful.
You can easily give up your freedom. You have to fight hard to get it back!
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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Mon 26 Aug, 2013 6:46 am Post subject: |
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Thank you very much for the feedback Patrick and Jean!
The sword and the seax are also still looking for a patron, so if anyone is interested please send me a message.
Thank you agian,
Michael
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Owen Bush
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Mon 26 Aug, 2013 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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Being a pattern welder myself , I would expect to see a nice piece of pattern welding and think ...well there is a nice piece of pattern welding.
In the case of this sword I am afraid that I simply cant say that.
This is certainly not just a nice piece of pattern welding, its quite stunning.
A magnificent piece of work.
I await the finished sword with baited breath.
forging soul into steel .
www.owenbush.co.uk the home of bushfire forge school of smithing .
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Matthew Parkinson
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Thu 29 Aug, 2013 4:44 am Post subject: |
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This is just stunning, really one of the Best Patterns I have ever seen. Way to raise the Bar Micheal!
Matthew Parkinson
it takes fire and steel to make a sword but only one of these to ruin one
FALLING HAMMER PRODUCTIONS LLC
Dragons Breath Forge
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Michael Pikula
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Thu 05 Sep, 2013 2:32 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you very much for the positive feedback. It is always nice to hear one's efforts were worthy.
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This is a standard topic