GSOW converted into a single-hand 'X' type -- myArmoury.com

Bryan Heff

I purchased a Tinker Great Sword of War recently for a real good price in the classifieds, the blade was extra flexible, considerably more so than the GSOW I owned previously. I decided to cut it down into a single-hander. Here are the results.

The grip is the stock GSOW grip, only cut down as well, I will probably make a new grip with nicer leather wrap in the future. 5-6 inches came off the tip of the blade and the cross guard was shortened. The fittings I dulled down as well as they come pretty glossy.

Total length - 36 3/4"
Blade length - 30 1/4"
Weight - 2 lbs 12 oz
POB - 5 1/2"
COP - 20 1/2"
Grip length - 4 1/4"
Cross length - 7"

I took inspiration from this excellent DIY project.
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=24155

Mike Arledge · Posted: Tue 04 Jun, 2013 7:25 pm Post subject:

Nicely done!! Gad you put it to good use!

Josh Wilson · Posted: Tue 04 Jun, 2013 8:29 pm Post subject:

Very cool! Are you going to make a scabbard for it?

Eric W. Norenberg · Posted: Tue 04 Jun, 2013 9:54 pm Post subject:

Hello Bryan,
I caught the beginning of this project over on sword-forum, glad to see it has come along! It looks really good, the proportions are very eye-pleasing. You have to make sure to post pics when you re-wrap the grip, I think a quality leather with risers at both ends would be just the thing!

How did you re-fit the pommel? Did you reduce the tang to fit the existing hole through the pommel, or did you hog out the pommel to fit the full width of the tang at that length? Or did you cut new threads to keep the stock attachment method?

You spent some time with the shortened blade on the standard-length hilt, if I recall correctly? Did you spend any time getting to know the sword in that configuration? It looked interesting at that stage.

Thanks,
Eric

Bryan Heff · Posted: Wed 05 Jun, 2013 3:22 am Post subject:

Hi Eric -

Thanks for the comments. The pommel is fitted using the exact same method as the stock version. So after cutting the tang and reshaped the end to match the original tang end I cut new threads, so its still a hex nut assembly and its fitted the same was as before.

Yes, prior to finishing the project I had it for at least a couple months in this configuration. My thoughts on it this way, in terms of handling is it struck me as a mean close quarters slasher. With the long grip and short blade quick and hard cuts could be made with a GREAT deal of leverage, similar to a katana in that regard. Ultimately though I wanted something more in line with a single-hand version..

Bryan Heff · Posted: Wed 05 Jun, 2013 3:23 am Post subject:

Bryan Heff · Posted: Wed 05 Jun, 2013 3:52 am Post subject:

Bryan Heff · Posted: Sat 13 Jul, 2013 4:54 pm Post subject:

Well, I finally got around to making a proper grip. I also reprofiled the tip to give it a slightly more convex point.

BTW - It just dawned on my that this grip looks like a Jr. version of the original GSOW grip which was really NOT my intent..haha. Even the color looks like GSOW leather but it is all new, no reuse here.

Ian Hutchison · Posted: Sat 13 Jul, 2013 6:52 pm Post subject:

Bryan, that sword looks great, as already mentioned the proportions seem really well balanced. It looks terribly powerful, definitely a sword that could split someone from crown to collarbone.

Joel Chesser · Posted: Sun 14 Jul, 2013 9:36 am Post subject:

This was a really cool mod. I really like the new grip.

Bryan Heff · Posted: Mon 15 Jul, 2013 10:45 am Post subject:

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 15 Jul, 2013 4:00 pm Post subject:

That's a much better looking sword all the way around, well done.