[Lukas MG]

Thanks I think I will go with the rain guard, I agree, it would really add to the look.

@ Oliver Schmid, it seems we're neighbors. Living in Ulm, myself

[Lukas MG]

Here is the blade is polished to 400grit and with the fittings blackened. Unfortunately, the guy I'm usually going to for hot peening ran out of oxygen for the torch and is only getting new in by mid January. Until then I have to basically sit on my hands, except for taking the blade up to the final 1000 grit and getting started on the wooden handle. Annoying but not all bad I guess since it gives me time to get in some studying for university...

[Lukas MG]

Blade is polished and the fittings are mounted, ready to be peened.

Isn't a smooth, polished blade a most beautiful thing? Seeing it this way makes up for the many hours spend with micarta block and sandpaper...

[Lukas MG]

Btw: since the sword will be finished shortly, I have one slot opening up. If you are interested in purchasing a custom sword made by me, now's the time to contact me

[Lukas MG]

(Note that at the time of the taking of the pics, I had recently applied a coat of leather wax onto the grip, making it a bit darker and "splotchy" than it will be in the end)

Finally, the last XVIII is finished. It took longer to complete than I had originally planned as a few things like the sword maker‘s show in Solingen unexpectedly came up and I‘m very thankful that the customer proved to be both understanding and patient.

Anyway, let‘s get to the sword. This is my third interpretation of the type XVIII longswords (not counting a small XVIIIa bastard sword) and I believe it‘s the best one overall, or rather the one I‘m personally most satisfied with. It‘s the most balanced one of the bunch, meaning it doesn‘t lean strongly towards either cutting power or agility but stradles a happy medium. It is a big sword and the quite broad blade betrays its cutting ability but it remains very manageable overall, offering agile and smooth handling characteristics in a large package.



This sword‘s dimensions are directly based on this original and I‘m happy to say that I managed to match the original very closely in practically every important figure.

http://www.zornhau.de/wordpress/wp-content/up...3-SW-3.pdf

Stats:

Overall length: 134.5cm (53“)
Blade length: 101cm (40“)
Blade width at base: 4.7cm (1.85“)
PoB: 11.5cm (4.5“)
CoP: 61cm (24“)
Forward pivot point: at tip
Hilt node: 7cm (2.8“) behind guard in the handle
Weight: 1960g (4.3lbs)

While certainly of the bigger and stouter type, the sword is an excellent example of a late medieval longsword. The massive and stiff XVIII blade combines well defined, sharp edges with a deadly thrusting point. The long handles gives ample space for two hands and enough leverage to manouver the 40“ blade.

I can imagine a sword like this to be used not only in a civilian context but also on the battlefield, cutting down those with little or no protection and working the point into the unarmored gaps of those able to afford plate. Having tested this sword‘s brother against mail, I can say that it would probably have little trouble penetrating but the very best of mail. You can read about that test here: https://sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/40912/

The guard and pommel are reworked fittings from a Del Tin DT2160 that was supplied by the customer. Using pre-made fittings can save time though it usually also proves to be a bit of a hassle to get everything to fit together and in the case of the pommel, to be of the correct weight. And of course far from all fittings are high quality enough to even attempt reusing them.



My favorite part of the sword is the pommel. It adds character and gives the overall plain sword a bit complexity. I just love how it looks and despite its somewhat „edged“ appereance, it is plenty comfortable to hold.
You might notice that I again chose to fire blacken the hilt furniture. I will not be doing that on all my swords (I think ) but I really came to like the contrast between the smooth, polished blade and the dark, somewhat grim look of the fittings.

I shaped the handle to have fairly flat sides, top and bottom being gently curved. I have seen this on an original and quite like how effortless it makes correct edge alignement. During winding actions or other techniques it is always absolutely clear which way the edge is facing.



I have long thought about adding a rain guard to the sword and made several templates but finally decided against it. I feel it would disrupt the otherwise simple yet so striking outline of the weapon.

I will later add a cutting video, as usual.

I really enjoyed exploring the type XVIII. Making several different interpretations of the type offered a fascinating learning experience and I will be making good use of everything I learned. We‘ll see what comes next

Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

Cheers,
Lukas

[William Swiger]

Excellent looking sword. Sure the new owner will be very pleased.

[Lukas MG]

I sure hope so, Bill

[Lukas MG]

Here's the cutting vid. Light targets, not at all what a war sword is intended for, but it does just fine. As long as I don't screw up, messed up the edge alignment on two of these short cuts.

Anyway:
https://youtu.be/BTUTFwrJt8Q

[Jeremiah Swanger]

Once again, Lukas, excellent work!

I like how the sword has a very understated, clean appearance from a distance, but there are some really interesting details for those who take a closer look, such as the facets in the pommel and the cross-section of the guard.

Nicely-done!