Reunited with old friends: swords by Al Massey, Glen Parrell -- myArmoury.com

James A. Vargscarr

After languishing in England for the past eight months, my two favourite swords finally caught up with me. They were shipped off a couple of weeks ago to my new residence in Canada, and I couldn't be happier to see them again, safe and sound. Doubtless they're glad to be back on these shores too, since both were forged by Canadian smiths. They're a well travelled pair, but - thankfully - remain none the worse for their journeying.

The sword below is one of Al Massey's famous leaves. It's just indescribable in the hand, and if I could keep only one sword from my current collection, this would be it. I've never held a weapon with so much personality.

Weight: 2lbs 4oz
Overall length: 37.5"
Blade: 28"
Grip: 8"
POB (from guard): 3.25"

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As enamoured of the leafblade as I am, this pattern-welded Viking themed short sword by Glen Parrell is just as special to me. It was the first custom sword I ever commissioned, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the results. Its prettiness in pictures belies no small degree of ruggedness when encountered in person - it's a real scrapper; and I love the oily, almost fungal pattern Glen brought out in the blade. I was glad to recently find it pictured in the myArmoury 'Compare' tool lineup; and now it's also my avatar.

Weight: 1lb 12oz
Overall length: 28"
Blade: 22"
Grip: 4"
POB (from guard): 1"

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Just wanted to share my relief at having these two back in hand!

Robert W. Betten · Posted: Fri 28 Jan, 2005 5:17 pm Post subject:

Glen was the first custom smith I ever heard about and REALLY wanted something like that shorty...he had a video on his website holding it I believe? its a shame with recent events that I wouldnt order from him but he is no less a brilliant smith!

Scott Byler · Posted: Fri 28 Jan, 2005 6:03 pm Post subject:

Hey James... I'm pleased to see you got your swords back to hand. I always miss mine whenever I'm away from them for long. Happy

Mark Moore · Posted: Sat 29 Jan, 2005 8:03 pm Post subject:

What's the latest word on Glen P ? Anyone heard from him? It's like he dropped off the face of the earth........hmmmm. mcm.

James A. Vargscarr · Posted: Sun 30 Jan, 2005 3:30 am Post subject:

Robert - exactly right; the video is still up there. VikingMetalWorks.com is certainly one of the better bladesmith's websites on the web; it's a fine showcase for a large portion of Glen's work.

As for the latest word on Glen, he just finished a beautiful pattern welded leafblade for Scott Byler, and I imagine that he's currently working through his backlog of orders. I haven't contacted Glen since receiving the rapier he made me a few years ago; but I would love to commission work from him again someday.

Scott - I've never been without my swords for such an extended period before. This will sound painfully corny, but I learned quite a bit about my relationship with them through the experience - I've never found myself so emotionally attached to a material possession before, and was frankly surprised by how much I missed their presence these past months...Unpacking them a few days ago felt eerily like receiving totally new pieces. It almost made their absence worthwhile. Almost. Wink

Scott Byler · Posted: Sun 30 Jan, 2005 10:58 am Post subject:

Got my sword, haven't heard a thing from him since. I'm going to have to get ahold of him somehow and discuss the idea of focus with him... lol As in I still owe him a painting and money and I keep asking him with no answer if his old address is where he wants the stuff or what... I do hope that he is still working away and will get himself out from under the 'cloud' that has descended on him. The guy makes a fine blade and it would be a shame if he disappeared as a reliable source to get custom work done. Time will tell, I guess...