Here's the new grip wrap. Apparently its still wet so I guess it will be more of a mottled brown when dry.

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Yep. Mottled brown after drying.

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I really enjoy watching this one come together. It looks great so far. Looking forward to more photos.

The grip really turned out nice...I am a fan of the mottled color. I keep going back to the picture of the full sword...it really looks great, great idea to convert this to an XIII. The blade is so wide I think it distorts my perspective slightly and make it look like its only about 30 inches but I know its more like 33 which is even better. I think you have a real winner with this project.

Thanks guys.

As you know, I like to share the fun of watching a custom project develop. Makes the process more enjoyable.

Craig promised some more photos today...maybe the posed shots he likes to do sometimes...lets see. And we're talking about a scabbard so that could keep this thread going a bit longer.

-JD

And here it is in final form. I don't think I'll be packing this one for resale any time soon.

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Wow, this is definitely gorgeous!

You'll surely grace us with some in-hand shots and handling details, won't you?

First picture: detail on scabbard. Any guesses what this is? It's probably an historical anachronism but has personal value.

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Hi J.D., a very nice job on the sword and I don't want to derail the thread, but here of all places, where many have a more than passing interest in heraldry:

Quote:

A Scottish crest badge is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan.[1] Crest badges are commonly called clan crests, but this is a misnomer; there is no such thing as a collective clan crest, just as there is no such thing as a clan coat of arms. Crest badges consist of a crest and a motto/slogan. These elements are heraldic property and protected by law in Scotland. Crest badges may be worn by anyone; however, those who are not entitled to the heraldic elements within, wear a crest badge surrounded by a strap and buckle. Those who own the heraldic elements within, may wear a crest badge surrounded by a plain circlet. The strap and buckle represents that the wearer is a follower of the individual who owns the crest and motto.

Wikipedia: 'Scottish crest badge'

and this:

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Thank you Michael, I'm always happy to learn something new. Guess it's good we used the surrounding buckle...we wouldn't want to break any Scottish laws! -JD

I know that I have already commented on this J.D. but I just keep coming back to it. This was a great project and I once again have to applaud you to have the guts to take an Albion apart to have a blade more fitting for the fittings made. Craig and the crew at A&A did a superb job as always. Congratulations on another beautiful piece!

Two more scabbard photos:

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Final photos of the sword + scabbard. All's left now is for her to come home...and probably be subjected to a review.

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Well I was a bit weirded out by your idea, but it really did come together. I like my caithness quite a bit, so it's hard to think of breaking it up in such a way. But really, that blade shape and proportion is awesome. The effigy seems to support that large blade shape just as you found, and it's great to see such a massive blade come together. And I got your old scabbard, so I'm quite happy about it anyways!

Congratulations, those last photos certainly made me a believer. Good idea, great execution.