[Etienne Hamel]

Hello, everyone. i've been sitting on a sword project for a while. i wanted to make it different and not necessarily historical and really make it my own. since i don't have what it takes to forge fittings, i was thinking about making tri plate construction fittings using a jeweller's saw since i just bought blades for it. i'd use 1/4'' plates and stack/rivet them together similar to a migration period style.

since i'm familiar enough to making japanese tsubas my idea was to make the center plates first because i'd hammer a raised rim on both and then use cardboard or something to make the templates for the other four plates. i bought solid rivets for that too. i'll probably have to go see a welder or something to peen the rivets and peen the tang over a 4 point star peen plate inspired by some migration era pieces.

my problem is with the direction of the shape, i'm not sure yet if i want it lenticular, or with ''flat ends'' (see the albion berserker). the shape is really the thing that's stopping me from starting the fittings so if anyone has some inspiration to get my gears going it'd be a fun thing (and interesting topic!!!).

[Dan D'Silva]

Well, if you aren't restrained by being strictly historical then the correct answer is whichever one calls to you more. Personally I think too much in the way of chunky fittings and sharp angles puts me in mind of modern fantasy dwarves -- I'm a fan of the Type 6 hilts along the lines of the ones from Vendel, so I'd go with lenticular plates. This last one in Michael Pyron's post here has always been one of my favorites. Doesn't need a ring, the grip can be all wood, and I'd make the cap from one solid piece of free-machining brass (Crazy Crow's is my go-to, maybe a little on the small side for this) though if you prefer steel and have the right size of bar stock, that might be stronger when you're peening the tang.

Looking forward to seeing what you decide on.