[Nate C.]

Greetings all,

I have this bare Epee blade lying around and have decided to make it into a smallsword for one of my classes. Here's my dilemma; I don't really have an accurate idea of what the fittings should weigh. I would be really interested in some ballpark figures for the separate components.

Thanks,

[Jonathan Hopkins]

I recommend posting this on the "Cult of the Small-sword" thread on that other sword forum (SFI).

Jonathan

[Bill Grandy]

I wish I could give you a specific weight, other than to tell you that they're very light. But you probably knew that. Every antique smallsword I've been able to weigh was less than a pound overall, which means the fittings would have to be very light. I own one antique that weighs a total of 0.8 lbs, and an antique blade mounted with modern fittings that weighs 0.7 lbs. With both I imagine the hilt weighs about half that of the blade, though that's a guess.

If you are using a modern epee blade, I would make the fittings about the same as a modern epee's fittings. This will be subtly heavier than an typicall smallsword, but this is because an epee is slightly bigger than the average smallsword. If you cut the blade down, I'd weigh how much you cut off, and adjust accordingly. Hope that helps!

[Craig Johnson]

I can add a bit to what Bill posted which I would guess is pretty close to right on as far as proportions.

I have handled several dismounted small swords over the years and weighted a few of them. The blades are usually quite light, say 6.5 to 7.5 ozs or so (180 to 210 grams @) the hilts have been about the same say 6 to 8 ozs (175 to 220 grams @). There are heavier and lighter examples but this is a pretty comfortable envelope for a classic small sword. My guess is your epee blade will be heavier.

Best
Craig