Hi All,

Here are some more pictures I took of the Walter Allan-inspired
basket hilt made by resident hammersmith Eljay Erickson. The
photos aren't the greatest, but they're not too bad. I still aim to
do a write-up on my next day off later this week, but there's nothing
liek pictures to tide one over in-between. Hope y'all enjoy them.

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Main Knuckleguard.

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Forward guards/front.

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Leaning, with scabbard.

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Scabbard tip. Eljay's scabbard work has just gotten better
and better! I really like what he did here. He also did a
good job on the tooling too, which you can sort of see.

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Inside the scabbard. Eljay based the throatless look on some examples
in Neumann's book. Note the thin, folded, U-shaped piece of wood that
the leather is built on. Period also according to Eljay. Kind of a nice
in-between method that's not too floppy, and not too stiff when worn.

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Old friends warm the heart...

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Hi Capt. Alex

A wonderful recreation ! Eljay did a real nice job !

It's awesome to see our favorite pieces of history being recreated by the talented hammerman of today !

I look forward to reading your report on it !

Congrats again, Mac

Hi Mac,

Thomas McDonald wrote:

A wonderful recreation ! Eljay did a real nice job! It's awesome to see our favorite pieces of history being recreated by the talented hammerman of today ! I look forward to reading your report on it!

Yeah, I am utterly happy with the pieces Eljay has done for me.
The man's just a wonderful smith, and an even better person.
I can't wait until me next project with him!

Speaking of reviews Mac. Can you find me that link you sent
eons ago for that Bakers Helper scale? I'd like to order one
but can't find it!

Take care,

Alex

Hi Alex

The scale Vince & I use is the Salter "Bakers Dream" model # 3007 , with an 11 lb capacity .

We purchased them through King Arthur Flour , but presently their catalogue is offering different models ?

The link below has them for sale , Mac

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http://www.happycookers.com/wc.dll/products/divulge/1-13237.html

It was a very interesting design and you are right about the work getting better. I noticed it even thoguh the only examples of his work I've seen are in your collection. The wooden blade was a bit of a surprise though especially since it looked real at a distance in the pub.

Does Mr. Eljay Erickson have a website with examples of his work, or is he a "local treasure"?

Presently I am the caretaker of 4 baskethilts by E.B. Erickson (Eljay) , with another piece to be made this year !
Eljay does excellent work .... and is a most wonderful guy to deal with ! Mac

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Here's an Eljay S-hilt that is now part of the David Wilson Armoury !

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And 3 Eljay pieces that belong to Alex McCracken !

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And Eljay is also suppling a few custom baskets, to Angus Trim (fitted out with Angus Trim's furniture / blades), and sold thru All Saints Blades !

Mac

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Hi Mac,

I knew you would come along with the photo montage. ;) Can't wait to see your next beauty! Eljay's work is always magnificent.

Hey Alex, thanks for sharing the pics of this new piece. This is a style and form that I would like to see more attention given by the reproduction market.

Mac,

Thanks for the info on the scale. I'm getting ready to order one.

Nathan,

No problem on the pics. It's my pleasure to share them, especially
since I tend to feel that Eljay's work doesn't get near enough the
attention it deserves. I too would like to see some other styles of
basket hilts make it out onto the market. It's depressing seeing
the same 3 types no matter where you shop.

Alex