Customizing a Rondel -- myArmoury.com

Zach Gordon · Posted: Mon 12 Oct, 2009 3:04 pm Post subject: Customizing a Rondel

Hi again,
I just bought this rondel http://www.museumreplicas.com/images/product/large/206_1_.jpg http://www.museumreplicas.com/images/product/large/206_2_.jpg when it was on the deal of the day for $40. It looks decent as is, but I am sending it off to get it a custom sheath (Tods Stuff style) with tooling, and made from (according to this guy) two layers of 1.5oz vegtan leather, on one layer shiny side in, on the other shiny side out; hardened; and dyed using period dye. The guy I'm sending it to sounds wicked knowledgeable about this kind of thing. He is going to also redo the grip and can he said do a few different kinds (carved wood one, a leather one, bone one, or horn one). Polish the rondels sharpen it, etc.
What he told me to do was come up with a scabbard tooling design, or general style. And a grip material, style, etc. He said I can send him pictures of different reconstructions that I like so he can get an idea of the kind of style I want, but he will NOT copy someone else's interpretation. Alternately he said, I can send him pics of originals. I am spending allot of money getting this all done so I want it as accurate as possible (able to with stand the scrutiny of the most accurate living history group Laughing Out Loud

even though I don't do that kinda thing Laughing Out Loud

) So can you guys show me pics of any tooled sheaths/scabbards you have (repro or original), and tell me what I should ask for grip wise, etc. I don't know that much about rondels (yes I read the feature article) so please help me!!! Oh if this is based on a specific museum piece can you tell me/ show me which one.
Thnx
Z

Hadrian Coffin · Industry Professional

I recently made a rondel scabbard in a similar (if not identical) style to what you explained above. I will try and get pictures up later if you'd like. The number one book (in my opinion) for sheath and scabbard diagrams is Knives and Scabbards. The scabbard I made came straight from one of the ones in there. Personally I find a "writhen" grip a nice touch, in a black horn I think it would look brilliant on that dagger.
Cheers,
Hadrian