[Benjamin Rial]

I know it has been awhile since I last posted folks, but business has been pretty good (thank God) and I've been pounding away in the shop. Most of what I have done has been my more or less "standard" items that I have posted on my site. However, I've been thinking about good ol' Chris and Craig over at Arms & Armor lately. Years ago, My first real sword purchase was a Black Prince. I ordered it through their catalog and it was before the redesign. Old-style cross and plain pommel. It was back when Kerry was still on the staff and I think he was the one that built the one I have (at least that is what I remember Kerry saying). I still feel that it is an exceptional piece. There have been many renditions by various makers, and with all due respect to them all, AA's is the best. Actually I will not make a specific Black Prince piece because it is kind of a hero worship thing for me. I know, I'm weird. I've learned to live with myself.

My first purchase from AA so many years ago was one of their "Classic Large Daggers". As some of you may know I'm a dagger nut. Well, just to satisfy my own peculiarities and as a salute to AA, I decided to effect a little redo. Using the original guard and pommel, which I absolutely love, I forged one of my own blades and crafted a new grip from black walnut. The steel is 1095, differentially tempered, though not polished for the hamon. Here's the result:
I am NOT offering this for sale, nor am I going to offer the style for sale. This is simply a nod and salute of respect to Arms & Armor that helped fuel my obsession for sharp steel. Thanks guys!

[Jean Thibodeau]

Very nice, I like the geometry of the handle and at times leaving the wood exposed is really a good idea when the wood has such a nice grain.

[Scott Hrouda]

Nice work Ben!

Have you shared it with Craig yet? I've heard he's a little busy with the MN Ren Fest and all.

[Benjamin Rial]

Hey Scott and Jean, thanks for the compliments. I have alot of beautifully figured black walnut that I'm starting to use. Really exceptional stuff, of which this piece is the plainest. I find that, except for swords, I really prefer a "naked" grip on my knives and daggers.

Scott, no I haven't shared it with Craig yet. I know he is probably bug-nuts with the renny right about now. If he hasn't seen it in a week or two maybe I'll send him a head's up.

[Benjamin Rial]

Here's a small bump for Craig's perusal. I am curious as to why AA discontinued this particular model. The design is such a classic, at least in my mind.