Finally found time to post some pics of my reenactment blades. Enjoy!
(Expanding the photos will clear them up some)

S-Basket hilt by Donnie Shearer
Dirk by Ken Blume

Clam shell hanger by Kyle Williard (Old Dominion Forge)
Jack knife by Carol Shoemaker
Georgian pistol by Kennedy Firearms
Halberd, brass hilted hanger and belt axe were all eBay finds

Nice pics Chris! Thanks for posting them.


Bill

I absolutely love that clamshell hanger! Can you provide stats, particularly weight, of the piece?

I love that clamshell too. It's way out of my period, but I like a lot of that Old Dominion Forge stuff.

Someone had posted asking about the quality of OD forge's stuff a month or so ago. I was wondering if anyone had actually purchased anything from them. I'd love to hear about that hanger as well.

-v

Here are the stats on the hanger:
weight 2.0 lbs
overall length 32 1/2"
blade length 27 1/4"
blade width 1 1/2"

The blade on this sword is an old reproduction marked on the spine with the name "Hadley". I have owned one other hanger with the same blade. I have always regretted selling that hanger because the blade was so light and flexible. The one on the clam shell hanger is just as nice, but (unfortunately) had some pitting at the tip when Kyle acquired it. In the case of this hanger, it just adds to the character of the piece.

Kyle forges some of his sword blades, and purchases others. As this is the only sword I have bought from him, I do not know about the quality of the other blades he is using. I can attest to the quality of the hilt, which is wonderful. He is extremely exact on his work, which shows in the symmetry of the hilt. Overall, the hanger feels just right.

I have owned several of Kyle's knives, which I believe are the best value on the market today. My current belt knife is one he made. I also have a belt axe (not the one pictured above) and a tomahawk that he made -- both are extremely accurate reproductions and among the best quality I have seen.

I have heard others complain about the length of time it took to get their custom order completed. As I have only purchased items that were already complete, I cannot comment on order time. I can say that I have found Kyle very easy to deal with. I hope to do business with him again soon on a knife he has listed on his site.

Thanks, Geoff, for your added comments about Kyle.

I forgot to include one stat on my previous message:

Point of balance on the sword is 3 1/2" forward of the guard.

Chris