A beautiful sword, indeed.

I love Cervenka's work - my most prized rapier I own is one of his - precisely because it is not perfectly finished down to the tiniest detail, but rather it shows that it was crafted by a very skilled hand and as such, looks exactly as all the many original rapiers I have handled and seen. But not just looks, it also handles like an original.

How many times have you picked up an original sword and realised how different if looks, feels and handles from the replicas you have in your collection? I have never felt that 'difference' in a Cervenka. in my opinion they are just made 'right'.

Julian

Congrats Kirk, great addition to your collection. Like Julian, I am also a Cervenka fan, though my pieces are earlier period swords, except for my schiavonne.Glad to see that he will take on work outside of the selection on his website.

Kirk, thanks for the great review! I also have one of Vladimir's Sinclair Sabers, nearly identical to yours but with a "floral" sculpted pommel. Have to agree it's one of the best repros I've ever handled. Here's a couple of pics.

I want to thank everyone for your kind words. This sword certainly shows the level of work that Vlad Cervenka can accomplish (actually I think that there is very little that he could not do... when he put his mind to it).

Actually Vlad may have even out done this sword in a swept-hilt rapier/sword he made for me with a flamberge blade.

I will try and post a quick review of this beauty as soon as I can.

thanks again for taking time to comment.

take care,

ks

Hi Kirk,

First...welcome back. It's been entirely too long since you've been around here. You have been missed.

Second....thank you so very much for finally getting around to posting this review. I have literally been waiting years for this. The few tantalizing hints you'd dropped over the years about this sword had me drooling. The original in the Frazier is one of my all time favorites and this looks to be everything I'd hoped it would be and more. You are very fortunate. Hopefully some day I can commission another replica. Until then though I'll just peruse this thread. Congrats.

Kirk, that is a very nice saber! I especially like the flexing photo, I think it shows how thickness and distal taper are done the way they should be!
P.S. Have you ever finished that cable damascus celtic blade???

The project you plan really isn't easy but it will be glorious when finished. Good luck. :)