[Jeremy V. Krause]

Hello Everyone,
I have noticed through reading Oakshott and visits to various museums that many swords of the medieval period, most in Oakshott's works, have inlaid text or designs on the blade in iron, copper, silver, and latten. Despite this I have not seen any arms and armour companies utilizing this. What do you think? I know that such work would increase the price, but historical replicas or reconstructions with this would be really cool.

[Patrick Kelly]

I think you've answered your own question. It boils down to cost.

I know that custom smiths have used inlays to good effect, Vince Evans and Kevin Cashen to name a couple.

On the production side it would defeat the work ethic of most companies. Most are working within a certain price point that precludes this kind of embellishment. I do know that Albion is considering offering inlay as an option on some of their future projects. As consumers become more educated they see the value of these extra details, even in a production sword. It would be nice to see other companies follow suite, because it is neat.

[Jeremy V. Krause]

Thanks Patrick,
I am very glad to hear that Albion may be offering this in the future. I really want my next sword to have this I guess if I was to purchase a production piece I would just have to choose some historically relevant matter, that is unless Albion chose to make a reproduction of this beautiful Type XII shown in Oakeshott's Archeology of Weapons, with a downturned guard with animal heads at the ends. I don't have the book on me so I can't relay the page #. If this sword were reproduced IT WOULD BE MINE.

[Sean Flynt]

Hmmm...just last night I was wondering if there are any American Damasceners who would provide simple damascening for a 16th or 17th c. hilt.