Hey, guys

I'm the owner of Rick Barrett's LONGCLAW, a sword that has gained a bit of fame around here and SFI due to the high-profile nature of GRRM's work (A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE). This sword is my most prized possession and I was very excited to have the opportunity to put together a write-up for the BWB web-site (Brotherhood Without Banners, a play on the Brotherhood WITH Banners from the SONG OF ICE AND FIRE books).

Here is the write-up. I took the opportunity to infuse the piece with a bit of a historical/scientific flavoring for those fans who are not familiar with the art/hobby so many of us have grown to love.

Without further ado, enjoy!

http://bwbfanclub.com/co_longclaw.php

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Congratulations on an impressive sword. I had the opportunity to see that a couple of years ago when it was in it's component parts stage. It's nice to see it completed in such a fine fashion. That sword is definitely one of a kind and so is it's maker.

Wow! Very impressive piece! And, I am sure, well worth the 18 months wait. The highlight of the piece, for me, is the wolf's head pommel.

VERY nice. It's not quite how i pictured it, but i really like the rendition. congrats, put it to good use.

Very nice piece but we need more pictures of it ;) :D

Congrat's!

One question; The pommel seems quite small; How is the balance of the weapon?

The furry scabbard goes well with that piece. Is it a pelt from the great white wolf?

Hi everyone,

Again, thank you for all the kind words. The balance on the sword is pretty nice. I don't have much experience with two-handers at all, but the only one I can compare this to is a custom two-hander from Castle Keep. It is my distinct sense that Longclaw feels much more "fluid" and "alive" than the CK one did (no strike to the craftsmanship, but Rick is in a totally different league). I think what helps is the LENGTH of the tang, as it is really a true two-hander as opposed to a hand-and-a-halfer.

Ryan, for more pictures, click the article. If you've already seen those, they are all I have to offer presently.

And, yes, the white wolf's fur (I believe this is truly wolf's fur... I'd have to ask Rick again) was inspired by Ghost, Jon's Direwolf, but no Direwolves were harmed in the construction of this piece, as promised by the article. ;)

-Ryan

Hi Ryan,
Cool write up and fantastic sword by Rick, as always.
but in fairness i have to say the comparison you have is as many say apples and oranges,
comparing an older sword that is minimum at a guess a quarter or less than a higher end sword example is like expecting a production sword to shine against a full custom,
please take the comment as it's meant,just a note on even comparisons, :D different league's also run with different prices.
if i'm out of line,please pm,this is a good thread,
;)