Nathan, would the blade on the Knecht be a correct type (or correct ENOUGH) for a Swiss saber? (Assuming it could be adapted to that hilt). I have a Knecht coming, and while I don't want to alter it, it MAY be reason to get another. I truly love Swiss sabers and that one is a beauty.

Cheers
Dave Lannon

These pics were on an antique dealer's site (lion gate I think). It doesn't have a basket to it but it does have the rear guard and thumb ring. As I look at these again, I'm scurious to know if there might have been a knuckle guard at one time that either broke off or was cut off. Interesting.

Cheers,

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Rear Of Hilt

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Front Overall Shot

Here's something similar from Hermann Historica. It's a modern piece so it sold for 450 Euro. 450 EURO! I often see stuff like this at auction sites--modern repros carefully antiqued and sold for peanuts because they're not authentic. If you like faux antiques, this seems like a great way to build a collection.

Here's the text:

Schweizer Degen,
neuzeitliche Sammleranfertigung im Stil um 1550. Beidseitig gekehlte Rückenklinge mit verbreiterter, zweischneidiger Spitze. Die Fehlschärfe mit einseitig geschlagener Schmiedemarke (Lilie). Eisernes Bügelgefäß, belederte Hilze mit Astknauf. Länge 106 cm.

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Christian,

I must commend you on the very elegant execution of both the guard and the grip. They look really nice, and the quality of the craftsmanship is apparent even to someone who is not specifically interested in these types of sword.

Drool cup please! :surprised: Beautiful work by Christian!

Very nice hilt work and I think the blade isn't too bad a mismatch considering it wasn't made for that hilt design per se. I do hope folks will step up and give Gus their feelings on what would make for a more fitting blade type....

Scott Byler wrote:

VI do hope folks will step up and give Gus their feelings on what would make for a more fitting blade type....

Without taking the opportunity to document actual swords, the sharing of thoughts and photos only goes so far. One must have these in-hand to know and I unfortunately can't help in that area. I wish I could, though.

I've already pointed to several examples and others have been discussed. There are more than a few to view right here on this site.

Having said that and realizing the limited value of viewing these, here are some swords:

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

I'm posting 3 more pictures that I think are relevant. The first 2 are of similar sabers to the ones we're discussing. The third is of a messer, but the blade is very similar to what the blade on the majority of this type of saber (the ones I've seen) look like. The main differences that I can see between the original blades and the one that is used in this piece, is that the originals come to a much more acute point, have a back blade towards the tip end running about 1/3 of the blade, and they seem to have a thicker portion towards the hilt end running for 1/4 of the blade. I don't think this is a ricasso because it seems to be sharpened on most examples I've seen. That said, I think the blade I used is close and I certainly love the way it looks. I'm having Christian put a rear guard onto this one after hearing the feedback on this thread. Thanks to everyone who's posted, I'll put up pics as soon as I get them.

-Tim

Looking at all these swords is just COOL! :cool: :D :eek:

One thing I noticed about the blades shown is that they have a "asymetrical" tip. The cutting side of the tip takes up more width than the "false" edge. I think this and the wider fuller (no flat areas) are the main difference between the trim saber and the period examples.

Cheers,

Ahh the tip.... an assymetrical tip.......... Thanks all for the suggestion and photos.........

I designed the blade with the current tip because the more spatulate type tip cuts better in tip cuts..... but for what its worth, there'll be another longsaber blade come off the line sometime this spring, with a tip more in line with some of these photos......

Thanks all

You know what's funny, Gus? I have tunnel vision, too. I think it's part of being brilliant :) (humble mode turned back on now)

Anyway, I know you didn't design that blade to be like this "early" type of saber, but rather an inspired design that is likely more towards a later period with a lot of performance and handling ability thrown in to get your head wrapped around the sabers, etc. I think you've got a really effective, if not unique, methodology with these things that makes for some good product.

Cheers

This is a picture of the Swiss saber guard that Christian Fletcher has just finished. Thanks to everyone who commented on my first post, I had Christian add the thumb guard after reading the comments. I think the final result is a much more historically accurate one, and my thumb will now be much safer....

That sword is a beauty, Tim. I would love to have one of those, one of these days.

Yes! That's awesome. I want one.

That is hands down the best hilt that I've seen Christian put together. He just keeps on getting better. Makes me sad that I don't have a project in the works with him this year Sigh. Maybe next year. Please post some more pics. I know there was another thread on your saber. Maybe a moderator can combine them into one thread.

Congratulations on your saber.