[Andy Biggers]

Hey all,

I have a quick question about a number of seaxes I have been looking at on Ebay by von Sussen. There they have listed three models of medium large scramaseax -- two are made from homogeneous steel and are in the $50 - $60 price range -- which for blade that size seem to be a bit on the cheap side. The third type the list is made of damascus and can be had for $180.00.

Is anyone here familliar with von Sussen's blades? I suspect that they are made in either India or China since the prices are way too low for North American or European manufacture. In other words, are they what they appear to be -- a really good deal, or are they typical third-world junk. I am especially interested in hearing from those who might have acquired a von Sussen Seax in the past -- there must be at least a few of you out there.

BTW, I am not interested in actually adding any of their blades to my collection -- what I am interested in is acquiring a tough camping and bush knife that will hold up to a fair degree of distress without coming apart.

Thanks in advance,

Andy

[Sean Flynt]

I can't comment on those weapons, but I can offer a suggestion for your search. I have one of these British military/NATO knives, and I can't imagine how one would go about damaging it. The blade is .25" thick and good steel. Main drawback is the weight, but if you want something you can use for any purpose without fear of breakage, you could do much worse. I have the version with wood scales, and I customized the scales slightly to fit my hand perfectly. Very comfortable knife.

http://www.1sks.com/store/lewis-international...knife.html

[William Goodwin]

As Sean suggested, if your looking for a durable, working blade, don't go for one of Karl
Von Sussens seax. His stuff caters to more stage combat/SCA/ costume items.
I have one of his brass swept hilt rapiers that I carried for a number of years doing Elizabethan re-enactments,
It's been a tough cookie for the purpose I've used it for (it's been sat on, stepped on, submerged in mud, heck I even backed over it with the truck one season). The blades are not heat tempered and will take a set if bent. Had the tang of mine beefed up and have antiqued it out.

A step above your standard India made wares, but that's about it......


Cheers,

Bill


ps - I've stuck a pic of the rapier up just funzies.............

[Andy Biggers]

Well, if his blades aren't heat treated, they aren't worth a hill of beans to me. I need something that is rugged and can take and hold a good edge (as well as a lot of banging around). I am a big fan of the seax style though and would really prefer it over a modern military style knife.

I wonder though if I can disassemble on of his saxes and and heat treated it myself -- I have a great deal of experience in heat treating metal -- unfortuantely, I don't know what kind of steel he uses though.

[Chuck Russell]

historically speaking i dont know that ive seen a saex like theres.