Nolo
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Does anyone know of a good swordsmith (internet or around the D.C. area) that will make custom, accurate and combat-quality weapons? Have a need for a custom sword, and I was mostly just wondering if anyone on here knew anybody.
Need a Custome Sword...
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Nolo
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My budget is relatively large, but not enormous. I can handle several hundred dollars, but you start getting into the thousands and... let's just say I lose enthusiasm. 
I'm not interested in already-made swords (such as those from Windlass Steelcrafts or Generation2) because I want the sword made specially. I was recently in a car accident as some of you may know, and in it my best friend died. The car caught on fire and, as a result, he had to be cremated (his parents would have never done it otherwise, they were Catholic, even though it was his wish). I want to have (some of) his ashes used in the creation of a sword. He would have loved that. We used to fight all the time, perfecting our swordplay and maneuvers, so that's right us his alley.
Anyway, I ramble, but now you know why I want a custom sword in particular.
I'm not interested in already-made swords (such as those from Windlass Steelcrafts or Generation2) because I want the sword made specially. I was recently in a car accident as some of you may know, and in it my best friend died. The car caught on fire and, as a result, he had to be cremated (his parents would have never done it otherwise, they were Catholic, even though it was his wish). I want to have (some of) his ashes used in the creation of a sword. He would have loved that. We used to fight all the time, perfecting our swordplay and maneuvers, so that's right us his alley.
Anyway, I ramble, but now you know why I want a custom sword in particular.
Check with the blacksmith's guild of Virginia (http://www.blacksmithguildofva.com/links.php) and find out who they have as swordsmiths.
Do you want to incorporate the ashes into the blade or into the pomel/hilt/guard in some manner? Incorporating them into the blade will be a problem, but incorporating them into an epoxy resin to help hold the grip on would be relatively easy.
If the grip is sufficient to house your friend's remains then a good blade from any number of good sources could be purchased and a sword build in you and your friend's favorite style. Companies like Albion Armorers and Salamander Armoury are excellent to deal with. Look at swordforum.com for further information.
Do you want to incorporate the ashes into the blade or into the pomel/hilt/guard in some manner? Incorporating them into the blade will be a problem, but incorporating them into an epoxy resin to help hold the grip on would be relatively easy.
If the grip is sufficient to house your friend's remains then a good blade from any number of good sources could be purchased and a sword build in you and your friend's favorite style. Companies like Albion Armorers and Salamander Armoury are excellent to deal with. Look at swordforum.com for further information.
Loyalist Dave
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For production swords they're asking at Cold Steel from $300 to $550, and I don't know if I'd go with anything less in the "real sword" category. I think for a properly hand forged sword (the height of a smith's craft) you'd be looking at thousands of dollars. So the idea to incorporate the ashes into a grip sound pretty good, and you'd be holding onto him as well as the sword when you wielded the blade. Otherwise the grip would form a barrier between you and him if he was in the actual blade. No?
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MatthewVanitas
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Could you get a micartasmith (or whatever you call them) to sprinkle the ashes between the layers of micarta as they're glued down? That might be one of the more straightforward options.
Maybe check out the Angus Trim, who has both traditional and "modern" swords with good rep: http://www.angustrimdirect.com/tacswords.htm
Maybe check out the Angus Trim, who has both traditional and "modern" swords with good rep: http://www.angustrimdirect.com/tacswords.htm
In a cremation the ash is pulverized bone fragments. There is little, if any, carbon left. His friends remains will be mostly CaCO3.
Nolo
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I'd rather incorporate them into the blade, as it is really the heart and soul of a weapon (the grip/hilt can deteriorate and/or be changed over time, it is the blade that lasts for the life of the sword). I don't mean to incorporate an enormous amount of them into the blade, just enough for sentimental value (his mother would never let me use them all anyway). I imagine that I'd need no more than a pinch or so. Besides, practically trace amounts of calcium carbonate wouldn't hurt, would they?
Another reason for getting the sword custom forged is that I have my own ideas for the design of the weapon. I really want it to be halfway between a Claymore and a bastard sword.
Another reason for getting the sword custom forged is that I have my own ideas for the design of the weapon. I really want it to be halfway between a Claymore and a bastard sword.
Try searching here: [email protected]
Jesse Frank is the only Western-style swordsmith that I know of who still smelts his own steel. Only Japanese-style smiths will do their own smelting while western smiths typically use already made billets.
As for cost, unfortunately you are looking at the mid to high thousands for a commission piece, at least.
Jesse Frank is the only Western-style swordsmith that I know of who still smelts his own steel. Only Japanese-style smiths will do their own smelting while western smiths typically use already made billets.
As for cost, unfortunately you are looking at the mid to high thousands for a commission piece, at least.
I'm sorry to tell you that incorporating anything but a very small amount of your friend's ashes into the blade won't produce a usable blade.
There have been swords that incorporated the remains of some famous/special person. This was done by incorporating the remains into the hilt/guard/pommel and not the blade.
There have been swords that incorporated the remains of some famous/special person. This was done by incorporating the remains into the hilt/guard/pommel and not the blade.
Nolo
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Very small amount is fine for me.
I don't need alot to have what I want.
As for thousands of dollars... it may take a while, but I think I could get that much.
I just may not be going to Ireland next year...
I don't need alot to have what I want.
As for thousands of dollars... it may take a while, but I think I could get that much.
I just may not be going to Ireland next year...
Stickjockey
Member
I'd also recommend getting in touch with Angus Trim, or maybe the guys at Albion Armorers (http://www.albion-swords.com) could help; put you in touch with someone, at least. there's also Christian Fletcher (http://www.christianfletcher.com who does custom hiltwork on Albion blades.
For complete custom stuff, Kevin Cashen (http://www.cashenblades.com) does beautiful work, albeit a bit spendy.
If you need more info, I'd suggest cruising over to either swordforum.com or myarmoury.com and asking around.
For complete custom stuff, Kevin Cashen (http://www.cashenblades.com) does beautiful work, albeit a bit spendy.
If you need more info, I'd suggest cruising over to either swordforum.com or myarmoury.com and asking around.
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