Jag

Well, this was my first time at this event, and I had a great time. All the folks were friendly and fun to work with. Even though the weather put a bit of a damper on Saturday's activities, by the evening it had cleared out enough to carry on. Dinner on the Kalmar Nyckel was fantastic, and the fireworks and after hours carousing at camp were a blast. A big thanks to Blackbeard's Crew for an amazing event, and I can't wait until next year!

I have to agree with Monterey Jack about Scott Wilson at Darkwood. He made a custom cutlass for me as well, and it's held up to some serious bouting (full on fighitng, not stage combat). Adam at PoppinJ also does excellent work. We've used his cutlasses in the maritime weapons seminars and they hold up well. Most of the weapons out there are not fight quality. Del Tins are generally good and hold up. However, most swordsmiths who make high quality, fight ready weapons don't make cutlasses, so you will most likely have to go with a custom job (except for PoppinJ). Also, if you have a hilt you really, really like but the blade is not "battle worthy", you can send it to Adam at PoppinJ to have it refitted with a better blade. And you guys have GOT to see Monterey Jack's custom set from Darkwood! It was all I could do to keep from whacking him with an axe and stealing it, but I just couldn't do it since he's my friend. (That, and the fact that he's damn good at using it!)