1stMate Matt Posted June 8, 2009 Posted June 8, 2009 As many of you know I have been commisioned to make the great pirate hunter a special cutlass. I was asked to make my version of this sword. I started with a 12" inch piece of rod that used to be an upright on 100 year old Trolley car. I then hot forged the D-ring shape. I didnt get any pictures of the start of the blade. What I did was I double fullered it on the backside. I used the edge of my sander and just took my time. I then ground the blade to shape and heat treated it. During the HT we cycled the blade a few times to get it good in scaled in the fullers. I then added the details to the guard. I did most of this on the sander but some was forged in. I was a little off with the detail on the knuckle bow. I would have liked it to have been more in the center. ... -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
1stMate Matt Posted June 8, 2009 Author Posted June 8, 2009 Here you can see the blade after heat treat and in 120 grit polish. I then cut the clamshell out on our Plasma cutter. I dished it in our screwpress and then chisseled the lines by hand. I left the finish nice and pitted and then gave it a light wirewheel finish with a buff afterwards. I also cut a piece of wenge and started on the handle. I wanted to do an antler handle but I didnt have time to get any. I think the wenge turned out beautiful. I sanded it about 50% of the way to final shape then I drilled and slotted the inside of the handle to fit on the tang. This process takes awhile and it helps to have some nice small chissels to help out. I custom made some small chissels but you can buy them. I then finished the shaping of the handle on a finer grit on sander. You can see the subtle detail in the wood. Nice fine stripes...Love it! Here you can see all the parts ready to be put together. For stage combat swords like this I prefer to weld the clamshell on instead of the tradational rivets. -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
1stMate Matt Posted June 8, 2009 Author Posted June 8, 2009 I then made a little nut for the end I tapped it .25" and added threads on the tang and screwed it all together. Some people prefer a peened sword but I find that its nice to be able to tighten up the fit after fighting with it. -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
silas thatcher Posted June 8, 2009 Posted June 8, 2009 (edited) that's some nice work, matt... drool, drool,drool ( we need a "drooling" smilie ) Edited June 9, 2009 by silas thatcher
Cannibal Chrispy Posted June 8, 2009 Posted June 8, 2009 If you like the pictures wait till ya see the actual piece, It is sooo sweet! I was lucky enough to hold it before it was presented to Captain Sterling and it is absolutely world class craftsmanship. I loved the wood handle, it is much more comfortable to me than wire or leather wrap. I look forward to Matt's future work and hope he continues to do more with exotic woods! Great work Matt! Illustration courtesy of Patrick Hand, and his Pyrate Comix. To see comic in it's entirety, click below http://pyracy.com/index.php?showtopic=13374 All rights reserved.
Cheeky Actress Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Very nice work, indeed 1stMate Matt! Impressive amount of time and effort that went into that, no doubt. With any luck, I am sure that Captain Sterling is sleeping with his new pride and joy as we speak! Member of "The Forsaken"
Commodore Swab Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Beautiful work from the pictures, I can't wait till I get the blade here so I can send it off to you. CS
Capt. Sterling Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Heh, heh, heh, mine, mine, mine... and she is a beauty... "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/
Rats Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Heh, heh, heh,mine, mine, mine... and she is a beauty... Well deserved and well done! So is she stage or combat ready??? And when can rats get himself one??? No rest for the wicked! Wait a minute... that's me?!
1stMate Matt Posted June 9, 2009 Author Posted June 9, 2009 Yea she is good for light stage use. I wouldnt go beating on it hard and often. The reason we use leather for the handles most often over wood is because wood will eventually break. Its bound to happen. I am open to take orders now that can be delivered in 30 days or so. Glad you like it Capt. -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
Hawkyns Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Matt, is there a reason you put the shell guard down as a sword catcher, rather than up as a knuckle protector? I know it's an old and tired discussion, but I've always preferred the knuckle protector, so I'm interested in why people choose the other style. I choose up for two reasons. One, I think esthetically, it keeps the sweep of the blade intact, rather than putting a barrier to the shape. Two, being that I do a lot of stage and reeanctment combat, I find it protects my hand better. Inquiring minds want to know. Absolutely drop dead gorgeous work. My compliments. Hawkyns Cannon add dignity to what otherwise would be merely an ugly brawl I do what I do for my own reasons. I do not require anyone to follow me. I do not require society's approval for my actions or beliefs. if I am to be judged, let me be judged in the pure light of history, not the harsh glare of modern trends.
1stMate Matt Posted June 9, 2009 Author Posted June 9, 2009 Matt, is there a reason you put the shell guard down as a sword catcher, rather than up as a knuckle protector? I know it's an old and tired discussion, but I've always preferred the knuckle protector, so I'm interested in why people choose the other style. I choose up for two reasons. One, I think esthetically, it keeps the sweep of the blade intact, rather than putting a barrier to the shape. Two, being that I do a lot of stage and reeanctment combat, I find it protects my hand better. Inquiring minds want to know.Absolutely drop dead gorgeous work. My compliments. Hawkyns Yea, there is a quite simple reason why I put the shell that way on this piece... that is the way the customer wanted it. :) Best answer I can give. Both pictures that Sterling provided me were of swords with the shell facing that way. I myself most often put the shell or plate covering the hand. I like it both ways though. 2 different styles of protection and I have found both to be as good as the other in combat. Often you see "hunt" swords with the clamshell towards the blade. This would stop an animal from slipping up the blade to get to your hand. I think I took a picture of it on the other way. I will see if I can find it. -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
silas thatcher Posted June 9, 2009 Posted June 9, 2009 Heh, heh, heh,mine, mine, mine... and she is a beauty... now we need a "jealous" smilie... can ya let me hold it the next time i run into you ?? pleeeease?? i really like that one... congrats-- it is worth showing off...
Quartermaster James Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 We need more pictures of the full and finished piece! It looks like you did a much more traditional blade than your usual style. I'm liking it!
Joe Pyrat Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 mine, mine, mine... LOL, reminds me of the seagulls in Finding Nemo. But very nice indeed Captain, a beautiful piece. Outstanding work Matt. The Charles Towne Few - We shall sail... The sea will be our empire.
Cpt. Alva Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 she's a beaut, and she's going to one of the greatest spokesmen the world of pyracy has ever known. She's in good hands, and a better pair I know not. great job, Matt, and she's gonna look great on your baldric, Sterling! "Disobediant Monkeys will be shot, Disobediant Undead Monkeys will be shot repeatedly until morale improves" "They Says Cap'n Alva went funny in the head and turned to Cannibalism while marooned on a peninsula."- Overheard in a nearby camp
Iron Bess Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 OOooohh...... Sweet, sweet, sweet!!! Well, you may not realize it but your looking at the remains of what was once a very handsome woman!
callenish gunner Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 As we chatted in Hampton lad, that is some gorgeous work! it has a great feel in the hand and the detailing on the back of the blade is quite well done. Sterling, you got yourself a beautiful weapon there. Congratulations on a job well done Matt! Hope you post more pics!!!!
1stMate Matt Posted June 10, 2009 Author Posted June 10, 2009 -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
Northwest Jack Posted June 10, 2009 Posted June 10, 2009 What a beauty! Excellent work, 1st Mate Matt.
Quartermaster James Posted June 11, 2009 Posted June 11, 2009 Damn! Now I gotta wipe the drool offa my keyboard!
Jack Roberts Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 Ha, and too think I got to hold it, and play with it. Until the Capt'n snatched it from me hands....
Fionntan Murtaugh Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 I got to hold it ...feel it ...play with it before the captain! Hahahaha ...sometimes I don't have the typical luck of the Irish that I have long lived with! Don't tell the captain, he will make me pay for it.
1stMate Matt Posted June 12, 2009 Author Posted June 12, 2009 I got to hold it ...feel it ...play with it before the captain! Hahahaha ...sometimes I don't have the typical luck of the Irish that I have long lived with! Don't tell the captain, he will make me pay for it. Ha! He should just make you do some of the hand stitching on the objects of trade for this here sword. -1st Mate of Pirates Magazine -Bladesmith/Owner of That Works Studio http://youtube.com/thatworks thatworks.shop
Silken Jack Posted June 23, 2009 Posted June 23, 2009 Lovely sword. This is a truly beautiful piece - and one more reason why Captain Sterling needs to keep looking over his shoulder!
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