Any sword makers out there?

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
20,039
I am going to post a similar thread in the Knifemakers forums, so Cougar, if this needs to be bumped, please excuse me. I would like to get a maker to make a sword for me, probably several years down the road. I would like to get some price quotes and a list of good steels. I am interested in commissioning a Scottish Claymore, not a basket hilt Claymore, but an old style v shaped hilt, sort of like this one,

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/cas/images/077pp.jpg

I am not trying to advertise for the company above, and I don't want anyone to copy a copyrighted design, but I would like to get one in this basic design, nothing fancy, but something with good steel and good design, and razor sharp. This is just going to be a wall hanger, but I would like to pass down a good sword along with my heirloom knives. Obviously, I am not interested in using a sword, but I just think it would be neat to have one to use. Please email me at silenthunterstudios@hotmail.com, thanks.
 
Both Paul Chen's Hanwei company and Fulvio Del Tin make excellent versions of this sword. The Hanwei version comes in a bit less expensive than the Del Tin one and they both can be sharpened. Try http://www.a-work-of-art.net/ for the Del Tin as I understand that Art Elwell will sharpen it for you. The Hanwei versions are sold by CAS Iberia through any number of dealers such as http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/CAS_Iberia_Scotland.html, but please note that not all CASI swords are from Hanwei, so take care in your choices.
 
There are lots of swordsmiths out there who'd happily take on that kind of commission. Just to name a few off the top of my head, there's Randal Graham, Wally Hayes, Rick Barrett, Steve Schwarzer etc., etc.. Some smiths (like Howard Clark) seem to only make Japanese style blades, but it couldn't hurt to ask, I think.

You're definitely going to need more than $1200. How much more depends on the embellishments, steel type, and size of the piece you eventually decide upon.
 
For unique historical swords, I think Vince Evans is the best. Here's a two handed claymore he made (photos from myarmoury.com, not copyrighted). You should expect to pay at least $5000 if you want a sword of this quality.
evans1.JPG

evans2.JPG
 
I'd say that Mr. Evans and Peter Johnsson are probably the best in the business. To my knowledge however neither is taking new commissions these days. They have both made it to the point where they can pretty much make what the want and someone will buy it.

I think in order to steer you correctly it might be good to know how much you are looking to spend. That makes all the difference in the world.
 
Probably not quite what you're looking for, but I think Vladimir Cervenka is a well-priced and very decent smith. There's actually several other East Euro smiths that are worth a call.

If you want excellent quality though, I'd have to say the ones mentioned are absolutely great. If you want a Rick Barrett he's very reasonably priced... and if he gets his Master Smith rating...... up by far go the prices. Vince Evans makes some of the most beautiful swords I've ever seen. Not sure about Peter Johnson, I don't know of anything he's done other than Albion and related. But I hear they're excellent user swords.
 
I don't know if you're will to but....
try visiting a couple local Ren. fairs.
There's almost always swordmakers/sellers there.
BUT you'll have to judge the quality yourself.
 
This may seem goofy, but I am looking to commission a sword that I can use, but I will never use it. If that makes any sense.......
 
silenthunterstudios said:
This may seem goofy, but I am looking to commission a sword that I can use, but I will never use it. If that makes any sense.......
Click to expand...
Doesn't seem goofy at all.
You might need it someday for self defense.
(hopefully not)
 
That's what all sword collectors do. There's the wallhanger crowd, and then there's the live blade crowd. It's nice to be able to use a sword, but appreciating a good sword really has nothing to do with using it, at least not these days. Look at the nihonto collector, for example. If you used a blade by say, a mukansa-level smith to cut anything at all, collectors the world over would scream bloody murder. And if it's a historical piece, God help you, because no one else could protect you from the hordes of angry sword collectors...
 
senoBDEC said:
Probably not quite what you're looking for, but I think Vladimir Cervenka is a well-priced and very decent smith. There's actually several other East Euro smiths that are worth a call.

If you want excellent quality though, I'd have to say the ones mentioned are absolutely great. If you want a Rick Barrett he's very reasonably priced... and if he gets his Master Smith rating...... up by far go the prices. Vince Evans makes some of the most beautiful swords I've ever seen. Not sure about Peter Johnson, I don't know of anything he's done other than Albion and related. But I hear they're excellent user swords.
Click to expand...

Mr. Johnsson's custom work is nothing short of artistry.

fyra.jpg

johnsson2.jpg


The Albion stuff is really his research and attention to detail only. He doesn't physically make any of their swords.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
This may seem goofy, but I am looking to commission a sword that I can use, but I will never use it. If that makes any sense.......
Click to expand...

You still haven't been clear if you are after a production or custom piece. If it is production I would go with Arms and Armor out of Minneapolis if it is custom I would go with Rob Miller from Castlekeep. Both have web pages.
 
I am a sword-maker specialising in 'usable' swords and have made this style of sword before, but frankly they are not my best thing... Albion doesn't make this sword at this time as far as I know, but if you are looking several years down the road it might be worth a look. Vince Evans would be an truly excellent choice, as would Arms and Armor. CAS Iberia's Hanwei line is continually getting better- definately worth keeping an eye on. Christian Fletcher could do this quite well- ideally based on an Angus Trim blade- for a surprisingly reasonable price. Good luck in your search!
 
Welcome to BladeForums, Tinker. It is good to see you posting here. I have lusted after several of your swords for some time.
 
Triton said:
You still haven't been clear if you are after a production or custom piece. If it is production I would go with Arms and Armor out of Minneapolis if it is custom I would go with Rob Miller from Castlekeep. Both have web pages.
Click to expand...

I would like to get a maker to make a sword for me, probably several years down the road. (pasted from my first post)


Looking to commission a piece.
 
Tinker Pearce said:
I am a sword-maker specialising in 'usable' swords and have made this style of sword before, but frankly they are not my best thing... Albion doesn't make this sword at this time as far as I know, but if you are looking several years down the road it might be worth a look. Vince Evans would be an truly excellent choice, as would Arms and Armor. CAS Iberia's Hanwei line is continually getting better- definately worth keeping an eye on. Christian Fletcher could do this quite well- ideally based on an Angus Trim blade- for a surprisingly reasonable price. Good luck in your search!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I will check them out.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Thanks! I will check them out.
Click to expand...


Here let me help you out with some swords pics all made by Tinker Pearce, and Welcome Tinker to bladeforums!

33956831.jpg

39392291.jpg

42523715.jpg

a30bk.jpg
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I would like to get a maker to make a sword for me, probably several years down the road. (pasted from my first post)


Looking to commission a piece.
Click to expand...


Oops! Sorry missed that somehow. Good luck with your hunting...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top