Hey~

i was going through my pics and remembered someone had asked about guards for swords in here a while ago so i thought that some of you might like to see this.

the chunk of bronze below is actually based off of a saxon pommel that sits in the british museum. the pommel was found on a farmland in 1993.
The original pommel was found to be late 8th Century AD Anglosaxon.
its made in two pieces so that the tang can be peined and concealed as most of you would have seen before.

but when i finished making the pommel it looked just perfect for a sword i was making for my sword fighting... but it was way too big for the small sword i had wanted,
so split the two pieces and we have the resulting historically inspired saxon sword.

pommel:
http://members.dodo.net.au/~geminusdementia/forumpics/saxonfittings.jpg


sword:
http://members.dodo.net.au/~geminusdementia/forumpics/luse.jpg

the sword was forged from S7 and the handle was made from Wenge.
the blade length is about 25"
OAL = ~33 1/2"

even though i usually fought with a much wider guarded sword, this small guard actually protects my hand just fine.
i havent taken a hit to the hand, but on close examining of the guard you can see where its deflected some shots.

as i said, just thought some of you would like to see.
:)

D.

Excellent idea! I like the look of the sword, perhaps a little narrow for a Saxon but still nice.

How did you make the guard/pommel, was that by casting or carving?

Roger

yes, its a little narrow for a true saxon sword, but i wanted something fairly light for fighting with.
heavy knows, my arm got more than enough of a workout forging this darn thing .. so i was after something that wouldnt tire my arm out with having to swing it for several hours at a time.

the pommel was made by casting.

D.

I wouldn't want to swing a Saxon broad sword for several hours either! Hammering is much easier, especially with an anvil with some nice rebound.

The pommel and guard are nice, you should do more :)

Roger