new sword

A lens blade, which bears remarkable similarity to viking and dark ages germanic blades, just opened up because the buyer could no longer afford it. As a result, a new sword using that blade will be in the works shortly. The blade, which is 31 inches long and two inches wide, will have a fuller added (about 1.5 inches wide, give or take) and be fitted in the style of a very late migration period ring hilt sword. This sword is based off of numerous examples, including blades from t he Nydam, Sutton-Hoo, Vendel and Valsgaard finds, and, being designed as a transitional sword between the migration and viking periods, will also incorporate viking elements. A ring-hilt sword is an evolution of the german spatha, which was the adaptation of the pompeii style sword carried by the roman auxilliaries in germany towards the end of the roman empire. the ring hilt was a hilt with a ring built into the pommel into which a ring could be inserted that had a strap meant to go around the wrist. This strap helped the bearer to not lose their blade in battle, the tremendous length and weight in these weapons, which were wielded single handed, had a tendency to fly from the grip, which in battle wasn't necessarily the best thing for the bearer.

here is the basic schematic for the grip and guard, subject to change. the fittings will be brass, boxwood or purpleheart, and bone.