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A Forum Just for John

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:39 pm
by Hugh
John, over at SwordForums, there is a forum entitled "Home Improvements" Projects that would seem right down your alley. It is devoted to efforts by folks to make improvements to their inexpensive swords, in other words, to turn sows' ears into silk purses. You should take a look.

http://forums.swordforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=43

Cool

Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 2:01 pm
by JOHN THURSTON
Well;

Although I worked on several cheapo swords just to get some experience for myself and my partner, I don't think I will do too many more---too back breaking in terms of hoours of intensive tabor.

The "Spatha" I did was based on what could visually be identified as a hand forged blade, and the "rattail" tang was extended and strengthend with a 3/8" steel welded on bolt.

This follow some construction patterns re: rebuilding western swords.

The Eastern Katana were/are normally stripped of all hardware and tsukimaki and a new tsuka hand whittled from poplar and the tsukimaki replaced.

One sword from China was a real wreck, but the blade is folded forged, so, basically, everything but the blade was discarded, although the cherry wood appearing saya was retained.

A Gladius is being redine a la the same manner as the aforementioned spatha.

But I will DEFINETELY go to and save the site.

The Katanas' Rayskin" ersatz or other wise, were replaced with full wrap black rayskin instead of the typical panel wrap.

Some sayas had to be refinished. Tsubas were obtained from "North London " Budo, and, although not collecters pieces, they are attractive.

Del Tin's Spatha arrived. It is authentic in appearance and sturdy.

I will post pictures as and when I can.

At present one wakisashi (a wreck, but original) and perhaps 4 katanas and one Gladius are in 'reconstruction".

John