Re: Game Of Thrones Needle Sword WIP- **Updated pics 3/7**
Hi, big Song of Ice and Fire fan here. Wanted to give you a little information.
Valyrian Steel originally got the rights to make weapons and armour from the book series before HBO even optioned the series.
Hence all the weapons designs were based off actual descriptions from the books. Martin was kept apprised of the progress throughout the design phase and signed off on each step before the final pieces were produced.
They are pretty accurate to the book obviously but with some limitations. Ice for example was described as a blade that was as wide as a man's hand and taller than Robb. Robb at the time of this description in Game of Thrones was a 14 year old and likely a big one being a Northman. It's hard to make a sword that long and be marketable but they came out with a 55 inch version that's not bad.
They've also come out with Damscus versions which are high carbon steel versions that need to be oiled for upkeep. These are higher end models and more expensive and limited. The Damascus Ice for example is also 2 inches longer. The material used which is real Damascus steel (something which Martin used as inspiration for the Valyrian Steel in his books) which costs a bit more.
Needle is a bit of an anomaly in the sense that it has no Damascus equivalent but for whatever reason they decided to make it out of high carbon steel. As such that is the only regular version that needs to be maintained as well.
Martin actually sent Needle to Maise Wil who plays Arya on the HBO series as a gift and there are some nice photos of her posing with it.
Finally, about a month or so ago, Valyrian Steel also gained the rights to reproduce the weapons and armor from the HBO series as well. They may also do Damascus versions of the appropriate blades.
So if you are patient, you will eventually be able to get a licensed and fully accurate Needle from the HBO series as well.
What is MORE accurate or "true to the vision" of George Martin is a bit of a toss up. Remember that Martin was NOT consulted when they made the weapons and armor for the HBO series and there are certain issues and compromises that had to be made when making this type of prop for shooting. The designs that Valyrian Steel originally came up with are FROM THE SOURCE MATERIAL and was approved PERSONALLY by Martin.
Personally, because of this, I tend to favor the "book" versions more but I appreciate the movie versions too.
Overall, I'm glad that Valyrian Steel got the license. They are a good, trustworthy, and professional company. Of course, my dream company to land the gig would have been Albion Swords who makes the best real swords in the world. But then their swords would costs thousands each and be out of reach of all but the most dedicated and die-hard fans.
Hope that helps a bit.
Oh . . . and great work on your Needle by the way.
Dennis
