savagesword
Active Member
Hi Captain! PM Sent
My Conan swords - [more new swords]
- Thread starter savagesword
- Start date
savagesword
Active Member
In regards to improving the Barbarian II sword....here's some thoughts:
1. Handle Wrap: I like leather wraps. You can get 1/8" craft leather in spools at Walmart , Hobby Lobby, Michaels, online, etc... In the picture above of my first version of the Atlantean Sword... i wrapped a base wrap of black leather with each wrap snug against each other (no gaps). Then the second wrap of brown leather was spaced 1/8" for each wrap. It gave it a nice textured grip.
For your sword, I would sand down the diameter of the wooden handle about 1/4"... and remove the hour glass hump. The wooden core should be undersized compared to the guard and pommel so when the handle is wrapped with leather..the gripping diameter remains the same (just my preference).
2. In regards to the handle rattle... that's very common.... due to the tolerance of the pieces being fitted together. The goal is to fill those gaps internally. If you can get the sword apart (the pommel is probably threaded on and glued.... referred to as a rat-tail design). Then you can take it all apart and put in gap fillers easily that will stay hidden. I've used pieces of leather and steel epoxy putty to fill gaps. If I can't get it apart... i've dripped hot wax or expanding foam insulation.
3. If you want to replace the pommel, I can make a casting for you and drill and tap it so you can screw it on.
1. Handle Wrap: I like leather wraps. You can get 1/8" craft leather in spools at Walmart , Hobby Lobby, Michaels, online, etc... In the picture above of my first version of the Atlantean Sword... i wrapped a base wrap of black leather with each wrap snug against each other (no gaps). Then the second wrap of brown leather was spaced 1/8" for each wrap. It gave it a nice textured grip.
For your sword, I would sand down the diameter of the wooden handle about 1/4"... and remove the hour glass hump. The wooden core should be undersized compared to the guard and pommel so when the handle is wrapped with leather..the gripping diameter remains the same (just my preference).
2. In regards to the handle rattle... that's very common.... due to the tolerance of the pieces being fitted together. The goal is to fill those gaps internally. If you can get the sword apart (the pommel is probably threaded on and glued.... referred to as a rat-tail design). Then you can take it all apart and put in gap fillers easily that will stay hidden. I've used pieces of leather and steel epoxy putty to fill gaps. If I can't get it apart... i've dripped hot wax or expanding foam insulation.
3. If you want to replace the pommel, I can make a casting for you and drill and tap it so you can screw it on.
CaptainMarvel
Well-Known Member
THANK YOU, DAVID !!! 
I had been kind of intimidated to mess around too much with modifying (improving) my cheapo Barbarian II sword ... even though it really didn't cost me that much. :behave
Since I've been reading through and learning here at the RPF, my intimidation factor has diminished significantly .... so I think I will give your suggestions a shot a.s.a.p. I may even try "weathering" or "bronzing" the upper hilt - as soon as I figure out the best method for this. :confused
As for the pommel ... I may very well take you up on that offer.
Let me see how I make out with the first parts of the modification.
I had been kind of intimidated to mess around too much with modifying (improving) my cheapo Barbarian II sword ... even though it really didn't cost me that much. :behave
Since I've been reading through and learning here at the RPF, my intimidation factor has diminished significantly .... so I think I will give your suggestions a shot a.s.a.p. I may even try "weathering" or "bronzing" the upper hilt - as soon as I figure out the best method for this. :confused
As for the pommel ... I may very well take you up on that offer.
Let me see how I make out with the first parts of the modification.
savagesword
Active Member
That's the spirit!!
I learned how those inexpensive swords were made the hard way. I went charging into forest to whack a small branch...and WHAM!!! The blade went one direction, the shattered hilt pieces went the other direction and I was left holding a broken handle with a real stupid look on my face....:confused :cry
HA HA!! First step in a long journey. :angry
I learned how those inexpensive swords were made the hard way. I went charging into forest to whack a small branch...and WHAM!!! The blade went one direction, the shattered hilt pieces went the other direction and I was left holding a broken handle with a real stupid look on my face....:confused :cry
HA HA!! First step in a long journey. :angry
irishamericanlad
Sr Member
why is it illegal?
Nial
Active Member
CaptainMarvel like David said your sword is what a lot of people call an SLO sword like object. They are made cheap with a rat tail tang ( a thin rod welded to the shoulder of the blade) to screw the pommel to. It's not meant to swing etc just to place on the wall and be admired. So i think honestly Davids suggestion is better then taking it to a knife shop. It's still in my opinion not safe to swing but you can for sure make it look better.=) Good luck and have fun.
Hi, I'm new here. I came across this forum and David's work whilst trying to find information on the Windlass Conan swords and feel like Arnold stumbling across the Atlantean Tomb and discovering it's priceless contents inside. I made a comment on another thread in the junkyard without realising that those threads are deleted regularly and wished to state it here, again, on the record and for posterity, that the level of patience, skill, time, intelligence, care and indefatigable will that David has demonstrated in the production of these swords is absolutely amazing to me.
Truly inspiring work. Bravo, Sir!
Truly inspiring work. Bravo, Sir!
savagesword
Active Member
Just wanted to let you know, I have a completed piece available in the junkyard...
http://www.therpf.com/f13/handmade-conan-sword-228924/?highlight=conan
http://www.therpf.com/f13/handmade-conan-sword-228924/?highlight=conan
savagesword
Active Member
I'm not currently making any, but I'll let you know if I start another batch.
