Lets see historical Scottish weaponing...........

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Armour Class makes a good sword. I've got one on order myself. But don't discount Castle Keep or Arms & Armor. I'm told that Vince Evans does the best Highland broadsword, but he's into the high 4 figures.

The difficulty arises when one realizes that when spending that kind of money one can purchase a really nice 18th century broadsword.

[KiltPunk]

I was wondering, is there a site with good directions for targe making? I would like to make one that I could use in my reenactments, so it would have to be pretty sturdy.

I found this when looking to make one myself, hope it helps http://easytarge.blogspot.com/

[Mike M.]

True, but you can use the modern sword freely. And with a top-tier maker, you aren't sacrificing quality for new production.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

True, but you can use the modern sword freely. And with a top-tier maker, you aren't sacrificing quality for new production.

I wasn't aware that swords are used "freely" these days-- I can see a certain ceremonial function in most armies (and in some civilian situations), and of course they serve a judicial function in Saudi Arabia, but beyond that...

[MacRob]

I wasn't aware that swords are used "freely" these days-- I can see a certain ceremonial function in most armies (and in some civilian situations), and of course they serve a judicial function in Saudi Arabia, but beyond that...

I think what he means is that you don't have to quite so careful with a modern made sword as with an antique. That would not hold true for one of Vince Evans' swords. I would not let it out of the house.

[Mike M.]

I think what he means is that you don't have to quite so careful with a modern made sword as with an antique. That would not hold true for one of Vince Evans' swords. I would not let it out of the house.

Exactly. I own many antique firearms, use them in MLAIC competition...but my training hardware are reproductions. I can repair and replace those.

[Brasilikilt]

While we're on the subject of Scottish weapons...I'll show you all my most recent work in progress. I have put a lot of time into it, and there's still plenty left to do, but I want to show it off anyway.

The idea is to create a plain, no nonsense dirk which would have been a common type used up to, and during the time of the 1745 rebellion.



The handle is made out of (what I think) is boxwood which was scavenged from someone down the street who was cutting their hedges. Whatever kind of wood it is, it's really hard but not too tough to work with...I plan on doing a reddish-brown stain on the wood before sealing it with a hot mix of boiled linseed oil and wax.
The brass plate will eventually be cut down and shaped into fittings for the bolster and pommel.



The blade was hammered out of a truck's leaf spring, it is single edged and has a spine which is give or take about 1/4" thick. I plan on doing some jimping/ file work on the spine right before the final grinding and polishing of the blade.
When it's all finished, it should be about 19 1/2" long.

Tell me what you all think....I'm eager to hear the opinions of the rabble-good or bad.

Thanks for taking a look!

Iain

[Ryan Ross]

Here's an in-process dirk that a friend of mine has commissioned. The hilt is carved in koa- very interesting, I think. I imagine that a few of you fellows will recognize the work...

[MacRob]

That looks like a Vince Evans piece but I thought he was not making any Scottish stuff right now.

[Ryan Ross]

That looks like a Vince Evans piece but I thought he was not making any Scottish stuff right now.

Indeed, it is a Vince Evans!

As for him not making Scottish stuff right now, I cannot say... this will be my buddy's third dirk from Vince, so perhaps he is simply very kind to good customers?


EDIT: Well, found it here: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/2960363