Scabbard for Bronze age Sword

[Kerne]

Just finished a job for a friend of a friend who went on a course where he cast a bronze age sword. He wanted a scabbard for it. I used 2.5mm veg tan for the back and front and some 5mm stuff to make the welt:

He wanted a plain front:

I added a couple of D rings to the back so he had the option of adding a strap to wear it on his back:

First time making a scabbard and I'm told he went on the course with three mates so maybe some more work in the offing.

 

[Macaroon]

Very nicely done; plain leather suits the bronze sword really well, and you've got the colour spot on

 

[Dreadhead]

nice work Kerne, really compliments the sword. Would love to cast a bronze sword one day!

 

[crosslandkelly]

They are both, things of beauty. Very nice work.

 

[bobnewboy]

Ooooh, nice timing

I am booked to go on the Will Lord bronze casting course in May. I just got the confirmation paperwork the other day. I am *really* looking forward to it. I may 'borrow' your design to make my own scabbard, and also make a wooden one as well!

Cheers, Bob

 

[Kerne]

Ooooh, nice timing

I am booked to go on the Will Lord bronze casting course in May. I just got the confirmation paperwork the other day. I am *really* looking forward to it. I may 'borrow' your design to make my own scabbard, and also make a wooden one as well!

Cheers, Bob

Feel free - and enjoy the course!

 

[Toddy]

+1 to what Macaroon and Dreadhead said

Nice one

M

 

[Clouston98]

Cracking work mate! He'll be chuffed with that!

 

[mrcharly]

lovely stuff, both sword and scabbard.

Is the edge on a sword like that maintained by peening?

 

[bobnewboy]

From what I have read so far, it seems that the bronze sword is a bit wibbly when it is first made. Some makers/experts flex the blade back and forth a little over its length to stiffen it, as bronze work hardens. Then the edges are hammered in, and sharpened with a stone. Since mine (when I make it) will hardly likely be a user, I will concentrate on making it as lovely as I can, rather than proper hair-popping sharp. I will report back in due course

Kerne, as before, nice work and thanks.

 

[John Fenna]

Excaliber!
The sword cast in a stone mould ... the Sword in the Stone ... taken from the stone by the man with the skill, ability and guile to Rule All Britain!
Certainly with the skill etc to impress me!
A very good sheath as well .. Merlin?

 

[Kerne]

lovely stuff, both sword and scabbard.

Is the edge on a sword like that maintained by peening?

No idea, I'm afraid. At the moment it isn't razor sharp - he was waiting for the scabbard to keep it in safely.

 

[Baelfore]

That's really nice work. and the sword is lovely!

Ste

 

[boatman]

Never seen a new cast bronze sword that was wibbly. They might flex the blade to work harden it so that is less likely to bend when hitting something.

 

[bobnewboy]

Well, i was paraphrasing. Neil Burridge, the world renowned bronze caster whose work i was referring to wrote (about finishing a bronze sword):

Also at this point I will work-harden the blade to stiffen it up by gently bending it back and forth. This has the effect of cold working the bronze which makes it more rigid. I am convinced this was done in the past to get a more usable and less bendy sword.

So i used the word wibbly instead of bendy. Anyway, lets see yours, I am interested in the design of your scabbard too.

 

[OurAmericanCousin]

Beautiful scabbard.

 

[boatman]

Agree on the bendy, they don't wobble when you shake them which is how I interpreted wibbly. Seen Neil doing the flexing and the sharpening but you will have to ask him his method.

 

[Kerne]

Just added straps to the scabbard:

 

[bobnewboy]

Very nice. To be worn diagonally across the shoulders?

 

[Kerne]

Very nice. To be worn diagonally across the shoulders?

Thats the idea, I think. I've just got the go ahead to make three more so that'll keep me busy for a while.