Type XA arming sword quick build.

[MarkH 1]

Hello, It's been awhile since I've been active on here but the projects never stop. Here is my latest work in progress. I based the design off of an Oakeshott Type Xa arming sword, but made it a hand and a half with a waisted grip. This is quick and dirty work and by no means the final product. I forgot to snap pictures of the progress as I went sadly. This one started out as a sparring sword but quickly changed to being sharp once I started getting a feel for for how it was shaping up.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZRDBlRjRqMEFNek0/preview

The blade is about 28" long and over 2" at the base. The guard is 10" wide, however its gonna get shortened up I think. I hadn't done large long fullers before on a blade, so this was a test on an unproven method. To achieve the fuller I had fixed the blade, unground, on a metal table with magnets; aligning the center about 2" from the straight edge of the table. I made a guide from angle iron that I had fixed to an angle grinder, so that the disc was spinning perpendicular to the tabletop like a wheel. I used a flap disc which had a round edge. Then I would run the grinder up and down the blade. This method proved difficult as I had put it together rather crudely. It however worked in theory! I have a fuller that looks decent, however it could be much better.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZVXhiVXl2YVVaR0k/preview

 

"https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZbExSbTIzR2IwREU/preview

My method of grinding in the bevels starts with 5160 .21" stock that's cut to profile with a waterjet. Not my preferred method but until I get the forge built I have to use my company's production methods. I then use an angle grinder and a flap disc to put in bevels. I definitely fell short here. I ground too much in some spots and ate away chunks from my profile which I had to compensate for. Bad Mark. but i came out with a nice sharp profile and good angles for edges.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZRG5oTlRxZ0t4RHc/preview

Once I had this ground out I did a little bit of straightening with some heat, correction, and quenching. this went well I think. The stock is pre-hardened before its cut to profile, so we do tempering and straightening in house. After this, I started on sanding, which I have much more to do. So far this is kind of a rough 220 grit. should be a lot more diligent in the polishing department. From there I welded up this guard from mild steel pieces i had cut to shape. This will get more bevels and contours on monday.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZdWI5MXp0bU5BbjQ/preview

The handle is made from 2 pieces of red oak with channels routered into them. I then spun the the shape on a lathe. This will get cording and leather wrap. The pommel is more of a place holder at this point, it's not accurate I don't think, however the weight is right where I want it. I'll be making a disk pommel with a threaded pin insert to attach to the threaded tang later on.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_gQZLoSeUnZOE9qRVZyN1Vmc2M/preview

 

What do you guys think so far?

Edited May 28, 2016 by MarkH