Jump to content

Type B viking age sword


Bjorn Gylfason

Recommended Posts

This is a lot earlier type of sword than I usually do but got a commission to make one with the specific request to use medieval wrought for the hilt

 

I have figured out that leaving wrought to simmer in citric acid brings out its character amazingly without deeply etching it as that wouldn't have been comfortable to hold.

 

IMG_20220308_142418.jpg

 

And as usual every part gets peened in place 

 

IMG_20220308_164051.jpg

 

He also wanted as dark of a grip as historically plausible which gave me a reason to make some verdigris and play alchemist. Grip is a piece of European valnut and it actually surprised me just how dark it became 

 

IMG_20220308_171102.jpgIMG_20220308_171111.jpg

 

At first I thought I was going to be doing pins between the pommel parts bit apparently the type Bs were peened through both parts along with being a lot blockier than for example the type c

IMG_20220308_171721.jpg

 

IMG_20220308_170903.jpgIMG_20220308_171245.jpg

 

Final result was an 80cm long blade at the upper range being 54mm wide at the base and with a very linear distal taper from 5mm at the base to 2mm at the end of the fuller. Point of balance is 16cm from the guard. And a total weight of 1300grams

 

I have to say I think it feels unwieldy compared to late medieval blades but absolutely scary chopping potential.

 

It did motivate me to continue my billet making for a pattern welded one though I still haven't decided exactly what type I will be going for with it

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bjorn, I do like your sword making and WIP posts. I have not done any swords yet.

Might I ask the strength or mix used in the citric acid? How long is the heat?
I like the etch and have tried citrus acid on wrought before but not with these results.

Kind thanks, Gary LT

"I Never Met A Knife I Didn't Like", (Will Rogers)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, Gary LT said:

Bjorn, I do like your sword making and WIP posts. I have not done any swords yet.

Might I ask the strength or mix used in the citric acid? How long is the heat?
I like the etch and have tried citrus acid on wrought before but not with these results.

Kind thanks, Gary LT

 

It's never an exact science with me but mostly done by feel :lol:

 

I sanded the parts down to 400 grit and then put them in my vinegar bucket for a few hours, scrubbing them a few times with fine wool until they had matted up uniformly

 

Then mixed about half of this 100% citric acid in roughly 1.5 liters of water and heated to just about starting to boil. It's granulated and meant for cleaning dishwashers 

 

IMG_20220315_011418.jpg

 

Then put the parts in and let it simmer for about ten minutes or so, fish them up and clean them with a plastic sponge under running water. Rinse and repeat until getting the desired look

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Bjorn! I can get my hands on something similar to this brand citrus acid and I have nice wrought to try. Soon to try on a another project.

Gary LT

"I Never Met A Knife I Didn't Like", (Will Rogers)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great work as usual.

 

On 3/14/2022 at 6:49 PM, Bjorn Gylfason said:

He also wanted as dark of a grip as historically plausible which gave me a reason to make some verdigris and play alchemist. Grip is a piece of European valnut and it actually surprised me just how dark it became

 

Could you give some details on making and applying the verdigris?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...