Could use some constructive help here

[Oberu 106]

So I'm diving head long into creative liberty here but this one is for me.. first knife I've made for myself in over 15 years.  This was "THE" knife that got me into making.  So, 1075 and 22+" blade at this point.  I ran out of propane so I haven't shouldered and drawn the tang out.  I'm still working out the front portion and I'd like some input if you would.  The blade is triagular in section and thickest at the break, tapering to both front and back.  I've been recommended off of the handle construction I've shown here *bleakly*.  Thank you for looking!

[Welsh joel 81]

Why? I kinda like the lines and esthetic of it. The only thing I'd suggest is maybe a bit larger guard to keep hands from slipping up on blade?

 

I like it as is.

[Geoff Keyes 664]

Most of the Langseax I have seen have little or no guard to speak of.  The handles tend to be long (to my eye), maybe twice as long as what you have in the picture.  I am not an expert in the style, but there are several folks who post here who know a great deal.  Hopefully one of them will weigh in,

Langseax

[Alan Longmire 3,674]

Yes, those never have anything like a guard. Sometimes a ferrule or plate, but that's it. 

 

If you want historical accuracy, very long plain handle with no pommel.  There is at least one with a plate and peen block,  but most are just set in resin.  If you want cool looks, it's yours, do what you want! 

 

We have tons of info in the History subforum.

[Joshua States 2,459]

On 4/5/2022 at 5:46 PM, Oberu said:

I'm diving head long into creative liberty

Now that we have that firmly established, we know what the parameters are 

You haven't told us what the parts in the drawing represent, but it looks like you plan for a 5-piece handle: bolster plate, three pieces of organic material, and an end cap. We also do not know what the intended length of the handle is or how it compares proportionally to the blade (the piece of paper in the photo covers the blade tip)

I'm no expert, but here is what I can tell you based upon my limited research

At 56+ cm blade length, this is definitely into the langsax typology. The metal parts on the handle while atypical, are not enough to make this non-historical construction. It's just a rarity rather than commonplace, and they were usually constructed as ferrules at the front, rather than plates.

 

As Alan mentioned, there is a lot of info available in the History Forum. Specifically, two threads: Langsax Research, and Yet another freakin' seax topic.

Sadly, most of the links to documents no longer work, and some of the photos have expired, but the posts still contain valuable info. If you would like to do some reading on the historical finds, send me a PM and I will dig through my electronic library and forward some stuff your way. If you are on FaceBook, there is a group called The Seax Files and they have a pretty extensive library of their own (some of the docs are languages other than English).

 

In the meantime, please tell us a little more about the design ideas you have for this piece. It looks like a fine project.

 

[Oberu 106]

@Mr. States.  I apologize for neglecting my descriptions.  So the tang will be through and epoxy/peened over a block.  The handle will be 9” long and I’ve found a rather attractive piece of walnut that I’ll most likely use instead of the bone and oak I sketched up. Im planning to make a ferrule like cap for the front and back of the handle, probably silver.  Thank you for the advice on the “seax files” of which I’ve been a member for a while now and I’ve also picked their brains a bit.  I’ve been sketching ideas for a motif and I’ll post more after I pull the trigger on an idea. 

Edited April 14 by Oberu

[Alan Longmire 3,674]

Looks like a nice plan. 

[Oberu 106]

I do believe I can work with that!

[Joshua States 2,459]

@Mr. Oberu.....apologies are not necessary

That is a very nice piece of walnut and the carving plan is going to look great too. 

Time for me to click the Follow button and watch this one through the process!

[Oberu 106]

Well took advantage of a day off and draw filed things fairly flat and drew my tang out. Whew cardio..

[Pieter-Paul Derks 315]

Nice shape, that is a lovely big piece of walnut.

[Oberu 106]

Thank you, it is a rather interesting piece of walnut.

[Oberu 106]

Ok, I think I’m getting somewhere. It’s odd but I dig it. Sharpie lines are profile changes, fuller location, and the center line of the handle to the tip.. and a few errant hammer marks I haven’t quite vanquished.   Too odd you think?

[Alan Longmire 3,674]

Not odd at all!  

[Oberu 106]

Well I got everything flat and profiled using some feedback.  Got fullers started and wow I really need to invest in a belt grinder..

Edited April 22 by Oberu

[Joshua States 2,459]

Is that a Kentish notch I see?

 

[Oberu 106]

I’m ignorant on this term. All I know is I saw something that inspired this weird project many years ago… funny how things morph with time 

[Charles dP 584]

It’s that little step down from the back heading to the tip. Looking good.

[Oberu 106]

Covid sucks..  just getting back in the shop after being sick as a dog for 7days.  So I’ve got the handle shaped enough for the next steps. Constructive criticism is always welcomed!

[Bruno 101]

I like it.   Think you are heading in just the right direction.

 

Orange juice,  Sunlight, Exercise and shear stubbornness makes the covids docile.  At least that helps me every time I catch a bug...   or the bug, depends on where you're from seemingly

 

Keep on Keeping on...

[Oberu 106]

One of two laid in.. here’s to being cross eyed!

[Alan Longmire 3,674]

Looking good so far!

[Oberu 106]

So to some you gurus.. what would be an ideal point of balance?  It’s fat now before heat treatment and 1 lb 8 oz.  This will help me figure out how to make my furniture to compensate.  Thanks!

[Alan Longmire 3,674]

That looks like a good balance right now. It should feel like it wants to chop, but be nimble enough to not be point-heavy.