As swordmakers and designers, this particular sword presents several challenges. The hilt fittings, indubitably gilt on the original, must be hard enough to withstand the rigors of combat. We will be using a silicon bronze, Rockwell Hardness (B scale) of about 90 -- as strong or stronger than the same thickness of mild steel. The pommel, (which, if solid, would add too much weight for the proper balancing of the sword), we assume to have been hollow in some way on the original. We are choosing to construct our recreation similarly to an Irish Ring Hilt, where only the rim of the pommel is solid and the two diamond-pattern sections are separate insets, dramatically reducing the weight of the pommel and bringing the sword into proper balance. For authenticity reasons, we have decided to hand make each hilt component, rather than have them cast in bronze. From the play of light and shadow on the blade in the painting, we are assuming a lenticular (or flattened oval) cross-section. Of particular interest (and challenge to a swordmaker) is the tapering fuller that somewhat mimics the profile taper of the blade. We have also built a full 50% distal taper into the thickness of the blade, with the fuller running at the same percentage of reverse distal taper. Discerner is a sword for which that labor of love is
clearly worthwhile, and Albion is proud to have been selected by Jim
and his family to recreate this outstanding piece. No expense will be
spared on materials or workmanship, delivering to you a sword that is
beautiful, accurate, and fully functional. We guarantee that our recreation
will be faithful to the last detail of the beautiful original sword.
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