Swords

[Bill Ferny]

A really nice sword by Rick Barret that he calls the "orc cleaver".



While he makes mostly fantasy swords, I wouldn't call his work "wall hangers." From what I've heard and read he works high-carbon steel, heat treats and tempers for proper hardness and spring. I'm sure this sword really could cleave some orcs, and with a little wipe down and some mineral oils, hung back on the wall with not so much as a scratch.

Before you go and spend money on a sword, read this very good article. Like I’ve said before, be careful if you are going to buy a sword. Like the article says, buying a sword is like buying a car, there’s good ones, bad ones, and more used car salesmen than you can shake a stick at! Don’t buy something you will be afraid to wave around a little.

Also, Peter Jackson et al didn’t write the book, and their weapons (some of which are just plain silly in conception, i.e. the “ranger sword”) aren’t the end all. A Viking sword with some embellishment, a few runes or horse symbols, and-poof!-you have a sword of Rohan! Likewise, a Norman or Crusading sword with some similar embellishment, and you have a sword of Gondor, or if you want “sting” take a look at some Celtic leaf blades that come in all sizes. Be creative! Don’t follow the crowd… oh yeah, and be prepared to spend at least $400.