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Ingvar Sigurdson · 06-10-2011, 03:21 PM

Hi Guys,
I've just spotted a really nice Falcata for sale on myarmoury, it was only put on yesterday. So I thought some of you guys may be interested.
http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic....004#224004
Best, Ingvar
[attachment=1052]falcata1_212.jpg[/attachment]

Giannis K. Hoplite · 06-10-2011, 06:52 PM

This is really beautiful work! Thanks for posting!
Khaire
Giannis

Karolus · 06-24-2011, 09:53 AM

I'm the guy who ended up with this sword. Cool

:twisted:

It's made by a guy named Paul Holwell, in the UK. He hasn't made a whole lot of other swords, and so is relatively new to the sword-making game, but he's got it down pretty well, I'd say.

The sword itself, other than being even more gorgeous "in the flesh", as they say, handles pretty well. It does have a definite blade-forward bias, but isn't clunky or uncontrollable at all.
The only possible criticism is, perhaps, the use of brass or bronze in the hilt. Iberian falcata hilts didn't use bronze, as far as I'm aware (the Greek kopis did though, and I think the Italian versions may have?). However, this obviously didn't bother me much -- it's absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend Paul Holwell if you're interested in pursuing a similar project.

**Virilis** · 06-24-2011, 10:34 AM

Weel done, David Big Grin

! The blade shape is especially elegant, the best I have seen so far...

Giannis K. Hoplite · 06-24-2011, 03:45 PM

Congratulations for having it! It is a really elegant sword. Though it is not true that the greek swords had bronze parts in the handle,they all are iron. One sollution would be to silver them!!! After all the iberians did silver their handles even if to my knowlege they were doing it with inlaid designs...
Khaire
Giannis

Tarbicus · 07-24-2011, 05:40 PM

That's beautiful. Here's Paul Holwell's website:

Black Dog

pmel018 · 07-24-2011, 10:02 PM

Hi Guys
I contacted Paul the very same day this was displayed on myArmoury. I asked for something that was slightly different to theone shown. Paul has been great to work with, easy to contact, willing to listen etc. Should have mine in about 2 weeks
Phil

Giannis K. Hoplite · 07-25-2011, 12:40 AM

2 weeks! That's soon!
Could i suggest that you ask him not to use brass on the hilt? Virtually all falkatas and kopides i have seen only have iron fittings on the guard and "pommel" or end of the hilt. Not a single one with bronze...
Same with the scabbard fittings.
Also,i remember reading that this sword was a bit heavy. If he could keep weight around 800gr!
The above sword has a really attractive shape and really well worked detailes. Can't wait to see yours!
Khaire
Giannis

pmel018 · 07-25-2011, 01:32 PM

I did discuss not using brass on the grip plates but decided to make a compromise on this. I did, however get Paul to alter the blade to make it a bit lighter, also discussed sharpening the false edge. As this is my first commision with Paul I was reasonably happy to go with the flow to some extent.
Once I have it in hand then I will look to what can be improved.
As for the speed at which the project has proceeded, well I was first in with a deposit, so first on the work schedule.
Phil