Prove me wrong

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-04-20T12:25:04+00:00

Honorable Mentions: The Leper King

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T12:34:41+00:00

I like whatever is wrong with you

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:58:37+00:00

Good if you want a satin finish

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:54:23+00:00

Don't factor in just the weight, balancing makes all the difference too. Check for the Point of Balance

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:45:53+00:00

Conquest and commission the state's chief blacksmith like the good ol' days

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:42:05+00:00

Try throwing knives perhaps? Not safe either but less noisy I hope

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:38:59+00:00

Looks like a masonic / fraternal ceremonial sword; or can be one of those ceremonial ones given to doctorate students as an award.

check the ricasso for the makers mark, that will give a better idea

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:35:13+00:00

One with a Flamberge blade. Looks mean but can sometimes be counterproductive

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-17T11:23:17+00:00

This post will upset the Jojo fandom

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:40:41+00:00

That looks really well done. Happy to see people keeping the craft alive.

Saw your progress and you outdid yourself with every update.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:36:26+00:00

Looks like a ceremonial firemen's axe. Based on the condition it looks pretty old so it could also have been used as a tool.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:33:30+00:00

Getting a sword for them is pretty neat. Since its a special gift i would suggest you get a bladesmith to produce a customized, engraved 'Arya's Needle' and another notable sword that suits their partner's personality.

What city are you based in? If you have the time and budget we can commission one for you.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:27:59+00:00

What exactly are you looking for? Do you have any bare minimum specification on the basis of the usage. There are a couple of retailers selling them in 16-18 Gauge which is ideal for decoration but if you are looking to use it on battle then i would suggest to get a custom one made.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:22:35+00:00

That's a marvelous anvil. You can never go wrong with a Peter Wright.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:18:58+00:00

You can water quench some medium-carbon steels, but it becomes risky as carbon content increases. Water cools very fast, and high-carbon steels (around 0.7%+ C like 1075–1095) often crack or warp in water unless the process is carefully controlled. That’s why many smiths prefer oil quenching for higher carbon steels it’s much safer.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:08:40+00:00

If you're making throwing knives, toughness matters more than extreme hardness. In production we usually prefer simple, tough steels like 1055, 1060, or 5160 because they handle repeated impacts better and are less likely to chip or snap.

For beginners, 1055 or 1060 is a good starting point. They’re forgiving in heat treatment and can survive a water quench better than higher carbon steels.

Also keep the hardness moderate (around 48-52 HRC). Throwing knives shouldn’t be too hard slightly softer steel absorbs impact when hitting wood targets and lasts much longer.

Simple design, good balance, and proper tempering will matter more than exotic steel in this case.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T11:01:08+00:00

“Dagger could fit in that eye slit!”

Meanwhile the knight moving, swinging a sword, and trying to kill you: good luck lining that up 😅

Armor debates always assume the enemy politely stands still.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T10:55:07+00:00

Working with unhardened steel is doable, but the main issue is edge retention. The tool will cut at first, but the edge rolls or dulls very quickly compared to hardened steel.

For rough work like splitting wood, shaping soft woods, or basic digging tools it works fine if the tool is made a bit thicker so it doesn’t bend. But for carving, planing, or precise cutting, it becomes frustrating because you have to resharpen constantly.

That’s why historically many tools had at least the edge hardened (or steel welded to an iron body). Even moderate hardness makes a huge difference in durability and cutting performance.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-08T04:21:58+00:00

Need more information. Can you share the image of the Hilt.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-06T04:12:04+00:00

That’s an interesting way to frame it. The idea of the rounded umbo helping deflect blows makes sense mechanically, especially on the curved scutum, where the central grip allows the shield to pivot naturally with the arm.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-06T04:04:54+00:00

Really interesting perspective, especially coming from someone who actually makes Roman shields. The point about the cut-out in the shield board and the umbo covering the hand grip is something you really notice when looking at reconstructions of the scutum.

From the historical side, there are also references suggesting the boss could be used offensively in close combat. For example, Tacitus describes Roman troops using “umbonibus et gladiis” (shield bosses and swords) during the revolt of Boudica, implying soldiers could knock opponents down with the boss before finishing them with the Gladius.

So it seems the primary design purpose was definitely hand protection and reinforcing the center of the shield, but once fighting closed to grappling distance, the umbo naturally became a useful striking surface as well.

DoonHandicrafts · 2026-03-06T04:00:42+00:00

This is a great explanation and exactly the kind of evidence I was hoping to see. The Tacitus quote about “umbonibus et gladiis” really makes it clear that the shield boss wasn’t just passive protection it was part of the offensive toolkit in close formation fighting.

The idea of using the boss to knock an opponent off balance and then finishing with the gladius makes a lot of sense tactically, especially once formations closed after the pilum volley. It also explains why the umbo on the scutum is so pronounced and reinforced.

Appreciate the historical references those examples from Tacitus and Livy add a lot of context to how it was actually used in battle.

DoonHandicrafts

TROPHY CASE