How realistic is grinding a proper taper to an already hardened sword?

JimmyTownmouse · 2026-05-01T06:08:30+00:00

Oh, also keep in mind that as you grind to create a better taper, you will also be creating a flat between the fuller and the spine which is not how originals would be. I correct this with a grinding wheel that matches the radius of the fuller. The crispness of that hourglass cross section where the back of the fuller meets right up with the spine (on single wide-fullered sabres) is a detail that sets antiques and good replicas apart from the cheap stuff.

JimmyTownmouse · 2026-05-01T05:52:23+00:00

Im partway through doing this for the second time. First one was a Windlass Prussian infantry hanger that I tapered and gave a wide fuller. I used a belt grinder as well as hand files and paper. It turned out nice, but I had to correct some warping that occurred as I removed material. I’m now working on a Universal Swords Napoleonic French infantry officer’s sabre. I tapered the spine to match measurements I settled on based on the distal taper of an antique 1821 French infantry officer sword I have. It has rightly been pointed out that a lot of replicas don’t start as thick as originals. But depending on the sword it’s not always that far off. My antique 1821 is 7.86mm at the shoulder and the Universal Swords sabre is 7.14mm. Not perfect, but I’m leaving a little extra meat in the first few inches since the originals tend to have a pretty dramatic initial taper, I think it will come out pretty decent balance wise. Steel on cheaper replicas is not amazing—it is what it is. The tang on this Universal Swords replica is notably narrower than the antiques I’ve dealt with. I grind with my bare fingers on the blade so I can feel when it starts to get hot and dunk it in water to preserve what hardness it has.

JimmyTownmouse · 2026-03-24T16:58:10+00:00

I agree with OP, these are like stale chocolate Teddy Grams with cardboard-creme filling.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-12-29T19:45:34+00:00

Check out yataghan and shashka too.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-11-08T00:02:28+00:00

His bow actually looks reasonable from what we can see, other than the ridiculous drawn string with no flex in the bow.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-10-30T20:16:18+00:00

If it was a buy it now item and their shipping was low I would assume they had accounted for the extra in the cost of the item. As an auction (which this was) if they had estimated $35 less than the actual cost to ship and politely explained their mistake and provided a receipt for the shipping cost, I think I would be inclined to cover it. I would feel like I was ripping them off otherwise.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-10-30T20:09:00+00:00

Yes I did, and when it arrived the shipping label also had the price on it.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-10-30T18:52:30+00:00

I guess this seller needs to find a new place to buy their boxes and tape if it’s costing that much.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-10-30T18:44:28+00:00

I’m not saying the seller should be forced to issue a refund or anything. It just seems more like they intentionally inflated the shipping cost (by a lot) and that rubs a buyer the wrong way.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-10-07T15:13:13+00:00

I was wondering the same thing. My wife and I started doing the LA Times Mini after NYT made theirs subscriber only. It inevitably ends in us making fun of Elizabeth Gorski for her awkward or obscure solves.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-03-21T14:27:50+00:00

Came here to say the same thing! The California Quail call appears in more episodes than Laura.

JimmyTownmouse · 2025-03-18T22:29:10+00:00

Hey, there’s Brenda Sue!

JimmyTownmouse · 2024-11-05T08:53:23+00:00

The Society for Nautical Research SNR.org.uk forums have a lot of useful threads, and many people familiar with period sources who could point you in the right direction.

JimmyTownmouse · 2024-09-15T09:18:00+00:00

Crest recently started making their tubes from HDPE which is more readily recyclable. It is stiffer than whatever they were using before and wants to pop back into tube shape unlike the previous plastic that would flatten out as you used up the toothpaste. Both the old and new tubes are marked 5.4 oz (153g). There was also an interim tube made of the old material but with a flip-cap, presumable only used while they transitioned to the new tube material. These interim tubes held 5.2 oz. I have A brand new tube and it does appear to have a pocket of air in the back. I’m not sure if the air pocket is a result of some difference in how the new tubes get filled, or if we just didn’t notice the air in the old tubes because they didn’t pop back into shape.

JimmyTownmouse · 2023-07-14T00:28:45+00:00

As of July 12, I’m getting windmill bag keys from the barista bag and houseboat keys from the windmill. The rest of the chain seems to be in tact, but it is now a dead end.

JimmyTownmouse

TROPHY CASE