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Test fit time!

Actually fits together fairly well, weight distribution is such that the balance point is 5cm in front of the guard, making for a very lively sword. Total weight is 1.2kg or about the same as my rapier (which is considerably longer).

The blade still needs heat treating and then I have all the fiddly bits in the fit up to secure everything.
#sword #cutlass #BeMorePirate #blacksmith

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More blade cleanup today. It’s down to 500g now so I can’t take any more off, except for some light sanding and the final sharpen. Still needs heat treating too.

#cutlass #sword #blacksmith #metalwork #BeMorePirate

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It rained, so I did some more. Fullered the shell, cut slots in the guard and quillions, rough grind on the blade. #blacksmith #metalwork #sword #cutlass #BeMorePirate

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More progress. Forged in the bevels on the tip, straightened and flattened the whole blade. Forged the quillions and dished the shell guard.
Still need to slot the quillions and guard and clean everything up and do a LOT of grinding.
#blacksmith #metalwork #cutlass #sword #BeMorePirate

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After some more research, I found my blade length was too long. I had a 30” blade, but typical cutlasses and hangars were only 30” total length including hilt. So I’ve trimmed the tip and re-profiled the shape.
#blacksmith #metalwork #cutless #sword #BeMorePirate

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All the rough forging done on this bit. A LOT of cleanup and grinding to do yet.
#blacksmith #metalwork #sword #cutless #BeMorePirate

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It’s done!
The leather fitting was quite tricky and the lacing a complete pain, but it works and is functional.
An interesting project overall, with some new techniques and good practice on some I already knew.
Completely off the top of my head, no real plans or drawings.
#blacksmith #hook #BeMorePirate

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Test fit with the mounting brace. It works!
The whole wood and brace section will be covered in leather or cloth.

#blacksmith #hook #BeMorePirate

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Today I peened the tenon and permanently attached the hook. Then turned the wooden cup ready for lacing, leather, etc
The nails are just there to line up the holes until I make some short nails for the four outer holes to nail it to the cup.
#blacksmith #hook #BeMorePirate

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Dishing swage worked a treat. Almost all the blacksmithing is done now (just need to peen the tenon on the hook).
Next will be the wooden cup attachment and then on to the cloth bits. #blacksmith #BeMorePirate

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Work in Progress.

It’s raining here today, so the temperatures are ok for lighting the forge. Thus I started on this whimsical project, which will involves #metalwork, #woodwork, #leatherwork and probably some #sewing too. #blacksmith #BeMorePirate