Named for the Czech word for "wanderer", this fantastical-looking sword is closely inspired by a number of historical originals. Chris was first inspired by an image passed on by a client who was looking at curved blades, and upon further research found a trove of similar hilts in "Ninth to Mid-Sixteenth Century Swords from the Czech Republic in their European Context" by Jiří Hošek, Jiří Košta and Petr Žákovský.
Its hollow pommel is part-filled with antique pewter to fine-tune the balance, resulting in a sword that's eager for the cut without feeling overly blade-heavy. The pommel lines up with the tip of the curved blade rather than creating a trailing tip, which gives the sword a direct and immediate presence.
The short handle allows the wielder to switch between single-handed and double-handed usage while the octagonal pommel provides pleasing grip and control when using it as a two-handed sword.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 113cm
Blade length: 91cm
Blade width: 3.5cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Grip length: 15.5cm
Grip and pommel: 21cm
Quillon span: 15cm
Point of Balance: 11cm
Weight: 1370g
Ambidextrous
Blunt edges
Rounded tip
Fencing flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged crossguard and hollow pommel are polished to a satin finish.
The crossguard features broad, flat section quillons which double back on themselves to form fluted rings. These rings retain the marks of forging on their insides in a historical fashion, evidencing their hand-forged provenance.
The octagonal pommel is part-filled with antique pewter for balance, and finished with a square copper peening block.
The curved blade features a single fuller to the spine, while the oak handle is wrapped first in linen twine and then in dark brown kidskin.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Wanderer's Weapon ∴
The soft glow of lantern light through the trees is a welcome luxury after a hard week’s camping. You cram your hand into the pocket of your battered leather coat and grunt. Coin enough for a bed.
As you step across the splintered threshold, warm conversation fades into curious silence. You stride up to the bar, taking in the waif behind it - barely more than a child.
“A room please,” you say, your voice cracking with a week’s disuse, “and a bath if you’ve water.”
The girl’s eyes widen as she searches for the right words. You are all too aware of the blood that still spatters your face and headscarf, the ill-fitting breeches beneath your embroidered bodice and the sheathed blade at your side.
A stout man emerges from a low door, and looms protectively behind the girl. The landlord, you presume. You half-smile hopefully, taking care not to tug at the healing claw marks on your cheek.
“That’s quite the sword you’ve got there, Wanderer,” he rumbles, his arms folded tightly across his barrel chest. “Tell me, whose banner do you swing it under?”
You relinquish your attempt at a smile, instead placing a handful of coins on the bar.
“None, sir, for my code forbids it. My sword keeps me safe in the wilderness.”
It keeps him and his little daughter safe as well, you think, for all the thanks you get. You could tell him about the beast that no longer prowls this wood, or the bandits hastily dispatched - but you want no quarrel. Only rest.
The innkeeper scowls, weighing up his options. Your kind means trouble more often than not, but he could do with the coin. Business has been scarce with bandits on the road.
At last he jerks his head toward the staircase.
“Bara,” he grunts at the girl, “draw our guest a bath.”
You slip up the stairs behind Bara, who directs you to a musty straw mattress under the window. The girl watches you unshoulder your baldric, shifting from foot to foot in awkward silence.
At last she asks, “can I see it?”
You smile and draw the curved blade carefully, holding it out to her with two flat hands. She gapes at the elegant ring quillons, her pale fingers hovering over the octagonal pommel that marks your order.
“Have you ever fought a vodnik?” she asks.
“Vodniks and worse,” you say, giving in to a wonky grin.