Kaskara Info?

RSWORD · 5th February 2007, 10:25 PM

I see you have the crossguard in the picture next to the sword. This would have been the most difficult piece to replicate. A cylindrical wood handle wrapped in leather with a "wheel" pommel, which could be wood, again wrapped in leather, would finish the ensemble. There are a few folks out there that specialize in restoration work that probably would not have too difficult a time making handle for this sword to go with the nice crossguard and blade.

PBishop · 6th February 2007, 01:53 PM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the encouraging advice and info!

The original hilt closely resembles the hilt in the pic here of the "munitions grade kaskara," except that the leather wasn't smooth, but seemed built up of almost miniscule leather "threads." It was strictly utilitarian, with an axially mounted disk pommel. I was surprised that the pommel was a separate piece held in place only by the leather; it would seem easier just to turn a piece of wood on the lathe to the required shape.

I'm fairly competent as a woodworker and will probably make a new hilt for it myself, which I'd like to make a little fancier and an inch longer than the original. One special feature I'd like to add is a tiny compartment in the hilt for a lock of my daughter's hair. However, it will still look like a kaskara when it's done.

I'd appreciate some advice regarding the type of wood I should use. I doubt I'll be covering it with leather.

Keep safe,
Patrick

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5th February 2007, 10:25 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I see you have the crossguard in the picture next to the sword. This would have been the most difficult piece to replicate. A cylindrical wood handle wrapped in leather with a "wheel" pommel, which could be wood, again wrapped in leather, would finish the ensemble. There are a few folks out there that specialize in restoration work that probably would not have too difficult a time making handle for this sword to go with the nice crossguard and blade.

6th February 2007, 01:53 PM	#2
PBishop Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 11	Hi Everyone, Thanks for the encouraging advice and info! The original hilt closely resembles the hilt in the pic here of the "munitions grade kaskara," except that the leather wasn't smooth, but seemed built up of almost miniscule leather "threads." It was strictly utilitarian, with an axially mounted disk pommel. I was surprised that the pommel was a separate piece held in place only by the leather; it would seem easier just to turn a piece of wood on the lathe to the required shape. I'm fairly competent as a woodworker and will probably make a new hilt for it myself, which I'd like to make a little fancier and an inch longer than the original. One special feature I'd like to add is a tiny compartment in the hilt for a lock of my daughter's hair. However, it will still look like a kaskara when it's done. I'd appreciate some advice regarding the type of wood I should use. I doubt I'll be covering it with leather. Keep safe, Patrick