Ethiopian scabbard: to fake or not to fake

Mark · 24th July 2007, 02:52 PM

Very nice work. I see no problem in replacing scabbards. In addition to looking nice, they protect the blade. After all, if a buyer doesn't like it, they don't have to use it.

You did not mention how the leather you used was tanned. It is best to use vegetable-tanned (or some similar non-chemical process) leather, as many commercial-scale processes acidify the leather to the point that it will rust the heck out of the blade in no time at all.

CharlesS · 24th July 2007, 06:19 PM

Like you, I am not crazy about a "naked sword"...they were generally never intended to be that way outside of combat conditions.

What you have done here is not only a beautiful job, but compliments the sword based on an attempt at an accurately made and detailed scabbard. In my eyes it adds loads to the character and increases the value of the sword.

Nice!!!

katana · 24th July 2007, 09:35 PM

Excellent work Ron, to 'back engineer' and then create an authentic scabbard sympathetic to the region and their 'craft' is, .. outstanding. Well done

With more and more formites repairing their pieces, making scabbards etc it would be nice to document the various techniques used. Perhaps creating a DIY section dedicated to advice etc . The added advantage would be increased knowledge of the manufacturing techniques used to create the weapons we all 'hold so dear'.

Tim Simmons · 24th July 2007, 09:44 PM

Absolutely first class. I have to say that I have had and seen many swords from the area not in red scabbards. What you have made and assuming it was by your owen untrained hand is excellent and not a fake but a facsimile.

roanoa · 24th July 2007, 10:19 PM

Mark, I believe the leather I used for the inner sheath is vegetable-tanned. I also understand that this is the kind of leather that will heat harden. The inner scabbard has to be reasonably stiff. I will ask one of my friends who is a big game hunter to save me a big piece of Elk or Moose hide (Deer is too thin) and I'll try to make a scabbard using raw hide and see how it turn out.

Katana, I will try and document the process of Ethiopian scabbard making step by step should anyone be interested.

Rick · 24th July 2007, 10:41 PM

Ron, not intending to hijack this thread but could you offer any comments on this interesting piece in this thread ?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4849

roanoa · 24th July 2007, 11:30 PM

Hi Rick. I had seen this knife and I did not offer any comments because it would have been, then as it is now, sheer speculation. But since you ask... I agree that the hilt/handle looks Ethiopian. However, the blade and the scabbard are a question mark. Obviously, I have never seen anything like this. The shape of the blade close to the handle reminds me of the swords from the NGBANDI-POTO and AZANDE tribes. In addition I have never seen any Ethiopian scabbard with that kind of belt attached with rings. A close up of the scabbard decoration (if any) could offer some clues. All in all it is a very puzzling piece and all I can do is to scratch my head..... Sorry.

katana · 25th July 2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roanoa

Katana, I will try and document the process of Ethiopian scabbard making step by step should anyone be interested.

That would be great.....I am in the process of doing a 'how to' with wooden cored scabbards.....the idea being pictures and narrative in a step by step guide. Once posted I was hoping for extra input and ideas etc ..which could be added to give a comprehensive guide.
The same concept for leather sheaths would be fantastic. I am quite prepared to create another 'how to' if you can provide all the information.

If anyone has info on the repair etc of weapons or references to their construction (ie hilt making, decorative technigues etc but not the forging process itself), I would be very interested.

Regards David

derek · 29th July 2007, 12:15 AM

Roano,

That really is fantastic work. You've obviously studied the details of the patterns on Ethiopian scabbards as well.

I have one gurade that came with a "museum quality" replacement scabbard. I'll post a few pics later. If actually is really nice work, but it took a little bit a liberty with the fittings. Still, like you say, it's nice to have a good scabbard.

-d

24th July 2007, 02:52 PM	#1
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Very nice work. I see no problem in replacing scabbards. In addition to looking nice, they protect the blade. After all, if a buyer doesn't like it, they don't have to use it. You did not mention how the leather you used was tanned. It is best to use vegetable-tanned (or some similar non-chemical process) leather, as many commercial-scale processes acidify the leather to the point that it will rust the heck out of the blade in no time at all.

24th July 2007, 06:19 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Like you, I am not crazy about a "naked sword"...they were generally never intended to be that way outside of combat conditions. What you have done here is not only a beautiful job, but compliments the sword based on an attempt at an accurately made and detailed scabbard. In my eyes it adds loads to the character and increases the value of the sword. Nice!!!

24th July 2007, 09:35 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Excellent work Ron, to 'back engineer' and then create an authentic scabbard sympathetic to the region and their 'craft' is, .. outstanding. Well done With more and more formites repairing their pieces, making scabbards etc it would be nice to document the various techniques used. Perhaps creating a DIY section dedicated to advice etc . The added advantage would be increased knowledge of the manufacturing techniques used to create the weapons we all 'hold so dear'.

24th July 2007, 09:44 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Absolutely first class. I have to say that I have had and seen many swords from the area not in red scabbards. What you have made and assuming it was by your owen untrained hand is excellent and not a fake but a facsimile.

24th July 2007, 10:19 PM	#5
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Mark, I believe the leather I used for the inner sheath is vegetable-tanned. I also understand that this is the kind of leather that will heat harden. The inner scabbard has to be reasonably stiff. I will ask one of my friends who is a big game hunter to save me a big piece of Elk or Moose hide (Deer is too thin) and I'll try to make a scabbard using raw hide and see how it turn out. Katana, I will try and document the process of Ethiopian scabbard making step by step should anyone be interested.

24th July 2007, 10:41 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Ron, not intending to hijack this thread but could you offer any comments on this interesting piece in this thread ? http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4849

24th July 2007, 11:30 PM	#7
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Hi Rick. I had seen this knife and I did not offer any comments because it would have been, then as it is now, sheer speculation. But since you ask... I agree that the hilt/handle looks Ethiopian. However, the blade and the scabbard are a question mark. Obviously, I have never seen anything like this. The shape of the blade close to the handle reminds me of the swords from the NGBANDI-POTO and AZANDE tribes. In addition I have never seen any Ethiopian scabbard with that kind of belt attached with rings. A close up of the scabbard decoration (if any) could offer some clues. All in all it is a very puzzling piece and all I can do is to scratch my head..... Sorry.

29th July 2007, 12:15 AM	#9
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Roano, That really is fantastic work. You've obviously studied the details of the patterns on Ethiopian scabbards as well. I have one gurade that came with a "museum quality" replacement scabbard. I'll post a few pics later. If actually is really nice work, but it took a little bit a liberty with the fittings. Still, like you say, it's nice to have a good scabbard. -d