Sword Belt

Leather sword belt, with custom tooling.  I think the rivets really spoil the effect. In the future I will avoid all rivets and join pieces by braiding.

Viking Shield III

Poplar core viking shield, blue and yellow stain, mild steel, scalloped shield boss.  Shown with an Albion Wallingford and heat-blued mail shirt.

Viking Shield II

Poplar planks, 1/4", mild steel shield boss, stain.

Wallingford by Albion

Poplar core scabbard, shown with a chape based on a find from 10th century Skone, Sverige.  More work needed on the distal taper, restain and seal, then ready for the leather.

Valkyrja by Albion

Wool lined, poplar core scabbard.  Just a bit of work left on the distal taper, wood treatment then ready for the leather exterior.

HT Great Sword of War (GSOW)

Cord over leather grip wrap, antique hilt treatment, poplar core scabbard with risers.  Tooled leather scabbard exterior in the works.

Viking Shield Progress

After careful research, the viking shield project has turned out nicely. I opted for as much historical accuracy as possible. Shield body was constructed with 1/4" poplar planks, joined edge to edge with glue and dowels. The back was covered with canvas. Initial canvas placement caused a lot of bowing in the planks because I had forgot to varnish the wood first. I removed the canvas, wiped off the glue, waited for everything to dry, sanded, varnished and reapplied the canvas with glue. Bowing still resulted but I managed to remove most of distortion by pressing between two pieces of plywood for a few days. The shield should be completely straight after the handle is added. Tasks remaining: sew leather edging around interior and exterior rim, attach shield boss and handle, paint back canvas, paint design.