I like Darnokthemage's take on this - https://middleearthrangers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4337 - but I was also impressed with the depiction of Laketown and it's inhabitants in The Desolation Of Smaug. Perhaps not exactly as envisaged in the book, but I liked the parallels with Novgorod/Lagoda and ...

Wow - congrats to Kramer (and Lady Gabriel)!

ForgeCorvus - Thanks for the offer. I'll have to mull that over. Pulling the clamshell guard was a bit of an experiment, and while I sort of like the look, I'm not convinced I could make it work as a Middle Earth weapon? I may hold out for the next batch (hopefully) of Windlass Type XIV's. (Or order...

I'd love to shorten the blade from the hilt end by a couple of inches and have a proper peened pommel, but I don't have the tools or skill.

In the middle of re-reading The Hobbit - "...bold men had of late been making their way back into [this far land] from the South...There were many of them, and they were brave and well-armed..." Gandalf later says, "Very few people live in these parts, unless they have come here since...

Cool, and thanks for the info!

What's the board policy on this? I know some forums frown on reviving threads older than X months, and would prefer you start a new one with a link to the old, if necessary.

I've seen this mentioned by a couple of people, but not sure if everyone's aware - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-Garments-1100-1480/dp/1847978347/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C0V7ESQ17R5L&keywords=the+medieval+tailors+assistant&qid=1693419571&s=books&sprefix=the+medieval+ta...

Iodo - I like the look of that!

I contacted Phil, who sadly is now retired. (That's what happens when you're off the scene for so long) But I did find these guys - http://www.re-enactment-shoes.co.uk/ - who do a range of historical footwear, including tall buckled medieval riding boots for £110, which has got to be a bargain. The ...

Iodo - Looking at this link - https://middle-earth.xenite.org/was-dorwinion-an-elf-kingdom/ - it seems there is some evidence for both men and elves living in Dorwinion. Given that and the proximity to the "Far East" of Middle Earth, there may be some crossover in sword styles. That's my s...

Cross-posted from the Facebook page - Mrs Rurik and I visited a reenactment event - Loxwood Joust - yesterday. The first one we've been to in nearly fifteen years. The smell of the woodsmoke, the clash of steel, the bark of hackbutts and even more so catching up with old friends brought all the memo...

I put this on the Facebook page, but here's a little more info - https://i.imgur.com/Bvd9NwJ.jpg I know that swords are one of the last things you need (rather than want) but this was something I already had to hand - a Windlass Dutch Cutlass. For now I've just removed the shell guard, but the hilt ...

If only I had some Numenorean blood! (Although my persona may)

Rurik of Esgaroth, at your service. I'm guessing the Pony is the place to introduce myself. A fan of The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings for some 55+ years, ever since I read the first chapter in a childrens edition. Not a Middle Earth expert by any means - I did read The Silmarillion and Unfinishe...