Excellent review Peter. I haven't watched the second disc yet.

I may be able to get the raw footage of the filming at Paul's.

Hey Chris, How've you been?

I need to start practising Yours and Lindsey's technigue.

I do like Peter described. Hold the striker close to the charcloth which is in the nest. Use Kentucky windage to move the sparks point of impact. The smallest of sparks should be enough to burn the cloth if it's been chared properly.

It's great that churches have groups like that. I need to look into some up here.
Eric, have you posted pics of that knife?

Andy

Now I have to start on a scabbard for it.

Hey Mike, it's not hollowground. I'll take some pics. I tried last night but in the artificial light I couldn't get the blade without excessive reflection. I'll make sure you get some blade time with it. It is a bit heavy compared to most production blades of it's size but is comfortable to work. I ...

Paul forged out this blade about six years ago when we were first trying to figure out what was a practical Ranger sized blade. I was pretty heavy into ARMA at the time so was used to the giant wasters. This blade seemed compact compared to the wasters. We conducted a lot of hard testing on this bla...

You're right Beornmann. Vigo did a great job. After watching all the appendices, you see how much thought and effort the entire crew put into the movies and into Middle Earth.

Hey All, Reclaiming the Blade is available now on DVD. It seems to have “morphed” since they did the filming at Paulâââ€Å...

Hey All, A couple of things in regards to sword selection. As with almost any weapon, if you train with it enough, you'll be good with it. Whether it's a type X, a basalard, or type XIV. Some blades are more suited for Ranger work than others. A critical factor is to find a blade size that you will ...

Hey All,

I just got back from Paul's and the service. I'll speak more on it later.

Thanks everyone.

Andy

Thanks everyone...really.

Mirimaran, I'll read that poem often I think.

Good Rangers, My closest friend and Brother Paul Champagne died this morning at his house. He was recovering from a heart attack suffered almost two weeks ago. It was with Paul that I began my historical research into Middle Earth. Paul had studied Tolkien since his teens and was truly a subject mat...

It is a pretty good series.

Beornmann, Terry was in my company over in Germany in the late 90's. He got out to go to NY to become an actor, then came back in after 9/11 and went to 3rd Group. He's always been enthusiastic to say the least, and a good guy, but nothing like John.

Andy

Hey Mike, Honestly, the best thing to do is to find a cheap pair of non-strech drawstring pants that fit and use them as a pattern. The gussets on pants are a bit tricky if trying to measure youself for a commercial pattern. I found a walmart pair for $12, took them apart and ironed them where the s...