Albion Swords for Dwarf Persona

[Bumr Blackbrand]

I spent months researching different custom smiths and spoke to a few regarding a custom Dwarf sword commission. I had settled on what would essentially be a Norse sword with some geometric handle work, but everyone I spoke to gave me the same estimated price. Unfortunately, something like that is far outside my budget, and I've since decided that instead of trying to get someone to make something from scratch, I'd be far better off finding a sword that I could pass off as a sword from Erebor.

I've decided to go with an Albion sword, I'm confident that they're the best, and I highly doubt a custom piece would handle as well as one of theirs, anyway. They make a ton of swords, several of which I'm considering, and I'd love any opinions from my Tolkien scholars out there.

Really any of Albion's stuff is up for grabs, but I'd prefer something on the shorter side, around a 30" blade. The one that stand out in the forefront of my mind is the Albion Berserkr -- it has a single-edge that doesn't make it look as much of a typical viking sword, and I think it'd be easy to pass it off as Dwarven in origin. Some other frontrunners are the Huskarl, Thegn, Reeve, and the Solingen.

[Greg]

Have you talked to Odigan about a commission, before you give up your hopes and dreams? He does beautiful custom work, he's firmly rooted in Middle-earth, he's a forum member...aaand he used to work at Albion.

[Peter Remling]

If you want the best of both world's, the Squire Line Viking sword might be the way to go. You can have the furniture customized and still have the benefit of an Albion blade. All for the cost of well under a full custom piece.

https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/al ... viking.htm

[Elleth]

I second the vote for Odigan.

[Bumr Blackbrand]

I sent Odigan a message. His stuff looks phenomenal, I'll use this thread for any updates from Odigan or Albion, whichever path I go.

[theowl]

I personally think the berserkr is as dwarven as a sword can get.

[Barnaum]

I personally think a gladius hispaniensis would fit the bill. It's short and wide with a acute angled point. The only thing is the organic hilt seems a bit off for a dwarf.

[Bumr Blackbrand]

Figured I should update this thread as things move along.

I had the unique opportunity to handle a few Albion pieces at a show in Southern California. After speaking to Mike and playing around with a Berserkr, I've got one with my name on it coming my way in about eleven months. It'll have blackened hardware and a 'Campaign Tan' handle and I cannot wait.

I also messaged Odigan about his thoughts on a custom piece and one of his designs he sent me is absolutely 110% perfect and even surpasses the Berserkr in Dwarven-ness.

I've decided that I'll be getting both.

[Iodo]

Nice! If you ever can't decide, the best solution is always to go with both

Can't wait to see them

[Elleth]

Oh very cool! I'm especially looking forward to seeing what Odigan comes up with.