For the past year or so I've been hearing some wonderful things about a young hammerman named Erik Stevenson .

Several collector friends, who's opinions I've come to trust , have raved about the quality of work coming out of Phoenix Metal Creations shop (the company name that Erik goes by ) , and the pictures I've seen of his work did indeed look nice ....
But until I actually hold a piece in my hand , see , and feel, all the little subtlties that make a sword special (especially my favorite complex hilt types) I'm forever a doubting Thomas !

Well , I can now attest to the fact that those guys were100% correct ..... the man's work is good!

Here are some pictures I took , along with some of the normal stats, that will give you an idea of how nice this piece is, and how it sizes up to some of my other beauties, as well as how she looks in hand !

* As I took alot of pic's I will just link some of them to help save the loading time etc!

This piece was sent to me for evaluation , by Erik , as he wanted my feedback on it !

But here's the good news .......

This piece is currently available for sale , by Erik , for the very fair price of $1,250.00
( Erik's current waiting list for a sword is getting way out there, so this is a great opportunity to pick up one right off ! )

* If it were not for the fact that I have an expensive custom project coming due soon I'd have already sent Erik the money, and it would never have left here ..... So dont hesitate !

First a few side shots !

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Next a rear view !

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The front !

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Some in hand .....

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More ......

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In hand, with my Vince Evans 'Stirling' !

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Stats

BL - 31 1/2 "
OL - 37 1/4"
BW - 1 7/16" at hilt
BT - 3/16" , or .21 , at hilt
POB - 3 5/16" out from hilt
COP - 22 1/4" out from hilt
False edge - 10 1/4"
Fullers - L.- 20 1/2" W.- 1/4" approx.
Weight - 2lbs. 13 1/2oz.

Blade - 5160 by Angus Trim, modified by Erik Stevenson


Basket Measurements
Length - 4 7/16"
Width - 4"
Height - 4 1/4"
Grip -4"
Pommel - 1 3/4 dia.
Ferrule- 5/16" wide
Capstan 3/8"

Thickness (approx.)
Rear guard - .11 to .22
Add rear guard - .11
Saltire plate - .08
Rams horns .11
Main guard - .16
Fwd. guards - .13
Side panels .08

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Post continued ..........

Comparison pic's

With my Vince Evans Diamond hilt backsword !

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With an original c. 1650-1700 Scottish backsword

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With 3 different Eljay Erickson pieces ..... a Walter Allan reproduction , a Pinch of Snuff backsword,
and a Stirling hilt !

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And with a shot of the boys all together ......

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More with my Vince Stirling hilt backsword !

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In-freakin'-credible! :surprised:

Although, I shouldn't be suprised -- Erik is extremely talented, on a level with Eljay, and Vince too, I think.
As a proud owner of one of Erik's swords (a gladius hispaniensis), I say that if you can get it, get it!

I, sadly, cannot at this time....

But then again.... I do already have something on order from him.... and it will certainly be worth the wait....

Hi Mac!

Thanks for the great review and all those wonderful pictures.
I feel that I am very fortunate owning a Sterling from Erik. Mine is fantastic. I won't get rid of it for all the tea in China.
I really like the way Erik sizes his baskets, mine fits me perfect.

dave

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see any mention of who made the blade. Is it an ATrim or somebody elses?

pretty dang impressive Mac... :eek:

I don't want to distract from Eriks lastest creation, but we are talking about his work, so I thought I would
add this rear-view picture of mine showing off his turkhead knots.

dave

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Beautiful hilt , David ..... I luv that grip !

Here's a pic of 'ol Mac with baskets in hand ..... took both of 'em to cut off some of that long hair of mine ;-)

Mac

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to be able to get the sword to balance that close to the hilt and have the cop that far down the blade as well is amazing!

Hi Guy's

Re-reading what I wrote I think I probably gave you folks the wrong idea about this swords ownership !

Erik is selling this sword , not I . {* I edited this fact in above}

The sword is new , unused, and for sale by the man who made it!

The piece was sent to me for evaluation , as Erik wanted my feedback on it , so I'm just alerting everyone that's it's up for grabs !

I dearly wished I had the extra funds , as I'd have most certainly bought it , but such is life !

So contact Erik Stevenson ,at Phoenix Metal Creations if anyone is interested !

Mac

Hi all,
The sword sold the first night it was back in my hands (Friday). Thank you all for your kind words about my work, it is nice to know that I don't have to worry too much about having finished pieces with no home. The pictures Mac took are very helpful and so was his feedback! That is quite a lineup he has!

Thanks again everyone, and thanks again Mac for your feedback!

My pleasure, Erik !

So who did end up with this beauty ?

A few more pic's for our runners-up ! Mac

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