Sadly, I'm a blacksmith, and I hadn't considered drifting a buckle. I'm embarrassed. In thinking about it, if you punch a hole near the end of a piece of flat stock that has square ends, you would most likely end up with a buckle that has a couple of small lugs (which used to be the corners of the flat stock) projecting from the buckle . . . which is exactly what we see on period buckles. I'd be willing to wager a lot of them were done that way historically.

-Grey

Finally I'm have some time in to put in my comments on the scabbard that Mr Dickinson has built for me. :) "Wow" sums it up but I'll go into a bit more detail.

I must say that I'm very impressed with the workmanship since he was able to get the wood core very thin but yet keep it sturdy. Great fit and finish; there's no gaps between the cross and mouth of the scabbard and if you turn it upside down, the sword stays put yet comes out smoothly and easily when drawn. All the joints for the buckles and chape are smooth without any pits. And the price is very reasonable to the point where I'd say it's a steal. I highly recommend him as communication is prompt, courteous and delivers an excellent product. A true professional in my book.

v/r

Andrew

I have made belt buckles by taking wire and shaping it on the horn of a small anvil ive sodered closed welded with propane torch and out of steel i did not join and it held up well i dont know the style of buckle u make though

Hey Dan, that's some kind of "Talent" you've got there! I just now saw the thread and I was really surprised and impressed to see the fine work that you produce! The photographs were good enough to show me that your accomplished as a scabbard maker!

Nice!

Bob

I envy the work on the chape alone! Was the finial already turned, or did you lathe it yourself? I had thought of the possibility of welding a ball bearing to the tip of a chape, but it would be dissimilar in terms of alloys and welding, and not nearly as beautiful as what Dickinson has done.

Well thanks everyone for the kind comments, I really appreciate them.
In answer to the question about the finial, yes, I did lathe it.
Thanks,
Dan

It has been said before, but I just saw this and wanted to also say that I am very impressed with how well your scabbard turned out. The discussion about how the chape was made is very informative and helpful. Thanks for posting! :D

Best regards,

Terry