My new OdinBlades Peacemaker review (warder pic added) -- myArmoury.com

J.G. Grubbs · Last edited by J.G. Grubbs on Mon 05 Apr, 2004 6:32 pm; edited 2 times in total

My Peacemaker from John Lundemo of OdinBlades arrived on Friday. What follows is my review of the sword.

The Peacemaker is, in my opinion, one of John’s more historical designs. As I already own a Warder variant (that I am very pleased with) I was interested in acquiring something from him in a more traditional vein while still retaining John’s individual style. The statistics of the sword are:

Overall Length: 49.75”
Blade Length: 37”
Width of Cross: 10.75”
Blade width at ricasso: 1.13”
Blade width at flare: 2”
Blade width 1” from tip: .75”
Grip Length: 9” (12.25” including pommel)
Weight: 3lbs. 9oz.
POB: 5.85” from the cross
COP: 24” from the cross

Initial Impressions
The sword was packed in John’s usual method…a well made wooden crate. I must commend him on his packing! Short of being intentionally run over by a forklift or something similar I find it hard to imagine anything damaging a sword shipped from him to a customer. My initial impression was one of size…this is certainly the largest sword I currently own. I asked John for a blade that would be suitable for use with German longsword techniques and that would also be very strong in the cut and I feel that he has delivered admirably. As I am no expert by any means with the Oakeshott typology, I would say that the blade would be a modified type XIIa (the modification being the flared ricasso). The blade is fullered for 32 “ of its length and ends in a point that is suitable to the thrust. The sword is dismountable with a forged tang ending in 5/16” threads.

Fit and Finish
I would describe the blade finish as a highly polished satin. The sword’s edge is very sharp and is of convex (or “apple seed”) type. There are no discernable secondary bevels.
The fullers are straight and clean. The hilt is of two sections of amboyna burl that has been dyed blue at my request. The patterns of the wood combine with the dye create a very attractive look, although I realized it does not suit all tastes. The file worked steel ferrules at cross, mid grip and at the pommel are well done and there are no gaps or rattles of any kind. The cross and pommel are of steel (not castings) and have been darkened. The cross also has decorative motifs worked near the grip on each side. The darkened fittings, blued grip, and black leather scabbard (also made by John and possessing a “vine” carving at the tip) combine to give the sword an ominous look when sheathed. I would describe the overall fit and finish as excellent.

Handling Characteristics
The sword is well balanced and, even though there is certainly a sense of blade presence, has a lively “feel” in the hand. Although obviously designed for two-hand use, it is easy to wield in one hand as well. The sword tracks well and changes in direction are relatively easy. The only cutting media I have available at present are the ubiquitous “pool noodles” but the sword flashed through them with no effort at all. Having cut heavier targets with my other OdinBlades sword I have no doubt the Peacemaker will do boon service on the heaviest of goza or leather armor. Thrusts into 3” cardboard wrapped in an old gambeson (all I had at the time..LOL) penetrated fully with little effort.

Overall, I am very pleased with my new sword and look forward to many years of service from it. I highly recommend this model to anyone looking for a long/war sword with responsive handling characteristics and authortiy in the cut.

My apologies for the poor pictures!

James

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Sun 04 Apr, 2004 7:00 pm Post subject: More pics

Another pic..

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Sun 04 Apr, 2004 7:02 pm Post subject: Pic #3

Sorry for the bandwidth usage...I can't seem to get multple pics to post.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Sun 04 Apr, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:

Congratulations on the fine looking sword J.G.!

It has a very sleek, clean appearance that I like very much.

Bill Grandy · myArmoury Team

Congrats, J.G.! While the hilt components are not exactly my personal taste, that blade looks fantastic. I agree with Patrick, those lines are very sleek and clean, something that takes a great eye for detail to create. A lot of people claim that hand forged swords are supposed to have wavy lines in the finish, but here's a perfect example of one that doesn't. (Besides which, the wavy lines that most people think of as "hammer marks" are actually from uneven grinding and not forging anyway.)

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 6:49 am Post subject:

Thanks Patrick and Bill. We were looking to have an elegant design. i think John came through very well Big Grin

Regards,

James

Joel Whitmore · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 6:54 am Post subject: Great Looking sword

I love the ricasso! Big Grin

John's work is getting better and better. Beautiful sword.

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 7:47 am Post subject: Re: Great Looking sword

W. Patrick McGuigan · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 8:23 am Post subject:

Congratulations. Very nice!

I've always liked the look of John's blades. Just something about the finish that really appeals to me. Awesome Cool

.

Thomas McDonald · myArmoury Alumni

Congratulations on a fine new sword, James !

May she serve you well , Mac

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 10:28 am Post subject:

Thanks very much, W.Patrick and Mac! I really appreciate it.

Regards,

James

Keith Kipferl · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 11:01 am Post subject:

I've liked the Peacemaker since I first saw it on John's site. Thanks for the close ups of the hilt. I really love the guard and pommel. I'm still not a big fan of that ricasso but you've got yourself a fine looking sword there. Weight and balance sound nice, too.

Lee O'Hagan · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 12:01 pm Post subject:

Hi James,
Good write up,
Sweet sword,
Sweet ricasso,
Congrats,

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

Overall pic

Joel Whitmore · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 12:31 pm Post subject: Love that slice too

John has some nice stuff on hs site. The slice 3D I am in love with. Alas, I hav etoo many mistresses.

Patrick Kelly · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Love that slice too

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 1:22 pm Post subject:

John certainly has some interesting designs (as my suffering wallet can attest! LOL) I also have a Warder, one his his more fantasy inspired pieces and am extremely happy with it as well. I've never really done a formal review but I may have to someday. This sword reminds me very much of a Swiss saber, but with a ring hilt. Lots of Asian/Near Eastern influences as well. Here is a pic of the hilt. The cross is also "twisted" with floral terminals:

Scott Byler · Posted: Mon 05 Apr, 2004 4:03 pm Post subject: Wonder if I like....

.....that Warder?.... Big Grin

My mantra lately has seemed to be something along the lines of 'must have 2 hand saber, must have....'. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working. Sad

Timothy Gulics · Posted: Tue 13 Apr, 2004 12:11 pm Post subject:

I'm just gonna borrow your Peacemaker for a little while... *yoink!*

J.G. Grubbs · Posted: Tue 13 Apr, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject: