[Nathan Robinson]

I'd go for a scabbard based on historical precedent. No surprise, eh? I think doing a wooden scabbard would be unfortunate.

There is a lot of variety to scabbards for these types of weapons. Many are documented and published. Below are a few that were readily accessible to me.

[A. Kotlyarevsky]

This is truly stunning. I Have never understood the draw of a sword like this. That is, until now. I Really don't have words for this...simply stunning. I don't think I could afford to have something like this commissioned for a long time, but when I do, I want an exact replica of this.

Seriously, exemplary work!

[J Anstey]

[Jean Thibodeau]

Well the historically correct scabbards are certainly awesome and worth considering and discussing even if only for the educational value but a scabbard as impressive as the dagger might end up doubling the price.

Now although I want a decent looking scabbard the budget for this project should be 80% for the Cinquedea and 20% for the scabbard, for practical reasons like not waiting for a long design and making of an intricate scabbard delay in getting this one home. ( Not as much thought on my part has gone into the scabbard design as into the dagger and changing course at this late date in the process would mean a giant jump in the price as it wouldn't be fair to Michael asking him to put in as much work in the scabbard as in the dagger without paying much more ).

If you noticed the historical Cinquedeas, above posted by Nathan tend to be engraved or otherwise highly decorated. Mine is more Spartan in having simple but gorgeous lines, so the scabbard should have simple clean lines and I think it may well have some brass or bronze furniture.

[Nathan Robinson]

That scabbard type, sans tooling, won't double the cost. Consider a simple leather sheath, single-layer, with incised lines and a chape. That's not very expensive. That's basically what you just said, reading again.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Michael Pikula]

I wanted to thank everyone for the complements and comments on the blade, and also for input on the scabbard design. Although I have done all leather scabbards (or sheathes) in the past, I have had a hard time getting all the details exactly right and up to par with how I feel it should be, so I am opting for a wood core covered in leather instead of an all leather scabbard. Also Jean had requested a point on the scabbard to catch on a belt or other loop and prevent it from sliding out. To attach this piece and have it sturdy and not leave anything to scratch up the blade on the inside of the scabbard, I think that securing it to a wood core and wrapping in leather is a good way to go. In previous e-mails we had talked about making the scabbard simple, without metal fittings, so I am not planning on any furniture other then the "catch."

While I realize some decisions in the scabbard department are not 100% inline with historical samples, I have to work within the limitations of my skills, and leather work is still an area that I need more time to grow in. My metal and blade work is still vastly growing with each project and each idea, and once I'm not fussing expensively on how to get this or that done, then I can focus more on growing my leather work. While doing an all leather sheath sounds easy enough, it doesn't come off that way when my hands are working and I would rather sacrifice a bit of historical accuracy and get a better end product.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Jean Thibodeau]

Here are some pics of the scabbard: Simple, but I really like it and the ball on the scabbard is exactly what I envisioned.

[Nathan Robinson]

I think that looks great, Jean!

[Luka Borscak]

I love the color and simplicity!

[Jean Thibodeau]

Here are some final pics and one pic showing the Cinquedea in context of how big it is next to a full wide shot of Michael holding it.

Here are some starts that Michael sent me:

weight: 2lb. 3oz.
blade length to tip of guard: 17 5/8"
blade width: 3 1/2"
blade width prior to point: 1 1/8"
Overall length: 24 1/4"
Balancing point: Right about where the tips of the guard end.

To say that I'm pleased would be an understatement.

Should be shipping Monday.

[Joe Fults]

Jean, I have to say, it seems like you get all the cool toys...and you don't even wait for Christmas to get them!!!

[Nathan Robinson]

Seriously Jean (and Michael)... that looks great. Really quite a nice presentation there. I particularly like the blade details.

[Scott Kowalski]

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Jean Thibodeau]

The Cinquedea has been shipped and the obsessive logging into the Tracking " deathwatch " is in progress.

Click ...... 30 seconds later Click ....... repeat a dozen times a day for the 5 to 10 days it usually takes to clear customs and get here.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Well it finally got here and I was home to receive it: AMAZING handling and the handle " flaw " I would never have noticed if he hadn't mentioned it. ( Small flaw in the wood Michael felt duty bound to mention but it's so insignificant as to be almost invisible unless one has been told what to look for: Just mentioning it as it reflex well on Michael's integrity as he could just have not mentioned it before shipping and getting my approval on it ..... I'm sure he would have rebuilt the handle if it had been an issue with me).

I really like the small dimensions of the handle as it seems to make it easy to move the hand on the handle in a very fluid way. The pommel has a great organic feel in it's subtle roundness of the bevels and feels so good in the hand as to be hard to describe.

The handling is both authoritative and very feather like as it seems to want to float in the hand. Enough presence for a powerful cut, but in spite of it's very wide blade it handles like a 12" dagger and at the same time is very much a short sword.

Flawless execution of " everything ", paper cutting sharp.

The scabbard fits perfectly as the blade won't fall out if the handle is held vertically with the handle down unless shaken and at the same time not so tight as to be hard to withdraw from the scabbard.

The storage/shipping box is like every other box that Michael makes: A nice storage/display box and very protective for shipping. The blade and guard seems to have has a light coating of oil to prevent rusting in transit.

Customs clearance was slow this time, but that is always unpredictable.

Michael: Thanks a great deal for this superb work of real weapon art.

A real joy to work with Michael on this project as I only gave him my general ideas about it and he matched his work to even my unstated intentions in a very intuitive, active listening way. Great customer service and I highly recommend having him make your design or let him design for you as you won't be disappointed.

[Scott Kowalski]

Jean,

I am glad that you finally received the cinquedea. It is also good to hear a nice mini-review on the piece. I am also looking forwards to a more detailed review after you have had it for awhile.

Having dealt with Michael personally for a custom piece I know exactly what you mean. He is very good at interpreting what some one wants from communicating with them. I know he nailed my XIIIb perfectly with what I had in my minds eye for it. The really good news for me is that he is starting on another project for me currently. For now I will just say that your partisan gave me a case of polearm envy Jean! I cannot wait to see what he comes up with for this project for me.

My suggestion to anyone looking for someone to make a unique custom piece is to give Michael a shot. His name is not very well known, yet! If his work continues as it has been though it will be well known and then his wait time for a custom piece will be in the years. Of course that might happen because of Jean, Tim, and myself because I already have another project I want him to work on for me this winter!

Michael,

It is great to see your work continuing to grow as you make more pieces. Keep up the awesome work.

Scott

[Tim Lison]

Congrats on this piece Jean! As always, Michael seems to have made a winner. The hilt is outstanding. Great stuff!