[Joe Fults]

Have cleared out most of the truly expensive stuff so that I could persue other interests. What's left is nice enough but right now is literally sitting in a big pile on top of one of my bookshelves in my office area.

[Michele Hansen]

"Harry J. Fletcher wrote:
I have repeatedly told my husband to sell them and give me the money. Seeing all the needless expense and time wasted daydreaming about swords and new swords by my husband is driving me crazy. It is certainly counterproductive. I think my views apply to the other wives who are long suffering from this nonsense as well.

Regards,

Mrs. Fletcher"
___________________________________________________________________

Ladies, Gentlemen,

Please do not assume by Mrs. Fletcher's erm--hijacking--of her husband's account that women do not appreciate the look, lay, and feel of a good blade. I am a more ardent collector of edged weapons than my husband. Due to budgeting requirements, I have limited my higher-end purchases to daggers. Most are el cheapo repros, but I have a lovely 5" poinard made years ago by a smith named "Steelwolf" that is a treasure. I season it with my beeswax, but even then it has some signs of blackening where rust has been removed, but not polished. I also purchased a beautiful, single-edged, 10 cm board knife from Michael (Tinker) Smith (Tiinkerblades). Both of them have gorgeous, and snug sheaths.

Truth to tell? The best dagger I have is a 6 1/2" blade (about 19 cm) that was dirt cheap, with a crappy fake hilt. I reglued the wood pieces after it fell apart, and an SCA bud of mine wrapped it with candle-wicking (he was Navy) to secure the blade. It is the perfect utilitarian dagger for candle-dipping in re-enactments.

Our swords, and sabers are hung over the fireplace, and over our bed. None of them get used, and need cleaning badly.