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Geoff Freeman




Location: Wisconsin
Joined: 23 Aug 2003
Reading list: 3 books

Posts: 161

PostPosted: Sun 27 Nov, 2005 7:19 pm    Post subject: Inlay on swords         Reply with quote

How does one go about putting inlay on the blade of a sword? Is it as simple as etching the pattern into the blade and soldering or otherwise adhering the inlay meterial (gold, bronze, etc.) into the etchings?

Thanks.

Geoffrey C. Freeman
Durendal Fencing Club
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Dan Crowther




Location: Valley Falls, NY
Joined: 18 May 2004

Posts: 35

PostPosted: Mon 28 Nov, 2005 6:05 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Most valleys left by etching aren't deep enough nor 'sharp' enough to take an inlay.

True inlays use a keyway cut formed with chisels so that when the softer metal is hammered into the valley it deforms and locks in place. The keyway looks something like this: (gotta love ascii art Big Grin )

\ /
/__\

Now, you can also 'flow' the metal to achieve an 'inlay'. But this also requires a clean chiseled cut. Though the critical aspect here is the 'lip' material so the soft metal doesn't merely flow all over the place. Something like this:

__^ ^__
\ /
V

Flux the groove, place the inlay metal into it, and melt the inlay metal. Then you simply file the lip and any excess metal away.

Edited to try to correct ascii art

Dan Crowther - aka Gobae
Historic Strides Blog
Ancient Celtic Clans
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Blaz Berlec




Location: Podgorje, Kamnik, Slovenia, Europe
Joined: 26 Aug 2003
Reading list: 1 book

Spotlight topics: 4
Posts: 416

PostPosted: Mon 28 Nov, 2005 6:44 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

It's not about inlaying a sword, but this article shows the basics. I don't think they messed with molten metal around a heat treated blade, that's why all the inlays are made with softer metals.

http://www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/armor/Norma..._index.htm



Extant 15th Century German Gothic Armour
Extant 15th century Milanese armour
Arming doublet of the 15th century
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