Underbara!
Totaly fantastic!

This might be a dumb question, but what is the difference between say, a type XV or XVa and an estoc? Or to put it another way, which Oakeshott types might be considered to be an estoc?
Rod.

Peter:
Stunning, of course!

Some questions: How thick is the estoc blade at its thickest? Does the blade flex easily or is it extremely stiff? Do you find that estoc blades of diamond cross section are significantly stiffer than broader diamond section blades such as the XVIIIs? Stiffer than a German rapier of, say, 1550? I've been wondering how much of the estoc's power comes from its stiffness and how much it depends on simply concentrating force in its acute point (recalling that a tornado can drive flexible material through wood, etc.). I assume that the triangular or square section blades of some estocs are exceptionally stiff, but I wonder about diamond section blades....

Estoc blades vary. I happen to have been collecting photos recently :D

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I've been priviledged to actually see these swords and hold them while I visited Solingen. Trust me, the photos hardly do them justice! They're absolutely gorgeous. The metalwork, leatherwork, it's all top quality. And what amazed me is just how light they feel in the hand. They seem to defy gravity somehow :)

On the Estoc:

The one I made has a thickness of some 14-15 mm at the base.
It is inspired by those that do still have some edge: the cross section is a thich deply hollow-ground diamond section.
You can make it flex if you really want to, but it is quite stiff.
I am sure there are those historical examples that are even more stiff, especially those that have square section or those murderous ones with thick deeply hollowground triangular sectioned blades.

Rapiers rarely have blades as stout as that. Therefore most Estocs would be stiffer thant any Rapier. There are exceptions of course, but I think those are rare. There is one rapier that comes to mind that is in the Wallace Collection. Its blade is perhaps 115 cm long and has dimensions like a slim and very stout medieval thrusting sword: narrow and exceedingly thick. Not hollow ground either. It must be quite heavy, although I have never held it. I always go see it when I´m visiting, just because it is such a beast.

An Estock can have a heavier blade than a Rapier and still be very agile and nimble, becuase of the longer grip. Many estock are not that heavy, however. I also think quite a few have blades that are not much heavier than a really stout rapier blades. Those very thick ones can be made light by deep hollow grinding. Many are just flat diamond, triangular or square in section.
Personally I enjoy the hollow ground ones. They are nasty.

Historicaly the name "Estoc", "Stocco" was used to define a thrusting sword. It is not unreasonable to think that any sword with strong thrusting capabilities could have been called Estoc, Tuck or Stocco. In italian today, 15th C XVa swords are named "Stocco".
Otherwise the name Estoc has perhaps today become more specific with a more narrow definition. I think the contemporary collector definition is a long sword with long grip that has a blade made exclusively for thrusting, often lacking a sharp edge.
They do come with more variation than that however.

Their feel could perhaps be described as two handed rapiers, if that can be concieved.
You can tell just by hefting them that they would be quick and aggressive fencing weapons.
It is no great mystery that the Estoc and the Rapier were developed at the same time, although the Rapier survived the estoc in years and popularity by far.

As most sword enthusiasts today mostly look at the cutting aspect of swords, the Estoc does generally not get the appreciation it deserves. I like them and well made exaples are formidable swords with a very special character.

Hey Jeroen!

It was rellay good to see you in Solingen. After having followed your bronze studies with interest on the internet it was good to see the bronzes in person.

I really need to make some proper bronze blades myself.

Looking forward to next time :-)

Best
Peter

Jeroen Zuiderwijk wrote:

I've been priviledged to actually see these swords and hold them while I visited Solingen. Trust me, the photos hardly do them justice! They're absolutely gorgeous. The metalwork, leatherwork, it's all top quality. And what amazed me is just how light they feel in the hand. They seem to defy gravity somehow :)

Hello Herbert!

I am glad to hear you are happy with your sword!

On the single hand front, there are some interesting developments.
We shall speak more about that ;-)

Best
Peter

:) They look's really brutal those Estoc's Peter, and beautiful at same time to :cool:
So that is the name on this sword type in this Topic to?
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Hi Peter,

The cool thing was, the meeting wasn't planned at all. Me and Paul just happened to go to Solingen on that day while we were on our way to Dijon. So it was a very nice surprize. It was definately one of the highlights of the trip!

I'm looking forwards to the bronze swords you'll be producing. If they are anywhere near the level of craftmanship of your other work, they'll be trully stunning!

Peter Johnsson wrote:

Hey Jeroen! It was rellay good to see you in Solingen. After having followed your bronze studies with interest on the internet it was good to see the bronzes in person. I really need to make some proper bronze blades myself. Looking forward to next time :-) Best Peter

Hello Peter,

Sounds great! I am curious to what you will bring to Solingen next year...

I do like my sword very much and it handles wonderfully. I am just in the progress of finding some models to start photographing the sword similiar to the other one. Anyway it will be included in the upcoming book of mine.

all the best

Herbert

Hi Peter,

Those are beautiful , words just won't do them justice. I really enjoy seeing them. It is great to see that you have been busy in your smithy. They are very inspiring as you always are my friend. :) I really hope to see you on your next visit to New Glarus.

Take care,

John

Sorry to come in so late...

but this trio of swords, like the three graces, is absolutely mesmerizing... and I know that they feel as good as they look.

The tone and texture of the leather work is wonderful.

Thanks for letting us have a look.

ks

Thanks for the estoc details, Peter! Great stuff!

Peter and everyone else,
Thanks for the additional information about estocs. I will say that I prefer the types that retain some cutting ability on an aesthetic level as well as in terms of broader function.
I wonder when we will see some examples of the rondel and ballock knife in the NG line?
I shouldn't mention it since my nascent wish list already exceeds my present ability to indulge it.... :\
Rod.

Peter, you are the Leonardo Da Vinci of European Swords!

Sincerely,

Bob