Wales part 9, sword class day 2

[fbhjr]

Sunday morning I woke up fairly early and got ready to finish my sword.


It was a nice sunny day.


I wasn’t the only one up early to get a good start.


By mid-morning it was doing pretty well.


It got warm enough the top was taken off the tent we worked in.


Then, the handle had to be riveted on. This is tricky as it is easy to break the wood while doing it. So, Dave did it for us.


He also did the rough shaping on the handle.


Then, more filing, sanding and shaping to get the handle finished.


Some folks worked on their sword in the vertical orientation.

Most of us thought this was a bit dangerous and did it the other way.


Once shaped and smoothed, the handle was oiled to seal the wood.


All in all, I was very happy with how it came out.



This is it compared to the base one Dave first made. It also shows what happens to them if you don’t keep them polished.


The metal polish was in great demand and one can ran out.


I can’t deny it. I was happy that several other people came over and complimented me on how well my sword came out.

OK, that’s cosmicirony who was at the class with me. But, others did it too.

When the swords were done, Dave broke out more modern swords and practice sticks.


There was some discussion and practice. I did a bit, but mostly watched.


Yes, a trash can lid was being used as a buckler…


Then it was time to pack up my sword and the two others I was buying.



And, we were on our way to Stonehenge.


Of course, first we had to go through the gates, by the sheep and down the narrow roads.


Soon, we were back to the main roads and off to England.



I live in Shrewsbury which is next to Worcester here in Massachusetts.
So, I found this sign interesting.


The towns were nice.


Eventually we had to choose between going to Worcester for the fun of it or going to the M5 towards out destination.

We went to the M5.


We continued on to Stonehenge going on smaller and smaller roads.




Eventually, there is was.


We stopped for the night at the hotel near Stonehenge.
Sadly they had no local pubs or food. American places like Pizza Hut, Burger King and KFC. Neither of us wanted that.
So, we ate at the hotel. It wasn’t bad.


Then, my first night in England. I slept OK, but not as well surrounded by American restaurants as I had by Welsh sheep.

Comments

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

That is so very cool Frank - I wonder how many people get the opportunity to make their own sword. It looks like such an involved process. How fantastic. So happy you got to do it.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

Me too. I'm really happy that I decided to go.
Although it is more my wife saying "of course you should go" when I was feeling guilty of spending the money on something just for me.

Either way, I'm very happy I went. It was great!

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

so happy you had a great time!

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

Hooray! The sword indeed looks shiny and gorgeous!

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

STONEHENGE. <3

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

No local pubs? Wow, I can't even imagine that.

[meathiel]

The sword turned out really well ...

Food looks good, too. What was it?

And yay ... Stonehenge! :D

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

It was steak with beef sausage and pea pods.
It was quite good.

[chaquir.livejournal.com]

Making your own sword!! That must be a dream for SO many!!

[hindustar.livejournal.com]

wow. very nice country side. =)

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Thank you for all of these! I just love your photo essays. :)