Help Needed!!!

[Fingolfin]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a good picture of Boromirs scabbard. Why do you ask? Well I'm looking at getting his sword from U.C. but they do not have an official scabbard for it like they do with Andril, Narsil, or Striders sword. With that being said I have contacted a few people that make their own stuff and they are asking me for a picture of what I'm looking for. So, if any of you know of a site or could send me a picture that would be wonderful. Here is my e-mail address: g_gjohn@comcast.net or you could post a pic on here for me. So thank you in advance for all of your help.

Sincerely,

Fingolfin

[Elfdaughter]

Alleycatscratch - a veritable goldmine...

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Human/Boromir/bo_scbard_sj.jpg

[IronHills Dwarf]

This might also help (hope you can get it made Fin, those contacts I gave you do such sweet work ;)).

http://www.tolkienshop.com/contents/media/ss9609.jpg

http://www.warofthering.net/quintessential/rotk_latestimages/faramir_andboromir_tn.jpg

http://www.warofthering.net/quintessential/movieshots/boromir_horn3.jpg

[Fingolfin]

IHD,

Hey I have been conversing with two of the guys that you suggested. One of them is way to high in price. I have not talked pricing with the other one but hopefully he will be reasonable. I have sent some pictures to him and waiting to hear what he has to say. Hopefull I will be able to get an answer from him soon. Anyway, I wanted to give a big shout out to all of you that sent me pics and forwarded me links. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Thanks again!

[IronHills Dwarf]

Yup going custom is pricey, heck even when I do something just for a friend I'm relatively pricey (compared to things from India and China), and I'm very much just a hobbiest in these things. Unfortunately materials cost a fair bit and most of these guys are making a very poor wage per hour - however you do get what you pay for. It's kind of like buying swords, you can get allot of swords for $10,000, or you can get a masterpiece. It's all relative to your needs.

You could always make a go of it yourself if this doesn't pan out for you, it would be time consuming but possible with a bit of effort.

Let us know how it goes. I figure you're talking with Rus now right?

[Fingolfin]

Yup going custom is pricey, heck even when I do something just for a friend I'm relatively pricey (compared to things from India and China), and I'm very much just a hobbiest in these things. Unfortunately materials cost a fair bit and most of these guys are making a very poor wage per hour - however you do get what you pay for. It's kind of like buying swords, you can get allot of swords for $10,000, or you can get a masterpiece. It's all relative to your needs.

You could always make a go of it yourself if this doesn't pan out for you, it would be time consuming but possible with a bit of effort.

Let us know how it goes. I figure you're talking with Rus now right?
You are indeed right.... I have talked with Kevin and Russ. Kevin being the more pricey. Russ was only about $300 cheaper. I guess I'm not ready to pay that much for a scabbard as of yet.... Heck the sword from U.C. is only about $150. I know it's only a reproduction and not battle ready but to have a scabbard that is worth more than the sword well... you know... I guess I will keep searching. Maybe I will look into doing myself one of these days when I have time.. Which will be never! To many kids running around the house... LOL I'll talk to you later... and yes you get what you pay for!!!

Thanks again dude!

[IronHills Dwarf]

Not a problem mate. ;) It's a funny thing, many people think that scabbards should be cheap, or at least cheaper than a sword, but for me a good scabbard has come to be at least as valuable as a sword (well a good one with a suspension system and belt), it's can be far more than just a carrying case and for me completes a sword.

Good luck with your search though. Hey if you want to ever give scabbard building a try I can gives some links and tips. :)

[Fingolfin]

Definately.... Send the links my way..

However, Russ and I are still working on a deal I think. Hopefully we can reach an agreement. He told me the most expensive part of the scabbard is the metal "Whatsit" at the top of Boromir's scabbard. He believes and I think he is correct that it is the Tree of Gondor engraved on the metal... Not sure though because we can't find a clear upclose picture of it... We are working on a few things that will maybe bring down the price... Keeping my fingers crossed here in the north...:hyper: LOL Thanks for all your help man!

[IronHills Dwarf]

Not at all, not at all. ;) Keep working on it, Russ would my go to guy when I get the cash for a custom scabbard.

The biggest problem with a DIY scabbard making the chap and frog (the metal bits ;)). I'll hold off on digging up links for now (to much work if Russ is going to make it for you lol, plus my mind is going and I can't find the tutorial I was thinking of), but basically it's just a matter of shaping two halves of the wood core then doing a leather wrap (I know it *sounds* simple).

EDIT: I can't see a tree on the frog in my Weapons of Middle-earth book. Doesn't mean it's not their though, the picture is annoyingly small.

[Fingolfin]

I hear you there... It's driving me nuts to see what it actually is... As long as Russ can make me something that is very similar I will be happy. Since there is not an "Official" scabbard I'm sure his work will be more than sufficiant by the looks of his work. I still want the scabbard to functional so when I go to the Ren. Festival I can wear it.... ya know! ;) I'm sure it will still be a piece of art! I'm excited to see if we can reach a deal. I'll let you know as things arise...

[IronHills Dwarf]

Well if you get it then I'll have to shower you with links of bladesmiths so you can get a functional version of the sword to match.... lol :p :grin:

[Fingolfin]

Well now.. That is another decision that I have to make... LOL Is there anyone out there that makes or will make a battle ready "Sword of Boromir"???
Now which way do I go! LOL

[IronHills Dwarf]

I know of a few guys who may be able to do a Boromir "style" sword for you. Since these guys are custom makers they may or may not agree to make one for you.

John Lundemo of
http://odinblades.com
Is probably your best bet. I know he's done at least one Boromir style sword before. No one else is poping to mind except a Polish guy and I don't think you want to hassle with translations.

However if you don't want to spend a bundle (and custom will cost you a major bundle, as in ballpark 800-1000) you may want to go with MRL's Mercenary sword which was very obviously inspired from the movie sword. It's a discontinued model but a few places still have them in stock (I've heard good reviews of this one, but never handled it, however I am overall pleased with the MRL piece I own myself). I think this would be a good way to go without breaking the bank.

Nice Picture:
http://www.reliks.com/products/bin/1844/1.jpg

Online sellers who still have 'em in stock:

http://swordsofhonor.com/mercenarysword.html

[Fingolfin]

Now that is a nice sword... Very similar to Boromir's sword. I would say the only difference is the brass pommel ( I think?) His looked more of a silver color? So how would you say these guys rate to AoV???

[IronHills Dwarf]

Hi Fin,

AoV is only a retailer. They carry swords made by Windlass (the guys who make the one I posted above, Windlass is the Indian company who makes the stuff, they also own Museum Replicas Limited [MRL], the company who handles the majority of Windlass sales in the States, but Windlass products are also carried by other retailers). I've never tried "swords of honor" myself, but since this is a discontinued sword it may be your only way of getting one. I'd suggest calling them first to make sure they actually have one to ship before you place an order online.

Yes the movie sword has steel fittings instead of brass.

[Fingolfin]

So in a sword aspect... Was it more common for brass fittings or steel? Wouldn't steel be the stronger of the two? I mean if your in battle you wouldn't want the crossguard to snap if it took a good blow right?

I will send an inquiry to Swords of Valar on that sword to see if it is available. I do like the looks of it. But do I get the one from U.C. or SoV??? Which would be more of value in the future ya know....

[IronHills Dwarf]

Both materials saw use during the Medieval period. While steel is somewhat stronger the stresses a crossguard would face would not challenge brass all that much (a crossguard won't actually sheer off like you might think, I used to ponder this as well, but after you play with wasters for a bit you'll see that it doesn't really happen much, besides cutting through brass is pretty tough). Actually steel and iron in the Middle-ages often was of a poor quality with large amounts of trace elements. Not at all like the homogenous steels we are used to today. I have to say I personally prefer steel but I don't think brass is a problem, and on this sword I actually think it looks quite nice, besides you aren't planning on fighting any wars anway, are you? ;) lol

I terms of value the UC sword is of course more of a collectors piece, but it is also not a functional sword. I guess that's were personal preference comes in, do you want a version of Boromir's sword to save for 30 years and resell as a collectors item? Or do you want a sword that a real sword because swords are just so groovy and cool? :grin: :p (I'm not biased I swear... lol). Just a note of caution, swords are addictive, I'm on, lets see...number eight now I think... :o

[Fingolfin]

Well that is very interesting about the metals and I really like that version it looks so much like Boromirs sword ya know......

The only war that I would be fighting is with my wife... LOL over jewlery! HAHAHA!! :grin: Anyway, I don't know what I would rather do. I guess since I already have 3 of the U.C. pieces I should probably keep going. I really only need one functional sword to keep my wife away from diamonds....LMAO! Anyhow, Since U.C. doesn't have any of the first born swords such as Ringil or others I thought it would be a neat piece to get. So I bought it when I saw it on Arms of Valar. I want it to be my center piece. I plan on getting Andril and Narsil and put those on either side of Ringil. My father-in-law has Hadrafang, Theodens sword, Andril, Sting, Glamdring. I really don't care for Theodens sword and sting they are kind of cheap looking (and they are U.C. versions). Glamdring, Hadrafang, and Andril are very nice pieces though. I really wish there was a sword maker who made these swords, but made them functional as well. Hope you got the jist on the spelling of the swords... I'm to lazy right now to look up the correct spelling. Anyways, let me know what you think.....

[IronHills Dwarf]

Well I can only go so far in telling you how to spend your money... ;) but for what it's worth...

It certainly seems like you are pretty firmly "display" oriented at this stage. Which is great, I'm also in the "display" camp, but am tending towards antiques more than modern pieces. I guess what I'd ask myself as the potential owner would be, "would I ever want to take this sword down and swing it around?". If the answer is yes than you may find that your collecting habits with time may turn to an interest in functional pieces and perhaps even getting involved with a sword-art or at least having fun chopping up water bottles. If you have no inclinations for such martial practices and just want to look at your swords and having licensed versions then I'd say go for the U.C.. Personally I'd take the other, but my collection criteria could well be different from yours. Hmm, here are a few of the things I ask myself when I buy a piece I plan on keeping in my collection.

1) How much do I really like it? (i.e. this $200 can get allot of CDs or DVDs, do I really want this chunk of metal?)

2) I like how it looks now, but how long do I expect my tastes stay the same?

3) How flexible is the piece (i.e. if it's functional I can not only hang it on the wall but also cut or spar with it depending on whether or not it's sharp)

4) How will it fit in with the rest of my collection (not really an issue for you ;))

5) How long do I reasonably expect to retain the piece

Personally if I was in your position I would buy the functional sword. It's more flexible in what you can do with it. I see the U.C. pieces has having value to someone what takes collecting movie merchandise very seriously, other than that they are two expensive for what you get. I'd be happy with something that approximates the look of Boromir's sword. Again that's just me, you've gotta decide mate! :grin:

Like I mentioned before there are a couple guys who have made very close renditions of the movie swords, but it's a very gray area because of copyright. Technically the designs are in the public domain, it's thin ice to skate for a custom smith.

[Fingolfin]

Now that is some good info!!!!! ;) I just don't know as of yet... Summer is comming and since I have Ringil coming (i.e. AoV: High Elven King Sword) it is truly a funtional sword and if I really want to battle with something I have that! LOL I don't know.. I guess time will tell... I have to get my 68 Charger touched up in a couple of spots and that is going to take some bucks... And with that said, I guess summer sun and women take precedence LMAO!!! The wife would rather me spend money on the charger than a sword but (Looking around making sure wife isn't around...) I would go with a sword too!! HAHAHAHA Dude I can't thank you enough for all your time and knowledge!!!

Have a cold one on me!

Fin

[IronHills Dwarf]

Get that charger fixed before you do anything! ;)

Hey, time and effort is something sword lovers tend to expend freely if they can snag another victim into the fold. lol

Does cold juice count? I'd be drinking vodka if I wasn't flat on my back with a cold. :p

Anyways keep us updated on that scabbard.

[Fingolfin]

Yeah I think I might do that man! Spring is here and I want to drive the charger! I just found out that the High Elven King sword will be here on the 23rd. Can't wait to see it. Want to send you a couple of pics when I get everything hung on the wall is that cool?

[Fingolfin]

IHD...

Hey man... I got the Sword!!!!!

[Fingolfin]

Well... I finally broke down and bought Boromirs sword (UC1400). I just had to since they are no longer making anymore replicas. I suggest to anyone out there who is looking at buying any licensed replica's from United Cutlery to hurry up. You can only find a few more items. A good place to look is obviously Ebay.

My collection now exists of: Striders Sword and Scabbard, Striders dagger and sheath given to him by Celeborn and Galadriel, Legolas fighting knives and scabbards, Sting and scabbard and Boromirs sword and one "Battle Ready" High Elven King sword and scabbard from Arms of Valor. I wanted to get Glamdring but you can't find it now unless you want to pay over five hundred dollars. So with that said... If you want to buy something you better do it fast.... Good Luck!!!

[IronHills Dwarf]

Very nice Fin. ;)

I've unfortunately not had the time or money lately for sharp and pointy things. But the buying bug will bite again at some point. lol

[Fingolfin]

IHD,

Hey man long time no talk... Yeah.. I think I'm about done unless I can find a good deal on official licensed UC stuff. It's hard to find now... I just saw Glamdring (UC1265) sell for $1500 and that's not the museum edition. Anyway I wish there was a way to show my collection to you guys. Let me know the best way if there is one. I tried before but my photos were to big.

[Domlegolas]

Fin, u can put ur photo at photoforum, then write the link here to ur photoforum, it makes easier. Or another with www.imageshack.us, then use Thumbnail for forums, then it will be right size. I think the our photoforum is better because other members can see it too.
Hope it helps :)

[Fingolfin]

Here they are! Domlegolas.. Thanks for the tip... Here's the link to my photo forum.... Hope you guys like!

http://www.warofthering.net/photoforum/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=4472

[Domlegolas]

Welcome anytime :rose:
Wow, I checked ur photoforum. It is so excellent to have them at home!!! :thumbs:

[Fingolfin]

Thanks! Yeah I finally just put them all up... I'm running out of room! LOL But that shouldn't be a problem... Can't get them anymore unless you really want to pay big bucks... The one sword that I really missed out on is Glamdring! I was thinking about buying the Museum edition sword but couldn't bring myself to spend that much money.... If there were more Orcs in the world then maybe! HAHAHAHA!!! Anyway, Hope you like the pics!