Hello,
I am looking for a 4th-5th century Spatha Blade (Not the handle assembly) And I would like to know what everyone's experience with such blades are? Where might I get a functional and accurate spatha blade?
Eric
Hi Eric!
Mark Morrow of swordsmith.net makes excellent swordblades. I think he can make a spatha blade too, perhaps with a diamond cross section and a tapering point? I have heard very good comments about his swordblades, they are very strong and beautifully finished.
I have a spear tip made by him and it is wickedly sharp! I would have also ordered a spatha blade from him but the postage costs and the customs to Finland are quite irritating...
Mike's stuff looks top-of-the line and his prices are about what I'd expect to pay for hand forged stuff. For younger (read: poorer) guys like Poftim and myself, though, I'd be interested in finding a supplier of slightly cheaper mass-produced blades, as long as they were still good quality and solidly constructed (no wimpy, brittle tangs).
I happen to be in the market for a spatha blade as well. In fact I was logging on to post almost a verbatim thread when I spotted Poftim's.