Conical Caligae Hobnails

[gaiusseptimiuslucianus]

Bump, bump.

Any news yet?

Lucianus

[Matt Lukes]

I finally got to talk with the company owner and he says they've just cut some test nails (haven't done any for years), and due to the intricacies of the process, there can be a tradeoff between diameter and cone height- the ones they got were nice big, but not so tall as an older sample they found (which was smaller in diameter). So, they're sending me the sample to see what I think- and I'll keep everyone updated as to what I find. To be honest, I'm expecting they'll be just fine- it wasn't the height of the original one I found that was the selling point to me, it was the diameter. Heights change over time as the nails wear, but the diameter is what makes them authentically-sized. At least they're set up to do the cutting now and if this sample proves to be acceptable, we may have our nails fairly soon...

[Aurelianus]

I would like to take "a package" too, but is 9mm shank not a little too short?

[Matt Lukes]

They're 12.7mm not 9mm.

[Aurelianus]

For my last Caligae I have taken longer nails I think. I put the nails through the leather sole and then I hammered them "down" on the other side. I 'm not sure if 12.7 mm would be long enough to do it!?

How thick are your caligae-soles? How do they look under the "over-leather"?

BTW:
"over-leather": What is the English name? Vamp?

[Matt Lukes]

The total thickness I've used (sole plus upper) is about 9.5mm, so 12.7mm shanks should be just fine, especially since the hammering compresses the leather some. The trouble with making the shanks any longer is that they must be fairly thick in order for the nails to have large heads- it's a factor of the manufacture- so the longer they are, the significantly more difficult it will be to clinch the ends over. Conversely, if one would like them a little longer, it's a very simple matter to simply hammer the points a bit to lengthen and thin them.

[Aurelianus]

Dear Matt

Thank you very much for your explanations!

I would order 3 lbs too!

[marsvigilia]

How close are we to having to put in our final orders?

[Matt Lukes]

Since I talked to the guy after hours on Friday, I presume the sample was sent today- I'll probably get them by next Monday, then it's all about whether or not they're acceptable or not. If they are, I'll discuss proceeding at their earliest opportunity- if they need adjustment, that'll be what it'll be.

Honestly, I'm expecting they'll be okay, so it'll probably be a case of when can they do the run. Since they cut samples, the machines are at least in some semblance of 'ready to go' I should think, so if I can okay the whay they are, I'll get the price, let everyone know, get final orders and fairly shortly after we should have nails. Their machinery makes 800/minute, so I'd be surprised if our 100+lb order would take more than a few hours to fill. Then it's all about payments and shipping...

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Matt,
I'm glad to hear this may finally come to fruition. I was just this morning shopping for hobnails on the net and couldn't find anything much. I've been thinking lately about making a new pair of caligae and the timing would be great.

[Magnus]

Matt, is it too late to put in an order? I have about 3 guys in need of caligae.

[Matt Lukes]

Nope, not too late- I haven't received the samples for approval (which I'll post so that everyone can have a whack at them if they've got criticisms). When it comes time to finalize the orders I'll make sure I'm very clear about it- start a new thread I think- so that everyone who might want in will get the chance to say so.

[Servius Rustius Noricus]

Nope, not too late-

Salutem Matt L.
I would like to purchase some of those hobnaills if it is at all possible.
Could you send me the details such as where to send the money, and how are they sold..eg: by the pound...

[Matt Lukes]

Absoutely Robert- when I have the details sorted-out, I'll let you, and everyone who's expressed interest, know. For now I can tell you that they're sold by the pound and the price per pound should be something less than $20USD (plus postage). I'll also try to get an estimate of how many nails are in a pound, but at the moment I believe it should be rather more than enough for one pair with one of the higher-density patterns- might even be enough for two pair with some of the lower-density patterns.

[Marcus Julius]

I've been digging, searching, and asking for quite some time about hobnails. If it isn't too late to get in on the deal sign me up for 2 pounds.

Also, I notice you're in Canada. I live in the U.S. right on the border below Calgary. I could probably take a few of them across the border since they come from the U.S. supplier, and speed up the international shipping process. Have to check with Canadian Customs about being able to bring them over, but if all else fails, they could always be a "gift" like the ones going to Germany, right?

P.S. When you talked to them about samples, did the price ever come up?