Ted's Crafts

Happiness is: a box of swords!

Little wooden scabbard bridges wot I made.

A frivolous little project, to express my inner geek.
Artwork from the Star Trek Strange New Worlds / Lower Decks crossover episode 'Those Old Scientists'.
Yes, I am that sad!

I get all sorts of things on my workbench!

I made a sword! Shame it's only wooden.

Couple of scabbards recently completed.
The strapping design of both are based on late C11th images. The cross decoration is highly speculative at the owners request.

Latest embroidery project completed, the Discworld Death, based on artwork by Paul Kidby. Just for fun.

Recently completed scabbard, drawing influences from Gloucester and a bit of Danelaw.

I'm filing bits of brass with the consequently screechy noises..... that calls for Runrig on high volume! Is that entirely appropriate for St George's day?

Another piece finished, it's been on the frame a while but abandoned.
I think the contrast couching overlay in the background is a mistake, I should have stuck to red. Original artwork by Tanya Bentham.

A recently completed commission. A version of the coppergate seax sheath with a combat safe seax.

Finished my version of a section of the Bayeux Tapestry, only about 300ft to do!
Completed in naturally dyed wool, applied as couching (Bayeux stitch, obviously!) on a linen background. Approximately 22" x 11"

My Son is into scandi aesthetic so a few years ago, I presented him with my version of a Smörkniv. He was clearly baffled and unimpressed by a wooden knife!
However, after a little research and some compliments from hipster friends, he soon learned to love his wooden butter knife. Since then, he has asked me to make more several times. Here is the latest batch. These are made from recycled English walnut and in a variety of designs. Not based on any historical examples, but I'm sure there's not that much difference.

A couple of scabbards and some bits completed this month

It's a time-consuming and uncomfortable process adding a leather rim to a kite shield. I estimate 5 - 6 hours work altogether. (marking out and drilling the holes then Preparing the leather and attaching it (under tension) to the edge.
One down, another to do tomorrow.

My hands are shredded and my shoulders ache..... time for a lie down!

Another scabbard completed.

This morning's workshop activity......a couple of scabbards underway.
The cores are done and wrapped in linen, now they're being sheathed in leather.

Recently completed scabbard, for a left -hander. Influences from Dublin and Gloucester finds.

Recently I have mostly been making knives. Leatherwork pretty much done, now I'm working through decorating the handles. Then I'll make a few more blades and start the process again.

Steadily building up stock of shiny stuff.

I definitely didn't grind my finger prints off on the linisher today, nor did I set fire to my hoodie yesterday, and I didn't launch a knife blade into my groin when it bound on the grinder either. All in all, it's been a very healthy and safe week!!!

Working on building up my stock of C10th / C11th belt knives.

Scabbard and baldric completed.

A few more seaxes underway.

I don't think many people who have not made one themselves, appreciate just how much work goes into producing an early medieval scabbard, especially the core. But despite the effort, I am usually struck by the aesthetic of a completed core.

This week, I'm working on belt knives. C10th & C11th influences from Dublin, York and London, with a smidgeon of Hedeby.

All done bar final polish. A seax sheath based on a find from cheapside in London, with a combat (blunt) seax with antler handle.

Probably my least favourite design to emboss...... so fiddly!

Latest batch of seax's fresh from the wax vat.