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Engraving

Started by Veritas Machining, October 16, 2013, 08:30:51 AM

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Veritas Machining

Is it a common practice to add embellishments to swords, daggers, holsters, etc?  Such as engraving?  Say you wanted to put a crest or design (or personal identification info if lost) on an axe; as long as it appears true to the period, is it allowable?  The reason I ask this is because we do laser engraving and I don't know if that would complement or conflict the essence of the renaissance spirit.  Anybody have any thoughts on that?

DonaCatalina

It was done; but it wasn't common. Most likely because they did not want to damage the hardened steel of the blades and weaken an expensive and critical survival tool.
   
19" indo persian double tiger handle short sword

This sword dates from the late 16th Century. The decoration is restricted to the hilt.
Aurum peccamenes multifariam texit
Marquesa de Trives
Portrait Goddess

escherblacksmith

Not sure what you mean by "allowable".  If you are doing historical reenactment, then it will be up to the group you are doing it with, if you are talking about a general all-years renaissance faire, then odds are no one will care.  Although if you put on a smiley face or Nike swoosh, that would probably get noticed. :P

As for historical, it was much more common in the west as swords became decorative (ceremonial).  In the east, the Persians and Arabs had a great tradition of engraving phrases into their blades going back quite a ways, but it wasn't unknown amongst the Crusaders either, probably for the same reasons (prayers to {insert celestial figure here}).

On a personal note, inlaid axes are something I've seen more of, and prefer.  But that is just me .  . .

--

Hoowil

I'm not sure where my book is that had it, but I read that engraving was not totally uncommon in later period pole weapons, especially for ceremonial guards. I would think with things like bills, and with the axes, the wider surfaces gave a little more room for decoration, and from a personal opinion, it would seem more likely to engrave, inlay, or embellish something that wouldn't be kept hidden. Why decorate a blade that would hopefully be kept in a sheath (or in an opponent)? Especially where things that were more likely to be carried bare and/or in hand would display better. But I have seen some beautiful work on Norse axes, and they did do dome inlay work on sword blades.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with catsup.