Targe work-in-progress pics

**Bugbear** · 21st March 11, 09:06 PM

*Like*

**tripleblessed** · 21st March 11, 10:55 PM

Oh, YEAH!!!!

**Mark E.** · 22nd March 11, 07:45 AM

Dang. Too pretty to take to a fight...

Ever considered a broken sword blade section instead of just a straight spike? Granted, a person carrying THAT targe could likely afford a spike, rather than scavenging a sword blade...

Mark

**Nighthawk** · 22nd March 11, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Mark E.

Dang. Too pretty to take to a fight...

Ever considered a broken sword blade section instead of just a straight spike? Granted, a person carrying THAT targe could likely afford a spike, rather than scavenging a sword blade...

Mark

I changed my mind on the whole spike thing, anyway, given the fact that the original didn't have one, and I wanted to keep the feel of mine as close as possible to the original, which is also why I used a very decorative and small boss, as well. The original also, I might add, had silver nails instead of brass, so I seriously doubt it was anything other than decorative, carried by a man of means and wealth. I didn't use silver or anything chrome on mine, though. I did still want it to have a somewhat utilitarian look, which I think I achieved. And now I just have to finish the back- put the straps on and all! And Mark, I did manage to get a nice tight fit. I I stretched it just enough to get the leather flush to the back, nailed it on good and tight, soaked it after it was on, and let it sit out in the sun for 6 hours. We had a nice 75 degree day here yesterday. Shrunk it up like a charm. Well, mostly. There was one spot of about 3 inches that didn't lay flat. Luckily that spot was right where several nails were going anyway, so you can't tell with it nailed down! Luckily for me...

**Thomas** · 22nd March 11, 12:08 PM

Wow,
I´ve just realized that it´s not that good to be offline too long.
I almost missed this thread.

Outstanding work! Congrats on it.
How did you manage to get that antique look? It´s not just soaked in water, isn´t it?

Regards
Thomas

**The Thirsty Viking** · 22nd March 11, 12:20 PM

Out-Freakin-Standing, Nighthawk!

The tooling is incredible, and after seeing what you have done so far, I fully endorse the decision to forgo the spike. I wouldnt do anything to take away from the beautiful tooling and craftsmanship of this piece.

Well-played sir!

**Nighthawk** · 22nd March 11, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas

Wow,
I´ve just realized that it´s not that good to be offline too long.
I almost missed this thread.

Outstanding work! Congrats on it.
How did you manage to get that antique look? It´s not just soaked in water, isn´t it?

Regards
Thomas

Tandy Leather has made that antique look very easy, which is quite kind of them, I have to say. They have a gel called Saddle Tan ( http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/s...s/2614-05.aspx ) The stuff makes life so easy with the antique look! Used to be that I would have to use a light tan dye, and then use a separate antiquing putty or highlighter over the top of it, which would cause the overall color to darken. It was difficult to get consistent results, and it was difficult to get the exact color I wanted. Now they have this stuff, and it just antiques itself! And they have three different shades. This is the medium brown.I've been nothing but happy with the results I have gotten from it. Here's a picture of a belt I made for my wife using the same dye:

Originally Posted by The Thirsty Viking

Out-Freakin-Standing, Nighthawk!

The tooling is incredible, and after seeing what you have done so far, I fully endorse the decision to forgo the spike. I wouldnt do anything to take away from the beautiful tooling and craftsmanship of this piece.

Well-played sir!

Thanks. I know it takes some cash out of your pocket, though, so I do appreciate that. Rest assured that when/if I make one in the future that requires a spike, I will be coming to you for it.

**The Thirsty Viking** · 22nd March 11, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

Thanks. I know it takes some cash out of your pocket, though, so I do appreciate that. Rest assured that when/if I make one in the future that requires a spike, I will be coming to you for it.

Hey man- I would rather lose the money if it means a beautifully balanced piece of art. Less is often more, and I recognize that as an artist, myself.

Again... well done.