The Armour Archive

Hey folks. I need a lance head made to spec for research purposes, and need a smith who is first and foremost reliable and willing to work to spec rather than argue against them.

Money unfortunately IS an issue, but I would be willing to trade some work for an original (in decent "display" shape as an artiface, but absolutely not useable) if that might be of interest; otherwise, I'd need quotes and possibly time to amass funds. I would need to have the spear head in-hand by the middle to end of summer.

Form is very basic: it's a basically a "square bodkin," 18cm long from the socket, tapering smoothly to a point. Widest measurement is 2.6cm where the business end meets the socket, tapering smoothly to the point. Socket needs a nail hole for proper mounting (this will be used in impact tests, among other things), length is somewhat negotiable, as the original is damaged, but should be at least 8-9cm long and built to accomodate a full-sized spear haft, not merely a javelin shaft. Can be left forge-black, no polishing or "finishing" is needed.

Thanks in advance for any interest.

How close to spec does one need to work?
What material does it need to be made from?
Do you need specific hardness ranges?
Must it be a tapered socket?
Must it be a welded socket? Forge welded? Modern?
What size shaft are you trying to fit?
Are you married to square or may it be triangular?

Oh and be prepped to grab your ankles.

Grimr

I do not need specific material/hardness ranges: we don't have metallurgical testing on the piece: modern shortcuts which are not visibly obvious are fine. It's basically just a plus-size "long bodkin" arrowhead; must be a tapered socket and a square section, which needs to be close to spec -- micrometer-close isn't required, but big deviations from the form would be a no-no.

What size shaft are you using please?

My sample sketches vary (actually, most of them have the business end topping out at about 2, not 2.5/2.6, but the sockets all appear to have been for a 3cm shaft -- they're remarkably consistent. If you're on metric and want to call it an inch, that's okay as well.

I'm not on metric but can work with it. End is summer is what firm date? I will have to allow for shipping & possibly customs?

I'm in TX, so unless you're in Canuckistan, no customs. Would need it by July-ish or so.

Sounds like a job for Improved plow steel. I'll quote it at $150 + shipping, good for the next 20 days

I won't be offended if you'd like to use the quote to shop with but keep in mind as time dwindles my price will go up.

PM or email me please if you have anything trade wise you'd like to discuss. The Email on my profile link is active.

Edit to add... I'm in the PRC (Peoples Republic of California)

Regards,

Grimr mka James

Bit confused here, PatternWeld. Why would you go to all the mess and trouble of starting with wire rope as your stock?

Not only cable is made from improved plow steel. I can get different bars of the stuff from the welding supply close to my shop. I typically use it for dies for my 20 ton press.

It's the equivalent of 1065 .... just the right balance of hard & tough for something like a lance tip.

Now I do make "Cable Damascus" all the time but the wire rope I use for that is usually extra improved plow steel sourced from de-certified crane cables used in the various oil operations around California & offshore.

Grimr