I'd recently come into possession of an Angus Trim sword blade (Oakeshott Type XI) and the corresponding crosshilt and wheel pommel. The tang is sufficiently long that this would make a really nice "Epee' de Guerre" (war sword) and I think I'd like to build it that way. But I have a few questions:
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What do you recommend for a handle? I considered a hickory hammer handle, but may go with an ash 1x2.
How do I taper the end of the tang so I can mount the pommel on squarely? Will it require heating the end of the tang, or simple brute force?
How do I insure the tightest fit possible, so there's no rattling to the pommel or hilt?
I suggest looking at Jim Hrisoulas' book _The Complete Bladesmith_ for some very good ideas on sword handles. Also, there is quite a bit good in his second book _The Master Bladesmith_.
Your local library might have them. If not, you are in the SCA, so there has to be someone in your area with a copy. If you want to come to Fairbanks, I'd be happy to let you use my copy!
He does a nice job covering the burning-in of tangs, wire-wrapping the grips, and so on.
If you are only going to have to remove a little material from the tang, do yourself a favor and don't use any tools that you are not familiar with. If this was a cheapy blade, it would be fine to use a belt sander or angle grinder, but a Trim is something I would use hand tools (files) on, if I was not absolutely certain that I wouldn't remove too much steel with my grinder. Take your time and get it right.
