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Eric
McHugh,
Cutler, Scabbardmaker, Blademaker
Gallery of Past Work
Eric is a talented blademaker and cutler
in his own right, and will take a limited number
of custom commissions.
Contact him through Mike at Albion
Customer Service concerning quotes
and wait times for your custom project.
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Anglo-Saxon
Seax
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This
Anglo-Saxon knife features a hand-forged high carbon steel blade (5160)
with a decorative groove near the spine. The hilt has a distinctly
Scandinavian flare with a nickle-silver ferrule and end cap. The peened
end cap is accented with domed steel pins. The grip is made from a
hardwood core and is covered in leather. This seax comes with a simple
leather sheath and is sharp.
Stats:
Red grip
Bverall length 17.75" (45.09 cm)
B blade length 12.3125" (31.27 cm)
PRICE: $400 USD SOLD
plus $25 shipping (International shipping will be determined at time
of sale)
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Small
Bearded Axe
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This
axe has the following features:
- Forge-welded construction (high carbon steel edge welded to a mild
steel socket)
- Differential hardening (hardened and tempered edge and soft body
for shock resistance)
- Antiqued finish (browned)
- Hand hewn, tapered Ash haft. 30" long.
- 4.5" (11.4 cm) blade length from point to point
- Based on hands-on research of originals
PRICE: $400 USD (each, haft included)
SOLD
plus $25 domestic shipping. International shipping will be determined
at time of sale.
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Steel
Rondel Dagger
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This
dagger is based on several daggers I viewed while in Europe and several
others in various publications. The blade is forged from W1 (which
is a high carbon steel used in making drill bits).
The blade is hollow-ground on all three sides. Each side is 12mm (0.47
inches) wide.
The guard, grip, and pommel disc are all mild steel. In addition to
the careful hollow-grinding, this dagger features extensive filework
on the guard, grip and pommel disc. A number of originals served as
a source for these patterns.
The leather sheath was made by my business partner Tami Donisi. The
sheath is decorated with scribed lines. Tami also helped with polishing
the dagger.
Overall Length: 32.5 cm (12.8")
Blade Length: 22.5 cm (8.9")
PRICE: $1,000 SOLD |
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Anglo-Saxon
Seaxes
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These Anglo-Saxon knives feature a hand-forged high carbon steel blade
(5160) with a decorative groove near the spine.
The hilt has a distinctly Scandinavian flare with a nickle-silver
ferrule and end cap. The peened end cap is accented with domed steel
pins.
The grip is made from a hardwood core and is covered in leather.
These seaxes come with a simple leather sheath and they are all sharp.
Stats:
Top seax SOLD
Dark brown grip
blade length 12.75" (32.34 cm)
overall length 17.75 (45.09 cm)
Center seax
Red grip
blade length 12.3125" (31.27 cm)
overall length 17.75" (45.09 cm)
Bottom seax SOLD
Mahogany grip
blade length 12.875" (32.7 cm)
overall length 18.063 (45.88 cm)
Price each: $450 (sheath included) plus $25 domestic shipping.
International shipping via UPS and will be determined at time of sale.
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Trio
of Small Bearded Axes
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Just
completed: 3 small bearded axes (all the same size and shape) based
on examples in Sweden.
These axes have the following features:
- Forge-welded construction (high carbon steel edge welded to a mild
steel socket)
- Differential hardening (hardened and tempered edge and soft body
for shock resistance)
- Antiqued finish (browned)
- Hand hewn tapered Ash haft included
- 4.5” (11.4 cm) blade length from point to point
PRICE: $400 USD
(each, haft included) plus $25 domestic shipping.
International shipping will be determined at time of sale.
Payment options include: check, money order or PayPal (please add
3% to total).
Will custom cut the length of the haft to your specifications.
Interested parties please contact me at ericmycue@verizon.net
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Nydam
Seaxes
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In my
opinion, one of the most exciting places in the world for a sword
collector is Denmark. Besides being a beautiful country, Demark is
a cornucopia of “bog finds.” Bogs
are marshes near lakes or wet areas that were once lakes or small
bodies of water. For centuries,
the inhabitants of this area of Europe
have deposited items in these bogs by accident or more commonly
as an 0ffering (votive deposit). The Nydam Bog find is one such “votive deposit.”
First
excavated in the 1700’s, the Nydam Bog contains four primary groups
of deposits that include 2 ships (the renowned Nydam boat and the
Pine boat), swords, shields, lances, spears, axes, arrows, personal
items, and knives. The number
of items is so concentrated that excavators referred to them as
a “complicated game of pick-up-sticks.”
These items are dated between 250-450 AD with the largest deposits occurring in the 4th
and 5th century AD.
Seaxes
have always interested me, so when I became familiar with the Nydam
find, I was immediately drawn to the seaxes. These seaxes are simple. They could have been utility knives or back-up
weapons or both. They seem
to exhibit some of the characteristics that are not desirable in
a modern knife. For example,
many of them have a small “belly” to the blade.
In addition, many of them have simple wood handles that are
just pushed into place without the benefit of a custom fit.
Some of the examples have small but stylish rivet blocks,
others are simply peened over an iron disk.
Many
of the Nydam seaxes exhibit decorative file work on the spine.
This simple feature breaks up the line of the spine and catches
the eye. In spite of these
modern knifemaking “faux pas,” these seaxes have a harmonious look
that is characteristic of their time period. The modern collector must be careful to consider
them in light of their historical context.
I have
tried to recreate a variety of Nydam “inspired” seaxes using the
best examples from the find. Three
have rivet blocks and two are simply peened over an iron disk.
I have tried to fill in the blanks where the historic examples
were heavily corroded and provided little guidance as to the overall
shape. The results, I believe,
are worthy of the originals. The
seaxes are hand forged 1080 steel and each blade was heat-treated
by me. In addition, the fittings
are made of iron. Each seax
comes with a leather storage sheath made by Tami Donisi.
Price: $350 per seax (sheath included) plus $25 domestic
shipping (International
shipping will be quoted at time of purchase).
I can take
check, money order or PayPal (my PayPal e-mail is ericmycue@verizon.net). Please add 3% to total. Below you will find pictures and details for
each seax. Other photos of
each seax are available on request.
Please put the number of the seax you are inquiring about
in the subject of the e-mail. Interested parties can contact me at eric@albionarmorers.com.
Nydam
Seax 1
SOLD
Blade
Length: 9.5” (24.1 cm)
Overall
Length: 14” (35.6 cm)
Grip:
Walnut
Nydam
Seax 2
SOLD
Blade
Length: 9.75” (24.8 cm)
Overall
Length: 13.75” (34.4 cm)
Grip:
Boxwood
Nydam
Seax 3
SOLD
Blade
Length: 10.625” (27 cm)
Overall
Length: 15” (38.1 cm)
Grip:
Maple (stained)
Nydam
Seax 4
SOLD
Blade
Length: 10.5” (26.7 cm)
Overall
Length: 14.625” (37.1 cm)
Grip:
Boxwood
Nydam Seax
5
SOLD
Blade
Length: 10” (25.4 cm)
Overall
Length: 14.125” (35.9 cm)
Grip:
Maple (stained)
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15th
Century Hollow-ground Long Rondel
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One
of my good friends says, "Rondels are ugly!" To a point I agree, they
are not the most attractive daggers from the medieval period, but
the importance of the rondel dagger to the late medieval period cannot
be minimized. Rondels are one of those ubiquitous weapons from the
late medieval period. They appear at European courts, military battles
and civilian use. Like most medieval weapons there are those rondels
that are stunning and those that are more base.
The rondel that I am offering for sale is the result of my study trip
to England with Peter Johnsson. It is based on the close examination
of several "military" style Rondel daggers in the Royal Armoury at
Leeds. David Edge in his book Arms and Armour of the Medieval Knight,
describes the basic design and function of the Rondel:
The blades of these daggers tended to be of a strongly
triangular cross-section, designed principally for punching through
armour and mail and not for cutting. The dagger reserved primarily
for administering a coup de grace (final, merciful killing strike)
or was used in extremis...(125)
This rather large rondel would have been the sidearm of an archer
or infantry soldier (or even an armored knight) and would have been
used to finish the job on an unfortunate enemy or drawn in a moment
of desperation to save his life. Primarily a thrusting weapon, the
stout tip on this weapons would have been maneuvered between gaps
in plate armour, under an arm pit or even thrust through a visor on
a helm.
This hollow-ground, triangle shaped blade is nearly 11.5 mm (0.5")
thick at the base and tapers to a sturdy 3.3 mm @ 1 cm behind the
tip. In spite of its thickness, this is a very fast and agile weapon.
The hollow-grinding has effectively reduced the weight of the blade
while maintaining the powerful thrusting ability of the blade. At
54.6 cm (21.25") in length, this rondel has impressive reach.
The blade has been polished to a smooth, consistent satin finish by
Tami Donisi (business partner and forge-hand). The fittings are made
from late 19th century architectural iron. It has been etched to bring
out the natural strands in the iron. This technique gives the fittings
an attractive "faux pattern-welded" appearance while still utilizing
historic materials.
The blade has been inset into the lower guard disk by the use of a
drift that is the same profile as the blade. The disk was heated to
forging temperature; the drift was then pounded into the center of
the disk. This formed an inset that was slightly larger than the blade
profile and allowed the shoulders of the blade to be recessed into
the guard disk (this can be clearly seen in the photos below). This
was a method that was often employed by medieval smiths. The result
is a clean, tight fit between guard and blade.
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Sheath
design
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The
grip is made from African Blackwood. This rondel comes with a historically
inspired leather sheath with iron chape. I've included a design sketch
that was used for the creation of the sheath.
Stats
Blade: 54.6 cm (21.25")
Overall Length: 65.6 cm (25.825")
Steel: W1 (high carbon tool steel)
Fittings: Late 19th Century Iron
Grip: African Blackwood
Complete rondel and sheath suite: $1,300 SOLD
(US shipping included, international shipping cost will be determined
at the time of purchase).
I take the following forms of payment: personal check, money orders,
cashier's check or PayPal (please add 3% to final price).
If you are interested in purchasing this piece, contact me at ericmycue@verizon.net
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Medium
Viking Axe
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This
medium axe is based on original axes found near Uppsala, Sweden.
The axe features forge-welded construction (like the originals)
and differential hardening: the edge has been thoroughly hardened
and tempered, while the body and haft socket remain untouched. This
provides an added measure of resiliency to the axe head, allowing
for a keen cutting edge and a schock absorbing body.
The
blade is 8.25" from point to point.
Price:
$550 for axe head only SOLD
plus $25 for shipping, insurance and packaging.
I
can haft the axe for an added fee of $200. This includes a custom
shaped and fitted oak haft.
Additional options and their prices can be discussed.
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Halberd
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Based
on examples from the Art Institute of Chicago, this halberd is hand-forged
of 1080 steel. The haft is hand-carved and shaped of oak and through-rivetted.
Overall length: 7' 2"
Edge: 7.5"
SOLD
A
simlar halberd would probably run $1,600.00
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German
Grossemesser
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This
is a basic German soldier's Grossemesser. The blade is hand forged
1080. It is polished to a smooth satin finish. The fittings are forged
mild steel. The guard is secured to the blade shoulders with a knuckle
guard that passes through the guard and blade and is peened on the
other side. The pommel is forged/welded into place on the tang of
the sword. The grip scales are stablized maple burl and are secured
with rivets.
Stats:
2 pounds 2.5 oz (979 grams)
29.875" (75.88 cm) overall length
24.6" (62.48 cm) blade length
4.75" (12.06 cm) Point of balance from guard
1.75" (4.45 cm) wide at the hilt
Price: $1,600 (+$24 for domestic shipping) SOLD
Basic Period Scabbard: $550 (4-6 month delivery)
Period Scabbard with by-knife and awl: $950 (4-6 month delivery)
I can ship the sword as soon as the core for the scabbard is made
(2 weeks estimate) so that you can have the sword while you wait for
the scabbard to be completed. |
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Soldier's
Rondel (Rehilt Project)
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Blade
is pattern-weld from MRL. Hilt discs are mild steel and grip is English
Boxwood.
A similar Rondel would sell for $950 in pattern-weld and $550 mono-steel.
SOLD |
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Small
Pattern-welded Seax
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This seax is draws it's inspiration from knives found in Birka.
In addition, the file work on the spine is found on several small
seax's found near the town of Jönköping in Sweden. It is still seen
on modern scandinavian knives. The seax is made of twisted layers
of 1095 and L6. The fittings are sterling silver, and the grip is
maple.
Overall Length: 11.75" (29.8 cm)
Blade Length: 7.5" (19.1 cm)
Blade Width at Grip: 1" (2.54 cm)
SOLD
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Traditional
Seax
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SOLD |
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Brescia
Seax
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This
seax was inspired by a seax found in the museum in Brescia, Italy,
which was documented by Peter Johnsson.
It is hand forged 1075 with hand forged mild steel fittings. The
blade has a subtle downward curve that was achieved in heat treat.
This curve was intentional since the original had such a curve.
The blade features has a reinforced tip for thrusting and engraved
decorative lines. The grip is hard wood covered in leather.
Specifications
Overall length: 22.75"
Blade length: 16.75"
Weight: 1.5 lbs
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| Eric
McHugh Brescia Seax....SOLD |
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Towton
Long Rondel
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This
example of a long rondel dagger is the kind of back-up weapon an
archer might have carried. It has a hollow-ground parallelogram
cross-section.
Eric has based this blade design on an example in the Museum of
London.
An example of the disk like fittings is found in Germany, but they
were a very common style for military daggers all over Europe.
It is
a stout blade for use against heavily armored enemies, designed
as a close-quarter weapon stiff enough to penetrate the mail and
padding between armor plate. The blade is hand-forged and hand-ground
from 1095 steel. The grip is stabilized birch that is bound with
linen cord, then covered with leather.
Kevin Iseli will be making a period sheath with a forged chape,
included in the price.
Specifications
Overall length: 25.75"
Blade length: 21.375"
Width at hilt: 1.28"
Width 1" from tip: 0.405"
Weight: 1.5 lbs
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Eric McHugh Towton Long Rondel....SOLD |
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Bloodthorn
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Eric
has hand forged and hollow ground the 1095 steel blade for this
curved dagger, giving it a smooth satin finish. A Gaboon Ebony grip
and hand filed pommel and guard complete the piece.
Eric
McHugh Bloodthorn.... SOLD
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Drow
Dagger: Glimmer
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Eric
tells this story about this dagger:
"Several
months ago, I went to the basement of Albion to reset a circuit
breaker. I had ventured into a section of the basement that I
had never seen before. Before I realized it, I was no longer in
the basement, but I was walking in a subterranean passage. With
my flashlight in hand, I ventured deeper into the passage. All
of a sudden I was attacked by the strangest creature. He stood
about 5' 8" and had black skin and hair that was whiter than snow.
He lunged at me with a dagger. My years of military training saved
me because I shifted my weight and allowed the blade to pass by
me. At the same moment, I grabbed his arm and wrist and twisted
the blade from his hand. I then proceeded to dump him on the ground.
Dazed and unarmed he jumped to his feet and ran off into the darkness.
"I
made my way back to the basement and sealed the hole with some
wood planks. I took the dagger to Howy who immediately recognized
it. ‘That is a Drow dagger,’ he stated in a flat yet awed tone.
‘Drow?’ I asked. ‘The Dark Elves…’ That was enough information
for me… I do not want this cursed weapon so I am offering it for
sale. It is an evil thing. Very light and agile. Clearly, its
only purpose is to slip between the ribs of some helpless person
lost in the darkness."
Okay,
okay, you don’t believe any of that? Well then, let’s tell the
real story:
Eric
hand-forged the blade out of W2 and the fittings are hand-made
from mild steel. Both the blade and fittings are polished to a
smooth satin finish. The grip is Gaboon Ebony. This blade has
the foundation of an edge but is not full-sharp. A handmade scabbard
is included.
Specifications:
Overall Length: 15.5"
Blade length: 10"
SOLD
Eric
McHugh Drow Dagger.... SOLD
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Skein
Beag
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Eric
drew his inspiration for this knife from his research on Irish
fighting knives in the National Museum of Ireland and from his
research on the Viking scramasax. The blade is hand-forged W2
(a high-carbon steel). It is hollow ground and polished to a smooth
satin finish. The blade is quite light and fast; it features a
thickened tip section that reduces the tip's vulnerability during
thrusting. The grip is made of walnut burl and the fittings are
bronze. This knife is very sharp. A simple leather sheath is included.
Specifications:
Overall Length: 14"
Blade length: 9 5/8"
Weight: 4 oz.
Width at the guard: 7/8"
SOLD
Skein Beag.... SOLD
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Axe
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This
axehead is hand forged of 1095 steel and given a blued finish. The
Walnut handle has an elkskin wrap and handmade bronze end cap.
Small
Viking Axe.... SOLD
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Scramasax
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The
8" blade of this scramasax is hand forged of 1080 steel,
and features a wenge handle with bronze fittings.
Scramasax....
SOLD
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