For the last 6 months or so I have been involved in preparing an exciting new project that is scheduled to launch in January 2018..
It started with a Fantasy Sword design competition that appeared in the Sword Buyers Digest Online Magazine, and then developed into several brainstorming sessions with SBG members on the SBG Sword Forum to populate a detail rich fantasy world where the swords we designed could all be situated in..
Over the months, quietly a dedicated website has been building – now over 200 pages – and still building ahead of the official launch.
But the very first sword from this project has come of age – and I am proud to say that it is without a shadow of a doubt the most exclusive and beautiful sword that SBG has EVER been involved with in the last 12 years..
It was designed, not from the competition, but by none other than John Lundemo of Odin Blades fame. But the steel was forged by KC Lund – and I am not alone in my estimation of how unique this blade is.. Not only is it the finest blade we have ever been invoved with at SBG – but John himself said of it:
“Definitely one of the best swords, if not the best, with which I’ve been involved over the past 30-some years”
- John Lundemo, Odinblades/Longship Armory
The sword is ‘Fantasy Viking Sword’, Pattern welded by KC Lund from L6 and O1 steels for legendary durability and a razor sharp, hard wearing edge.
INTRODUCING
Odin’s Oar: The Sword of Runa, Martyr of Stormwater
This is no run of the mill production piece: it is a true limited edition sword – only 20pcs will EVER be made, after which no more will be created to protect its value and ensure that the lucky few who get to own one will have their investment protected.
Now we have detailed the full backstory, and given you a look into how it was made, who made it, and the basic outline of who Runa of Stormwater was, what she did, and how it fits into the Legends we are creating. Exclusive artwork is currently being designed by Warren Louw of DC comics fame, and an accompanying signed poster of Runa and Odin’s Oar will also be provided with each sword when it is completed..
You can read all about it on the main site here
But in the meantime, here are few other bits and pieces of information that you might have questions about..
How much is it and when will it be completed?
The pictures are of the prototype, but as everything is being made by the same people and in house in the USA, what you see is what you too can get..
Normally, if you were to have this custom made as a one off, based on the cost of the time spent making each one, plus materials and everything else would run to around $4800. Hardly ‘cheap’ but if you do some research you will know that it is not at all unreasonable for this price tag (heck, bare blade modern day made Nihonto typically start at this price point – most are considerably more..)
But by making them in batches of 10, and with everyone cutting their margins to the absolute minimum as a service to the SBG community, we have priced it at just $2750 – and believe me, there is no way that it can go even a few dollars lower than this price, so no further discounts will be available as it is already priced at what you would normally pay just for the DEPOSIT alone..! (just the credit card fees to process an order are over $120 – which is almost all of the SBG share of the profits – THAT is how close to the bone we have priced it!).
We have said that it should be completed and shipped out in May 2018 – however, KC Lund has already gone ahead and forged the first 10 blade blanks. and it may well come in MUCH sooner, so we have allowed a nice buffer of time and will do our best to bring it in earlier..
How much needs to be paid up front?
As stated, the full price is actually around what you would normally pay for a deposit to secure this sword. Because of this, you require full payment up front for two reasons:
1. We cannot afford to spend time and money chasing up people and holding back swords to get the balance sorted out. We are serious about this, and require you to be serious about it too.
2. Most sword makers require a non-refundable deposit – and that just does not sit right with me if for some reason we cannot get a hold of you to chase up the balance before shipping as that is money for nothing, and that just isn’t how we roll.
Our promise is that the sword you will receive will meet and exceed your expectations. That is what Longship Armoury is famous for – if for some reason when you get it you aren’t happy, you can simply return it for refund. Never heard of this happening with Longship Armoury sword, most people who own one would need to have it pried from their dead hand..! 😉
When will the FINAL batch of 10pcs be made?
We have not yet set a firm date for the final run – but I would imagine sometime late in 2018. Places do fill up pretty fast usually, and we have several previous Longship Armoury customers already chomping at the bit just waiting for this announcement, so don’t be surprised if despite the relatively high price point (which is actually a total bargain) the first 10 spots and the final 10 will fill up very fast..
I can think of no better way to lead into the launch of our dedicated Fantasy Sword Site – Legendary Swords: the Eletreus Project and truly honored to be able to offer this to you all as a SBG exclusive.
It is very exciting stuff – and truly one of the most beautiful modern day swords made from two of the best and rarest sword steels around.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will leave you with a close up of the Pattern Welded steel blade (click for full size)
