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Custom Scabbard and Belts by DBK Custom Swords, Inc

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Sir William:
Greetings, brother Knights!

It has arrived!!!!

I commissioned this scabbard back in January- I bought my ARN sword from Albion about a year or so before that and while I'd initially planned to go with another scabbard maker, that didn't pan out since I still have commissions outstanding with that particular craftsman and I decided not to wait any longer.

As most of you know, Brian carries a pretty hefty backlog on his waitlist...something to the tune of about 12-18 months or so.  Luckily for me, he does an ARN scabbard (just like the one you see in the movie made by Albion) at least once a month, or every two months so I was able to 'jump the line' so to speak because he makes them anyway.  Also, because he has an ARN on hand, I didn't have to send mine (which was a concern for me, if only because it wouldn't be near to hand until the work was done) - Albion being pretty consistent among their sword lines- no two may be exactly alike, but they will be near enough, and such was the case for me, luckily.

I think pretty much everyone on here is familiar with Brian Kunz of DBK, so I'll dispense with the verbose descriptions and give you the skinny:

Brian hand carves his scabbards, out of poplar I believe, channeled to accept the sword snugly- my words may seem to imply that it is a short and easy process but please be assured it is anything but; he lines the interior of the scabbard in wool (which I'm told is actually period-accurate) so no damage can occur to the blade like the scrape of a rough surface in the scabbard during the draw and resheathe.  Once the scabbard core's done, he cuts the leather to fit before the embossing/stamping, incised lines and stitch and belt holes are punched and then the wrapping process can begin.  



Once he's done the detail work, he dyes the leather to your spec- he can even give it a campaign-worn finish, which I requested.  I also asked that the belt contrast with the scabbard and grip- I thought it would accentuate the whole ensemble and it does, to my eye anyway.

And so, he made mine, with some minor changes/upgrades that you've not seen on any previous ARN scabbard I assure you.  Moving forward you may see them from now on because Brian really likes it as well.

So, without further ado, here are the best parts of a review- the photos!  I apologize in advance for the poor photog skills...its funny, it doesn't look that way when I'm taking the shot.  LOL

I have not yet named this sword...I'm open to suggestions.  Here she is, fully sheathed in the finished scabbard...a real beauty, no?



Sword and Scabbards side by side, belts open:



Here's a closeup of the stamping/incising detail - to match the fuller and crosses of my sword.  This is one of the little additions that really make it pop for me - the fuller and cross accents.  He also upgraded the chape to a full one, as opposed to the one that looks like a chinhugger beard (there's another name for it but I can't recall it at the moment).



Different angle.



Top half of scabbard...I realize now I could've zoomed this in a little.



Outside getting some clouds/sun!



In closing, I must say that I am not an expert, this being the finest scabbard for the finest sword in my collection that I have ever owned- but having handled many swords and scabbards over the years, I've seen none finer.  IMHO, Brian Kunz is at the top of the list of custom scabbard makers- and not just because of the price.  I think only those who have worked with their hands can truly appreciate the amount of time, effort and creativity that goes into his scabbards.  I have yet to read a negative comment about his work...there will certainly be none from me.

What do you Knights think?

Sir Brian:
Exquisite! I hope I can admire it in person someday...I know MDRF is definitely not possible but perhaps some other event! Congratulations!

Sir Rodney:
The high level of craftsmanship is self evident.  I'm impressed by the scabbard detailing matching the sword so perfectly.   :)

Sir James A:
That is absolutely breathtaking. With that kind of a product, it's easy to see why he has such an extensive waiting list.

Sir William:

--- Quote from: Sir Brian on 2011-04-19, 16:13:07 ---Exquisite! I hope I can admire it in person someday...I know MDRF is definitely not possible but perhaps some other event! Congratulations!

--- End quote ---

I know, that is a shame but I think I understand why.  Maybe we can all get together at VARF?  I know I'd be wearing it then!

Sir Rodney, it is almost like the man has a magic touch; really it is just a high level of skill and attention to detail, but magic sounds more cool.  ;)

Sir James, I have to remind myself not to handle it too much...I'm constantly touching and rubbing it like its a new girlfriend I just met!  LOL

Seriously, it is a beaut and is perfectly mated to the sword...I can hold it upside down and shake it and the sword doesn't budge.  THAT being the case when he did not have my sword with which to build it is impressive to me.

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