Custom Daab Project

Jason Anstey · 26th September 2007, 06:05 AM

A little while ago I commissioned Cozun to reproduce a magnificent Daab that was featured in the History of Steel Catalogue.

Here is a link to the original sword (I hope Mark doesn't mind me linking)

http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/C0066.htm

After some discussions with Serge (thanks mate!) we decided on materials. I opted for silver rather than silver plate and we chose the black wood called Chin Chan rather than a black lacquer.

And also deciding on using Namphee steel for the blade. I believe that the blade will not have the famous blue appearance as from my understanding this is simply a cosmetic blueing made via flame. However the blade will obviously have the characteristics of this rare metal.

Serge was kind enough to send me some pics from the silversmith in action on my project.

1. Silversmith at work

2. Faak casing - I just love that word!

stay tuned

Cheers

Jason

ariel · 26th September 2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Anstey

2. Faak casing - I just love that word!

stay tuned

Cheers

Jason

What would be the proper term for the Faak for a Gaucho knife Facon : Fac off?

Jason Anstey · 26th September 2007, 02:13 PM

he he he

Ahhh there are just too many gags with this one, but looks like they are doing a faak in good job!

Cheers

Jason

VANDOO · 26th September 2007, 04:45 PM

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE FINISHED PRODUCT IT SHOULD BE A BEAUTIFUL DHA. DO YOU PLAN TO USE A WHITE JADE STONE ON THE POMMEL OR PERHAPS A PIECE OF THE LAVENDAR JADE JUST TO BE DIFFERENT. THEY ALSO HAVE SOME NICE BLACK STAR SAPPHIRES IN THAILAND THAT WOULD LOOK NICE BUT MIGHT BE A BIT PRICEY IN THE NEEDED SIZE. I AM SURE IT WILL BE A JOY TO OWN WHEN IT ARRIVES IN YOUR HANDS.

Jason Anstey · 26th September 2007, 04:58 PM

THanks Vandoo.

I am going with white onxy as per the original, there is a burmese or shan Dha in the same book that has a similar look but with a turquoise stone ball set at the end of the FAAK!

YEp saphire would be awesome, but $$$

Will post more pics as they arrive.

Cheers

Jason

Jason Anstey · 30th January 2008, 06:50 AM

Hi Chaps!

Well it's been quite a while since I have updated this thread. Well the project is almost complete, I have on the way made some changes to the design and specs so it really is more of a custom piece than a reproduction of the historic example.

Instead of the white onyx for the pommel stone I wanted to uses a THai Black Sapphire (as was suggested here), Unfortunately the price was way out of the possibility so Serge found some black spinels at a reasonable price. I am pretty sure that these are often sold at Black Sapphires to the unsuspecting. I chose the smooth finish.

See pic

I wanted the ribbed appearance on the handle similar to the original which is black lacquer over wound on rattan. I wanted to stay with a wood finish so I supplied a reference of a carved knife handle to Serge and he had a craftsman make a new handle and carve the wood. I think you will agree that the carving is superb.

As the surface area opens up the grain the handle appears darker than the scabbard - I am undecided on whether to have the scabbard darkened now??

Here is a pic of the sword as it stands, pommel stone is still to be attached and silver is to be polished.

In regards to the timing I have made quite a few modifications that were quite different to anything the craftsmen had done before so I adopted a very relaxed attitude with delivery so everything could be done to the best possible quality.

I think Serge has gone out of his way to ensure this unique project turns out to a very high standard.

enjoy!

26th September 2007, 06:05 AM	#1
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	Custom Daab Project A little while ago I commissioned Cozun to reproduce a magnificent Daab that was featured in the History of Steel Catalogue. Here is a link to the original sword (I hope Mark doesn't mind me linking) http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/C0066.htm After some discussions with Serge (thanks mate!) we decided on materials. I opted for silver rather than silver plate and we chose the black wood called Chin Chan rather than a black lacquer. And also deciding on using Namphee steel for the blade. I believe that the blade will not have the famous blue appearance as from my understanding this is simply a cosmetic blueing made via flame. However the blade will obviously have the characteristics of this rare metal. Serge was kind enough to send me some pics from the silversmith in action on my project. 1. Silversmith at work 2. Faak casing - I just love that word! stay tuned Cheers Jason

26th September 2007, 02:13 PM	#3
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	he he he Ahhh there are just too many gags with this one, but looks like they are doing a faak in good job! Cheers Jason

26th September 2007, 04:45 PM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE FINISHED PRODUCT IT SHOULD BE A BEAUTIFUL DHA. DO YOU PLAN TO USE A WHITE JADE STONE ON THE POMMEL OR PERHAPS A PIECE OF THE LAVENDAR JADE JUST TO BE DIFFERENT. THEY ALSO HAVE SOME NICE BLACK STAR SAPPHIRES IN THAILAND THAT WOULD LOOK NICE BUT MIGHT BE A BIT PRICEY IN THE NEEDED SIZE. I AM SURE IT WILL BE A JOY TO OWN WHEN IT ARRIVES IN YOUR HANDS.

26th September 2007, 04:58 PM	#5
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	THanks Vandoo. I am going with white onxy as per the original, there is a burmese or shan Dha in the same book that has a similar look but with a turquoise stone ball set at the end of the FAAK! YEp saphire would be awesome, but $$$ Will post more pics as they arrive. Cheers Jason

30th January 2008, 06:50 AM	#6
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	Hi Chaps! Well it's been quite a while since I have updated this thread. Well the project is almost complete, I have on the way made some changes to the design and specs so it really is more of a custom piece than a reproduction of the historic example. Instead of the white onyx for the pommel stone I wanted to uses a THai Black Sapphire (as was suggested here), Unfortunately the price was way out of the possibility so Serge found some black spinels at a reasonable price. I am pretty sure that these are often sold at Black Sapphires to the unsuspecting. I chose the smooth finish. See pic I wanted the ribbed appearance on the handle similar to the original which is black lacquer over wound on rattan. I wanted to stay with a wood finish so I supplied a reference of a carved knife handle to Serge and he had a craftsman make a new handle and carve the wood. I think you will agree that the carving is superb. As the surface area opens up the grain the handle appears darker than the scabbard - I am undecided on whether to have the scabbard darkened now?? Here is a pic of the sword as it stands, pommel stone is still to be attached and silver is to be polished. In regards to the timing I have made quite a few modifications that were quite different to anything the craftsmen had done before so I adopted a very relaxed attitude with delivery so everything could be done to the best possible quality. I think Serge has gone out of his way to ensure this unique project turns out to a very high standard. enjoy!