I live in New England in the heart of the region where much of King Philips War was fought and I have studied it most of my life. The war actually lasted well into 1678, in what was then known as the “Eastward”; this was present-day Maine and some of New Hampshire. I would also argue that it is not so cut and dry. This popular notion that these small Algonquian language tribes were being “encroached upon” or violently oppressed is extremely oversimplified. It was not a racial conflict; on the contrary, it was a bloody war among very close neighbours who were, by the time of hostilities, very well acquainted with one another and knew each other on a first name basis.
This is a very interesting project. Can you tell me - does the original has distal taper and if so, did you copy that as well? The distal taper balances the sword and makes it nimbler to wield; this is where most reproductions go wrong. As a reference, I have an original Royal Navy 1845 Pattern Cutlass with a 29" blade that is: at the forte 1 1/2" wide and 8mm thick, at half length 1 2/8" wide and 5mm thick and at 3" from the tip where the blade goes into the point it is 1 1/8 wide and 2.5mm thick. Anyway, it's a great project and you made a very nice sword.
Yes Sir, I always put in the distal taper and did so on this one. Not sure if the original had one. The "Sweet spot" is about the last 6-8" but it is very wieldable with one hand. It would have made for a brutal slasher back in it's time. Thanks for sharing and watching!
That was a fine looking reproduction! There are a surprising number of connections between Rangers and New England's maritime culture. I understand that King Phillip's wooden warclub has resurfaced!
By this time, firearms were the main weapons used with swords, belt axes & knives being the back up weapons. After the first few shots fired, often engagements were settled with up close hand to hand fighting. This sword not doubt saw its fair share of that type of combat.
A legitimate question: Is the sepia-like tone of the video an artistic addition or was the white balance off after attempting to film in the rain? Again, this is only a professional question. I am impressed with the bladesmithing! Truly, the cutlass is a menacing sword. No wonder it was used in this period on land and sea to combat a wide range of enemies.
@@HoffmanReproductions May I ask an additional question? Have you ever thought about reproducing Samuel Whittemore's sword? It figures pretty large in his story. What a legend that patriot was!
Very nice work. The hand made look of these early weapons are what I think makes them most interesting.
Thank you! Yes, I love the look of this early stuff as well!
Ben, You Do Good Work!
Thank you!
I live in New England in the heart of the region where much of King Philips War was fought and I have studied it most of my life. The war actually lasted well into 1678, in what was then known as the “Eastward”; this was present-day Maine and some of New Hampshire.
I would also argue that it is not so cut and dry. This popular notion that these small Algonquian language tribes were being “encroached upon” or violently oppressed is extremely oversimplified. It was not a racial conflict; on the contrary, it was a bloody war among very close neighbours who were, by the time of hostilities, very well acquainted with one another and knew each other on a first name basis.
That is a sweet sword…
Thank you!
Hi Ben, Great job ! Enjoyed the video👍
Thank you!
Good morning from Syracuse NY brother outstanding craftsman brother
Thank you!
You are welcome my friend
Damn Benjamin!!
Thank you!
It looks great, Ben. Did you have to enlarge your forge for the long blade?
Thank you! No as just 5 or so inches of it was forged at once. To heat treat, I have a special vertical forged.
Good stuff, Ben.
Thank you!
Real nice you do great work
Thank you!
Benjamin church is my ancestor. My grandmother's maiden name was church. My cousin has a lot of info on the lineage
@@countryboy20781 Very cool!
Great Job! Were swords usefull and used in combat during those days? Especially if he was in the woods? Thanks!
Thank you! Yes they were. In a time of single shot muskets, swords, knives & belt axes were must have items.
This sword looks nice Ben! Appreciate the video! David Back.
Thank you!
This is a very interesting project. Can you tell me - does the original has distal taper and if so, did you copy that as well? The distal taper balances the sword and makes it nimbler to wield; this is where most reproductions go wrong.
As a reference, I have an original Royal Navy 1845 Pattern Cutlass with a 29" blade that is:
at the forte 1 1/2" wide and 8mm thick,
at half length 1 2/8" wide and 5mm thick and
at 3" from the tip where the blade goes into the point it is 1 1/8 wide and 2.5mm thick.
Anyway, it's a great project and you made a very nice sword.
Yes Sir, I always put in the distal taper and did so on this one. Not sure if the original had one. The "Sweet spot" is about the last 6-8" but it is very wieldable with one hand. It would have made for a brutal slasher back in it's time. Thanks for sharing and watching!
That was a fine looking reproduction! There are a surprising number of connections between Rangers and New England's maritime culture. I understand that King Phillip's wooden warclub has resurfaced!
Thank you! Very cool to hear!
The book Mayflower by Nathaniel Phil rick is an excellent resource on Captain Church
Nice! Thank you!
What would someone fighting with this sword in their right hand do with do with their left? Would they carry a pistol or buckler?
By this time, firearms were the main weapons used with swords, belt axes & knives being the back up weapons. After the first few shots fired, often engagements were settled with up close hand to hand fighting. This sword not doubt saw its fair share of that type of combat.
A legitimate question: Is the sepia-like tone of the video an artistic addition or was the white balance off after attempting to film in the rain? Again, this is only a professional question.
I am impressed with the bladesmithing! Truly, the cutlass is a menacing sword. No wonder it was used in this period on land and sea to combat a wide range of enemies.
Using and old camera here. Have a new one now a days. Thank you for watching!
@@HoffmanReproductions Got it. Thanks for the history and content!
@@HoffmanReproductions May I ask an additional question? Have you ever thought about reproducing Samuel Whittemore's sword? It figures pretty large in his story. What a legend that patriot was!