Behold a Roman Pilum

[Ymirson]

So I have still been working at my forge. Just lately I have not been crafting items for my spiritual companions. Although I just started crafting a most wicked item for my Silent Hill Nurse Ms. Kyma. She has inspired me to make something with a twist. I will post that when it is complete.

I crafted this for a friend. It is a Roman Pilum and stands 6'7". I posted this on the other forum as well and just wanted to share.

[Phlan]

Man I dig that so far! You got some mad skill!!

[Ymirson]

Thanks Mr Phan. I think binding it to the handle was the hardest part. The handle is pretty flimsy and next time I know to use a stronger one. I am sure this one will snap after a few throws. But the iron will hold out.

That might be another reason why they made them with longer iron stalks than a traditional spear, to get back and re-use and rebuild quickly with less wood.

[Phlan]

Man.....as an artist of a different sort I dig others art! Random question though what made you get into this? Was it like always a passion or one that just kinda snuck up on you? Also I love the twist part(not sure if there is a proper term for it) was that like hard to do? Or tricky just looks sweet! Also I would not want to be impaled by that hahahaha

[Ymirson]

I looked into this about 3 years ago right before I left for Afghanistan. Then when I got home, I needed a hobby. I took a class, and started doing it. Like many, I found my great grandfather was a really good smith. I started accumulating items, hammers, an anvil, table, blower. All of which are 100+ years old.

The twisting is the easiest and funnest part, I think. Drawing out things to a point is the hardest, to me anyway. All I do is heat it up until it has a nice orange glow, then place it in my post vice, grab a crescent wrench and twist. It turns like butter. This is usually one of the last things I do. Then after I do the twists, I straighten it on the anvil. I am getting better at my edges too, This piece is sharper yet than my last ones. I felt I had a good point but they were not as sharp as I would like. But this thing is sharp and pointy.

Thanks for the compliment. I feel I am far from an artist and more of a hobbyist. It is way fun to pound on hot iron and shape it. Then put together the final product.

[Phlan]

No problem! But I think it's art lol hobby seems like a for example when you play guitar and just learn songs. I think art is when you apply what you learned and start to create things in your own vision.

[Ymirson]

I think you are right Mr Phlan, totally makes sense. I like your definition of art.

[fire083]

From what I've understood to form an edge easily you usually want to go to a bright cherry red. Though since I've not done any smithing in this life I could be wrong.

[Ymirson]

@fire, the edge is pretty easy, yes, but takes more finesse and I use a smaller hammer. Then hold it at an angle on the edge. I am still learning and my edges are improving too. But the twists are easiest to me, now consistency can be tricky as you don't have a lot of time and the area you want to twist.

[Akelta]

I love it, it is really awesome and I cannot wait to see what you are making for your silent hill nurse! I bet she is thrilled with the offering!