I am happy that you have considered a possible "Commission" from me to create your project. Above all, I am here to serve you and make that "Dream" Sword, Pugio, Knife or Scabbard specifically for you! My two greatest pleasures are: A satisfied client and that their commission becomes the envy of others. I do not have any dissatisfied clients and much of my current commissions are from returning customers and their referrals.
I want to help you in this process, right here at the beginning as there are many different factors that will need to be considered. "Preparation is as Important as the Outcome."
First, consider why you want to make this vommission and what will you be using it for. Are you a part of a Reenactment Group? Do you want a Historically Accurate Sword? Will it be used for cutting or chopping? Will it be used for display or a Wall Hanger?
Second, consider, know and set your budget. When making a commission, you are not getting an off the shelf "Manufactured" sword, you are also not getting a sword that was cut on a CNC machine. You are getting something handcrafted specifically for you. Everything is created right here in my humble northern Michigan, USA shop. There may be, at times, slight "Flaws" that can naturally happen in the creating of the piece and if they occur, they will be pointed out. Your final piece will have the beauty of what an original may have had.
Third, consider doing some research on your own to know what you want. The more you know what you want upfront, the more streamline the design process will be. If you are in a Reenactment group, check with what the group requires. Most groups will make you "Prove" it existed and is in the historical record. Although I am known for Historical Accuracy, I also do "Inspired-by, Customization and Personalization" to the desires and needs of my clients. When It comes to creating or recreating Roman pieces and the styles and artwork, I have a philosophy and that is, "not everything has yet been discovered through Archeological Discoveries." Things are still being discovered daily. I will create a piece for a client and incorporate art from Architecture, Mosaics, Paintings, Frescos, Statues, Tombstones, Tapestries, Coins and Historical accounts of the Era.
If you want something "Historically Accurate or a Replica," know your history and do your research. I am an artisan and although I have done extensive research and have many resources, pictures, drawings, measurements, and academic papers my time is very restrictive and limited. The burden of proof will be on the client. I also believe that when it comes to grips, pommels, hilts and plates, they can be interchangable. If it is in historical record for one era or time date then I have no problem "cross-dating" an item to a different time/date/era.
Fourth, know the names and definitions of the different parts of the Sword and or Scabbard to educate yourself and to keep us on the same page when discussing your desires. Below is one of my Swords and Scabbard with the names of each part or section: This is a Mainz Gladius that is a "Step Above" a Legionary Issue and "Basic Legionary Issue" Mainz Scabbard.
Other types of swords will have slightly differet scabbards made specifically to the era.
Once you know these terms, it will help us to communicate while we walk through the process. I am here to serve you and it gives me great pleasure in walking you through this process. That is why I created this form. The more you know, the easier the process.
Often times a potential client will know exactly what they want and the process can be done in a few short emails or messages and I am happy to do it. If more time is needed in creating a design to get us to the Commission Stage, I will have to charge a Designer Fee. This fee is non-refundable and is established to cover a portion of my time. If we are able to use that time wisely, then a portion of that fee will be absorbed into the Commission Pricing.
What will the Sword Cost? This is often a difficult question to answer. Again, I will create it to your desires and your budget. There are many different possibilities in creating a Sword or Scabbard. (I.E. Blade Styles, Hilt Styles, Scabbard Styles, Materials, Types of Artwork, Hand Carving, Metal Work, Lost Wax Casting, Repousse~ and Chasing, Tinning, Brass, Bronze, Silver or Gold, Wood Types, Inlays, Bone, Antler, Horn, Engravings, Etchings, Cutaways, Leathers, Customization, Personalization, Have I lost you yet!?!)
So you can see that it's not just an "I would like to buy a Sword or Scabbard," it can cost in the hundreds or thousands depending on your budget and what your "Needs" are. It that can be bit overwhelming. A part of me serving you is to help to guide you through the process and put a custom piece in your hand that you desire and can afford. I will help to keep you within the parameters of your budget. It can become disheartening for you if you are spending time designing something beyond your budget. I can offer suggestions along the way to help you.
I could create 4 swords side by side that are exactly the same In measurements and in hilt styles, yet they can be vary different in pricing simply because of the materials. Different woods, bone, antler or horn will cost different prices.
Most Swords will have a starting cost of around $500.00 USD minimum for a plain "Basic Legionary Issued Sword." Blade styles will vary in pricing. Hilt styles will also vary. You may find a hilt style you really like and prices will vary depending on the woods you choose.
Scabbards start at $650.00 for a plain "Basic Legionary Issued Scabbards" like the one pictured above. The addition of Scabbard Plates, Types of Artwork, Types of Metals, Styles etc., will be additional in cost. Keep in mind that different Gladius Blades will have different type of scabbards.
Pugiones (Pugio) start at $375.00 depending on the blade style and length. Currently as of January 2021 I am only creating Pugiones with the Gladius type wood and bone hilts. I am not set up to make the hilts with metal plates at this time. These styles are "Coming Soon."
Pugio Scabbards start at $400.00