Oh Jash... of all the members here you are the only one (I know of, and so
far) having the original Albion's Conan Sword - you should have it's
certificate with Cobb's (and Huchthausen's) signatures! Sed was right
about the production designer, but instead of me acting all brainiac, here's
the link with basic info collectors and enthusiasts may be interested in:
http://www.barbariankeep.com/heroic.html
[quote=""Jash""]I have always wanted a custom, one-of-a-kind sword by Mr. Samson. And was gratefull for the chance to own one earlier this year.[/quote]
As I said in another thread - congratulations.
I too had and still have this desire to own at least one of his swords, so I
was tempted when I've seen them being offered lately - with incredibly
reasonable prices, mind you - but unfortunately, was completely unable to
find one that would scream in my face "you need ME".
This is simply a matter of taste, but it's nothing new for me, struggle to
find something in his huge portfolio I would truly desire. And although his
craft is remarkable, most of these swords look to me... well, as my friend
once said "cartoonish" (a bit like Miley Cyrus, if you know what I mean).
Perhaps the reason I'm so critical is because I don't like fantasy swords in
general as much as I did before (right now, LOTR excluded, it would be hard
for me to count 10 well designed and created ones*).
I had a privilege of holding one of Jody's knives, and I must say it was
perfectly made; hollow grind and rayskin wrap is second to none. The knife
feels incredibly alive and dangerous in hand - you simply have to try it for
yourself, otherwise you cannot know what I mean - with no doubt better
than any of production knives I handled (Cold Steel included).
But it just
doesn't look good enough.
So I took time and browsed Jody's gallery of his previous work, seeking
something I would definitely go for. I found three or four "much likely" and
two "absolute must" (both of them are "of only a few that bear Jody's
'personal' mark"). Of course, all of them are sold, except one of those
absolute musts... and that one is not for sale.
Jody's Cutlass is one of musts. Fantasy sword, yet simple enough,
without half a dozen of skulls or claws all over it. Beautiful color
combination, and simple, elegant blade. I can only dream how wonderful
this one feels and looks in real life. Sold for $1.400. Where was I?
Now, if Devil himself had a sword,
Jody's Shadow would probably be it.
Stunningly "hollowground from a billet of 1/4" pattern-welded steel by Rick
Barrett". Of all the blades I've seen in his web page, this one looks to me
the most unique - perhaps it is the reason why it's not for sale.
So, before I get bashed for my criticism, let me try to simplify my point and
conclude my thoughts.
Jody Samson was indeed, thanks to his immense talent, skill and attention
to details, "a huge figure-head in the sword community". Overall, with some
brilliant exceptions, his designs are the only thing I didn't like enough to
place this artist on top of my favorites list.
Now that I concluded my thoughts, let me conclude this post too.
Rough666 is right - Jash, your collection surely is huge and impressive, and
as I said before, those pieces deserve to be listed in your signature. Nope,
you don't need to slow down at all. I wish you all the best for the future!
______________________________
* But let me try anyway:
1) The Machaera by Peter Lyon
2) The Jabberwocky Sword by Peter Johnsson
3) Conan Father's Sword by Ron Cobb and Jody Samson
4) Conan Atlantean Sword by Ron Cobb, Tim Huchthausen and Jody Samson
5) Jody's Cutlass by Jody Samson
6) Jody's Shadow by Jody Samson
7) Alpha-Omega by Lars Hansen and Joe Waites
8) Highlander Kurgan Sword by I still have to find out who
9) ...uhm...
10) ...still thinking...
:th