Custom Daab Project

Jason Anstey · 26th September 2007, 05:05 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, 01:09 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, 01:13 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, 03:45 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, 03:58 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, 05:50 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!

Jason Anstey · 30th January 2008, 06:01 AM

... and here it is finished.

What do you think?

the silver on the mouth of the scabbard has been cleaned since this pic was taken

Ferguson · 30th January 2008, 10:38 AM

Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing with us.
Steve

Andrew · 30th January 2008, 02:00 PM

Oh, my. Absolutely stunning work. Congrats!

Mark · 30th January 2008, 06:33 PM

Ditto.

Henk · 30th January 2008, 09:32 PM

Awsome!!

Jason Anstey · 30th January 2008, 11:49 PM

many thanks fellas!!!

kronckew · 31st January 2008, 12:17 AM

Nice, good looking dress, i'm sure you'll be pleased when you get it in hand.
i myself just recently picked up a 2nd hand cozun darb, with more mundane & less decorated clothes but a fully embossed blade & am very pleased with it.

CharlesS · 31st January 2008, 03:11 AM

Very impressive...really quality work. Thanks for sharing.

VANDOO · 31st January 2008, 03:11 AM

MAGNIFICENT!!!

IT IS ALSO FUN TO KNOW YOU HAVE THE ONLY ONE AND IT IS FIT FOR A KING AND IS NOT JUST FOR SHOW AS IT COULD BE USED IN A PINCH.

CONGRADULATIONS TO YOU AND THE PEOPLE WHO DID SUCH FINE WORK MAKEING IT.

Jason Anstey · 5th February 2008, 06:55 AM

Woohoo - it's here!!!

The sword arrived today, I am very impressed with the workmanship. The whole package is better in person than in the pictures.

I am glad that I took Serge's advice by waiting to see the scabbard and handle in person rather than having them both lacquered black as the timber is very beautiful and the handle is more dark red than black so the match is closer than I had thought.

I really like the appearance of the blade the randomness of the colour from the Namphee steel is very nice and looks very similar to the antique Shan Dha/darb I own. This was not heat-blued as they do in that particular village - and all mystical blah blah about namphee aside - I like the look of the steel.

The spine of the blade comes to a point similar to that of a katana. Spine width at the base is 8mm and evenly tapers to the point.

The balance feels good to me - although being an Iaido instructor my knowledge of Thai Sword style is very limited, but I do know how to cut.

POB is around 30mm from the beginning of the handle making the balance very neutral, neither tip or handle weighted. To me this feels good as a one handed sword. Blade measures 59cm - close enough to 24 inches to my Yank friends. I think the black spinel for the pommel really sets it off, whilst also being a powerful head-cracking weapon in itself.

All in all a great sword that I am very happy with and I have to give credit to Serge at Cozun, he really did put a great deal of time into ensuring this project turned out well whist accommodating my continual requests and modifications.

PUFF · 5th February 2008, 02:01 PM

Really glad that you like it and many thanks for sharing with us

kronckew · 5th February 2008, 06:28 PM

pictures are of course required, it's the rulz!

Jason Anstey · 6th February 2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

pictures are of course required, it's the rulz!

The above pics are better that what I can take

26th September 2007, 05:05 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

30th January 2008, 06:01 AM	#7
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	... and here it is finished. What do you think? the silver on the mouth of the scabbard has been cleaned since this pic was taken Last edited by Jason Anstey; 31st January 2008 at 01:10 AM.

26th September 2007, 01:13 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, 03:45 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, 03:58 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, 05:50 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!

30th January 2008, 10:38 AM	#8
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing with us. Steve

30th January 2008, 02:00 PM	#9
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Oh, my. Absolutely stunning work. Congrats!

30th January 2008, 06:33 PM	#10
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Ditto.

30th January 2008, 09:32 PM	#11
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Awsome!!

30th January 2008, 11:49 PM	#12
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	many thanks fellas!!!

31st January 2008, 12:17 AM	#13
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	Nice, good looking dress, i'm sure you'll be pleased when you get it in hand. i myself just recently picked up a 2nd hand cozun darb, with more mundane & less decorated clothes but a fully embossed blade & am very pleased with it.

31st January 2008, 03:11 AM	#14
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Very impressive...really quality work. Thanks for sharing.

5th February 2008, 06:55 AM	#16
Jason Anstey Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 102	Woohoo - it's here!!! The sword arrived today, I am very impressed with the workmanship. The whole package is better in person than in the pictures. I am glad that I took Serge's advice by waiting to see the scabbard and handle in person rather than having them both lacquered black as the timber is very beautiful and the handle is more dark red than black so the match is closer than I had thought. I really like the appearance of the blade the randomness of the colour from the Namphee steel is very nice and looks very similar to the antique Shan Dha/darb I own. This was not heat-blued as they do in that particular village - and all mystical blah blah about namphee aside - I like the look of the steel. The spine of the blade comes to a point similar to that of a katana. Spine width at the base is 8mm and evenly tapers to the point. The balance feels good to me - although being an Iaido instructor my knowledge of Thai Sword style is very limited, but I do know how to cut. POB is around 30mm from the beginning of the handle making the balance very neutral, neither tip or handle weighted. To me this feels good as a one handed sword. Blade measures 59cm - close enough to 24 inches to my Yank friends. I think the black spinel for the pommel really sets it off, whilst also being a powerful head-cracking weapon in itself. All in all a great sword that I am very happy with and I have to give credit to Serge at Cozun, he really did put a great deal of time into ensuring this project turned out well whist accommodating my continual requests and modifications.

5th February 2008, 02:01 PM	#17
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	Really glad that you like it and many thanks for sharing with us

5th February 2008, 06:28 PM	#18
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	pictures are of course required, it's the rulz!