African Arms

Sogbo begins as a simple piece of 1070 bar stock steel.

Sobgo's blade, here, is being drawn out and the tip is now established.

"Sogbo hanging from a tree" The finished blade has been heat treated
and is now beginning the final polishing. Here you can see the tang has
been fully established and awaits the fitting of the guard. Blades of this
length were always peened tightly so that the tang passed all the way
through the handle. Here you can also see Sogbo is hanging from a large
branch which fell down on a small fence in my backyard due to an overnight
storm. Here I'm putting it into good use.

Forging the guard from scratch. Drawing out the arms of the guard from
a small rectangular piece of mild steel. This job can be trying at times.

Finished guard ready for polishing and mounting. The central opening has
been created with exact measurements befitting the blade.

Beginning work on Sogbo's handle. Starting with a good chunk of Wenge wood
ready for heavy chiseling.

What will become the grip is now very visible. A hole has now been bored all the
way through the handle which serves to help reduce the chances of splitting once
the tang passes through. A collar of brass has been carefully hammered and
pinned in place.

The hilt is now fully mounted. The blade is very tightly peened into place to where
there is no trace of any loose fittings or rattling. Also beginning the fine detailing
of what will become a Fon styled ram's head.

Finished Sogbo hilt after sanding and days of wood treatment.