Pricing and Customization
All of the items in our catalog except for those marked otherwise are available as custom orders. We start with a basic hilt (not necessarily as shown in our photography) and blade, then work with you to build the knife or sword which is perfect for you.
Since every piece is unique, the price and time to complete can vary for every order. We work on each item individually, fitting every element uniquely to that piece, so the average time to complete a custom order can be up to 12 weeks.
Prices will vary depending on use of gems, choice of handle materials, engraving, silver or gold plating, or other factors beyond the basic wooden hilt with a steel blade.
The swords and knives displayed in our catalog are primarily shown by hilt design. The photos may show alternate blade styles that have been created at various times as well as custom variations to the hilt including gems and/or handle decoration. As artists we take special care in creating our hilts. The combination of images; the fit to the hand; the overall aesthetic with the chosen blade. The pommel and quillons are designed to go together and we prefer not to mix and match these.
Each hilt design in the catalog is shown with a base price. This base price represents the price of that item in its simplest form, which may not be shown in any of the photos. When working with the customer many options can be discussed — the final price will vary depending on the options decided on: handles, blade styles, plating, gems, etc.
Ideas for customizing your order:
Handle materials and designs:
One of the things that sets our work apart from many others is the use of color. One of the ways we create dynamic color is with the handle materials. We have chosen materials for our blade handles that are strong, colorful, and beautiful. By choosing a different handle color or material the entire look and feel of a knife or sword can be altered.
It is a simple way to create a unique and personal design. This is why we try to offer as many choices for our customers as possible.
Wood
The wood we like to use is called “Dymondwood.” Dymondwood is created from thin layers of natural American hardwoods. Resins and dyes are embedded in the wood under an extreme heat and pressure process to create a unique enhanced wood with many color combinations.
Wire Inlay
Another option to consider with handles is the feel and texture. A handle can be smooth and flat or twisted with a braided wire inlay. Other materials can be considered as well, such as leather or wire wrapping. A handle can be long or fat depending on the hand it needs to fit. We will work with you to find what works best for you.
Imitation Mother-of-Pearl
For an even more decorative look we have an imitation mother of pearl. This is a plastic resin compound that mimics the luster and swirl of real mother of pearl. The only drawbacks are that it can be a little fragile and may shatter if dropped, and it cannot be used for larger handles or larger sheaths.
Gemstone
For an exotic look we have gemstone handles. Actual pieces of ground gemstone are ground and put into a resin compound. The result is a material that has the look and feel of the real stone but in slabs that can be worked and shaped. It is limited in size and cannot be easily used for large handles or sheaths.
Explore options for handle samples.
Plating:
All of our hilts are done in solid cast bronze. Most of our hilts are polished to a brilliant light gold and then sprayed with a protective lacquer that helps prevent tarnishing. Bronze can also be aged and patinaed. An alternate choice is plating. Plating is the chemical, electrical process of putting a layer of precious metal over their bronze. We can plate in either silver or gold. Plating is very durable but may scratch or wear with time. Silver plating will age and tarnish but can be cleaned with a silver polish.
Adding Gemstones:
Gemstones are fun, they add color and magic to any work. In all of our hilts there is always one or two places where a gemstone can be mounted. Some works are designed with them in mind and the gemstone comes standard with them. We generally use cabochon gems which are smooth and unfaceted., we also use smooth marble or egg shaped gemstones. We can put in faceted precious gems but these require creating a special mounting in the wax itself to mount it. Gemstones vary in price, quality, and availability. We will work with you to find what will work best for what you have in mind.
Blades:
Steel and blades are what make a sword a sword and a knife a knife. The steel needs to attach to the hilt, but after that it can do anything you want. it can be long or short, wide or curved. Throughout history man has developed many ideas and solutions to this problem . When you look through our catalog you will see many different ways we have designed and shaped blades, When creating a custom piece you need to consider three major aspects.
- What does it need to do?
- How does it need to feel?
- How does it need to look?
We work with our customer to make sure the right balance is created between these options and help them find what it is they are looking for.
As to the steel itself — like most sword makers we use a modern flat stock which we shape, grind and polish to create the blade you want. Over time we have used a variety of different metal combinations. We do not offer many choices when it comes to the type of steel used. There are many good steels, and all will work equally well but in the end we do not feel that it is as important to the overall finished product as are the shape and design. Currently we are working with 1650 carbon steel and occasionally A2 carbon steel. These are tempered to an R value of 50 to 52. Solid, flexible and as good as anything history has to offer.
Patina:
Patina refers to the coloring of the bronze. With the use of heat and chemicals the bronze can be forced to oxidize and age. Different colors can be created this way, although greens, reds, and blacks are the most common and natural-looking patinas. A patina adds a unique look to the metalwork, creating interesting contrasts or the appearance of extreme age.
Engraving:
On many of the works in our catalog you will notice letters or symbols engraved on the blade or hilt of the piece. This is a way for you to add a personal element to your piece — whether it is a name, a motto or magical symbols. Prices on engraving will vary widely, depending on the quantity and style of the lettering. We can engrave along the entire blade if that's what you're looking for!
Sheaths & Hangers
A sheath, though not necessary, can help to protect not just the blade but the owner of the blade from damage. We can make a hard sheath for any of our blades. Because all of our swords and daggers are custom made, no two blades are exactly alike, therefore each sheath must be custom made to fit the individual blade.
Each sheath is hand carved from Dymandwood, the same material we use in our sword and knife handles. Other handle materials can be used but are limited by size and durability. When we carve the sheath we try to carry through any of the blades details, whether cut outs or serrations. Metal fittings or leather straps and hangers can be added at an extra cost. Sheaths range from $75 to $300.
Canes
Heads or Handles
The heads of our canes are made of solid bronze using lost wax casting, For lost wax casting each item is carefully carved in wax then burned out and cast in solid bronze. We then carefully clean, grind, polish and fit each piece. Some options available for heads include silver or gold plating, colored patina, or precious gems.
Shafts
The shafts of our canes are made from Dymondwood. Dymondwood is created from thin layers of natural American hardwoods, resins and dyes are embeded in the wood under an extreme heat pressure process to create a unique enhanced wood. Dymondwood comes in over 30 colors and color combinations which can be mixed and matched to suit your personal taste or match your favorite outfit. Each shaft is hand carved, sanded and polished. Shafts can be totally smooth or twisted with wire inlay.
Explore options for cane shafts.
Wax Working & Custom Design:
Because we create each piece for the customer, we can at times make changes to the basic design itself. We do not do this lightly, but it can create an especially perfect custom work. The changes are made in the very beginning, to the wax carving, changes to the size, the addition of emblems, etc. Little things that do not change the overall design elements but can make it more personal.
If, on the other hand you have a fantastic one-of-a-kind idea you want created just let us know! We can put our artistic talents to work and sculpt an entire work of art just for you. Of course if you have an idea you want created and we like it as well, we may be able to create it as a standard design for our catalog which can keep the custom price lower.
Placing a Custom Order
The first step in placing your order for a custom artwork from Omega Artworks is to review our construction techniques and design catalog to figure out what you want. Look at our handle materials, pick a blade, decide whether you're interested in plating, engraving, or other specialized touches to make your blade your own.
Once you have a good idea of what you're looking to have made, contact us via email or give us a call at 651-503-0273 to let us know what you're interested in. We'll work with you to refine your concept so you can get exactly the bladework you want.
A deposit will be required before work is begun on most projects. We can make arrangements to suit your needs.