Michael Tinker Pearce Fantasy Saber

Michael “Tinker” Pearce

Fantasy Saber

Performance Review:
I typically do not do any test cutting with a customer’s sword, however this customer kindly allowed me to try this one out, something I wanted to do because of the extremely unusual blade profile. To my surprise I found that this sword was actually a superb cutting sword on light targets. The concave edges seem to grip when performing draw cuts making for an extremely deep cut with little effort. Additionally
this sword was nicely mobile in hand and very lively as would be expected with a product of one of the manufacturers responsible for introducing terms like “harmonic balance” and “center of percussion” into common sword vernacular.

Appearance:
Needless to say the appearance of this sword is rather unusual. It looks like an unusual amalgam of 19th century naval cutlass and Howe inspired orc scimitar. When one begins examining the workmanship however, one finds that it is very good. The blade despite it’s unusual profile is nicely ground with no ripples or accidental grinds. This seems like it would be even more difficult the the average blade due
to all the odd angles and bevels. The juncture of cross and blade is nicely fit. The cross has been made to look very organic to match the grip giving an almost bamboo aesthetic. All junctures are nicely smoothed and trimmed. Different looking? Yes? Nicely built? Absolutely.

Conclusion:
This is not a sword for everyone, it is definitely an item from the fantasy genre, however despite its fantasy heritage this is very much a performance sword and well built into the bargain.

Update:  

It is not clear to me that Michael Pearce still makes swords.  A quick internet search turns up collaborations with the now defunct Paul Chen swords and other companies.  He also has apparently authored several books both with and without his wife Linda.