Valyrian steel can be colored with great difficulty, but it is stubborn. Some say the old swords remember and do not change easily (III: 359)
Longclaw: Pommel
This is the pommel for Longclaw. In the books it is described as carved stone, but it isn’t feasible to mass produce a stone carving, and a cast stone-like product (aka resin) just wouldn’t be that durable. So the pommel will be cast metal.
We went through numerous design revisions with GRRM on this as well. There were versions with the wolf’s mouth open, the ears back, looking up full in profile, looking up just in relief, and the looking forward version you see here. In the end GRRM chose this design with the wolf looking forward, mouth closed, and ears up. So the way it will be displayed on the plaque is with the wolf’s head looking out towards you.
In manufacturing news the 3D computer models of the handle parts are nearing completion and the COAs have arrived from the printer. So this week we will be sending all those COAs to GRRM for signing. Hopefully signing his name so many times doesn’t interfere with his writing or typing ability for A Dance with Dragons.
39 Responses to “Longclaw: Pommel”
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July 16th, 2007 at 9:31 am
I’ve seen that design on his website since I heard news about these models. I thought it looked cool, and I’m glad you guys went with it. I’m just waiting for these things to come out.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Looks nifty.
But, are the eyes going to be a separate material, or part of the cast metal? (I think they were some sort of gem in the book).
July 16th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Looks great! I too cannot wait for these to come out!
July 16th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Pommel almost perfect. Let’s show a tiny bit of teeth as in “dire” warning. I agree, the eyes need to be something other than the chosen metal.
Will the nose be flattened on a side view or will it protrude? If flattened it may begin to look more cat-like instead of wolf-like.
July 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
looks awesome… i can’t wait!
blitz
July 16th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
I agree with the others. It´s really nice looking, but i also would prefer to see the teeth, just a little
July 16th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Nice! From looking at the image of the blade metal, it’s good to see that the pommel will be a brighter shade. At least it’ll look different from the blade itself.
It looks exceptional!
July 16th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
The eyes will be simulated garnets, definitely not metal.
July 16th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Great design! I like it as is. The eyes in precious or semi-precious stones would be a nice touch. I don’t agree with adding a toothy look to it. Just as a direwolf doesn’t need to bare teeth to command respect, I don’t believe the design of this sword will need to bare teeth either.
July 16th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
looks great, no teeth needed.
July 17th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Beautiful, just perfect. I wouldn´r make any change at all.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
I did make a version with a bit of a snarl, as the book described, but George preferred the one we went with. We will may try and get some stone type finish, even though the pommel part will be made of metal.
July 31st, 2007 at 10:30 pm
The Pommel for Longclaw looks amazing I cannt wait for this sword to come out.
August 8th, 2007 at 4:33 am
These swords are a great idea! I’ve been quite excited since I first heard the news. it’s like a dream come true for those of us obsessed with these books! Wow.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:01 am
LOL.
Looks naaas.
Can i have one?
can i have one?
can i have one?
August 15th, 2007 at 7:53 am
*Can hardly contain herself*
I’m so excited!!! This looks great! When I order one I’m probably not going to be able to sleep until it gets here…just like Christmas!!!
August 17th, 2007 at 2:48 am
It looks great, I am really excited about it!
August 18th, 2007 at 5:21 am
I’m a little skeptical about the design choice. I think im right in saying the muzzle of the wolf on the pommel will be at right angles to the swords cross guard, this might look good when its hung on the plaque but it might feel wrong when the sword is held. (yeah i know its only decorative but lets face if you’ve read ice and fire your gonna want to give it a few practice swings lol). sorry i know it sounds a little negative but aside from that i’m really loving the work and ideas valyrian steel are showing.
August 31st, 2007 at 2:05 am
I think it would be good either with or without a show of fangs. What I am concerned with, however, are two others things. One, and this is only in my oppinion, the nostrils are somewhat oversized for the nose. It feels like the nose has been slightly squashed in, or else the direwolf is inhaling. Perhaps, it should run just a little bit more on the bridge or else have more volume. Else, extend the bridge of the nose to be a tad longer?
Secondly, the lines on the front of the jaw. I think they are meant to represent the way the fur grows. In my oppinion, it can’t really be seen when looking at wolf pictures. In this instance, it seems to give a vague granpa look, as if the wolf is of old age. I would much rather see those lines removed or amended.
Again, all that is just my personal view. The design is still wonderful.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Oh my god! I want… no, NEED one of these. How do I get one in Australia?!?! (I think double-edged blades are harder to ship in than panda steaks - i.e. Extremely hard)
*Begins to research laws regarding collecting weapons*
Actually, I’d rather have Ice or Robert’s hammer (or maybe the Hound’s helm), so are there plans for them?
September 12th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
when i red asofai, i had a mental picture of longcla’s pommel as a continioing of the sword, in a certain way teht results in the effect of the wolf always looking backowards.
(i thought it will be cool, becuse evry time john will stab an enemy throu, the only part of the sword thet will remain visible is the roaring had of a wolf.)
anyway, the design is fantastic… a sword worthy for chevilros lord snow.
by the way, will there by shipment to the niddle east (isreal, to be correct)
sorry about my sppeling mistakes.
September 12th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
when i red asofai, i had a mental picture of longcla’s pommel as a continioing of the sword, in a certain way teht results in the effect of the wolf always looking backowards.
(i thought it will be cool, becuse evry time john will stab an enemy throu, the only part of the sword thet will remain visible is the roaring had of a wolf.)
anyway, the design is fantastic… a sword worthy for chevilros lord snow.
by the way, will there by shipment to the niddle east (isreal, to be correct)
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:02 am
Although my English is not very good, but you saw the design after I am very excited, refueling you!
September 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
You know, with my plans to build a Jon Snow costume, finding out about this couldn’t have hit at a better time. And I love that it is Ghost’s profile that was used for the pommel instead of a generic grey or black direwolf head. While the book does describe the head as snarling, this looks more noble and lordly, befitting Jon. Definitly gonn’a pick one up.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:40 am
What about making the pommel out of Corian tehy make counter-tops from this material & it can look like stone, marble or any color combo. It is extremely durable & if it chips the color or design runs all the way through! The eyes may be able to be colored to look like gems & not have to be inserted.
The design is awesome! I agree with the fangs. Great job.
Phil
October 15th, 2007 at 8:42 am
Are these swords going to be full tang? Thanks!
EJ
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:44 am
Looks awesome!
When it will be ready?
How can i get one shipped to Bulgaria?
Please tell me i can do it
November 14th, 2007 at 6:43 am
Looks great, so far it looks like the good people here are keeping very true to the book.
Two things I am wondering.
Will you keep it a bastard sword, like in the book? For me and I am sure, a lot of sword fans and fans of the serries, this is an important detail.
And is there any chance of a shealth with a belt to go round your shoulders for it?
Looks great.
November 14th, 2007 at 7:38 am
Yes, it will be a bastard (hand and a half) type sword.
With the target price point it isn’t possible to include a nice sheath at this time, anything we’d include would have to be a cheap sheath and we’d rather leave ourselves upon to do a nice leather wrapped wood scabbard with metal accents in the future.
November 22nd, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Any more news on when this one might be available?? Haven’t seen any new pics or a real update to the site that I am aware of…
November 27th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I, too, am wondering about an update. I was hoping to purchase it as a Christmas gift but it doesn’t look like that is possible yet. Also, any update on Needle? I want that one too!
November 28th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Picture? Preorder? I want to get one asap.
December 19th, 2007 at 4:51 am
Sword looks excellent.
Is their any news about when you will be taking pre orders for the blades?
been waiting since march, and i’m just worried that these swords will never get finished.
December 19th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Don’t worry about that, they’ll be finished soon.
December 22nd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
What date do you expect the sword to be done?
December 25th, 2007 at 7:34 am
We do not have a firm date. There are too many variables to actually pin a date down.
January 1st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Do you have a loose date (maybe what month of 2008) when finished pictures or a preorder date will be available? Thanks for the responses, I realize you are probably very busy.
January 1st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I am really looking forward to having Ice in my living room but since it is 4th on your list it seems it will be awhile until that happens. Will the swords after longclaw be produced in a more timely fashion since you have already went through the process of making a sword?
January 7th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Any chance of another update soon? Been awhile, anything new would be nice.