Materials
How should a blade be made: Forging vs. Stock Reduction
Is there any real difference between a sword that is made via forging out a hunk of steel vs ground from a blank? Thi...
The First Sword
We are often asked "What was the first sword?" when we are feeling snarky we will talk about the first sword we pers...
Blacksmith vs. Cutler
Over the last few years there has been a renewed cultural appreciation of the figure of the blacksmith. Television...
Is Damascus steel better for swords?
The idea that so-called "Damascus" steel produces superior swords is quite common, but is it true? To be sure, ther...
Arms & Armour History Conservation and Analysis
This volume brings together papers written by curators, conservators and scientists who have worked very closely wit...
Gaston Phoebus Hunting Knife
In today's post we take a look at a piece that, although it isn't a standard catalogue item, we have made enough time...
Medieval Knives
One of our favorite things to make are medieval style knives. These blades cover a huge variety in style and size and...
Medieval Eating Sets
The dinner fork is among the most common pieces of cutlery throughout much of the world. But this wasn't always the ...
The Wounds of Summer
This time of year is usually our busiest, and this year is even crazier than ever. What with unprecedented order v...
Sword of St Martin 15th C
This sword is based on a depiction in a Book of Hours from France dated about 1440. It is one of the earliest example...
The Xiphos
Today we look at the Xiphos, the classic double-edged sword of the ancient Greek warrior. It is a weapon that straddl...
Keep Your Sword Pristine, Or Let It Age?
Although most sword collectors like their pieces to be pristine, there are many others who prefer swords that appear ...