Heart Spark Forge

For the most part, the things that I call sculptures are more fabrication projects than Blacksmithing. They are fun, but often are created with torches, angle grinders and wire fed welders .

My blade work has a different focus than does general blacksmithing.  While I try to work with 19th century techniques for most of my projects, when making blades I use modern belt grinders and heat treating methods.  The best blades of the 17th century were made without such options, but the modern blade is superior. Modern methods give finer grain, better edge hardness, and better flexibility than those extolled in Edgar Rice Burroughs or Kill Bill.

Blades fall into 3 categories in my mind.

Working blades are made to be be durable and dependable. I want them also to be appealing and user friendly. Most of all, while they are pleasing to the eye, they should never let you down.

Art Blades are made to be artistic and cool. Many of these are pattern welded blades. If I had to choose between edge holding and coolness, the art blade would have to be cool. On the other hand, the working blade isn't as much fun at renaissance  festivals. Art blades can be as small as a gold filigreed cigar knife, or as large as a Klingon sword (or Claymore, or Greatsword).

Other blades include letter openers, axes, railroad spike blades, file blades, and razors. Each of them have different definitions of success.

 I'm not sure what category Swords fall into.  In this day and age, most swords are simply ground down chunks of steel, with very little art added. The ones that are less than $200 are about as close to a real sword as a frog is to an alligator.   There are real swords out there, but swords that are of martial quality are as common as Lotus sports cars, and nearly as expensive.  If you want to learn about real swords, Netflix has an instant download called "Reclaiming the Blade".