| Someone who makes Swords is called a | | | | steps: |
| Swordsmith or a Bladesmith or sometimes even | | | | 1.) Forming (forging) the weapon |
| a "Smith" for short. An Armorer is a close trade | | | | 2.) Heat Treating the weapon |
| but this is someone who specializes in making | | | | 3.) Finishing Touches |
| either replica or authentic protective armor. A | | | | Forging is the process of making metal pliable, so |
| Blacksmith is someone who specifically just | | | | it can be worked with and shaped. The metal is |
| produces various types of blades. Armorers and | | | | heated red hot first. Then a Swordsmith will |
| Swordsmiths still operate today, however, they | | | | usually hammer, or use an anvil to produce the |
| have a very targeted clientele. | | | | shape they are looking for. Sometimes fuller tools |
| Ancient Sword Making has been around for | | | | are used as well, which is a set of tools used just |
| centuries, and in the medieval and renaissance era | | | | for this purpose. |
| have been manufactured out of a wide variety of | | | | Heating is done by a process called tempering, |
| various materials and using a plethora of | | | | which is a 4 step challenging process used to |
| techniques. There are a lot of different methods | | | | prepare the metal for forging. Ancient Sword |
| people use for evaluating a particular sword, | | | | Making materials used were steel, iron, bronze as |
| however, there are 4 primary methods which are: | | | | well as copper. Nowadays other materials are |
| 1.) How Hard is the Sword? | | | | used. |
| 2.) How Strong is it? | | | | Next they will sharpen the sword with a metal file |
| 3.) Is it Flexible and will it bend back after it bows? | | | | or similar instrument. The final step in the process |
| 4.) It is Balanced (verses being awkward) | | | | of Sword Making is the finishing process. This |
| A good sword should be about 18-26 inches in | | | | involves the process of decorating the sword |
| length. It also needs to be strong and flexible | | | | blade or preparing the guards, tsuba or pommel if |
| enough to absorb a great deal of impact at any | | | | applicable. There is a steep learning curve involved |
| point on the blade and not break in the process. | | | | in this, and isn't something one would just jump |
| Balance is important because it allows the user to | | | | into. If you are serious about this, the best way |
| wield it. Take note however that many swords | | | | to learn would be to find a good Swordsmith, |
| are unbalanced on purpose, however the above is | | | | work with them on some projects and get some |
| just a general rule. | | | | mentoring. |
| Ancient Sword Making can be broken down into 3 | | | | |