The sword is perhaps one of the most commonly associated items produced by a blacksmith. For thousands of years this tool has helped shape the world and conquered nations, even today it is still romanticized through literature and entertainment. Within this class, students will follow along with the professor and will challenge students to use their skills in the construction of a historically accurate sword. Students will create every piece from start to finish with all the tools and supplies they will need at their disposal.

In part I of the class, Students will start by forming the basic shape of the sword, followed by forging the hilt which includes components such as the handle, pommel, cross guard, and various hardware in part II. In part III students will work on crafting the handle working with leather and wood and perhaps horn, bone, antler, or ivory- then working on fitting everything. Finally, in part IV the blade and components will go through various final heat treatments and acid washes before being put together as a final piece. This course is an advanced lesson involving more work due to its larger size and multiple-step process. It is strongly recommended that those wanting to take the class first consider attending a knife course prior to this class so that it’s understood what to expect when making a sword.