This is a preview of a DVD which includes two presentations that I did at the Arctic Fire Swordsmithing event in Alaska in June of 2012, as well as several interviews. There is also footage of Swordsmiths Michael Pikula, David Delagardelle, Don Fogg, Peter Johnsson and J. Arthur Loose. This was launched on ‘Hobbit Day’ over at the middle earth network so it starts with a reading from the Hobbit by the host of Arctic Fire Dave Stephens. The Promo begins at 2:40 Enjoy! You’ll be able to get copies of the DVD set in December here – http://arcticfire.mymiddleearth.com/
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i live in kaysville, utah. i need a master to help me forge swords if you know of anyone who would be willing to apprentice me could you have him e-mail me. thank you
Hi Colton, have a look on the Bladesmith’s Forum – ( http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index ) you might find some professional smiths from your area who post on there, Also try Googling ABS (American Bladesmith’s Society) they probably have a chapter in your area. They are a knifemaking organization but you can learn many skills that are useful for making swords (like heat treating, how to build a forge, and grinding) from knifemakers and combine it with what you find on forums like the bladesmiths forum I mentioned earlier and myarmoury.com ( http://www.myarmoury.com/talk/ ) I hope that helps. thanks for your interest 🙂
Hello jake, my name is braden mcnair and i am curious on a few questions. First off i think your work is amazing! how did you learn to craft such interesting swords? do you apprentice people willing to learn the art of forging swords? what drew your attention to the art? and do you make swords for profit or strictly just to do? Thanks for your time. 🙂
Hi Braden, Thanks. I learned to make swords by studying metals at a craft school and doing workshops with blacksmiths and Bladesmiths when I was in my late teens and early twenties. I applied the information I learned from these sources and started trying to make swords, there weren’t very many others making swords at that time so It was challenging, but the the internet was a great help. I don’t take apprentices, but there are a few places that teach skills related to Swordsmithing. My friend Owen Bush has a school of Smithing where he offers classes on Sword making which I highly recommend, here’s a link – http://owenbush.co.uk/school-of-smithing/ The New England School of Metalworking also provides courses not specifically about swordsmithing but applicable to it – http://www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/
I was initially drawn to swordsmithing from a love of Tolkien (this was before the movies) and a love of western mythology. I sell my swords, although I have to admit I’ve never made a great deal of profit from the endeavor, it is how I have fed my family for eleven years. I’m on a brief hiatus at the moment working on a big project which is taking up most of my time.
Your name came up in a search for sword markers Montana. Are you in MT? I am in Rosebud,MT. Are your wares priced by the piece or adjusted from a base price?
Hi Sean, I’m not in Montana. I can’t think of any swordsmiths in your area, the closest would be Michael Picula ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaels-Smithy/271965196223148 ) in Wisconsin (not that close I know but he’s an amazing smith) Try looking around over at the Bladesmith’s forum http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?act=idx hope you find what your looking for. 🙂
Thanks Jake. I really enjoy reading your blog. I am extremely fascinated by the sheer intricacy that you craft into each piece. You are a truly gifted artist. Thank you for the help as well as the gift of sharing your journeys.
Jake,
The Arctic Fire preview was eye opening to say the least. I have many loves amoung your pieces, (as a mere observer that is) but Dagfinnr is a personal favorite, and so it was a treat to see you talk about the sword in away that transcended metal and breathed life into it.
‘Tomorrow all will be known and you’re not alone, so don’t be afraid of the dark and cold.’
Blind Guardian, ‘The Bard’s Song.’
For some reason those lyrics make me think of Dagfinnr – Day finder
Thanks Matt 🙂