Swordsmiths use a forge to create metal blades and handles, shaping and sharpening them with a variety of tools. Sword making is rarer in modern times, but there are still training programs available. Legends abound with stories of famous swords and their skilled smiths, such as Wayland the Smith and Masamune.
A swordsmith is a skilled craftsman and craftsman who makes swords and other melee weapons. Sharing many of the same skills as a blacksmith, a modern blacksmith can use a mixture of techniques to create both decorative and practical swords, daggers, and knives. While once a widely practiced craft, sword making is considerably rarer in modern times as swords have gradually fallen out of use as weapons.
The art of blacksmithing is thousands of years old and has roots in ancient cultures across the world. Some of the earliest known swords were forged from copper, iron, and bronze around the 17th century BCE, and were manufactured in many different regions, including Egypt, China, and India. As technology developed, steel swords became extremely popular for their durability and strength. As firearms developed, the prevalence of swords on the battlefield declined; since the 20th century, they are rarely used militarily for more than decorative purposes.
A swordsmith typically uses a forge to create metal blades and handles, although the handles may also feature wood or gemstone accents. Depending on the style and design of the sword, the blacksmith must shape and sharpen the blade using a variety of different tools. Typically, the blade material is heated and then shaped using hammers and an anvil as a base. After the blade is completely shaped and tempered, it is joined to the hilt and pommel and finally sharpened to complete the weapon.
Although sword making is not as popular in the modern era, there are still numerous societies, training programs and groups for artisans and trainees interested in learning the craft. Unlike ancient systems, where a swordsmith was apprenticed to a master at an early age or was born into a dynasty of blacksmiths, modern blacksmiths often have to pay to train under a master. Mastery can take several years, and guidelines for becoming a master can vary between forge organizations.
Legends and myths abound with stories of famous swords and their skilled, sometimes supernatural, smiths. European myths speak of Wayland the Smith, a mercurial man who created Gram, the magical sword that the hero Seigfried used to slay the dragon Fafnir. One of the most famous royal blacksmiths is Masamune, considered by many to be the most famous Japanese blacksmith of all time. In addition to his superior skill that dominated 14th century Japan, Masamune is known for creating impressive swords that glowed thanks to a crystal component incorporated into the blade.
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