FIRE HAMMER and ANVIL

Some links and reading material that I’ve found helpful. Medieval Sword Resource Site Excellent electronic version of The Norwegian Viking Swords by Jan Petersen (1919), trans. Kristin Noer (1998). ARMA R. Ewart Oakeshott bibliography, or what every medieval weapon enthusiast should have on his or her bookshelf: The Archaeology of Weapons (New York: Barnes & Noble, revised edition, 1994) [Originally published 1960]. Records of the Medieval Sword (Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 1991). Sword in Hand (Minneapolis: Arms & Armor, Inc., 2000) The Sword in the Age of Chivalry, Revised Edition (London, Arms and Armour Press, 1981). Swords of the Viking Age…

This move is not as hard to execute as it is to explain and can be used against a shield or with out. It has the most effect with a two handed sword. [*]As your opponent comes at you, turn his/her sword with a deflective parry to what ever side is best determined by stance, weapons, etc. [*]As the blades almost reach the swings apex, its easier to hold his blade at this point, by simply stepping forward a pace or two the blades slowly separate in a sliding-disengage which allows more control until its too late for any thing except for him to leap backward. If done correctly even this response is not likely due to the pressure on his sword. [*]With your swor…

Let me stress the safety factor here, in no way should any one attempt this or any other metal work with out first having a very good idea of what should be done. The best way is by learning from some one who has experience and can instruct you. In my forge to start the fire for a new blade I use wood charcoal. {my secret as to what wood or woods} Charcoal has not generally been used for over a century due to the availability of coal or coke and I have had to learn to produce my own. This is not referring to charcoal briquettes by the way, although a steak and veggies cooked over a fire in the forge is excellent also. [*]I start with a hand full of kindling + sh…

The first in several posts about Black Smith and Metal Working shop's, more to follow soon I had a problem with photographing my own shop, i wanted to include everything and I realized their were to many images to post! I compromised and put a 1700's black smith shop that has been faithfully recreated using archeology to determine the exact placement of the forge. Knowing that bit of info tells us where everything else would be. Above are a good selection of tongs which are needed for different projects. The little stake anvil was used for field work when on the trail as well as small work in the shop. It has a pointed end which could be driven into a stump. I do…

Steel could be 800 years older than previously thought. Researchers in West Yorkshire think they have found evidence that steel was produced 800 years earlier than most experts thought possible. Dr Gerry McDonnell and Ivan Mack from the University of Bradford believe Saxons who lived in England more than 1,000 years ago used the same type of high quality steel that made it famous during the Industrial Revolution. The ingots were discovered in the ancient buried port of Hamwic, now called Southampton. reports the Human Oasis website. Research indicates the steel used is two to three times stronger than other techniques of the time previously known. I believe t…

This will be the start for several topics about various types of fuel for the forge and the different property's each imparts to the metal. Also will be coved but not limited to, carbons, chromium, lime and the use of other metals for alloys such as tin, bronze, lead, and aluminium. As every thing here it will be added to as time allows.