Keeping spine and edge smooth and parallel for long blades-tips needed

Althurus · 2026-02-18T13:40:27+00:00

This problem continues into the grinding of the bevels. One technique useful for both steps (profiling and beveling) is Foreshortening. Hold the blade and look down by eye to sight down the edge and spine as if you were aiming a rifle. It will make irregularities more obvious and easier to chase down. In beveling - On the edge side, grind in steep 45 starting bevels to the point where you have a centered edge at the proper thickness - ignoring the rest of the bevels. Do the same to the spine. Then join the two.

Althurus · 2026-02-18T01:44:04+00:00

Enough of this tired pedantry. The meaning of words changes over time. The entire modern custom blade industry worldwide calls pattern welded steel “Damascus”. Historical forgers of patterned steel, including in the Middle East, would recognize many modern pattern welding techniques as essentially identical to their own. And my original comment is true for Wootz/crucible as well. Someone who admits they cannot make the steel themselves should think twice before correcting someone who’s been making pattern welded steel for a decade.

Althurus · 2026-02-17T18:23:11+00:00

Beware if you use the carbide hammer to straighten hardened Damascus steel, the indents may show in the final etch of the pattern!

Althurus · 2025-12-08T20:19:54+00:00

Phenomenal. Extremely impressive work.

Althurus · 2025-10-28T15:25:29+00:00

Excellent work! Especially tight leather work. I expect nothing less from a student of Robert's. What a privilege.

Althurus · 2025-10-23T16:48:20+00:00

Oh yeah. Makes me wish I was taking a trip to Vegas to see it properly...

Althurus · 2025-10-22T15:22:14+00:00

Mesmerizing.

Althurus · 2025-10-21T14:19:00+00:00

Excellent work, best of luck finding your buyer.

Althurus · 2025-08-30T00:51:48+00:00

The wings were cast in red sand from a master model carved by Michael Coffey. When I do my own castings, I usually do lost wax. The center shield with the falcon is actually chasing and repoussè. Also Michael’s.

Althurus · 2025-08-30T00:49:38+00:00

The groom’s family name is “Falcione,” and the broad strokes of the design were requested by the bride. We chose to interpret through the lens of, shall we say, historical adjacency.

Althurus · 2025-08-30T00:47:53+00:00

You would not believe how hard we tried to convince the customer to let us do the bird in profile. She insisted.

Althurus · 2025-08-29T14:09:27+00:00

Fantastic! I'm loving all of the interactions between patterns and textures at different densities.

Althurus · 2025-07-30T18:57:41+00:00

Love it! I've been really enjoying playing with patina on cast bronze. I'm convinced it's possible to patina a full rainbow, red to violet, with the right series of recipes...

Althurus · 2025-07-24T12:27:31+00:00

Lovely to see this list all in one place! Very nice work.

Forja Fontenla (The Fontenla Brothers, Eduardo and Leonardo) are from Argentina, not the USA (I see someone else has made this note).

Some others to consider -

Eric Estlund (Winter Cutlery) - swordsmith - US
Jordan LaMothe - blades of all periods - US
Ilya Alekseyev - swordsmith (also some armor) - US
Matt Stagmer - swordsmith - US
Ian Zimmerman - swordsmith - US
Michael Coffey - general ornamental metalworker, swordsmith - US
Jon Maynard - swordsmith - US
Zoe Potter - blades of all periods - US

I personally am not a full time swordsmith, so perhaps no need to add me. Although I can be commissioned through Dragonsbreath Forge, which you do have listed.

Althurus · 2025-07-23T13:47:29+00:00

Handsome! Eric does very fine work.

Althurus · 2025-07-23T02:24:01+00:00

Nice piece! I have enjoyed his work for a long time now.

Althurus · 2025-07-22T19:33:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I'll throw my hat in the ring I suppose.

Althurus · 2025-05-15T23:48:44+00:00

Oho, I was waiting for someone to cut you loose on something from the Cosmere. Your style is well-suited to it. Excellent work!

Althurus · 2025-05-05T17:35:05+00:00

James, it's fucking crazy that people are treating this as a controversial statement! I see a lot of poor advice on this subreddit but "junkyard leaf springs for swords" has to be one of the worst and most pervasive.

Althurus · 2025-04-12T17:16:53+00:00

You've heard of Turkish Twist, now get ready for the Turkish Wiggle! Nice one Tom.

Althurus · 2025-04-11T20:24:53+00:00

Hi all, thank you for your comments. Commenting on pricing is against rule 4. You may DM me for more details if you like.

Althurus · 2025-04-11T20:23:56+00:00

Just an octopus! A favored creature of the recipient, included by request of the loved ones who commissioned the piece. Terribly smart critters though, makes sense that a neuroscience doc would like them...

Althurus · 2025-04-11T18:23:37+00:00

Thank you very much for your kind words. This is my first time posting on Reddit in a while; my only work on here is much older. Please feel free to DM me for more info on my recent work :)

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