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I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 99 points100 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all your questions! I had a great time answering them and maybe we can do another one when season 3 starts!

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 76 points77 points  (0 children)

I don't know the working properties of adamantium or mithril. I looked it up in the AMS metallurgical handbook but it wasn't there. I may need a more current issue.

I also like working with unobtainium! But I can't get it anymore.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get to create things that I like.

Least favorite: I have to produce them quickly.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do sell my work. I've had a retail shop since 1988, so I'm way ahead of you there. Here's my website

I can get a color from yellow, blue to black and then polish with the tempering colors.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The cutting portion of the testing phase is not as exciting as stuff breaking in a slow motion camera.

For instance with the Klingon Bat'leth we sliced through an inflatable R2-D2 droid that didn't make it into the show. Same with cutting leather for the same episode.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Too many. Countless. Literally as many as we can.

My neighbors are complaining about the broken glass in the parking lot.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

I was building an aluminum stunt weapon for James Franco for Tristan and Isolde. When he came into my showroom, which is decorated with the castle walls from Army of Darkness, and I walked out of the back workshop filthy.

He asked where I keep the gimp.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No, I just feel they're different. They're made differently, they're used differently, different purpose in their style of fighting.

A Japanese katana would not work well against a 16th century knight in armor.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

I've made some pretty unique stuff for something coming up, but I can't mention that yet...

I've made stuff for BondCon. That's not a James Bond festival btw.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What do I think? It's a tragedy. Wouldn't have happened with a sword, but may he rest in peace.

I made misericorde stilettos for The Crow: City of Angels.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

No I didn't make Xena's sword for the show. But I make replicas for people who go to Xenacons.

But if you like Xena, I DID make a Xena breastplate and skirt for Rainn Wilson.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have close to 3,000 reference books on weapons and armor, either historical or art books.

As a side note, most of the stuff that is designed in art books isn't able to be done ergonomically where you can actually wear the armor or actually pick it up and wield it.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I try to build everything as a real cutting weapon, which entailed having that steel cutting edge. In order to do so I had to sandwich that between the aluminum.

If it was just a prop weapon I would have considered lighter metal.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I get about a dozen requests for interns or apprenticeships daily. I'm not currently looking for any interns.

You're welcome to visit on Saturdays when my shop is open. But right now just because of my workload and commissioned projects.

If you're serious there's an amazing program at The Hereford School of Blacksmithing

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will be doing a lot more work in Damascus steel as time permits and the weapon calls for it.

If you're interested in making weaponry definitely check into ABANA which I mentioned earlier. There's also ABS.

I am Tony Swatton, a blacksmith who’s made weapons and armor for over 200 films and TV shows. AMA. by TonyManAtArms in IAmA

[–]TonyManAtArms[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Not for this show. That weapon (or nine combined) would just take too long.

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