Traditional and modern sword forging

[Greg J]

Hi everyone,

A recent post by Dan/ Bodywork inspired me to start this thread related to sword forging. This video is a nice summary of some of the differences between traditional and modern steel forging.



Also, from the thread I referenced above:

https://vimeo.com/118964847

Nice video isn't it?
The sword you see at 9:20 in?
I forged for him over twenty years ago, along with a tanto in a very long and sweaty weekend at my house. I cut him and put his blood in the second to last fold. I still get to handle it when I'm down there.

Dan, would you mind sharing a bit more about your sword forging? How did you get into it, what advice would you have for people wishing to learn more about forging their own blades?

Best,
Greg

[Bodywork]

Greg
I started forging in the early 80's.
I would not recommend starting without a teacher.
There is too much to write. I am between seminars, with people coming from all over the world to my house. I have no time.
Here's some stuff I wrote on e-budo back when it was worth reading.

http://www.e-budo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2114
There is another thread there in the sword forum archive on blocking with the katana that has some good info as well. Several menkyo thought them both quite valuable.