The Forging of the Sword

Quenching is basically the fast cooling of the blade using a liquid such as either oil or water, to make it as hard and flexible as possible. It would be again tempered till the required state of the steel was achieved.

Once this was done, the blade was then ready to be sharpened and ground by hand. The edge would be ground against several different rotating stone blocks, to make it as sharp as required, followed by an inscribing or pattern being applied to the blade if necessary.

The next person on the scene is a Cutler, who would create and fit the hilt. It is extremely important that this is done correctly, and fit’s the blade tight and securely, hence it being a specific job in itself. The grip was made usually from either hard wood, bone or horn, and often made specifically for the wielder.

Often made from a single piece to make it stronger, and crafted cold rather than hot. Then, and only then could the weapon be tested to check it was suitable, and then polished and oiled to create a shiny surface.

Swords of History

Here is a small fraction of the some if the swords recorded throughout history.

Sword of Goujian – from the Spring and autumn period

The Wallace sword – This was a large Scottish Claymore believed to of belonged to Scottish patriot and Knight William Wallace, who lead the resistance against England at the end of the 13thcentury.

Jewelled Sword of Offering – Owned by King George IV of the Great Britain and Ireland (1820-1830)

Zulfiqar – This particular sword belonged to the Muslim Prophet Muhammad, Ali ibn Abu Talib and later Husayn ibn Ali in the battle of Kabala.

Swords from Myths and Legends

Here is a number of swords you hear about in films and books, and of course through myths and legends told through time over generations throughout the world.

• Arondight – The sword of Lancelot
• Attila the Hun’s sword – It’s said that it was the sword of Mars, the Roman god.
• Excalibur – Almost a house hold name these days as the sword of King Arthur
• Flaming sword – The sword infamously told of in The Bible as having, funnily enough, a flaming blade.
• Tyrfing – Thought of as cursed and to bring death on anyone who carried it, and their kin.