5 Day Sword Course

About this course

Participants are guided through the process of making a single-handed, double-edged arming sword, beginning with forge safety and shaping the blade under the hammer. The course covers grinding, thermocycling, hardening and tempering, followed by fitting a cross guard, handle and pommel. Work combines traditional forging with powered grinding equipment. Cross guards, pommels and handle materials can be customised and fitted to the sword. If time allows, the finished blades may be tested against tatami mats and hanging rope.

What you'll learn

• Apply basic forge safety procedures
• Forge and grind a blade into shape
• Use thermocycling to reduce grain growth in heated steel
• Harden and temper a forged blade
• Fit and customise a cross guard, handle and pommel

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners, as no previous forging experience is needed. It involves sustained participation in an intensive, guided blacksmithing project using fire, hand tools, an anvil and grinders. Learners will make a real sharp sword rather than a purely decorative object.

• No previous forging experience is required.
• The course is described as intensive and requires determination.
• The project produces a real sharp sword.
• Blade testing against tatami mats and hanging rope may take place if time allows.

Before you go

• Work uses basic hand tools, a hammer, anvil, fire and powered grinders.
• Cross guards, pommels and handle material are provided for customising and fitting.