My first sword was one I made for the Tempest Smith Foundation. It was sold at silent auction for just shy of $1000.00. Much more than I expected but far less than minimum wage for the amount of time spent. Back in the day, I did not have the knowledge or tools required to produce a product in a reasonable amount of time.

As an example, this sword was forged from an automotive leaf spring. I split the spring lengthwise with a hammer, chisel and lots of heat. After forging, I straightened the bevels and removed the hammer marks with a file. Today I would use my 2 x 72 belt grinder.

I carved the guard out of wax, made a mold in vestment, and then lost wax cast it using melted sterling silver spoons. I started with about a pound of silver. The hilt was the blackest ebony I have ever found.

A lot of people are embarrassed by their first knife or sword. Although it is a rough work, I am proud of it. Most of what I sell are $35.00 primitive bodice daggers that I do not take a lot of time to create. It’s how I make my living. This was a work of love. I would like to have more time to create similar labors of love as opposed to things to generate an income.