Ok, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with blacksmithing? I'm trying to get a sword made, and though I have someone in mind to make it, was wondering where it might be possible to learn the trade so that I could potentially make such items myself.

There are some good books out there on knife smithing. Only I can't think of the titles or authors at the moment. There are also ones on blacksmithing and swordsmithing.
Rashelle

I have two blades that were made by blacksmiths. One is strictly a show piece. Think Conan the Barbarian and it was done by a guy out of Ohio and for a really good price. The second one was done overseas and is my training sword. A little heavy but very nice quality.

I would look into finding a couple of people who do the work now (probably at a Renn Faire) and see if they mind you asking some questions. Start up costs would be rather high I imagine.

Quote from: Angel on October 31, 2007, 11:47:23 PM
Ok, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with blacksmithing? I'm trying to get a sword made, and though I have someone in mind to make it, was wondering where it might be possible to learn the trade so that I could potentially make such items myself.

It is not a trade but an art. It would take years to be a master.

I made a sword, but I didn't craft it, but I did sharpen(/shape/make most of) it, its a demo piece but I am very proud of it, I suppose I could give some pics(if wanted, but thats doubtful).
My advice is make sure that you provide dedication for it, and make sure to not get cut while shaping it.
depending on what style of sword it is.
(Tanto, Wakizashi, Katana, dagger, long sword, two handed sword, one handed sword, Kodachi, Nagi-Nata....etc...etc)

however I have no idea of where to learn how to make them, I just made made mine with a little help from my father, but neither of us had much experience.

It can be very hard to make them, sorry I could not be of more help.