Comments on: Real Steel: The Kwaiken

By: Todd the Bladesmith

Todd the Bladesmith — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:19:17 +0000

@Wolfgang – OK, you’re conservative. Bodkins are on the agenda already, not sure about broadheads, but a definite maybe. Halberds and pikes are on the back burner, but something I want to do. I make maces (flails would be similar) using modern techniques, but it’s something we could do, for sure.

I never really thought of going deep into mythology and folklore, but if that’s what the kobolds want, I’m definitely into it!

The weather has broken in the Northeast, and outdoor video season is upon us, also. The forge will be opened next week – lot’s of opportunity for cool stuff… I’m ready!

By: Wolfgang

Wolfgang — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:36:42 +0000

Call me conservative, but I’d love to see something on European blades such as bodkin points and broadheads for the longbow, discussion of halberds and pikes, and also some focus on what it takes to make a decent mace or flail.

Also, very curious to hear about smithing mythology, superstition, legends, forge tales, and just plain spooky stuff that might inspire gaming and adventure hooks.

By: Todd the Bladesmith

Todd the Bladesmith — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:49:05 +0000

@Darkjoy – Most lost smithing traditions have been rediscovered. If I just don’t like them, yep, I wouldn’t do it – if it isn’t fun, it’s not worth the effort. If they’ll sell it’s definitely a plus.

@Nexusdragon – OK, sounds good to me – I’ll start the research.

By: Nexusdragon

Nexusdragon — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:24:49 +0000

Long time reader, first time responder.

Love the articles, being an amateur weapons historian. I’d love to see more on mainland Asian blades, not only Chinese, but even venturing up into Nepal, Tibet, and further west into Turkey and the Middle East.

By: Darkjoy

Darkjoy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:26:30 +0000

Ugh

Lot’s of typo’s in my posts.

Down = done

there = their

By: Darkjoy

Darkjoy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:20:41 +0000

No pressure, I think these articles are great and I do understand that exotic stuff might be undoable for you because a) the living tradition of making those blades has died or b) you just don’t like them or c) the blades won’t sell.

But yes, last evening I saw the article come up on KQ and thought, hey another japanese blade and then I thought about an old TV series (Shaka Zulu) and thought of: don’t they have a blade culture in Africa and because it may be less advanced -> how did they make there blades, were they made of steel or iron?

So I have no solid suggestion for pieces, just very interested what you have to say about them.

By: Todd the Bladesmith

Todd the Bladesmith — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:39:15 +0000

@Darkjoy – I’m in a “Japanese phase” right now in my knife making, and it’s showing pretty strongly here. I recognize the need to move on to some other cultures, and I have some things on the back burner that I’m planning to write about. I haven’t talked about African bladesmithing yet, but there is a deep rooted smithing tradition in most African cultures and African blades are among my favorites – I could definitely cover some.

The second I checked to see if it was published yet and saw this piece on KQ I said “Wow, did I do another Japanese blade?”. Sometimes I need a nudge from you guys…

I do have two more Japanese pieces to cover, but I’ll mix it up and globe trot more. I’ll plan some African.

I’ve covered a lot of the suggestions I’ve received, but maybe it’s time for some fresh ones. What else does everyone want to see?

Please keep in mind that although I always try to make a piece to go with the article, it’s not always possible. The more exotic/complex the piece, the less likely I’ll be able to make one.

By: Darkjoy

Darkjoy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:20:53 +0000

Coolness.

Todd, you’ve down several Eastern blades now, maybe you could do a few African ones? Assuming ofcourse that Africa has a blade culture / selection large enough to talk about.