[Nathan M Wuorio]

Hey all,
I've been wanting to learn to make a sword since I was 11, and now I really have the time to do so. I live in Maine, about 20 minutes outside of Portland. Are there any places near here that would have the kind of equipment I would need to make a blade?

Also, are there any swordsmiths or blacksmiths who would be able to help me? I already have an intermediate level of metalworking experience, and I plan on buying some books on blade making. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

P.S. On a side note, are there any sabre/cutlass classes around here that I could partake in? Because I would really like to further my knowledge of that as well.

[Dustin R. Reagan]

[Sean Flynt]

And I'd say, if you want a sword, skip the knives but don't jump straight into the deep end. Buy some bare blades and spare hilt furniture or some Deal of The Day pieces from MRL and do the research and experimentation to improve them as much as possible. If you make a catastrophic mess of things, you don't have lots of money and time invested and you'll still have learned valuable lessons. Then, if you still want to make blades it probably is a very good idea to start small.

[Jared Smith]

I would try emailing a blacksmith association in your area to find out if there are any close to you. You might start here. http://www.westernmaineblacksmith.org/

Many of them are happy to teach a truly interested beginner who is willing to study seriously and provide some raw materials.

[Dustin R. Reagan]

[Addison C. de Lisle]

There is a blacksmith in Freeport who offers classes through the Maine College of Art (in Portland) - he might be worth asking. I'm currently on summer break or I'd get his name for you.

A bit farther away, there is the New England School of Metalsmithing and they do offer bladesmithing courses apparently. Here's a link:

http://www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/bladesmithing/

I think there's a group in Portland somewhere who do Scottish swordsmanship but I don't really know much about it or where it is, or what it's called. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Good luck!

[Nathan M Wuorio]

Thanks for all the replies!

Sean, ever since I saw your different projects, I've been doing just that, piecing together new swords from old parts or improving already assembled swords. Currently, I have pieced together a two handed sabre from a katana blade and a simple straight crossguard, and it handles really well. I also have two other swords in the works from old parts, an early colonial hanger with clamshell guard, and a short sword with a wide blade (that one is still in the design phase).

Dustin, thank you so much for the links and advice, I will definitely look into them. I have wanted to make some knives and daggers for awhile now.

Jared, through all of my searching, I never came upon that site. Thanks! I have really wanted someone to help me along in making a blade.

Addison, I think I might know the guy you're talking about. Is his name Burt? I took some classes with him last year, some of his intermediate blacksmithing classes. I'm not sure if he's still doing it though, because I know he was talking about going back to being a lawyer full time. Thanks for the site! That really seems up my alley. Also, it's good to know there's a group near here, I'll see if I can find them.

Thanks again! Any more info is much appreciated.

[Jared Smith]