ArtMetal

Janet,

I've been metalsmthinig in one form or another since the late sixties (gulp), and seriously blacksmithing for the past five years or more, and I wouldn't attempt to make a sword that was to be *used* as a weapon. To do that takes a very high level of skill at the forging, the finishing and thevheat treating, as well as the right equipment.

Almost anyone can make a wall-hanger sword, given some tools and patience. With good design sense and attention to detail, oe can make a really attractive wall-hanger. But use it in actual combat? Nope. Too many hazards involved if the alloy is worong, or the heat treating is wrong, etc.

Check out JimHrisoulas' website. He's at the top of that game, and literally wrote the book on a lot of it. I think it's atar.com but I could be mistaken. Google it if that doesn't work.