This Sword Renaissance
Cover Article, May 1999 Edition

by Don Fogg, Master Bladesmith

The times are right for a new age of swords. It is not the need for weapons of destruction that stimulates this resurgence, but rather a convergence of interests, that of the modern swordsman and the modern bladesmith. Each group dedicated to the study of their craft, each with teachers and individuals intent on mastery.

Bladesmithing has been revived in the past 25 years. Stimulated by the development of the custom knife market, the craft has grown from a handful of makers to a well established core of several hundred smiths. The custom knife market was based initially on handmade utility knives for the sportsman, but it rapidly evolved into a collectible and the scope of the knives broadened. There was always a core interest in swordmaking among a few makers, but the outlet for larger blades was limited. Outside of custom knives, there were other areas that attracted swordmakers including the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and JSS (Japanese Sword Society), but it was difficult for bladesmiths to support themselves totally on sword work and so we had a period of suppressed growth.

Concurrent with the development of the bladesmithing craft, the martial arts community began to experience an explosion of interest. In both areas, it would take years of practice and study before students developed the skills and discipline required of mastery. The transition from fantasy to reality, from dream to action, requires a lifetime of focused intent. What begins as a romantic longing for the valor and honor of the legendary past is slowly distilled by work and discipline into a personal quest.

There is an awesome reality contained in a sword. It would take fierce courage and ultimate clarity to stand before an opponent and engage in mortal combat. In contrast to our modern lifestyles where every aspect is packaged, neutered and insured against all hazards, the way of the sword risks all. It is a viable antidote to the bland and soulless existence that smothers us today.

In the future, we will see evolved forms develop. New materials and techniques will enable the smith's to create better blades than were possible in the past. It will require the cooperation of the warrior and the smith to discover the new potentials.

While we are fortunate to be able to draw on the experience and artifacts of the past, what is exciting about our times is that we have a chance to once again redefine the symbols of character. Ours is a new age, yet there are still the ominous dragons to slay, and like the dragons of old their oppressive presence blocks the light of truth. The warrior and the smith are alive again and answering the clarion call.

Don Fogg is a master bladesmith highly regarded in the bladesmithing industry not only for his groundbreaking artistry and creativity, but for his inspiration to a great number of swordmakers and knifemakers.

He is also the swordsmith of this month's Cover Sword, which is a special textured damascus short sword. The photographs of this article are of yet a second but slightly different version of Don's award-winning textured damascus blade. Don Fogg's webite is located at www.dfoggknives.com.

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