The Birth of a Swordsmith

We had the pleasure to attend a Hammer-in (a gathering of blacksmiths) hosted by The Mad Dwarf Workshop on Saturday. I will show you pictures of the event, but you really MUST go visit their website to truly get a feel for how ridiculously talented these two young men really are.

Even if you are not interested in swordsmithing you cannot help but be impressed by their artistic ability. The cast they made for smelting, which would later be destroyed in the process, could not be left unadorned.  I think you’d call this a hothead. :)

 

The day was long, but good food and bluegrass music were in good supply.

It was an all day event with basic blacksmithing, knife making and swordsmithing demonstrations going on in several different areas. I actually learned a lot and I think I might even be able to forge a knife if I ever feel the need to do so.

But we weren’t there for me. We were there for the kid. This was akin to his utopia. He has wanted to do this for a VERY long time and I think interacting with these young men has really inspired him.  In fact, I was surprised by how many young people were not just there, but truly interested and willing to try it. (I never thought this girl would even be able to lift the hammer, but she was actually pretty good at it.)

 

I think the guys at Mad Dwarf Workshop are onto something here. In fact, I happen to know for sure they’re going to be a success. There are things happening in their near future I’d like to tell you and show you but cannot because of confidentially agreements. Just know that this will not be the last you hear of The Mad Dwarf Workshop. I’m just glad we’ll be able to look back and say “We knew them then.”  They are fine, upstanding young gentlemen. Meeting  kids like these helps renew my faith in the next generation.