TomKin Forge

02/03/2022

Let's talk sword handling and while we are at it allow me to introduce you to the Tauber longsword from Valiant Armoury's Vision line. These swords are designed by Angus Trim of ATrim swords and made by Sonny Suttles of Valiant Armoury.
if you don't want to listen to me explain everything here is the quick and dirty:
Weight: 2lbs 13oz
tip weight: 200g
Lengths:
overall: 45"
blade: 35"
total hilt: 10"
grip: 7 1/4" extending to 9 1/4" when gripping pommel

The sword is not only beautiful but also moves extremely well. This is a high-performance sword with show stopping looks.

In the video I discuss the handling characteristics of the sword and explain why it is good and why these things are important. way too much info to type out.

Here I discuss what tests I do to identify swords with good handling characteristics.

10/24/2021

Well I didn’t intend to make myself a knife but it’s mine now because I cracked the scales while tightening it. I glued the crack but that’s just not cricket. Can’t let it out to the world but here you can look at it and see, perhaps, the future. I can make friction folders now. Think I’ll put bolsters on them from here on

10/24/2021

Had a great time at C3 GC church male outreach day. We threw axes and forged knives and ate fantastic pork steaks and brats. I got to run my mouth about forging and swords and I got fed and hammered steel. What a great way to spend a Saturday. The people were super polite and friendly, I even got called “sir” but in an honest and forthright way so I couldn’t even snap off about not being an officer

10/20/2021

Official Post from Dimicator

10/05/2021

If you can, Please help the The Oakeshott Institute. They are a registered non-profit organization that curates the collection of antiques left behind by Ewart Oakeshott and whose goal is to further the study and understanding of medieval arms. Paypal seized their account and all their money. Please don’t let Oakeshott’s swords rot and rust. They are only asking enough to pay the rent and keep the dehumidifier running.

Thank you

https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/support-the-oakeshott-institute-from-anti-sword-bias?fbclid=IwAR3YUySRF_M4qjpg52H88LW64bvOvHclCgTjEcxzDtx5tiIGQK6yzcmka-s

This week Craig and Nathan talk about the challenges of keeping The Oakeshott Institute running during the plague, a problem that was compounded recently when PayPal seized the non-profits' funds for the entirely baseless allegation that we violated its terms of use. We think it's crazy and basicall...

09/13/2021

Finished up a pair of petty / steak knives. Not for sale. Already at their new home
Blade of 15n20
Turkish walnut and Sapelle handles

08/27/2021

Modifications done to Hanwei / Tinker swords. Someone else browned the Irish fittings for the emshs but I assembled it all and made the grips. Also in the mail now

These are not available, just showing off my work

08/27/2021

My interpretation of New Moon, the sword of Cutter from the Elf Quest comics. This is the first blade to bear my new and improved makers mark. I finished this one a little while ago but it had to wait for some other work to get done so it only just got mailed out. Not available, just showing off my work.

07/29/2021

If there was ever anyone who loved me and was able to spend lots of money on me the facsimile manuscripts these guys are making would be a wonderful place to start

These are amazing

After several months of work, I've finally finished the transcription of Meyer 1570! It has been installed on the Meyer page, organized by chapters and with all the illustrations in the correct places. Now it's just waiting for a translation.

https://wiktenauer.com/wiki/Joachim_Meyer

Speaking of translation, Rebecca is working through the rapier section at the moment, though she's taken a break to prepare a polished sample chapter of the longsword.

Next week, we will begin crowdfunding to pay Rebecca for her work and to publish it in partnership with HEMA Bookshelf. The project will include not only a print edition of the transcription and translation, but also a facsimile of the painted Leipzig copy of the 1570 treatise (where this picture comes from).

Stay tuned for more information!

07/19/2021

here we have a fantastic article by Dr. Larrin Thomas, steel engineer, metallurgist, and Knife Steel Nerd extraordinaire.

ANYONE who quenches steel blades should read this and/or watch the video as there is information here you need to be on top of. think you know it already? watch it anyway and find out. maybe you do, but more likely there's something in here that will catch you by surprise. JUST WATCH IT

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/07/19/which-quenching-oil-is-best-for-knives/?fbclid=IwAR0BsM_3KBOvZSt7cW1kz5UKs_vvDt9gKgsSfSzVdQGI6_q0VVgZ--tOBlA

Which oil to use for quenching knives? Does quenching too fast ruin knives? Can you save money and use canola?

04/18/2021

Hey hive mind, I want to see pictures of your swords that show their maker’s mark

I have what I need to make high quality marks now but I am unsure how I want to orient the mark on my blades and I want some examples for inspiration

Also if you have examples of historical swords that show touch marks on the blade I am definitely interested in that doubly especially if they are medieval European types

Here is an example of what my mark will look like

Show me some steel!