Mad Dwarf Workshop - Hand Forged Swords

FAQ

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions we receive at Mad Dwarf Workshop. Feel free to send us an email us at MadDwarfWorkshop@gmail.com if you can't find what you are looking for, and we will be happy to try and address your questions directly.

Q: I would love to do what you guys do and learn the craft of bladesmithing! Do you accept apprentices so I that I could learn from you in person?

A:The short and simple answer is; no... We're still very young guys learning the craft for ourselves. And even when we do reach the point of being able to share our knowledge in a professional way, we most likely will not nor never will take any apprentices. However... One of Andy's biggest passions in regards to this craft is sharing it with others, both face to face and online. So keep an eye on our website and our blogs, as Andy's hope in a couple years is to be teaching simple but in depth classes on bladesmithing. It’s a long ways off, but when the time comes they will be serious classes where you can learn hands on under Andy's and possibly other bladesmith’s guidance. In the mean time though, keep up to date with Andy's blog, as he is using it as a resource for new bladesmiths wanting to learn more about the craft: maddwarfandy.wordpress.com

Q: How and why did you guys get into this in the first place?
A: Ever since we were little kids we've loved Tolkien, Lewis, and every other epic/heroic tale involving swords and battles, As we got older we began to fall in love with historical ancient Anglo Saxon & Irish poetry and stories along with the classic medieval romances. So it was only a matter of time after we saw a Blacksmith at a renaissance faire and thought "we can so do that!..." And we have not given up ever since. Ric Furrer and plenty of other great bladesmiths/blacksmiths have said "for some, once you strike that steel on the anvil... your doomed! Because it gets into your blood and there’s no going back!" That’s what happened with us. It’s just one way we try to express and put to use the creative gifts that the good Lord has given us, and hopefully we use it in a positive way for us and others to enjoy.

Q: What Rockwell measurement are your blades typically hardened to?

A: Generally, our swords are heat treated around 50-55 HRC, which makes for a nice balance between edge retention and springy flexibility of the blade, both characteristics that are commonly found in historical pieces.

Q: Would you say your swords fall under the category of “fantasy” swords?
A: Some of them possibly could. But in all honesty the term “fantasy swords” in the sword word has become quite tainted. Most of the time the term refers to cheaply made stainless steel, overly polished, weak jointed, overly decorated (for the period) clumsy, ugly, user–dangerous, SLO’s… (sword like objects)... If that seems like an overstatement we encourage you to Google image search ”fantasy sword.”
That’s not always the case though. We and many other smiths around the world push to break that mold and craft fully functional, high quality, fantasy and historic inspired work.
We pour our hearts into each piece we craft, dedicating time, effort and passion into each one-of-a-kind sword we forge. That is what makes us and many other true bladesmiths and swordsmiths around the world different from the mass-producing factories in developing countires.
Most of our work could more accurately fall under the categories of “contemporary swords” or “modern sword designs” for our non-historically based work. We simply want people to understand the effort involved and passion we have for what we do. We hope to find people who appreciate it for the right reasons

Q: What type of writing is that in your blades?
A: When it comes to the runes we use it is either Tolkiens "Moon Runes" or Dwarven lettering. We typically try to avoid the dark abused spiritualistic rune types for a reason... Our choice of lettering is simply chosen for its visual and esthetic perposes that fit the style of the particular piece. And Tolkiens take on historic runes are a perfect match for such a thing. It can also be anything from historic Latin or any other ancient written language, depending on what the customer wants.

Q: Who built this site? Did you guys pay a web designer to make it?
A: Nope. This site was completely made by me, David DelaGardelle.
I had never built a website before and had to teach myself how to do it. I am an artist and do a variety of types of work- some for immediate sale and i also accept commissioned work. Please check out my art blog at: hebreaksthecedars.blogspot.com

Q: Why don't you guys forge any Japanese Katana's or Samurai styled swords?
A: We don't do any Japanese or Samurai styled work simply because we are not interested in that style of weaponry and because it really does not fit our personal taste. Also the process of making historic Japanese and Samurai styled blades is a very different process than forging standard European styled double edged blades, which is the style that we prefer more.

If you are looking for top of the line hand crafted Japanese or Samurai styled blades made by professional bladesmiths, please check out these awesome bladesmiths websites:
Don Fogg
Rick Barrett
Jesus Hernandez

Q: Who taught you guys the crafts of Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, and traditional woodworking?
A: We are pretty much completely self taught and have been diligently researching, studying, and learning the craft hands on for quite some time now. We have had a lot of help along the way from many great friends and fellow craftsman such as:

Ric Furrer - One of the most talented Bladesmith's in America, and one of the greatest guy's you will ever meet!

Bladesmith's Forum - Just an awesome group of guys who share their skills as bladesmith's and are always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow Craftsman.

Indiana Blacksmith's Association - A great association of fellow Blacksmith's in the Indiana area who annually hold meetings and keep each other inspired and hard at work.

And most of all, our Dad's. Who have supported us all along the way, and who have kept motivating us to keep pushing forward with our crazy dreams.