Forging a Sword (Part 1): The Basic Shape

Hammering hot metal into shape is deeply satisfying—when it goes well. In this first part of the sword-making series, I begin shaping my own blade from raw steel. Invited by the Cut and Thrust Collective to Glastonbury, I set out to forge a sword under the guidance of bladesmith Thom Leworthy. After a brief training session (forging a nail), we jumped straight into crafting the basic shape of the blade.