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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2007 17:41:01 GMT
I have been a metal junkie since i first saw Ben Hur. Swords and armor are probably the coolest things on earth. i love tinkering around in my meager shop makin odds and ends out of scrap. i have made several knives and a few swords already. i am also currently making a suite of armor. with all my " creativity lol" is there a chance i could get into metal work for a living? anyone know of metal fabrication shops or even sword makers lookin for good workers?
i know its a big dream but i guess i wont know until i try.
Id love to hear from anyone that has stories or ideas as to what i should do.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2007 19:10:29 GMT
Of course you can get into metal work for a living. Where or how, as you have asked, would be the real question. Being a forum with members from around the world, that may be a hard question for us to answer. If you have your own style of product, perhaps you can start off on your own such as Bill Hampton has. He mainly makes knives from old files. I have purchased a few of his knives on eBay. I do not know if it is his job or just a hobby but I am sure it is fun and he makes a few dollars. It might not make you a living starting off, but who knows where it may lead if you find a niche in the market for your work. I have been to craft shows where someone made lamps from items most people would think of as trash or waste plumbing parts. They looked pretty cool. Do you have any photos of your work. It was the search for small one-of-a-kind knives that led me to the katana and SBG. If you got something that strikes my fancy, I may just be your first customer.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2007 19:34:01 GMT
I dont think there is too many smiths that make a full time living from swords.I'd suggest getting into a metal fabrication trade of some sort and learn about steel and its properties while getting paid ,then branch out later .
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Post by septofclansinclair on Aug 9, 2007 19:43:57 GMT
I'd be curious to know what some of the industry professionals on our forum have to say.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2007 19:49:01 GMT
thx guys that is really encouraging. ive often thought about maybe sellin my stuff but i guess i always think its 2nd rate compared to these high tech bought swords lol. but i will for sure look into it. i like the metal fab idea.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2007 19:54:21 GMT
if you have $700 and the means to get to indiana you can go to rick barrett's workshop. supposed to be some other really talented makers there but he only has 7 slots available.
you might also try making contact with different smiths and see if they need help or have advice. sfi is a good place to look.
jason
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2007 10:03:50 GMT
I can tell you that not too many are making a living making swords these days, and those who are are making a fair number of pieces. Trying to make a living by yourself, with just a shop and only yourself, it's not likely. Oh sure nothing is impossible, but you'd have to be a sword maker of extremely high skill, and a known name, and that takes years and years toiling in relative obscurity. Good luck though.
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