Greetings from a Northern MN Steel Beater
Jan 12, 2012 1:59:34 GMT
Post by forgedintime on Jan 12, 2012 1:59:34 GMT
I've been a lurker for a while now and have decided that it is finally time to introduce myself.
My name is Ben Rial. I've been a smith for close to 19 years now and most of those years have been spent researching and crafting my biggest obsession: blades. I have a particular fascination for 14th-15th century swords and daggers but blades of all varieties and cultures hold interest for me. I have been a live steel combat practitioner and am the current president of the White Oak Historical Society that I have been involved with off and on for 20 years.
I find myself particularly attracted to designs and methods of construction with historical influence.
I am basically a one man show in my shop, for I am a full time bladesmith. To help supplement the custom work I do I am a dealer for CAS/Hanwei and utilize some of the excellent (imo) blades designed by the masterful Tinker Pearce for many of my more "off-the-shelf" models, though virtually everything is made to order (remember, one man shop). I do hand forge custom swords on request and all daggers, knives, most of the axes, and all ironwork I personally forge.
I am always looking to learn more and appreciate comments, questions, and constructive criticism of my work. I strive to craft every piece to the best of my ability and accommodate my customers.
Here is an example of my latest custom sword project.
My name is Ben Rial. I've been a smith for close to 19 years now and most of those years have been spent researching and crafting my biggest obsession: blades. I have a particular fascination for 14th-15th century swords and daggers but blades of all varieties and cultures hold interest for me. I have been a live steel combat practitioner and am the current president of the White Oak Historical Society that I have been involved with off and on for 20 years.
I find myself particularly attracted to designs and methods of construction with historical influence.
I am basically a one man show in my shop, for I am a full time bladesmith. To help supplement the custom work I do I am a dealer for CAS/Hanwei and utilize some of the excellent (imo) blades designed by the masterful Tinker Pearce for many of my more "off-the-shelf" models, though virtually everything is made to order (remember, one man shop). I do hand forge custom swords on request and all daggers, knives, most of the axes, and all ironwork I personally forge.
I am always looking to learn more and appreciate comments, questions, and constructive criticism of my work. I strive to craft every piece to the best of my ability and accommodate my customers.
Here is an example of my latest custom sword project.
I'm hoping to break the mold soon. I'm certainly looking forward to it and please, post more of your blades, sir. 
