Hi Jeff and Emanuel,
I just wanted to thank you guys for keeping this on course, and handling your communications very professionally. While the subject of blacksmithing and producing modern examples of these swords is truly fascinating, and Jeff, your work is in a word, superb! the scope of discussions here are of course characteristically aimed toward discussing actual historic weapons.
Naturally in many instances there are situations where metalwork and fabrication have come up in discussions where conservation of actual weapons has required such attention, and quite honestly, these discussions are intriguing.
Clearly there are a number of members who are particularly interested in the art of blacksmithing, and as noted, I think it is intriguing as well, however I hope we can keep the historic perspective the prime factor in discussions here. What I always admire most in reproduction weapons is when craftsmen like Jeff, concentrate on detail and research in producing faithfully accurate examples. It is the history that is so important, and we learn much from the styles, element forms and motif, and markings on these old swords. I personally love patination, which is history itself manifested and encrusted on the weapons that become our guides.
"...precious swords, rusty and eaten away, since there for a thousand winters they had rested in the earths embrace".
Beowulf 3048-50
Artists like Jeff clearly understand these words about the magnificent history of these swords, and while producing modern artistic representations of them also well understand the difference between their creations and the old warriors they are modelled after.
I wanted to emphasize that it is important... in a word...to temper our discussions with focus on historic perspective in order to maintain the integrity of our content. There are other forums who have become somewhat overrun with commercial reproductions and chat on matters irrelevant to serious weapon study, which is what we,as I have been led to believe, hope to avoid.
Jeff, please do not misinterpret my comments, as you are of course more than welcome here. I simply wanted to clarify the intended content of this forum, as I had included in my scope of discussions two years ago when we initiated it, and to address that to keep our ajenda on course.
Again, your work is completely outstanding!!! and I applaud its integrity.
With all very best regards,
Jim
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