Yes powered hammers are an ancient thing. What I am on about is what seems to be the lack of use of forming rollers. This is an extract from the link.
Crop to billet.
Ryder the billet to the blade’s length and reduce its thickness.
Roll the ‘rough blade’ to pattern (there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged).
Ryder the tang, shaping and drawing it out.
Hand-hammer the top leading edge.
Thread the tang (military: ¼ inch Whitworth thread).
Grind.
Shoulder file.
Curve the blade (if the pattern called for the blade to be curved).
Harden.
Temper and straighten.
Strike and deflection test.
Proof stamp.
Number the blade.
Polish.
Etch.
Final inspection.
Pass to fitters.
https://www.fordemilitaryantiques.co...lkinson-latham
My sword may fit in the {there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged} form of manufacture.