casting of sword blades in the 19th century

[urbanspaceman]

I've mentioned this in the past but it seems pertinent here:
I have memories of Hollywood depicting the disgraced officer's sword being broken across a knee.
Also, the business of blade breakers incorporated into left-hand daggers and cup-hilt rapiers.
I always felt this was not a plausible situation and certainly the spring in the best blades precludes this, but maybe there were cast blades around: doesn't seem likely.
BTW: Huntsman was a Doncaster clock and watch maker by trade and was searching for the perfect mainspring.